The World of UirThe Lands and People of the "Order of the Thorne" series========================================
The People of the Great Realm of Uir Part 1========================================
Order of the Thorne - A benevolent and venerable order of knights and monks who protect and guide the people and kingdoms of Uir. They have pledged their lives to be an active force of good in this world. Not only are there sword knights who patrol the land to mete out justice and right, but many other professions contribute as well. The Order also has monasteries in almost every major city in Uir. The great realm of Uir has prospered under their guardianship over the last millennia, continuing to this day.
The Order serves a deity called, "The Unknown God." Some learned scholars believe the Unknown God isn't a specific deity, as such, but rather a placeholder for other gods whose names and natures aren't known.
By protecting the land and its people, the Order protects something greater as well. The strict and time-honored Code of Conduct by which all members of the Order live is as follows:
- To protect the weak and defenseless
- To give assistance, especially in times of difficulty, to anyone who requires
- To despise monetary reward
- To fight for the welfare of all
- To obey those placed in authority
- To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
- To never refuse a challenge from an equal
It is considered to be among the highest priorities of the Order to preserve the "Story of Arcturus." As recounted by Brother Kunchen, of the Monastery at Crann Naoihm:
Over a millennia ago, Uir was a young world full of chaos and strife. The people of Uir were divided into warring tribal factions, with each group unwilling to trust one another. Greed and jealousy drove much of the problems.
From the north came a simple man. Unable to explain his origins, he carried with him only a simple sword. Despite this, he was able to gather the greatest warriors of every nation to follow him. After finishing the final fight, he and his twelve knights put an end to war between the great nations of Uir.
He and his knights built the great castle at Mor Claiomh, and founded the Order of the Thorne there. Arcturus knew that the various kingdoms would need an independent group to protect and promote the best interests of the people of Uir, to provide protection, solace, and wisdom. Thus, the Order was created: knight and monks swearing loyalty to all and holding themselves to the highest codes of conduct. Arcturus's banner a sword entwined by a vine with thorns inspired his followers to take it as their own. The founders of the Order were similarly inspired, calling themselves 'The Thorne.' Monasteries and great halls representing the Order soon spread across Uir, with some even reaching the highest peaks of the Mirror Mountains.
Though Arcturus stayed with the Order for over 200 years, he still aged as any man does albeit more slowly, in his case. Eventually, the day came when he felt his time in Uir was past due. Walking away from the castle at Mor Claiomh, he was never to be seen again. The only clue of his destination was a letter written to his first commander, Regent, that was discovered years later. In it, Arcturus explained that he needed to turn to an unknown place called 'Avalon,' to 'take the boat home,' as it were.
Though many have searched for the fabled land of Avalon a realm beyond the natural laws of the world of Uir its true location remains shrouded in mystery to this day. Over the intervening years, despite the best efforts of adventurers and scholars, none have been able to find anything about Avalon. {TKC}
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Abdon - One of the seven competitors for the "King's Challenge," this Faerie holds the position of High Priest for the Kingdom of Rosette. He was send by King Quilhairn's brother, the King of Rosette, to participate in the challenge. Abdon's haughty and superior attitude does little to endear himself to the people of the Faerie Kingdom or the other challengers. {TKC}
Arcturus - This mysterious man from the unknown land of Avalon came to Uir a millennia ago with only a simply sword in hand. After gathering followers and uniting the warring lands of Uir, he eschewed conquest; instead, he and the twelve greatest knights founded the Order of the Thorne at their great castle at Mor Claiomh. Designed to serve and protect the people of Uir, the Order consists of knights, monks, and laypeople all following the highest codes of conduct. After two centuries of service, Arcturus decided it was time to return home and was never seen again. However, this hasn't stopped the people of Uir from searching for Arcturus's mysterious homeland of Avalon. {TKC}
Ardaigh - A Faerie artist and painter by trade, Ardaigh is the daughter of Elka. She often wanders the Faerie Realm, gaining inspiration for her artwork while gathering supplies from nature. Though she hasn't spoken since she was a child, she loves music and brings her mother nothing but joy. She and her mother live in a house just below the tavern in Crann Naoimh. {TKC}
Aoife / Grand Master Aoife - She is the current Grand Master, leader of the Order of the Thorne. {TKC}
Caradoc / Brother Caradoc - A Knight of the Order of the Thorne, Brother Caradoc is paired with his young squire, Patrick. After Brother Eoin fails to make contact with Grand Master Aoife, she instructs Sir Caradoc and Patrick to search for Brother Eoin in the Kingdom of Sunlight and discover the cause of the chaos there. However, upon exiting the cave entrance to the Kingdom of Sunlight, a vicious enemy captures Caradoc and injures Patrick, knocking him unconscious. Once Patrick regains consciousness, he grabs his Squire's Kit and Caradoc's fallen sword, vowing to rescue his Master... {TKC, FOF}
Choden / Brother Choden - Choden was the previous Monk to represent the interests of the Order of the Thorne in the Faerie Realm. After his premature death, the monastery in Crann Naoihm lay vacant for quite some time until Brother Kunchen was assigned there a few months back. Unbeknownst to the Order, the Vesparum were responsible for Choden's death. {TKC}
Chucker - One of the seven competitors for the "King's Challenge," Chucker is a native of the Faerie Realm and a first-time quester. Though he has no experience at adventuring, he thinks it might be fun, but his lack of confidence lets him down early in the challenge Chucker doesn't make it past the fountain outside of the Faerie Court! {TKC}
Donal of Galway - Father of Finn, Donal was an Eiukian bard who helped the Order of the Thorne whenever and wherever he could and as a friend to the Order, he served it well: according to Brother Eoin, his music inspired the Order at Glen Morgana to continue on when none had the strength to do so. Brother Kunchen also spent much time with him during their on-going battles against evil; he was the finest musician and composer that Kunchen had ever met, and the stories he wove into songs are those of legends. Donal lost his life some time before the events of the most recent "King's Challenge." {TKC}
Elder - This diminutive Elf runs the Library located in the Western Plaza in Crann Naoimh. A fount of wisdom and information, Elder's favorite saying is, "Knowledge is power!" {TKC}
Elka - She is the Faerie who currently owns the "Woodland Tavern" high atop the Great Tree in Crann Naoimh. She serves food and drink there, as well as offer lodging for the weary traveler. She and her daughter, Ardaigh, live in a house just below the tavern. {TKC}
Eoin / Brother Eoin - A Monk of the Order of the Thorne, Brother Eoin meets young Finn at the inn in the Wilds between Rosette and the Faerie Kingdom. Eoin tells Finn that he once heard Donal of Galway (Finn's father) play in Glen Morgana, where Donal inspired the Order to continue when none had the strength to do so. {TKC}
After meeting Finn, Eoin continues to make his way to the Kingdom of Sunlight; once there, he was to investigate the disturbing rumors of darkness befalling that land and a massive fortress appearing overnight. After failing to make contact with the Order, Grand Master Aoife sends Knight Brother Caradoc and his young squire, Patrick, after Eoin to discover the cause of the chaos. {FOF}
Esmeralda / Queen of the Spider People - Her true name in her native language is difficult to pronounce, so she has chosen the name "Esmeralda" when speaking with those in the common tongue. To keep the contestants within the Faerie Realm, she promised the Faerie King that none would be allowed to pass into the Kingdom of Spiders; to honor her friend's request, Esmeralda has taken it upon herself to personally guard the border. {TKC, BLK}
Faolan - One of the seven competitors for the "King's Challenge," this Faerie adventurer and ex-warrior is a friend of the Faerie Realm. Born and raised in Crann Naoihm, Faolan left home as a young Faerie to travel Uir and has had many, many tremendous adventures of which he'll gladly tell, just ask him!
It was Faolan who defeated the evil Lord Sinister the scariest man Faolan had ever met. Tales of that legendary exploit are still told in taverns throughout Uir to this day; however, Faolan would much rather hang out in taverns, drinking and telling stories, than do any real adventuring. In truth, despite all of his bluster and bravado, Faolan hides a shameful secret. {TKC}
Ferryman - A solemn man of few words, it is his honor and sacred duty, as was his family's before him for generations, to guide and protect passengers across Turtle Lake to the Isle of the Honored. For only a single gold coin, he grants passage to those wishing to pay their respects; however, each passenger is allowed only a single trip each day. {TKC}
Finn the Bard - A young Eiukian bard following in the footsteps of his father, Donal of Galway. Finn hopes to win this year's King's Challenge, and along the way, gain inspiration to compose the greatest ballad ever written: a magnum opus to honor his father's legacy and sacrifice. While playing at an Inn somewhere in Rosette, Finn hears of the Challenge and begins the journey to Crann Naoimh. Along the way, he is waylaid by bandits in the Wilds between the two kingdoms; he is left with only his lute, his songbook, and his traveling clothes (which he was wearing at the time). Despite this setback, Finn is one of the seven competitors for the "King's Challenge." {TKC, BLK}
Gauen - One of the seven competitors for the "King's Challenge," Sir Gauen is a Knight and Captain of the Kingdom of Stoneland. While he is the bravest and most feared knight in his land, his impatience and belligerent ways often get him into trouble during the challenge. {TKC}
Gideon - A Faerie King from ancient times. In his honor, the southern forest of the Faerie Kingdom is often referred to as Gideon's Grove. {TKC}
Glenda - This Faerie runs the Potions Shop in the Eastern Section of Crann Naoimh; despite her stunning beauty, known throughout the Faerie Realm, she is actually quite lonely. {TKC}
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Sources:"Order of the Thorne: The King's Challenge" computer game by Infamous Quests
"Order of the Thorne: The King's Challenge" game manual by Infamous Quests
The Infamous Quests website (especially the Blog posts): "
www.infamous-quests.com"
Including: "Order of the Thorne: Fortress of Fire" promotional materials
Various Q&As and Information from Blackthorne and Klytos of Infamous Quests
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