Matar SwordDancer

Matar was born in a small house in a small village near Leth. He has no brothers or sisters to lay claim to. He loves his parents and is deeply committed to them. His mother Thanis is a musician (not a Bard) and mainly tends to the family gardens. His father Malyr is a woods guide who spends much of his time in the forest. Malyr has never spoken to Matar of his past before his arrival near Leth. Matar has spent many days wondering what lay in his fathers’ history. Especially so when he sees the way his fathers eyes sparkle or the way he handles that wonderful sabre of his during dangerous times.

His parents honor Hodierna as their patron goddess. When Matar came of age his father took him to Hodierna’s Solace. Matar was to go in by himself to pray and contemplate his beliefs. Matar always believed in the virtues of Hodierna: life, morning, springtime, harvest, crops and the light. Matar emerged from that place with unshakable conviction that Hodierna was his god to worship.

Matar and his father then travelled on to Crossings where they could pick up some special items Malyr could only find in the city. The evening before they were to return home and while returning from an errand near the Northwest Gate Matar found himself in the middle of a panicked mob. People were screaming and running, roars and chanting were coming from the darkness mixed with the sound of clashing metal and thundering footsteps.

Out of the darkness emerged what Matar could then only describe as a one-eyed giant with a mighty sword. Standing in the shadow of a side street Matar could only watch as the events unfolded. The Cyclops roared in anger and charged down the street towards a group of mounted men. The leader of those men, his name Sir Darius urged his mount forward rallying those behind him. Lowering his lance and beginning his charge he shouted: “Remember Paladins! We are the light in the darkness!” With that, men, horse and Cyclops met in a fierce battle. Sir Darius and his brothers-in-arms emerged from the battle bruised but victorious.

During their trip home, Matar told his father what he had seen. He told his father of Paladins throwing themselves selflessly into danger to protect the citizens of Crossings. He recalled the honorable and righteous feats of combat. He spoke of leadership, inspiration and camaraderie. The entire time all his father did was smile and nod in agreement.

Matars’ parents always believed to let the leaf blow where the wind takes it. So it was no surprise to them when Matar told them he wished to become a Paladin. As spring approached Matar and his father prepared for the journey to Crossings. The night before they were to leave his father called him to the fireplace as his mother went upstairs for the night. With a glint in his eye and a look of pride on his face Malyr presented him with that glorious sabre. He told Matar: “It is time for this sword to return to Hodierna’s service. Wear it and wield it as honorably as I did in my time.”

Darius was pleasantly surprised to find Matar requesting to join the guild. It is rare for an elf to become a Paladin. Matars’ parents travelled to Crossings several years later for his confirmation as a Paladin. On that day he made three oaths: I will be the protector of all races of Elanthia, I honor all gods but serve Hodierna wishes and I will give allegiance to the people and not a Land or Lord.

To this day Matar travels Elanthia protecting those in need striving to be a beacon of light in the darkness.

Last Revised: 08/23/04