Xalphose The Lancer
In a small village, just north of the perilous mountains simply known as the
pass of death, there resides a brave soul. A young man by the name of Xalphose
lives as an only child with his mother. It is in this broken town that our story
begins.
Xalphose awoke, stretched and prepared himself for the newest of many tasks
assigned to him by the village he cares so deeply for. Eyes beaming, face
adorned with a serious, but gentle look, he moved from his bedroom upstairs to
the kitchen where his mother had breakfast waiting for him. Both Xalphose and
his mother ate and spoke as they often did in the mornings when suddenly the
village messenger burst through the door in a panic. Xalphose jumped from his
seat and darted for his armor, knowing that nothing need be said of what
treacherous danger threatened the small region. Xalphose kissed his mother
goodbye and bade the messenger lead and explain on the way to their destination.
The messenger quickly exclaimed that the village was under siege by some fool
creatures known as the Aranock. A small battalion of the poorly armored beings
was outside the looming gates of the town and were attempting to break in.
Xalphose nodded and made a break for the front gate of the city, determined to
prevent as much bloodshed as possible; that is to say, from his party. As he
neared the gate the guttural screeching of the Aranock grew louder and somehow
less distinct. He drew his spear and leapt just beyond the outskirts of the
gates and crouched upon a large mass of boulders. The valiant young man assessed
the situation and shook his head slowly in both disgust and pity. He knew that
only one thing could be done to save the village, though he dreaded the idea of
taking the life of another; even the life of something so primitive and perhaps
misunderstood. In one foul sweep of his bladed lance he ended the screeching of
the Aranock. He moved back into the village, searched for a shovel and solemnly
began digging a mass grave for his unfortunate foes.
After having buried the slain Aranock Xalphose made his way to the village
elder, Meridith. She was the oldest member of the village, but that is not what
earned her the esteemed title of elder; it was, in fact, her great wisdom and
vast knowledge that she found herself leading the weary village. Xalphose
kneeled to her and stated My task is done, what more may I do to aid you?
Meridith smiled, waving her hand at him saying You have done enough for so
early in the day, should we need you where might we find you? He told her he
would be at his usually location of the graveyard. They parted ways and the hero
started off towards home to change and say farewell to his mother. Dressed in
more appropriate garb, Xalphose made his way out the door and towards the
winding forest trail that lead to the cemetery.
The path was long, but not rugged which made it a pleasant half hour walk to
the graves of so many revered and respected love ones. Xalphose entered the
sacred ground and moved to a large, well crafted statue of a well built man in
heavy armor wielding a large spear and he began to pray on his knees. Finishing
his prayers, he remained on his knees with his head now raised high and proud in
reverence of the statue; the statue of his deceased father. A man by the name of
-------, known more commonly as the Crimson Chimera.( The armor he wore was that
of the deepest red and his speed as a lancer made his attacks seem to be coming
from multiple sources.) His legacy was well known by the villagers as he held
the position Xalphose now finds himself in, Protector to the village. Fond
memories flooded into the young hero s heart and soul; he paused shortly and
began to weep softly as he remembered how often his father had spoken of death
being a warrior s greatest honor.
