Dor Ishura Shan're

==Meta-Information==
Dor Ishura Shan're was founded by Haytham Swiftwind I on the Emerald Dream Server. Since 2005, Ishura has growing steadily, changing its guild name from "Dor Ishura Shan're," to "Ishura," to "The Ishuran Federation," and finally, back to "Dor Ishura Shan're" in 2009. The guild transfered to the Moon Guard Server some time in 2008 and has remained there ever since. Currently, Ishura enjoys peaceful relations with many guilds and is actively recruiting more members into its various classes and is lead by Haytham Arienar Swiftwind III.
==Ishura's 'Home:' Gilneas==
Ishura currently resides within the ruins of Gilneas along with the many other orders that live there. Ishura itself holds no physical claim to the land itself, but does its part to protect its citizens as they continue moving themselves to the area. Taking great care, the Ishurans have modified known maps of Gilneas so that the citizenry can know where they are safe, and where they are not. The maps created by the Ishurans include maps of areas where the Ishurans currently are known to reside and maps of Safe Passages to and from the various points of interests.
Note: Ishura goes to great lengths to make it clear that it does not own any land within the World of Warcraft. Ishura may manage areas, it may be known to live in areas, but given the nature of World of Warcraft, Roleplaying, and just simple notions of fairness, Ishura will not lay actual, physical claims of ownership over any building or the land upon which it stands.
==Stated Purpose of Ishura==
Many have asked me, in my short time as Lord of Ishura, what the purpose of this order is. “Why are the Ishurans here, upon this earth?” Many times, my answers have been scattered, too simplistic to warrant any true legitimacy in the minds of those seeking such answers. This entry, on this day, the first of the second month of this the third age of the rule of the modern Swiftwind line, is meant to be such an answer.
This order was created by Lord Elvelas Swiftwind as a result of his distress; he was indeed a Quel’Dorei who dissented, who took issue with the practices of those who were closest to him, and who were the guardians of his people. In his heart, he knew full well that the continued thirst for magic without reason nor limitation would lead to the enslavement of his people, as it most certainly did. While advocating control and restraint, Elvelas also advocated the freedom of thought, and the progressive values of a society and order that wished only the betterment of those who called it home, and those who interacted with them as well.
What is little known is that Elvelas did not advocate taking any side of any conflict - the Ishuran people remained neutral in many important conflicts, though they have historically served under the forces of the Alliance and not the Horde. Despite this perceived bias in favor of one of the parties, the Ishuran people maintained healthy relations with elements of both factions, often times offering to negotiate ceasefires and momentary nulls in the fighting. Such gave rise to the principle of compromise, decency, and the betterment of all, principles that shape our modern day endeavors and give our people purpose.
While brief, our purpose in this world is simple: to combat the growing menace known as the scourge. We are dedicated to ridding the world of this Lich King, or at the very least, curtailing his power so that the madness which he brings upon the world is controlled. We are here to protect the innocence that has all but been lost due to the wars of this world, and undo the corruption of man. We are here to promote the furtherance of knowledge, and forge an alliance between like minded orders from both factions. In sum, we are here to right the wrongs of the past, and are prepared to defend those who need to be defended.
While it may be broad, and while at times it may seem that it is illogical to have such broad goals, I feel that as Lord of Ishura, it is my duty to uphold the principles that were established by the Good Lord Elvelas Swiftwind, and deliver the benefits of benevolence and selflessness to a world that is devoid of such humanity.
Such is our purpose, and any and all who wish to take part are welcome to join this Order, be subject to its laws, and uphold the principles which we will gladly give our lives to protect. If one commits, I will aid them wherever I can, for what good is a Lord who cares not for his own people, or lives better than they?
Such is my perspective.
- Haytham Arienar Swiftwind III
==The Ishuran 'Crown'==
Depsite references to royalty, Ishura itself is not a kingdom, nor does the order own any land. However, it does have a Lord and Lady, and given that structure, Ishurans do not necessarily owe any loyalty to their respective factions. In that sense, Ishura can be reasoned to have "soverignty" enough to be able to hold a seal that bears a crown. The 'Crown,' a circlet worn at all times by the Lord and Lady bearing a red gem, is rumored to be blessed by certain arcane magics known only to the Swiftwind family. While little is known of this, the 'Crown' has endured and become a part of Ishuran life.
However, many Ishurans caution outsiders on thinking that Ishura is a Kingdom, and refer instead to Ishura's reputation for being 'The Hidden Kingdom,' something explained in the Guild's History sections below, as the reasoning behind the word 'Royal' being used throughout Ishura's rank structure. Many also hold the belief that the word 'Royal' was a sarcastic addition to the titles within the order playing off its reputation for being as complicated as an actual Kingdom. It is also noted to be a 'snub' to the actual Nobles throughout the Alliance who, to many, have a reputation of being partial and corrupt.
==The Structure of Ishura==
Dor Ishura Shan're has developed a structure consisting of ten ranks, seven of which citizens of Ishura may progress to. The Order is headed by the Lord and Lady, who combine to create what is known as 'The Royal House.' There are two councils, the Royal Council and High Council, which manage the affairs of the citizenry and propose laws and customs for the order to follow. Below is a summary of each of the various parts of the order and their stated purpose.
====The Royal House====
: The Royal House shall comprise of the Lord and Lady of Ishura, and shall be deemed the highest rank in the Order. It shall be the final word - any decree or request shall be treated as binding law upon all those subject to the Order’s jurisdiction, be it through citizenship or extensive trade. The Royal House consists of the blood descendants of Lord Elvelas Swiftwind, the original Lord of Ishura, and their spouses.
====The High Council & The Royal Council====
: The High Council shall comprise of the Chief Judic, Supreme Magister (Magus), The Lord Defender, The High Chancellor, any Royal Advisor which the Lord sees fit to serve and High Officers within our ranks. The tenure shall be for life, and may be inherited by successors per Royal Decree only.
====The Royal Ishuran Judiciary: Judics====
: This shall be headed by the Chief Judic, and shall consist of Judics appointed by him or her, with the approval of the Lord. The Judiciary shall be responsible for solving disputes through the application of Ishuran Law, and shall write their opinions in a format similar to that of this opinion, stating their reasoning, laws applied, and their conclusions. This shall be preserved in the Royal Ishuran Library, which shall be open to all those wishing to read such opinions. All opinions resting upon sound reasoning and law shall be binding upon the Order as a whole, and may only be appealed in a manner not inconsistent with Ishuran Law. Leading the Ishuran Judiciary is High Royal Judic Variia Gray (Vàriia in Game).
====The Royal Ishuran Magi: Magisters====
: The Magisters are led by the Lady Magus Essentia Saphrica, who is among the wisest in our order. The Magisters specialize in the Magic arts and take the time to learn all that they can about it. They do not hold ill will against dark magics, but practice it with restraint. To be a Magister, it is said, is to be among the wisest in our order, and indeed throughout history, the Royal Ishuran Magisters have been instrumental in warding off darker, unseen evils that the world contains. (Open to all Caster Classes). See the Code of the Magi, here.
====The Royal Ishuran Emissaries: Emissary====
: Royal Emissaries act as diplomats assigned to various allied guilds throughout Azeroth. Emissaries are hand selected by the Royal House. To learn how to become an Emissary, see here. The Emissaries are lead by High Royal Emissary Osgar Stonebeard (Osgar in Game).
====The Royal Ishuran Guardianship: Guardian====
: The Guardianship is the military branch of the order, comprising of our bravest soldiers. More information to come soon. This is headed by High General Victor Lathrobane (Lathrobane in Game). The Royal Ishuran Guardianship is lead by the High General, and the Commanders of the various brigades therein. There are currently two Brigades, the First Royal Brigade (known as the Lord’s Brigade) and the Second Royal Brigade (known as the Lady’s Brigade). They are lead by their respective Commanders, and the Commanders are lead by the High General. Assignment to brigades are done by the Commanders with the approval of the High General, or by the Lord and Lady at their discretion. Below is a breakdown of the ranks within the Guardianship:
*High General
*High Commander (1 per Brigade)
*Lieutenant Commander
*Captain
*Lieutenant
*Private
*Cadet
====The Royal Ishuran Scholarship: Scholar====
: The Royal Ishuran Scholariship is responsible for maintaining our library and also beginning the planning and implimentation of the Royal Ishuran Academy, which will specialize in teaching various arts and sciences, as well as politics, to any citizen and officer of any of our many ranks who so wish.
====Citizen of Ishura====
: All Ishurans, no matter what their rank, are citizens of Dor Ishura Shan're, and are bound by the Book of Codes and the customs that Dor Ishura Shan're holds dear.
==The Laws of Ishura==
Ishura has a complicated system of laws and codes that its citizens (members) must follow. The Books of Law are bound together into what is known as The Ishuran Book of Codes. The Book of Codes is broken down into nine books: The Book of Intent, The Book of the Lady, The Book of War, The Book of the Citizen, The Book of Oaths, The Book of Gold, The Book of Amendments, The Book of the High Council, and The Book of the Chancellorship. Each book contains within it laws and oaths that every Ishuran must follow.
The laws of Ishura are enforced by Judics, or jduges of law. They are highly knowlegable on matters of Ishuran law and solve disputes though a non-representative adversarial system. To date, the Ishuran legal system is slowly being revised and updated for the times.
====Notable Ishuran Laws====
*"No woman is to be condemned to death for a crime; she is to be banished." (The Book of the Lady, §II.)
*"The crime of adultery against a man shall result in banishment; the crime of adultery against a woman shall result in death." (The Book of the Lady, §III.)
*"It shall be a crime for any Guardian or individual who [carries] arms [on behalf of] Ishura to desecrate or show disrespect to any place of worship." (The Book of War, §III.)
*"The people(s) of the enemy are to be respected and not abused in war." (The Book of War, §IV.)
*"If accusedo f a crime, a citizen of Ishura shall appear before a Judic from within the recognized Ishuran court, and shall be granted an opportunity to defend themselves before the Judic." (The Book of the Citizen, §I.)
*"As a symbol of respect, no Ishuran shall make haste through a temple, or display arms in a temple, regardless of agreement or belief." (The Book of the Citizen, §VII(b).)
*"None shall make compulsory a belief upon another." (The Book of Oaths, §I.)
*"A woman shall not be denied Ladyship." (The Book of Oaths, § VI(a).)
*"Any Ishuran with full rights to the coffers of Ishura determined to be guilty of theft from within the coffers shall be donemned to death." (The Book of Gold, Amendment to §II.)
*"The Ishuran Order shall allow refuge and citizenship, with all the rights reserved to each respective category, to persons formerly under the control of the Great Lich King (known as Death Knights)..." (The Book of Amendments, §I.)
==List of Ishuran Officers==
This list is accurate as of February 1, 2011.
#Haytham Arienar Swiftwind III {Guild Leader - Royal Lord of Ishura}
#Velri {Second in Command - Royal Lady of Ishura}
#Ayaàn {Crown Prince}
#Arizaen {High Royal Counscillor}
#Galfough {High Royal Counscillor}
#Lathrobane {High Royal General}
#Kairasa {High Royal Counscillor}
#Variia {High Royal Judic}
#Winiston {Deputy High Royal Judic}
#Osgar {High Royal Emissary}
#Thalvaus {High Prince of Ishura}
#Kyo {Commander, High Counscillor}
#Essentia {High Royal Magus}
#Edrand {Deputy High Royal Magus}
#Serrya {High Royal Scholar}
==Ishuran RP Plotline: Tieriandil's Pain==
In early 2010, Ishura started a guild-wide RP plotline entitled "Tieriandil's Pain." The plotline centered around historical rumors about the "curse" which ailed the early Lords and Ladies of Ishura, but had been dormant for two generations (through the reign of Haytham Sufyan Swiftwind (Haytham II) and Haytham Arienar Swiftwind (Haytham III). The plotline, as of January 11, 2011, the Amulet itself has been destroyed, and all that is left to is seek out and kill Kir'ashi, the former Ishuran Magus who had gone made as a result of the Amulet's power.
====Introduction: The Amulet, A Reconstruction of Lord Sundil's Speech to the Magi. These accounts were recreated through the use of Lady Arelanade Luminor's Journal, Lord Sundil's Wife.====
His hands move along the parched paper as he dips his quill into the small vile of ink besides him. He closes his eyes, allowing his fingers to feel the valleys, hills and crevasses in the paper as his quill’s point glides across it, almost in a trance as he translates his thoughts into words. The room is small, the size of a Captain’s quarter on a ship - the walls made of a soft stone known which glows silver in the dark. A creak is heard as his body moves with his hands, the words falling from his thoughts and onto the paper as the wood stool on which he sits cradles his every move. The small candle sitting atop a shelf on his old, wooden table dances to the melodies thrown upon it by the soft breeze entering from the large, open windows. Mountains, valleys, and wooded hills paint a peaceful serenade as the moon shines through the clouds - the sounds of birds and rivers flowing fill the small wooden room as he continues to write.
His eyes glow a soft green, his earlier obsession with the magics of the world nearly consuming his soul as he continues to throw his thoughts onto the paper. The roughness of his face is balanced by the smoothness of his skin, with his hair flowing beyond his shoulders; strands of silver courting stands of gold mimicking an intricate melody as his hair dances to the breeze. A moment of pause; his hand having left the valleys and hills of the paper monetarily to stroke the hair on his chin. He slowly raises his head as he looks out past the window and into the hills, his long ears waving, bowing to greet the sight before him. Small dimples form at the ends of his lips as he smiles to himself, taking his hand and moving it along the parchment as he continues to write again, his eyes fixed on the sights before him; the soft, green glow fades as he closes them, the pen continuing to move, his hands courting one another as the text aligns itself perfectly to the paper.
His ears stand at attention as a soft voice moves its way through the breeze, following the creaking of the door behind him. “Tieriandil,” it says, calmly, “they are waiting for you, my dear.” The green glow returns as his dimples disappear. He slowly stands, his golden robes greeting the wooden tiles beneath him. His journal closes, the paper greeting itself before being whisked away into a small, leather bag. His lips begin to move as a deep voice replies. “I will be a moment.”
The door opens further as a svelte figure appears in the shadows, illuminated only by the small flicker of candlelight. Long, snowy hair dances as the figure moves closer to him - two slender hands sail through the air as they gently land upon his sweeping shoulders. Her chin rests next to his neck as she speaks softly. “I worry for him too - I know you will do what is best.” The dimples reappear as his hands greet hers, gently caressing them as he slowly turns to face her. He nods only once, commanding a smile from her as she releases her grip.
----
The many voices of the council are silenced as a hand flies into the air, a palm facing a circular, marble table. The hall is vast, built of marble with stone pillars - large chandeliers hang from the roof as the candles illuminate their surroundings. A deep, threatening voice fills the hall. “The Lord Magus has arrived. Be seated.
His golden robes glide across the marble floors as he makes his way to his seat at the center of the table, his long, flowing hair following elegantly. Two strong hands greet the air as he commands the counsel to be seated, the sound of wooden chairs chafing the marble floors filling the hall as they obey. Parties of men and High Elves sit in their respective groups, their eyes fixed upon him as they await his words like worshipers lay ahead of a prophetic revelation. His lips begin to move, the silence becoming a deafening presence in the hall as a voice breaks the tranquility. “Our leader is no perfect being,” he states assertively, “nor is he a God, or a prophet.” His eyes travel around the room, commanding the acknowledgment of his words as nods are given in agreement. “His flaws,” he continues, “are the same that have plagued our people from the very moment that the secrets of mysterious waters were told. The zealotry, the betrayal - the divisions that have come to paths from this jealous pursuit of knowledge has destined our peoples to war and distrust.” His tone becomes more urgent as his voice turns deafening, “and what have we done to stop this? To control our blind thirst for power? Our childish attempts at controlling that which we do not understand?” His palm turns to face the heavens as his fist strikes, sending a loud, echoing thump throughout the hall. “What will we do now that we know this? Or is it not what will we do, but what can we do?” He pauses, his eyes moving around the hall as the concentrated stares greet him, furrowed brows conquering their faces. “My brothers,” he continues assertively, “we must do something - our greatest enemy, and our greatest flaw, is that we are flawed - it is imperfection, and a lack of self-control that has led us here. Our history tells us, clearly, that we are no match for our own naivety.”
His fingers reach into a small sleeve in his robe, grasping a long, golden chain. Upon it a small, red orb sits, cased in a dark pearl. Its color is plain, like that of dried blood. He dangles it before him, the green glow from his eyes painting a soft color upon it. Curious expressions greet it as the council stares into its core, unsure of its purpose. He speaks softly, his tone sorrowful. “A dark irony befalls us, my brothers - that which we have attempted to conquer, which has led us to a place where reason knows no companion, is all that will prevent us from consuming our very souls with our own, inquisitive naivety.” He turns, the orb following behind the golden chain as it is shown to the council. “We must protect our people from ourselves, from the power that we wield, and from our undying devotion to serve a Lord who has sacrificed himself for the betterment of us all.” He speaks more forcefully, his tone louder than before, his words more urgent as his brows curl towards his nose, his ears piercing the air around him. “We must do what we were meant to do - we must heed the call of our own purpose. The pursuit of knowledge is no evil - it is when we are reckless, when our own Lord is reckless - when our aspirations for power, and control, drive us to expand our influence to lands beyond this one - that we begin to sow the seeds of our own demise.” A long pause - the faces of the council members look to one another, astonished at the message.
All eyes befall the orb, its purpose slowly becoming more clear. “We must guard our Lord, and our lives - we must maintain a balance of knowledge, and of power; we must exercise the will of our people by ensuring that those to whom we pledge our lives and allegiance do not allow themselves to become consumed by that which has blinded our own sights.” Many nods accompany his words as he continues. “My brothers, we must do what is necessary, even if it means ensnaring the life of our Lord, binding his every move to this,” his hands jolting the chain as he speaks. “For if we grow great in power, which we shall, greater responsibilities dawn upon us all, responsibilities we must not fear to keep, and tasks which we must not fear to perform if the times demand it. We must not shy away from our purpose - our promise to our Lord to ensure that we do not become those we rebelled against.”
A lone voice interrupts him, piecing the hall. “You wish to curse our Lord, then, Lord Magus? Is that what you are asking of us? To place upon our Lord a chain that will dwell upon his life until we deem it necessary to replace him?”
His head quickly turns to face the source, his hair whipping the air around him as a dark, green glow meets the lone voice.
The voice continues. “And who is to ensure that we do not use this power - this amulet - to our own benefit?” A roaring series of voices his heard as the council reacts, unappreciative of the lone dissenter’s concern. “How are we to ensure that this Council does not become corrupted? How we are to know that we can trust ourselves with this great power you propose we wield, Lord Magus?”
“You have bestowed upon your Magus privileges and rights - powers that only he can wield, and powers that only he can know. This amulet is a key - nothing more, nothing less. It is a binding force which will bind not only the life of the Lord, but the Magus which you hold dear. If one were to call this amulet into use, it will take the life of the Lord and his Magus.” A gasp is heard, the dissenter’s expression that of shock. “Each of you will hold the key - each of you will enchant this amulet, but only you shall be able to use it. Even I will be oblivious to the commands needed to wield it.” His eyes circle the hall as shock fills the air. “You will call upon your Magus to bind himself to this amulet - to bind their lives to the will of the Magi - the Magi upon whom your Lord has trusted to ensure that our people are protected from their own desires. If your Magus refuses, then he is not worthy of the power which he wields.” 
Another voice pierces the hall. “Then the secrets known only to the Magus of this council shall be lost?”
“Precisely,” he replies. “The very blessings of the Ishuriandir, bestowed upon your Magus, given only by the Lord, shall be lost - the council’s legitimacy, and power, will fade with each use of this amulet.” Silence fills the hall as the council absorbs the message, faces of shock and confusion befall him. “The many houses of this order will be bound to this amulet - our very people will be protected. We cannot easily protect ourselves from one another, but we must do what we are able to. Leadership is not privilege - it is a burden, a burden upon one that you must deem worthy. Abusing this amulet will lead to the destruction of us all - we are choosing this necessary evil over a greater catastrophe. It is a choice that must be made - a choice that this council must make tonight.” A small center-table stands before him - slowly, he places the amulet upon it. “I will take my leave. The fate of our people rests in your hands. Do with it what you will.”
He makes his way to the entrance amid a sorrowful presence in the hall. The svelte figure stands before him at the entrance of the hall, a soft, distraught voice emanating from its lips. “Tieriandil,” she exclaims, “are you mad? How could you bind yourself to this madness?” A small tear falls from her slender eyes, their soft, blue glow fading as the tear falls from her face and lands upon the cold, marble floor. His fingers move slowly, gently caressing her face, removing the shining passage left by the tear’s journey. His voice waivers, his heart heavy as he speaks. “What I do, I do because I choose a better life for us all.” Her lower lip folds beneath her teeth as she tames her distress, the blue glow fading as her eyes close. His arms wrap around her as he brings her close to him in a loving embrace. “I do what I must,” he says, “and I would have never wedded a woman who did not understand the meaning of sacrifice.” His eyes close as they embrace, their fate now in the hands of the council.
====The Ruling of The Council - A Historical Account====
With the Lord Magus now outside, members of the council deliberated the fate of the order. While actual accounts of the details of the discussions are sparse, the records of the Magi indicate that there were two concerns: power, and authority. Many members of the council believed that if one particular house of the Magi were to hold the key to its use, politics would inevitably corrupt the purpose of the amulet. Moreover, the Magi were concerned with the process of decision making necessary to ensure that if the amulet would be used, it would be used properly. The debates, contrary to popular belief, did not last a day - they went one for one month, in secret. The Magi would meet only when Lord Elvelas was sleeping. At times, the Magi would meet in various halls throughout the city of Dalaran, but most often, with the exception of the venue for the first speech given by Lord Sundil, the Magi would meet far out in the wilderness for hours at a time. It was reported that the debates were so furious that minor scuffles between the houses of Sundil, Elrónduil, and Elémir, with the few elder representatives from the Lady’s House of Paeveth sitting idly, unsure of which side to take, were reported by various sources.
Despite the difficulties, a compromise was reached. Each house would be responsible for only a portion of the “key” needed to activate the amulet. Without the agreement and cooperation of the four houses of the Magi, the amulet would wield no power, effectively placing the entire fate of the order on the concept of consensus within the Magi. This, however, concerned many, and while there was skepticism, sheer necessity mandated that this compromise be accepted. The Magi voted, and with the entire council agreeing, determined that the house of Sundil would possess the opening verse of the amulet’s key out of respect for their dear Magus, with the houses of Elrónduil, Elémir and Paeveth partitioning the remaining verses among themselves. Those who had seen all the verses together swore never to repeat them - failure to abide by this sworn oath would result in certain death.
The decision was codified in a journal entry by Sir Tremenor Elémir, an elder of the the House of Elémir of the Ishuran Magi. Other than an isolated entry, no record exists of the final decision. However, analyzing traditions and customs of the Magi, it seemed apparent that the conditions expressed in Sir Tremenor’s entry (reproduced below) persisted. Given the circumstances, it was plausible that the council sought to keep this ruling out of its records for fear of altering the Lord.
(Translated from Thalassian by the Royal Keepers of Dor Ishura Shan’re)
: It was the will of the council to make this decision. I did not agree with it, but felt pressed to bring the house of Elémir into this as a party, if not in sheer acquiescence. The Magi deliberated for forty nights, at times out in the cold. We could have build a hundred fires and none of them would have been adequate to keep us warm. We were all angry old men who would rather be sleeping, an irony, especially since the fate of our people somehow rested in this thing that hung off of a chain. We believed that there would be signs that would warrant the use of this amulet. First, the Lord’s lust for magic and power would become evident in his words. The more forceful his tongue, the more indications of his state of mind. This may be in the form of going to war when the times did not necessitate it - perhaps it could be the acquisition of new Kingdoms that were weak and easily overrun. But even this can be analyzed in different ways - no matter what, it was nonetheless the first sign, a sign that cannot be ignored.
: Second, still focusing upon the Lord, his words, actions, and instructions to and towards the Magi would be more extreme. The Lord would look to more daring means of gaining knowledge of the arcane. He would be reckless - even if the Magus rejected, the Lord would press on with his demand. We felt that this would be a second sign.
: Third, and lastly, the Lord would disregard reason in his day to day interactions. His state of mind would be long lost - he would grow uneasy, if not paranoid for his own power and existence. Such would lead one to make more harshly tuned decisions; ones that should not be obeyed.
: If all three signs were to come together, the Magus would be duty-bound to summon the Magi and initiate a discussion. Only with the consensus of the entire Magi will the amulet be used. Its effects, we determined, would be disguised as a sickness, gradually getting worse, isolating the Lord’s temper and tantrums to his personal life. The final verses needed to execute the deed would be reserved only until a suitable heir is found. Even if the Magus disagreed, and the council sought it fit to activate the amulet, the will of the council will override any concern.
: It is both a glorious day, and a tragic day for this order. Glorious in the sense that we have acknowledged a fundamental flaw in our own existence, and have corrected it. Tragic in the sense that we will need to deceive an entire people - to lie to them - if only to protect them. But I pose this question: who will save us from ourselves?
====The Will of the Amulet====
With the ruling of the Magi now set in stone, the amulet was enchanted in the presence of Lord Sundil. The Lord Magus felt that if he were not present, members of the council may incorporate their own twists and turns into the process, thereby corrupting the true purpose of the amulet and its power. Despite the good intentions of the council, however, the amulet seemed to have a will of its own. It was posited that the later revelations of historical events in Azeroth that came in the form of dreams to later Lords of Ishura were a direct result of the enchantment process. While many who were privy to the council’s decisions and witnessed the actual enchanting would claim that the amulet set forth a series of events that led to major trials in Ishuran history, it is now well conceded that the amulet itself merely channeled various thoughts and dreams to Lords and Magi alike within the Ishuran order. These dreams, it is said, laid the foundations for many important decisions by the subsequent Lords of Ishura.
It was rumored, though not conclusively proven, that the amulet’s power was a counter-balancing property of a Lord’s life, often giving the Lord the ability to delay the corruptive nature of the Magi’s work long enough for him to have an heir and train him or her for Lordship or Ladyship. Some believed that the amulet gave the Lord the ability to show great restraint and compassion in situations where common folk would react violently. Many believe that Ishura’s neutral stance towards the Horde is a direct result of the Lord’s compassion, influenced mainly by the amulet’s power and “will” for peace and harmony.
Despite this, the amulet has been used many times in Ishuran history, most notably in the “mysterious” death of Lord Elvelas Swiftwind, who was rumored to have been sick. While the majority of its use was governed by the Magi, many instances of mysterious deaths and misfortunes surrounding Ishuran Lords have yet to be explained. It was not until the great betrayal of the House of Paeveth were the deaths explained.
====The Betrayal====
Discontent with its status as an “inferior house of humans” within the Magi for over a hundred years, Sir Dreldan Paeveth of the house of Paeveth devised of a plot to steal the amulet once and for all, keeping it within a safe somewhere in the domain of the House of Paeveth, now rumored to be somewhere in Northrend. Marginalized as having a “lack of self control,” the human house of the Magi felt that revenge was in order.
However, there was a draw back. Sir Dreldan had to first acquire the key in its entirety, a task that would require unorthodox means. In a meeting with a number of co-conspirators, Sir Dreldan devised a plot to kidnap and torture the elders of the three Elven Houses privy to the amulet’s key. While accounts of the plot’s implementation do not exist, the historical record does indeed show the amulet was lost. Some historians debate whether the alleged timing of the plot, which coincided with the Sin’Dorei aligning with the Horde as opposed to the Alliance, had anything to do with the disappearance of the amulet. Either way, the amulet’s power has been cited as a source for various deaths and betrayals in Ishuran history, most notably that of Lord Lirkthorn.
With the disappearance, or dissolution, of the House of Paeveth, the amulet was lost to history and time. The death of Lord Haytham Arohannon Swiftwind I indicated to many that the amulet was still in existence, its power still being wielded by an unknown practitioner. With the coming of Lord Haytham Swiftwind III and the Reign of Wisdom, the quest for the amulet and the necessity of its rediscovery became evident - it is only a matter of time before it is used again. The time had come for the greatest search in Ishuran history.
==Ishura's History==
As of January 11, 2010, Dor Ishura Shan're has announced that it is in the process of revamping its entire backstory. The current version of the guild lore is long and ridden with historical errors which make it difficult to read and to track. Haytham, along with many members of the guild, are hopeing to complete the newly revised Ishuran lore sometime in 2011. Below is a copy of the current Ishuran lore, and the reader is asked to take this on with a grain of salt and await the upcoming release of the newer, revised and more historically possible lore.
===Ishura's Founding by Lord Elvelas Swiftwind===
Elvelas Swiftwind had a tale to tell, though it was never truly told due to his chronic loss of memory and temper tantrums that accompanied his illness (perhaps it was a result of withdrawal from the use of Arcane, something which he did purposefully for reasons unknown to us). However, what record of his life that remains tells a daunting story.
Paragraph omitted.
Elvelas, in blinding rage (likely another one of his inexplicable tantrums), publicly condemned the use of Arcane, angering many within his community. Though many knew of his illness and the temper tantrums, it did little to change the minds of those overzealous nobles who eventually decided to exile him from Silvermoon. Elvelas’ exile came swift, the nobles quick to condemn any who deviated from the studies of Arcane, and in doing so, sent him, and a small group of Quel’Doeri who were sympathetic to Elvelas’ condition and sought to aid him, out to fend for themselves, journeying though the Ghostlands, and what was to eventually become the Eastern Plaguelands, before eventually settling in Dalaran.
It was at this point in his life that he met, at the age of 27, a human by the name of Thaella Paeveth, who had come to Dalaran in her early teens to study with the Magi of the city. Those around him said it was love at first sight, and despite the many warnings given to Thaella about Elvelas’ condition, she agreed to marry Elvelas. It was at this point, according to surviving journals that were passed down from many generations (kept by those closes to Elvelas), that Elvelas’ condition began to worsen, with his tantrums becoming more frequent, despite his memory more or less staying the same.
Between the founding of Ishura and the last known entry (which contained the reference of Elvelas’ tantrums becoming more frequent) is a gap, a dark age, if you will. There is only speculation as to the events, or series of events, that led to the night where Elvelas decided to leave Dalaran, with his then pregnant wife, and a band of his closest followers. We know little of his intentions, but one entry from Eäriol Sundil said that his mind was “as hard as rock; not even the erosion of time would ever seem to change what he has decided upon…” Perhaps it was a record of Elvelas’ determination, or perhaps his insanity, but regardless, it was on that night that Elvelas founded what he called a ‘Hidden Order’ which would, in his eyes, right the wrongs he had seen throughout his life.
The founding of the order was quick, and from surviving records the location of the order's founding was ascertained. The following entry, also from Eäriol Sundil, recalls the details of Elvelas’ intentions:
: “…it would have baffled me in the beginning had I not know him. He was tense, his brow raised slightly. In all honestly I was feeling the same withdrawals that he had been feeling; but it was not the withdrawals that concerned me; it was the fact that for the first time in his life, Elvelas began to make sense. Perhaps he had come across something we have overlooked while in Dalaran. Perhaps we were too busy feeding our Arcane desires by participating with the Magi; whatever it was, Elvelas definitely saw it. It was almost too good to be true; to bring together three houses of Quel’Doeri and one house of seemingly primitive Humans. I have never before seen such a thing, and while I did not protest I could not help but think for a moment the he was insane. Perhaps I was insane too… indeed I agreed to bring my own house to his order. Perhaps it was for the future of his children, or some greater good; I do not know, but I cannot help but trust him…”
The three houses of Quel’Doeri (Sundil, Elrónduil, Elémir) and the Human house of Paeveth (after much convincing from both Elvelas and Thaella) came together and made a pact with Elvelas Swiftwind to form the ‘Hidden Order.’ The following entry from Nélas Elémir (one of the few who remained with Elvelas at all times) documents the order and speculates deeper into what was meant.
: “…we were very skeptical. Yes, we had agreed to this order knowing that there would be some benefit for us in future generations, but what was Elvelas to do now that this new order was established? Logically, he began to create the template for governance, creating what he simply called ‘The Court,’ which would consist of the elders of each house who would converse with one another, and collectively make decisions for this hidden order. Of course, we opted to ensure that the founder was recognized, and addressed him as Lord Elvelas Swiftwind, his wife now Lady Thaella; he created a ‘High Court’ for his future offspring. Though it was initially met with opposition, Elvelas convinced many of us that it was for the sake of managing his family, which he somehow reasoned would grow beyond imagination in the years to come. Perhaps it was part of his… illness. Yet we allowed it to happen, and began deliberating the first order of business: where shall we go now?”
It was from this point that Elvelas began moving his people south, through the traditionally feared Tristfall Glades (at least to the Quel’Doeri) and into Silverpine forest, where they began to live peacefully wherever they were welcome, oftentimes raising herds of sheep and using the wool to create intricate dresses and other ornamentals that they sold to the humans that inhabited the area.
Though slow and simple, the early days of the order were quite peaceful. Six months after the founding of the order, Thaella gave birth to her first child, a boy, by the name of Prenathas Swiftwind. The following is one of the very few records personally written by Elvelas describing his first son:
: “…he looks like me, well, somewhat. He’ll have to look like his mother… of course. The eyes are as blue as day, though they have a strange glimmer to them… they shine brightly when hit directly by the sun, and dim quickly when in the light of the moon, as if they are somehow saddened. His ears are pointed, though his body stout, though even at infancy it can be seen that he will one day grow strong, perhaps strong enough to be free of what plagues me. Whatever it may be; let it be known that my son shall take Lordship upon my passing…”
: Note: It is known that Thaella and Elvelas had two more children, a daughter and second born by the name of Serandir and another son by the name of Arindor.
It was the life of Prenathas that would play the vital role in shaping the Hidden Order, and pave way to the future generations that would claim Lordship over it.
===Lord Prenathas Swiftwind & The Order's Defining Moments===
Fifteen years into the life of Prenathas, and after the birth of his sister and brother (Serandir and Arindor, respectively), Lord Elvelas Swiftwind died for reasons unknown. It is widely believed that his ‘sickness’ finally took him, with some going as far as baring the rumor that he took his own life, a rumor that Thaella denied ‘til the day she died.
Thaella now had a dilemma on her hands. The death of Elvelas had thrust upon her a burden of leadership that she had never expected to single handedly carry. She knew that her son, Prenathas, would have to take over the burden of the Order; her old age hindering her ability to rule. It was not until Prenathas reached the age of eighteen did she have confidence in his abilities, and deemed he be crowned Lord, ushering in the first generation of leadership.
Prenathas’ first order of business was to convene both courts and determine the future course of the Order by outlining a Code by which the Order would abide. Realizing that his father was never clear on ideals, Prenathas determined that the philosophy behind the Order would be one of building a society that did not need to abide by the laws and norms that governed much of Azeroth at the time. However, Prenathas also understood the necessity for strong leadership. There were already signs of tension between the various houses over rights to tribute and influence in the Court. With this in mind, Prenathas began to create roles for the various houses to play in the Order’s daily affairs, which he reasoned would reduce tensions, something which he was eventually proven correct in reasoning.
The roles would be simple: Guardians to protect the Order, a task that the House of Paeveth naturally took upon themselves due to their long history of fighting in the armies of Dalaran. t’Was a task that Prenathas deemed the house worthy of undertaking. He then created Messengers, which Prenathas saw as his eyes and ears not only to the Order, but to the outside world which he had just begun to realize was quickly growing suspicious of them, despite its not being announced (rumors tended to flow like water, often being warped, as would be expected). The house of Elrónduil, with their long history are mediators within their own communities, took the role upon themselves, and to much success, though the distrust of the Quel’Doeri amongst humans would eventually complicate matters.
All was left was to find what Prenathas believed the houses of Sundil and Elémir were most keen upon contributing to the growing order. It was in this moment that he made a decision that, had Elvelas been alive, would have caused an uproar. Seeing the Quel’Doeri’s will weakening towards their thirst for arcane, he lifted the unspoken ban that his father placed just fifteen years before, approving the limited practice within the houses of Sundil and Elémir. While the house of Elrónduil was somewhat disapproving of the measure, Prenathas was able to calm their concerns, saying that the role of the house of Elrónduil was of ‘greater’ importance, though he never truly admitted that to the other two houses. It was then that Prenathas, at his young age, founded what became to be known as the Magi, with the first Magus (or ‘High Mage [of the Order]’) being Tieriandil Sundil.
Though heavily controlled by the two Councils, the Magi practiced their art under the watchful eye of the House of Paveth and Lord Prenathas. It was this decision that paved the way for the movement ‘towards the Light,’ and gave the Order the stability and further learning that it needed in order to survive.
A note on the life of Prenathas
Prenathas Swiftwind was known as a moral man, and one who was just and kind to those he was around. At the age of twenty three, he married a Sin’Doeri (one of the few remaining) by the name of Brinadine Owlsong. Three years after their marriage, Brinadine gave birth to two children: Orfal Swiftwind and a daughter, Unaline Swiftwind.
Prenathas, at the age of twenty seven, began to show signs of the illness which plagued his father. His symptoms, however, were more severe, with the episodes and tantrums becoming extremely violent, at one point causing Brinadine to seek refuge with her family for a time to protect herself and their children from Prenathas’ rage. Though sporadic in frequency (at least initially), the age of thirty Prenathas’ episodes and tantrums became non stop until they claimed his life at age thirty one, two years after Thaella (Prenathas’ mother) had passed*.
Ironically enough, Brinadine was left to deal with the same hardships that Thaella had dealt with: she was to raise two children and bare the burden of the entire order. While the houses within the Order were giving and helpful, the burdens placed upon the young Brinadine were too much. It was clear that she had to prepare her eldest son, Orfal, to assume Lordship; the pain of such a thing evident in her journals, as one surviving entry states:
: “…I should feel shameful; Shameful for raising a child and preparing him to take upon a burden placed upon me; to raise him only to remove such a burden. In essence, I do feel shameful; how could a mother be so selfish? Why is it that I must face two burdens: the burden of keeping a people together, and that of giving a child their right to a childhood? Perhaps some things are more important than others, though the only thing that is clear is what must be done; my regret and shame will live with me forever.”
By the age of thirteen, Orfal was given the title of Lord on the eve of his mother’s death. His sister, Unaline, was only seven.
By this time, many within the order had begun to believe that Elvelas’ line was somehow cursed, and it was this fact that gave more urgency and power to the Courts who sought to ensure that the instability of Lordship did not translate into the Order’s demise.
: *Note: Once the new Lord was established (in this case the eldest son), the wife of the old Lord would step down and assume ceremonial roles within the order.
===Lord Orfal Swiftwind & His First Born===
Orfal’s time as Lord was marked by growth within the order, and the acceptance of the Quel’Dori house of Woodsong, from whom Orfal wedded an Elf by the name of Mirina. Despite the many suspicions regarding the political nature of their decision to wed (perhaps out of a desire for the Woodsong’s to gain more influence), Orfal and Mirina shared a strong bond with one another and were often regarding as ‘love birds’ amongst those who would come across them.
Like Prenethas and his father, Orfal too showed signs of the ‘curse,’ as it now began to be called. Orfal, however, did not pay too much attention to the concerns raised by his advisers, and opted to have children with Mirina; their first child being a daughter named Arlenine Swiftwind, and a second born son, Arburthal Swiftwind.
The first born, however, began to pose a problem to those within the quickly growing order. Many assumed that Arburthal would be named as heir to Lordship, as was custom within the various houses and neighboring societies that surrounded the Order. Orfal, however, had a different plan, and announced much to the dismay and surprise of his people, that his daughter Arlenine would be the heir to Lordship. Though initially met with harsh opposition, especially from the house of Elémir*, the order of the Lord was obeyed and Arlenine began the long process of learning the inner workings of the Order, and prepared herself for Ladyship.
Many years passed since the birth of Orfal’s children, and it seemed that all fears about the ‘curse’ within the House of Swiftwind had ceased with the passing of Prenathas. However, this perspective was shored lived, and Orfal’s death came swift, and to many for no reason. Arlenine, then the age of twenty four, quickly assumed Ladyship, and began ruling the Order tightly; her years of training with her father, as well as being the oldest to take Lord/Ladyship of the Order (second to Elvelas), gave her the ability to be much more coordinated, and ensure that the daily affairs were conducted normally, and without interruption (despite the sudden loss).
: *The houses of Elémir and Woodsong did not particularly get along, and almost went to war on several occasions prior to their acceptance into the Order. Though not much is known about the source of the rivalry, some believe that it stemmed from disputes over the origin of certain Arcane practices.
===The Reign of Lady Arlenine the Fair===
Lady Arlenine was known as ‘Arlenine the Fair.’ One journal entry written by Bartulir Trevanor, a trader that often had dealings with the Order directly through its leadership, describes her appearance.
: “Fair is too foul a word to describe what I see before my very eyes. It is not often that I prefer to look into the eyes of my customers, especially since they consist of fat, drunken Dwarves and Goblins whose eyes are filled with Gold and Copper. But this was an exception… a very pleasant exception. I have never dealt with a Quel’Dorei before; I was always told to stay away from them: their wizardry and carelessness had proven them to be dangerous and untrustworthy. Yet something was different about this one… her skin was as bright and as smooth as the sands of Tanaris, and her eyes shined much like the way Mithril does when hit by the sun. A voice as smooth as the finest silks… perhaps it is childish of me to say this, even in a journal, but I look forward to her dealings like a child looks forward to a treat after a long day of play.”
Members of the Order knew her as an Elf who took care of her mother, Mirina, until her last breath. It was said that their relationship was extremely strong, so strong in fact that they would be noted as inseparable (at least when Mirina had the strength to walk). But her mother’s death was signaled with a change in Arlenine’s demeanor, well away of the ‘curse’ that had plagued her father, grandfather, and great grandfather before.
However, like her own father, she opted to put that aside, continue expanding the Order, in one instance leading them through small skirmishes with nomadic groups who sought to exploit their growing riches and resources.
Like the rest of her kin, Arlenine opted to wed, and she did not have to search very far to find love. To the surprise, and dismay, of many, Arlenine announced that she was to wed Bartulir Trevanor, the trader that she had dealings with for many years. This marriage marked the beginning of the transition from mainly Elven Lords and Ladies to that of men, and set the stage for the saddest moment in the Order’s history.
===The Long Slumber & The Grandfather===
Arlenine lived to be well over one hundred years old, outliving her husband Bartulir. Due to their commitments to the Order, and due to Bartulir’s decision to continue his trade, they gave birth to only one child, a boy by the name of Lomandur Swiftwind.
Lomandur was born looking more like a human than his previous of kin, perhaps because of fact that the human was a male, and not a female*. His life was filled with constant attention and love from both of his parents who knew that they would likely not have another, and thus did all they could to teach him the ways of Lordship to prepare him to his eventual ascension.
At age thirty three, Lomandur became the Order’s fourth generation to assume Lordship, his mother having passed peacefully. By this time the ‘curse’ was all but forgotten (after all, it had been dormant now for over one hundred and thirty years), and Lomandur began the long process of building up the Order’s strength, focusing on preparing an army. Despite his time as Lord being before the first war, Lomandur felt uneasy about the current state of the world; his wife would later write in her diary that Lomandur would awaken in the middle of the night having dreamt of events such as the opening of the Dark Portal, calling it a ‘consuming nether,’ though none (and perhaps Lomandur as well) did not know what his dreams could have meant at the time*.
His decision to build up his own forces would prove beneficial as many human tribes and communities began to be absorbed into the growing order, though their allegiance was at time shaky. The rapid growth meant that more were now participating within the Court, which gave way to the escalation of tensions between certain Quel’Doeri houses. Lumandur, as with those before him, became heavily involved in the Order’s internal politics, often times enforcing orders by sending his Guardians to maintain the peace. What once began as a band of renegade Elves and men had now turned into a full fledged society, hidden just out of sight of the existing nobles*2.
However, this tension was alleviated when the Order saw its first true challenge: war. Little is known of ‘The War of Shields,’ however the existing sources refer a number of large skirmishes that lasted well over five years between members of the Order and competing tribes and houses. The losses on both sides were tremendous, with Lomandur himself having almost died numerous times from his injuries.
Lomandur, preoccupied with war and internal affairs, did not marry until the age of forty two; his wife was Thella Peacewind, a woman from one of the newly accepted houses of the Order. After four years of marriage, Lomandur began to show signs of the forgotten illness that was prevalent throughout the Order’s past leadership. Once again rumors of the curse began escalating within the order, and it was not long before Lomandur died and left his wife Thella to take upon the burden of the Order, repeating the history that had plagued the past.
: *Many believed that racial attributes such as the ears, body type, and skin complexion were passed on by the male, and not the female. In many ways this belief lives on within the Order, though it is not as prevalent as it was once.
: *2 The Order was often referred to as “The Hidden Order.” Many of its members continued their day to day errands, serving the various Kings and Lords in the area, and participating in the scattered affairs of the Order. Many joked that this was a Kingdom within Kingdoms. But it must be noted, however, that at its peak, the Order did not surpass seven hundred members, many of whom were scattered miles and miles away. Though the relations and conduct of the Order at this time was little known, many believe that the vast majority of its members never met another member unless they were of the same house. It was often that the head of a House would bring their houses in to the Order for protection and some sort of financial benefit from trade.
===Ishura's Darkest Hour: The Great Betrayal===
Thella, like the other wives of past, had now be placed in a challenging position. Assuming the title of Lady, Thella struggled to raise her two sons Umair and Lirkthorn.
Umair was the first born, and naturally Thella began prepping him for the responsibilities associated with Lordship. His younger brother, Lirkthorn, observed his brother’s training with growing jealousy. Unlike his father, Lirkthorn showed signs from an early age that he had now carried this ‘curse’ from the Swiftwind lineage, often times secluding himself far out into the forest, losing himself to his long rants and tantrums. In many cases, Lirkthorn was haunted by what he later described as ‘swift-winded shadows,’ an irony which he exploited in his writings.
Like his brother, Umair too began to show signs of a similar ailment, though Thella worked hard to help Umair through his episodes*. At the age of twenty seven, Umair assumed Lordship after his mother had passed it on to him despite her still being alive. It was the first time in the Order’s history that a living Lady had given her son the title of Lord while she was still alive, and she wasted no time in assuring the Umair was prepared for the future.
With her help, she had arranged Umair to be wedded to Gliressa Frerawweth, a commoner whose mother Thaella had known. Their marriage was a massive celebration with festivities lasting ten days and guests in the hundreds. Thella wanted it to be known that her son was to be a strong leader, and indeed she was right.
Within a year of his marriage, Umair had given birth to his first son, Rrandor, followed by Lorenthal, Demithas, and a daughter by the name of Yena. Umair and Gliressa’s good fortune had guaranteed a strong lineage for the House of Swiftwind. However, despite all the celebration and attention that Umair had been given, his brother, Lirkthorn, was not so pleased.
Thella had realized too late that she had neglected Lirkthorn’s condition; her negligence contributing to the continual worsening of his predicament. Thella tried desperately to help her son, but Lirkthorn’s jealousy and distrust of both his mother and brother was too strong for her to overcome. Despite having asked on her death bed for Lirkthorn’s forgiveness, he refused, and Thella passed leaving behind two sons who were at dangerous odds.
Umair knew that his brother was in need of attention, and did everything he could to be at his side. Despite this, however, Lirkthorn began to feel that he had somehow been robbed of a right and privilege. Not be known to Umair, Lirkthorn began plotting an act that would forever change the nature of the Order.
Knowing his brother’s feeling of guilt toward his condition, Lirkthorn arranged a meeting between the two, the topic being preparing Lirkthorn of marriage, and a lasting contribution to the Order’s well being. Umair, in an effort to show his trust for his brother, chose not to have his Guardians by his side. The two met only for a moment before Lirkthorn seized the opportunity and stabbed his brother in the heart, before slitting this throat. It was at this moment that Lirkthorn’s jealousy showed itself, and in a sick and blinding rage cut the head off of his brother’s body and held it high in the air, taking the crown and placing it upon his own head.
It was unclear how Lirkthorn managed to convince the Order that his brother was brutally maimed in a skirmish with local tribes, but in doing so implicated Umair’s three sons in his brother’s death, raising an aura of suspicion towards Umair’s wife and children. Lirkthorn was passionate in his appeals to the Order, fabricating stories of Umair’s wife, painting her as a adulteress and interested only in her own financial gain. Frustration within the Courts turned into rage as the Order demanded answers.
Taking advantage of the unrest, Lirkthorn placed a verdict upon the Order, calling for Umair’s wife and children to come forth and admit their part in Umair’s death. This verdict infuriated the Order’s members, and in a riot they sought after, and found Thella. In the midst of the chaos, Lirkthorn appeared and ordered that Thella confess to her deeds to the people of the Order, being met by her refusal. Though it was unclear how the course of events may have taken place, the end result is not disputed: Thella was hanged before the rioting crowd, and their anger now turned to Umair’s three sons.
Lirkthorn had other plans, however, and quickly moved to arrest Umair’s sons. In his mind it was best to show that he had the final authority, and thus sought to quell the crowd and publicly arrest the three sons. Upon his order, all three were executed, one at a time, before one another by the very Guardians that had protected their father. All that was left for Lirkthorn to do was to remove the last obstacle to his power, Yena. However, it was not death that he had in mind. Yena was his tool for revenge, and his goal was to humiliate her and cast her father’s lineage into the abyss for the past. He was now the Lord of the Order, and wanted to ensure he would always remain so.
Lirkthorn’s jealousy and power-mongering did not go well with whatever remained of the Federation. His first order of business, now that Umair’s children and family were out of the way, was to revise the military wing of the order. Despite Umair’s self-glorifying personality, his military mind was sound, according to those who surrounded him. Lirkthorn created what is the modern day Guardianship, divided into two sub-groups, the Protectors and the Rangers. Lirkthorn, constantly on the offensive and willing to crush anyone he suspected of opposing his rule, began to fund the Guardianship heavily, diverting much of the resources that would have went to The Court, now known as the Chancellorship, to military ventures. However, despite the literally unlimited funding of the Guardianship, Lirkthorn came down hard on the Magi, perceiving them to be the sole threat to his power, greater than that of his political rivals and neighboring clans. In what was known as the “Midnight Massacres,” Lirkthorn Swiftwind ordered the Guardianship to effectively seek out and kill any and every member of the Magi – and they did so with deadly efficiency. Of the two hundred and fifty members of the Magi, one hundred were found and killed, with the rest fleeing to various parts of the Eastern Kingdoms to escape the viciousness of Lirkthorn’s rule, refusing to use the Arcane to fight back, honoring the vow of the Magi never to use magic for war against their own people. Their Magus, known only as Kirashi, managed to flee to what is now known as Theramore, where he began to channel the remaining Magi to him, vowing to remain in hiding until what Kirashi called was the ‘Time of Reckoning’ for the Order. With the Magi effectively out of his way, Lirkthorn began planning military raids on neighboring clans and cities, his goal being the collection of resources and territory. In his mind, Likthorn perceived himself to be a King, creating what is known today as The Royal House, combining the High Court into what he called to be ‘The High Council of The Hidden Kingdom,’ which would personally manage his affairs. In the midst of his reorganizing, Lirkthorn circulated several books throughout the order justifying his rule and explaining the changes, demanding tribute in exchange for citizenship and protection in what he called a “new dawn.” However, it was not meant to be. During the madness that followed Lirkthorn’s ascension to power, a group of Guardian Officers, led by Therandir Dragonpride, plotted the murder and overthrowing of Lirkthorn, and the dismantling of the order. In a journal entry written by Dragonpride himself, he explained his reasoning:
: “…and such pains me. Not once did I ever think I would be in a position to save my home by destroying it. There would be no hope even after he [Lirkthorn] is dead – the rivalries would see this as an opportunity to fight amongst one another for control of an order that had died the moment Umair shed his first drop of blood. Her Highness [Yena Swiftwind] is most surely dead – there is nothing left for us here. Our goal is not to save the Order; on the contrary, it is to save those around us who will soon feel the wrath of his [Lirkthorn] madness.”
Therandir Dragonpride, followed by thirty Guardians of various statuses within the Order, met secretly in a camp outside what is now Goldshire to discuss their plot. While it is unclear what exactly transpired to result in this title, Therandir Dragonpride was hailed as the Ishuriandir, what many members of the Guardians aligned to him believed to be a ‘Hidden Prophet,’ or ‘Bringer of Salvation.’ Despite his refusals, he reluctantly accepted the title in secret, and the plan to kill and overthrow Lirkthorn was put into action.
===The Ishuriandir's Sacrifice & The End of Madness===
The plan required surprise and precision. Dragonpride knew that Lirkthorn slept with five guards at his side, and two lieutenants standing post outside his bedroom, and knew that the only way to get past them was not through violence, but through authority. Dragonpride recruited Erial Lorthal, a Commander of the Guardianship’s fifth division, and informed him of the plot. The plan was simple – Lorthal would approach the seven guards and order them to step down, accompanied by seven Guardians, all of whom Dragonpride’s followers, and quickly move in, decapitating Lirkthorn and setting fire to his home, and all of the Order’s documents. While many had quietly questioned the simplicity of Dragonpride’s planning, they dared not question Dragonpride’s tactics openly – in his mind, Dragonpride knew that the quickest way to dismantle a complex system of order was through simplicity. Knowing that the fog of war would naturally take things away from what was planned, he counted on the simple authority of a Commander and the quick hand of himself and his Guardians to do the trick. On a cold winter’s night, near Lirkthorn’s residence, the plan went into action. Lorthal approached the Guardians protecting Lirkthorn’s residence, accompanied by five Guardians and Dragponride, and ordered the guards to step down. Fearing the authority of their Commander and the possible repercussions of disobedience, they did, and as soon as they were out of sight, Dragonpride and his Guardians moved in. While it is unclear how exactly Lirkthorn died, a surprising revelation was discovered: Kirashi, having disguised himself as a crow, followed the Guardians through their planning, having watched over their every step, ensuring that their plans would go off unhindered. A single page from Kirashi’s journal, describing the events of that night, survived, and many believe it was no surprise that it did.
: “They entered the room, and had done the deed. I had protected their every move until that moment – nobody had seemed to consider the possibility of Lirkthorn awakening before the deed had been done, nor had they considered the shrieks of Lirkthorn’s pain when they realized their weapons had not been sharpened enough to cut the head. By the time the deed was one, Guardians were running towards their now fallen leader, ready to torture, humiliate, and then kill those who had done what they had to do to save those around them. We had a matter of seconds – and I knew what must be done. I stood before him, now as myself, no longer in disguise, and was met by Dragonpride’s eyes. He understood what needed to be done. A simple nod was his farewell – I awaited until as many of them were near the home before I opened the heavens and rained fire upon them. I did not know how long it took before they died – I had prayed that they suffered little. The screams – the sacrifice. I had done my evil deed – an evil deed to aid a good deed, a good deed no more evil and sinister than my own, but necessary. The end of the Order had come, or so they thought. I knew what the future held, for while they burned and suffered in sadness believing that what they had known was now gone, I rejoiced in my sorrows, knowing that all had been done for the betterment of all. Blessed is the Ishuriandir, the Savior, and he who would bring the Order back from the ashes of memory.”
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Category:Alliance Guild