Disclaimer/ Author's Notes: All characters and places are property of Blizzard. This is a tribute to WallofJericho, my boyfriend's barbarian. He's got newer, better characters now, but none can ever take his place. =)

"There is legend told in Harrogath, city of Barbarians, of a young man, no older then a boy, who left and came home, a hero, and a man. There are other, older tales, but none could match this tragic epic, of a boy's journey to manhood and how he shaped his destiny. This is the legend of Jericho, Savior and Protector of the Barbarians."

There was once a young boy by the name of Jericho. He was an orphan, his parents killed at an early age by monsters. He was adopted by Malah the Healer. She tried her best to raise him, but he grew up wild and arrogant. He wandered around the busy capital of Harrogath, learning every stone in her city, wondering what was outside those walls. A prophet had told him when he was a child, that there were great things in store for him. By the time he turned 16, our adventurous, arrogant, stubborn, little hero had become well. an adventurous, arrogant, stubborn, older hero. He had grown tall and buff with dark brown hair. He had a stubborn chin and a certain pride that you could see in his eyes. There was a wildness in him that no one could tame. He was seeking to become famous and rich, but little did he know that with fame and fortune there is always a price. It was at this delicate age, when he had just started to become a man, did he decide that it was time to head out and shape his destiny. As he headed away from the only place he had ever known, he did not even once look back. It never occurred to him that he would miss his home. He was so naïve back then, but he would learn so much in the years to come.

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6 months later

Jericho stepped into the Rouge Encampment. It had been months since he had been in an actual shelter and not sleeping out in the wild. In the camp, he wouldn't have to watch his back every second. Jericho was walking around, exploring the encampment when he saw a woman beckon him over. She was wearing a long purple cloak. Her face was hidden. She introduced herself as Akara, High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Sightless Eye.

" I have a favor to ask," she said slowly. "I will reward you greatly if you complete my task. Not far from here is a place of great evil. Kill all the monsters in the den and my reward will be yours." Jericho's face lit up. This was his chance to prove to the world that he was great. Fortune and fame would be his!

He hurried out of the encampment, following the worn path. He encountered several monsters but he quickly disposed of them in only a few hits. They dropped a couple pieces of gold, which Jericho hurriedly snatched up. They even occasionally dropped a few weapons. Some were broken and useless, while others were magical. Jericho picked up anything he thought he could sell. Akara was sure to pay a hefty price for these goods.

Jericho soon found the cave. There was a flag flying in front of it, warning anyway any who would enter unaware. Jericho entered the cave slowly. It was so dark. He could hardly see anything! He reached with his hand reaching for the wall. He heard evil snickering to his right. Some little demon was making fun of him! There was a skeleton on the floor by his foot. He reached down, picked up a bone, tied a piece of cloth around it and lit on fire. The dark, musty, stone cave came into view. Jericho turned left and took a few steps.

That was when he spotted the snickering demon. It was short and red, with a hideous grin stretched across its face. It cackled at him, making the hairs on the back of his head stand up. It waved its short, spiky club at him, stained red with human blood. Jericho sneered at it and rushed at it with his sword. He chopped it cleanly in two.

It wasn't until seconds later, did he realize that the demon wasn't alone. Its leader, obviously twice the shorter demons height, laughed a short, snickering laugh at him. Jericho was sure; this demon was called a Shaman. It had the ability to revive the minor.. Carvers, and shoot fire. This theory was supported seconds later when the Shaman blew fire at him and revived his minor companion. Jericho quickly dodged the fire and stabbed the Shaman with his sword. It took several stabs to kill it, and several more to kill his companions. By the time the demons were dead, Jericho was tired. But he had a job to do.

Jericho went through the entire Den of Evil, killing all the monsters he could find. Some were harder then others. For instance, the Zombies and Yetties were so hard, there were a few times Jericho thought he wouldn't make it. But his ego wouldn't allow him to be defeated, and in this instance, his arrogance kept him alive.

After the Den of Evil, there were several more quests the people of the Rouge Encampment had him complete. Kill Blood Raven, rescue Deckard Cain, kill the Countess, find the Horadric Malice.. The list went on and on. But Jericho was getting filthy rich and very experienced. He was starting to become a real pro at this. That was of course. until he met his ultimate challenge, Andariel, the evil demoness.

After four levels of catacombs, Jericho's patience was wearing thin. What was this demoness, chicken? Why hide under four layers of stupid labyrinths? Finally he was here! Their large oaken doors were looming in front of him. He could feel an evil presence inside; so ominous that it almost brought him to his knees. But Jericho would not admit defeat; he stepped forward bravely and pushed aside the doors. He walked forward, trying to keep a nonchalant attitude. He cut down the demons in his path until he was left with only the Great Demon Andariel.

She was three times Jericho's size, with six arms and dark hair swirling up. She was dark green, the color of the forest. Jericho had to wonder if maybe once she was human. She lunged toward Jericho, breathing out a green flame. Jericho breathed it in and fell down upon one knee. It was poison! Jericho could feel his life slipping away, but he wouldn't give up. He drank a health potion, and began to hack at Andariel until she dodged him.

He began to fight and dodge, fight and dodge, he had no doubt in his mind that if the poison didn't kill him, loss of blood would. He was bleeding from several areas and his mind was getting dizzy. He knew he was going to black out soon. He went for once last stab at the giant demoness. She fell down onto the ground, fire running all directions, killing everything in its path. But it passed harmlessly over Jericho, making him tingle inside. He felt a little better, better enough to use a town portal and stumble through it into town. He collapsed at Akara's feet. The last thing he saw was the look of surprise and respect that passed over her face.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When Jericho awoke, Akara was leaning over him. He felt loads better, better in fact than ever before. Jericho looked into Akara's eyes searching for something to say. There was an almost sad look in her eyes.

"It's time for you to move on. Your time with us is through. There are many dangers and perils in your path. Though it is power and fortune you seek, do not forget that they are not everything. If you let your ambition control you, you will pay for it. With your life. Do not forget what you have heard today. You will leave with Warriv on the next caravan. May fortune smile down you." With that she turned away.

By the next day, Jericho was on his way to Lut Gholein, The City of Wonders and Treasures. He knew not what would happen there, but Jericho felt sure, whatever it was, he would face it with bravery and valor. He would let nothing defeat him. He was invincible!