Keeper of The Rock

[Kaden Asen]

*The notes and entries of Thedran's journal would normally be filled with small spell errors I'll do my best as a player to minimize those for easier reading. Since I myself have a less than perfect grasp of grammar, I believe that part can be taken ICly*

It's been some months since we have returned, I've been working on my writting so I could keep this record of First. I wish I could have in Chult, I believe The Lord General would have been proud to read of it.

Firstly, what follows here is The List, these names are those Bastards who upheld the glory of our company, and Duke Eltan by sacrificing their lives.

**And so follows a long list of names/ranks/attached nicknames**



To the one who finds this, I wasn't given this duty I started keeping The List on a scrap of torn uniform. The same uniform worn by the man Corporal Zacho stood by when they dragged me out of my first skirmmish

Sergeant Thond *Written with great care*

His old uniform carries the list of our dead from Chult, just as he carried me.

Anyhow that explains the list, now for myself. . . .

I join the ranks just before First shipped out for Chult. I had struck my "supposed" father, a courtier. I was given mercy by the courts, and instead of full punishment I was enlisted into the company of soldiers sent to Chult. In the short three weeks before I left, I hated my life, and The Fist.

We drilled, I drilled more. I scrubbed pots, polished boots, brushed horses, and for the most part paid a high price for my hatred of my officers. Still, not long after we arrived in Chult my Sergeant carried me for longer than I remember, he carried me so I wouldn't die. When we stopped running, Sergeant Thond had died, and Zacho had become "Corporal Zacho". . . .

After a few weeks of the support detail, I was trying to stay out of The Rank, so I wouldn't have to see combat again. I just wanted to go home, and see Mum again. Though I suppose fate decided different, our entire Company was drawn into a battle, the worst I have ever seen. The horror we faced is not important, though it made even Corporal pause and doubt. What is important is that when we doubted, our Captain thew away his broken sword, and took up Rock. No one moved as he charged with only a Rock in his hand, but every last one of us rushed after he smote the first of our enemies with it.

-That- is when I joined The Bastards, and proudly so. I joined the Rank, and I'll be damned or dead before you can drag me away now. After that. . .I found Sergeant's old uniform, and I made The List. I keep the name of -Every- Bastard that passes away, I will also start a record of their lives. This is my life, my purpose, I will record the glory of first company so when I pass it will be remembered. If you are the one to read this. . .I pray you will continue it.

Rock is the symbol of our might. The List is the glory of our fallen, I pray you keep both safe, or return them to First Company so they are tended to.

Entry one

[Kaden Asen]

The authority of The Fist is not gained by noble words, nor do the fine parchments the nobility write as "law" keep the people safe. No priest, no idealist, no courtier, or minor noble of The Gate adds to her glory, or guards her honor.

The people of The Gate do not sleep in their beds because well wishers, well meaning fools, or silver tongued "captains" walk the streets during the night watch. The Gate, and her peoples are guarded, and upheld by the naked sword. The Sword gains, and upholds the sovereign authority of The Lord General, and those men and families he is allied with.

The naked sword is carried by hardened men, soldiers, mercenaries. We are brutal, efficient, and difficult to control. Yet we are best suited to carry The Sword.

Among soldiers there is a rank, it -must- be earned. No title, nobility or station has "right" to this rank. Those outside looking in are for the most part oblivious, this rank is the -master- of all soldiering tasks, without exception. Not only is he the master, he is the instructor, and -the- standard by which all others including his superiors compare.

The Corporal

Soldiers are lost without a leader, officers are often unable to control soldiers. The Corporal is the link, while soldiers enforce the will of state, The Corporal enforces the standard by which soldiers adhere. He -will- enforce the standard, not for a sick pleasure in pain, but because he cares for his soldiers. He knows that to let them slack is to let them die.

The Corporal also leads, when all others falter he will charge. When despair takes hold, he will lash out with a savage fury. When food runs short, he provides, the same with water, shelter, or weapons. If the worst should happen, if a sacrifice must be made, he is the first to accept.

The first into battle, and the last to leave. He is The Corporal, The Standard, The Enforcer.

*Below is a sketching of Corporal Zacho, it is titled*
"The Meanest Bastard"

Entry two

[Kaden Asen]

Walking silently back to the orphanage, Thedran considered the events of the last few days. First. . . . . The men he had killed along the road, mercenaries, just like himself, and he had help kill them over an assasin. . . .

He grumbled quietly as he made the northern turn, only fate had spared Thedran a similar fate. Though he had every intent on trying to find their families, he doubted he would ever get past the guilt. Simple soldiers always paid the price for adventures mistakes.. . .. . .

As he entered the sleeping orphanage, he set about removing his shield and helmet. Once done, he quietly made his rounds, checking the doors, windows, and finally the "Little Lady's" blanket. After tugging it snugly around her small frame, he headed into the kitchen for a mug of tea.

After his tea, Thedran once again made his rounds, and so on every few hours. The rising sun would find him sitting at the foot of his responsibility's bed, his head leaned back and sound asleep.

[Kaden Asen]

Glory and Children prt 1
Laying out his equipment, Thedran continued to prepare as he contemplated the day's events. Eighteen troopers were being sent to contain a "minor" threat. It was to aid a trade partner, it always was. The fact their officer wasn't nobility, or that they were all the youngest of First, wasn't lost on any of the chosen. Lord General had issued the order, and Captain Norton had picked the assembling force.

"Every weapon you can manage, extra water, and marching rations only" were the orders handed downat the quarter master. . . .

Thedran sat back on his heels as he regarded his choices .. . His sword, dagger, a pair of hand axes, heavy mace, horse stakes, three bags of steel caltrops, and his cross bow. He would have taken more but Corporal Zacho had warned against to much weight.

After strapping his heavy pack together, Thedran secured Rock, And The List in his barracks crate. Shouldering his heavy, clanking pack he hustled out the door for final inspection .. . . .

[Kaden Asen]

Part two Fark Guard Duty

Steel boots marching in time, weapons clanking against each other, and two ordered ranks moving in side by side. The Bastards had arrived.


In only a few short hours the squad had completed all pre combat inspections of troopers, and equipment alike, boarded their ship, and arrived at the town that had secured their contract. Events thus far had been hurried, but normal. On the ship they had dictated the responsilbities in the squad, and handed out the squad equipment. Once on shore their orders were to keep accountablity of all troopers and move quickly through town to reach their local contact, and further details.

The noon sun found the squad holding tight security on their officer, and a local merchant as they discussed the contract. Local travelers moved quickly out of sight of the hill when they noticed the fully armed Bastards glowering down at them. Shortly after the merchant left their officer called them to over to share what he had learned. . . . .


As they walked up, Thedran noticed he was pale faced and obviously upset by what he had been told. After taking a sip from his water skin, he cleared his throat and spoke quietly.

The village we have a contract with, has been loosing children, both from the village and the surrounding farms. They have counted 18 so far, they believe they have recovered . . . He cleared his throat, and continued on again. Parts belonging to one of the children. The trackers who found them, believe they fell from the back of a cart along the road. Though they could find no trail to follow, it simply ended in the middle of the road.

The Mercenaries surrounding him, grumbled and shifted quietly at the news. They looked between each other, and more than one hand settled on a torment implement of choice. They quickly regained their composure and looked back to the officer.

Our contract is to secure the village, we will do so for roughly one month. This will free up the local watch to go search for the children. . .

Fark that shite sir inturupted the only corporal among the group. Ya leave them Vincent, and Jag to help in the town, and the rest of us light out after those children

The outbust was met by muttered approvals from the entire squad. The officer looked about with a poorly hidden grin,

Good I believe thats why we were choosen for this contract All mirth left his face. . . Jag, Vincent, you two police anythiung the lads won't need for the next two days. When you get to that village, collect thost children to a central location and sit at the door, no more go missing or it's your arse. The rest of you Bastards. . . Battle gear, and water only.

Turning he tossed Thedran the map of the local area
Thedran push out to that northern road, and see if you can't find us a trail, or lead. Report back if you find anything we can follow.

Thedran simply turned and doubled timed off the hill, in the direction of the northern road. . .his normally dark eyes burning with a hatred few lived to talk about.

[Kaden Asen]

((the above story was ment to be added to during the month I was away.Turns out I wasn't given the chance, so I'll leave the above additions, and let the rest come out while IG))


Thedran returns to The Gate, he walks down the docks, assisiting the Corporal of his detatchment hobble along on his remaining leg. Only three other troopers exit the ship, two have no marks. The last has a lost eye, and missing fingers on his left hand.

Thedran quickly takes his fellows home, and deposits the new "List". After inspecting his things, and reporting to Zacho, he makes his way quickly down the road to the orphanage, and resumes his guard duty. His eyes are are colder, and his throat sports a new scar. It has obviously been cut, a deep red scar making it's way half way around his neck.

[Kaden Asen]

The dead of night finds Thedran,sitting silently in the orphanage. He spreads out a scroll on the table. After several moments of considering he picks up the quill and starts to write.

"My Son

What follows are those lessons, and stories I want to insure you know of. Many people will say many things about me, much of what they say will be true, however few knew the truth behind what they have seen. Many will tell you I was a mindless savage. My silent joke is the knowledge they are mistaken, while I am capable of being a savage. The gods can never accuse me of acting mindlessly.

Above all, Think. All things can be accomplished by the man who considers his actions from the standpoint of his enemy. Think before you act, always think before you take action.

One of my methods for months was to act as a brute, people assumed me a poorly educated brute from The Fist. When I became aware of the perception I played upon it, fronting a soldier's accent, and always snarling for a fight. However I only ever fought those I was fully intending, and prepared to do combat with. I was no bruiser, regardless of what they may say.


Many will call me a killer, My Son. . .they are correct. I was a killer, this is a legacy I will pass on to you. A man unwilling to fight for those things he loves, is not worthy of love. I pray you will live a life I could only have dreamed of, however to do so you must master the arts of combat, and you will be forced to kill. Take no life without intent, and trade yours for any of the innocent. When you are older you will come to understand my willingness to commit violence, when you understand I pray you are willing."



After writing for a short time, Thedran closes the scroll and tucks it away in his belt pouch. After putting away the quill and ink, he sets out for his ightly patrol of his home.

[Kaden Asen]

Long after the children had gone to sleep. . .

Sitting silently by the door within Mercy's orphanage, Thedran watches as the first orphan boy walks out and goes over to collect the sword leaning by the door. With a bit of effort, the boy draws the sword from the scabbard and carefully kneels before the small shrine of Ilmater, the sword point down in his small hands.

Shifting silently in his seat, he watches as the boy faltering recites a prayer to the Triad. After his practiced prayer, the boy asks each deity for strength, love, and honor in his own words.
After the prayer, the boy returns the sword to Thedran. After taking the sheathed blade, Thedran gives the boy a smile and waves him back to the bedroom, and waited silently for the next.


*With me leaving, I'll try to fill in some of Thedran's life, stay tuned for more!*

[Kaden Asen]

As the the summoned monsters moved up behind the adventurers milling about the ruins, Thedran strode forward and shouldered Louise out of the descending blade aimed at her. The clash of weapons, and spells was deafening, and lethal. Several adventurers fells to the ground in the first few moments of battle, and the better prepared inflicted the same losses upon the foe.

In the center Thedran unable to stop the blow meant to down Louise, he stepped over her prostrate body and cleaved her attacked through it's neck, his following head butt sent the monster reeling back into the crowd. Unwilling to leave her, he struggled against the surging force for several moments. His shield was constantly over the fallen healer, while his blade flashed threateningly to drive off the monsters. Amidst the struggle, Thedran's shout was heard. . "Count The Names!"

What followed was The List as remembered by it's keeper. Each name a remembrance of a soldier, or knight. Each name empowered by bardic magics, and that inspired by the deeds of loyal soldiers, and valiant knights. As each name left his lips, the engraved names on his gauntlets glowed brightly, the golden names flaring brightly as they were called forth. As the both the light, and more importantly the sound of The List was heard by those present, Thedran's allies felt peace, and vitality. . .His foes clawed at their ears for the pain, many falling to the ground as blood seeped from their ears and eyes.

As always, while reciting The List, it's keeper stood just a bit taller, and disregarded a great number of blows as he lashed out heedlessly against his enemies. As his song came to a end, the adventurers had managed to drive back the majority of the beasts, allowing Thedran the time required to pull Louise from the field and place her safely away from the fighting.



His magics prepared, and shield braced Thedran stood across the bridge from his foe. The chamber about him was thick with a red smoke, and the stone bridge spanning the dark chasm was slick with blood, from the bodies that littered it. With a loud shout Thedran rushed his foe, his shield held ready against his shoulder, and his sword tip leading. The clash of arms was almost enough to drive him over the edge, and into the dark. Though he stoutly refused to loose his footing, allowing his enemy to take a savage blow at his side as payment for it. Once he had regained his balance he struck at his foe, the sword seeming to bounce harmlessly off the gnoll's shoulder plate. In response it took hold of Thedran's shield and flung him through the air, dangling him over the dark for several moments before slinging him back down the bridge. Skidding across the stone, Thedran cast about for his fallen shield, unable to find it he lunged to his feet, and faced the oncoming foe.
As the met the second time, Thedran ceased his attempts at defense. The gnoll struck him across the side, and Thedran drove his sword through the beasts stomach. Both scrambled to gain leverage over the other, Thedran's free hand leveling blow after blow at his opponent's exposed face as they struggled. With a sickening noise of tearing flesh the sword came free, though the gnoll seemed unconcerned with the damage as he sought to gain room to strike with his sword.
Unwilling to give him the advantage, Thedran pushed forward. As he used his forearm to block the haymaker meant for his jaw, he rotated his sword and used to the hilt to deliver a stunning blow to the beast's throat. Again they set to grappling, this time Thedran used his sword braced against the back of the beast's neck to empower the knee strikes to it's lower abdomen. The beast in return savagely pummeled his ribs and back, all the while trying to sink it's teeth into Thedran's throat. Finally with a the sound of breaking ribs the two dancers parted. . .each sizing the other up. While taking note of their own injuries.

Suddenly the gnoll dashed forward, his sword held high over his head. The power assist was meant to finish Thedran off. Instead, it found weak purchase in Thedran's shoulder after his deflection. In response, Thedran reared his head back, and smashed it into the protruding nose of his enemy. . and in that moment, while the gnoll was stunned, he gripped him with both hands, pivioted and flung the beast out over the chasm.


"Ye fell to The Rock ye sod!"

The cry followed the howling beast down into the depths, as the red fog swallowed the last sight of him.