Introduction (WPR)

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: As anyone who does not have his head stuck in the ground well knows, Faerûn is a place of much wonder and variety. Being a bard, I have been able to experience much of this variety firsthand and even convey it—in my own humble way—through song, poetry, and prose.
: Oh, didn't I introduce myself? How odd, as I enjoy hearing the sound of my name, especially when chanted by adoring crowds. I am Mendryll Belarod the Half-elven, a bard of renown, worshiper of Oghma, and constant seeker of knowledge.
: I have spent the majority of my thirty-six summers on Faerûn making my living by crafting beautiful songs, gathering all manner of knowledge, and pursuing attractive women. It is for the second of my pursuits—alas, not the third—that I am being employed here. Ah well.
: I am a Waterdhavian by birth, born of a human father and an elven mother. As Waterdeep is a rather open-minded place, I grew up with no stigma against me. Both my parents still live in peace and prosperity in the City of Splendors, and they raised me well. I most certainly had a happy childhood, raised in a tolerant city where artistic skill, knowledge, and gossip are as prized as gold. Is it any wonder that the path of the bard lay ahead of me?
: When I reached my twentieth summer, I left the relative safety of Waterdeep's walls and began my exploration of the Realms. I had occasion to meet many interesting personalities, and even shared some of their perils and subsequent rewards. While meaning no slight to former thief or wizard comrades, there is little doubt to me that the strength of the sword and the power of the gods are among the mightiest forces in Faerûn. Many tales have I spun about the bravest of heroes and their weapons. Never to be outdone, the gods themselves have affected many changes to our blessed world by acting through their mortal agents.
: There is little surprise, then, in my desire to record my findings about the warriors and priests of Faerûn. After all, a refined warrior from cosmopolitan Waterdeep varies greatly from his sullen counterpart from the wretched Moonsea region. Just the same, the Lifewardens of Chauntea certainly represent their god differently than the Greenlords of Silvanus. Both gods command nature, true, but their priests are altogether different.
: Should you become inspired by my findings, you too might seek to take up the Way of the Sword or the Path of the Devout. Stranger things have happened in response to my tales. Perhaps my next epic song shall be about the great warrior or priest you shall become!
: Just bear in mind that there are many as eager as yourself, and not all fight fairly. All priests have piety, but remember that gods of good and neutrality gird their priests with truth and honesty to do their biddings while gods of evil arm their servants with cruelty. You have been warned.
: Till swords part!
:: —Mendryll Belarod the Halfelven, devoted of Oghma. DR 1369