~ The Ward of Gondar ~

[DoS Archive]

From: auritan@aol.com (Auritan)
Date: 21 Mar 1999 20:00:44 EST

::arriving back in town and on his way to a dueling contest, he stops by the board to catch up on the news quickly... flipping through the posts, a worried frown creeps across his brow as he sees mention of the Ward and some of the comments quoted from his posting about the Ward's status... stopping, he sits at a table and takes out the book... and pens a short message to all::

Good Patrons of the Duel of Swords:

There have been questions of late penned upon this board concerning certain aspects of the Ward of Gondar. I wish to offer explanation, for those who would listen.

In my wanderings through the Arena late at night, one time I came upon a secret place (at least I assume it was secret, for no one else has ever been there since I discovered it). In this small closet, there was a book. It appeared to be a very old transcription of some writings from the cork. (I still have the book, and would be glad to share its knowledge with any who would ask me privately.) In the book there is a detailed account of events
leading up to a Deathmatch that occurred some time back between Queen Luthien Tinuviel and the lass Prudence O'Shaunessey. Herein, I should like to recount some of the 'facts' of the matter, based on that account, for those who might have interest.

In the time of Athlstan's second rule as Overlord of the Duel of Swords, there was a Guardian of the Ward of Gondar named Vol de Morta. At the time, Vol de Morta actually controlled the spells that returned healing to those duelists who were injured, and he thrived on the blood spilt in the rings. Eventually, being corrupted by the power of life and death that he wielded, Vol de Morta ransomed the Protections of the Ward for a Deathmatch between
Queen Luthien and one other. His claim was that he needed the rich nourishment that only a duel of Honor ending in death would bring.

Vol de Morta gave Queen Luthien a choice between dueling the Overlord or a lass named Prudence O'Shaunessey. The decision was made that Athlstan would duel and the lass Prudence would be his second. Then Queen Luthien, perhaps driven by despair, attacked the Overlord outside the ring one eve, attempting to end his life, but succeeding only in severing his right arm. Since the Overlord could no longer duel, Prudence, being his second, was required
to step up.

Before the Deathmatch could be arranged, Dalamar Ar'Daumon challenged for the Crown and was victorious over Athlstan. (For those who worry about such things, Athlstan was hampered with dueling left-handed, so Lord Dalamar fought him blind-folded.)

Anyway, some time after that Challenge, the Deathmatch was fought between Queen Luthien and Prudence O'Shaunessey, with the tragic outcome that Prudence gave her life for the preservation of the Ward. Meanwhile, Athlstan, Iain MacKensie, and one called Raven, used the diversion of the Deathmatch to send Athlstan into the other dimension to fight Vol de Morta. Athlstan was victorious, and gained control of the Ward, giving up his mortal presence to
live for a time in that other dimension. And thus, he remained Guardian of the Ward until that fated night that I walked into the Arena after hours, whistling...

Now, good Ladies and Gentlemen, those are the 'facts' of that time for as much as I can verify them. I hope this clears up any misinformation that may be traveling 'round the Arena. As I said, I can show any who ask the original manuscript from whence these assertions were taken. And further, be it known that if some of these 'facts' still be in dispute, I would be glad to listen to further evidence, and make changes accordingly.

With humble regards and well-wishes to all from one of such meager knowledge,

~Auritan the Meek
[Guardian (for the nonce) of the Ward of Gondar]
[Humble Bearer of the healing Stone of Earth]
[Servant to the Realm]

[DoS Archive]

From: jonalyn@aol.com (Jonalyn)
Date: 22 Mar 1999 03:39:57 EST

Auritan

Not that tis needed, but thine accounting is accurate, for I wast present during the duel wherein the Queen of Mountainside, Luthien Tinuviel didst sever the Cleric's arm ast well ast having felt the presence of the entity, witnessing its presence stalking the arena one eve, ast well ast being present during the fateful eve wherein Prudence wast slain and Athlstan didst place his life on the line for the protection of those who do dance the dance of
steel ast well ast his sacrifice in battling the entity.

Jona