Role

Chapter 2

I have no recollection of my parents and my earliest memories begin with
my life in the Balator orphanage. How I ended up there is a mystery,
though I knew this was no place I wanted to overstay my welcome. Run by
some old retired knight, life was strict and overly ruled. Dark
tendencies were inherent to my nature and, on more than one occasion,
brought a punishment. This, of course, had no effect, only drove me
further into darkness. It took malicious pleasure beating on another,
showing my power over them. Showing my strength and superiority had
become second nature. The only reason I stayed was the hot meal and warm
bed. The fools thought they could change my being, but they could not be
more wrong. I bided my time until I came of age and left and make my way
on my own.

I ventured out of the town of Balator and travelled south to the large
desert city of Hamsah. A place full of fascinating guilds, inns, and
various markets. There was always something interesting to see. I spent
much of my time near the docks scavenging on fish and meat left by the
multitude of ships coming and going. Doing odd jobs on the docks and
around the city made me a few coppers for a hot meal and, from time to
time, a room at the local inn. On one occasion, a group of armored
soldiers entered, the light reflecting off their razor-sharp swords.
Armors glistening and confidence emitting from their entire being.
Immediately, I could see fear in the customers and innkeepers eyes.
Seemingly, they had come for protection payments to be made to the
Imperial coffers. Their strength and power they displayed over others was
intoxicating. I knew I wanted this for myself and from that day I
directed all my strength towards this goal.

Following, I spent much of my time peering through the windows of the
combat room of the nearby assassin guild. There I watched them practice
their deadly art and was eager to join them. I had inherent skills that
had I had used to survive my youth and that would benefit me joining. So
many were weak, and I knew by joining this guild and training hard, I
would be ready to one day join the mighty Imperial Domain. The vast
imperial lands controlled by the mighty Empire set to spread out and
conquer Thera. This is a structured organization commanded by powerful,
respected leaders. With superior law and fear, fear of the Empire every
man and woman will have their place and live a more enhanced life. Their
goals I believe in and we will show what a place Thera can become when
led by the strong. However, those who betray, do not follow, resist or
oppose such an improved existence will be destroyed. When the time is
right, I will take my place amongst the Shadow. I will be patient,
deadly, dedicated and begin my rise to power.