The Guardians of Mossflower

[War Commander Crystal]

The Guardians of Mossflower
a literate roleplay based on the Redwall series by Brian Jacques
accepting those not familiar with the series

Deep in the forest of Mossflower lurks creatures of both good and evil. Although the most famous by far of all structures in the woods is Redwall Abbey, over the years other places have came to be. A fortress of old timber and wood has been maintained over time, and is one of the last pools of light in the darkening world. This fortress is the home of the Guardians of Mossflower, and is lovingly referred to by the elite force as 'The Fort.' Although attacked countless times and often in disrepair, a tiny spark of life and hope always walks the Fort's quiet halls, ready to fight for the protection of others.

As of late, the Guardians have went through myriad leaders, known as War Commanders. Finally, two of them have managed to pull themselves out of the wreckage their home has become and stand on the fortress walls to look out over the lands they are now sworn to protect. These current two War Commanders have worked through the ranks of the establishment, and their honor and courage date back to it's first leadership. These two are Shard Prime, a young squirrel who was known for his prowess with a bow, and an also youthful but cynical and slightly crippled warrior vixen called Crystal Rosepaw, both of whom have earned their high rank from the blood they have shed to protect the weak.

However, even those with the best intentions hold darker memories. Both of the leaders are from lands far off, and neither really enjoy speaking of their pasts, yet apparently not all skeletons want to stay in the confines of closets. From the far off city of Aerik, trouble brews, and there are some times that being a living legend is not helpful. Shard's king remembers that his kingdom was where Shard was raised, and sends messengers by ship to Mossflower from his island lands. In the typical Guardian style, the cold and hungry foreigners are let inside, but Crystal's cynical nature casts shadows of doubt, although she knows better than to be openly hostile. While the War Commanders listen in silence, the messengers weave their tale. A cult, more like an army, has come to Aerik, and the king pleads for Shard to bring the Guardians to do what his army has apparently failed at.

Mixed emotions run through the fort almost instantly, but the verdict is up to the War Commanders. Shard feels a forgotten loyalty to his birthplace, but his companion is silently seething that he would even consider taking forces from the lands that they placed vows of protection on to go fight the battles of a king. As one of the three messengers is a sparrow, he leaves to tell the king that they are considering the request. However, his loose lips also plant the idea that one of the two War Commanders might be corrupted and murderous, and it's not Shard. The day the bird lands in the kingdom, Shard declares that he cannot send full troops there, but he will send the navy force to help them, with the king's acceptance. The messengers depart for the ship, eager to return home.

Yet, they never make it back to Aerik. A month goes by after the message, and the ship returns without the other two messengers. Dark thoughts rush through the city, and they are coming form it's heart, the king. The sparrow is sent back, and has declared his kingdom will march to war against the Guardians. The ruler has decided that his two missing subjects were felled by Crystal, and that Shard has gone along with it and committed treason. Startled by this response, the two commanders plead for time with the king, each swearing on their honor that they had nothing to do with what appear to be deaths.

The creatures living in the forest around the Guardians can smell panic, and the cries of the wounded in battle are surely close to follow. The Guardians in their current state are highly unable to wage a full war, and have a sinking feeling that if they would fall, soon would all the peaceful villages around them and maybe Mossflower Woods in all it's entirety. Guardian or outlaw, all efforts are going together on one thing: finding out what really happened to the king's subjects before time runs out and the ones standing against evil stand before the hangman's noose.

Activity: New, but going places
Plot: Just started
Leader contacts: Crystal ([e-mail]) and Shard
Requirements: Only the ability to roleplay. Help will be given if asked for. The setting is the Redwall verse, but it is very loose and easy to follow - whether you've read it or not you are welcome.
Rating: PG to PG-13 (some swearing and violence possible)