Geek Mythology: The Soldiers Marriottus
Disclaimer: Lest I incur the wrath of the evil Maesters, I must let it be known that this is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
The Great Convention of the Dragon was an annual tradition among the people of the Geek Nation. They gathered from across the world and convened in the town of Atlantae of the southern lands for the celebration. Innkeepers opened their doors to the weary travelers and hosted the festivities. One of the most favored inns was the Marriottus, which was very popular with the people as a haven for those who enjoy fanciful attire, often called “cosplay”. These purveyors of fabricated entertainment sought to continually innovate their work and seek new heights of creativity.
The spark of ingenuity was strong with a certain few who mastered the art of camouflage. They studied the flooring of the inn, finding that its soft, vibrant material was a thing of inspiration. This band of brothers realized that the “carpet” was of such a design that they could replicate the pattern on themselves and thus hide in plain sight amidst the throng of fellow Geeks. Word spread quickly of their amazing cosplay and the Geek Nation celebrated the rise of the legendary Soldiers Marriottus. There was much rejoicing.
Following that year of the Great Convention of the Dragon, the evil Maesters learned of these soldiers and their legendary status. The Maesters, employed by the Lords of Copyright, issued an order to terminate the illustrious cosplay. The Geek Nation considered this an insufferable affront. It rose up and enlisted an even larger contingency into its army. They each wore the design in protest of the order and in solidarity with the original Soldiers Marriottus.
Soon thereafter, the Maesters enacted a plan to thwart the growing army. They convinced the inn to change the carpet and thereby incapacitate the camouflage cosplay. The Geek Nation flew into an outrage, salvaging as much of the carpet as possible and pledging to continue the tradition. No Lord or Maester would defile this great era of geekdom.
To this day, the loyalists hold strong, organizing and coordinating their efforts through a group in the Book of Faces. Each year they march in the procession of the Great Convention of the Dragon and adorn themselves with carpet camouflage. They continue recruitment efforts and carry on the memory of their beloved Soldiers Marriottus and the Carpet of Days of Yore.
