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A Different Breed of Knight - Gatalis - 06-02-2013
Captain Shea Lendetta
The Fallen Black Knight, Servant of Helm
![[Image: female-knight-sunset-sadness-1.jpg]](http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a95/OkitasGirl/female-knight-sunset-sadness-1.jpg)
The Fallen Black Knight, Servant of Helm
Age: Mid twenties
Race: Human
Skin Tone: Mild Tan
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Ice Blue
Notable Features: Blood Red strange tattoos on her forearms
Homeland: Moonsea Region
Family: Assumed Dead
Deity: Helm (Formerly Shar)
Clergy Rank: Independent worshiper
DnD Alignment: Lawful Evil (Lawful Neutral Tendencies)
Occupation: High-ranking Slaver (formerly), Apprentice Guardian (formerly), Black Knight (Formerly), and Captain within the Thazalhar Legion
Titles:One of the heroes of Alaor (Salamander War), The Whiskey Queen, Captain, Legionnaire, one of the defenders of Bezantur (Salamander War).
General Appearance: A woman either in seductive black clothing based on the mountain design, a plain brown dress, or in a suit of modified magical steel full plate, unpainted and polished with a Helmet featuring a gargoyle's skull in the front.
Shea Lendetta is a woman of her word. She's constantly torn between bettering the system and accepting her place in life. She has no qualms with speaking up to her superiors (including Red Wizards) when there's an issue, and holds herself with authority. Recent events have lead to an almost complete flip in personality from one of general self-loathing to a much kinder, gentler soul. As a woman of her word, if she says she'll do something- she'll either do it or die trying unless the task is too suicidal for her (a rare occurrence after murdering a Red Wizard in broad daylight).
When order is met, she seems happy. Her ice-blue eyes seem to betray her otherwise joyous grins and laughs, pointing to regrets for actions that were not necessarily her fault. Perhaps most sickeningly though, these eyes portray a murderer who is not afraid to repeat the deed if duty requires it.
When angered, she is a force to be reckoned with. Her personality shifts to one that if any more out of control could be considered similar to a Berserker. She becomes violent, brash, easily angered, and easily manipulated as she tears her way through any combat or social situation with brutal force.
Shea has a very strong sense of honor to the contract and to herself. Unless the odds are stacked against her and virtually unbeatable, she will go to great lengths to get the job done- even if it costs her more than the contract earns her. Likewise, she has a very no-nonsense attitude when it comes to a job. She would rather punch out or ignore a bystander than let them slow her down.
Her social directness seems to have faded a bit, and has instead been replaced with a much calmer and approachable attitude.
EDITS: Small changes, forgot to change the title.
RE: A Different Breed of Knight - Gatalis - 06-10-2013
The book before you would bear a black leather binding. Shar’s symbol would be imprinted on the first page, but strangely enough, it seems to have been imprinted over a different symbol. Underneath the new ink is the symbol of Ilmater, darkened and almost beyond recognition, but still there nonetheless. This book is Shea Lendetta’s personal journal, and constantly remains on her person. Most of them are just day-to-day reminders and notes about recent contracts, but some passages would be marked with a creased page, or ink picture drawn above the writing. Something interesting to note, is that not a single entry has a date next to it.
====================
Ser Holgerth told me I should start keeping a journal on me at all times. He told me I’d never know when something interesting would be said and I wouldn’t have time to memorize it, but if I kept a journal on hand I wouldn’t have to worry about that. I suppose he’s right... Holgerth hasn’t been wrong in the past, has he?
====================
Ugh... I can’t stand it! All this “pray six times a day, don’t talk unless confessing, never feel negative emotions towards your fellow initiates” nonesense... I’m glad I brought this journal along. I can’t even speak these days, and when I do speak it only seems to get me extra chores! On top of that, Holgerth keeps telling me that I need to wait whenever we’re supposed to have a training session... How am I supposed to learn how to fight when you never let me spar? I have stable work for the next three weeks because I mentioned to the Grand Master that I thought it was wrong that Jann was inducted as a knight errant so quickly! Ugh... I don’t know what your holy plan is, but please, just tell me already before I start contemplating jumping off the bridge.
====================
Finally getting used to life here. Thinking back I overreacted so much... Holgerth and I still only train maybe once a week, but otherwise things are looking up for me. I think I’m finally starting to get why things are set up this way, why Ilmater tests us like this.
====================
Holgerth and I are leaving the sanctuary! He said that the only way for me to gain combat experience was in actual combat, so we’re heading back to my home town in the Moonsea regions... I doubt father will let us stay at the farm house, but Holgerth says not to worry as we’ll have accommodations. For a half-orc, he’s surprisingly social, gets along with most everyone, convinces everyone that he knows what to do when he has no idea, like right now...
====================
I thought he’d have me fight orcs, dragons, manticores! Not decrepit, diseased goblins and kobolds holding sticks as if they were all-powerful weapons... This is nonsense, and he won’t even let me kill the damned evil creatures, claims I need to know restraint... On top of that Father’s been badgering me every day since my return about that arrangement... It’s not going to happen though. I’m not going to even consider that damned noble’s proposal! Not to mention with my training, I’m not allowed to marry- he doesn’t seem to think I’ll complete my training and be recognized as a knight though. In any case he really is letting us use the farm house... Not sure how Holgerth pulled off that one.
====================
I’ve had enough of this. Tommorrow, I’m going into the mountains with or without Ser Holgerth’s permission to locate a real challenge!
====================
Today was a very good day! I managed to track down and kill three goblins... Using real weapons! I took their supplies back to the local smithy and he even gave me a few coins for it. Got to keep these stored somewhere safe... Maybe underneath the floorboards.
====================
I met a strange woman up in the mountains. It was near dusk and I was getting ready to head down when I spotted her. She was wearing these... Black robes, purple outlines on them. The whole encounter feels so hazy, and all I can remember is her telling me that all the secrets would become clear in due time... I modified the story and told Holgerth I met her in town. He seemed very intrigued, but also told me to run if I saw her again... Strange.
====================
Holgerth is getting suspicious. I came home with a nasty cut on my waist today. Told him I got into a fight with some ruffians in town, but he didn’t buy it for one second. He hasn’t said anything since or even asked me where I really got it, but I’m sure he knows. Why won’t he say anything?
====================
I ran into her again. It was much clearer this time around... We discussed my training, and she thinks I’m making a mistake coming into the mountains to fight its inhabitants. She tells me I risk death, or worse, and that ambition will only lead to my own downfall. This woman sounds like Holgerth, but it’s... Different. Holgerth would intervene if he found out, this woman seems more likely to let me continue my course of action without attempting to stop me.
====================
Goblin scout followed me down from the mountains today. I made quick work of it, but still... I need to be more careful.
====================
Holgerth’s training has seemed to drop off completely! The half-orc won’t even let me spar any more, it’s all studies, ugh! The only time I even have to myself is when I’m being sent into town. The only good news lately is that father doesn’t seem to beleaguer me about the marriage arrangements any more... I think he’s finally realizing that I plan to become a knight.
====================
I met a young strapping magician today. We exchanged a few words, but I had to return from my errand. I’ve promised to meet him again tomorrow though.
====================
Holgerth told me I should take up studying another language. He suggested Terran or Celestial- I told him it wasn’t happening. I spoke with the magician again today, found out his name was Arnold. He seemed interested in my studies and my goals. There’s something strange about him that I can’t put my finger on...
====================
He stopped by today! I can’t believe it’s been a month since we started seeing each other... Holgerth is none the wiser either, the half-orc told Arnold that he could teach me how to speak the magic tongue. The words of the robed woman still speak plainly in my head though, what secrets? What was she talking about?
====================
It’s a hassle for Arnold to travel all the way out to this farm house just to teach me how to write and speak in the magic tongue. Holgerth has agreed to let us go to the local tavern as a meetup point. I told Arnold about my training out in the mountains, and he seemed intrigued. He seems to want to go out there, but Holgerth said he’d be checking with the barkeep to make sure we are showing up.
====================
The barkeep has agreed to lie for us if we bring him seventy percent of our earnings... I was only using ten percent for medical supplies anyways, and it’s not like we need the money. Arnold and I are heading up into the mountains starting tomorrow. I haven’t actually taken the vow of truth yet, and even if I had, this isn’t really breaking it, just... Working around it. Right?
====================
This new arrangement is going great! We’re making more money than ever, and with the two of us working together we can kill twice as many goblins. Today we even found an orc and managed to kill it! Holgerth can’t get too upset, we’re defeating evil creatures, aren’t we?
====================
Arnold has been a problem lately... He keeps ogling me, and today isn’t the first time I’ve had to swat away a hand. He should understand better than anyone that this behavior isn’t alright though! I’m not entirely sure about how to address this...
====================
Orc followed us home today. We have to be more careful in the future.
====================
We found that woman again. She seemed to be even more upset with another’s presence. Arnold and her walked off and left me there after he mentioned his profession. He didn’t come back for a solid hour at least! I don’t know what’s going on with him, but that’s not alright...
====================
Arnold and I had an... Intimate moment up in the mountains today. We stopped by a natural spring to collect water, and he grabbed my *a large portion would be scribbled out, unlegible* needless to say I smacked him upside the head and told him that there’d be consequences if he so much as touched me... I can’t believe he tried to do that! Still, it’s... Strange to think that someone could like a simple farm girl turned knight initiate. What does he even see in me?
====================
Holgerth caught on. He’s banned me from going outside for a solid week. That’s alright though, we think we almost stumbled into the orc’s lair last time. Arnold hasn’t made any advances since I pushed him away, much to both my comfort and my displeasure... I’m not sure if I should be relieved or disheartened.
====================
Arnold’s going to get us all killed! He’s been going up to the mountains without me, claims he learned an invisibility spell, but I don’t believe him for a minute.
====================
*The following seems hastily written.*
So this is it huh? Holgerth just told me to get ready, it seems that the magician angered the orcs just enough to get them to come down from the countryside and attack the town. It’ll only be a few hours until they reach the farmlands, and we must be prepared to fight, fight for what’s left of the town. Hopefully those mercenaries the mayor hired will show up. Ilmater give me strength, or let this book survive as a reminder of who I was, a legacy for those I saved.
====================
*The following passage seems to be written in charcoal, bloodstains on the page*
The Broken God is a liar and a cheat. May his followers rot in the fiery abyss!
====================
RE: A Different Breed of Knight - Gatalis - 07-04-2013
*The following pages would seem crumpled or well creased, inserted into the journal and bound with a thin leather strip. The writing would be scribbled, almost illegible, seemingly made from charcoal or some other material.*
Fate... Did fate bring me here? Why, why would it do that. My enemy lies right beyond these cell walls. It’s been three days since I arrived, the darkness is starting to become normal, but this place is unnatural, I know its purpose, the reason I’m here... They whisper calming words to me when I try to sleep, but I’ll have none of it. Ilmater is a fraud, nothing but an old cripple, but this is not the way. I won’t stoop to their levels. Why though? Why would they place me here of all places? In a prison created by that damned Dark Goddess? I should never have trusted that damned woman...
====================
Water and meals. They seem intent on keeping me alive as I do everything in my power to keep my strength up. I’ve found that while my physical strength continues to improve, my mental strength begins to diminish. The sins of these people cloud my head constantly, try to force their way through my vision. I doubt I’ll be able to truly combat them, but I can continue to build my strength so that I might strike out.
====================
*The writing would seem frantic*
These mental images... What are they doing to me? I have to strain, strain so hard just to focus... Damn it all, what is this dark magic!? This void... It permeates my mind, tries to subject me to its will, drives me away from any semblance of who I am... But worst of all... I like it.
I need to escape, somehow, somewhere, this isn’t happening... This can’t be happening!
====================
I can’t believe I resisted for so long. The priestess says it had been four whole seasons! I feel better though now that I’ve accepted it, this void grows stronger in my vision, but I feel better, feel like I can truly serve the... No, my dark goddess now.
====================
She discussed me joining the clergy as an initiate. All I have to do is make a sacrifice. It feels so much easier than I would have expected... Is this truly what I want though, or is it this void that... Feels so nice... I don’t know. I’m going through with it though, this will etch my name into m’lady’s domain, make my connection with her more... Permanent, perhaps.
====================
*The pages would return to the book as the short section ends, the ink elegant with a slight tinge of purple now, the writing clean, neat.*
I have blood on my hands.
The goblins, the orcs, yes they were sentient beings, but I killed them quickly, they were evil, wrong, a scourge to the world. I begged forgiveness to Ilmater with each kill. This woman though... She was an innocent, an elven clergy member of Selune torn from her temple by stealth and subterfuge. I can’t turn back now, my fate is decided, there is no redemption from this point. With the changing of my fate though, I’ve come to like this void in my mind even more... It takes quite a bit of focus to keep myself from fading into it. It was so, so easy sneaking into the temple while they were all asleep, all it required were a few spells to protect me from the damned moon goddess as the lunar eclipse was in full swing.
If this book is ever found, let it be known that I kill not out of enjoyment or pleasure, but as a necessity. These deeds are not something I enjoy, or will ever enjoy. I commit them to further the Nightsinger.
====================
My brothers and sisters spread rumors about me... They believe I’m not faithful nor wise enough to become a full fledged clergy member. They seek chaos whereas I seek order and controlled chaos utilized as needed. Perhaps it’s simply my training shining through, my values, but these heathens do not understand, they’ve never understood. I believe most of them are truly enraptured simply in the aspect of darkness, of nothingness. They might as well follow the teachings of Ibrandul or Loviatar, for they won’t fully understand what Shar can be.
M’lady is the true darkness within each and every one of us. She stands not for what we long for, or wish for, but of what each of us can be or become with just that slight push over the edge. I strain for my order because I know when it snaps and breaks, I’ll be more of a monster than I ever was under my code and honor. I know the value of secrets, and of the power to manipulate.
And yet I feel like an outcast among my people in secrecy...
====================
It’s been a few years, hasn’t it? I’m still an initiate. They’re sending me to Thay of all places... Thay! Of course we’re legal in Thay. No more hiding, no more secret meetings. I might as well just brand her insignia into my skin for everyone to know whom I worship. We set out on our journey soon, and then will proceed to set sail. I’ve come to live with this void, and manage it. It still clouds my vision, but I’ve learned to focus, and use this focus to direct my full attention at a target in combat. It’s become a part of me...
====================
Names... So many names. Belos Galambos, Willo Goodman, Drom... I don’t remember ever having to remember so many names in such a short time, I didn’t even know the names of half my brothers and sisters at the temple... Slavers ambushed our caravan. Most of the initiates fled or killed them, but I was separated from the group. They chased me into some forest for days until I arrived at the edge of a cliff. A... I believe it was a red wizard who saved me, but I don’t know for sure. What I do know is that the Clergy have no recollection of our group being sent here, they simply said I’d become an initiate. Them and I have been fighting over my visions, and that I’ve begun to make enough of a name to attract assassins. They still think I should only be an initiate though. I’ve also taken up slaving, I mean... What’s the lives of a few dozen thugs and monsters in the grand scheme of things?
Perhaps it is time to sever my ties and spread Shar’s will how it was meant to be spread. By the blade of a sword upon my enemies, so that all may know her name, fear, and revere it.
====================
Willo Goodman... An interesting fellow and a drunk. I consider him a solid ally though at this time, despite worshipping some pitiful excuse for a god... It’s a shame what happened to him with the fire giant, and I feel horrible about it, but he’s alive and well enough, and I returned most of his belongings.
Shar dictates I should have kept them, perhaps, but my code of honor is strict, and I could do no such thing.
====================
It is done. The High Priestess was angry, she threatened to kill me even, but she... Believes in my visions, or perhaps she received word to not end my life. I am going to join the Priador legion. If I can help with this damned Salamander war, it’ll begin to spread enough of a name for myself to further M’lady’s cause. On top of that I’ll be close at hand to the temple so sending reports will be easy.
====================
The Priador bastards won’t accept me. You’d think with Salamanders near their doorsteps they’d want every able bodied man and woman under their commanders... Especially since they charge for everything except our cloaks. No matter, I am going to join the Thazalhar Legion... Sergeant Drom feels this would be beneficial, and I do owe him a good deal in getting oriented with Thay. Yes, that will do.
====================
Lycanthropy... I was lucky to catch it in time with Willo’s help. Gods, that could have been a lot worse than it was...
====================
It seems I haven’t gained much respect... The fellow legionnaires have been referring to me as “The Whiskey Queen” ever since I brought in that little gang of thugs who ambushed me while I was out drunk. The commander thinks I should have killed them, but killing should be reserved for more serious cases. I’d say ten lashings each and they’ll learn their lesson right quick. Besides... I think the damage I caused in my state will keep them in line.
====================
Belos Galambos, an interesting fellow and I think I’d consider him a friend. The man is rather strange, but so is any red wizard or apprentice to them. I think we’ll get along just fine we will.
Not to even mention that spell... I don’t know what it is, but it... Clears the void from my head when he casts it- at least temporarily. I feel whole again, but I also begin to think more deeply... Is what I’m doing wrong? No, no way, that can’t be. Shar’s will is always right, I can’t believe I’d even question that!
====================
The defense of Alaor was a success! I’m quickly gaining fame and prestige among my colleagues much to the Chagrin of Davis. Really now, why does he hate me so much? Suppose I’ll never know.
That battle was tough, but we pulled through. I wasn’t keen on the idea of being led by a gnoll, but no matter, the mission was a success and I doubt anyone will think much of whomever was leading us, heh.
====================
I’ve been given a gift from my goddess... I’m finding myself more and more in-tune with the divine half of my training, though I still practice furiously in regards to my physical training.
====================
Met a man named Gust... Can’t stand Shaundakul, but his wares are worth having to deal with that damned shrine being so close.
Also began working on finding gargoyle skulls. Used to spot them all over the place, but they seem to be something of a rarity now that I actually -want- to find them. And he wants thirty of them no less! A contract is a contract though, and I won’t put it down for anything!
====================
Met a man, or rather half dragon named Valin Storm today. He’s definitely a business person, and I’m rather sure he’s a member of the Tyraturos legion. He irritates me to no end, I absolutely can’t stand him! Yet... At the same time I find myself peculiarly drawn towards him. This is a very strange feeling, and one that I don’t like at all. I’m usually prone to simply ignoring such things as they don’t even cross my mind, but at the same time, I usually don’t think about sparring with folks... That would be a rather... Ecstatic experience, fighting someone who had half a brain and had a large chance of potentially winning.
What am I thinking? Bah, I need to go kill something, maybe capture a slave or two. I barely know the bastard...
====================
Met an elf recently who I’m considering not enslaving surprisingly enough, and Belos disappeared. Strange.
====================
Haha! I’ve been promoted! Davis can go shove a greataxe down his throat, this promotion came straight from the Thazalhar legion! I’m going to be sure to put it to great use, and continue to train, learn, study... Thay will stand tall, but its citizens shall know fear towards M’lady in due course...
====================
I... Really need to lay off the alcohol. I now know that Mr. Storm can be trusted after that little excursion to the hotsprings, but at the same time, I should have had more self control in the first place.
====================
The defense of Bezantur was a success, thank Kossuth for that agreement... The salamandars were driven out, and my short-lived command will surely reflect well in the Priador. It’s a shame Belos wasn’t there to help... I wonder if he’s dead?
Willo’s helped me begin to realize an underlying threat here though. The one known as Raevyn... She follows the Gnoll, not Thay. She’s a threat, and I’ll be keeping a closer eye on her- should I become the rank of lieutenant I’ll be sure to have others do the same while she’s in Thazalhar or Moszabbar. To what lengths would she follow that damned gnoll over Thay? Even with my worship I’ve begun to hail this country as a place of true freedom that the “free” nations would never understand.
====================
I’ve decided to move in with Mr. Storm. It’s economical and puts a roof over my head, and quite frankly I need to save as much money while still keeping as much stability as I can. He’s even agreed to waive the fees if I help him from time to time on contracts!
I can’t help but feel he was acting strange around me.
====================
I... No one’s done that before, given me a gift... I received rewards for services rendered, and have earned payment. I’ve received investments too, but never... Gifts... I need to thank him when I see him again, but he always seems to be out and about or asleep when I’m home... A letter simply won’t cut it. I still need to arrange for a spar. I think I’ve grown stronger, and I think I might beat him, even if it would be a long, arduous fight, probably pretty sweaty and
Gah! I really, really need to clear these thoughts from my head. Damned half-dragon...
====================
Helped Willo out today... I kinda want to get to know him more, he’s an interesting fellow, perhaps not so much of a drunk as I thought though definitely a bit oblivious at times...
I can’t tell what he thinks about my moving in with Mr. Storm, though I doubt he’s keen on the idea.
====================
Setting off for Nethwatch tomorrow. I owe Drom big time! I mean, five skulls? That’s a lot of money, but it's well worth it... Growing fond of this place though, even if I know that only two rooms are technically “mine.”
====================
Sparred with Mr. Storm today. He's a pretty shoddy horseman, but I gotta give him credit, he can fight. It was very enjoyable, though I got the strange feeling that he was toying with me by the end of the first round. What happened on those tournament grounds can stay there, but needless to say I'm still debating whether he makes me grate my teeth or grin.
The match though... It was absolutely amazing! I'm still recovering from it. Usually when I get hurt, I just feel pain and numbness from whatever herbs I'm using, but right now I feel warmth... I don't like it. I don't like it at all, yet here it is and I'm somehow enjoying it. Perhaps my joy of fighting is simply getting the best of me... Or I'm a glutton for punishment. I plan to beat him nonetheless one of these days. Stupid half dragon.
RE: A Different Breed of Knight - Gatalis - 10-12-2013
It’s really been over a year since I wrote in you, hasn’t it? I can’t… Begin to describe what has happened. My mind is free for the first time though… I can’t believe I left you in this dusty old home while I worked in Moszabbar this whole time. I’ve left Shar’s grace. The assassins will come. It’s a matter of time. Had strange dreams before I left of a grey armor-clad man striking down someone on a stairway with a celestial’s brightness on one side and the dark abyss on the other.
I’ll enjoy what I have though- this damnation will forever haunt me. The actions I committed will forever be a corruption on my soul- the lives I’ve taken… But with her influence fading I can find solace in other endeavors to help those of this world rather than hurt.
====================
Changed my armor. I told the blacksmith to make it more revealing, not to make me look like an armor-clad prostitute!
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![[Image: Helm_symbol.jpg]](http://www.nj-pbem.com/data/Gods/humangods/Helm_symbol.jpg)
Met some new aspiring red wizards. Three to be precise. I won’t write my opinions in this book as I’m sure two of them are scrying me- though for very different reasons. The above symbol… This is whom I saw in that dream- vision even. I shall come to serve him.
====================
I’ve pledged my allegiance to this one known as Alessia. She could serve the Red Wizards well and make a true difference in the way things are run. We need more wizards like her. I need more wizards who aren’t disillusioned with power.
====================
Hells, screw the extra money wasted. I made my armor normal again.
====================
Reavyn is alive! I thought she was dead for sure- everyone else seems to have died or disappeared. Gefsdin is alive too, though… He’s a little worse for wear…
I miss folks… I constantly remember that I’m alive and they’re…
====================
One of the Red Wizards has finished his apprenticeship. Seems pretty keen on making sure everyone knows it too. Understandable, but… Lets see where this unfolds.
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Bought a pack slave. I’m giving him a better life and having him clean the house.
====================
Thanks for reminding me of why I hate torture rooms… If I didn’t have to follow your orders I wouldn’t have gone in. Or anywhere near it.
====================
Gave Cyrus and Alessia some keys today. Haven't seen Gefsdin again... Haven't seen Valin since the salamander wars. I miss that half dragon.
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I swear if that happens in Moszabbar... Breaking into houses to hunt criminals or not, it's still breaking into houses!
====================
Killed a red wizard today- reminded me of a valuable lesson I learned oh so long ago- Everyone can bleed.
====================
It will be a while until I write in you next, and thus I'll hide you. Needless to say I've sworn my allegiance to Alessia... I would gladly serve her in combat or as a simple servant, so long as I might further her goals. Much has happened, and I am... Happy.
RE: A Different Breed of Knight - Gatalis - 06-19-2014
To think you were all I could find, still buried where I had left you behind the house… They’ve auctioned off everything I owned in that building. My vault account was nearly drained… All I have left is what I had in my packs when it happened.
What was it that happened? I remember Kepetur, the ruins and wild magic. Others mentioned a great enervation. Perhaps it all impacted me at once, for I am unsure… What I do know is that when I awoke, I was no longer in Thay… I cannot recall the name of these lands I visited, nor the names of my companions there, but I am sure that they existed. I remember the great plight that had struck that land. I was no hero, I have never been a hero. I dreamed of such grandeur when I was a child, but reality is a far, far crueler place…
But I did what I could. I couldn't save the village, but I could save the villagers. I joined forces with those who I would have smited when I was younger, and I accomplished much. I may not be the best leader still, but I am far more confident in my ability to maneuver others in the arts of war. I wonder how those men and women I met are doing, if it really happened and wasn't simply the results of magical influence, but such thoughts are pointless. What matters is that I found what I was looking for. I found that inner strength, inner resolve, and I plan to utilize it to its fullest.
What matters is that I’m back. Whether by fortune or misfortune.
====================
*A number of tear stains mark this particular page*
To think that so many have disappeared or ended up dead in my absence… First Belos, now Lady Alessia… It pains me to think that so many have died to the trials. To know they are gone from this world… I would sacrifice all of my riches to bring them back, but such causes are rarely heard. Belos’ death hit hard when I found out all that time ago. To be teleported off after killing a rat… Alessia though… Alessia hits far too close to home.
There was always that risk of her dying in the trials. Some apologize out of pity as such an occurrence hampers my ability to join the Thayan knights, but I could care less about those red-plated devils. I swore my allegiance, and would have gladly fought to my last breath in order to protect her.
Perhaps it was my coddling though that caused her to fail her trials… If I had simply helped her train, and not coddled the young mistress, perhaps she would have passed those trials. But… Would such an accomplishment have been appreciable?
I can not stay in this state forever. While darkness has indeed fallen upon these lands, there are still small rays of sunlight. I have received word that Mr. Storm has returned to the lands of the living, and has even been making a name for himself once more. I’ll have to locate him eventually, and get payback for disappearing on me like that.
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I've been promoted to Captain of the Thazalhar Legion! To think I could have been serving in Bezantur as a simple Sergeant all those years ago if they had accepted me... I suppose I owe that Goblin. Regardless, it's time to push forward, and to not hold back at all.
Helm... These lands have corrupted me, they have corrupted many. Where law should rule, instead chaos through lawless dictatorship does. The only binding power between these people is trade... We must strive forward though, and bring order if not wellness to the country. The reds bleed like everyone else, and perhaps it's blasphemous to have created a sword named Redbane over this fact, but the Human can overcome any challenge. We are divided by borders, but this should not give rise to lawlessness and aggression among the Legionnaires. It is time for a reform... It's time for me to show my true colors as a Legionnaire.
The Thazalhar legion is small... Our pay consists of necessities, and most of our additional funds come from the caravans suicidal enough to travel by land, but we must persist.