The History of Ahmed Al Abbas Rahim

 

Ahmed was born to be heir to the greatest nomadic horse tribe of the 'Great Desert' Anouroch. He was raised under the savagely harsh conditions of that desert and had to learn to be string and adapt quickly, just to survive. His father (Farhad Ibn Fahdlan Ibn Al Akim) was the leader of this great tribe, with the help of his right-hand man and best friend, Fahruq. Fahruq was a monster of a man that stood at least seven feet tall if he stood a foot, and he taught the young Ahmed many things. Through the teachings of his father's best friend Ahmed learned the skills that are key to surviving Anouroch. He also taught him how to use a scimitar and ride a horse with unparalleled ability. Ahmed's adeptness at learning these skills came so easily and quickly that Fahruq dubbed him the 'Natural'.

At the age of 16 Ahmed reached manhood in the eyes of his tribe, and received his very own horse that he named 'Sahlizaar'. Soon he was asked to join his father and Fahruq on a mission to find suitable surroundings for a new home. It was on this night that Ahmed's life was altered drastically – while roaming the desert, the group of horsemen were ambushed and quickly overtaken. It was a slaughter of such viciousness that none left that desert pass alive...... except one. Ahmed awoke from his unwanted slumber to find his father and Fahruq murdered along with all the others – 23 in all. He went to his father's body and said a brief prayer, then took his father's chain mail shirt and scimitar as his unwanted inheritance. Ahmed quickly found Sahlizaar and rode for home, only to find that the raiders had struck there as well, leaving none alive. Grief overcame him for a time, and mindlessly he howled his pain and anger to the stars.

Recovering his wits, Ahmed started the daunting task of burying the bodies of his friends and family. After four days the task was complete, and he vowed to find the murderous villains that killed all he cared for. He started east hoping to find answers in the town of the 'Great Sage', Shadowdale. His father told him only good things of this man and of the town. After his trek across the desert, he entered a forested area, and soon found himself lost in the woods of the ‘Border Forest’. He decided to make camp and rest for the night, then set out early the next morning. When he awoke he found himself in the company of an elderly man who had helped himself to Ahmed's coffee. The man greeted him and introduced himself as Nathan Bertree, then asked if Ahmed needed some assistance in these woods, as he looked rather lost.

Ahmed told him that indeed he was lost, and in more ways than one. He then proceeded to tell this man all that had happened to him and why he had come to be here. The man was generous enough to listen, and after hearing the story and description of the murderers, told him that they belonged to a group that called themselves the 'Zhentarim'. Finally, he knew who had killed his father and tribe! Nathan then told him of the vast network that was the 'Zhentarim' and that he was no match even with his skill with the sword. Nathan offered to help; if Ahmed allowed him to help, he could train him in the ways of the 'Ranger'....as he was in need of a pupil. Ahmed agreed and began his training immediately.

Four years passed, in which time Ahmed learned all the skills necessary to begin his life as a 'Ranger' and to find those responsible for the extinction of his once-great tribe. Nathan, having taught Ahmed all he possibly could, sent the young man on his way, adding that if ever Ahmed needed it he would gladly lend his aid. Two days ride to the southwest brought him into the town of Shadowdale, and he made his way to Elminster's tower. He felt unsure if this was the man his father spoke of, for when walking up the path to the tower he saw many, many signs of warning to tell him to turn back. He decided to continue, found himself at the door, and knocked. A man answered the door that even Ahmed could tell was not the sage. The man introduced himself as 'Lhaeo' assistant to Elminster and then proceeded to tell Ahmed that if he sought an audience with Elminster, he needed to complete forms and applications stating the topic and reason for the council. After spending hours with Lhaeo, he became frustrated and dejected and left. He then went to the next obvious place for information, the nearest tavern – the 'Old Skull Inn'.

Upon entering the inn, Ahmed stepped to the bar to address the bartender, asking for information and help in his quest. The bartender (and inn owner), Jhaele, was kind enough to listen and even offered some information on where to start. She told of how the trade route leads to the great city of Waterdeep – if he was looking for those who killed his tribe, that was the place to start. She then offered him a room and suggested he should start out early next morning, which he did. 

After getting the necessary supplies, he headed west toward the city of Waterdeep. Many miles later, after a month on the road, he finally arrived. After passing through the gates, Ahmed began looking for any and all information that would help him in his quest. He started his search in the place that had served him best, a local tavern. This one’s name was 'The Sterling Cutlass' and the owner was a surly fat man named 'Lucius'. After greeting the smelly man, Ahmed got immediately to the point and asked for any help he could lend in finding the infidels. Lucius told him that the best place to start was a mining town south of Baldur's Gate called 'Stillsquall'; rumor had it that the Zhentarim were backing the mining operations there. The magistrate there is said to be in need of help – if you help him, maybe he would help you. Getting there would be simple – the Captain of the Haptooth was taking passengers to the backwater coastal town.

Ahmed headed for the docks and quickly found the Haptooth and its Captain. The Captain told him that indeed he was headed for the mining town of Stillsquall, and that they'd be setting sail at sun up as soon as the rest of the passengers arrived. He also said that he couldn't transport Sahlizaar and he'd have to stable the horse. Ahmed asked Lucius at the Sterling Cutlass to board his horse (for a fee of course) and he happily agreed. At daybreak, the Haptooth set sail for Stillsquall with Ahmed and his new interesting travel companions. He didn't know much about these five strangers, but from the looks of them one thing was certain – if it was adventure this group sought, they would definitely find it.

Many months have passed since Ahmed joined the rag tag group of adventurers, and many wondrous as well as dangerous things have happened. Ahmed's need for revenge has begun to be bothersome, keeping him up at night, plagued by the haunting memories of the night of his father's murder at the hands of the loathsome Zhentarim. The hatred for them is a darkness that washes over him. Even now he feels as if he is falling into a great abyss, with his need for vengeance as his only guide. The adventures in Stillsquall (the Grackle and the Lighthouse), Shadowdale (being teleported into the basement of The Old Skull Inn, meeting Lhaeo again, and accepting the task of saving Randal Morn), Shraevyn's Tomb, and the darkness of the Spiderhaunt Woods made the need and desire for revenge that much greater. Finally, it all came to a head. One dark night when the party had captured an Zhentarim soldier in the dungeon of a crumbling tower, Ahmed's anger boiled over and surfaced in a raging attempt to kill a shackled and defenseless boy. Luckily, two of his friends, the half-orc monk and the cleric, stopped him before he could complete the fell deed. Seeming to identify with Ahmed's need for killing the Zhent soldier, another companion, the thief, sought to lend his aid. A heated argument followed, for Ahmed's judgment was still clouded by his thirst for vengeance. Finally, tempers cooled, a slap from the thief knocked the soldier unconscious, his shackles were released, and the party moved on.

Later that night, awakened again by his dreams, Ahmed thought of the possible results of his actions had he succeeded in the murderous attempt. Frightened by the notion, he spent the rest of that night in prayer, seeking solace from the nightmares and memories of his father's murder to his goddess, Mielikki. By sunrise he felt some sense of calmness, and although his hurt and anger from that dreadful night would never leave him, he now knew it would not and could not consume him. Much has happened since then: the group has destroyed the 'Fiends Embrace', encountered an Efreet, met the lovely ranger(Mestin Durmark), killed the evil Shade that inhabited the Axe of the Dales, rescued Randal Morn, received parcels of land(both north of Daggerdale and in Shadowdale), and now the group is headed northword toward their newly acquired keep, Quasqueton Tower. The hope is to quickly cleanse the tower of all the unwanted inhabitants and make this place the new outpost for the T.O.A.D.S., but as soon as the tower is cleared Ahmed wants to return to Waterdeep and retrieve his loyal steed, Sahlizaar. Someday he wants to return to Shadowdale and build a home on his own parcel of land, but that is for another day. Ahmed knows now that in his fellow adventurers he has found lifelong friends and companions.

 

 

The Lessons of Kata-Tur

 

Many adventures have been played out for this illustrious band of heroes, with many battles won, a few lost, rewards won, and friends made. Most recently they won properties in Shadowdale and were given a monster ridden keep. After clearing the keep of all sorts of creatures (dragons, mummies, vampires and ogres), the group decided to make that place their home. Great treasures were gained in the Keep. Ahmed found a wondrous Griffin named 'Rashaaba', and they all found a magical portal to the huge city of Waterdeep and through that portal, with the help of BadAxe the Dwarf, made some new freinds with a clan of dwarves.

While the renovations of their keep were performed, everyone in the party went their separate ways. Ahmed knew that the party’s next quest, the rescue of Etaf’s sister, would be a perilous one. Ahmed's body was exhausted – he longed for calm before the oncoming storm. It is said that in the land of Kara-Tur, one could find inner solace and understanding from the teaching of Masters of the Eastern Arts. Ahmed headed east toward that land, searching for peave.

Ahmed made his way upon Rashaaba to the capitol city, Shou Lung, as quick as the wind. Upon his arrival he was quickly met by a local man, who introduced himself immediately as Hittori Hanzo (Master of the sword and teacher in the way of Bushido). Learning this Ahmed asked Master Hanzo to help him with his inner turmoil from dealing with his father's death. After hearing the outsiders plight he reluctantly agreed but for one condition, no other must learn of the teachings of the Master or he would be greatly dishonored. This cannot happen or the Master could only regain his honor with the act of taking his own life.

Thus Ahmed learned his first lesson, honor above all else. Lesson two, honor is achieved by following the way of the Bushido. Lesson three, through these lessons comes inner peace and enlightenment. After he had learned the base teachings of harmony of the mind and spirit, 'The Master' started teaching the blending of mind, spirit, and body. He did this by teaching Ahmed how to focus his inner spirit, or Chi, to give himself a center of which to release outward in a single forceful thrust.

Master Hanzo saved the most potent and powerful weapon of the warrior, the Katana, for his final lessons. It is an exquisitely crafted piece of steel, masterfully honed with an edge that legend says can cut through raw iron. Ahmed took quickly to the teachings of Master Hanzo and to the customs of his temporary homeland. He also took well to his newly acquired and favorite weapon, the Katana....to the astonishment of his master, which is no easy task. None of his previous pupils took so well to the use of the sword, as well as the foreigner.

In the weeks Ahmed spent in Shou Lung, he changed greatly in both his dress and mannerisms, acquiring both from the denizens of Kara-Tur. His Master, knowing that Ahmed would be leaving soon, gave him a gift of great meaning, a Katana crafted by his own hand. Master Hanzo knew the time would finally come for Ahmed to return to his home and friends for the mission of saving Etaf's sister. Before he left, Master Hanzo made Ahmed promise to return and continue in his training. Ahmed agreed, thanking his Master greatly, and began his long journey home.

It is an extremely long distance to surpass and with only the limited use of 'Rashaaba', Ahmed will have a lot of walking to do. He hopes that this long lonely trek will give him time to reflect and attempt to make the lessons his own style, a blend of the teachings of Master Hanzo and Ahmed's brand of justice.

 

Continued Training

 

The Lich that imprisoned Etaf's sister is finally destroyed, and the rewards are plenty. Hopefully Dreiw survived the destruction of the cube containing her soul, so she can share in the bounty we had found in the Lich's crypt. The gold was substantial and the magic equal to, if not greater than, the monetary gain.

Since that chapter of the adventurer's journey had come to an end, it was time to return to thier keep and reunite Dreiw's soul and body. While the others tended to the needs of Etaf's sister, Ahmed longed to walk in the path of the warrior once again with his Master Hittori Hanzo. He did not wish to continue his journey with the katana, but instead with the weapon of his people – the scimitar. Thus he stored away the katana and wakizashi his Master had given him, and turned his focus to the scimitar.

After things settled at the keep and returned to 'normal,' Ahmed decided to head east to continue his training as a warrior. It took many days, even with the assistance of Rashaaba, to reach his Master's home. Upon his arrival, Ahmed needed a great deal of rest. Two days passed while he recuperated and shared his tale of adventures with his Master. On the third day he was ready to renew the training begun months ago. Many weeks were spent training, starting with his Master's acceptance of Ahmed's choice to use the scimitar instead of the traditional Dojo weapon, the katana. But after the initial shock, training progressed rapidly and Ahmed's skill with the twin blades grew at a staggering level, even to the surprise of Master Hanzo.

The time passed quickly, but he knew he had to return to the keep and his friends. Ahmed told the Master he must leave, but will return to continue his training. On his trek back, Ahmed thought to himself that he was in great need of lighter, stronger armor.  Of course he thought almost immediately of Mithril, which lead to him thinking of dwarves, which in turn led his though to the dwarven clan the group met in Waterdeep. Ahmed decided then and there that he must convince his friends to journey through their keep’s portal, to Waterdeep.

 

Last updated 03-11-2006 by Skip Franklin (original text by Chopper)