There's been some interest lately about who that is on the LDoN box (and login screen) standing next to Firiona Vie. I mean the high elf in full plate armor with a sword and shield. It took some searching since all the old stories have been removed from the Everquest Live site, but some are still cached elsewhere.

That is Lord Galeth Veredeth, a Paladin of Tunare. He accompanied Firiona Vie to both Kunark and Luclin, and can also be seen on the Velious box. He is sometimes known as a General, as Captain of the Fier'dal Guard, as High Paladin of Tunare, or as King Thex's first advisor. I'm not sure of all those titles, but I did find a story about him was told in PoK last December. Here it is:

A story about Firiona Vie (as told by a GM)
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I was the first to find Dyse Tiding today while he was shouting in PoK .. and here is his story..

Dyse Tiding says, 'Many long years ago, in the peaceful elven kingdom of Felwithe the seeds of evil and corruption grew.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'The high elves thought themselves superior to the other races of Norrath and many of them turned away from the true teachings of Tunare.'
Dyse Tiding hangs his head in shame at what his elvish kin had done.
Dyse Tiding says, 'Yet amidst the corruption one brave Paladin of Tunare named Galeth Veredeth remained loyal and faithful to the precepts of Balance. He saw the hearts of the high elves gradually turn to evil before his eyes.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Even his own friend falsely accused him of treason against King Tearis Thex. Forced to flee, Galeth exiled himself to a simple life in the secluded forests of Lesser Faydark.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'As the grip of evil tightened it`s grasp on the Kingdom of Felwithe, soothsayers began to whisper about prophetic visions of a future where Tunare would return and restore Balance to the world and those responsible would face the justice of her wrath'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Now the Queen of Felwithe a devout follower of Tunare, was largely ignored by her husband the King. In desperation she consulted a halfling hedgewitch who brewed a magical potion that would make the King fall in love with her again.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Anxious to end her loneliness, she drank the potion and the King came to her that night and loved her yet again. Upon awakening the next morning, she realized it had all been a dream.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'For months the Queen feigned an illness to get back at the contemptous King. Even though she refused to leave her room the King remained unmoved. Then the strangest thing happened, she found herself with child!'
Dyse Tiding puts his hand on his heart and ponders Tunare`s infinite wisdom.
Dyse Tiding says, 'Although she was with child, she managed to keep this secret from him. Then on the day the baby was born the Queen tragically died in childbirth.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Later that night hedgewitch mysteriously disappeared with the infant into the forest. Guided by the will of Tunare the halfling made her way to the home of the reclusive paladin Galeth Veredeth.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Deep in the shrouded forests of Lesser Faydark the paladin raised the child. Inspired by Tunare he named her Firiona Vie.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Eager to learn all Galeth could teach her, Firiona mastered the art of combat and studied the ways of Balance. Soon the young maiden began to befriend the creatures of the forest and in time found herself communicating with them.'
Dyse Tiding wishes he could talk to the animals..
Dyse Tiding says, 'As Firiona grew in wisdom and stature, she came to instinctively understand that Balance was only possible if Good and Evil like light and dark were in equal measure.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Then one day Firiona heard the call of Tunare and began a long journey to discover all that she could about the ways of the many races of Norrath.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Far she traveled and much she saw, yet somehow Firiona felt a growing unrest in the world. She sensed that if Evil was allowed to continue unchecked it would tip the scales of Balance and destroy the world.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Meanwhile back in the Kingdom of Felwithe, the King was angered by growing rumors of a child born that would someday usurp his dynasty. Disguised as simple peasants, the King and his men set out to find and kill the child.'
Dyse Tiding shakes his head at the thought of the King's nefarious plans.
Dyse Tiding says, 'While searching for the child, the wicked King and his small party were ambushed by a band of dark elves -- the infamous Tier`Dal!'
Dyse Tiding says, 'When all hope was lost, Galeth the exiled Paladin of Tunare appeared and saved the Kings life. Weeping with joy the King embraced him. Later that day the King recognized Galeth`s deeds of bravery by welcoming him back into his majesty`s service.'
Dyse Tiding cringes at the thought of the Tier`Dal ambush.
Dyse Tiding regains his composure and continues the tale.
Dyse Tiding says, 'Eventually Firiona made her way back to the continent of Faydwer and visited the great elven city of Kelethin.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'While exploring the fair city she came upon a local tavern where a drunkard was rambling on about an elven child he had seen in the forest who was singing a song about a fair maiden and a magical beast.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'The drunkard`s incredible tale evoked a strange feeling of longing in her heart. Although she knew not how or why, the image of a pure white unicorn came to her mind. She must find this unicorn she thought to herself!'
Dyse Tiding says, 'After pleading with the patrons of the tavern to come to her aid, Firiona assembled a party of stout adventurers who seemed eager to help her find the magical beast.'
Dyse Tiding looks around and wonders if anyone here has ever seen a unicorn.
Dyse Tiding says, 'After much searching they finally spotted the unicorn known as Equestrielle. The unicorn`s majestic white mane and horn lit up the woods like a meteor in a night sky. In awe they approached the unicorn, yet it would only let Firiona draw near.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Then as she touched the ancient creature a flash of white light ignited the air between them and an unbreakable bond was formed between Equestrielle and Firiona Vie. Some say that at that very moment the tears of Tunare fell upon the world!'
Dyse Tiding says, 'After Firiona`s bonding with the unicorn her purpose seemed true and clear. Accompanied by her party she set out to find her old mentor Galeth. To no avail they searched the forests of Lesser Faydark.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Finally they made their way to Gates of Felwithe. Equestrielle would go no further and told her that Tunare would send a companion to protect her.'
Dyse Tiding marvels at the love Tunare has for her followers.
Dyse Tiding says, 'She entered the great city of the high elves and lo and behold a wolf appeared and licked her hand. At once Firiona sensed the power of Tunare in the wolf and accepted it as her eternal companion.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'As Firiona walked the streets of Felwithe all manner of animals began to follow her in a curious procession. News spread of this strange arrival to Galeth who recognized her immediately.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'That night a feast was held in honor of Galeth`s return. As the revelry grew a bard began to sing a love song of a woman who was a child of Tunare yet a daughter of a Queen who speaks with the animals.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'The King now visibly irritated, rose in anger and struck the bard as the tune reminded him of the prophecies.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'All became silent as a pale lady wearing a white gown entered the room. It was the spirit of the long dead Queen! The apparition addressed the crowd and then pointed at the shaken King.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'The dead Queen recounted the events of the night long ago when her daughter Firiona Vie was born and warned the King that it was Tunare`s will that he must change his heart and welcome his long lost daughter.'
Dyse Tiding feels an eerie chill run up and down his spine at the thought of the apparition of the dead Queen.
Dyse Tiding says, 'Suddenly the ghostly Queen vanished in a blue haze. The terrified King now repentant wished to find his daughter with all his heart.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Firiona knowing her destiny was at hand showed no fear as she emerged from the crowd with Galeth the Paladin by her side.'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Firiona knelt before the King. Recognizing her at once, he embraced his long lost daugther. It is said that she stands at his side to this very day!'
Dyse Tiding says, 'Thus ends my tale about the Koada`Dal swordmaiden Firiona Vie. Her brave deeds and did not stop there, for that is another story for another day!'
Dyse Tiding thanks everyone for coming to hear his story about Firiona Vie.

Thank you Sylphan!

Areleth Duvalier
Guild Scribe

An interesting read, thank you.


Dragon Alliance Rep.
Alliance Bank Mule 1
Alliance Bank Mule 2
The Protectorate

As a guide we actually had to act out that story. At least the part towards the end where Firiona meets with her father. I remember it well, in the first part of it I was Firiona's Unicorn companion and in the second half I was the King of the High Elves. So bow down to me you albinos! I am your lord!

This was on Rodcet Nife server, not CT, but hey, it should still make me your king.

Hail to the King, baby!

Soltanus Foo
KorTech Industries
Weaponsmith