The Prophet

Alru is pleased with your choice, "I give you my authority over all living things. You are my agent on this world so I ask you to represent me fairly. I give you this oak staff as an instrument of my power. As long as you are in possession of it, my power shall not leave you! Now go forth Itus, my prophet!" With those final words, Alru dissipates leaving an acrid smell of smoldering honey. The staff remains before you. Burning letters glow from the side, reading "Hope and Justice will prevail" in the ancient tongue. The staff is heavier than oak should truly be and you ponder its true capabilities. Perhaps the staff will prove its potency soon.

You inform your family of your task. They plead for you not to leave them as you pack for an extended trip. Through teary eyes you whisper to them that this is something you must do and to be faithful to Alru, the one true lord. Your strongest desire is to return to them safely. May Alru be just.


A road of desolation waits before you as you take the first step of a holy journey to the city of Nessal, far to the west of your homestead. You leave behind a successful farm rife with livestock, plentiful crops, your wife, three daughters and two sons. Many servants reside on your property as well. More than servants they have become your close friends over the years and you are now leaving everything and everyone, behind.You turn around one last time, waving goodbye to your lovely family and life of wealth.

The road to the port town goes without incident, taking you about a two days journey. You gain passage aboard a merchant vessel which is heading to Nessal. The wooden schooner seems sturdy enough. You predict the voyage will last a week if wind conditions permit. With your plentiful coin the captain allows you to reside in one of the more loftier suites on the ship. Now all you have is time and the ceaseless motion of the ship upon the waves.

After a few days of sea, you truly wonder what you are doing as thoughts drift back to your family. Are these seeds of disobedience beginning to sow or is this task truly outrageous? How long are you to suffer alone on dusty trails and cramped ships as your family fears for your safety? Is this truly the ways of a loving lord? Your thoughts persist to dwell on home and what you've left behind...