Ciarán of Norwich

[SØMNUS]

A makeshift camp nestles beneath a rock shelter in a sparse, shadowed forest. By the flickering light of a small fire, a man sits on a weathered stool, his gaze fixed intently on the dancing flames. As the warmth of the fire casts flickering shadows on his face, he drifts into deep thought, reflecting on the twists of fate that have guided him to this moment.

I was born in the tranquil outskirts of Norwich, nestled in the lush expanse of Duchy Jernigan. My early years unfolded on a modest homestead, where the serenity of country life blended seamlessly with my restless spirit. Even as a child, I felt a magnetic pull towards the unknown, a burning curiosity that led me to explore the rolling hills and winding streams of my surroundings, forever chasing the thrill of adventure and the promise of new horizons.

But everything changed one fateful evening. After a routine fishing trip, I returned home to find my world reduced to flames and ash. Raiders had descended upon our homestead and the neighboring farms, driven by greed and malice. As I arrived, the smoke filled the air and the cries of the wounded pierced the chaos. My heart shattered as I discovered the lifeless bodies of my family, their faces etched with silent suffering. Grief almost overwhelmed me, but amidst the devastation, a glimmer of hope emerged in the form of Grigor Blackwell. He was a stranger, but his timely intervention saved me from meeting the same fate as my family.

Grigor saw something in me—resilience amidst unimaginable tragedy—and took me under his wing. He introduced me to the Wardens, an enigmatic fellowship of hunters, trackers, and survivalists who once lived on the fringes of civilization. Under his expert guidance, I delved into their world, a place where survival depended on more than just skill; it required an unyielding spirit and an ability to navigate an unforgiving reality.

Through grueling trials and relentless training, I honed my natural talents. I sharpened my senses and forged an unbreakable will, emerging as a skilled hunter. The Wardens’ teachings became the foundation of my being, and I embraced their way of life with every ounce of my strength.

As I continued my journey under Grigor’s mentorship, I adopted the nomadic lifestyle of a mercenary. My travels took me across diverse landscapes, from the dense forests of Ancúram to the windswept dunes of Duchy Velazques. I tackled a wide range of tasks, from battling dangerous creatures to protecting caravans through perilous territories. I earned a reputation for being reliable and efficient, though I often took on contracts for less than my worth, driven by a deep empathy for the struggles of ordinary people.

My most recent contract nearly cost me my life. I was tasked with safeguarding a caravan laden with valuable goods as it crossed the treacherous Duchy Stenstrom. Our journey took a dire turn when we were ambushed by a colossal creature. With quick thinking and bravery, I managed to steer the caravan to safety within a dense thicket. However, the creature was a fierce adversary, and despite my best efforts, its savage attack left me gravely wounded. Just as I was on the brink of death, a beastfolk trader from the caravan, driven by a strong sense of camaraderie, rushed to my aid. His intervention gave me a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos and pulled me back from the edge of oblivion.

Looking back on my journey, I’ve remain committed to the principles instilled in me by Grigor and the enduring legacy of the Wardens. Though their teachings may be a relic of a bygone era, they continue to guide me, reminding me that survival demands more than physical prowess—it requires quick thinking and decisive action. With my honed skills, unwavering principles, and resolute spirit, I’m prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

[SØMNUS]

A Brief Recounting of the Order of the Wardens
Grigor Blackwell, Retired Warden and Renowned Traveler

Allow me to share with you a glimpse into the storied past of the Wardens, a unique chapter in the history of Astrel. Picture, if you will, a land where the wilderness is as untamed as it is unforgiving, and where civilization stands as a mere veneer against the encroaching wilds. In this rugged frontier, the Wardens arose out of necessity.

The Wardens were forged from the trials of survival on society’s fringes. They were not born of wealth or privilege, but from the raw grit of hunters, trackers, and survivalists who mastered the art of living in a land that demanded their utmost. These individuals, each hardened by the harsh realities of frontier life, came together to form a network of guardians dedicated to protecting the boundary between civilization and the untamed wilderness.

During their peak, the Wardens were the first line of defense against the myriad dangers lurking beyond the safety of settlements. Their role was crucial: they patrolled the borders, ever vigilant for threats. Their methods were pragmatic, focusing on survival rather than ideals of justice and honor. Whether it involved tracking marauding beasts, repelling raiders, or navigating treacherous terrain, the Wardens were unmatched in their expertise, their skills honed through years of living on the edge.

As the kingdoms of Astrel expanded and civilization pushed further into the wilds, the role of the Wardens began to diminish. The rise of fortified settlements and professional militias gradually overshadowed their once-critical function. The Wardens, who had been the unrivaled experts in frontier defense, found themselves increasingly sidelined. The changing world challenged their traditional role, and adapting proved difficult.

Yet, despite their decline, the legacy of the Wardens endures. Their stories of endurance and resilience are still whispered around campfires and shared in taverns. They are remembered by those who continue to dwell in the wilderness, where the spirit of the Wardens lives on. Although their prominence may have waned, the mark they left on the history of Astrel remains as enduring as the wilds they once protected.

• This reply was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by SØMNUS.

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