Thyme and Reason

As per my request, Brother Herman has assigned me a task to complete before I may summon my spiritual mist. He asked me to write a little bit about my past, my home, and my reasons for joining this guild. Though this may seem like a simple task, my proficiency with the written word is most definitely not my strongest quality, so please pardon any mistakes I may have made. Other than that, I hope you enjoy...

I was born almost twenty-three summers ago on a farm a few miles outside of a small, nameless village. My mother would handle the small tasks and cook the meals, while my father and older brother would work in the fields or occasionally practice their swordplay. The latter was more for personal enjoyment than anything else: we lived generally peaceful lives except for a few isolated run-ins with pesky kobolds or night goblins.

Since I can remember, my favorite thing to do was help my mother gather spices and herbs from her special garden in the early hours of the morning. These would later be used in her cooking, or to treat the regular cuts, scrapes, and bruises that my father and brother would return with from the fields. As I grew older, I was required to help the men of the house, but I somehow managed to find time enough for the fields and the garden. Also, as I matured, my mother began to teach me more and more uses for the various plants that she grew. It seemed she had a cure or an antidote for just about anything, which proved quite useful when one was bitten by the odd copper-hued snakes that thrived during harvest season.

Eventually, when I was old enough to take care of his chores, my brother headed out over the sea with a small group of like-minded young men. They all sought to carve their names into history with swords and axes. Initially my parents were upset at his departure but, many months later, we received a letter from my brother informing us that things were going quite well. Not even a month after that, a messenger delivered a chest containing a rather large sum of gold. My parents were very pleased...

As I came of age, my parents encouraged me to go join my brother; to pick up a sword and become a glorious adventurer. They begged me, “For once in your life, do something great and make us proud.” Words never had such an impact on me; they never cut so deep. I felt as though all my efforts to be an obedient, good son were in vain. So, late one night, I packed up a few of my possessions and left. I was to sail many leagues northeast from the island of Rathkatlaur, heading towards the port-city of Moorgate. The voyage was uneventful for the most part, except for my struggle with what they call “sea sickness”.

Upon my arrival, I took some time to grow accustomed to solid ground once more, and then began searching for some form of employment. Whilst strolling through the main market, I overheard a conversation about Moorgate’s ‘guilds’. I asked one of the merchants about these guilds, and was informed that they provide a stable home for those of similar lifestyles, values, and beliefs. I continued on my way, stopping several times to ask for directions to one of the nearest guilds, and a rather rustic fellow said that I would likely want to speak with Brother Sundial. He gave me some general directions and I stumbled upon the glorious guild after only a few minutes of walking. The slender monk outside the guild, whom I later discovered to be the Brother Sundial referred to, spoke in a manner that was both warm and stern. He explained to me what I had to do to join, but insisted that I read the charter before any action was taken.

While reading the charter, I saw words like “brotherhood”, “spirituality”, “respect”, “understanding”, and “family”. The last word really struck a chord inside of me because, above all, I was seeking a new family to begin my new life with. I felt that this guild could teach me something about all the qualities I wish to exemplify; I felt that it would challenge me to improve. Moreover, I felt that perhaps some would learn from me; that we would be teaching each other. I chose this guild not because I want to become a great man like my brother, but because I want to become a better person.

Humbly,
Kahros