Post by kore on Nov 9, 2009 1:22:03 GMT -8
Though the daughter of nobles of the Shanathane Court in the nation of Kelsier, Durnalla's parents reared her in such a way that she would have no expectation of preferential treatment, no sense of entitlement. However, this much may be said of most of the offspring of Shanathane nobles. Reputation is a virtue highly regarded by goliath society and it cannot be inherited. Testing the physical abilities of all of its inhabitants, including its nobles, is recognized as the only true way to prove one's worth to society.
At the age of sixteen, Durnalla chose to join the court's expeditionary force as a scout. After six years of service she had risen to the rank of captain. Though this accomplishment itself positioned Durnalla to be a likely successor to the offices her parents held, she chose to continue her service on the borders of the region under the jurisdiction of the Shanathane Court. She felt compelled to continually test herself and her brethren on the treacherous mountain cliffs. It was on those cliffs that she formed many strong friendships with other goliaths she deemed to best represent goliath virtues; prowess, boldness, and a daring heart.
Durnalla's service in the expeditionary force eventually led her to service as a scout at the site now known as the Iron Camp. When the treaty was established between Kelsier, Cainwyn, and Fal'Kith, Durnalla eagerly lent her expertise to units of mixed soldiers that patrolled the region surrounding the site of an ancient tomb found within a great crevasse caused by the Sundering. Upon returning from one particular patrol, she found the inhabitants of the site inflicted with a strange disease, the Iron Plague. She eventually became inflicted herself, turning into what are now called warforged.
Once Durnalla was permitted to return to her kin, her transformation was regarded with fear, contempt, or some mixture of both, as it was with most who were affected. Sensing the unease of others, she found that she still had a place among her brothers, though with some apprehension, and the mountains. Not long after her return, Durnalla was approached by a Goliath clad in hide armor, cradling on his shoulder a massive two-handed hammer encrusted with spiked studs, one hand cupping the pommel.
"I am Gauthiev of the Circle of the Mountain’s Aegis. It is strange that those of flesh and blood regard those of iron such as they do, for both are only a momentary flicker in an infinite sky. However, the spirit can never truly die, for even in death it is renewed. The primal spirits of these mountains recognize your spirit's call. For your entire life you have been drawn to the mountain wilderness and eagerly go to distant lands when others may hesitate. Do you not question what makes you different from your kin? I speak not of your material transformation but of your eternal spirit, which is today as it was before."
Durnalla replied, "Your words ring true. It wasn't until I was cursed as I am that I even began to consider such things. But if I am not goliath or this iron being as you say I'm not, then what am I?"
"Do you still not understand? I do not have all of the answers you seek, but know that the virtues you and your kin honor are part of what you are as well as your love of this mountain wilderness. Much will be revealed if you learn to commune with the primal spirits. I have been sent to request your fellowship in our warding circle. We all seek answers and it is through each other that the primal spirits often speak. As a warden of these mountains, and all other wonders of nature, your spirit will flourish and thrive as a defender of the wild. If you are prepared to join our circle, follow me into the canyon below and the discovery of your eternal spirit may begin."
Edit: Phil, I made a small formatting edit to make Gauthiev's question, "Do you still not understand?", part of the following paragraph. FYI, in case you want to edit the entry on the website for the campaign.
At the age of sixteen, Durnalla chose to join the court's expeditionary force as a scout. After six years of service she had risen to the rank of captain. Though this accomplishment itself positioned Durnalla to be a likely successor to the offices her parents held, she chose to continue her service on the borders of the region under the jurisdiction of the Shanathane Court. She felt compelled to continually test herself and her brethren on the treacherous mountain cliffs. It was on those cliffs that she formed many strong friendships with other goliaths she deemed to best represent goliath virtues; prowess, boldness, and a daring heart.
Durnalla's service in the expeditionary force eventually led her to service as a scout at the site now known as the Iron Camp. When the treaty was established between Kelsier, Cainwyn, and Fal'Kith, Durnalla eagerly lent her expertise to units of mixed soldiers that patrolled the region surrounding the site of an ancient tomb found within a great crevasse caused by the Sundering. Upon returning from one particular patrol, she found the inhabitants of the site inflicted with a strange disease, the Iron Plague. She eventually became inflicted herself, turning into what are now called warforged.
Once Durnalla was permitted to return to her kin, her transformation was regarded with fear, contempt, or some mixture of both, as it was with most who were affected. Sensing the unease of others, she found that she still had a place among her brothers, though with some apprehension, and the mountains. Not long after her return, Durnalla was approached by a Goliath clad in hide armor, cradling on his shoulder a massive two-handed hammer encrusted with spiked studs, one hand cupping the pommel.
"I am Gauthiev of the Circle of the Mountain’s Aegis. It is strange that those of flesh and blood regard those of iron such as they do, for both are only a momentary flicker in an infinite sky. However, the spirit can never truly die, for even in death it is renewed. The primal spirits of these mountains recognize your spirit's call. For your entire life you have been drawn to the mountain wilderness and eagerly go to distant lands when others may hesitate. Do you not question what makes you different from your kin? I speak not of your material transformation but of your eternal spirit, which is today as it was before."
Durnalla replied, "Your words ring true. It wasn't until I was cursed as I am that I even began to consider such things. But if I am not goliath or this iron being as you say I'm not, then what am I?"
"Do you still not understand? I do not have all of the answers you seek, but know that the virtues you and your kin honor are part of what you are as well as your love of this mountain wilderness. Much will be revealed if you learn to commune with the primal spirits. I have been sent to request your fellowship in our warding circle. We all seek answers and it is through each other that the primal spirits often speak. As a warden of these mountains, and all other wonders of nature, your spirit will flourish and thrive as a defender of the wild. If you are prepared to join our circle, follow me into the canyon below and the discovery of your eternal spirit may begin."
Edit: Phil, I made a small formatting edit to make Gauthiev's question, "Do you still not understand?", part of the following paragraph. FYI, in case you want to edit the entry on the website for the campaign.