Tybarian
Tybarian was the first House Elder of Protectors of the Radiance.
The Soul of Radiance
Our interviewer, having chased Machiavelli through Emphant-infested Threshold Pits, pauses to restore her lost DreamSoul, suddenly realizing Machiavelli is through only one more portal. Our interviewer catches Machiavelli and the two journey to Gloom Peaks while Machiavelli shares his story with her. With rusty brown water at her knees, she joins party and listens while watching to see what goodies wash up with the tide. Brushing brownish splatters from this notepad, she enjoys a casual discussion, frantically scribbling down Machiavelli's tale while keeping an eye on the river.
"Shortly after the first rulers of Protectors of the Radiance were ascended, a Circe of Nine, Tybarian revealed that he would do something unusual to forge the Soul of Radiance so we could again banish freely as in the days of the Protectors of Old."
Were you one of the first rulers, Mach?
"I was indeed.
"One dark night I arrived in the dream to find Sabra in the Protectors of the Radiance. The truth of her and Tybarian's relationship having been hidden till then to prevent rumors of conflicts of interests arising. That night though, it was revealed that they were indeed a couple, and that she was to help her husband in an enormous task.
"To re-forge the Soul of Radiance, Tybarian gave his very heart to give the necessary power to accomplish this.
"... So in a rather quiet and sad manner it was done, with many a tear shed by all at this sacrifice. The Soul of Radiance then stood reforged anew, ready to banish again. Tybarian also left his famous spear behind as well at this time. This was a personal item which I had for a period but which was then destroyed by Rasputin unfortunately when he used it and tried recharging it.
"Some weeks later though... Tybarian's Soul arrived, having mustered enough strength to form another avatar, one which is confined to the house though."
Machiavelli sighs thoughtfully as he remembers.
"A most noble fellow, he has my complete trust. And because of him I found my true path in the dream I believe."
Calysto wipes some brown liquid off of her notepad.
Machiavelli curiously wonders what manner of notepad this is.
Calysto looks at a battered stack of papers in a leather binding, splattered by the brownish river at her feet.
The following story is a history of the Protectors of the Radiance as remembered by Machiavelli and included with his permission:
Tybarian the Goat Herder
Did you ever wonder why the Order of the Sable Moon and the Protectors of the Radiance never seem to get along in the dream? Here's your answer
It was a dream similar to many before it; students learning their arts, requesting new tasks to perform, stories to be exchanged in the interest of teaching. The Order of the Sable Moon was growing daily. Guardian Roland stood out front in the House entrance, guarding during the time class was being held in the Celebration Hall. Several others stood with him discussing events of the dream.
Tybarian, a dreamer of unknown name stepped inside the Sable Moons entrance and disdainfully surveyed his surroundings. “Bring me your Rulers”, he demanded. Roland frowned at the dreamers’ ill manners, stating, “You will speak politely or leave”. “I will speak as I will, Guardian. And I will not leave. Not until I have spoken to your Rulers. Roland replied again, “I will ask you once and……” Roland's voice trailed off as Tybarian hit him several times, staggering the Guardian. “Do not tempt me”, Tybarian growled as he saw Roland reaching for his chakram.
Suddenly chakram blasts filled the air. Members of the Sable Moon wasted no time in defending their brother. Tybarian fought with a strength of a dreamer of old. The screams of dreamers could be heard resounding within the Orders walls as they fought. Roland and others of the Order were collapsed. Tybarian took off running as the members were restored and gave hot pursuit. Their progress was impended by wards but soon they came upon him on the Trinities.
Tybarian challenged Ruler Amygdala to a duel. Amy, twin sister to Roland, laughed in the dreamer’s face. He was judged to be un sphered but they suspected him to be a Lyran… and a Ruler of Protector of the Radiance. Tybarian sneered again, “I will not be one against your hordes, not for long anyway. Your day is ended. The Protectors shall squash you.” Others joined in the laughter as Amy replied, “I haven’t the time for such nonsense. You wish respect then approach us ill mannered. Act honorably, otherwise remove yourself from this Rise.”
Tybarian frowned at the laughter of those around him. “You are a most jovial group. Your discipline is a joke unto itself.” “Ignore him”, Amy replied to those of the Order, then looked square in Tybarian's eyes. “You act dishonorably Lyran, collapse me if it makes you feel better.” Domination could tolerate no more of this dreamer’s disrespect and gave the order to fire.
Another fight broke out resulting in the collapsing Tybarian and several others. “Does this bring you satisfaction? I am not through with you”, Tybarian yelled in anger.. I have come to make my intentions known to you. I receive nothing but childish taunts. Then all I’ve heard is true about the Moon.” “Come everyone, leave him to float”, sneering at the soul sphere of Tybarian the members of the Order of the Sable Moon headed towards home.
Roland and Domination continued with their duties, keeping a watchful eye on Tybarian’s location. Soon he was found to be in Chimeric and to their dismay noticed Amy with him. Quickly they joined their ruler, listening to Tybarian rant and rave of his treatment by the members of the Moon. “What is your purpose here Tybarian?”, Amy asked of him. Tybarian stared a moment at the assembled members of the Sable Moon, leaning back and crossing his arms, watching the others through narrowed eyes. “I am an Illuminated Knight who ascended to Rulership in a time of war. My purpose is clear and strong and I will see to it my House is rebuilt to serve the beliefs that give my purpose their edge.
I am a Crusader. I intend to build a House of Crusaders. We have a purpose... we will protect and save the Unawaken. We are the Protectors of Radiance. And we are your foemen. For now there is only me, which is why I was a fool to act out today. But eventually I will be joined by others. And we will not rest until the unawaken are saved from the Mares... and every last essence held in the Dreamer's Stone is banished utterly.” Amygdala nods, still listening but disbelieving of these illuminate’s views. She asks, “When will the Protectors open Tybarian?” “Again I say my actions this day were foolhardy. I am in my own way newly awakened to my new role in the Dream. But my purpose remains. As does my crusade.” Amygdala nods in response to Tybarian's statement, smiling. “And now I make you this solemn vow.
I will not trespass onto your House steps again... not until the war is won and I may walk in by right of victory.” Amygdala raised her eyebrows at this threat. Roland's only response was, “Keep your vows, Tybarian, you will not step foot in our House. Your foot will not soil Our House.” Tybarian looked at those assembled with disdain, “And so I have given my vow. The strife will be a while in coming.” “And so you have mine, Tybarian”, was Roland's reply. Amygdala replied, “Very well Tybarian, then vow you will never step on the stairs of the Moon again” Domination remarked arrogantly, “You will not be victorious.”
Tybarian ignored the others statements and continued, “ If nothing else... today's action has convinced me of the need for planning... something my mentor once told me but which I was always slow to learn. But plan I shall. And recruit I shall.” Amygdala only nods her head and replies, “And so shall we Tybarian… so shall we.” Caladar nods his head in agreement. Tybarian moves to leave with a parting comment, “Very well, I go... to my House... to plan the future of the Protectors of Radiance.” Amygdala curtsies, “Farewell Tybarian, I must return to my house.”
Tybarian casts a look back and bows to Amy and Caladar. Roland watches the newly appointed Ruler depart and suddenly chuckles, “I think he will be looking over his shoulder for some time.” Amygdala nods with a smile, “I am proud of our defense.” Domination showed complete disgust for the Ruler of the Radiance, “He has set himself and his house in a path of destruction by his actions today.” “I still think rulers of houses should not act in that manner. Attacking initiates because they will not fetch the ruler...”, commented Luinitari. Caladar broke out with a big smile, “Once again we have shown the dream we ARE a family!!” All those present smiled in response to Caladar's words, knowing it to be true.
