Submitted: 25 July 1997


The Travesties of One Who Saw the Light

by Svodnick Ukrala

(Crossing, Zoluren: Skullcleaver 351)

It all happened quite recently, not years or so ago as many of the tales I could tell you. I had been a thief for my entire life, sometimes just popping boxes in the Town Green, sometimes helping young people have a little less burden from their purses in the Sewers, and more often than not just having fun with my brothers in the guild.

There were times when this of course led me into conflict with other people, and I was prepared for it, but the days saw my mischievous spirit grow weary. I wished more to help people, and I hatched the scheme to join the Paladin's Guild. I know what you're thinking, quite a change eh, old pal, and my friends were aghast. I followed my heart though, and soon saw myself becoming good buddies with Darius and even better friends with the members of the Guild.

And so it happened that I was out hunting naked goblins, quite the savages they are. I would much rather teach them to be civilized but all they want to do is punch me, so I return their violence. When all of a sudden comes a Gor'Tog barbarian by the name of Nomosoht. He was one I had recognized as having a conflict with as a thief, but not even with him, but a friend of his.

Well, he, not seeing past my goodly title of squire and my big tin can armor, decided it was his duty to kill this "thief in paladin's clothings" as he called me. Not wanting to hear of my pristine soul or my many good deeds in my new profession.

I refused to fight him, out of the injustice of the situation, and my friend Tigerock tried in vain to drag me out of the general area. He would not relent however, not even joining me in honorable combat, but shooting at me with his crossbow. I got away however, and was quickly brought back from death's door by the good Martyr, may Chadatru bless her soul.

I would just leave this sad tale of mine as a moral to you who might read it. Not all souls are trapped in vice, or stay in league with the bad elements that may have clouded your vision of them. Take the time to see past your anger, and maybe the Realms would see much less senseless fights between adventurers who would do much better to help try to make the Realms safe by defeating our many enemies.