[Voln Chapel]
A wave of ice looms ominously overhead, reminding one of a waterfall frozen in time.  Tortured visages are carved into the icy deluge, resembling a huge tapestry that depicts a flood of undead horrors.  A marble statue in the middle of the floor stands defiantly against the frozen avalanche, his stoic form bedecked in chainmail.  Light filtering in from the translucent walls ensconces the sculpture in an almost blinding white glow, highlighting his carved expression of absolute determination.  You also see a white ora altar.
Obvious exits: out
Railien, Principessa, Turinrond, Grimlorn, Sylviana, Laeyandra, Aydan, Mitheirien and Elaerina followed.

Elaerina smiles.

Railien surveys the area.

Grimlorn smiles.

You smile.

You say, "Allright please be seated."

Grimlorn sits down.

Mitheirien sits down.

You say, "Railien is our lecturer on Voln tonight."

Sylviana sits down.

Laeyandra observes her surroundings with a keen eye.

You say, "Please give him your attention."

Elaerina sits down.

Railien smiles at the statue and steps before it to face the crowd.

Railien takes a brown leather hat off his head.

Principessa kneels down.

Laeyandra sits down.

You say, "And hold questions and comments until he has opened the floor for them."

You nod.

Mitheirien turns an inquisitive ear towards Railien.

Railien put a brown leather hat in his Voln campaign pack.

(Iscikella moves to the back of the room.)

You sit down.

Laeyandra gazes with interest at a marble Voln statue.

Turinrond sits down.

Turinrond gathers the folds of his ebon-hued silk shroud tightly around him.

Railien glances around the room.

Railien clears his throat.

Railien says, "I like ta apologize fer bein' late."

Sylviana folds her hands in her lap.

Mitheirien folds her arms at the waist.

Laeyandra smiles at Railien.

Railien says, "As I was tellin' a friend, I got rifted fer the first time last night and well, it didn't suite too well with me."

Laeyandra furrows her brow.

You stand back up.

Elaerina winces.

[At this point Iscikella had to exit briefly to bring in a latecomer, and thus I missed a portion of the lecture in the log here.]

Railien says, "A man in chainmail, standin' before undead."

You sit down.

Laeyandra turns an inquisitive ear towards Railien.

You stand back up.

Railien says, "Statues such as these are found throughout the North and the West of Elanthia, as many of ya know."

[At this point Iscikella again had to exit briefly to bring in a latecomer, and thus I missed a portion of the lecture in the log here.]

Railien says, "And in a way, that is the same in how some view our Lord Voln."

Aydan sits down.

You sit down.

Ichiko sits down.

Railien says, "He is respected and hated."

Ichiko smiles.

Railien says, "Admired and abhored, though the laters usually by folks with a noticable lisp."

Railien winks and flashes a sly grin.

Sylviana chuckles.

Sylviana nods to Railien.

Principessa smiles softly.

Laeyandra looks rather confused.

Elaerina smiles.

Railien says, "Now the origins of Lord Voln go back 'fore our recorded time."

Railien says, "We dun know when he was born."

Railien says, "Or where he was born."

Railien shakes his head.

Railien says, "We only know that he was born to a family."

Laeyandra nods to Sylviana.

Railien says, "And in the time of his birth, the Snake's abominations had already walked the earth."

Silversoft shudders.

Railien says, "That the Undead killed that same family, leadin' ta a man who swore revenge."

You shudder.

Laeyandra ponders.

Railien says, "Who swore ta spend the rest of his life, releasin' the tormented souls of his enemies."

Railien clenches his fist.

Lacing his fingers together, Turinrond's body stiffens as he quietly listens to Railien.

Sylviana sighs softly.

Railien says, "His mission did not go unnoticed."

Railien nods.

Railien says, "It was a grim one, and it came ta the attention of the Keeper of the Keys, the Lady Lorminstra."

Grimlorn smiles.

Railien says, "Our Lady Lorminstra had found herself in conflict with the scaled one, Luukos, over the creation of the Undead."

Railien says, "The Undead were an abomination which tipped the scales of balance, and walked inta the territorty of Death that was naturally hers."

Laeyandra looks lost in thought.

Railien says, "She had noticed our Lord Voln and had turned ta her father, seekin' assistance in her fight ta stop the Snake."

Silversoft hisses.

Railien says, "And her father, a King of Kings, bade her ta go and raise this man."

Railien says, "And so she went, and she told him the truth of his birth."

Silversoft leans forward.

Railien says, "Born of the God King Koar, he was made an immortal and blessed as the Lady Lorminstra's Paladin."

Railien nods.

Railien runs his hand softly over the surface of his veil iron Voln symbol.  A white glow surrounds the symbol as its surface shimmers for a moment with the image of a white shield on a field of black.

Grimlorn nods.

Turinrond looks less aware of the surroundings.

You bite your lip.

Laeyandra looks thoughtfully at Railien.

Railien says, "From that time forward, Lord Voln went on with his mission."

Silversoft lets out a cheer!

Ichiko smiles.

Suddenly you have the strangest feeling that you are being watched.
The feeling fades as quickly as it came.

Railien says, "Then as time progressed and man began ta record, in 4045, Lord Voln came ta a giantkin."

Railien glances around the room.

Elaerina smiles.

You cock your head at Railien.

Railien says, "He was a Manor lord of the name Fasthr K'Tafali."

Railien smiles.

A cloud of dense silvery fog suddenly appears.  The fog quickly dissipates to reveal Paole.

Laeyandra turns an inquisitive ear towards Railien.

Paole sits down near Silversoft.

Silversoft sits down.

Railien says, "On that day, the Order of our Lord Voln was founded ."

Railien nods.

Silversoft leans softly against Paole.

You smile at Railien.

Railien says, "Fer nearly 900 years the Order has flourished and followed Lord Voln's mission."

Railien asks, "But of Lord Voln?"

Railien asks, "What is his mission?"

Railien asks, "Is it merely vengeance?"

Railien glances around the room.

Turinrond raises an eyebrow.

Railien asks, "Is it only a selfish motive of revenge?"

Railien ponders.

Railien says, "That is what some call it."

Railien nods.

Railien says, "Then there are those who call it a mission of mercy."

Railien says, "A mission ta save those who are in torment."

You nod.

Railien says, "Ta end sufferin'."

Sylviana nods.

Turinrond raises an eyebrow.

Grimlorn nods.

Silversoft nods.

Railien says, "That Lord Voln, through the blessin' of Lady Lorminstra keep ta us on Elanthia and set us ta follow this mission."

Railien says, "It implied ta some that, perhaps that those we are savin', releasin' rather, from torment are precious."

Railien says, "That the souls of all are precious."

Railien nods.

You smile quietly to yourself.

Railien says, "In turn, it also indicates that beneath our flesh."

(Railien pinches his right forearm.)

Laeyandra cocks her head at Railien.

Railien says, "There is a soul of value, of importance."

Sylviana nods to Railien.

Silversoft nods to Railien.

Railien surveys the area.

Railien says, "And that all who possess such a soul are important."

Railien says, "That as any cleric can tell ya, all the races possess such."

Railien says, "Thus, the equality of the Order of our Lord."

Railien says, "These are the lessons of Lord Voln."

Railien places his hand on his veil iron Voln symbol.

Laeyandra ponders.

Turinrond seems to lose an aura of confidence.

Railien says, "That all are equal, that every soul is precious, this is his mission."

Principessa smiles softly.

Sylviana smiles at Railien.

Mitheirien rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Railien asks, "Now, any questions?"

Railien smiles.

Elaerina smiles.

Elaerina applauds Railien.

Laeyandra applauds.

Sylviana applauds Railien.

You smile at Railien.

Aydan applauds.

Railien glances around the room.

Elaerina raises her hand.

Railien nods to Elaerina.

Elaerina says, "So there be nae souls more deservin' o the punishment o' undeath than others?  I've heard some claim that undeath kin be a fit punishment fer the truly evil."

Speaking to Elaerina, Railien says, "Fer as much as any individual might be deemed evil."

Railien ponders.

Railien says, "And I could probably name a few."

Railien nods to Elaerina.

Railien says, "In the end, their soul will be saved along side others, no more or no less than any other individual."

Sylviana shivers.

Elaerina nods to Railien.

Railien says, "That is the wickedness of the Snake's abomination."

Grimlorn says, "No one is beyond redemption."

Railien nods to Grimlorn.

Laeyandra looks thoughtfully at Railien.

Railien says, "If not in life, than at least in death."

Railien smiles.

Grimlorn nods.

You raise your hand.

Railien nods to you.

You say, "What is yer take on various classes of undead, in other words that some have more... a creature soul than the soul of one knowing...  thus they are not needing of redemption."

You cock your head at Railien.

Speaking to you, Railien says, "Good question."

Speaking to you, Railien says, "I'd like ta give a nice expansive question, but this is a debate that is still on goin'."

Grimlorn says, "I know a few Imaera worshippers who might look at you funny for that remark Iscikella."

Elaerina grins at Grimlorn.

Mitheirien giggles.

Mitheirien agrees with Grimlorn.

Railien says, "Regardless ifffin' the soul belongs ta a creature or a person, its form as Undead is still an abomination."

Grimlorn nods.

Railien says, "An abomination that disrupts the balance of the world."

Railien nods.

Railien says, "A balance that must be met."

Mitheirien ponders.

Mitheirien nods to Railien.

Railien says, "So they possess the same priority, iffin' not the same spiritual importance."

Grimlorn says, "As life follows death, so must death follow life."

Railien nods to Grimlorn.

Silversoft ponders.

Railien says, "I do feel that those souls of individuals suffer more, in that the same way you and I perceive the world far more than might a mouse."

Railien asks, "Any more questions?"

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Turinrond looks thoughtfully at Railien.

Elaerina says, "I'm tryin' tae remember."

You raise your hand.

Railien chuckles.

Railien nods to you.

Mitheirien ponders.

Turinrond seems to lose some dexterity.

Mitheirien quietly asks, "Do you have anything to say about the Order of Voln? Or is that a seperate subject?"

Mitheirien blushes a delicate shade of pink.

Turinrond returns to normal color.

You say, "Is there any lore that has been passed down on how Voln reacted to learning he was the offspring of Koar?  I mean had to be a shock."

Elaerina starts chuckling at you!

Elaerina nods.

Laeyandra grins.

You say, "Well, it would be."

Laeyandra nods to you.

You nod to Elaerina.

Turinrond shifts his weight.

Railien says, "It is somewhat of a different subject, but I can answer any questions ya might have."

Railien nods to Mitheirien.

Mitheirien nods.

Speaking to you, Railien says, "Unfortunately, all that we know of the time of Lord Voln's ascendancy is wreathed in legend and lore."

Turinrond seems to lose some internal strength.

Grimlorn says, "Legends tend to be short on personal feelings."

Speaking to you, Railien says, "I would believe that it would have been a positive reaction."

Railien grins at Grimlorn.

You smile at Railien.

Railien nods to Grimlorn.

Speaking to you, Railien says, "Iffin' only that Lord Voln would have realized that as the son of King Koar, he had at his disposal even greater power ta fullfill his mission."

You say, "True."

You ponder.

Railien says, "Dedication ta his cause is too weak a word ta describe the energy and devotion that Lord Voln keeps fer his crusade."

Sylviana just left.

Grimlorn says, "And after the death of his orignal family it could've been comforting to know that there was still a family out there for him."

Ichiko gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

You smile at Grimlorn.

You say, "That's likely true as well."

You nod.

You say, "Didn't consider that."

Speaking to Mitheirien, Railien asks, "Did ya have any specific questions about the Order?"

Railien smiles at Mitheirien.

Grimlorn says, "Why do we let Luukos worshippers in would be one to sir up the pot."

Railien glances over at Grimlorn and winces.

Elaerina chuckles.

Elaerina says, "All about the ends, methinks."

Laeyandra furrows her brow.

Railien regretfully says, "No mortal creation is incorruptible."

Grimlorn nods.

Grimlorn says, "Sad fact."

Railien says, "It is my belief that the Grandmaster of the monastery of the North has let his zeal ta gather brothers and sisters blind him ta their nature."

Railien gives a sigh of disappointment.

Railien shakes his head.

Mitheirien blushes a delicate shade of pink.

You say, "Could well be."

Mitheirien shakes her head.

You nod.

Mitheirien looks over at Railien and shakes her head.

Railien says, "In the Empire proper, membership of the Order and its ways is much more restrictive."

Railien says, "Luukosians, as a matter, are also much more secretive."

Paole stands up.

Railien chuckles to himself.

Silversoft stands up.

Paole smiles at Silversoft.

Silversoft whispers, "Wonderful..must go."

You quietly whisper to Silversoft, "Thanks for coming!"

Silversoft turns towards you and renders you a sharp hand salute.

You remove a silver arced split-moon charm from in your spidersilk greatcloak.
You offer your split-moon charm to Silversoft, who has 30 seconds to accept the offer.  Click CANCEL to prematurely cancel the offer.

Mitheirien stares off into space.

Aydan says, "Of course, in the inner parts of the Empire, they don't run into the forces of the undead as often as we tend to on the frontier areas."

Paole waves to you.

You nod to Silversoft.

Silversoft beams!

Silversoft has accepted your offer and is now holding a silver arced split-moon charm.
Silversoft glances at a silver arced split-moon charm as if it really needs a hug.

Silversoft puts on a silver arced split-moon charm.

Paole gestures while calling upon the lesser spirits for aid...
Paole gestures at you.
A misty halo surrounds you.

You smile at Silversoft.

Speaking to Aydan, Railien says, "Depends on yer definition of inner, the core region around Tamzyrr, true."

Paole cackles!

You chuckle at Paole.

Speaking to Aydan, Railien says, "But by Elstreth, one of the Foundin' cities, the Horned Cabal made well the presence of the Undead."

Silversoft gives you a quick little smooch.

Silversoft waves.

Paole puckers up for you, but you turn your nose up at him.

Silversoft's group just went out.

Turinrond moves to a kneeling position.

Turinrond stands up.

Speaking to Railien, Aydan says, "Pretty much the regions where they can afford to be picky about their membership. And yes, I was about to mention the Horned Cabal, but that's also a frontier region of the Empire."

Speaking to Aydan, Railien says, "I wouldn't consider Aldora ta be the frontier."

Speaking to Railien, Aydan says, "It's one of the regions where you can go as far south as possible and still be in the Empire."

Railien nods to Aydan.

You cock your head.

Speaking to Aydan, Railien says, "Aye, but it is also one of the oldest parts of the Empire. ."

Railien says, "The same might be said sayin' that Tamzyrr is one of those places ta go as east as possible."

Railien smiles.

Aydan says, "At which anything beyond the border is frontier."

Aydan shrugs.

Today is Volnes, day 12 of the month Imaerasta in the year 5105.  It is 21:15 by the elven time standard.  It is currently late evening.

Railien rubs his eyes.

Railien says, "My apologizes, Tamzyrr bein' the West side of the Empire."

Railien coughs.

Grimlorn raises his hand.

Aydan says, "Unless you don't want to call the Southron Wastes a frontier region."

Aydan grins.

Speaking to Railien, you say, "Ye've been a bit ill.  Understandable."

Speaking to Railien, Aydan says, "I make the mistake about east and west too."

You nod to Railien.

Speaking to Aydan, Railien says, "The Wastes are frontier, that is true."

Railien nods to Grimlorn.

Laeyandra shifts her weight.

Grimlorn asks, "Do you think Voln would strike out at those who would use undead as tools or merely their creations and consider his part played?"

Railien looks thoughtfully at Grimlorn.

Speaking to Grimlorn, Railien asks, "Now are ya referrin' ta that sorcery business of animatin' the dead?"

Grimlorn says, "Nah, from what I can tell that's not really cursing the corpses."

Grimlorn says, "I'm talking Morvule and his lot."

Speaking to Grimlorn, Railien says, "Aye, aye. Jes clarifyin'."

Railien says, "Lord Voln would most certainly strike at those who would use or create Undead."

Grimlorn nods.

Railien says, "In reference ta the Snake Morvule."

Mitheirien ponders.

Railien says, "The Lady Lorminstra sent her Prophet Ulstram, which I think speaks as ta why Lord Voln did not feel the need ta appear."

Railien says, "At least."

Railien smiles.

Railien says, "Directly."

Grimlorn nods.

Elaerina rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Grimlorn says, "Can't tip the balance too much I suppose."

Railien says, "Can't tip the balance, period."

Railien nods to Grimlorn.

Railien is no longer moving so silently.

Grimlorn nods.

You smile.

You say, "Balance is always needful."

Railien says, "I think we've devoted enough time ta Lord Voln, if anyone has any further questions, do feel free ta contact me."

Railien says, "I'd be happy ta answer 'em."

Railien smiles.

Railien turns to face you.

You smile at Railien.

Grimlorn bows to Railien.

Elaerina smiles.

Railien turns towards Grimlorn and renders a sharp hand salute.

You applaud Railien.

Laeyandra smiles at Railien.

Laeyandra applauds Railien.

Elaerina says, "Well spoken, Railien."

Grimlorn turns towards Railien and renders a sharp hand salute.

Laeyandra nods to Elaerina.

Turinrond claps his hands.

(Railien makes a quick, humble bow to the audience.)

Laeyandra grins at Railien.

You say, "A very interesting lecture."

Ichiko smiles at Railien.

Aydan applauds.

Principessa applauds Railien.

Grimlorn says, "Aye indeed."

Railien smiles.

Railien says, "I was more than happy ta provide it."

Railien nods to you.

Speaking to Railien, Principessa says, "Thanks for your time, and I hope you feel better, m'Lord."

Elaerina stands up.

You say, "Please those who have not received their PanArkati Festival charm, do stay and receive one."

Grimlorn stands up.

Speaking to you, Railien says, "I return the floor ta yerself, and thank ya fer the opportunity."