Octavian
My Story
Greetings reader... if you are reading this... then you have stumbled upon some of my journals.
Where did I come from? Where did you come from? I would like to say I have traveled many realms in my day, but that would not be so. I came from Ispar, just as nearly everyone else in this land called Dereth. If you ask around you will hear many similar stories of strange mysterious purple swirls of light, called portals... that opened to each of us. Something from inside or around the portals called to each of us... we were needed for some great adventure, to help others. How could I not resist? This was going to be a great adventure! So many boys in my youth could only dream of such a chance! So, I stepped through.
I exited the portal (which made me a little woozy) and found myself next to some strange stone tower. I looked around and saw green fields, trees, insects and birds chirping. "This doesn't look too different from home," I thought. I noticed there was a stone road and a little hut. There was a man inside who wanted me to buy his goods. I asked him, "Where am I?" He said, "Oh, a newcomer! Welcome to my little hut, southeast of Shoushi." Shoushi... okay... sounds like a food. I thanked him for the information and headed north towards this town called "Shoushi."
An old man approached me and asked where I was from. I told him about Ispar and he nodded. "Yes, I came from there too... many years ago." He told me to watch the people in this land named Dereth and familiarize myself with the town and its people. The old man asked if I would allow him to teach me about the land and survival. I quickly accepted, for I knew no one.
He told me that someday I would be teaching a newcomer, just as he was teaching me... so I paid attention. My assignment was to figure out what profession and skills to train so I could survive. The old man told me to choose wisely, for once I decided, I could not turn back. I had been watching warriors come to and fro Shoushi carrying axes, swords, spears, staffs, bows, and many other weapons. Then one day a man in a robe was walking on the outskirts of town and I watched and listened to him. Every time he spoke a strange language some sort of magic would occur. "Wow... this is amazing," I thought. I went to the old man and asked him about the strange language and he told me that was magic.
The old man came to me and asked what my profession would be? He was getting a little anxious, as I hadn't decided. I told him that since I was among the Sho people, then I would specialize in Unarmed Combat. The old man smiled and said he was happy I chose such a profession, for he and other villagers could teach me. "Good, we can get your training started," he said. I said, "Wait, I'm not done...." I also wanted to be a mage! I confronted other mages in the village and soon started learning Creature and War magic. I would learn Item magic later, as two magic school and unarmed combat would be enough to learn for now. The old man thought I was crazy for learning magic with melee combat. I had to reassure him a number of times that I would be okay.
A few years later I decided to say good-bye to my adopted family and venture forth into the unknown. I explored many dungeons and met other adventurers. We helped each other out at all cost... even after some of us were sent to the Lifestones, which dotted the countryside. I made many friends during my adventures and we also parted one another to pursue our own paths in this strange land.
Towards the end of a winter I decided to go to the desert. I had heard many a tale about the desert people and their sharp minds. "Magics flourish there," many passers would say. I saw a portal that was said to lead to Samsur, a desert town. I jumped in and away I went. By this time portals did not bother me as much as the first. I walked towards the town of Samsur and was greeted by its people. I checked the Blacksmith to see what goods he had. I found nothing of interest. I sat down in the tavern and had some food and drink and talked with some villagers. Later in the day I decided to move on, but a man stopped me. He and I sat down and we spoke for nearly three hours. This was a brave, smart, and friendly man. He told me about the group of followers he was a part of. "We are a family... and I would like to welcome you into it," he said. He introduced me to a number of them, who later became friends of my own. I introduced myself as Octavian and he said his name was Pyreal Mystic.
Pyreal Mystic and I hunted together and shared happy and sad times on our journeys. We were indeed part of a great family; a monarch that spread many legions throughout Dereth... for it came to be known as The Pyreal Tower. I met so many other adventurers who became dear friends through this great monarch. I also found other adventurers during my travels and they too joined the family. Thor the Hammer was my first follower and still remains with me to this day, while others came and went. I have enjoyed helping others, just as the old man during my youth, helped me.
Like all families we had our problems. A few followers broke off and created their own Monarchs and I continue to be their friends. After all, we were originally in the same family. Later in the same year our own Monarch, The Pyreal Tower, could not stand the constant bickering among his followers and decided to venture off on into the unknown. Soon after, in the absence of our great leader, the whole Monarch collapsed as major sections of followers broke away.
Unlike The Pyreal Tower's other followers who left, I remained behind. My patron also left to venture on his own. To this day I remain loyal to him. I have unsworn my loyalty, but then I would have no place to go. So, to this day I still sit in the great halls of the former Pyreal Tower and keep watch for those who may return.
Very late one night, just before turning in, I saw a figure walking down the hall. I approached and recognized the familiar form. For, it was Pyreal Mystic! It had been quite some time since the last time I saw him. We spoke to one another for quite a while. He told me of his great and fun adventures in foreign new lands, and that he was also doing quite well. We had a good visit and it was great seeing my Patron again. However, we had to part... so we bid each other well and went our own ways... until we meet again.
I have since retired to the taverns and telling stories to the locals. I have also had the opportunity to help new arrivals to Dereth and they have greatly appreciated the help. These are the good days.
Oh dear! How could I forget? Not too long ago I came across a lady with an axe. A lady with an axe?!?! Oohh, sounds like someone to be feared... She calls herself "Aryn Sun" and is a mighty warrior. I helped train her in her arts of Item Enchantment, as well as some melee attack skills and strategies. These days you might find her fighting the greatest monsters around Dereth and if you are fortunate enough to meet her, please do! You will not be disappointed.
I shall go back to my studies of magics. I can't figure out why I can't cast high levels anymore... the spell economy is acting up... that has to be it! Hummm... oh, move along fellow friend. I have too much to do right now to add more.