From: rosenje@wkuvx1.bitnet
Newsgroups: alt.pub.dragons-inn
Subject: New Character: Dervanis
Message-ID: <1993Sep28.185619.7638@wkuvx1>
Date: 28 Sep 93 18:56:18 CDT

	A dark haired figure on an even darker horse moved towards the east
gate of the city of Generica.  It was near midday, and the traffic through the
gate was even heavier than usual, so the figure attracted no attention from the
gaurds or the mob of commoners near it. 
	Upon closer inspection, the figure on the horse seemed to be a man.  He
wore a long cloak, which he kept bundled tightly about him, either to conceal
himself, or merely to shield himself from the cool Autumn breeze.  That same
breeze often caught at the edges of the man's cloak, pulling it away to reveal
the dull glint of steel beneath.  The breeze also pulled at his long brown
hair, revealing a pair of deep blue eyes set in a young man's face.  The face
seemed to be accustomed to smiling; Indeed, the young man smiled to feel the
cool breeze blow through his hair.
	The horse seemed to be good natured as well.  The man didn't seem to
guide the animal at all; Rather, the animal seemed to choose its own path, with
an occasional nudge in the right direction from its rider.  The horse was very
large, and didn't seem to feel the weight of the rider at all as it trotted
toward the gate.
	A very large greatsword hung from a saddle scabbard on the horse's left
side.  It had a very wide hilt, and a large, rounded pommel.  The hilt of the
blade, at least, had no markings on it, and also lacked any type of adornment
or decoration.  On the other side of the saddle, a long horseman's flail hung,
of the same type of workmanship as the great blade.
	The big man directed his mount towards one of the gate gaurds.  As he
dismounted, his green cloak blew aside for a moment, revealing an ornate suit of
armor crested with the symbol of Ilmater.  He led his horse lightly by the
reigns, and walked up to the gaurd.
	"Excuse me sir, but could you take a moment of your time and direct me 
to the temple of Ilmater?"
	"Wot? Oh, yeah.. Just go down this here street, Dragon's lane, past the
town square, all the way down to the Plaza of Glittering Steel.  You'll know it
by the shiny metal cobblestones at the center.  Anyway, just hang a left there,
and go down the Arcade of Unforgotten Heroes.  The temple's a long way down, a
few squares from the south gate.  You probably would have been better to come
in down there, although it is a rough bit of town.  Still, with all that gear
you're carry'in, you `otta be able to take care of yourself," the gaurd
replied.
	"One more question, if you don't mind," the stranger said. "Where might
I find the Dragon's Inn?"
	"Oh, that's a fair piece easier to find," the gaurd replied. "Its right
up Dragon's lane here on the left, right before the Plaza."
	"Thank you sir," the stranger said, smiling, and moved off into the
crowd, leading his mount.
	One of the other gaurds walked over.
	"That's a big fellow.  Wot' did he say he was doing here?  I'd hate to
have to drag him out of some brawl somewhere!" the new gaurd said.
	"Oh, didn't you see that symbol on his armor, the one for Ilmater?" the
first gaurd said.  The second gaurd shook his head no.  "Yeah, he's probably
one of those paladin types, you know, holy and all.  He's probably just here to
tithe to the temple and leave.  I don't think we'll have to pull that one out
of any brothel!" the first gaurd said, the last sentence with a slight laugh.
	The stranger, in the meantime made his way through the crowded midday
streets as best he could, but it was not easy going, and it was early afternoon
before he arrived at the temple of Ilmater.  He stabled his horse on the temple
grounds, taking his greatsword from the saddle and slinging the scabbard over
his right shoulder. He went into the chapel, which was empty aside from a few
priests in prayer.  Moving to an alcove which contained the symbol of Ilmater
in silver, he knelt, drawing his long blade and holding it hilt up before him. 
He remained there for quite some time. Finally, he rose and moved to one of the
collection plates spaced out in the temple.  Reaching to his belt, he unclasped
a large sack, which jingled slightly as he moved it, and placed it on the
plate.  He then turned and walked towards the exit. A voice stopped him.
	"Wait a moment, please, sir."  
	The stranger turned to see an older priest walking towards him.
	"I am father Liamus, the high priest here.  Won't you stay and enjoy
the hospitality of our temple, as you must surely be a knight of our order?" he
said.
	The knight knelt and briefly clasped the priest's hand.  He then stood,
and smiled at the older man.
	"I'm afraid I will have to decline, father, as I have promised to meet
a former companion of mine this very evening at the Dragon's Inn.  My name is
Dervanis del'Traegin.  I will return in a few days, however, and would be
honored to at least dine with you then."
	"Well then, I shall look forward to seeing you then," the old priest
said, smiling. "May your road be a safe one until then."
	"Your's also, father," the knight said, and then he left the temple. 
He was soon on his way again, leading his horse through the busy streets of
Generica, towards the Dragon's Inn.

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Jason Rosenberger, rosenje@wkuvx1.bitnet, Western Ky University