Fayne Dannerson

Years ago, a Taslamaran farmer named Thurlon caught his son in a hayloft with Leithal, the Miller's daughter. Thurlon decided the best course would be to arrange a marriage and avoid further scandal. Thurlon's son, swore he would not marry the Buthcher's daughter Grunthba. After many days of back and forth arguing, the son packed his belongings, kissed Leithal goodbye and headed off to join a Mercenary cohort.

The road to military life took a sharp turn for Thurlon's son, Fayne. Raymor, the recruiting sergeant who interviewed him, was impressed enough with his strength and stamina, but upon questioning Fayne, it was discovered Fayne only wished to fight for causes that were just and right. Battles of good vs evil. No mercenary cohort would long survive under such constrictions, so Raymor recommended Fayne speak to the paladin Kiev St. Croix.

As Fayne's skills as a warrior grew, his intellect was nurtured by his readings. In time, he came to meet the Dwarven warrior Akein. Fayne discussed his desire with Akein to serve Dulrik, the god of Truth. Through many discussions Akein tested Fayne's desire and knowledge. This dwarven veteran of the struggles Truth undertook in this realm knew well the difficulty of the path Fayne stood before. At length Fayne was sworn to the Lord of Truth, Honor and Discipline.

Seeking Sir Kiev St. Croix, Fayne explained his past, and desire to learn at his side as squire. Sir Kiev accepted Fayne, and began a course of study that would lead to paladinhood for Fayne. Hearing of difficulties to the north, Fayne traveled to his home country again. The forces of light in service to Serena, regent of Taslamar, known as the Hammer of Light inducted Fayne and he was once again married to the war against evil.

Fayne's first test came soon after, when Alden, the Knight Lord of the Bright Star outlawed him for his friendship with Sidon. Fayne felt this a cowardly act, to be set upon by forces that were lackeys for one proclaiming to be a warrior of honor. Fayne wrote his reply to all the realms and challenged Alden to meet him face to face instead of send his underlings to do the deed. They met upon a quiet stretch of road east of Teron one day, Fayne, alone but for his faith and Alden with an entourage to be entertained with the slaying of a paladin of Dulrik. To Alden's credit, the battle commenced in an honorable fashion.

Blow after blow was exchanged. The air warmed then began to steam as bolts of Holy Fire slammed into Alden. Steel met steel, and the magic of enchanted blades burst into thunders as each warrior struck with the fury of the thousands of battles good has fought against evil. Fayne was near death, staggering under the damage done to him. His armor was beaten badly, blood poured profusely from his wounds and his weak blows were doing no further damage to the Knight Lord Alden. As Alden showed an evil grin, and began his last incantation, Fayne cried out to his Lord Dulrik for one last Bolt of Glory.

The air exploded with the sound of the rage of angels as Holy Fire burned Alden to death. The fallen hellion lay still. Nothing moved.

Fayne, himself at death's door, drew breath to speak. At that moment, treachery unfolded. Alden's wife, infuriated at the victory the Holy Knight had gained, slew Fayne. Drifting in the afterlife, feeling Alden's presence, Fayne learned how victory had been achieved. Alden had sought not glory for his lord, but for himself in attempting to use the spell of domination over Fayne. Fayne, on the other hand, had fought seeking honor only for his Lord. And by calling upon him, won. Thus is defined the difference. The selflessness of those seeking to honor the Lords of Light and assist the downtrodden and innocent, and the selfishness of those who serve the Lords of Darkness, seeking to dominate those they deem weaker than themselves.

Thus did Fayne begin his life of service to his lord Dulrik.