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[Malidian]

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Part 1 - The Beginning:

The Clan, which has become known through time as Kithrin, has a long and distinguished past. Long ago, in the old lands of Inethria rested a distant village on the outskirts of the Kingdom. Over time many began to master horsemanship and hone their skills in combat. It was not long until others began to take notice and soon their skills became a part of great tales. As their name spread, the King granted one man Knighthood. It started with a single man who rose in fame above all others, Sir Caramon. It was not long before he established a cavalry within the Clan. And during his time they had become known as Knights themselves. Not due to their status but due to their skill. These were not what one would expect of Knights. While they were as varied as any could expect, they held a bond that no man could break. They did not adhere to codes of chivalry or carry themselves to represent that of Nobles. The Knights themselves hardly concerned themselves with such things and rarely thought of themselves as such. And so the Knights of Solace were born. To the Knights, they are brothers. There was never a feud between them nor arms risen against one another. To them, there was no greater action than to defend one another against any enemy. Within the clan itself, as well as about the Kingdom, their courageous acts earned respect. To their enemies, it drew fear. This is the source of the power within this clan. Over time the Knights would fight against many enemies, most notably the Cult of the Midnight Wraiths and their vile leader Silas. Other enemies loomed about as well such as the vampire Scotia and his minions as well as the mysterious yet powerful Bear Clan.

Battle after battle the men of Solce returned with victory in their eyes. They rode often outnumbered but yet they drew victory from the battlefield. Many believe this is due to the upbringing of the clans children, being forged into the ways of the sword at an early age. While many did not continue on to become part of the legendary Kithrin Knights, they would still hold on to the teachings such training provided.

Years past, and the village of Solace grew. The Knights were now becoming legendary in the Kingdom. Yet, a dark enemy lingered more powerful and in more numbers than any Kithrin had faced before. A horde of creatures that eventually had come to be called, “Juka” massed an army. One day as the sun lowered upon the forest; a horn was heard near Solace and a mighty Juka army pressed down upon the village. War had come to Solace, and so the few Knights that were there fought to protect their people. Many Knights died that night, including Sir Caramon but not before they caused devastating damage to the invading army. The village was burned to the ground and the Juka stood upon its ashes victorious yet not without a heavy price. Sir Caramon in his final effort made sure that the Juka horde would be unable to march further against the Kingdom and in his final breaths he made this happen. Weeks later, after the remaining Juka had long gone, hoof beats could be heard nearing Solace. From the tree line, dozens of mounted warriors stood in horror as they looked down at the rubble that used to be Solace. Ariakan and VonRuden, the two sons of Sir Caramon and a few dozen Knights were all that remained of the village of Solace. After they buried the dead, they set out to find a new home and so they traveled north. Some time later, they came upon a vast desert and there built a tower to begin again.

The hardships of the desert proved to much as the vampire Scotia followed the remaining Knights and after a short while it was decided that the clan of Kithrin move across the lands of Inethria to settle near a coastal town with many bridges. There the clan found a new home, but it was not to last. Years passed by as Kithrin once again felt peace. It would seem war had subsided, except for the occasional attack by various murderers yet this was nothing the Knights could not handle, and soon even the murderers asked for a truce. They would not attack any more Kithrin people if the Knights would not continue to hunt them down. Over the years new Knights came to add to the Kithrin ranks. However, throughout the Kingdom they were not so lucky. War began to ravage the lands of Inethria. The King knew the Juka would not rest until they saw the capitol city burn. One day the King sent a messenger to Kithrin with a mission more dangerous than they had yet undertaken. The new King, Venner Blackhand, ordered the Kithrin Knights be sent to sail to a distant land. They were to scout the lands and look for a place the King could begin to claim lands there to further the Kingdom and one day move the entire Kingdom there. Ariakan and VonRuden grew older in age, as sought to retire to the capitol where they would assist in other matters and leave the pains of combat to younger more capable men. And so their sons now of age took the reigns of leading the Kithrin Knights. Malidian, son of VonRuden, and Caleb, son of Ariakan, were to lead in a new generation of Knights.

[Malidian]

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Chapter 2 - New Lands:

So the Knights sailed out for these new unknown lands. Yet they had an additional charge, to protect a high ranking member of the Court, Joseph Balcombe, Magistrate of Kithrin. There they settled upon an island and used to it begin scouting possible locations for the King. Even upon this remote island it seemed to be inhabited by a few that held the ideals of murderers. However, yet once again the Knights proved too much for this band of vile murderers and they begged for a truce. After some time spent searching they found a group of people located in a great forest to the west. There was found a man named, Aedon who led a group called the Emerald Kingdom of Connemera. Soon Kithrin realized this entire area was called, Aegis. Over time this Kingdom in the woods came to seek the aid of Kithrin, to ask for their help bringing peace to their woods. And so Kithrin agreed in hopes to seek out allies and further their search for new lands for the King. Malidian, Gannon, Dagonet, Caleb, Tebryn, and Almaric set up a village of their own in these woods and named it, “Kithrinwood.” When it was deemed safe, Joseph and the others set sail to join them. This move was not to be accepted by all whom lived in the woods and soon people began to plot in secret of the demise of Kithrin.

Over time the Knights found lots of unclaimed land southeast, over a bridge. As soon as it was decided these lands would suit the Kings needs, word was sent and the King began his move. As the Knights of Kithrin began preparations they notices attitudes towards them from Connemera shifted. Soon the new Kingdom was established, with several Lords and many Knights now resting in their new city named, “Enden.” As Inethria grew in number and strength, they’re soon to be enemies also gathered. Those who once called Kithrin friend now sought to destroy them. It was not soon after the Kings arrival that Connemera’s most deadly allies were to reveal themselves, known only to Kithrin as those of the Black Tower. Before Kithrin was able to fully remove their people from Kithrinwood, a deadly and secret attack occurred where a farmhouse was burned and a water well was poisoned killing many villagers. Blood had been spilled and the Knights would not so soon forget the traitorous actions of these groups of rabble.

As the King, Venner Blackhand, came to this new land as did another Lord of Inethria, Rothgar Targaryen. The King pleased with the lands that Kithrin had found announced that their new capitol city be named, Enden. It took only mere months for the King to stand up an Army of Inethria. Word traveled of this new King and those that sought protection flocked to Inethria. Many boats traveled from the old land to the new, with all sorts of passengers. Many citizens who earned favor in the Kingdom such as Filbert Eggcut and Ismene. From warriors to peasants and scholars, they all came to call Enden their home. Before any would know it, Inethria was a true kingdom and a force to be recognized. Many came to see the King, yet few showed much more than an ounce of respect, and paid dearly for their mistake. And so time went on and the Kingdom was good, however the King would not soon forget the acts of Connemera and their allies. It had then been seen that for the Kingdom to grow they would need trade routes to the eastern sea. After much deliberation the King decided to seize a small outpost long abandoned by the throne of Lord British. So plans were drafted and once again the Kithrin Knights set out to lead the Inethrian Army to seize the coastal town of Cove. While a small force made their way by road to appear that the main force was behind them, the last remaining guards and a few dozen commoners saw this and barricaded the gates, however, it was by sea the main attacking force was to strike from. Quietly they made their way as close to the dock as they could before arousing notice. Soon, they were docked and the fighting ensued. The Kithrin Knights as well as Inethrian Army tried best they could to not harm the villagers, as they were only scared commoners. Soon the township of Cove was won! As a guard force was left to protect the Kingdoms new land, the Knights returned to Enden to tell the King of the victory. As soon as the King heard this he sent many caravans to Cove to aid the people there. From food and supplies to gold, it was all given to the people there. It was delivered with a promise from the King, that we will not abandon them to the near by orc as the throne of Lord British had. It was not to long after that the people of Cove embraced them and were happy to finally have protection. The King, pleased with the outcome, saw to announce a new Lord of Inethria. Malidian, Knight of Kithrin, was now to be known as Duke of Inethria and protector of Cove.

Inethria grew in number and power still. Yet others from the Yew wood sought to undermine the Kingdoms efforts. In the middle of the night, many from Cove had been kidnapped and taken to the woods of Yew. As promised, Lord Malidian, Caleb, and Dagonet rode out to seek justice. After arriving in Yew demanding answers, they were so answered with drawn blades. Without hesitation the Knights drew their blades and prepared for combat. Even though they were vastly outnumbered by nearly a dozen well-armed men, they emerged victorious once more. Yet even though those in Yew admitted to kidnapping children from Cove, they would not reveal their location and so the children were never seen from again. This set a series of events to bring the Kingdom of Inethria to war against the Emerald Kingdom of Connemera. Soon those in Yew felt the full fury of Inethria as the Knights as well as Army continually attacked the lands of Aegis for their cowardly actions. The Knights burned down the Black Tower, they pillaged the township of Aegis, ran off the elusive Rangers. Fighting Inethria became such an unhappy thought that even the elves of Silverwood decided to abandon their Aegis allies. After much blood had been shed, peace was once again declared, so long that noone of Aegis would not step within the lands of Inethria armed. While the focus of the Kingdom was upon the woods of Yew, a man near the northern mountains claimed by the King was found, and he claimed such lands for himself. While only claiming a small portion, large enough for a small colony, the lands had already been claimed by Inethria. Fighting soon followed with this Fainor and his warriors. After only a few weeks of battles, the man known as Fainor saw the greatness of the Kingdom and sought to speak with the King. When Fainor and King Venner spoke, they came to an arrangement. As Fainor was a nobleman in his own right, he would yield to the Kingdom of Inethria. As with the other Lords, his men would fight for the Kingdom when called upon and in return Lord Fainor would receive all the protection and services of being a Vassel of Inethria. Things appeared to be on the rise for the Kingdom. Its enemies grew thin while the Kingdoms numbers grew vast. Then without a sign or word, during the night King Venner Blackhand disappeared. There was no sign of struggle or letter from the King; he had merely vanished into thin air. There was of course a time of confusion but the Lords quickly took control of the Kingdom. Soon after Caleb, Knight of Kithrin, received word from his mother in the old lands, and he decided to depart and return home with Joseph Balcombe, Magistrate of Kithrin. Peace and prosperity once again held over the Kingdom and for months they enjoyed such but as always it was not to last.

[Malidian]

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Chapter 3 - Departure:

As Lord Malidian and several Knights came to stay in Cove often to oversee its protection and general wellbeing, a ship neared the dock. This was not out of the ordinary as many ships came to the Cove docks with goods to and from the Kingdom. Yet this flag bore a strange yet familiar flag. Lord Malidians new office overlooked the sea, and as he watched it he suddenly realized where he saw it before. This flag was one from the old lands. A few of the Knights saw this as well and slowly made they’re way to see the ship in. As Lord Malidian watched from above, a messenger gave one of the Knights a parchment and they immediately made their way to Lord Malidians office. There, Gannon, Tebryn, Almaric and Lord Malidian read over the letter, sealed with the Kithrin emblem. It was a letter from Lord Malidians cousin, Caleb whom returned to the old lands some time ago. It spoke of the Juka over running the old capitol. Since the Kithrin lands were on a far border they were mostly unaffected. Yet many had been killed or captured. Caleb asked his brethren return and aid him in helping those that remained in the old lands. Quickly, Lord Malidian sent out word to all remaining Kithrin Knights and within a weeks time they made their way to Cove. During that time the ship prepaired to take them back to the old lands. Soon Lord Malidian, Gannon, Dagonet, Almaric, and Tebryn boarded the ship. A large force was left back in Cove to see to their security under the command of a locally appointed citizen.

Weeks later the old lands were seen on the horizon. The Knights followed the directions in the letter to meet up with Caleb. The months that followed, the Knights relocated the remaining Kithrin citizens to a safer location far from the reach of the Juka. After the citizens were safe the Knights turned their attention to fighting the Juka in an effort to free some of the people that were kidnapped. Week after week the Kithrin Knights rode about the lands killing every Juka patrol they found. They had finally located a encampment which the Juka held a number of prisoners, and so the Knights planned out their attack. At daybreak of the attack, they rode in hard and fast killing any Juka in their way. As they made their way to where the prisoners were kept they suddenly heard a horn in the distance. The Knights looked at each other and realized it was a trap. Quickly releasing the prisoners and making their way outside, they saw it. Hundreds of Juka were now circling around the encampment. The Knights quickly put those unable to walk under their own power upon horseback. The Juka horde began to move in and the Knights stood tall. Their only chance was to attack before the Juka drew closer. A battle quickly begun as the Knights charged and the citizens stayed a safe distance behind the Knights. In the middle of the battle the Knights signaled the citizens and they too charged into battle. Those able, drew weapons that belonged to some of the fallen Juka within the encampment, and those unable rode hard and fast threw the battlefield and towards safety. After they did so, the Knights had to make a run for it or they would soon fall. Many died that day, including some of those that had just been rescued and even some Knights. Tebryn and Almaric were among those that died. It was a miricle that any lived, but the Juka still held a deep fear of the Kithrin Knights and did not pursue them long after they escaped the trap.

Returning to the new settlement of the Kithrin citizens, the Knights felt as if it were a defeat. It was finally clear they could not remain in the old lands. All citizens of the Kingdom must now leave their lands and return with the Knights. Lord Malidian sent word to as many remaining towns and settlements as he could. Trying to find any left alive after the endless sieges of the Juka. The Knights spent so much time in the old lands but it was time they return to the Kingdom. Feeling defeated, Lord Malidian made the preparations to return home after a year of being gone. And so the ships set sail and the remaining Knights stood looking at the old lands, as it grew smaller in the distance. The Juka has won in taking the old lands of Inethria. It was not an easy voyage as the ships was fairly crowded but they were able to make the journey home. And with their return would come some men whom stood in the old lands and proven to be Kithrin Knights. However, they were to return to a Kingdom far from the one they left one year ago.

[Malidian]

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Chapter 4 - The Return of Kithrin:

The ship docked at Cove, and the people began to depart the ship. Citizens of Cove were surprised to once again see the Kithrin Knights after so long. That night the town held a festival for their Lord and remaining Knights. As the night went on Lord Malidian was caught up on recent events and was shocked to hear that they have not heard from the Inethrian nobles for many months now. However, Cove still remained safe as the number of men Lord Malidian left to look after Cove were more than sufficient. The orc have remained at bay and the town of Cove flourished despitethe absence of their Lord. The night was one to remember and all drank until they could not keep their eyes open any longer. The Knights took a few days to rest and regain their strength from the long voyage before taking the journey to return to Enden. As they did they found a Kingdom unfamiliar to them. Lord Targaryen was nowhere to be found and no explanation given. In fact a new self-appointed King now sat upon the throne of the Kingdom. One who was an upcoming promising warrior of the Kingdom, now misguided in his attempt to save the Kingdom sat upon the throne. And as the Kithrin Knights entered the town of Enden they were met with hostility. They found the Royal Court that was set to overlook the Kingdom had been dismantled and now only one remaining Lord remained, proclaiming himself King over Inethria. Lord Malidian and his Knights were ordered to leave the lands of the Kingdom and not return. So while the Knights risked their lives to save those in the old lands and felt only defeat, they return to their home to be called outcasts and found only a home not known to them. Much seemed to take place over the year they were away and unsure as to the events that led to this new Kingdom.

Lord Malidian would not risk more bloodshed, not the blood of the very people of the Kingdom he served all his life. And so he left Enden and returned to Cove. Lord Malidian now resided in Cove not as a Lord of Inethria but as a mere man without a Kingdom. He released the Knights to pursue their own path should they wish. However, they would not leave their brothers so easily. Years passed, as they stayed within Cove and protected them as promised. They went without war with their former Kingdom or those from the Yew woods. Malidian and his men were content in this as they had seen much of war and did not wish to see it come to Cove. Over those years, something remained uneasy with Malidian and he sought answers.

As Cove was now safe and free of war, Malidian saw this as a second chance to return the glory of the House. After the Knights had returned they told Malidian of what became of the former Kingdom. The self proclaimed King had abandoned Enden and joined with their allies to the south, a group known as the Guardians of Honor just outside the walled city of Trinsic, who wore purple to signify their allegiance. Enden was now merely a ghost town, void of all life. This only fueled Malidians desire to leave the lands and start anew. After much deliberation they agreed it best to set sail and so Lord Malidian and his Knights started to prepare two ships. Loading them with much supplies as well as gold from their treasury. It took nearly a week to get the ships ready to sail. Lord Malidian met with the Captain of the Guard, a man appointed from the people of Cove and elected to command a number of able warriors. The Captain understood the reasons Malidian and his people had to leave and thanked Malidian for their years of protection and peace. Giving one last handshake among them, Malidian asked one last thing. If any of the former Kingdom came looking for Malidian and the Knights of Kithrin the Captain would tell them of their departure, as well as give them the heading the ships were to set sail on. With that Malidian announced authority over Cove to the Captain, and left the township of Cove. And so the remaining Knights of Kithrin now stood on the ships deck. Looking out over the water. Standing with them were a few citizens whom agreed to journey with them. And as the sun began to creep over the horizon and a new day began, the sails were cast and the ships departed the dock.

[Malidian]

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Chapter 5 - A New World:

Months passed as the ships passed through unknown waters. Supplies were running low and their spirits were not far behind. It looked as if the House of Kithrin would merely be lost and claimed by the vast seas. In the coming days Malidian thought of ending their suffering quickly and then turning the blade upon himself, yet it was only a moments thought as a Knight of Kithrin could never seriously consider such an option. Then one night their prayers were answered, yet they thought it would become their death. A storm began to form over the ships. Lighting cracked yet it looked as if it were a blue'ish hue. Again and again the lighting struck overhead while the men fastened down the ships preparing for the oncoming storm. The waters became violent and pushed the ships back and forth, sending them far off course. As the storm hit its full power, the waters began for swirl in a giant circle not allowing the ships to escape its wrath. The lighting grew in strength and cracked all around them. As one of these odd blue'ish bolts of awesome power struck the waters nearby it sent out a blinding light, causing everyone on the ship to lose consciousness. And this ships slipped deeper into the storm circling the vast sea.

Malidian awoke to the most strange of sounds... birds. As he began to open his eyes it took a moment to adjust to the bright sun. Slowly setting himself up he realized that he was no longer moving upon the sea but rather the ship now rested upon a beach. Gathering what little strength remained his men gathered together, and departed the ship. Malidian ordered the peasents to remain around the ship and get what supplies remained unloaded while he and the Knights looked around some. It was not longer before they got their bearings and regnized the woods about them. Vast Yew trees stood before them and so it appeared they now rested upon the shores of their former enemy. They were once again in the forests of Yew! They proceeded with extreme caution as they neared the lands of Aegis, yet it seemed different. Buildings that once stood were now gone with no trace of their foundations, even the smell of the trees seemed to be different. After searching for some time they found not one familiar building. This puzzeled the men to no end and so they returned to the shore.

As the Knights emerged from the tree line they saw the rest of the Kithrin people now organized a caravan of pack horses and the ships have been emptied. At this time Malidian thought quickled and decided they shall journey through the moongate near by and take them to the Paladin city of Luna. At least there they would find protection for a short while before they figure out their next move. It did not take long till they found their way to the Yew moongate and stepped through it. Soon they found themselves surrounded by the viberant city and its people. Commerce had seemed to be busy as people bought, sold, and traded anything they could think of. As the people of Kithrin took refuge within the city, Malidian and Dagonet rode to the center of town looking for answers. They asked many people about the happenings of the people of Aegis yet none seemed to of ever heard of them. More confused than ever on what had happened, all Malidian could do was accept this odd turn of events.

They stayed only two days before they met one whom they would later call friend. He was from a near by Kingdom which he referred to as Stonegate. Interested by this Kingdom to the north, Malidian and his Knights set out to find these Guardians. With the help of their new friend it did not take long at all before they were making their way through the mountain passage that led them to the capitol of Stonegate. Soon they had an audience with the King himself as well as a women who seemed to be of great importance, as they referred to her as "Oracle." It did not take Malidian long to see the strength of these people and how alike they were to his own House. After little debate with his men, it was agreed they would offer their swords to the service of the King of Stonegate. The King, who was not human himself, seemed pleased and welcomed them with open arms. The King told them of some lands to the west which may suit them as they looked to build homes for themselves. Dagonet and Gannon returned to Luna to tell their people of these development and they rejoiced as they now had a home again.

Weeks passed and the worked never ended, buildings rose from the ground made of stone and wood. Endless hours went to restoring the honor they had kept alive in themselves. The Knights spent every free moment with their people, helping in this effort and when they were not doing this, they were honoring their oath to the King and fighting by his side. For a time it seemed their people would live in peace but as it seemed so often in the history of Kithrin, peace was not to last. A growing threat now loomed over what they now called the Township of Westmere. An enemy that was once only rumor to them but this nest walked about and boasted to what these creatures of darkness were... Vampires...

[Malidian]

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The Oracle well remembered the day when Malidian and his people had arrived. They were battered by their travels, tired and looking for a home. Pleased to have found those that understood and believed in a similar cause they stayed.

Merci looked upon the village of Westmere proudly. As she walked along its rows of quiet homes and buildings, well ordered, she admired how this town had grown. How things had changed, what had started out as a simple brick and straw town had grown in true stonegate fashion. Many stone keeps rose ominously from the ground. Stone, strong and resistant to the weatherings of time.

Westmere had inadvertently become the outpost on the front lines of Stonegate. How funny that these people looking for a home should soon have to rise up to defend it.

The Lycan turned her head to the wind, she could sense it on the horizon. Hostility was to break out any day..

Yet now that the Kithrin Knights and Stonegate had become one, they would stand shoulder to shoulder, and fight whatever threatened their door. Till the end of time..

******************** Written by Merci D'Rue, Oracle of Stonegate ********************