Post by Hanaji Da Galka on Nov 11, 2007 3:32:31 GMT -5
I, Bantu the Bard will tell you a tale, of the Adventures of Vana’diel
A story so amazing, told so many times before, of our Heroes and of the Villains galore
This may sound familiar, but it’s not what you think, for I will tell you as much as I can, before I run out of ink.
The story today that I will unfold was of dark times… so very dark times. The world still new and lands undiscovered. It was at the end of the Galkan Wars that the faith of Vana’diel and all of the races were suffering. If not for the strength of Zarzarg and his Monk Disciples surely Bastok would have fallen. It was deep inside the Korroloka Tunnel that the Galkas made their stand. The Antican Horde had made its way through the blockade and had used their ancient magic to warp inside the tunnel passage to Bastok. The support promised by Jueno was 3 days overdue when the alert was sounded. The Bastokian Council had stretched the cities defenses beyond the Gustaberg Mountain front. The city was on the brink of destruction and there was no hope for its salvation. No hope until Zarzarg and his disciples appeared at entrance of Bastok Mines.
Two years earlier… The Galkas had fought long and hard for their freedom from their Hume “Protectors”. After their pilgrimage from the Alteph Desert, many of these weary travelers accepted the terms of their new homeland. Service for Salvation seemed like a fair trade. It wasn’t long that the true nature of the Galkas and their Protectors began to drift apart and only through the challenge of civil victory had the Galkas received their freedom. Even though Galkas were now free, there were many Bastokian that didn’t see it that way. Galkas were only allowed to find employment in the mines or as servants to the wealthy. The times were changing, yet for the Galka, times seemed to stand still.
The elder of the Galkas would lead the expedition into the mines. These mining parties would farm rare ores, nuggets and metals while fending off the fiends in the caves below. A Mining Galka not only meant to be able to dig for long tiresome hours but to also be able to defend themselves against the dangers in the dark. The Galka Monk named Zarzarg had trained the miners in the art of hand-to-hand combat. He taught them how to channel their inner strength to shatter stone beneath their fist. Galkan rage and fury was well known in battle, but no one had witnessed the focus and determination of Galka Monks fending off a Cave Giant trying to steal the ore supply. One of Zarzarg’s disciples was a constant challenge to his patience. This young Galka would push Sensei Zarzarg teachings beyond the limits. He would spend hours trying to perfect his martial techniques. One night Zarzarg was shaken from his sleep from what seemed like an earthquake. He rushed from his dwelling only to find Grif Da Galka standing beside the cliff of Vomp Hill using the One Inch Punch Technique to shatter the stone beneath his fist. Zarzarg watched his young Monk as he focused his Chi and pound his fist into the boulder until it crumbled into dust. Even though Zarzarg was pleased with his disciple’s determination to master his skills, he knew that Grif loved battle and would rush into battle. A Monk uses his abilities only in defense. The 1st principle of a Galkan Monk is self-discipline. This was a lesson that Zarzarg spent many hours trying endlessly to teach this to Young Grif. Grif would always say, “Yes Sensei” and would still do things still his own way once his Master had gone. This made Zarzarg frustrated and proud at the same time. He saw so much of himself in this Galka that it was a difficult mission for him to remain angry with the young Monk.
It was right after the Festival of Lights when the first reports came in about the movement of the Antican Horde. The Beastmen that had invaded the Galkan homeland of Alteph were now migrating into the eastern Alteph desert. The threat there was that there was a secret passageway leading into Bastok deep beneath the sea. The Korroloka Tunnel had been sealed by Taru Magic and only accessible by using the ancient magic, travelers could make their way from the desert directly into the city stronghold. An Antican scout had witnessed a band of travelers one day as they ventured toward the cave entrance and mimicked the spell that opened the warp way into the tunnels. Once the shelves of stone began to slide away, the Antican retreated to report his findings.
So here we are today, after long and bloody battles, Bastok stood on the brink of destruction. Many of the Bastokian troops were defeated by the raiding parties of the Antican whose only purpose was to exhaust the defense until the entire hive made it’s final assault. I remember seeing the fear upon the faces of all of the citizens of Bastok. A fear that ate the faith of it’s soldiers and even though they still stood their post, anyone could see that all was lost. It was then that the Galkas appeared at the cave entrance. Each Monk stared into the darkness with eyes fierce and burning with a fire no one had ever seen before. They all kneeled and began to chant as Zarzarg walked down to speak with the Bastokian Captain. Zarzarg shared his plan to the Bastokian Captain and then returned to his disciples at the cave entrance. The Monk’s chant had begun to swell when Zarzarg took his place in the center. The Bastokian Captain called for the remainder of his soldiers to gather at the entrance to the marketplace. As the chant reached it’s peak, the Monks all stood and followed Zarzarg into the cave. I followed them trying to remain as quiet as possible to see this final stand for Bastok.
The Antican marched in numbers so many that I couldn’t see anything but a blur of the masses moving up the cave walls. Their mages cast spells to clear the rock and the warriors swung their swords and spears as they marched on. Zarzarg walked over to me and instructed me to stay back as far as possible, then he walk to his disciples and they began to chant once again. I watched in amazement as a glow began to surround the Monks. The disciples all channeled their energy and then with one shared movement sent it flying toward the Antican Horde. This blast knocked away a many of the front line of the warriors. Then with a fury I could never quite explain, the Galkas stormed into the masses of Antican. From what I could tell even the Antican had never witnessed the raw rage that was unleashed on them. One of the Monks caught my attention when he let out a primal growl and then punched and kicked his way through the enemy lines. I recognized him as Grif Da Galka, the young apprentice of Zarzarg. He leaped above to the rocky shelf and then down between 20 of the Beastmen. Grif hit them so hard and fast that even I flinched every time he landed a blow. Without even blinking an eye, Grif Dragon Kicked an Antican General that Zarzarg had uppercut into the air. The Monks moved with such grace and precision that it looked more like a dance than a battle for life and death. Side by side they fought, beating without mercy every Antican that stood in their path. When the Monks had fought their way into the center of the enemy troops, they began to chant once again, this time sounding more like a song. The melody seemed to make the Antican freeze in their steps. This time the Galkas were much louder than the time before. Once again a glow surrounded the Monks and every direction they let loose this energy in a force that I can barely describe in simple words. Antican bodies and body parts flew in every direction. When the dust finally cleared, there stood Zarzarg and his disciples standing there facing the remaining Beastmen with eyes burning once again of fire and rage. The Antican made their retreat as quickly as they could possibly run! The mages all used their magic to warp back to their hive and the soldiers ran screaming in their squealing language. There stood Zarzarg beside his disciple Grif and the other Galka Monks with small scratches but not one of them hurt seriously.
Each Monk in turn bowed to their Master and began their march back to the cave entrance. All except for one… Grif stood with his fist still clenched and a grimace on his face. Zarzarg approached the young Monk knowing all too well what he desired. “What is in your heart Young Grif?” Zarzarg asked just above a whisper. “Why do we let them escape Master?” Grif said still staring fiercely at the remaining Antican running in the distance. Zarzarg closed his eyes and said, “As long as the survivors live, they will tell the tale of the day and the battle in Korroloka Tunnel. They will whisper about the strength of the Galka and forever fear the Mighty Galka Wind.” Grif nodded his understanding and followed his master back to the cave entrance. Zarzarg smiled at his young apprentice and said, “I am pleased to see wisdom can reach you my apprentice! I thought you would be old and gray before this day would ever come! Let us go home OldGrif!! Hahahaha!! OldGrif!! Hahahahahaha!!! Zarzarg laughed hardy as he and the young Monk walked on.
I, Bantu the Bard am tired, so I will tell no more
Soon I will return, just like before
From deep inside the Star Stone, our stories will unfold
Adventures in Vana’diel yet to be told.
A story so amazing, told so many times before, of our Heroes and of the Villains galore
This may sound familiar, but it’s not what you think, for I will tell you as much as I can, before I run out of ink.
The story today that I will unfold was of dark times… so very dark times. The world still new and lands undiscovered. It was at the end of the Galkan Wars that the faith of Vana’diel and all of the races were suffering. If not for the strength of Zarzarg and his Monk Disciples surely Bastok would have fallen. It was deep inside the Korroloka Tunnel that the Galkas made their stand. The Antican Horde had made its way through the blockade and had used their ancient magic to warp inside the tunnel passage to Bastok. The support promised by Jueno was 3 days overdue when the alert was sounded. The Bastokian Council had stretched the cities defenses beyond the Gustaberg Mountain front. The city was on the brink of destruction and there was no hope for its salvation. No hope until Zarzarg and his disciples appeared at entrance of Bastok Mines.
Two years earlier… The Galkas had fought long and hard for their freedom from their Hume “Protectors”. After their pilgrimage from the Alteph Desert, many of these weary travelers accepted the terms of their new homeland. Service for Salvation seemed like a fair trade. It wasn’t long that the true nature of the Galkas and their Protectors began to drift apart and only through the challenge of civil victory had the Galkas received their freedom. Even though Galkas were now free, there were many Bastokian that didn’t see it that way. Galkas were only allowed to find employment in the mines or as servants to the wealthy. The times were changing, yet for the Galka, times seemed to stand still.
The elder of the Galkas would lead the expedition into the mines. These mining parties would farm rare ores, nuggets and metals while fending off the fiends in the caves below. A Mining Galka not only meant to be able to dig for long tiresome hours but to also be able to defend themselves against the dangers in the dark. The Galka Monk named Zarzarg had trained the miners in the art of hand-to-hand combat. He taught them how to channel their inner strength to shatter stone beneath their fist. Galkan rage and fury was well known in battle, but no one had witnessed the focus and determination of Galka Monks fending off a Cave Giant trying to steal the ore supply. One of Zarzarg’s disciples was a constant challenge to his patience. This young Galka would push Sensei Zarzarg teachings beyond the limits. He would spend hours trying to perfect his martial techniques. One night Zarzarg was shaken from his sleep from what seemed like an earthquake. He rushed from his dwelling only to find Grif Da Galka standing beside the cliff of Vomp Hill using the One Inch Punch Technique to shatter the stone beneath his fist. Zarzarg watched his young Monk as he focused his Chi and pound his fist into the boulder until it crumbled into dust. Even though Zarzarg was pleased with his disciple’s determination to master his skills, he knew that Grif loved battle and would rush into battle. A Monk uses his abilities only in defense. The 1st principle of a Galkan Monk is self-discipline. This was a lesson that Zarzarg spent many hours trying endlessly to teach this to Young Grif. Grif would always say, “Yes Sensei” and would still do things still his own way once his Master had gone. This made Zarzarg frustrated and proud at the same time. He saw so much of himself in this Galka that it was a difficult mission for him to remain angry with the young Monk.
It was right after the Festival of Lights when the first reports came in about the movement of the Antican Horde. The Beastmen that had invaded the Galkan homeland of Alteph were now migrating into the eastern Alteph desert. The threat there was that there was a secret passageway leading into Bastok deep beneath the sea. The Korroloka Tunnel had been sealed by Taru Magic and only accessible by using the ancient magic, travelers could make their way from the desert directly into the city stronghold. An Antican scout had witnessed a band of travelers one day as they ventured toward the cave entrance and mimicked the spell that opened the warp way into the tunnels. Once the shelves of stone began to slide away, the Antican retreated to report his findings.
So here we are today, after long and bloody battles, Bastok stood on the brink of destruction. Many of the Bastokian troops were defeated by the raiding parties of the Antican whose only purpose was to exhaust the defense until the entire hive made it’s final assault. I remember seeing the fear upon the faces of all of the citizens of Bastok. A fear that ate the faith of it’s soldiers and even though they still stood their post, anyone could see that all was lost. It was then that the Galkas appeared at the cave entrance. Each Monk stared into the darkness with eyes fierce and burning with a fire no one had ever seen before. They all kneeled and began to chant as Zarzarg walked down to speak with the Bastokian Captain. Zarzarg shared his plan to the Bastokian Captain and then returned to his disciples at the cave entrance. The Monk’s chant had begun to swell when Zarzarg took his place in the center. The Bastokian Captain called for the remainder of his soldiers to gather at the entrance to the marketplace. As the chant reached it’s peak, the Monks all stood and followed Zarzarg into the cave. I followed them trying to remain as quiet as possible to see this final stand for Bastok.
The Antican marched in numbers so many that I couldn’t see anything but a blur of the masses moving up the cave walls. Their mages cast spells to clear the rock and the warriors swung their swords and spears as they marched on. Zarzarg walked over to me and instructed me to stay back as far as possible, then he walk to his disciples and they began to chant once again. I watched in amazement as a glow began to surround the Monks. The disciples all channeled their energy and then with one shared movement sent it flying toward the Antican Horde. This blast knocked away a many of the front line of the warriors. Then with a fury I could never quite explain, the Galkas stormed into the masses of Antican. From what I could tell even the Antican had never witnessed the raw rage that was unleashed on them. One of the Monks caught my attention when he let out a primal growl and then punched and kicked his way through the enemy lines. I recognized him as Grif Da Galka, the young apprentice of Zarzarg. He leaped above to the rocky shelf and then down between 20 of the Beastmen. Grif hit them so hard and fast that even I flinched every time he landed a blow. Without even blinking an eye, Grif Dragon Kicked an Antican General that Zarzarg had uppercut into the air. The Monks moved with such grace and precision that it looked more like a dance than a battle for life and death. Side by side they fought, beating without mercy every Antican that stood in their path. When the Monks had fought their way into the center of the enemy troops, they began to chant once again, this time sounding more like a song. The melody seemed to make the Antican freeze in their steps. This time the Galkas were much louder than the time before. Once again a glow surrounded the Monks and every direction they let loose this energy in a force that I can barely describe in simple words. Antican bodies and body parts flew in every direction. When the dust finally cleared, there stood Zarzarg and his disciples standing there facing the remaining Beastmen with eyes burning once again of fire and rage. The Antican made their retreat as quickly as they could possibly run! The mages all used their magic to warp back to their hive and the soldiers ran screaming in their squealing language. There stood Zarzarg beside his disciple Grif and the other Galka Monks with small scratches but not one of them hurt seriously.
Each Monk in turn bowed to their Master and began their march back to the cave entrance. All except for one… Grif stood with his fist still clenched and a grimace on his face. Zarzarg approached the young Monk knowing all too well what he desired. “What is in your heart Young Grif?” Zarzarg asked just above a whisper. “Why do we let them escape Master?” Grif said still staring fiercely at the remaining Antican running in the distance. Zarzarg closed his eyes and said, “As long as the survivors live, they will tell the tale of the day and the battle in Korroloka Tunnel. They will whisper about the strength of the Galka and forever fear the Mighty Galka Wind.” Grif nodded his understanding and followed his master back to the cave entrance. Zarzarg smiled at his young apprentice and said, “I am pleased to see wisdom can reach you my apprentice! I thought you would be old and gray before this day would ever come! Let us go home OldGrif!! Hahahaha!! OldGrif!! Hahahahahaha!!! Zarzarg laughed hardy as he and the young Monk walked on.
I, Bantu the Bard am tired, so I will tell no more
Soon I will return, just like before
From deep inside the Star Stone, our stories will unfold
Adventures in Vana’diel yet to be told.
lol