As a newly raised knight of the Draconian Empire, I, Sir Johne of the Northern Reaches,  feel it is now necessary to share the story of my journey to Draconia, and the events after I came to this land. I fear I will not include certain happenings because I am eithernot yet ready to share, or because it is something that cannot be shared.

     Otherwise, Sit back and relax as I tell you my tale:

It was a stormy day when I departed from my homeland, never to return. The sun was shining, true, but inside I was not a whole man: My family had been among the few nobles who held vassalage directly to the King, and I was considered by many to be  the equal of the prince. In the arts of war we would battle for hours straight, neither giving sway to the other, in the politics of government he was more adept, though I easily bettered him at the commanding of troops, and my command of both the written and spoken word far outreached his. I do not mean to brag, but some of the people, nobles included, would have rather seen me on the throne than the prince, for I would frequently visit the people at their chores, and sometimes aided them with tasks, and all in all my  sense of honor and duty to the people was greater than the prince's.

One dark day the prince fell ill, and it seemed as though a darkness had corruptedhis soul. I alone could sense this defiling of his mind, for he was still able to keep manyof the nobles under his influence. He then turned on me, fearing that I would kill him, andhe led an army against my castle, profaning the name of my house and my forefathers. Further events ensued, and I was forced to go into exile, never to return to my homeland again.

So, the boat departed on that warm, sunny day, and I was no longer a whole man. The crew consisted of a few servants loyal to me and a handful of mercenary sailors. I told them to take me far away from these cursed lands, and went below the decks for the remainder of the trip. I know not how long I spent beneath those damp boards, consuming moldy bread, along with the few rats I was able to catch, but I spent my  time in the horrid memories of the things I had lost, and could not return to.

Finally, after many a long day, the sailors came below to fetch me. At first I struggled, not wanting to go with them, but they coaxed me into accompanying them, for they had come ashore on a land far from my own. They told me that they were wanted in these waters, and could not pull into a port, so they left me on the beach with my three servants, telling me to follow the ocean until I come to a city. They then disembarked, leaving my servants and me on the shore of this strange new land.

After having spent nearly two months (my servants told me) under the decks of a ship eating moldy bread, I was simply emaciated. So my servants set about the task of hunting for food, and prepared me a wonderful meal of smoked fish and roasted rabbit.

These I devoured quickly, and fell immediately asleep, only to wake suddenly and empty my stomach, for I had grown unaccustomed to real food.

 In the morning, I felt somewhat better than I had onboard the ship, so we set off in search of the city the sailors had spoken of. The sun had reached its zenith and was just about to begin its descent towards the night when on the horizon we noticed small clouds of smoke, indicating the burning fires of a village or city. We quickened our pace, and before long we were within the city, marveling at the wonders that a culture half-way across the world had achieved.

There were people all around, some stopped to stare, but most simply carried on with their daily lives. They spoke a language that sounded something like my own, but there were enough differences to make it difficult for me to understand anyone.

Realizing for the first time that I was no longer a noble in my lands, I turned to my servants. I told them that I had no more need for them, and that they were free to make a life however they might wish. At first they objected, but I held fast to my argument, and before long they had all set out in different directions to begin their lives anew. I was now truly alone in this new land, and I needed somewhere to go to work for food.

I had not but the clothes on my back, my sword, my saddlebags containing my chainmail hauberk, and a small pouch containing seven copper coins which, after some inquiry, I found to be useless. So, I cast off the coins, pulled my hauberk out of the saddlebags, and set about selling it for food and money.

Before long a young man of unbelievably large stature came toward me, and took the edge of the hauberk in his hands. He spoke to me, nothing which I understood, but beckoned me to follow. So, follow I did, and as we drew closer to our destination, I heard the ring of metal on metal. This boy (for he could barely be more than fourteen namedays) had led me to a blacksmith shop. He showed me inside, and gestured that I sit on a stool near the street.

He went to fetch the blacksmith, and when he returned he followed the largest man I had ever seen. I was sure this man was capable of rending mighty oaks from the earth with ease, simply due to the size of his arms and chest. He was able, though loboriously, to communicate to me that in exchange for the study of my hauberk, he would give me room and board, and allow me to work in his shop as an apprentice until my strength returned and I had enough money to go out on my own.

Thus, I spent near a year at the blacksmith shop, and I learned much of his art, as well as his language, both the writing and the speaking of it. After close to eight months, I had acquired some proficiency at the working of metal, and I set about making plates that I might attach to my hauber, for as I knew the art of war better than any, I knew that I would one day return to the field of battle.

By the end of the year I had spent with the blacksmith, I had gained much experience in his art. I was now rather adept at making various daggers and spearheads, along with many  varieties of plate armor. I had helped the blacksmith with his duties to the lords of  the nearby countryside, and in return I had received a small amount of gold coins. I had grown proficient in the speaking and writing of the language, and found that the land in which I now lived was ruled by Lord Lupus, Duke of the Coastlands. I also learned that the Coastlands was only one of six duchies in the Draconian Empire, presided over by the Emperor Pyros from his capital at Dragonspire Keep.

Having learned all these things, I decided that it was time for me to quit my new abode in search of beginning a new life. As I had known nothing better in my homeland than the study of histories and the art of war, I knew that I must set out in search of service to this Draconian Empire of which I had now become a part.

So, I set about making preparations for my journey. I felt it best to first procure a map of the Empire for my travels, and so visited a cartographer. In addition to selling me a map, he told me some of what had happened in the Empire's history, and of the six duchies of the Empire. I was very greatful to him for doing so, and left with some idea of the land to which I had come.

Donning my very best clothes, leather boots, hauberk, the various pieces of plate I had constructed during my free time, my sword, and my cloak, I set out to finally meet the Duke of the Coastlands. It was a day's journey to Drak Kalthorne, where I encountered a castle of modest size. I walked to the castle gates, and was there stopped by a lone guard. He informed me that I did not look like one of the locals, and wished to know from where I came. I said that that was exactly my business here, and I wished an audience with Duke Lupus. He was at first unwilling to let me pass, but upon a gentle coaxing (and a few minor wounds), I promised him his life in return for my audience. He immediately accepted my offer.

I entered the somewhat lavish inner castle and was amazed at the wealth of these lands. The castle was nowhere near as beautifully furnished as the ones I was used to, but the emphasis on art did somewhat impress me. I was led to the main audience chamber by the major-domo, and it was there that I did first meet Lupus, Duke of the Coastlands. He had a stately bearing, though did look somewhat humble. I wondered if this was a trait shared by rulers in this land, but as I did not know any others, I could not tell.

I introduced myself to the duke, and he received me warmly. He was curious about my dress, and my past, though I did not reveal much. Still, he was warmed by my genuine honesty, and when I asked if he might accept me as a member of this Draconian Empire, he was delighted. He told me, though, that in order to be a full  member, I would have to embark on a trial period, during which time I would be known as a Squire. He told me much about the ways of life in Draconia, and I was
pleased to learn such from him.

When my time drew to a close, he wished me good luck, and said that he hoped that we might meet again someday. Thus I withdrew from the chamber, and exited the castle by the same gate. There were three guards there this time, all three unshaven and needing a bath, but the guard which I had convinced of my audience was no longer on duty (for he was likely having his wounds attended). As I passed through the gate, however, one of the guards called to me:

"You, there, stop! You are to be questioned by Seargent Tels." He then drew his sword, and the other two readied their spears so as to fight with me should I put up a struggle.

"I have just had an audience with his lordship Duke Lupus, and he has made me a squire of these lands. I know not what that means to you, for your wit must surely be less than your cleanliness, but I suggest that you give me no trouble, or the duke will hear of it."

At these words the three fell to one knee in salute. The one with the sword sheathed his weapon and stammered an apology, asking my forgiveness. As I walked by, I placed a hand on his shoulder, and indicated that he rise. I told him that he was forgiven, and that I would have done the same in his place. He seemed to smile at this. I then pressed a gold piece into his hand, telling him to deliver it to the guard I  had wounded. I then progressed through the gate and down the road. Turning back for one last glance at the city, I noticed the three guards talking, and the one with the sword was gesturing angrily as he spoke with the other two, who were both nodding in agreement.

I decided to pay this no mind, for I was too happy. For the first time since I had arrived I truly felt that I was living for a purpose. My life now belonged to a greater cause, and I wanted now more that ever to learn of this land.

I recalled the cartographer telling me something about a city called Soliath, to the north in Nova Q'lynnesti, which was home the great library of the Empire. It was there that the great histories of the Empire were recorded. It was there that I would journey next.

 So, I began along the road to the north. The day grew to a close shortly, and I found an inn by the roadside just after dark. It was here that I slept for the night, and would embark on the next phase in my life.

After I had awoken the next morning, I left the inn along the main road going north. It was an uneventful trip into Nova Q'lynnesti, and I stopped over to spend the nights in the various inns along the road.

I lost track of the time I had spent in travel, and can only estimate it to be around two to three weeks from the time I left the Coastlands to the time I arrived in Soliath. When I did arrive, I promptly secured for myself a room at an inn on the outskirts of the city. I remained here for a period of thirty-three days, which in my homeland is a custom, allowing for one to become acquainted with one place but not to grow unwelcome. During this time I left my armor and weapons in my room, and traveled to the Great Library, studying there the histories and stories of this land.

After this time, I felt reasonably well equipped with a knowledge of this land to carry forth on my journeys. I heard and read about strange tales of men from the North who lived simply, and had a great sense of honor. I did not know how one could manage  this, for the society of my homeland was such that one could only gain honor by having a station of noble bearing. Nonetheless, I was intrigued, and I traveled to the Northern Reaches.

By the time I had arrived in the Northern Reaches, the weather was growing colder, and the days shorter. I sold my travel cloak in favor of a much warmer one, and took note that my gold supply had almost reached an end. So, I asked many of the people I encountered on my journey along the road east where a large city might be located. They spoke with an accent strange to me, for I had only come to know the language spoken in the South and West, but I was able to discern my way.

Then, one day, I came upon it: the great walled town of Tol Brandir. I approached the walls, wondering at their stark appearance. Surely this must be a land torn by constant warfare, for the people had not but a few banners and flags hanging about the city.

I entered the gates, and the guards gave me no trouble, and I walked about the town, taking in all the wondrous sights that were before me. I was awed at the way the people responded to me. They surrounded me, touching my clothing, and fingering my weapons and armor.

None knew where I came from, or anything about my past, but on first seeing me, those citizens of Tol Brandir were instantly drawn to my foreign appearance. After I had walked through much of the city, I was approached by a shopkeeper in rugged furs.

"Our lord, Baron Wulfgar," the man said, "has been sighted approaching the city from his most recent trip to Dragonspire in a meeting with the emperor. Come, you must meet him."

I agreed to follow. We came upon a few men on horseback, carrying swords and axes, with bows held across their saddles. As soon as Wulfgar saw me, he rode up and quickly stated, "I do not recognize you. From where do you hail, and why are you in the Draconian Empire?"

I was taken aback by so direct an address and took offense. "I come from lands far off and seek an honorable people. If you doubt my honor, I beseech thee to seek Lupus, Duke of the Coastlands. He and I have met, and he will vouch for my honor, for he has made me a squire of this land. As for the rest," turning to the relatively large crowd come to witness this traveler, "anyone who doubts my honor and integrity step forward, and I shall allay your suspicions."

"Do not take my words amiss, stranger. I meant no insult to your honor. And as for Lupus," he continued as he dismounted, "any friend of his is a friend of mine."

I was much relieved at these words of kindness. I offered an arm, formally introducing myself. "My Lord, Baron Wulfgar, my name is Johne. I come here seeking refuge and friendship."

 "Well met, Johne, and welcome," came the lord's reply.

 The two continued to converse, and seeing my honor for what I had earlier boasted, Wulfgar offered to knight me. I graciously accepted, for it was truly an honor which I had sought. I was tested according to the customs in the Northern Reaches. I did pass these tests easily, for my journey to Soliath was very beneficial, and I embraced Wulfgar to show my thankfulness. Thus, I was named Sir Johne, and accepted in to the Draconian Empire.

Not knowing where to turn, I remained in the Northern Reaches for some time. I wandered the lands, offering my newfound skills in blacksmithing whenever I could, and grew to love the fascinating simplicity of the people. Before long, I decided that this is where I should make my new home.

Returning to Tol Brandir, I sought out Baron Wulfgar. I told him my decision, and that I  could not wait for Duke Pug's return. Wulfgar informed me that as Baron, he was the acting Duke of the Northern Reaches, and could accept me into the lands just as the duke might have. It was thus that I did become a Knight; Sir Johne, Knight of the Northern Reaches.