View source for Courtyard of the Hawk's Spirit

This simple yet elegant garden courtyard sits within the light haze of a<BR>
passing cloud. Taking in a deep breath of the chilled air, your eyes open wide<BR>
as you realize that this place has been built upon a mountain summit.<BR>
Perched upon an altar, a large hawk eyes your every move.<BR>

'''Holy Symbol''': (Iridescent) A pure white feather<BR>
Long Desc:  Soft to the touch, this feather symbolises that evil cannot touch<BR>
everything.<BR>


'''Look NORTH:''' <BR>
Making your way around the strange portal, you gaze outwards, scanning the<BR>
beautiful snow capped alpine mountains. A very faint demonic-like cry catches<BR>
your ears. Seemingly coming from a certain part of the rangers that oddly<BR>
enough, resembles a hawk. To the side of that mountain, it changes to some<BR>
sharp cliffs. Huge gates of what appears to be a large keep towers over the<BR>
icy wastelands that fills the land between you and it.<BR>

'''Look EAST:''' <BR>
Directly below, you see a city built within the mountain. The larger stone<BR>
buildings in the center are surrouned by cosy looking cottages. Judging by the<BR>
distance to the city, those buildings must be huge! Looking further down the<BR>
mountain, it tapers off to a large blanket of open grass, edged by a light<BR>
forest to the south and a much darker forest to the north. The grass plains<BR>
continue until it hits a rocky outcrop, that then drops into a gorge in the<BR>
land. Oddly it seems to be shaped simmilar the the end of a pick or a<BR>
tooth. Then just past that, sneaking into view way in the distance, is a lonely<BR>
castle.<BR>

'''Look SOUTH:''' <BR>
The first thing that grabs your attention is the massive coastline view<BR>
stretching as far as you can see. The crystal blue water hugs the beach, then<BR>
phasing to a darker hue as it continues out to sea. A river running from the<BR>
mouth meanders northward, dividing what appears to be an old ruined city to<BR>
one side and a large golden desert to the other. Following this river further<BR>
it ends as it hits a massive man-made city. With busy streets and huge city<BR>
walls, this would one of the biggest cities in the realm, and one of the most<BR>
dangerous too.<BR>
<BR>

'''Look WEST:''' <BR>
Looking below you in this direction, past a smaller mountain thats emitting<BR>
smoke for some strange reason, you see a very long and straight road, running<BR>
northwards to the snow capped mountains and southwards to the nice warm<BR>
beaches. On the otherside of the road, lies a massive, yet beautiful emerald<BR>
green forest. The foilage thick everywhere except a small clearing where a<BR>
camp of a few tents has been set up. Not too far away from the clearing,<BR>
little tree houses pop out from the canopy, linked together with rope bridges<BR>
with figures moving back and forth on them. A bit more west of the forest<BR>
changes its colour to a very dark green, nearly appearing black. You seem to<BR>
wonder what lies beyond such an unfriendly place.<BR>
<BR>
'''Look UP:''' <BR>
The bright warm sun in the open blue sky cuts throught the chilled air.<BR>
If this mountain was any higher, you could touch the stars.<BR>
<BR>
'''Look DOWN''': <BR>
Looking down over the courtyard wall, it chills you to the bone upon realising<BR>
how high you really are. Looking down the steep mountain side, you can just<BR>
make out goblin-like creatures with mining tools milling about.<BR>
<BR>
'''Look PORTAL:'''<BR>
This strange blue hued portal must of been how you have gotten here.<BR>
<BR>
'''Look GARDEN''': <BR>
The garden is has some of the most beautiful coloured flowers and plants to<BR>
have ever been created. Small statues are placed all around the garden at<BR>
periodic places around the garden.<BR>
<BR>
'''LOOK STATUE STATUES:''' <BR>
There are four statue all made from different materials.<BR>
One is made of brimstone, one from wood, one from a clear crystal and the<BR>
last one of a light sapphire.<BR>
<BR>
'''Look BRIMSTONE:''' <BR>
This statue of brimstone seems to radiate a nasty heat, preventing you from<BR>
getting too close, even the surrounding portion of garden seems to avoid<BR>
growning anywhere near it. The statue is one of Pyros the god of fire.<BR>
<BR>
'''Look WOOD:''' <BR>
This statue seems to be much smaller then the rest, made of finely crafted<BR>
wood of intricate detail.. of a really small ogre more akin to halfling size.<BR>
Odd thing about this statue it is as if the wood is translucent. It is a<BR>
statue of Lord Okk. aint he cute!<BR>
<BR>
'''Look CRYSTAL''': <BR>
This sunlight reflects through this statue, causing prismatic rainbow colours<BR>
around it. The effect gives you a tranquil feeling, as this statue of the<BR>
great goddess, Tamar, brings a smile to your face.<BR>
<BR>
Look SAPPHIRE: <BR>
This is a statue of simple human girl, dressed in simple shamanic robes.<BR>
Standing there with nothing but a smile on her face, this girl has one of the<BR>
most kindest and beautiful faces you have ever seen. She doesnt look like an<BR>
immortal like the other statues, yet she seems to have the heart of one. A<BR>
small inscription is etched into the base of the statue.<BR>
<BR>
'''Look INSCRIPTION:''' <BR>
Aoife,<BR>
you are my heart, my soul and my Goddess forever.<BR>
I've yet to find anyone kinder, gentler, unselfish<BR>
and most of all as beautiful as you. You are an<BR>
example to all in this realm.<BR>
Yours forever my true love,<BR>
Whitehawk.<BR>
<BR>
'''Look HAWK''': <BR>
As you stare into these dark blue eyes of this magnificent animal, your<BR>
peripheral vision fades. Words thump through your head...<BR>
<BR>
The large hawk tells you (in old-common), 'Evil has risen in power and numbers<BR>
over the last few centuries, nearly engulfing this world completely.'<BR>
<BR>
'Lord Whitehawk is looking for those with the heart and integrity to stand up<BR>
to this evil anyway they choose.'<BR>
<BR>
'His rules are written within this book, please feel free to have a look.'<BR>
<BR>
With that the hawk moves over to reveal a large plain covered brown book.<BR>
<BR>
'''Look BOOK:''' <BR>
RULES OF COMBAT<BR>
- Never attack those who follow a Good god.<BR>
- Use your judgement for Neutrals and Agnostics<BR>
- No restrictions for Evil followers.<BR>
- After every kill you must pray to your victim aloud or to them privately.<BR>