Role

Chapter 1

'For you see my dear child, not all victories occur on the battlefield.'

Said my father so long ago. He was a shrewd negotiator and had just secured vast
holdings of grain on the Open Plains to add to his already enormous holdings. I
was a spoiled brat at the time, some would say I still am, though for now I keep
sharp knives on hand to rectify such insults.

Growing up to learn the intricacies of aristocracy in the Evermoon Hollow was
torture to a young wood-elf boy. Manners, negotiations, business, noble
heritage. Don't get me wrong, I had plenty of entertainment and was allowed my
own whimsical and eccentric desires, but all the while I felt...trapped. For a
while there I was able to sneak into blade practice with the Evermoon Guard, but
it was quite the scandal when I was figured out and I was forbidden from ever
demeaning myself and my family like that ever again.

I dreamed of becoming a great fighter and winning duels of honor and skill. I
was mostly sheltered so these were the only battles I knew at the time. I would
soon quickly learn that real world battles are nothing like noble duels in
controlled environments.

'We're ruined.'

Two words spoken by my father that caused no small amount of dread at the time,
but I would realize later represented liberation and freedom.

I may never find out who my father undercut, shortchanged, or flat out cheated
that would cause such a great offense as what was taken. But the fact is someone
was motivated enough to higher a sorcerer of some sort to attack and kill all my
father's holdings and commodities in one fell swoop. I didn't really stick
around for the aftermath. With no holdings to inherent or tend to our family was
destitute and there was no reason for me to stay in the Hollow.

I joined a band of mercenaries for a while but that was a bit awkward. I guarded
a few caravans but that was boring. Here lately I've been wandering the wilds
and foraging, attempting to find my own battles and victories. Do I miss the
luxury? Yes, absolutely. Is it worth losing to have my own freedom and choices?
...I'll let you know later.