Role

Chapter 1

Fezontel Bartona, better known as "Fezzo" across the land, was the first son
born to one of the Bartona merchant barons of Hamsah Mutazz. His upbringing
was hardly different from those of his ancestors before. He was taught the
good life, the power of money and given a wealth of influence through his
family.

Coming of age, his father sat down with him one day. "Fezzo," he said,
"youve seen many things growin up in this house, and not all of themd be
considered wholesome by most. I do not consider myself a bad man, or an evil
man. But I ave had blood on m hands, an I ave done other things that no
holy man would approve of. Do you understand why we do these things?"

Fezzo looked back at him, that same impassive look that he always seemed to
carry upon his face. After a moment of thought, Fezzo responded, "We do
these things because we ave to, I suppose. We do em because its the best
or th only way to get what we want and get what we need."

Fezzos father chuckled a bit, nodding his head. "Yes, Fez, yes. Always
remember this - these things we do, we do to get what is meant to be ours.
We dont engage in these acts for entertainment, or for causes or for
anything else. That is what has given our family all the we have, and it is
what separates us from petty bandits and worthless merchants."

For many years, the trade of the desert had been shifting to the metropolis
of Galadon in the west. On Fezzos 17th birthday, he was called to his
father. "Fezzo, long we have anchored trade in the city of Hamsah Mutazz,
but the money has moved east to Galadon. We have established many ties
there, but we need a more permanent presence in this city if we are to remain
a force in the world. I am sending you to carve our niche. Now go." And
with that, Fezzo set out alone, with his family name and a worldly experience
well beyond his years.