A Gnome in Valour

Like most of his race, Noam was born in the gnome village. He had a loving mother and father. Their house was in a dangerous location, however, right at the entrance to the village. His father was only a laborer and the gnomes of higher stature lived deeper within the village, safer from raiders and pillagers that often come off of the Eastern Road. One day when Noam was only one year old, a dark knight wandered into the village and began slaughtering gnomes with reckless abandon. Noam's parents gathered him up and ran for the mines, hoping for safety. As they fled a fireball seared their backs and sent them sprawling. Noam was protected from the fire by his father's body. Fortunately his father's corpse laid overtop of him and hid him as the dark knight approached. Before the dark knight made it to the bodies he was struck by a shining glaive, wielded by a knight in gleaming armor. The knight heard Noam start to cry and stooped to examine him. There were no gnomes in sight and the knight feared the young gnome would not survive long without his parents. The knight gathered up the young gnome and took him back to Valour. Noam was adopted by a kindly elven couple, Elrin and Elarad. They loved Noam as if he were their own flesh and blood. They nurtured him and taught him how to be kind, compassionate and to live as a creature blessed by the light. They were both mages and they fostered Noam's arcane abilities. He loved watching the Knights of Valour come and go, marching by in their gleaming armor. He dreamed of someday growing up and joining them or at least enchanting their weapons and armor.

Exploring the world

There comes a time in every life where a person must seek out and embrace independence. For Noam, it was his eighteenth birthday. Still a child by elven and gnomish standards, it was time for him to set out from the protective gates of Valour and learn about the wonderful world of Serin. His parents travelled with him to the city of Seringale and arranged for lodging for him. They stayed for a ten-day to get Noam settled. They enjoyed local cuisine, entertainment, and introduced Noam to Kanizares, Vixa and Jerold. They were kind enough to provide the coin required to register Noam as an inhabitant of Seringale, and implored him to travel the lands and live life to its fullest. Outwardly, Noam seemed overjoyed and confident in his ability to handle any challenge. Inwardly, he was scared of what lay ahead and already missed his parents deeply. For a whole ten-day after they left, he spent most of the time in his room in the inn. He ate little and slept almost twenty hours a day. He could not find the energy or the drive to even leave the inn. Then, suddenly, everything changed. He had left the inn to get some fresh air and was making his way to the market when a dwarf in the Northern Square made eye contact with him. Noam didn't know the dwarf, but the dwarf was dressed like a cleric and seemed to peer right into Noam's soul. He stepped forward and raised a hand, resting it on Noam's shoulder. He said 'Ye look lost. '. Noam replied 'I am headed to the market. '. 'Nay, yer lost in yer heart. Ye must move forward. One foot unner th' other. '. Noam was a little uncertain but he felt a trickle of confidence rising within him. The cleric seemed to infuse a little energy into Noam as he said 'Phostan's blessins upon ye. Let 'is strength be yer strength. Let 'im be yer rock. '. With that, the cleric turned and walked away and Noam felt as if a weighted blanket were lifted from him. The fog that had befuddled his mind had cleared and he was instantly himself again. From that moment on, Noam set out to do everything he had spoken to his parents about. He would seek knowledge, adventure and cameradrie. He would learn and he would grow. He also vowed to learn about the Immortal named Phostan, who had strengthened his spirit and brought him back from the darkness. He looked forward to the future and making Serin a better place. He would make his parents proud.

A time to test Noam's resolve

Noam knew that most gnomes walk the path of neutrality, preferring to shy away from combat and claim no side in the great battle that rages between light and darkness. He, however, had embraced the light just as his adoptive parents had taught him. Some goodly creatures, such as elves and storm giants, are born into the light, while others must seek it. So it was that Noam devoted himself to Phostan and hopefully sent forth a scroll to the benevolent Immortals, asking to shift his allegiance form the path of neutrality to the light. Immortals are very powerful and very busy beings, however, so one cannot simply send forth a scroll and expect an immediate response. After sending his plea, Noam lived his life as if he were already blessed by Phostan - slaying no goodly creature and wearing no tainted gear. He gained ranks, made friends, and thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and learning about them. One day he was walking along in Seringale when a flash of light and the sound of stomping hooves caught his attention. He turned and saw a spectacular sight. It was the first storm giant he had ever seen - clad in shining plate armour and mounted upon a magnificent steed. He didn't even see Noam gawking and continued on his way. Noam wanted to learn more about this magnificent giant so he quickly scrambled as fast as his small legs could carry him. They ran to the eastern road, then back to Seringale, then north to mount saidan. It was there that Noam, panting, was finally able to catch up with him and introduce himself. It turned out that this was Sir Roamas, a Knight of Valour, and he was kind enough to speak with the small gnome. They each spoke briefly about their past and their hopes for the future. Sir Roamas wished Noam luck in his attempt to walk in the light and even encouraged him to send forth a scroll to the Knights of Valour. Noam was quite encouraged by this chance encounter and did exactly that. He sent forth a scroll to the Knights of Valour seeking squireship. He then focused heavily on his studies, seeking to perfect his spells to make him a more capable mage. He toiled in his guild for many days. On chance occasions he was able to join with Eodo to help him slay illithids. Noam was happy to help the cyclops advance as it allowed him an opportunity to improve his more dangerous spells. And so it was that Noam, having sent forth his scrolls both to the Immortals and to the Knights of Valour, was set to test his resolve. Few things can be expected to move quickly in life but it is said that important things are worth waiting for. Noam will demonstrate his resolve by being patient and using his time to hone his spells, build relationships and help others. He will strengthen his mind, body and soul in preparation for the battle against darkness that lay in the distant future.

A grand meeting

For many days and nights did Noam spend focused upon his spells. He even travelled to the ford to practice his macework and spells simultaneously. Minor cantrips and protective spells were his primary focus, for they did not tax his mind overlymuch. He had spent so long focused on his spells that he had nearly fallen asleep mid incantation when he heard the sound of hooves pounding upon the cobbles of Seringale. Noam left the guild to investigate and lucky was he to see a fantastic sight. Mounted high upon his steed was a fantastic specimen of a man. Sir Ragnvald was he - adorned in thick, shining plate and mightily armed. Noam approached the magnificent knight and introduced himself. Ragnvald was kind enough to listen to Noam as he poured out his heart and soul. He spoke of his past and his hopes for the future. He spoke of his devotion to Phostan and his desire to walk as one of the light. Ragnvald listened patiently and thought deeply on the matter. He decided that he would send forth a scroll to his lord, Ceridwel, to seek guidance on the matter. Noam was overjoyed with Sir Ragnvald's response. He was tasked with continuing his training while awaiting word from the heavens. So it was that Noam returned to his studies, with his efforts doubled. He was determined to show that he would not waste any opportunity that were offered to him.

A resounding No

Noam had the great honour of meeting with Lumubella, the General of the Order of Light. He discussed his past and his future goals at length and was given a task to prove his courage. He completed the task and gained her support. With the support of Lumubella and Ragnvald, he once again asked to be given an opportunity to live life as a lightwalker. Hidden from mortal eyes, there were some Immortals that had grave concerns about this. They feared that Noam would become the most powerful mortal to have ever walked the world. Fearing for the safety of others, they strongly voiced their concerns. Davairus, the God of Blood, carefully considered Noam's petition. On one hand he had Immortals voicing concerns. On another, he had voices of support. Ultimately it was decided that Noam would have to maintain the path of neutrality that he was born into. Noam accepted the judgement that was passed and appreciated the thought and thorough explanation that was given on the matter. Defeated, he decided to find a warm bed and lie down for a very, very long time.