Role

Chapter 1

A dank breeze emanated from the darkness as the young Djetmai peered out into
the abyss. His heart raced with a feeling that blurred the boundaries between
joyous anticipation and absolute terror, awaiting this moment that had seemed
as if it would never come. To this point, life had been simple- work the
mines, study with father, prepare for the day when it would finally be time
to leave the cold embrace of the endless stone passageways of the
Underdark.

His ancient ancestors had worked these tunnels, carving out life and wealth
from where there had been nothing but silence and darkness. Now a
civilization thrived, wealth and culture, and an army of soldiers to fight
the forever wars of the surface world, as father had described so vividly.

Djetmai was hardened by a life of physical labor and a regiment of training
that would send most young men fleeing for an easy life of begging on the
streets and lounging in the taverns. His father would go on for hours about
past heroes of war, the theft of magic from the Gods, and the forever wars
that had stretched on from the beginning of time.

Father had said, "Know the enemy, but first know yourself. Before you go
forth into the world, you must have already become a hero in your mind and
thus your body will follow. Only when you know you are ready, strike with
great haste. Catch your enemy unprepared. Be unpredictable, blend with the
shadows, and attack when the enemy has become careless."

At the time, Djetmai did not entirely understand. Now, on this day, it would
seem that all things had new meaning and a great clarity had settled over his
mind. Father had fallen in glorious battle against an army of magi and so
Djetmai's training was, by default, at its end. His muscles were ripped with
the strength of working stone, his mind was sharp and pure from the taints of
magic. He would now ascend into the world and take his place in the forever
wars, for this is what he was born to do- to grow like a fire from the heart
of the earth and to be unleashed on the weak and ill-prepared magicians who
had stolen from the Gods and lost a connection with the purest strengths of
the body and soul.

Djetmai slowly walked down the dark passage until he could make out a faint
light in the distance. He emerged into a mysterious world of bright colors
and open skyline, dancing shadows, glorious smells and strange sounds...and
he immediately felt a calm radiance from within. He was ready to live. He was
ready for war.