My father was an "Anthropologist," his life's work was dedicated to the discovery of the Kaldaran tribes far to the south of this location. This was fraught with danger. Our caravan was under constant attack. My father, while a brave man, was by no means a man of combat. One night, during an attack, something inexplicable happened. Within moments, our line of defenses had been breached and I awoke to the agonizing screams of my father's men dying. Still in the early stages of my youth, I had great difficulty grasping what was happening before me.

Before my young mind fully began to comprehend what was transpiring, I was elevated onto my father's horse and began to see the fire slowly shrink into the distance. My memories concerning the events of the next few days are, in a word, indecipherable. The last of any independent recollection of my father consists of these words.

"Go, Deutz. I have brought you to a town called the Crossing. Find the Asemath Academy, my son. Do what you have been taught to do . . . research, my son . . . and find the best means to protect yourself. Grow strong, Deutz . . . I will be to the west. Seek me there when you are grown."

With that, I stood in the wake of his mount. Still puzzled by the lack of articulation in my normally loquacious father's speech, I walked through the monstrous gate to seek the "Asemath Academy."

My discovery of its location came quickly, due to the aid of a tall man in gleaming clothing that seemed to be composed of the same material as the very gate I had walked through earlier that day. Once inside, I was incapable of keeping my surprise at bay on observing the sheer volume of the contents of its library. I had long been trained to quickly read through books in search of whatever information I was capable of gleaning in the shortest amount of time. My father referred to this training as an "aid to gain information our subjects did not know they wanted to provide us yet." I put my training to the ultimate test. I began to investigate, seeking the best protection I could find. After what seemed like days, I collapsed into the tome I was searching, muttering the word, "protection."

Soon after I regained consciousness, I realized I was in a horizontal position. I also came to the realization that I was not in close contact with my research materials. My concern must have been apparent as a young woman placed a cloth upon my forehead, which was of a temperature below that of my body. Her soothing words began to echo through me.

"I found you collapsed in that book. You were saying something about . . . protection. I can help you find it if you like."

"My father sent me to find protection. He said to find the best protection available. However, my research methods were quite faulty as I could find nothing concerning this topic," I frowned.

"I have an idea. Get up and follow me."

I did what was asked of me, and followed the woman to a large window. She pointed to a building with a guard posted outside. "That is the Paladin guild. They will provide you the best protection you can find. It's their job!"

I pondered over her words for a moment, and with a nod of determination, I began my journey to this "Paladin guild." I declared my affiliation that very day.

The remainder of my life experience is, in short, history.