The Sanctuary

Perhaps thousands of Illy years ago, when the land Illyriad had barely come into the light of day, when the dwarves, the humans, the orcs and the elves had yet to develop the ability to communicate with each other let alone to build their mighty cities, there live a species of beings so advanced they had long left war and turmoil behind. An ancient race of beings we call the Ancient Ones. These Ancient Ones dwelt in their cities without walls, crossed the hills and valleys without escort, and moved about without fear of anything but an occasional wild creature acting as wild creatures do.

But after many eons, even as the Ancient Ones dwelt peacefully in their castles and pondered the fate of the stars, there emerged on the hills, on the plains, in the dark caves below the surface and all across the vast land of Illyriad, the four races of today, the Elves, the Orcs, the Humans and the Dwarfs. And in the progression from cave dwelling wild beasts to relatively civilized creatures, there were "wars and rumors of war," much to the dismay of the Ancient Ones.

As the warfare around them continued to grow, the Ancient Ones attempted to reason with these new species. They visited the meeting hall of Illyriad, called "General Chat," or GC almost daily and attempted to discuss many philosophical, religious, and scientific points of view so that the new species could grow and perhaps grow out of their warring ways. But alas, few of these new-comers understood the use of reasoned and humble discourse to settle disputes. Most seemed content to instead, use angry words and bloody swords.

For many and Illy year the Ancient Ones tried to lead discussions regarding the important questions of the day. They tried to be gentle, tried to use sound evidence and reasoning, only to too often, to be attacked personally, have their motives questioned, and otherwise harassed. In fact, it was not unusual for the Ancient One's cities to be attacked when these young species thought they had been insulted or put down. Sadly, many of the discussions became so rancorous that it became necessary to all but outlaw certain subjects. Philosophy, Science, Religion and even History, the very core of civilized discussion, were considered too controversial for the general population. So they were banned.

But the Ancient Ones, sometimes ignoring the danger, often brought up the subjects anyway, so strong was their belief that such discussions are a vital part of growth. And just as often they were silenced for their efforts. This state of affairs went on for many Illy years until, one by one, the Ancient Ones were heard no more.

Where they went is unclear. Some say the boarded ships and sailed to the stars they loved so well. Some say they moved to vast underground kingdoms, and some say they just died out having discovered all that could be discovered. Wherever they are, today they are but a quite rumor in the alleys of our cities, an echo heard at night in the wind or the plains, a shadow passing over the moon.

Yet, though the Ancient Ones have faded from Illyriad let it be known to all the realms of Eleaga and the Broken Lands, that the spirit of civilized conversation they left behind still lives. For amidst the many who tasted the nectar of sweet discussion, many have found the taste appealing, even addicting. And thus, to again raise high that immortal spirit of informed debate and civilized converse, we, the members of the HIGH Knights found The Sanctuary, a place where those who wish to emulate the Ancient Ones, to engage in peaceful, humble and articulate debate and discussion can come, pull up a chair, put their feet up before the fire, and contemplate the stars.

If you too, wish to contemplate the stars and engage in deep and civilized conversations, let us know.  All are currently welcome without question.

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