History
Balthazar Daratang was raised in a small stronghold a now nameless region of the border kingdoms, near the realm of Ondeeme. The stronghold, Lunan’s Hold, is the last refuge of the Knights of Fustidio, an ancient, declining order a hair’s breadth from death. At the age of 20, he finally received the official title of Knight of Fustidio. The title, which once meant much, it is said, is now unknown to foreign ears, and brings a smile to the lips of those in the know.
The order was created long ago to teach the way of Fustidio, a great knight of times past. Retainer to a proud and mighty royal family, it is said he once fought a hundred men protecting his liege. Fustidio’s renown was such that an order was created to teach his ways to promising youth, as they were considered to be a sure path to enlightenment. The knight was very fixed in his ways; training rigorously on a daily basis and learning ancient words of wisdom from far lands were the stuff of his life. Either this was the true key to his success, or simply his determination and intelligence, is not debated in the Order of Fustitio. Aspiring applicants once traveled from everywhere in the realms to the strongholds the Order held around what are now Turmish and the Border Kingdoms. However, hard times fell upon the order when a descendant of Fustidio himself was accused of treason to the crown. The ensuing turmoil resulted in civil war, and the destruction of the kingdom and most of the Order’s holdings. Lunan’s Hold is the last bastion of the Order. The squires of the order are few and far between, and the masters, aging, but the training holds true to what it was centuries ago. As a part of their duties, the Knights of Fustidio must perform a specific training routine and read the scrolls of Fustidio every morning, as well as keep a journal of their lives, to better lead those that will follow.
Balthazar has been given a quest of grave importance. Of the two in his graduating class, one was to remain and keep watch over Lunan’s Hold, and the other, to travel the world to spread the way of Fustidio. Bal was the later of the two. He does not know how he will accomplish this yet. While he is a qualified paladin, well trained in combat and of good social grace, he simply does not know how to attract others to the order. So far he has decided to partake in every quest he can find, to build a reputation and finally give credence to his claims that the path of Fustidio truly is a good way to live.
Ordained
My training is finished, at last! The Lord Knight ordained me a Knight of Fustidio this morning. I was given the task of travelling the world, to further extend the Order’s good influence. I cannot wait to spread the words of wisdom to the world! I wished that the ceremony would have lasted forever, as it also meant my departure from what has been my home for so long… But quickly enough, I was on my way to the nearest port to leave for my first destination, Procampur! I am confident the good people of that city will be attentive to the words of Fustidio.
The Sea
I have boarded a small vessel en route for Procampur; it will cross the Inner Sea within a few weeks. The captain of the vessel struck me as an honest fellow, and I gladly gave him a few pieces of gold to have a choice bunk in the hold. Which he assured me would be the best area for a good night’s rest, as I am not used to the sea yet. I am still puzzled about why he inquired about me having any experience as a shipwright.
A Fine Ship
Blast the captain of that cursed ship! Even as I write these words, from the hold, I can see the planks on this wooded tub tear themselves apart! My feet have not been dry since I boarded this forsaken craft.
Cork on a Lake
As I had suspected, and said, the ship did not hold, but no… the captain refused to put in for shore. She’s a bonnie lass, said the man, and she’s held before on this same voyage a hundred times! I must say, the planks I quickly lashed together on which I am now floating are so rotten I am lucky they are staying afloat. Luckily I managed to grab my journal and weapons before abandoning ship. Note to self: Carry flint -raw fish, while nourishing and a source of fresh water, does not taste very good.
The Beach
Finally, I am on dry land! Today was as odd as it was joyful. I finally set ashore near a city the locals call Calaunt. An elf woman and her companion helped me ashore, and though they do not seem to be interested in the Way of Fustidio, I think I can trust them enough to help me prepare for this new development in my travels. The maiden seemed somewhat odd… I believe she may be a wizard, as for her companion, I know nothing of him as of yet.
The Mountain
The two I met have allowed me to follow them on their quest; they are headed in the general direction of Procampur, I believe, so I will have the joy of serving these people while I continue my voyage. We set upon our way and soon entered some nearby mountains. After staying at an encampment of dwarves for a brief while, we met up with some others, a halfling, a dwarf, and rangers. Not to mention one I believe to be a thief… and yet another elven wizard…. After the usual preparations we set off to find a mage’s staff in a nearby peak.
The Wizard’s Lair
I will not list the hazards we crossed to arrive here… suffices to say the thief Isreal is no longer among us. Then there is the matter of the meat that Borathor did not salt enough to preserve… My presence will serve these folks a good lesson in the way to do things, I hope. We are now in the mage’s lair… How I wish I knew more of this quest… however I am confident they will tell me more in good time. Thus far, the rangers strike me relatively reasonable, as do the dwarf and the halfling. Even if the later does talk much of tall tales. The mage Elina seems a bit childish in character… and the mage Syrenia seems to take pleasure in disagreeing with me. I believe she will come to trust my judgement in time, however.
