Humbert Holdfast the Relentless Dedicant, Eldest Maran

Role

Chapter 29

People think the giants are stupid, but we are not really. At least, I
speak for the gentle giants of storm. A log of a storm giant fighter. This
seems odd for any people, but while I speak plainly, I can write. And
perhaps this is my first record on the log I commit to my memory. I was not
a special storm giant. I was born in Loch Terradian. As I start my
adventurer's life, as of right now, writing at this moment, my parents have
both died peaceful, natural deaths. It saddened me for a while, and I was
out of work. We storms are a responsible, orderly bunch. Especially the
Holdfasts. We don't really have itinerant wanderers in our towns. I used to
help my father fish, but when he died, I decided to sell the equipment he
left. I worked as a guard before, so I knew some weapons. I thought I could
learn to fight, so I went to Galadon and sought basic training. I've since
graduated and begun as a Recruit warrior. I think I may be able to make a
difference in the world. I may not be clever, like an elf, with his
inquisitive, complicated mind. I am simple, but I am not stupid. Well, at
least not when it comes to fighting. It took me longer than the smarter
boys in the guild, but I got it down any way. The tactics, the strategies.
I am a soldier, and although many people believe soldiers run into the arms
of death, I don't think I am that sort of soldier. I will fight for just
causes, for what I believe is right. I will fight as a true Holdfast, and
bring pride to the name of Holdfast. I look forward to my adventures in
Thera, I think many await. The other races, especially, are interesting.
Perhaps I will commit more to my Memory as I adventure. Right now, things
are beginning, and I must learn hard.

Role

Chapter 28

I have learned much in my journeys through Thera. Through the Academy, and
most of the cities of Thera, and many assorted places. It is a large world,
and full of life. Living people, some innocent and true, others hated and
despicable. The latter is evil, and though I have learned that at my
mother's knee like all Loch giants, it is the first time I have seen
true evil firsthand. From all I've seen, attempts to 'help' these dark ones
more often than not invites attack, as they consider such moral behaviour
as weak. And even those who say they will listen, end up being deceivers.

Much like how I must execute and slay criminals to Loch Terradian as a
guard in the Loch, I have come to understand that I must slay these evil
people, until such time they have come to their senses and embraced the
mercy of the Light. The interesting thing is, some Good people extend such
magnanimous love and mercy to even the darkest of souls, I cannot help but
feel that these goodly people are being deceived. As a warrior, I can help
by sending the evil to the doors of death. If I cannot cure the evil, I can
at least help to eradicate it.

I shall seek out evil, and give them the just death they deserve, and also
seek out like-minded Good people who will help protect the innocent, and
put an end to needless suffering. This is what I will Dedicate my life to.
I am yet young, but somehow I believe strongly that this is my true
Dedication. I have found my calling at last.

Role

Chapter 27

My hands are stained with blood. Blood that I drew out of duty. The wicked
men who murder, loot and rape. When I feel unsettled by my brutal killing
of a wicked one, I remind myself that for each one I kill, the world
becomes a better place for goodly folk to live in. Sadly, because we have
not managed to spread the Light throughout the whole land, Thera is a place
filled with war and danger. I was brought up to know that.

More and more I realise that evil is not 'exceptional' so to say, but
common. This disturbs me. Then there are the wicked ones who have attained
enormous power. I feel that I cannot hold my own against such odds. I try
(and have succeeded) to slay each dark one that I may. But I know one day
I will have to seek out allies, to take down the hordes of foul hearted
beings, and the dark who are mighty. I need friends who will help in this
mission I have Dedicated myself to.

I have heard of the Fortress of the Light, and have spoken briefly with
Acvilar, the current Marshall. I believe once I am more experienced I will
seek this Fortress out. The blood of four dark ones are on my hands, as of
now. I pray the Light will find them one day, though I know it is not
likely.

Role

Chapter 26

I had a strange experience today. Parspis, who I have caught slaying
commoners in Voralian, was my target. I did not know he was ambivalent
rather than evil. I took a harsh stance, and hunted him actively for a
while. Until in the Past Holy Grove I found out he was not evil. He agreed
to stop hunting an elf who needed my help, so that there would be a truce
between us.

This has made me think. I need guidance, and knowledge of who I should be
hunting, and why. Perhaps even where, if we consider the City's laws. I
think I should make my application to the Fortress and explain my
intentions, for I know they can tell who is worthy of punishment, and who
is not.

Role

Chapter 17

I am sitting within running water, always such a comfort. As I pen my
thoughts into my Memory, I feel the soothing embrace of the sea, much
larger than the Loch in which I grew. Recently I've fallen two more times
to wicked adventurers. The last time to Goarang and Vezard, I have already
recorded. This time, to an underhanded trick by Venecfis. I bounded at him,
knowing that if he were bashed to the ground I can put an end to this life
of his. He kept reengaging and escaping to the Seaport, and trying to put
me to sleep. I did not realise that I was in great danger as he did that.

What follows is a disturbing series of events, made possible only by evil
magic. I slumped onto the ground, unable to resist the grey void summoning
me. And with all the deliberation of a dark-elf torturer, the fire giant
cursed, plagued, poisoned, blinded, summoned me into a small room, and
leapt upon me with a spear. I fled, but there was only one exit, and he
gave chase instantly, and bashed me down after the vaulting strike.

Other skirmishes with a human dark knight also revealed a similar tactic,
the sleep spell followed by many foul magics. I felt betrayed, I felt quite
helpless, possibly for the first time. That a single spell could bring
about my doom as surely as a decapitation, was incomprehensible.

Now, thinking about it, I realise that I must be aware of all these
dastardly tricks that the enemy will employ. I resolve, now, formally, that
I will be far more careful, and live and fight for the Light.

As surely as I record my Memories, I remember every one I have slain. The
number, if Memory does not fail, should be thirty two. Most of them were
wicked. I have done much work, but more is needed. And I will continue. The
waves that crash upon the shore never rest, and will strive against the
shore for all eternity to come. My spirit shall be the same.

On a good note, I think my grasp of Common has improved. I have been
studying during my retired times, visiting old friends, and the like. Many
of my kin don't know why I seek to learn so much that is not useful in
battle. I think that strength of will should also be accompanied by
intellect. Insofar (a rare shortened word, abbreviation!) as my giantish
intellect is concerned, I hope to try my hardest to be intelligent, to see
things with clarity and wisdom.

Role

Chapter 12

We Holdfasts are a responsible and orderly bunch. I feel shamed. This I
will keep in my Memory, for it is where I have done wrong, woefully wrong.
The Laws of the Cities are in place to prevent ordinary, innocent citizens
from danger. My disagreement with it is that it also protects the tainted,
who should be slain rather than be protected. On an expedition to strike
down the despotic Seantryn royalty, and to gather some artifacts held by
aforesaid despots. I was made Wanted for aiding Seyriannia in this task. I
felt it was unwarranted, but later on the lawman elf Takezenallan explained
it to me. I understood, and as Captain Mizfara had instructed, bore the
consequences of breaking the Law myself. In the future, I must be more
careful. The Law is a tool that helps the good more than the evil, and I
must respect it even if it is flawed in some respects.

Role

Chapter 13

I checked the scribbles I made on the last page of the Dictionary. I think
I've slain some seventy tainted ones. I wish I did not have to do all that.
I was just a fisherman. Now I find the blood of so many adventurers upon
my swords. I used to have nets in my hands, fish in my bag. Now my swords,
steeped in blood... so much blood... I never thought there could be so much
blood. I thank the Lords of Light every day I have wonderful companions in
the Fortress, wise Acolytes to guide me, and good friends to comfort me for
all the grief I must suffer as I do the necessary culling of evil. I've
fought, and fought, and fought. I've mastered more skills than many
warriors at their pinnacle. I've slain so many, more than some of those
whose names we remember in legend, but the tides of darkness come, and keep
coming. My body is ageing, my will is strong. But I look at the legion of
evil, and know I must fight it, chip away one lost soul, one at a time...

I am Humbert Holdfast. I am just a soldier. I do what I believe is right,
and I will not fall off the path. Dark ones have accused me of evil, many
have rained words on me, anger and suffering I've heard. All caused by the
dark ones themselves, yet they place the blame on me. So that they may go
and slay more elves, and more of my kin, and more innocent people?

I will NOT allow them free rein, and indeed I will strike them down in
order to protect all of those I hold dear, and pure. Their petty cries and
promises of revenge are just that, empty. Destroy all my gear? That will
NOT stop me. Slay me with an army? That will NOT stop my spirit.

Role

Chapter 14

Humbert's funny newest warcry is a result of his less-than-brilliant
attempt to sound bombastic.

Role

Chapter 15

The Narrator will explain Humbert's attitudes. Being a warrior, trained a
warrior, he looks upon treacherous, indirect methods with disdain. As such,
he has a special dislike of thieves, assassins, necromancers, bards and
anti-paladins. The reason is rather simple. All that he has learned, melee
combat, cannot save him against such methods. So it is only natural that
he is angered by foes who employ shadowy methods. While the Narrator in his
greater wisdom knows that all classes use different methods, Humbert
himself scorns any opponent who does not rely on steady, straight-up
fighting. He has further scorn when a shadowy one fights a duel expecting
that such underhanded tactics will win them the fight.

Of course Humbert does not realise that his bias stems from his ability to
outfight most melee types, but his vulnerability to indirect methods. But
that is a Warrior's hubris. His conservative nature will probably allow him
to survive even against those foes.

Role

Chapter 16

I write this as I rest underwater. Why am I resting underwater, you wonder?
It is because an assassin stalks. After intimately studying the records and
stories of Ktaar Kitane, Imperial Shadow Lord, I've come to understand that
allowing any more than eight attempts of stalking while not noticing the
assassin is death. As such, I have formulated a system of surviving
assassins. I move and hunt as per normal for six hours, then I go
underwater (they cannot hide there) for six hours. Also, I have to watch
out especially for this one called Jil. By her claims, she has slain more
than fifteen by assassination. Whether or not it is true, my solid and true
knowledge of what Ktaar Kitane did is enough to warrant extreme prudence. I
pray my fellow soldiers heed the warning I've sent out, for I want them to
live and not die foolishly. I pray the Lords of Light understand why I must
be so careful. There is no point to dying repeatedly, and vaingloriously
(another great word I saw in one of my books) proclaiming one's Courage by
strewing Thera with one's own corpses. If Jil assassinates, and succeeds, I
die. If Jil assassinates, and misses, she runs and tries another time.
I write these arguments down so I may more fully understand and remember
why I must not let emotion overtake me and become reckless. Logically,
mathematically, I cannot win. Jil will win. And despite this fact, I will
not just lie down and admit defeat, and let her stalk and assassinate me.
No, I will not. I will wait. And when the time comes, the judgement shall
be swift, mighty and vicious as Lightning. They will know not to
underestimate a giant of the Storm.

Role

Chapter 18

Today, when I retired off duty and went back to the Loch to find an old
friend, he was no longer there. Old Tarluun, who taught me most of the
tricks of being a good guard, had died in service to the Loch. Seems like
another group of three evil adventurers, adventurers like the ones I have
slain. They told me of the horror. Our kind are strong, and do not falter
in the face of terror. He has returned to the waves. The new guards who
protect our Loch say how hopeless a defense against an organised group of
adventurers is.

When I heard that, I was glad I had chosen the path of becoming an
adventurer, one of the few in Thera who return even after death. It is not
easy, having to learn everything anew in the Academy, and progress through
the ranks, and do my job of slaying the wicked in the mean time. It is
slow going, but there is much work to be done while in the lower ranks, and
there are many skills I have to master.

I've also recently fallen in battle. The items of value I had were
stripped. I am not deterred. Those tools were useful when I had them, and
struck hard for the Cause. My body is strong, and my spirit alive. Like the
waves that push against the shore, relentless and inexorable (two wonderful
words I've found while reading!), I will hurl my skills, and my strength,
at the wicked. As an adventuring warrior of the Light, not just a guard, my
duty now extends to all of Thera, and to slaying the adventurers who are
foul and tainted beyond redemption. For if I do not, more friends, like
Tarluun, die.

Role

Chapter 19

And the narrator, sadly, must make his presence known. Humbert envies and
admires the clever races (most notably the elves), and has tried as far as
possible to speak well (he does) and learn new words to express meanings
better. He carries a dictionary with him (not in the inventory, just a role
object) to check for words he does not know. In time, he will learn to
speak in a more sophisticated manner than is normal for a storm giant.

If it is not apparent to the reader, Humbert has certain characteristics I
will explain here. He is meticulous about many parts of his life, hence
his updating of his 'Memory'. This fits in with his 'orderly' ethos though
he follows Blood Tribunal Law only to the extent of not getting caught at
his bloody work on evil. He is also very dogged and determined, a direct
extrapolation from his 'Dedication' sphere and also similar warcries that
tell of a relentless will and sheer dedication and patience. His obsession
with intellect is also another quirk in his personality, even though he is
a warrior and knows that his trade is plied through strength rather than
intelligence. If he is said to be Dedicated, it must also be said that he
is as self-doubting of his own judgement and intelligence when it comes to
matters of moral guidance or philosophy. That is the reason why he puts
much emphasis on having a clean conscience after slaying a foe, sometimes a
neutral foe. He has done nothing wrong in slaying a neutral that attacks
him, of course, but the sense of guilt remains. He may sometimes speak over
Cabal or in prayer, about the things he did he wished he did not have to.
The same fastidiousness in his behaviour is also manifest in how he trains
to perfect nearly every skill taught to him by the warrior's guild,
especially those used often in combat.

As far as player skills and knowledge come into the equation, we will just
assume that Humbert had a healthy education in worldly lore (though nowhere
as healthy as some I know). Also, in Humbert's life, 'resting' (logging off)
is really the end of duty as adventurer, and he does have a private life
outside of Theran adventures, living in a normal abode in Galadon and
sometimes visiting old friends in Loch Terradian. This will affect his
behaviour and there may also be major events (death of a good friend, a
marriage, or other things) that happen outside of normal play.

Role

Chapter 20

The Holdfasts are not a famous family. Maybe the reason why I shout my
family name in battle is because I do not want our family to be forgotten.
I am the only one left. Maybe it is not good to want to boast about your
family, but I wish to do glory to its name. When I stop adventuring, or
die, I hope all the future Therans will remember Humbert Holdfast, of the
Holdfast family, as a man-giant of virtue and a champion of the Good.

Role

Chapter 21

I have just been mildly chastised by the Cardinal for improper tactics when
I unintentionally alerted an enemy assassin that she was seen. I admit I
have prided myself on good battle tactics, but there I had made a mistake.
I hope I have learnt to be more humble and keep an open mind so as to
learn even when I make my mistakes. Just as my defeat at Guertakma's hands
has shown me I am not a perfect fighter, this event has shown me that I am
not a master tactician either. I strive to keep learning.

Role

Chapter 22

And just as fights have gone my way, others have not. I have recently been
slain by Guertakma, who used my missing two bashing maneuvres to stand
behind her elemental. It was my overconfidence, I even had protective
potions in my inventory, but did not use them.

That loss has taught me humility, and self awareness. Ever do I keep
learning from all the work I've done in Thera. I will keep my eyes open,
and my spirit indomitable.

Role

Chapter 23

I have fought Rukar many times recently. He was armored in trappings even
Heroes of the land would find impressive, such as the boots from the
legendary Silent Tower. We had more than five conflicts, and one day upon
the Eastern Road I slew him, with just a shred of my own life intact. He
lost most of his items, some taken by a young vulture lurking around. As a
result, I am equipped with some wondrous equipment that can prove helpful.
However, my victory over Rukar has taught me that this same armor that
makes one mighty can easily be lost. I will keep in mind the importance of
my spirit and skills, not the external gear, however fine.

Role

Chapter 24

I have slain an indifferent one today. Elasmotherum, the cloud giant, was
slaying goodly warriors in the Battlefields in the Past. I warned him, and
he spat on my well intentioned warning. I travelled there and slew him.

Normally I would not have quarrel with a cloud giant. It was his actions
that led to my slaying him. As a rule, one who is balanced is not hunted,
unless he does something that is evil. Then he shall be punished for it.

Role

Chapter 25

I have been inducted into the Fortress of the Light. I have found it to be
a good place, although I notice some of my elders lack an understanding of
good tactics. I cannot criticise them though, for I do not have the
authority to do so. However, the heart is not lacking. They are truly good
people who have dedicated themselves, as I have, to the Victory of the
Light.

I have had much experience fighting, and watching elders fight. I do not
enjoy killing, but even at this young age I have the blood of eight tainted
ones upon my blades. I have yet to die, and I am proud of my good sense of
strategy, but I will remain wary for I know I am but mortal, and improper
pride will get me killed.

Role

Chapter 4

It is oddly comforting to find mercy in the darkest of souls. Kostyan, who
I am sure has slaughtered hundreds of adventurers dark and light alike,
somehow found it in him to offer aid to one villager warrior who died too
often. Perhaps even in the darkest of foes, there is some measure of honor,
even if it comes from his own overweening pride instead of mercy. I pray
this is a sign of hope, that some of the tainted may be brought around to
goodness. I, too, spared Hect my hunt after I learned that he had been
dying too many times. It is not so good to kick a foe after he has fallen.

Role

Chapter 11

Humbert Holdfast is hopelessly shy in the presence of attractive storm
giant ladies. He only likes storm giant women. He does not find elves or
humans or similar humanoid types attractive. Unfortunately he's too shy to
ever have a relationship with a storm giant lady.

Role

Chapter 10

I've had many skirmishes with Kostyan these few tours of duty I've made. I
have noticed that it is an impossible task to outfight him when he uses his
daggers. His taunting and slaying the Maran does not stop, and I am
helpless to stop him. I know from battle wisdom what I should do is wait
for an opportunity, like an assassin. Or fight alongside a spell-hurling
ally. Perhaps, the calls of cowardice I've made against some others when I
was younger were borne of a certain hubris, that amongst those I could harm
I was strongest. Now this is not so. I shall get used to it.

Role

Chapter 9

I've entered the Lyceum with the vouching of Etielise, the new High Herald.
I've read a few works on the Light, the Maran, the Fortress of the Light,
even the Knights, and the Phoenix Lord Shokai. On another note, I've also
found some very mysterious texts on the K'sra and other Saurian people, as
well as maybe a few hints as to what might lie within the Silent Tower. I
was first accosted by Lord Danellaran of Darsylon, to seek out the Codex
Nyaa. In reading it, I think I've found a way into the Tower. That is a
project I can spend time on in the near future, I think.

Role

Chapter 8

I've memorised all of those texts I found interesting, within. I thought
about adding some of the Lyceum's ancient texts regarding the Fortress and
Lord Shokai to the Hall of Light, but I am too poor a scribe to write a
sufficiently long scroll.

Role

Chapter 7

I've recently slain Kostyan, the mighty Stygian Juggernaut. Perhaps, what I
said to an applicant Vouizount can be true even for one as mighty as the
Emperor. If we only have the spirit to fight, we may just prevail. Just as
I used to think the dark adventurers who raided Loch Terradian sometimes
were insurmountably powerful, I now see that I can take them down, with all
my training. Regardless, I must remain wary of Kostyan, who fell only
because he chose to take the risk. Out of a grudging respect I left him
nearly all his things. The bloodstone rings were tempting though. I left
them.

Role

Chapter 6

I know it was momentous when I fell the Juggernaut, but I must remember
that the bleeding fell me too. I must not become too proud.

Role

Chapter 5

I've fought much, and I've met many who are more than my match. The dark
elves Zikaroz and Kostyan, duergar Waris, giant Igbah, they are all
powerful opponents who I normally cannot best alone.

In one ill-fated fight with Kostyan, I was slain while the Emperor had
ordered one of his lackeys to empty his pockets so my corpse could be
looted as thoroughly as possible. It was a setback, but I told myself of
the vows of dedication I've made, and my confidence that even if I were
only armed with rudimentary tools, I would know my limits and tactics and
adjust accordingly.

Embarrassingly, the stories of my many skirmishes with some of the foulest
of Theran Heroes have spread to the extent that I am known to many as a
'Relentless Dedicant'. I hope I can do justice to that moniker.

Role

Chapter 3

I have been given the opportunity to become the Marshall of the Fortress. I
am proud to be entrusted with such a position, and I will endeavour to do
justice to the title and to the Light. Regardless, I must remain no more
proud than when I was still a fisherman. I am a soldier of the Light, and I
serve my duty, in what capacity I can. I have been gifted with a marvellous
weapon. Darkbane, the Blade of the Phoenix, is a powerful sword, but I have
sensed that it can transform into any weapon at all at a command.

The Lady Jaguar, Baerinika, has entrusted me with this position. To fail her
would be to betray her trust in me. I must try my best to lead the fortress
well, and be an example to all who depend on my guidance, and to aid in the
induction of worthy Squires into the Fortress. Since Cyruil, the previous
Marshall, has retired forever from duty, I have taken up the position of
Marshall in his place. I hope I can do my job as well as him.

Role

Chapter 2

Mortality, the eternal truth, the equaliser of all beings mortal on Thera.
The knowledge that death is only scant years, for men, or centuries, for
elves, away. When Humbert looks back upon his life, he feels wistful, and
maybe a little bit rueful. Has he any regrets? Perhaps. Sometimes he
wonders, perhaps... if he had lived and loved as any ordinary giant did,
had taken a wife, and perhaps fathered a family... All that would remain of
him, once his life passes, would be memories. His legacy upon Thera would
be the knowledge that he had spent his life trying to make it a better
place. Perhaps soon, the journey will end. Soon, the strife, the battles,
the ebb and flow of warring, jarring life will fade away, and he will pass
to a better world, in the Azure Fields to meet finally the Lords and Ladies
of Good, to meet his old friends.

He wonders if Mizfara's whiskers are falling off, in the Azure Fields. He
wonders if Acvilar will be there. Certainly Acvilar's Lady Yean will be
in the heavens, and Mizfara's Lord Marcatis. He wonders why he has never
sought a Lord or Lady to worship, but he knows the answer. He is no priest,
and he lacks the religious fervor, despite his legendary dedication, to
truly embrace a God and act as his mortal agent.

The story will end soon. Humbert's life is like a river that is soon to
rejoin the vastness of the seas. One may only hope that in the flow of this
river, his life, he has etched into the land something enduring and good.

Role

Chapter 1

Humbert has asked for Arrna's hand in marriage and she has accepted. They
wish to be married (though Humbert's on death's door already). Essentially
Humbert is supposed to be attempting to make babies with Arrna (all this is
assumed to be done while logged out - ie. they're being happy civilians in
Loch Terradian until they log in and start adventuring).

It is up to the IMMs to see if in the first place Humbert/Arrna are
capable of conceiving children (given Humbert's age, there may be
problems). All the family/sex stuff is assumed to be done off-line.

Immortal Comments

Immortal Comments

PK Gank-O-Meter

PK Statistics

PK Wins

Mob Deaths

Timeline

Leveling History

PK Deaths

PK Wins

PK Wins

PK Wins

PK Wins

Title History

Skill List

Skill List

Edges