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The Order of Mercaerin
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S.Y. 307.10 (May
9, 2001) -- Skara Brae Hail to you all and welcome. My name is Kelrin Nabri and I am a reporter within the realm. Some of you may have read my older news reports regarding the Order of Mercaerin. Since that time I have been much obsessed with finding out all the information I could in terms of the origins of the Order of Mercaerin and what they have done since their return. After long travels and scouring the lands of both Felucca and Trammel I have come to bring to light all that I have heard, from factual accounts to rumours. So where to start, where to begin. It is difficult to even begin to understand all that has transpired within the realm regarding this Order of Mercaerin but it seems there is much that has not come to light, until now. My information comes from various sources ranging from previous news stories and to interviews with individuals within the realm in the hopes of shedding more light on this mysterious group. Here is what I have discovered. From all that has been written it seems that the Order of Mercaerin are led by a group of former Paladins. These being Lord Zar'el Darkan and Lord Lothair Maltus. As related by the noble paladin, Elex May, these two individuals were disputed to be the best that had ever come out of Trinsic. Upon listening to his tale, Lord Zar'el and Lord Lothair were selected to lead an expedition into the Lost Lands to drive the Terathan's back within their Keep. When their target date came and passed, many grew concerned and most feared that they were dead. A week later they did return, weak and weary and the tale they told was one of grim determination and tragedy. Of the entire force that ventured out all were wiped out by the Terathan's, save for them and from the reports just barely. In hindsight, Elex May, stated that it was during this time that Lord Zar'el and Lord Lothair became more secluded and kept to themselves. Their strength in arms grew greatly and some began to wonder what had really happened with the Terathan Keep. Alas, these questions were quickly put aside as Minax began her assault upon the realm. The tales of this assault are told elsewhere so I shall not speak of it here. Needless to say that after Trinsic was freed from the clutches of Jou'nar, Lord Zar'el and Lord Lothair disappeared, never to be heard or seen from again, until now. Thus ended the story of Elex May, one that leaves more questions than answers but it does shed some light on the Order of Mercaerin itself. From what various sources have said on the battlefield these Mercaerin are honourable and follow many of the traits and characteristics of the code of Paladins. Thus it is somewhat easier to understand their view on the desecration of the dead, one just need look at the past of this Order's leaders. Do not get me wrong with this notion, even though they may hold some of their old beliefs, they are indeed evil and will not hesitate to kill. The reasons are varied as to why they have appeared but most have state that Lord Zar'el and Lord Lothair wish to instill order to the realm of Felucca, which has been in a state of turmoil and unrest since the departure of Lord British to Trammel. Those who stand in their way are, quite simply, removed. This brings me to the next mystery and that is why does the Order have such disdain for the city of Skara Brae? From all accounts that I have heard, they are a city similar to all others. From the merchants and country folk to the warriors, mages and thieves, Skara Brae is similar to almost any other city of the same size. So why this outright assault and hatred for Skara Brae? To be honest I have yet to find the answer but rumours persist of a fabricated story about the Order and thus they are seeking vengeance on the one who wronged them and the city that this person resides in. Whether this is true or not, I cannot be certain, but perhaps others will be able to find out if this is truth or fiction. The battles upon the fields of Skara Brae were quite destructive and dangerous to many as battle was waged even upon the docks that lead to the city. Many came to the defense of the city as the Rangers of Skara Brae called upon the aid of the Federation to help in the defense. Even a group of mercenaries called the Mockers did what they could to slow down the Order of Mercaerin. Little did they know that these beings could summon the undead and alas, much chaos and confusion occurred amongst the various factions. The tales of these battles are told elsewhere but something did occur within the Order of Mercaerin itself. Most believed that the Order of Mercaerin were completely loyal to Lord Zar'el and Lord Lothair but it seems this may not entirely be the case. One amongst them had a change of heart and decided to help those that were in defense of the city. The name of this man is Lord Selrac Ca'rek and little is known of him, save for his brief tale of his upbringing and training within Trinsic and of how Lord Zar'el took an interest in him. Upon secret meetings with the Lady Chancellor Sam, Lord Selrac explained that he would attempt to kill both Lord Zar'el and Lord Lothair upon the battlefield. Such a move, he believed, would lead to the Order to ruin. The plan was enacted upon but something unexpected did occur. Lord Zar'el was not present to lead the armies and if rumours are true, it seems that he felt uneasy and thus remained behind. Lord Selrac continued on with his pledge and admist the fighting he cast a spell upon Lord Lothair which weakened both quite considerably. But the desired effect occurred as Lord Lothair fell swiftly to the blows of those around him. Lord Selrac in turn fled from the battlefield fearing for his life as the Lady Kiri De'Velthun rode after him. Even though only Lord Lothair had been killed, the siege of Skara Brae was lifted and at perhaps a good time. As mentioned before the groups aligned against the Order of Mercaerin had begun to bicker and fight amongst themselves and it is quite possible that had the Order continued their assault, Skara Brae may have fallen due to the infighting. In terms of why Lord Selrac did what he did, no one knows for sure. Perhaps it was out of compassion for those he had wronged? Perhaps he had his own secret ambitions to become the leader of the Mercaerin himself? No one knows but I hope his actions were in good faith and virtuous. At this point it seems that the Order of Mercaerin retreated into the shadows to recover from this unexpected turn of events. Almost all felt and believed that the struggle was over, that we were victorious. Regrettably they were wrong. -- |