Order of Voln/Ta'Vaalor

Key Locations

Location	Lich Room Number
[The Keep, Grandmaster's Office]	21636
[The Path to Enlightenment]	21584
-

How to Join:

• Get an invite from the robed erithian monk.
• Bathe in the Voln stream. [The Stream - 13979]
  • Wait for: You feel calm and rested, at peace with the world and cleansed of all worldly pollutions.
• Meet the elven Grandmaster. [The Keep, Grandmaster's Office - 21636]
• Make your pledge! "I pledge to aid and succor the Great Spirit Voln in his mission on Elanthia."

Step 2:

• ;go2 [Yander's Farm, Tool Storage - 6015]
• Search machinery until you find scrap metal
• ;go2 [The Ta'Vaalor Weaponry - 10367]
• Give metal to Aerhseth
• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 21586]

Step 3:

• ;go2 [Barefoot Hill, Field - 6093]
• Forage for bleeding rose
• ;go2 [Glaise Cnoc, Cemetery - 5868]
• Drop the rose
• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 25938]

Step 4:

The monk continues, "The fourth step along the Path to Enlightenment is governed by Lord Cholen.  As you have done for past steps, you must now perform a task which honors Cholen.  Lord Cholen is the god of festivals.  Possessed of a beautiful voice and a beautiful face, he is joyful and playful.  To honor him, visit the tavern of Hagatha and sing a song honoring Lord Cholen.  To make the tavern more festive, be sure to provide libations for the patrons who may be there as well.  Return here when you have completed this task."

• Withdraw coins
• ;go2 [Hagatha's Brew and Barley - 10071]
• Drop coins
• sing I dance to honor Lord Cholen; Who bring us joy and fun;I sing such greatly praises;Today and forever more;Be joyous for all time, my friends!
• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 25939]

The monk approaches you and cheerfully says, "It is good to see you again, Alastir.  Your dedication to the Order is a fine example for others to follow.  Now let me explain a little more about our order and its history."
>
The monk smiles and says, "The Great Spirit Voln came to the rescue of our founder, Lord Fasthr, and his men, who were fighting a desperate battle against the undead.  Voln took pity on their situation and taught them some of his personal secrets in fighting the undead."
>
The monk continues, "You have already learned some useful symbols.  When fighting the undead, you may encounter creatures of unusual power.  Voln showed his prowess when he taught us how to temporarily diminish the power of our foes, so that we might more easily vanquish them."
>
The monk formally pronounces, "Now watch carefully and learn the Symbol of Diminishment."

The monk traces an intricate symbol in the air which seems to glow brightly.  The image intensifies and burns itself into your memory.

The monk continues, "By concentrating on this Symbol, you will be able to call upon the favor of Lord Cholen to temporarily diminish the combat prowess of a targeted undead foe.  This Symbol grows in strength as you progress on the Path to Enlightenment."

The monk concludes ceremoniously, "You must continue to earn the favor of the Lords of Liabo by dedicating yourself to the Order's purposes.  Consider carefully before you call upon their favor, for it must be carefully nurtured.  Return when you are ready to take the next step along the Path to Enlightenment.  Go now and continue your work."

Step 5:

The monk approaches you and says, "Welcome back, Alastir.  I see that Voln has continued to favor you with his blessing.  You are doing well in your dedication to the Order.  Now there is more that I must explain to you."
>
The monk solemnly says, "Now that you have honored Lord Cholen, it is time to honor his twin brother, Jastev, and complete the fifth task.  Listen carefully and do not forget what I tell you."
>
The monk continues, "The fifth step along the Path to Enlightenment is governed by Lord Jastev.  As with the Lords before, you must perform a task which honors Jastev.  Though he is the god of visual arts, he is partial to dark poetry.  Though sullen, he is an artistic genius.  Your task is to recite poetry before death's gate which both honors Jastev and reflects his demeanor.  Return here when you have completed this task."

• ;go2 [Glaise Cnoc, Cemetery - 5834]
• recite Lord Jastev is a sullen soul.;Lord Jastev is artistic indeed.;Lord Jastev is the self-possessed.;Lord Jastev is morbid true,;Lord Jastev is serious, too.
• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 25940]

The monk approaches you and says hollowly, "You have done well, Alastir.  Your dedication to the Order is a fine example for others to follow.   Now, pause a moment and meditate on what I have to say."
>
The monk continues, "When the Great Spirit Voln agreed to teach the founders of our order, they first made their home in Tafali Manor.  This became the site of our first monastery."
>
The monk pauses a moment before continuing.  "You have learned some useful symbols with which you may prepare equipment to strike the undead and diminish our foes, but Voln knew that this would not be enough, and showed us how to increase our skills to hit our opponents."
>
The monk formally pronounces, "Now watch carefully and learn the Symbol of Courage."

The monk traces an intricate symbol in the air which seems to glow brightly.  The image intensifies and burns itself into your memory.

The monk continues, "By concentrating on this Symbol, you will be able to call upon the favor of Lord Jastev, who will grant you greater courage.  This Symbol grows in strength and duration as you progress on the Path of Enlightenment.  You should also know that the courage that Lord Jastev lends us allows us to better resist the dreadful fear that certain undead can inspire."

The monk concludes ceremoniously, "You must continue to earn the favor of the Lords of Liabo by dedicating yourself to the Order's purposes.  Consider carefully before you call upon their favor, for it must be carefully nurtured.  Return when you are ready to take the next step along the Path to Enlightenment.  Go now and continue your work."

Step 6:

The monk approaches you and says, "Welcome back, Alastir.  I see that Voln has continued to favor you with his blessing.  You are doing well in your dedication to the Order.  Now there is more that I must explain to you."
>
The monk smiles and says, "Now that you have honored Lord Jastev, it is time to honor Imaera and complete the sixth task.  Listen carefully and do not forget what I tell you."
>
The monk continues, "The sixth step along the Path to Enlightenment is governed by Lady Imaera.  As you have done previously, you must perform a task which honors her.  She is mistress of plants and nature, and to honor her, you must bring some of her lace to her quiet meadow shrine.  When you place it there, you will know that she is pleased.  Return here when you have completed this task."

• ;go2 [Ta'Vaalor, Garden of Ancients - 10375]
• Forage for lace
• ;go2 [Rambling Meadows, Shrine - 6011]
• Offer lace to Imaera
• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 25944]

The monk hurries over to you and exuberantly exclaims, "You are doing nicely, Alastir!  Your dedication continues to grow as you follow the path.  Take a moment now to relax and meditate on what I have to say."
>
The monk puts an arm around you, saying, "Voln taught Lord Fasthr and his men for three years.  At that time, and long afterward, the only members were Giantmen.  That, of course, has since changed."
>
The monk continues, "You are learning well the symbols with which we fight the undead.  Now you may learn the Symbol of Protection, whereby we may increase our ability to defend ourselves."
>
The monk formally pronounces, "Now watch carefully and learn the Symbol of Protection."

The monk traces an intricate symbol in the air which seems to glow brightly.  The image intensifies and burns itself into your memory.

The monk continues, "By concentrating on this Symbol, you will be able to call upon the favor of Lady Imaera who will grant you greater protection.  This Symbol grows in strength and duration as you progress on the Path of Enlightenment."

The monk concludes ceremoniously, "You must continue to earn the favor of the Lords of Liabo by dedicating yourself to the Order's purposes.  Consider carefully before you call upon their favor, for it must be carefully nurtured.  Return when you are ready to take the next step along the Path to Enlightenment.  Go now and continue your work."

Step 7:

• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 25967]

The monk approaches you and says, "Welcome back, Alastir.  I see that Voln has continued to favor you with his blessing.  You are doing well in your dedication to the Order.  Now there is more that I must explain to you."
>
The monk frowns and says, "Now that you have honored Lady Imaera, you must honor the Lord Charl.  Charl is Lord of the Seas and has a temperament befitting them.  Listen carefully and do not forget what I tell you."
>
The monk scowls before continuing.  "The seventh step along the Path to Enlightenment requires that you perform a task which honors Charl.  Be careful that you do not upset this Lord, as he is merciless in his anger.  To please him, you must offer back to him that which was taken from his sea.  Cast it into the Lake of Fear so that it might return to Charl's domain.  Return here when you have completed this task."

• You must have a piece of coral for this task.
• ;go2 [Lake of Fear, South Dock - 10119]
• put coral (do not drop)
• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 25967]

The monk approaches you and says, "I am pleased, Alastir, that you continue in your dedication to the Order.  Now hear what I have to say and meditate upon it carefully."
>
The monk turns and looks directly at you.  "We are not a secret society.  We live in the open.  Our dedication is to freeing the undead from their curse.  We have no other agenda."
>
The monk continues, "Lord Charl taught us how to master the undead and force their submission.  When you use this symbol, they will drop their guard completely and prostrate themselves before you."
>
The monk formally pronounces, "Now watch carefully and learn the Symbol of Submission."

The monk traces an intricate symbol in the air which seems to glow brightly.  The image intensifies and burns itself into your memory.

The monk continues, "By concentrating on this Symbol, you will be able to force the submission of the targeted undead creature, whereby they will not defend themselves.  Like other Symbols, this will require favors from you."

The monk concludes ceremoniously, "You must continue to earn the favor of the Lords of Liabo by dedicating yourself to the Order's purposes.  Consider carefully before you call upon their favor, for it must be carefully nurtured.  Return when you are ready to take the next step along the Path to Enlightenment.  Go now and continue your work."

Step 8:

• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 25966]

The monk approaches you and says, "Welcome back, Alastir.  I see that Voln has continued to favor you with his blessing.  He is pleased with your dedication to the Order.  Listen carefully as I explain more to you."
>
The monk enthusiastically says, "Now that you have honored Lord Charl and survived, you must now honor Lord Kai.  Kai is the master of weaponless combat and athletic skills.  Listen carefully and do not forget what I tell you."
>
The monk continues, "The eighth step along the Path to Enlightenment requires that you perform a task which honors Kai.  Find the place which honors him and there challenge him to an appropriate competition.  Return here when you have completed this task."

• ;go2 [Hall of the Arkati, Alcove - 13495]
• say 'Kai, I challenge you to wrestle
• Fight!

You mouth the words, but you can't hear them!

You hear someone chuckling from behind you.  Whirling around, you see Kai with a grin from ear to ear.
>
Kai glances at you and says, "Well, what have we got here?  So, Alastir, you have come to challenge me to a wrestling match.  I hope you have some deeds!"

Kai bellows with laughter, then, after wiping a tear from his cheek, motions for you to attack.  He has a wide grin on his face and you are getting a queasy feeling about this.
>
Kai suddenly raises his arms up and growls loudly at you.  You duck and back away, much to Kai's amusement.

...

Kai feints a punch, making you flinch again.  You are beginning to feel this "challenge" was a big mistake.  If your head would quit swimming, maybe you could figure a way out.

Kai dances around you masterfully displaying his ability to out maneuver you.  Each time you lose sight of him, he touches you on the top of your head.  This is humiliating.

...

Kai bows to you with a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face.  "You are a mighty warrior of uncommon power or stupidity.  I accept your devotion."  He then gestures slightly and disappears without a trace.

You feel overwhelmed by a sudden tingling sensation that seems to course through your body.  You feel intense satisfaction at a task well done.

• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 25966]

The monk approaches you and smirks slightly.  "Very good, Alastir.  I trust that your bout went well?  You continue to make progress and that is an excellent thing.  Now meditate on what I have to say."
>
The monk puts a hand on your shoulder.  "Never forget that we receive our strength and powers from the Lords of Liabo.  You must continue to honor them if you wish to continue with our order."
>
The monk continues, "Lord Kai has taught us how to damage the undead, using nothing but our bodies.  For those of us who fight the undead without steel or magic, this ability is vital to our success."

The monk formally pronounces, "Now watch carefully and learn Kai's Strike."

The monk traces an intricate symbol in the air which seems to glow brightly.  The image intensifies and burns itself into your memory.

The monk continues, "By concentrating on this Symbol, you will be able to damage undead creatures with your unarmed combat attacks.  Kai grants you this ability without requiring favors from you."

The monk concludes ceremoniously, "You must continue to earn the favor of the Lords of Liabo by dedicating yourself to the Order's purposes.  Consider carefully before you call upon their favor, for it must be carefully nurtured.  Return when you are ready to take the next step along the Path to Enlightenment.  Go now and continue your work."

Step 9:

• ;go2 [The Path to Enlightenment - 25965]