Zardock

Though not acknowledged as a God, Zardock was close to many that would become acknowledged as such. Kellan, the Goddess of Vitality, and Eavan, the God of Justice, were two of Zardock’s closest companions. Zardock grew up in the same small town as Eavan where both would eventually defend their lands against the elves and again against Leena’s civil war. He would go on to gain the title “Hero of Hazelfield” and devote his life to the knightly protection of Lady Kellan of Onara: the daughter of the count that oversaw his land. Along the way, he befriended a boy named Luka who was born blessed as the aasimar of Tanturn.

## Excerpts of Written Text

"Zardock pleaded with Count Merrus for his daughter’s hand, for in the years he swore his oath to her, they had fallen in love. Of no noble blood and with very little to his name, the hero Zardock faced an insurmountable challenge; Lady Kellan’s father was unwilling to agree. At this moment, Zardock devised a plan. To become a knight would raise his status and perhaps sway the Lady’s father. Determined and confident, Zardock entrusted Kellan in the hands of his companion Eavan and set out on a quest of introspection and self-actualization. His first stop was a small unnamed village where the fates would have us meet for the first time in the shop of the local cobbler. I, the bard Sigriur, introduced myself. Zardock was polite but quick to move on as his adamance for his mission was not to be bent. So naturally, I followed him as he was a man with a purpose without a mission. I regaled him of the rumors of a child born at noon on a thunderous day. His birth signaled the clouds to lighten and the sun to rise and the fields grew vibrant with daffodils and chrysanthemums that spring. This child could bring blessings to his marriage, knighthood, or even a blessing to the Count. Zardock agreed and we set forth to the town of Atronos to meet the child..."

"...When we met the child in Atronos, he demanded we play marbles with him. I offered instead to sing tales of faraway lands, but Zardock acknowledged Luka. The proud 34 year old man removed his greaves to kneel down across from the boy and play a child’s game. He had seen bloodshed and the atrocities of war, yet here he was shooting wooden and stone marbles with a giggling boy said to be blessed by the heavens. While Zardock was entertained, I decided to make myself useful and ask about Luka to his parents."

"...Luka was an aasimar born as the disciple of Tanturn, Archangeless of Enrapture. His birth marked Tanturn’s desire to be involved within the fragile lives of these simple mortal souls. As if stone struck flint, Luka’s eyes lit up when Zardock asked about a blessing. Though unable to write or read, Luka knew instinctively the location of a pond nearby where Tanturn could speak freely. Off we traveled away from Atronos to a serene wood. As we gazed into the reflection of the pond, ripples formed and Luka smiled. I cannot say for sure what occurred, but Zardock spoke of a message in his head: one of great import about joy, happiness, and love. It changed the man I began to know over the course of many weeks. From the pond emerged a sword touched gracefully by the gleaming sun. The hilt of ruby red traveled to the winged quillons where the flared silver sword was based. The 3 foot blade thinned as did the golden trim surrounding the engraved rose fuller. Celestial symbols coated the sword: a language unknowable to all but angels and their message bringers. Yet Zardock knew; To enrapture is to fill with passion."