The Elenium & Tamuli

One of my favorite series is by David Eddings. His first "big hit," I believe.

My wife and I loved this series so much that we named our first child's middle name after one of the characters!

The story is centered on the noble knight, Sparhawk, and his pursuit to defeat the evil that has imprisoned his Queen. Eventually, the evil threatens the peace-loving nations of the world and he must quest far and wide to determine its true origins and defeat it!

There are religous aspects to the books, involving a pantheon of gods. The most notable of which is the "child Goddess," Aphrael--an interesting twist from the normal all-powerful chiefs-of-deities.

One of my favoite aspects of the books is the notion of the knighthoods' linkages to and standings within thier churches. They aren't just warriors hacking away at whatever comes their way--they have obligations to both religious orders and temporal rulers. The politics of thier situations is often as much of a concern as is the tactical considerations. Sparhawk, the main character, is one whose duty is often torn between his obligation to his church and his loyalty to the state.

It just so happens that in our current D&D campaign I play a paladin with similar encumberences--often having to balance between duty to the state and duty to my god (it doesn't help that his background is that he is the errant 2nd son of the ruling monarch whose older brother was killed in battle). Anyway, I often draw example and encouragement from the character of Sparhawk.

Hopefully, this gives encouragement to pick up the first of the series, The Diamond Throne, without giving away the story...at least that was my intent! Enjoy...