Item

The Harberian Cycle

Created by Kstarfireheart3583

This imposing tome is bound in supple leather the color of aged mahogany, its considerable heft suggesting countless pages of meticulously recorded history. Within these weathered pages lies the comprehensive chronicle penned by the First Scribe of the Library of Shuule, a meticulous account of the legendary heroes who united across racial and cultural boundaries to liberate the Northern territories of Taeron from the shadow of darkness. *The Knight of the Shining Shield, Ewain, walked purposely through the streets of Monmouth. His thick boots crunched on the cobblestones wet from the cold Spring rains. His friend from his days at the temple, Claire, walked silently by his side. Ewain sighed scanning the buildings and people of the wealthier district of the village. The ground floors of the buildings were still of stone but most of the upper floors were constructed of wood. A luxury here in the rocky hills of the Silver Plains. The people also showed their wealth, from the finer cut of cloth to the presence of jewelry on fingers and wrists. Yet no one lingered long under the gloomy grey skies. Claire spoke quietly, "The village is not doing well, Ewain. The Winter was too warm and dry and to slake the parched land. And now the Spring is too cold and wet for any farmers to do much but sit and drink away their sorrows " Ewain nodded, "It's even worse in the outlying farmsteads. Both wolves and Croman barbarian tribes have attacked in greater numbers. My dreams have been dark and persistent of late." Ewain touches the rolled missive secured at his waist. "We must find this Dwarven Sage." Claire answers coldly, "Fear and superstition are causing more problems in this land than some far off shadow in the north. We cannot abandon these people and run off on another useless quest. I love you like a brother, Ewain, but remember what happened the last time you flew off on a quest." Ewain stopped clenching his fist in frustration and embarrassment. "I know something terrible is coming to the lands of the North if we can't stop it " Claire put her hand on Ewain's shoulder. "I'm sorry. What I said was cruel." Ewain points to their destination within the Tower Market Square. "There's the Inn of the Seven Stars I was told where the sage, Alabaster, would be dining." The two companions enter the grand Inn stopping to assess the surroundings. The common room was lit by golden lamps hanging from the wooden beams. Two large cheerful hearths on each end of the room offered warmth against the chill. A long stone bar with a wooden top ran along the back while a wooden staircase gave access to the second floor. Very few people were within the common room at this time of day. Claire smiled, "At least it's clean and quiet. Let's get a table and wait." As Ewain sat down he studied the odd assortment of customers. A red-bearded dwarf was talking to a thin man in grey robes at the bar. A white-haired gnome was sitting near the small stage talking to a beautiful Tiefling, of all people. Two wealthy merchants were exchanging documents near the window. Ewain's curiosity peaked when he spotted a young Croman barbarian, only a boy, sitting in the shadows away from everyone else. Ewain took out the missive and reread the precise script again, "An evil artifact in the Briar Fens?" Ewain turned spotting the tall, thin man in grey robes and his companion, the red-bearded dwarf, approach the table. The man in grey robes, definitely a wizard, nods and smiles, "Greetings Sir Knight. I see you also have a missive. I am Donaven Reah of Remula and my companion is Micah, of the Ironfast Mountains. Are you looking for the sage, Alabaster, also?"