Role

Chapter 7

Barthomel journeyed to the area of the forest that his father had said he
made his home. It wasn't long before he found a small, by giant standards,
hut formed of cedar logs and covered in vibrant green peat. Tjirbin surprised
his son tremendously when he abruptly seemed to step out from a tree that
he'd been taking cover under. The older giant went somber upon hearing the
news. His demeanor was gruff, but Barthomel saw true sorrow in his fathers
watery eyes.

Just then from behind Barthomel came a rustling in the brush. The younger
giant began to smile as he watched his old friend Shadow emerge from the
bush, his one eye gleaming in the fading light of day. Before the untrained
Barthomel could react his aging father bolted to action faster than he could
fathom the older giant moving. A hastily intoned prayer came from the elder
giant, and the flash of a hefty axe and Tjirbin struck down Shadow,
dispersing the beast into nothingness.

Barthomel was dumbfounded a moment before questioning why Tjirbin had done as
he had. He explained that Shadow meant no harm and that it was his friend.
His father became heated, shouting that it was a beast of shadow and carried
the taint of evil. Doing less than he had was weakness and Barthomel aught be
grateful for his quick action. Nothing that Barthomel said reached his
father, and after a short argument Tjirbin bid him leave and not come back.

Frusterated and once again feeling the sorrow of grief, Barthomel spent the
night laying on the bed of the forest. When he rose in the morning, miserable
and covered with insects he resolved himself to joint the Adventurers Guild
and become like one of the many Paladins in Loch Terradian that he had
admired growing up. He spat a curse at his father as he walked out of the
wilderness.

In the Academy he learned many things, to heal, to protect, to fight, the
Paladin Code. In studying the Gods of Light he found that the story of Lady
Azorinne's ascension fascinated him. In her religion he saw a doctrine that
he could trust and believe in, one more devoted to protection than conflict.

Barthomel now travels the lands as an adventurer. He searches for the shrine
of Azorinne that he may offer to work in her name, should he be worthy. He
also contemplates where his path may lead. Knowing the Fortress of Light to
be a bastion of hope in the darkness, Barthomel would like to meet it's
members to see if his ideals would suit their cause.