Halt 1338 Popular Post Share Posted February 10 Courtesy: @Werew0lf @Jaelon Spoiler The following is a small excerpt from a larger interview conducted with Sir Ruben of Middelan. I’ve done a number of these interviews with various citizens across the realm, and they typically focus on the general state of affairs. Additionally, I prefer to let the interviewee highlight whatever aspect of their lives that they wish to, finding that it leads to more organic conversation. I happened upon him while traveling on the road and spontaneously struck up a conversation with him. While he seemed quite eager to be on his way, to my surprise, he agreed to an interview. I walked with him for a time, and the following contains the insights gleaned. My interview with Sir Ruben was mainly centered on his general philosophy on life and the surprisingly ordinary perspective of a knight. One aspect that I found interesting was that Sir Ruben has collected a number of items that he ascribes a particular meaning to. According to him, they stand for significant turning points in his life, and this document provides a fleeting glimpse into the emotion associated with each item in his collection. Toward the closing end of our interview, Sir Ruben left me with a note that I’ve copied here. It reads as follows: This date shall mark the end of my grievance with Lorenz Gavaudin. Displaying admirable bravery, he agreed to meet my challenge in a year’s time. Tomorrow is that Saint’s Day. As I ready myself for the strife ahead, my thoughts are not of battle. Instead, they lie with the family and friends I have come to know along the course of my life. I venture to Portoregne alone, and while I prefer it that way, it is not an easy decision to make. I came into this world alone, and should fortune not favor me, I’ll leave it that way. However, it is not that loneliness that defines my experience. Instead, it is the companionship and time spent with my beloved Margaret. I leave this for her, knowing that should I err in the duel, she ought to know I didn’t err in choosing to share my life with her. In a way, she chose me. Many will speak of the various relics or storied items in my possession in the event of my passing. A number of these items could be considered precious treasures by many, and I could not fault them for that belief. And yet, I find her heart of gold to be the most valuable thing among them. First, her father’s, and now my greatest achievement to lay claim to in this life—to have shared it so meaningfully with her. With this, I depart, for better or worse. WRITTEN BY, -R. KURĀKEN S.A. 159 It seems fitting that we begin with the most distinct piece in Sir Ruben’s collection. A shimmering longsword wrought of Thanhium and shaped into oceanic iconography. When asked about its meaning, Sir Ruben explained that the item’s symbolism was twofold. In one respect, it served as a way for the former apprentice blacksmith to attempt to craft something that would rival his father’s own sword. He spoke of his upbringing under a blacksmith and how it instilled a work ethic in him. Additionally, the source of the weapon’s material bears its own story. The materials sourced for the making of the sword were a reward to the knight by the realm for which he fought, as thanks for courageous acts and leadership during the skirmish of the Westmark. While recalling the battle, I noted that many emotions crept over his face, ranging from pride at overcoming odds to a generally resigned weariness. I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. The day-to-day struggles of the common man are often accompanied by a crisis of faith. It is far too easy to experience the many evils of our world and let them corrupt us into lesser versions of ourselves. Freshly from the fields of battle for Westmark and baptized in war, Sir Ruben began to express doubts about the person he was becoming. Naturally, he sought to alleviate this by seeking the guidance of one Sista “Juli’el” Jenny. With her guidance, he found a way to metaphorically cleanse himself of wrongdoings and commit to a fresh slate of righteousness. He delved into his armory and turned a wicked blade into one with renewed purpose. An Azhl dagger, covered in a web of strange veins. Determined to overcome the blade’s poisonous nature, he committed himself to having it serve as a physical symbol of virtuous action. A badge of honor for his own struggle to overcome the evils that had stricken him. IMPIA S.A. 160 BŪRŪMUN S.A. 162 The next item bears a similar sentiment to that of Vox Draconis. It serves as a signature of sorts for Sir Ruben, and holds a great deal of emotional importance to him. Gifted on his 18th nameday, it was originally borne by one Húrin Ibarellan. This was quite an honor for the young knight, as the blade was already storied by this point, and the man who wielded it much the same. Húrin served as a source of inspiration to an impressionable Sir Ruben and would witness many of the man’s greatest triumphs and pitfalls. Whilst searching for a worthy successor to wield Būrūmun, Húrin found many lacking. Eventually, he chose Sir Ruben as the blade’s successor, finding no one more worthy to be its wielder. With it, Sir Ruben inherited a hefty responsibility to live up to the blade’s history and its previous wielder’s expectations. The weapon itself is an elegant katana, crafted from Carbarum and frosted with Lunarite to grant it a soft silvery glow. It is only natural that the next item should follow suit after the introduction of Būrūmun. Sir Ruben recounts a harrowing tale of a duel within which his opponent’s blade was shattered by this very katana. While initially disheartened at the loss of such a fine weapon, the knight was determined not to let the rare material go to waste. Sir Ruben repurposed the fragments into a Lunarite sword breaker. Its hilt is covered in the hide of a strange beast—a manticore—-and while it is not as ornate as Būrūmun, the sword breaker has a simple charm that is hard to ignore. The final item is one that, I must confess, bore the greatest interest to me. As an amateur scholar of sorts, I found myself quite fascinated at the concept that lay with the creation. An intricate ring wrought of Dracanium, bearing similar imagery of a dragon to that of Vox Draconis and yet appearing distinct. According to Sir Ruben, said ring possesses an uncanny ability. One can hear strange whispering while observing the ring in proximity, and reportedly, the consciousness of a dragon rests within. While the ring also possesses the ability to produce a dazzling display of light, it is the primary ability that bears most of my interest. The insights that could potentially be gained from such a creature are immense, and the perspective alone would be worth its weight in gold. The procurement of such a mysterious artifact is surprisingly mundane. Sir Ruben recounts that it was a parting gift for him and his wife, originally meant for his father’s possession but given to the knight in his stead. KINBOK S.A. 167 Thus concludes my excerpt from the greater interview that took place over the course of several hours. While we covered a number of topics, this seemed the most noteworthy of which to share with the public. The full accounts might one day be released amidst the “Times of Aevos,” and one might seek them out at that point should they wish. Many thanks to the reader, and I hope that this proved informative or at least provided some form of entertainment wherever you might be. A humble bard, Nashor. The following documents were obtained during the conduction of a search warrant by officials in a small tower near the remnants of Keep Breakwater in service of the Haeseni crown. Other materials obtained include a small bag of wizard powder, copious amounts of feathers, and some form of illegally modified crossbow. No suspects were apprehended in this raid. 41 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rigorous 1548 Share Posted February 10 Alexander Montalt takes this moment to peruse the document with interest, before resuming his work. He carefully plants a stockpile of small explosives inside of a Winburgh house, before moving to the next one. Another tedious day in the young terrorist’s life, but Imperial “peace”-keepers don’t kill themselves. 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sefardi 1501 Share Posted February 10 Prince James Marcel eagerly rushes into his room with the transcript. His eyes rush over the words, the child unable to contain his excitement at the description of the weapons. His mouth is left agape, wondering if one day he will too be armed with such unique pieces. "I can't wait to become a holy knight." 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Werew0lf 12024 Share Posted February 10 Aldric read the transcript in his off-time, and looked upon all blades. One day, the young boy aspired to be a wielder of such fine craftsmanship. "Wonderful," he murmured. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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