History
The portal of souls was created by the gods in order to help Banor, the first human, in his war against the evil hordes of undead, orcs, dragons and many other dark beings. This strange artefact was made on a huge mountain, where heroes came every day to help Banor in his quest. A small temple was built around the portal, and the first priest, Birtfeld, guarded the portal and helped the new heroes to start their journey to the far-away battlefields. They were equipped with the greatest weapons that humans could make, and fought for many years.
The legendary portal of souls
But then the gods threw the charm of the new beginning over the world. Water covered Tibia and only the highest peaks were dry. Among these peaks was the portal of souls. It stood there, alone, for hundreds of years. Birtfeld died, but another person from the portal took his place, Nirpfeld, who was then followed by Cipfeld, who was followed by Bipfreld, who was followed by Gritfled, who was followed by Cipfried, the current priest of the portal. And thus the knowledge of the portal was lost to the rest of the world for hundreds of years.
An abandoned raft
But one day came a ship from far away, with explorers from Thais. Among these were Seymor the scholar, Willie the farmer and Obi the merchant. There were also a large group of soldiers and workers. The expedition was led by Joseph Kahs, leader of the Red Guards (former Red Legion). They found the ancient portal of souls and Cipfried. A report was sent to Thais, and king Tibianus the third was most pleased. He had heard about the legends of the portal, and the great heroes that could be brought from far away. He needed heroes in these times of war and evil, so he ordered that a city should be formed. The name “Rookgaard” comes from the ancient soldier word for a new recruit (“rookie”), symbolising the stream of new heroes that hopefully would flow from the portal.
The dangerous "minohell" for experienced adventurers
But soon other parts around the portal rose from the seas. And in these ancient tunnels lived horrors from the dark ages of the world. Undead, demons, orcs, dragons and other evils crawled up form the deeps and began attacking the newly founded city. The soldiers and heroes from beyond fought against the evil, but they were losing. Joseph Kahs was slain. The heroes were weak when they came from the portal, and without proper training they were no match for the dark forces. The war raged on for many years, but finally, when all hope was lost, the great Banor himself appeared and slayed the evil beasts. The war had been won.
The Legacy of Banor
Banor told the people that the evil wasn’t destroyed forever, and would return if it were not kept at bay. He said that the heroes would need proper knowledge and equipment if they should be able to stem the dark hordes. Therefore the academy of Rookgaard was founded and Obi started to sell weapons, armour and other equipment that would be needed. Seymor was ordered by the king to lead the academy, and he reluctantly accepted. Willie made a farm with food for the people, and Cipfried was learned about the magic of healing. Dalheim, the best of the soldiers, was set to guard the city. Banor returned to the netherworld but wished the city luck before departing.
Dalheim the Guard
The city of Rookgaard lies on an island in the bay of Thais. The surrounding land is inhabited by snakes, spiders, wolves and other hostile animals. The only way to get to Rookgard is through the portal of souls. The only way of the island is the four teleporters in the academy, which leads to Thais.
Notable Places
The portal of souls is an ancient device, which can move people from distant dimensions into Tibia. The portal is guarded by Cipfried the priest, who also heals injured adventurers and help new heroes.
The Rookgaard academy is led by Seymor the scholar.
Seymour
The Academy Library
Sewers aren’t usually a tourist attraction, but the Rookgaard sewers is usually crowded with people who want their first experience in fighting monsters (in this case rats).
Outside the town, to the east, is a small graveyard where criminals and other less appreciated people are buried. (update: here's a piece of information from my dear freind Lugin, a long-time inhabitor of Rookgaard: "Some say that Urbat Afgars, Kendram Benson and Polgan Bonechrusher were great heros. The legend also tells that it was Kendram who killed the dragon. In my mind I see them as heros. Thier graves looks like something a dear friend who just have had his 3 friends killed out in the wilderness would do as a last farewell. The thiefs we throw in the ocean as fish food." If this is true, i give them all the respect I can, but there is also some noted criminals buried there. These graves doesn't have signs though.) It is said that under one of these graves there is a dark cave with evil monsters. Be careful!
I would like to thank my near friend, Red Un of Rookgard, and of course Seymor, Obi, Cipfried and the other inhabitants of the beautiful city of new heroes.
