It is a well known legend.
The Church of Karameikos is widespread and popular among the ruling classes of the Grand Duchy. One of its orders - the Order of Chardastes - has gained popularity with the common folk as well. It grew out of an incident that occured three hundred years ago. At that time there were many places in Karameikos dedicated to Traladaran worship. A small sanctuary in Marilenev (renamed Specilarum when the Thyatians invaded) was one of these sites.
One day, a woman who was very ill came to the sanctuary to pray for health. While she was alone, a being called Chardastes appeared to her. He told her that the religion of her people - the Traladaran Church - was false, and that his way was the only true path. To prove this, he laid his hands upon her, curing her of illness. He left behind on the altar a wonderful magical bell.
The bell was of pure platinum, and lacked a clapper - ringing magically whenever picked up.
When the Tyatians settled in Karameikos, they incorporated the sanctuary into the Church of Karameikos. The litany of Chardaste, they claimed, was that of their church.
The story of the bell spread far and wide across the land. Even now, on the anniversary of the miracle, hundreds flock to the building, hoping to be cured by Chardastes. They crowd into the sanctuary, a hundred or so at a time, and pray as the clergy sings the sacred words and lift the sacred bell. Most are disappointed, but so many have had their prayers answered that the Order flourishes still.
This all ended five years ago. At the time, there was a cleric in the order whose name was Elwyn. Elwyn was very dedicated to the church, but that was not enough. Rumors spread that Elwyn had begun rpacticing with blades, and researching the spells of magic-users, trying to expand beyond the limitations the immortals ask of their clerics. This was a serious charge, but before a Church Inquisition had formed, Elwyn vanished without a trace. To the horror of the people, the sacred bell of Chardastes that was kept in the sanctuary was gone, too!
The order has been in crisis ever since. The faithful still flock to the sanctuary on their holy day, but there have been no miracles since the bell vanished. The numbers of the faithful have decreased in recent years.
Some time ago, rumors of a powerful hostile force began to spring up. It was said that someone had built a large fortress in a distant section of the Grand Duchy, and that none who set out to investigate had returned. Recently, rumors have been circulating that Elwyn might be behind this mystery.
Patriarch Sherlane, the Baron ruler of the city of Threshold, has sent out a call for adventurers interested in investigating this fortress.
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This message was last edited by the player at 18:04, Tue 09 June 2009.