Early History
In days long past, there arrived in our land a hero of unparalleled valor, wielding a radiant holy sword of pure crystal. Beside him marched six noble knights, their armor gleaming with the finest white mail. His true name lost to the annals of time, he was known to all as the Nameless, or simply the Nameless One.
This stalwart band rallied an army of resolute knights, traversing the realm to vanquish evil wherever it dared to arise. They waged relentless campaigns against the sinister Drow, the hulking Trolls, the savage Orcs, and countless other malevolent creatures that plagued the land with misery and dread. The Knights, ever just and compassionate, took in the orphaned children of their vanquished foes, raising them as wards to walk the path of true righteousness.
For many years, the Crusaders—as they came to be known—pursued their divine mission with unwavering dedication. As time wore on, the original members of the Holy Six, those first captains who had followed the Nameless One, succumbed to the ravages of age and the hands of wicked adversaries.
In the fullness of time, none of the original six remained, their places taken by the now grown wards. Together, these new champions eradicated every vestige of evil they uncovered, transforming the land into a realm of peace and prosperity, where joy and justice reigned supreme.
The Downfall and Temple
As time marched on, the targets for the Crusaders' righteous fury became fewer and fewer. Yet, their army swelled ever larger, for with less war came fewer deaths, and more and more children and wards reached maturity, joining the ranks of the Crusaders. The once noble army grew restless, its purpose diluted. Soon, larger groups of warriors set out in search of conflict where none existed. Tragically, these battle-ready troops began to attack caravans and villages on the merest whisper of evil-doing—often without any provocation at all.
When news of these misdeeds reached the ears of the Nameless One, his heart was grieved. Those Crusaders who could be identified as perpetrators were exiled from the order forever. The Nameless One decreed that the Crusaders would not rest until full atonement for the crimes of these few had been achieved.
In a bold and compassionate move, it was decided that the considerable wealth amassed from countless victorious campaigns would be used to construct a mighty temple. This grand sanctuary would offer solace to the sick, the injured, and those in need of shelter from across the realm. The vast army, redirecting its energies from war to creation, devoted itself to the temple’s construction. In a remarkably short span of time, a magnificent edifice rose from the ground, a beacon of hope and mercy.
For years to come, peace reigned, and the land flourished with happiness and prosperity. However, the Nameless One began to show signs of age, dispelling the long-held rumor that he was immortal. His mortal frailty reminded all that even the greatest heroes are bound by the passage of time.
Meanwhile the Six were restless...
Year after year of inaction weighed heavily on the Crusaders, and they longed for the adrenaline rush that only battle could bring. Three of the six decided to venture forth, exploring distant lands in search of new challenges. During their travels, they encountered a powerful and malevolent lord, whose strength surpassed even that of the Nameless One. Consumed by their thirst for combat, the three betrayed their master and joined the ranks of this vile horde. Together, they devised a plan to assault the stronghold of their former comrades.
At dusk, the horde descended upon the Crusaders' stronghold. The defenders were overwhelmed; the enemy was too numerous and too fierce. The temple, symbol of their faith and dedication, was razed to the ground. Amidst the chaos and flames, the Nameless One, old and gravely wounded, made a desperate bid to save the next generation of wards. He loaded them into a wagon and, under the cover of night, fled with all haste toward a nearby monastery.
Though the battle was lost, the three loyal Crusaders fought valiantly to cover the retreat of the few survivors. Only after ensuring the safety of their charges did they quietly slip away into the night, vanishing from history for many, many years.
The Dark Rider
Just as all seemed secure for the children, a huge rider on a giant black stallion emerged from the bushes alongside the path, causing the horse pulling the wagon to rear in terror. It was one of the traitors—a fearsome troll. The cowardly beast knew the Nameless One, now weakened, was no match for him and sought the honor of slaying the legendary hero. The two locked in combat, and though the Nameless One fought valiantly, his age and injuries soon overwhelmed him.
With his last ounce of strength, he appealed to the gods for aid. Suddenly, from the inky skies above, a series of bolts of holy fire descended, striking the troll with divine fury. The beast wailed in pain as blow after devastating blow tore into him. In agony and rage, the troll lunged forward and cleaved the Nameless One's head from his body.
The fiend's time to celebrate his grim victory was short. Mortally wounded, he collapsed in a gurgling heap in the soft grass beside the trail. The Nameless One's sacrifice was not in vain, for his final act had ensured the safety of the children and sealed his legacy as a hero of the realm.
Redemption
Many years passed, and the three surviving Crusaders had adopted new lives under new names. They wandered from place to place, served various masters, yet never truly found a home. One day, word spread of a youthful knight performing acts of great heroism throughout the realm. Stirred by memories of old, the Three journeyed to the young knight's hometown of Aylor to learn more about his extraordinary deeds.
Arriving separately, all drawn by an inexplicable force, they converged upon the arena where a grand tournament was underway. There, they witnessed the young knight's prowess as he subdued foe after foe. Yet, it was his weapon that truly captivated them.
In seconds, the Three stood by the youth's side, their eyes fixed on the sword he wielded. As they looked at each other, memories surged forth. They questioned the young knight about his past. He revealed that he and a group of orphans had been trained as knights by kind monks at a nearby monastery. These monks had told them inspiring tales of their forefathers, and each orphan sought to follow in those noble footsteps.
Suddenly, the Three realized they were not alone—the children were alive and had grown into young adults. The Crusaders could rise again, and the temple could be rebuilt! Tears of joy streamed down their faces as they embraced each other, renewing bonds long sundered by time and exile.
Their exile was over. The legacy of the Nameless One would endure, reborn in the hearts and deeds of a new generation.
The Temple is Rebuilt
The three former Crusaders, now reunited with the young knight and the surviving wards, set their sights on a new mission: the reconstruction of the temple. Inspired by the Nameless One's legacy and the heroic tales that had shaped their lives, they rallied support from the people of Aylor and beyond.
Word spread quickly, and soon, volunteers from all corners of the realm arrived, eager to contribute to the noble cause. Skilled craftsmen, stonemasons, and artisans offered their expertise, while farmers and laborers provided materials and manpower. Even those who could not work sent provisions and blessings, ensuring that the effort was well-supported.
Under the guidance of the Three and the young knight, the reconstruction began. Each stone laid was a testament to the perseverance and dedication of the Crusaders. As the walls rose, so did the spirits of the people, who saw in the temple a beacon of hope and a symbol of the enduring fight against evil.
The new temple was designed to be even more magnificent than its predecessor. Its grand halls and soaring spires would serve as a sanctuary for the weary and a place of healing for the afflicted. Intricate stained glass windows depicted the legendary deeds of the Nameless One and his followers, their vibrant colors casting a divine light within the sacred space.
As the temple neared completion, the Three and the young knight reflected on their journey. They had transformed from warriors into builders, from destroyers into creators. Their exile had ended, but their mission had taken on a new form. They had become the stewards of a legacy, ensuring that the values of justice, compassion, and bravery would endure for generations to come.
On the day of the temple's consecration, the people gathered in joyous celebration. The air was filled with music, laughter, and the sounds of prayer. The young knight, now recognized as a leader among his peers, led the inaugural procession, carrying the holy sword of pure crystal that had once belonged to the Nameless One.
As he placed the sword upon the altar, a radiant light filled the temple, and the crowd fell silent in awe. The Three, standing at the forefront, felt a deep sense of fulfillment. Their journey had come full circle, and the dream of the Nameless One had been realized once more.
With the temple rebuilt, the Crusaders were reborn. Their numbers swelled as new recruits joined their ranks, inspired by the tales of old and the promise of a brighter future. The land, once ravaged by darkness, now flourished under the watchful eyes of the renewed order.
Peace reigned, and the temple stood as a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Crusaders and the everlasting legacy of the Nameless One.