Staj

ABOUT
Half-Elf Male. Gray skin, Black Eyes. Raised in relative seclusion. Good with an axe, handy with a bow. Able to live off the land.

HISTORY
Staj was raised by his Elven mother and Human father, in almost complete secrecy. Their home was miles from the small village where his father sold the wood he cut from the forest around their home. Staj's mother taught him from the huge collection of books that lined their walls. He learned to read and write both Elvish and Common, he learned the history and cultures of men in the surrounding lands, but she would teach him very little of her own Elven heritage, no matter how much he pleaded with her. His father was a strong, quiet woodcutter who taught Staj to hunt, fish, and track. He spoke very little, but taught him much. Together they raised a few sheep, tended a garden, and gathered what they needed from the forest and fields that surrounded their home. Staj learned from a very young age that his mother's people were cruel and hateful, and would kill him and his parents if they were ever found. As a result, Staj made few trips to the small village near their farm. He would keep his head down and cover his hood up. People there were friendly, but he could tell that his presence made them nervous. He spent most of his time in town in the extensive library of a wealthy family that would let him borrow books. Staj's mother never went to town, and rarely went outdoors for very long. When she did she made sure to cover herself to hide her dark Elven skin.

Staj returned from gathering roots in the forest one day to find his home in flames, his father lying dead before the door, axe in hand with a dozen arrows stuck in him. His mother had been drug outside, bound to a fence post, and had her throat slit. Staj couldn't make out the angry words he heard shouted from the perpetrators, but he knew they were Elves. His mother had warned him that this day might come, and he did as she had told him, and ran.....

JOURNAL
I'm not even sure how long I've been running....

I'm finally within sight of the walls of Cullen Harbour. I should be safe here, Elves don't attack cities, no matter the reason. I'm not even sure they're after me, or if they know I exist, but I do know that if an Elf sees me, they will kill me. I need to get to safety, and find a way to defend myself.

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What a difference a couple of days can make.....

Only  a few days ago I was outside the walls of Cullen Harbour, cold, hungry, scared, tired, and alone. Now I find myself outside the walls of the city, cold, hungry, scared, tired, but no longer alone. I have met the most curious group of people I have ever seen. We have banded together, for our own reasons, to make our way in the world.

The task laid before us by the men at the adventurers hall is to return with a trophy for there wall. In this way we will earn their trust, and the right to be trained by them, and accepted by them. The people I have joined up with are unlike anyone I have met in all my life. Granted, my experiences are limited to the few hundred people in the village, but these people are like characters from one of my mother's books.

There is a Halfling, Ringo, of a rather abrasive manner that as my mother would say is "too big for his breeches". I get the feeling that this is because he has been treated poorly in his life, and knows no other way. One of the Humans (Romann) is a young man who although he seems to be very bold, feels that he must prove himself and his bravery. He is an excellent shot with a crossbow, and will I'm sure, in time be a warrior of much renown. There is a Gnome with us, that seems as unsuited for this life as anyone could be. He seems to be cautious and shrewd in his dealings with us and others. He also seems to hide some bit of shame and remorse, I think. But, this could just be the nature of Gnomes. I've never met one myself. The other Human is unlike anyone I have ever met in my life. He dwarfs even my father who was a big man even amongst the other men who lived near us. Rex is like a tree, wide, strong, and not easily swayed. He has stepped up as our leader on this expedition, and I feel much safer with him around.

Since we have left the city I have suffered an increasing sense of dread. I feel that there are eyes watching me from the trees and every dark place. My companions tell me that there is nothing there, but their words do little to soothe me. I feel safe with these people, but I just can't shake the fear.

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Aw. Look at the pretty kitty. OH GOD!