Submitted: 24 July 1998

The First Traders, All But Gone

by A wandering merchant

As the Trader Guild slowly dims out of importance in Elanthia, I am reminded of the group of us who helped move it along, the 'trailblazers' of the guild, you might say.

The first Traders were a tight knit bunch of guys and gals, who will always be remembered by me at least, and hopefully by you, that is why I am including a short story about them all.

(These are in no special order)

Luigi -- One of the greatest Traders in the history of Elanthia. Unfortunately, as the Guild changed, we lost him, and he now ventures elsewhere, on more lucrative propositions. The only person I will ever call my Mentor.

Kaltan -- The stable boy. What else can we say, you were and still are a grand Trader. We lost you for a while, and are pleased that you and your wife have returned. Stay with us always my friend.

Sela -- The stable boy's wife. Such a cute little Halfling, very spunky. She liked to bite me a lot for some reason, nevertheless, a great Trader.

Kregar -- A very quiet Trader, but a nice guy. He left the trading life to persue a more calming way of life, he is now a fisherman. Hasn't been seen in years, but a definite founder to the Guild. He will be sorely missed.

Shapeshifter -- Though your soul is now in the hands of someone else, you once were a great Trader. We will miss the true you, Shapey. Remembered for many things, foremost of them was how difficult it was to drag your sorry corpse when you died . . .

Phangor -- One of the true Traders, and more prominent merchants of the lands that still remains today. He sat in the guild before it opened, waiting for the paint to dry, and eagerly joined when new members were being taken. This boy definitely has a passion for the guild, and for money. Also commonly felt to be the crazy nut among the first group of Traders.

Olak -- Though you left us for the Paladins, you were a great Trader, and Phangor's best friend. Now you are all but gone, we will miss you Olak.

Brattigan -- My friend, you will be sorely missed. One day you just left, outside of Dirge. You said you'd be back, but you have never returned. We will miss you too.

Leo -- A very fine, yet quiet Trader. Leo isn't around anymore, but he knew very well how to be a great businessman and an incredible teacher. He will also be missed.

Tirsten -- One of the last remaining founder Traders among us. A good businessman and Trader, who has all but retired from trading, though he still remains in the guild.

Therae -- The Grumpy Trader of the bunch. Always competed with Shapeshifter to be the grumpiest, and I think he definetly succeeded. But, as most of the other people are, he is gone now. He will be sorely missed, and I wish him great travels in his new business adventures.

Tera -- The last of the Traders in this group. A female Trader who has been here since the beginning also, she is a wonderful Trader and a great person, though a bit hyper, she is a great lady.