Harvest Tide, 6099 RTR. (18 Nov 1999) Eclipse, Silhouette, Vague and Shade are inducted into the Knights Templar.
(Airship) (Rephidim Countryside) (Nordika) (Rephidim) (Shadow)
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Golgotha
At the base of the great mountain that is at the center of Rephidim can be found a rocky structure cut into a barren cliff. The stone outcroppings must have originally resembled a skull, and it must have been deemed appropriate to go the rest of the way, honing it to further the likeness … though given the peculiarities of a natural formation, the "skull" is angled oddly, and not entirely symmetrical. Fortifications have been added and improved upon over countless centuries, and a few towers rise totally apart from what has been cut into the stone, glittering with stained glass windows that bear the symbols of all the Aspects of the Knights Templar. Repeatedly, one can see the symbol of the Bounded Star and Anchor, emblem of this ancient order.

A great assembly of armored warriors stands in the hall of Golgotha, with capes of many colors: Cobalt blue, diamond white, warm magenta, ashen black, brilliant gold, fiery red, burnished bronze, subdued amber, and emerald green, among others. Though Jupani comprise many of the Lances, there are many other species represented as well: Titanian, Vartan, Khatta, Kattha, Rath'ani, Human and even Naga, to name a few. They stand as silent witnesses, brought from Sanctuaries near and distant, to a solemn ceremony. Each one keeps vigil next to a back-lit stained glass window of the appropriate Aspect, spreading the warriors across many ledges on the walls circling the tall chamber.

Several elder monks stand on a tiered platform before the flaming, bubbling pit set in the center of the floor, holding ancient books and archaic weaponry. Some very privileged squires stand by, holding pieces of armor and ornamental robes of black and purple … and weapons that are combinations of gun and sword.

On the floor level are those observers who are not part of the Order – representatives of the Temple, and friends and family of those whose identities shall be changed today. To the wayside stand a couple of spotted jaguar cubs, dressed smartly in Temple Scout uniforms. An elderly Vartan-Cervani hybrid rests a comforting hand on the shoulder of the elder of the cubs, while a Savanite in a simple dress and coat of black and brown (with a woven leather headband across her forehead) holds the smaller cub.

Clustered together elsewhere are a Paradysian Sphynx couple whose markings look very similar to a squire once known as Cryptic. A lone female Vartan bears some resemblance to a squire training sergeant once known as Arita. There seems to be no fourth group for the fourth Lancer – only the obligatory witnesses from the Temple, including an Aeonian Arch-Inquisitor in robes of black and red, a Jupani Arch-Inquisitrix in robes of green and gray with a Jupani and a Titanian Guard escort, and an Aeonian Inquisitrix with a Korv Acolyte assistant, among others.

In the open area before the tiered platform, plainly in sight of all those assembled, are four warriors and warrioresses, their faces obscured by glossy black helmets that reflect the light strangely, forming odd shapes on their rounded surfaces. They wear no further armor, only robes bearing the emblem of the Bounded Star and Anchor, and light garb meant to be worn underneath armor. Although all of their helmets have avian features, suggesting the faces of Vartans, it's evident that two of the four have hands rather than talons, and feline tails rather than horse-like ones.

One of the warriors is obviously a Vartan, standing head and shoulders over the rest, eclipsing the others in sheer mass of muscle. Next in size is the other male, obviously a Paradysian Sphynx, tiger-stripe patterns vaguely visible on his hands and continuing into his wings. Next is another Vartan, female by the build, having been positioned in the front of the four such that her form is silhouetted by the ethereal flames of the cauldron. Lastly is a female of feline proportions, having wings that are brightly colored like those of a Creen. She keeps her hands close to herself, shaded by the folds of her robes.

A human monk in heavy robes, his back crooked by the ravages of time, ascends the platform with the help of a warpwood staff. His eyes are obscured by the cowl, by a mask of cloth, and by the dark wrinkles of his own face … but the dark eyes betray a certain energy within the monk despite the protests of age.

The larger Vartan glances momentarily at the lady Sphynx, one unfamiliar to him but one he feels he will probably get to know very well soon. His armored head drops down again as he listens and watches the ceremony before him. ( Is it possible to feel frightened and proud at the same time? )

The monk scans the four initiates, and then settles his gaze upon one of them. It is the lady Sphynx. "Come," he beckons to her with a move of his free hand.

Without a moment's hesitation, the Sphynx strides forward in a way that reads as confident … or a very good job at hiding any cases of the jitters. It's an awkward move, but she drops to one knee before the monk.

The monk holds out his hand to one of the squires, who steps forward with a gunblade. Other squires flank this one, holding the armor.

The squire holds the gunblade before the kneeling Sphynx, standing still and with a frozen expression as she stands again, head bowed in deference. The monk gestures again, toward the gunblade. She reaches out and takes it.

"Shade," signs the monk, and he then holds up a hand in a gesture of dismissal and blessing.

The larger Vartan resists the urge to fidget, still slightly unused to the feeling of a helmet on his head.

The lady Sphynx, now dubbed Shade, turns about, holding her gunblade. For a moment, Zoltan gets a glimpse of her hands – golden-furred with black pads, callused and scarred. They look as if they could have been delicate, but have seen a great deal of less-than-delicate use. A smudged black mark of some sort is barely visible on the left hand, but since the hands are held palm up, Zoltan can't make out the particulars. Shade strides off, flanked by the squires holding the pieces of armor for her to be suited up in.

Next, the monk's gaze falls upon the one who was once known as Arita. He beckons again, "Come." The process is repeated. The lady Vartan steps forward. She kneels. The monk gestures to a squire. The squire steps forth, bearing a gunblade. The Vartan rises … and at a gesture from the monk, she accepts the weapon. "Silhouette," the monk pronounces in sign. And Lancer Silhouette turns away, holding her gunblade, and flanked by the squires holding her armor.

Thirdly, the monk's gaze falls upon the Paradysian Sphynx once known as Cryptic. The process is repeated, and the warrior takes his weapon, dismissed with the proclamation of his new name, "Vague".

That leaves the larger Vartan of course. The monk looks to him. One last time, he gestures, "Come."

The Vartan once known as Zoltan strides towards the monk and kneels before him. He bows his head, but not so low that he can't read the monk's hands.

The monk gestures to another squire. The squire is a short Jupani who is doing his very best not to look nervous or to look too eager. Maybe some day he'll be the one putting on the armor of a Lancer. He has a lot of growing to do yet – but maybe now that he's the last member of Delta Training Lance, he'll be getting some of those new opportunities he needs. Right now, he just does his best to hold up the heavy weapon that he presents to the masked Vartan.

Rising up like the three who followed him, the Vartan holds his arms out to accept the weapon.

The gunblade is satisfyingly heavy in the Vartan's talons … but hardly a challenge for his strength. (The kickback, of course, might be another matter entirely.)

The monk raises his hand, pronouncing in sign, "Eclipse." The other squires move forth to flank Eclipse, holding his armor.

The monk holds up his hand in a sign of blessing and dismissal.

The Lancer Eclipse bows to the monk and wordlessly follows after his three fellow Lancers as he prepares to don his armor for the first time.

The four Lancers are escorted outside amongst the Sanctuaries. In particular, they are led to one with a window with a pattern that is eerily hard to discern – It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to tell where the frame ends and the panels begin. Inside, a strange light is cast, bathing the room in an eerily purple light … one which makes that which is white stand out, seeming to glow, and flecks of fluorescent material in the stone walls to glow as well.

The squires set to the task of helping the newly inducted Lancers suit up in their glossy black armor – including the delicate-looking yet somehow sturdy wing-sheathes.

Eclipse peers around the room, unused to the darkness. He quietly follows the squires' lead and begins to dress in his armor. ( The Sanctuary of Shadow… )

It's a slow process … one which the squires are still unused to, though they've evidently practiced enough to know what pieces go where. At last, all four of the Lancers are suited up, their forms black save for the odd reflections that dance over the surfaces of their armor.

A few moments after this is completed, a monk steps into the Sanctuary, signing across his chest as he steps over the threshold. "Greetings, Shadow Lance. You are new to your positions, but you will be tested soon enough. We have entered troubled times."

Eclipse slowly works his joints, testing to make sure that the armor fits properly and moves smoothly. As he spies the monk he rapidly snaps to attention.

The armor may take getting used to, but it is similar in design to that worn by the Champion of Shadows … and of similar quality as well. The pieces move with legendary precision.

The Khatta monk says, "I have ill tidings. The first is directly relevant to your mission. The Temple sought to take the direct approach, and asked Nagai about this 'boomer', and whether they might be doing anything on Fetiss Sky Island with it."

The monk continues, "To this, the Nagai Empire basically said, 'What boomer? And if we did have one, what business is it of yours?' We are fairly certain that, for whatever reason, they still have this 'boomer' on Fetiss Sky Island, and have not attempted to move it. The Temple is keeping the movement of the sky island under careful observation … as well as keeping a close watch on any airships entering or leaving the sky island."

"Where Fetiss now?" Eclipse signs, albeit a bit clumsily while he wears his gloves.

"It is over Bromthen at present," answers the monk, "on the west side of the Savan Territories. It is near the coast … and the gathered Lancers are going to take part in a 'training exercise' just off the coast. In short, the Temple is going to do some saber-rattling … and we are the sabers."

The Lancer nods.

The monk says, "That is not all. Not only is there trouble in Nagai, but it seems that there is unrest in Babel as well. You may not know, but there was recently an incident south of Babel, where a group of mages of the College Esoterica of Rephidim were seeking to repair damage done to a magical pool."

The monk explains, "It is believed that this effort was sabotaged. I will not go too much into detail, except to say that an investigation was seeming to point toward sabotage by Babel, and it was claimed that the High Prince Boghaz himself was behind this. Before such charges could be investigated further, events took an unexpected course."

Eclipse nods again and then tilts his head sideways questioningly.

The Khatta places his hands together. "The High Prince Boghaz has died. We know nothing of the details except that it is assumed that he was assassinated. The Temple, already distracted by the incidents in Nagai, is also trying to keep a close watch on how things will develop in Babel."

At that news the Vartan Lancer stiffens. ( Captain Boghaz… oh Star. He was fine and well when I saw him last. He can't be! Blasted murdering bats. )

The monk says, "Of course, you can probably guess our fears. There is the very real possibility that we may set out for Bromthen, only to receive new orders in mid-flight, and find ourselves heading overseas. For the sake of a demonstration, we have drawn Lancers from all over Sinai, at the risk of leaving Sanctuaries and outposts at less than full guard. But we serve the Temple, and will respond to new commands as they come."

Eclipse nods a third time. His hand clenches into a fist and then slowly opens up again. It's amazing how the world can seem to suddenly change in such a flash of a moment.

The monk lets out a heavy breath. "But you are all accomplished warriors, and it is good that you have joined the ranks of the Lancers at this time – You are most certainly going to be needed. We will be heading out immediately. We will be making a sweep over the city in formation on rakhtors. This is a slight change in plan … but the Temple has requested it. This is for the sake of an assurance to the people of Rephidim as much as a statement to our potential enemies."

"Please send word to my family that I leaving. Other than that, I ready to fly." The Lancer's armored wings rustle to emphasize his point.

Similar signs are made by the other Lancers, though the lady Sphynx only nods in reply.

The monk nods and says, "Certainly. Very well then. Shadow Lance, this is your first assignment. May the Star shine upon you and through you, as you represent our Order to all of Sinai." He steps aside. "Your rakhtors await." Outside can be seen four magnificent – and black – rakhtors saddled up, with squires going about and checking everything over again for good measure.

Eclipse makes his way to his mount, making a few checks himself before hopping in the saddle. He quietly watches the progress of the other three Lancers as well.

The others seem to be fairly used to the routine … with the exception of the lady Sphynx. There's something that seems a little less comfortable about her taking to the saddle than the others. Technically, she's fine, and she's obviously practiced, but there's an oddity that Eclipse can't quite put his talon on at first glance. But then, it could have something to do with the fact that three of the four Lancers are familiar with each other … and there's no word of where this fourth one came from, or how long she has been training.

All about the field before Golgotha, once word passes along that the Shadow Lance is ready, rakhtors take to the air. Mostly rakhtors, that is … There is a loud shriek as something quite other than rakhtor takes to the air over to the side. Wyrms – giant worm-like creatures with three bat-like wings – leap to the air, carrying the members of the Black Lance – the warriors of the Champion of Ashes.

The Lancers take to the air, most on rakhtors, some on pteras, some on wyrms, some on more bizarre creatures from far-flung parts of Sinai … or perhaps even beyond that. Eclipse catches sight of a green-armored Naga riding the back of some giant mammal that remotely resembles a Sylvanian creature known as a "bat".

( I wonder how the Nagai will react to the knowledge that one of their own serve Golgotha. I worry that if there is a war, he might be the first one they try to kill… ) Eclipse gently kicks his mount's sides as he encourages it to catch up with the rest of the knights.

The rakhtors of Shadow Lance soar as only creatures born to the air could, and the countryside of the sky island soon gives way to the crumbling walls and the crowded buildings of Rephidim City. Traffic slows to a halt, and the people stop to stare and point as an army of fliers swoops overhead.

Eclipse peers down at the people below. His friends, his family… the people he donned the armor to protect. ( I wonder if there really will be a war, and if so… against whom? )

The Lancers continue their flight, doubling back when they fly over the Temple, and turning their wings in an airborne salute to the Captain-Astromancer … standing somewhere down there under heavy guard, no doubt … and then they turn away. At the docks, several airships await them … including the familiar hulk of the Intimidator.


The Intimidator glides away from Rephidim, the forests, swamps and mountains of Sylvania in winter slipping by far below. It's not the most ideal condition for an airship launch, as is especially evident once the warships leave the envelope of Rephidim, but they make haste southward to warmer airs.

On the rakhtor deck, the crew checks the winged mounts, as the Lancers get a chance to dismount. Some of the Lances still fly flank … as if they expected a possible attack so close to Rephidim. But then, these are strange times.

Eclipse takes a moment to help secure his Rakhtor and then joins the other three Lancers. "Quite an initiation." He glances at Shade, unsure if she understands handsign or not. He's not taken a vow of silence, but for some reason feels uncomfortable with talking while in the armor.

Eclipse's signed statement is met with nods. Silhouette scrawks in Vartan, though in quiet tones. "Let us hope that this will only be a 'training maneuver' for now. Rephidim does not need to multiply enemies so quickly."

Shade signs, "Forgive me. I am still learning Vartan."

"She said she hopes this will remain just a training mission. Don't worry, we'll help you catch on," Eclipse signs. "I did not see you during training maneuvers in Golgotha. Will be an honor to serve with you now, Lancer Shade."

Shade bows her head. "The honor is for us all. I hope that my abilities will serve the Order well."

As Shade moves, with her cape pushed aside, it's evident that she doesn't just have the usual armor and equipment of a Lancer. She has several pouches at her belt, and several small holy symbols with cords wrapped around holding pins. She has some stopped vials of water, and a couple of wooden pegs as well.

"I hope it is not rude of me to ask, but where did you train?" Eclipse signs. He pauses as he catches a glimpse at Shade's extra belongings. "Are you from Abaddon?"

Shade shakes her head. "I am from Sinai. We have met before, but not under the best of terms. I have changed much since you last saw me. I was once a shamaness, but my tribe and my family were taken from me. I was already a warrioress, but now I serve the Order. My strength is in warding of evil spirits, though, not so much in the sword."

Eclipse tilts his head sideways, "Where have we met before?" He pauses and then adds in sign, "You do not have to answer that if you feel you should not, but any bad blood will not matter here. You are my sister among us four, and I serve alongside you as a brother."

Shade nods, then unstraps her left gauntlet. She holds up one hand. It is golden-furred … golden-furred, save for black spots … which blend into a strange pattern that looks like lightning, only drawn in reverse, black on gold. She doesn't let it be seen for very long at all, quickly slipping her gauntlet back on.

The Vartan Lancer's expression is hidden under his mask save for his neck arching back slightly. "But… wings?"

Shade signs, "The Twelve-Times-Twelve. It comes with its costs. I am vulnerable to magic … but I can defend against it, too."

Silhouette's mane bristles. She scrawks, remembering to use Rephidim Standard this time, "You usings magic to do that?"

Eclipse takes Shade's hand and clenches it tightly before releasing it again to sign, "You are my sister in more ways than one!" He looks back to Silhouette and speaks for the first time in a day, "She protect us, and made great sacrifice to join us. You shoulds welcome her." His voice is hoarse and gravely from disuse.

Shade bows her head.

Vague purrs, "We can use her help. She said she wards spirits. We will fight such things." He sounds a bit uncertain, but still with an edge of determination that battles with his worries.

Shade signs, "I am a 'Warder', in the terms of the mages. I will only be with you to dispel spirits … not to create them or any other magic."

Silhouette nods. "We fightings spirits, then. I no happy with mages … I havings to be honest with you. But Eclipse is right. We beings brothers and sisters now. I trustings those who makings us Lancers, and so I trustings you." She then nods to Eclipse. "And I especiallies trust Lancer Eclipse."

"We chosen to serve as team together. I sure that the Star will guide us on our path as it guided us here." Eclipse speaks slowly, trying to manage his best Standard. "Shade… you know that as a Lancer you no serve Priest-Queen. If we asked to leave for Babel then that what we must do. You serve Rephidim. I hope that no bother you?"

Shade nods. "I serve Rephidim. The Priest-Queen can manage her own affairs."

Eclipse dips his head. "I honored to serve alongside you." He grasps Vague and Silhouette's shoulders and squeezes them. "You as well, I never thought we end up serving on Lance together, but I can think of no other I would ask to have at my side."

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GMed by Greywolf

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