Matthias of the Westbarrow Hills

Matthias of the Westbarrow Hills
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                 My name is Matthias. I hail from The Westbarrow Hills, a land far from Murky Hollow. From what I can remember, I have no parents. According to the Father Abbot, I arrived on the doorstep of their monastery one day, begging to be taken in. I became a novice, hoping one day to become a Monk of the Order. During my time at the monastery I was introduced to the Bushido, or Way of the Warrior; an ancient art created in a land far east of my current location. My mentor, Brother Methuselah had spent most of his childhood in the Eastland, and took me on as his apprentice. He was the closet thing I ever had to a father. He kept a great sword in his quarters, what he called a “Katana.” I remember spending hours on end with him, listening to his stories and talking of things to come. I spent many of my years studying these works, hoping one day I would be able to become a Samurai. I was ridiculed tremendously by others. Brother Methuselah told me to ignore their ridicule, even though it did seem they had a point; What business or chance for that matter did a young Englishman have to become a Samurai? I myself questioned this. But I did indeed continue my training. One day while attending my duties, which usually included fishing and preparing the Great Hall for the forthcoming Feast, I laid eyes on the most beautiful girl I had ever in my life seen. I fell instantly in love with her. Though in my youthful ignorance was unable to muster the courage to ever speak with her. And so, I kept these feelings to myself, and continued my studies. A few summers later, which would hail my acceptance into the Order, a strange man appeared at the Abbey. Following the Order, we happily accepted him, offering food and shelter until he was able to recuperate. Little did we know this stranger had mastered the Dark Arts, he was a Necromancer. To this day I do not know his name, by my hatred for him still burns as deeply as ever within my soul. From what I have gathered about him, he was on the run from a young Witch Hunter when his foul presence sullied our Abbey. Using our Holy Ground, he was able to summon creatures from the depths of hell, and gave them license to possess the living. The demons turned brother against brother, friend against friend, until only Methuselah and myself remained. He fought valiantly to defend me, but eventually fell to the Necromancer’s demonic influence. During the possession, Methuselah was able to muster enough strength to hold back the demons and pass his Katana unto me, and when I gazed into his eyes for the final time, I knew what I must do. I struck down my mentor, Methuselah, the closet thing I had to a father. I did battle with the Necromancer, using Methuselah’s Katana (which I later found to be of mystical origin) I was close to ending the battle, to striking down my foe, when he used his powers to peer into the depths of my mind. Finding me at my weakest, he brought forth the girl whom which I loved, and forced me to stop the assault, while his demonic companions restrained me, he struck her down in front of me. Then, he ran me through with my own sword, and believing me dead, fled. He left me this way, my soul ravaged as well as my people. A young herbalist happened upon me and healed my wounds. I later burned down the remnants of the Abbey, and buried my love. I then began my journey, what I called my “Sacred Quest” I have traveled the land, seeking those in need and helping them battle the evil machinations of the Unholy One. After a long journey I reached The Barony of Murky Hollow and joined with Lupoldus Stahlfalke and his Dragoons for a short time. Yet I still stand my lonely vigil, looking for the one who took away what I valued most, what I will one day slay him for.