The World Tree/Ashen Warrior

In Game Information

She shudders at the mention of Magnus. She looks down the path towards Grayhedge.

It was the second ride of Nightal when we converged on Magnus’ forces. After months of searching, we received word from a successful scouting party that he was heading toward Malakoft, in ancient orc civilization in Old Axas. With the wind at our backs, we rushed to the city, only to find fire and dust and ash. It was there we found an only survivor, a boy by the named of Horough. He was hiding in a barrel of water, which is the only thing that kept him alive.

With the slaughtering of Malakoft and the visions from Ra-Orn, I was hellbent on rage and justice. I sought only Magnus and that his evil may be vanquished, never once thinking of my own demise approaching. We attacked Magnus’ forces outside of Oakheart like water seeking to quench the wildfire. Every attempt we made to gain an opportunity, their forces closed ranks and attacked with great ferocity. Many lives were lost, but in the end, it was a necessary cost. We were fighting Magnus, but we were also fighting the husks that belonged to innocent people: men, women, children...I never dreamed war could be so dark.

Over the gore and blades, I ran to him, with mace in hand, hacking away those who stood before me like weeds and undergrowth. Hundreds fell, as I seeked an end to the onslaught. It was when I reached him, did I draw my sword and met him in combat.

His strength was powerful, and where he was strong, his speed followed. I have never faced an enemy like him before, it was all I could do to stay standing and fight. As the battle continued, I cut him with the blade, searing his flesh with a faint sound. In my arrogance, I assumed that I had found his weakness, only to discover that he was no more weakened than a stone in the field. With a misstep and an exploit of my defenses, he bested me. With blade to my throat he began to laugh. Never have I been more terrified in all of my life than in that moment. And he reveled in it. He began to exploit this fear I possessed as if though it was a fine wine. And that’s when he made his mistake.

He disarmed me and, with my own sword, pierced my side, enjoying the pain that I felt. His enjoyment of torture and pain made me realize his flaw. With my death, so shall he die. It was in that moment, I found that the only weakness Magnus possessed was his need for power.

Magnus doubled over in pain, black ooze spewing from his side and mouth. Slowly, he began to melt into thick ooze that bubbled and sizzled as it dissolved into the earth. Were it not for the cleric in our troop, I would have died as well that day. It was three days ago…well…at least for me, that I entered battle with the remainder of his forces and met my demise. No amount of sorcery or healing could spare me from my death. The next I know, I am here before you.”