Original Submissions
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Behind Thrend Lyksae by Tarx
Added on Dec 29, 2009Biographies of Thrend Lyksae, edited to remove some IC information that probably should not be shared. Hopefully this will give some insight into a noble role.
Initial Background
It was late morning on Cingel, the 70th day of the Descending Sun
In the Year of Drov's Agitation, year 35 of the 21st AgeThrend has been raised up in the war-like House of Lyksae, trained in
warfare and in commanding soldiers for the majority of his life. A shrewd
man, he is more intent on finding long-term solutions to problems rather
than short-term, temporary fixes. He prides himself on his ability to think
through situations and use his mind, even though he is (what he considers,
at least) an ample combatant. This, coupled with the Lyksaen dislike of
writing, has led him to pick up what languages and cultural knowledge that
he could--knowing the mindset of possible opponents (and allies) would be
invaluable, in his opinion. A self-proclaimed strategist, he is entirely
open to unconventional means of fixing problems--whether they be in battle,
in treaties, or in everyday life. He does have a quirk of personality: he
is always conscious about fashion and keeping himself looking proper, clean,
and unruffled, almost to the point of being effeminate. In fact, some of
his flamboyant gestures have, in the past, put people entirely too
comfortable with a person that has no compunctions with sliding a blade
between ribs himself.Diplomacy and Tact
It was late morning on Huegel, the 30th day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Ruk's Peace, year 37 of the 21st AgeAfter more than three years serving as one of the primary representatives of
House Lyksae, Thrend has accomplished a great deal. He is the current governor
of the Southwestern Scrub and the Red Sun Commons. He has orchestrated the start
of several peace / alliance talks with different tribes of the Northlands.
Thrend is now on good terms with the Jul Tavan, the Benjari, and the Tan Muark.
Part of this is due to his skill at understanding differing cultures and their
languages, as well as how they perceive threats. His chief problem now
is the threat of the (information removed by author).
Thrend has also managed to deploy a Horde of Lyksaen Warriors to
operate out of Ayun Iskandir. Soon, he will begin using these forces as leverage
to put pressure on the regions thereabouts (Tan Muark homelands, Elan Pah, etc).
He is working fervently to increasing the influence of his House and himself
both within and outside the walls of the Ivory City.
(next entry will show details)Influence and Intimidation
It was late afternoon on Huegel, the 30th day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Ruk's Peace, year 37 of the 21st AgeThrend has begun to amass support amongst the commoner populace of the Northlands,
portraying himself as a noble figure in one sense, but as a charismatic commander
as well. He takes great care to be calm and cool about any decisions made publicly,
and keeps up with his training of personal combat, tactics, and reviews of strategy.
By doing all of this, he hopes to create a strong support base of commoners outside
of House Lyksae. Some will hopefully respect and listen to him out of his considerable
diplomatic and economic influence (alliances, treaties, influence he -can- hold over
Merchant Houses by taxing any goods sent out of the Commons or Scrub).
The rest? They should respect and listen to him because he tries to be intimidating.
(Whether or not they do remains up to them, of course.)Stance on Magick?
It was dusk on Huegel, the 30th day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Ruk's Peace, year 37 of the 21st AgeHouse Lyksae has a strong stance against magick--in fact, rumored to be one
of the most anti-magick groups in Zalanthas. As such, Thrend has lived most
of his life in a very black-and-white world in which all magick should be
destroyed, whatever the cost, as soon as possible. However, Thrend's work
with the Faithful and continued reports from the field have led him to begin
compiling at least a working understanding of how abominations "work." He
still hates the thought of even dealing with 'gickers, but he has lately taken
a slightly different viewpoint. Magickers will be killed and destroyed--on
his own terms, at a time and place of his choosing...not when they are ready
for such an attack. Needless waste of life, he has determined...
Interestingly enough, (information removed by the author). This naivete to
how the world really is may end up causing him problems one day.Ritual of Fire
It was high sun on Nekrete, the 126th day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Ruk's Peace, year 37 of the 21st AgeThrend has only given scant thought to any forced confrontation against
the (information removed by author) and anything they can summon. While this
may be surprising, he has been far too busy trying to gather forces
and strategy to consider the event in question itself. Only recently
has he paused to consider the War that the Sun King has foreseen.
What will his House do? Undoubtedly, against a foe like (removed) they will be called upon to participate in some
dangerous and costly missions, resulting in many dead Warriors,
and likely his own death. To prepare himself for this, he has
decided to participate in a fire ritual to prove his loyalty and his
dedication to leading forces against the force of (removed).Foe, or...foe?
It was late morning on Cingel, the 158th day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Ruk's Peace, year 37 of the 21st AgeThrend took it upon himself to visit the Elan Pah and discuss terms of
dealing with (removed) with them. Unaware that he would be
facing so many magickers so blatantly, it took an excessive amount of
self-control for Thrend to sit through the meeting, and frequently he
bit his tongue before saying anything potentially dangerous.
While the trip was not entirely without gain, Thrend admitted himself
that he did not think of the risks involved. Had he been killed, it
would have severely set back any agreements or treaties with the
Elan Pah. By committing himself to a dangerous trip, though, he
learned several things:
While the Templarate frequently worked with Thrend and expected
him to tell them everything he heard about, they did NOT
reciprocate this information. Much of what Thrend set out to
discuss was already determined among the Templarate. Having
previously viewed Serilla and Elithan as friends, Thrend is a
bit more cautious around the two of them, for they were very much
against the trip and adamant about his importance.
He does feel that the trip made a difference if only that in
recent memory, none of His Chosen or His Faithful have been
to visit the Pah directly.
The question: will Lyksae accept the Pah's proposal for a
more direct alliance? Likely not. Thrend hates the thought of
being allied with a magicker, especially after seeing what they
do in person. Their talk of peace and love and compassion
grates so much against Thrend that he is willing to go along
with it as a complete deception and launch an attack at the
most opportune moment.(title removed by author)
It was late morning on Dzeda, the 174th day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Ruk's Peace, year 37 of the 21st AgeWars have not been fought or lost over weapons, as far as Thrend knows,
but they sure do help. The (removed by author) has been missing for many years.
A fine weapon in its own right, Thrend has recently developed an obsession
with finding it and restoring it to the House (and hopefully his own hand,
fitting his ideals of attempting to become the -next- (removed by author)).
With the silver from the medallion of Tektolnes that he currently "owns,"
Thrend believes he has a good bargaining chip for finding (removed by author).
He's mentioned his interest in finding the original, and knows its last
location was (removed by author)...New Priorities
It was late afternoon on Dzeda, the 141st day of the Low Sun
In the Year of Whira's Vengeance, year 38 of the 21st AgeAfter some time spent figuring out his plans, Thrend is once again
pushing for agents working outside of His City, people that can be at least
marginally trusted to bring in useful information. It appears that the Lady
Tor wishes to meet up with him down in Luir's... While the offer looks
legitimate, Thrend is wary of making the journey.Affirmation: The Pah Alliance
It was high sun on Abid, the 91st day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Whira's Vengeance, year 38 of the 21st AgeThe Elan Pah proposed their alliance some time ago. Thrend has
grudgingly accepted on behalf of the House. He has sent Utakr Ehrick of the
Lyksaean Warriors to secure this alliance with Kija. His conditions will be
to only work directly with the non-magicker scouts, and just trade
information otherwise. This alliance will be in effect only until whatever
confrontation with the Dragon is met. Beyond that point? Thrend has darker
interests in mind... The Elan Pah court alliance with magick and magickers.
They must all be destroyed.A Magicker killed
It was high sun on Abid, the 91st day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Whira's Vengeance, year 38 of the 21st Age(removed) was her name. An innocent face, a loyal facade put forth to
sway me, to make me see past the obvious taint she had.
She was, of course, tainted by abominable magicks.
We deceived her, to be sure--but I have learned that the best way to
destroy those that use such dangerous arts is to choose the time and place
of destruction appropriately. They have weaknesses. Utakr Ehrick is
determining what those are even now, among them. A truly detestable job...
I will be surprised if he is not promoted for simply maintaining such
composure and self-control among such adverse conditions.
We beat her head in after confronting her in the Estate. Our Kaffter
Kahs were stained by her blood.
The Sun King is once again victorious.The Alliance for the Grey HuntIt was early morning on Abid, the 25th day of the Low Sun
In the Year of Dragon's Slumber, year 39 of the 21st AgeI never expected him to REALLY win the Grey Hunt, but he had the best
chance. Rokov-da Kurac, we knew, was a favored choice... So we sponsored
him, quietly. Lyksae put their full political backing behind this candidate
for the Hunt. I met with him and he agreed to the alliance in exchange for
predetermined spice discounts along a broad range for House Lyksae. In
return, we offered any help that we could that would not cause harm to our
interests. I met personally with His Faithful and others of His Chosen and
mentioned how favorably I found this person to be. I only told His Faithful
of the official stance of Lyksae, which was "unofficial" and not publicly
known.Defensive agreement with the Tan Muark
It was early morning on Abid, the 25th day of the Low Sun
In the Year of Dragon's Slumber, year 39 of the 21st AgeI heard from Utakr Ehrick that Zharal, one of the Tan Muark, had greatly
impressed him--and he had greatly impressed her, I later found out. It was
unexpected. We rarely let on the tribal nature of the House, and for her to
discover it may have been a boon. I am beginning to reconsider my stance on
the tribes... Maybe I should have approached them from the beginning to
appeal to their tribal nature and show them our roots, if only a scant
amount of them. The Pah are a hopeless cause, but the Muark are
interesting. Ehrick thought it wise to broker a tentative agreement of
defense between himself and any Warriors, slaves, or partisans he took on
patrol and the Muark that may be out on patrol. I find it equally wise, and
I will push to make it more widespread and include all within my
Sept--perhaps all within the House, if the elders so choose. If we run into
trouble, we can call them for assistance. If they run into trouble, they
can call us for assistance. I hardly expect them to do so, and I hardly
expect any of the Warriors to readily ask for assistance, but the appearance
of such an agreement is what matters.His Glory Shines on Us
It was late morning on Abid, the 25th day of the Low Sun
In the Year of Dragon's Slumber, year 39 of the 21st AgeThe Sun King filled my thoughts with love, devotion to me, and
determination. I knew before that He cared for His people, but now... I
have laid eyes on Him myself. I know it to be true beyond faith. This
truly is a momentous time for the House, for He Chose Rokov-da and Zharal
Himself, before all. He spoke of His prophecy, and I took it to heart: I
must gather the tribes. I must gather them... And if they are unwilling, I
will have to persuade them of the best course of action. It seems as though
every person will matter. If it comes down to it, we will have to push
aside those that stand in the way of His Will.Lyksae's Victory: The Grey Hunt
It was late morning on Abid, the 25th day of the Low Sun
In the Year of Dragon's Slumber, year 39 of the 21st AgeThe largest victory that our House has had, and few will ever know.
We supported Rokov-da. We had an agreement with Zharal beforehand,
though not for the Hunt. I even personally endorsed Thiza al'Seik, who
trusts me enough to die for me. Her trust and devotion is similar to that
of the Warriors, though she is unblooded. I plan to make her a citizen, and
officially, a Warrior in training. I trust her more than the others...
The point? We hedged our bets, and all of them turned out well. Rokov
was Chosen by HIM, and it cannot be mistaken that He knew that Chosen Lord
Rokov would choose Zharal as his consort, which I did not expect.
I think that our King must have known the work I put into this. He has
seen that we made the right choice, to support those that He would Choose.
I met with the Chosen Lord and Lady only last week. They were in
agreement: Lyksae is going to be a great ally to them. Perhaps I will bring
it before the elders to marry them into the House at a later time. For now,
it is good that they enjoy their newfound status. Any that He Chose Himself
are good people. I told them so, and have pledged my Sept to protecting
them.And thus begins my mistake: Uaptal
It was early afternoon on Yochem, the 205th day of the Descending Sun
In the Year of Vivadu's Defiance, year 40 of the 21st AgeSoon after He showed His face... She showed hers. I fell for it.
Uaptal women. Let it never be said that they are not beautiful, nor let it
be said that they are not crafty. Shara Uaptal certainly wasn't the first
of His Chosen that I've been enamored with, but she certainly was the most
recent.
A brief fling it was, and she was interested in a relationship with no
political ties. I won't deny that the prospect was interesting, and I even
went along with such a notion with this in mind. She was nice enough, and I
could stand to be around her.The alliance plan
It was late afternoon on Yochem, the 205th day of the Descending Sun
In the Year of Vivadu's Defiance, year 40 of the 21st AgeOnly a brief month after things began to escalate between the Chosen
Lady and I, the ruthless line from the point where I was to the point that I
wished to be became clear.
I saw it now. The North and South had allied, and I couldn't be less
annoyed by it. He had called for it, to be sure, but I never expected that
it would ever occur. It is inevitable that ambassadors would be sent. I
thought to hedge every possible bet. Oh, my plan was exquisite and lacked
any flaws!
A permanent marriage between her and I. She would join with Lyksae, and
bring her territories with her. It would increase our prestige in exchange
for whatever it was that Uaptal would wish for children. The crux of the
power play came with this: if one or the other of us were to be sent to the
South as an ambassador, the other could manage the qynar and striasiri, and
keep things going in the North.The unknown variable: stupidity
It was dusk on Yochem, the 205th day of the Descending Sun
In the Year of Vivadu's Defiance, year 40 of the 21st AgeThe only variable I had no control over was the woman herself, and an
unexpected, unforeseen development: she was a complete idiot.
She lacked any political savvy. Her intentions were greedy, and her
ideals were such that would damage the Ivory's relations with everyone. The
first mistake she made was not even acknowledging my political experience.
Rather than listening, she forged on stubbornly, deciding on licensing any
hunting within the grasslands in order to "prevent overhunting." A stupid
move: she has no force to patrol the grasslands. However, I thought to
move forward and press the issue--after all, I have Warriors under my
command that could easily enforce these regulations.
Her second mistake? Preventing the Warriors from patrolling the
grasslands by Qynar law. Oh, it was more complicated than that, but at this
point, my desire to enter in a marriage contract had faded and had been
replaced by a desire to rid myself of her...The Final Mistake
It was late at night on Yochem, the 205th day of the Descending Sun
In the Year of Vivadu's Defiance, year 40 of the 21st AgeShe no longer wanted to go through with the marriage contract.
Besides acting like a bitch in general, she had turned into some greedy,
selfish creature that was only interested in her own wants and needs and how
she looked to the rest of the world.
Unfortunately, how she looks to the rest of the world is not how she
thinks she looks. She is a complete fool politically. I forced her to make
the decision. She chose to make Qynar law that borders on illegality with
the Qynar Authority, and then I instructed my own Warriors and partisans to
be aware of the law, but ignore it in seriousness. She has no one to
enforce even a law that prevents the Warriors from patrolling the
grasslands.
My answer to this will have to be political sabotage and subterfuge,
something the Chosen Lady has little skill in. She believes that she can
disagree with me and still be a "friend," and have a relationship.
This was the mistake that broke me. My interests are to protect His
City, to protect the striasiri as I have always done, and to make sure that
we are working against (removed). She is impeding this.
If His Chosen can be so naive, then they must be tested by fire. Only
the loyal will withstand His Burning Light.Surrounded by fools
It was late at night on Yochem, the 205th day of the Descending Sun
In the Year of Vivadu's Defiance, year 40 of the 21st AgeI'm surrounded by fools. Shara Uaptal is more concerned with learning
about animals than about defending His City. Analyse passed out from using
the Way whilst IN Allanak. Leisara put the entire delegation in jeopardy.
Cammul Kassigarh is insane, and a borderline heretic. Aylishia Tor tries to
order me around, as though I were a pet kurtok. Mallor Tor pretends to know
things I've known for months.
What is the answer? Why has the Sun King put me through such a trial? I
am weary of the stupidity of others. I take heart in spending time among
His Faithful, for they know the Sun King's true will, and they have not
failed.Chosen Lady Shara's Death
It was high sun on Dzeda, the 174th day of the Low Sun
In the Year of King's Reverence, year 41 of the 21st AgeI wasn't surprised. It removed the thorn from my side. The Sun King
watches over me, and protects me--and has poured out His wrath on those that
would come against me, either openly or covertly. May His Radiance shine
down on those that serve Him, and burn up those that are heretics.Leisara: The Chosen Consort
It was early afternoon on Dzeda, the 174th day of the Low Sun
In the Year of King's Reverence, year 41 of the 21st AgeThe gypsy Chosen. Adept, yet unskilled in the subtleties of His City.
I wondered about this one originally. I threw my support behind Rokov-da,
and also behind Thiza al'Seik. Rokov won, but sickness has taken him. He
is a weak man, physically. His ties to Kurac have strengthened my ties with
Kurac, but he is scarcely able to leave his bed and Estate.
The problem with her is her ambition. She is not controllable, not docile.
In many ways, her stubbornness reflects what I saw in Shara--only in a more
reasonable light. She seems to enjoy company with me, as we share many
things in common...yet I know the truth of her ways. I trust her. I trust
her to be herself, and her nature is one that looks out for her and her own
folk. She is still Muark at heart.
I've put on airs that I am disconcerted by her, and possibly interested.
This was only helped by one drunken evening spent talking about things. If
she thinks I am easily swayed by feminine wiles, she will be caught
off-guard when it does not succeed. She is pleasant enough, I suppose, and
something of a Chosen, but still a commoner in many ways. Until she refines
herself, I can't see myself pursuing anything other than business relations
with the woman.
She's damn infuriating. Luirsfest: Relations with the South
It was late afternoon on Dzeda, the 174th day of the Low Sun
In the Year of King's Reverence, year 41 of the 21st AgeI hate Southerners.
I really do. They're uncouth, dull-witted, and the majority of them do not
command any respect from me. The only one I've seen of any sort of decency
has been the Great Lord Samos Rennik, and him only because of the influence
that he wields so well. I respect him, at least.
Unfortunately, he did not come to the Festival. The only people to show
from the South's "highblood" ranks were Mallor Tor, Aylishia Tor, and
Sedarin Oash.
Aylishia Tor I rendered a fool within moments of meeting her
face-to-face. She kept harping on about the "alliance." There is no such
thing. I made it painfully clear to her.
Sedarin Oash was, simply put, far outmatched. He should have stayed in
Allanak until he was old enough to speak more eloquently and with more
intelligence.
Mallor Tor...I thought him to be repugnant. I nearly challenged him to a
fight within the Kuraci Fighting pits, which would have been magnificent.
However, Faithful Lady Serilla interfered, as she always does... Luirsfest: Relations with the North
It was late afternoon on Dzeda, the 174th day of the Low Sun
In the Year of King's Reverence, year 41 of the 21st AgeI am beginning to despise the Lirathan Templarate. Specifically, the
Faithful Lady Serilla Uaptal. She has meddled in my affairs before, and I
have remained cautiously optimistic that she was not dangerous.
She seems to think that an alliance between the North and the South is
what we need in order to (removed). I am of a different mind: I think
that we should let (removed) destroy the South, then sweep up the remains of
both in a glorious conquest afterwards.
While that seems far-fetched, so is the thought of Tuluk and Allanak
working as allies. If any such thing officially comes to pass, I will
be -very- irate.Death of Vraj Dasari
It was early morning on Dzeda, the 152nd day of the Low Sun
In the Year of Lirathu's Peace, year 44 of the 21st AgeHe was a great man for the short time I got to know him. Vraj
Dasari... Interesting fellow, to be sure. I respected him, even though he
was much younger than me. He respected my experience, and that made me
pleased. The week the biters took him, we were holed up in the Fortress,
fending off the biter attacks. I dragged a Legion soldier back down the
road with my own strength, warding off the biters with my mace.
I killed several of the biters...(removed by author) There will be vengeance against them. We
held Vraj's memorial service aboard the Araba, deep, deep in the grasslands.
I have the full support of three Jihaen Templars and Faithful Lady Serilla
to do what is necessary to defeat these halflings.Belinta Lyksae's death; a new (removed by author)
It was high sun on Dzeda, the 152nd day of the Low Sun
In the Year of Lirathu's Peace, year 44 of the 21st AgeWe've hit a bit of a snag, it seems: one of my kin, Belinta Lykase,
was killed in the Grey Forest on scouting missions. As one of the (removed),
she was directly over me, though I usually report to my uncle, Lirst Lyksae.
Belinta was replaced by Arisu Lyksae, my firebrand of a cousin.
The woman is a terrible creature to behold. Her beautiful features mask
insanity, I'm sure. I fear for my life when the daughter of the (removed)
is in the room with me. Not only is she completely spastic, she is half my
age and lacks experience in leadership, in my opinion.
I've learned from Shara, though: never trust beauty, and never trust
first impressions. She may very well be a boon in the future.Forging Ahead
It was late morning on Cingel, the 37th day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Suk-krath's Defiance, year 54 of the 21st AgeMy House has given me the task of scouting out the Grey Forest for the
purpose of a protracted Lyksaen campaign in the area. I understand that
this likely will be something the House will push for, with or without the
support of other Houses or the Templarate. Those who fail at their
accomplishments in Lyksae typically do not get pushed ahead to delve into
more, so I relish the chance to prove myself.
I have spent nearly all of my political capital gained over the years of my
life in garnering support for this scouting party. I pulled in Kurac for
their renowned fieldcraft. I pulled in the Jihaen Templarate, citing (removed).
I secured a map from the Lirathan
Templarate, generic as it may be. Kadius was willing to join in for the
sake of Morin's Village. I even pulled in a contingent of Bynners to act as
targets.
My plan was not complicated. However, it was completely insane, and likely
to produce casualties. No other sort of plan would work against the biters
in their own territory. The plan? I divided our forces into two groups.
One would harry the biters at the south end of the Grey Forest, near the
Span. The other would plunge into the Grey, heading towards (removed). The scouts would leave the second group at this point,
(remainder removed by author).The Aftermath
It was high sun on Cingel, the 37th day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Suk-krath's Defiance, year 54 of the 21st AgeWe were successful.
The plan did not go as intended, but the goal was still achieved. However,
we took on casualties. I estimate that we left with three quarters to four
fifths of the forces we entered the mission with. The Byn took on losses,
as did Kadius, but the ones I noticed most were the Legions and my own
Warriors. We lost Faithful Lord Aupholt Negean to a halfling dart, and I
lost my protege partisan-turned-Warrior, Caprice.
The biters did not act as I predicted. They were much more ferocious, and
seemed to be more aware of my scouting party than I expected. They were not
long fooled by the diversion to the south, and had the numbers (apparently)
to aggressively take on both forces.
I pushed my forces into the Grey. Once we arrived, I sent off
the scouts. We were determined to hold position there, but the biters were
beginning to wear on us with their darts and arrows. I made the decision to
pull back, trusting to the work of the scouts to keep themselves hidden in
their work, and rejoined the other group of soldiers. At some point, the
Jhinya Ake appeared to harass us, but we managed to fight them off as well.
I awaited reports from the scouting party.
Meanwhile, it seemed that some rogue magickers were actually helping the
biters--if not directly, then by somehow passing information. Eventually,
my scouting party reported to me via the Way that they had achieved their
objective of scouting the area, and saw many halflings, but were worried
they'd be cut off (removed). That was all I needed
to know--that a dedicated team COULD (removed).
I made one last push with the whole of our forces. We managed
to secure our end, but Faithful Lord Aupholt fell. Then I heard the
chilling news that Caprice had fallen, and that the other two scouts, Kaliya
al'Seik and Sergeant Nahkt of Kurac were separated and in need of
assistance. I left about half of the forces and
took the rest--including Faithful Lord Elithan--to rescue the scouts. We
succeeded, and managed to return relatively unharmed to our beleaguered
defensive force. We then extracted ourselves.Uncharacteristic Reactions
It was early afternoon on Cingel, the 37th day of the Ascending Sun
In the Year of Suk-krath's Defiance, year 54 of the 21st AgeI wasn't expecting the Templarate to call the mission a failure. By all
accounts--well, by my accounts--we achieved the goal we set out for. We had
scouted the (removed) Grey Forest, and knew it was possible to (removed).
If warriors and soldiers are not ready to die when they enter into a mission,
then they have not been trained well enough. I emphasized this point to the
Templarate, but it was no use. High Templar Serilla was displeased with the
way things had turned out, despite my explanations that casualties were
expected in advance.
It was a sore blow to lose Caprice. I had grown very attached to that woman,
and her work over the years was invaluable.
The next biography has not been included.Initial Background
It was late morning on Cingel, the 70th day of the Descending Sun
In the Year of Drov's Agitation, year 35 of the 21st AgeThrend has been raised up in the war-like House of Lyksae, trained in
warfare and in commanding soldiers for the majority of his life. A shrewd
man, he is...
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