The Truth, Confessions and Regrets of a Bear
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**The Truth, Confessions and Regrets of a Bear
Preface**
My life has been of many different stages, yet these have been declared as a life of sin by some. Many struggles, many achievements, many rewards, and two names. I am known as Alucard in these times, a warrior and merchant. Yet that is not the name I was born with. Once I was proud of my former name, it commanded respect, not just of birth, of but what I had done for my home and for Narfell. Yet now? The name is dirt, mud and filth. Referred to as “The Traitor” or the “Shadow Knight”. My family, once so proud of me, but now do not speak my name. All this, for doing the right thing. The thing that which few others would have dared to do, to protect these lands and the city, I once called home. Written in this tome are the accounts of my deeds and the truth of what I had done. I speak no lies in these pages, which will be disbelieved by some, yet this is the true and unchanged accounts. I wish to protect some, so this is not the complete account, yet all that is written is accurate. I write to clear my name of some charges and to confess to those that shame me, in hope of some redemption for what I have done, before my soon to come death. For in recent years, I have become a wretched man, and one whom I detest.
This is the account of, Vladimir Kursk.
The Northern Bear Alliance
For those who do not know the Kursk name, I should explain. Many generations ago, in Damara, the lands of my ancestors the Kursk’s were a family of nobility, with strong links to the military of the lands. There, they resided for the past. I am unsure of what caused the families wealth to crumble in Damara, amongst out household it was not something to be spoken of, but when it did, my Grandfather, Ivan Kursk bought us to the Nars, moving into Oscura.
Here, Ivan Kursk set up the Northern Bear Alliance. A trading company, of importing the more mundane and wholesome goods. Foods, furs, wine and clothing were all hallmarks of the Northern Bear. Using contacts from Damara, it did not take long for orders to flood my Grandfather. It was this that made the name Kursk great once more and became rich and took position as nobility of Oscura.
The head of the family, my farther, Duke Andrey Kursk, was a high ranking officer in the Damaran army, before I was born to this world, yet upon the death of Ivan, he returned to Oscura to take up the mantle. His prowess and his skill with a sword were unrivalled in Oscura, yet (and when you read this farther, I apologise), he was not a business man. He struggled with the finances and the day to day running of the business. Yet, we had the gold and the influence for this not to matter, as services can be bought. When I was young, the Northern Bear was in truth run by three different individuals, Grand Seneschal Zoran Zivkovic, Estana Lokvallovich and one whose name I will not mention in these pages.
From Cub to Bear
I was born in Oscura, yet father wished me not to return to Damara to join the army, he did not want myself, my elder brother or younger sister to leave. I grew up with the finest tutors gold could buy. My brother, Ivan II and I, only a year apart spent hours studying through our childhood, whilst my sister Anna learnt much from our mother, to become a true lady. Whilst I excelled at all that had been set for me, my brother Ivan II, did not. He did not lack intelligence, but interest and motivation. It was his downfall. By the age of 6, Ivan, 7, I was by far more competent when it came to our readings. Farther, a soldier by blood and build wished us to learn the ways of a warrior and swordsmen. Once again, I, the younger son, excelled where Ivan was left behind. I never once lost a bout with my brother, always having him pinned down, with a wooden blade hanging over him in a short time. I was very proud of this and to some extent, still am. Looking back at these times, I come to realise something, Ivan was the eldest son, and tradition dictates he is in line to take over the Northern Bear and position of the Head of the Household. My parents, I regret to say, were disappointed in him. It did not take long for Ivan to stop training with myself, but Farther took only be down to the Bodak to learn the arts of swordplay. I learnt much from him, how to wield a sword, to cut, thrust, parry and charge down an opponent. He took over our teachers work and tutored me personally alongside Zoran. Yet, if things had not ended up how they did from my actions, once farther passes on, curiosity makes me wonder if it would be I or Ivan who would have taken over from Duke Kursk. By tradition it would be Ivan, yet, I surpassed him in all aspects. Ivan would be the first to admit that I was the favoured child.
As I grew, I was kept away from the day to day functions of the family company. But instead honed my skills at the Brawling Bodak with my farther, and continued my lessons. I got to know many of the others around Oscura also. The other noble families all respected the Kursks (besides the Komnenos) so I grew to know the other young children of Oscura. The Kyzanos, from Thay I eventually came to know as friends, as well as several of the Darkhavens. Yet one boy of Oscura became a rival. The child of Ahkemedes Komnenos was the bane of my childhood, Antiganos was his name. It was childish it was this stage, petty name calling in the streets between his friends and mine. The occasional thrown rock, the insults of children, yet we never grew violent. Ahkemedes was against violence and was in essence, a good man, his son was taught well, as was I, not to fight in the streets over nothing. I write nothing, yet the Komnenos were hardly friends to the Kursks. Rivals, if anything. When my Grandfather moved to Oscura, the Lightning Eagle Consortium, were the biggest importers of wholesome goods and were well off, but when the Northern Bear Alliance was set up, this changed dramatically. The Northern Bear took most of their business, and within two years were far more productive and took far higher revenue than the Eagle. Resentment grew from the Komnenos towards the Kursk family, and due to this we were often at odds.
Yet this is explained further in a later chapter.
The Coming of Age
When I came to the age of 18, I took responsibility for my own actions. I set out, with a high opinion of myself, and with the idea that I could change these lands for the better. This stage of my life started on my 18th name day. Farther presented me with his gifts, and it was clear it was a sign of independence. A suit of fine armour, a sword and a family signet ring. From here I gained many connections, not just in Oscura, but on the surface. A keen friendship grew with Vakdal Kyzanos’s son, Ekmen, whom I have known from childhood, a fine hunter and archer. My power with a blade grew along with my strength over the coming year, as well as my familiarity and influence in the city. I found allies within the Church of Bane, especially with Imperceptor Quelcoth and Creg Fester. I will likely be judged on this, yet to the reader I remind you, I am no Banite. They recognised my ability and took me into trust. They had similar ideals, to an extent. I have never sought domination over these lands, or to place the Nars under tyranny. What I sought was peace and a decent lift for those of my city. To do this, order must be kept. A strong leadership and the ability to keep peace. I did not agree with methods they used and I spoke out against such, but we achieved much over the coming years, which even the most zealous and proud Paladin would not be able to argue was not for the good of the lands. I was not Banite, however, I cannot deny that I worked with them often and my circle of trust included a Banite mage of power and one of the most dangerous and blessed Banites to walk these lands. In regards to my religion at this time, as I dare say you are wondering, was to several gods. Firstly to Siamorph, the god of nobility, the god too many of our social class. Secondly to Helm, I wished to protect Oscura and these lands so I prayed often to the Vigilant to give me strength in doing what I sought. Thirdly, to Tyr. I saw injustice often in Oscura, I wished to see this corrected and so I prayed to the maimed god for aid in doing so.
The first major event of my life was ironically, my death. Lord Gallows, a fine man in his prime, who gave many years of service to Oscura, struck me down himself on top of the Keep of the Fallen. He grew mad with power when he delved into the mysteries that surrounded that Keep. Insanity took him and he wreaked havoc and chaos which should never be abided. A group of warriors of both Peltarch and Oscura took to raid the Keep. On its pinnacle I took the first charge at him. Foolish it was, many there were far greater swordsmen than I at this point. I believe I was just trying to prove myself in front of those I wished to impress. Gallows cut me down as if I were parchment.
This death was a shock to me, I will never deny. It caused many changes in my life, I saw the power of chaos and insanity, if I was ever going to defeat such, and I had much training to do. Oscura was plunged into the chaos I had hoped to stop at this stage as the Black Lotus warred amongst them for Gallows position. My first great achievement was in this, yet it was little known, and still is. It was I, and Creg Fester who brokered the peace between the two fractions of the Lotus. Jario and Balthazar warred in the streets, in the taverns, at the dock front. It was the Banites and the nobles who kept control, not the guards due to Oscuran law, whom were unable to detain any members of the Lotus. Jario and Balthazar sent men to fight in the streets in a struggle for control. Jario, from my view was the weaker of the two, yet he was Gallows natural successor. I am unsure if it was the empathy of being the better candidate to take control but not being the next in line (as I felt with my brother), or the feeling that Balthazar would be the better to lead the Black Lotus over the following years, but I offered my services to him to end this feud.
I made terms with Jario; he kept his life and had protection from Balthazar, as well as keeping control of the Shiny Coppers, in exchange for resigning any claim to leadership. This ended the Oscura civil war. This was my first achievement to keep order in these lands; it fuelled me, inspired me and increased the belief in myself. I felt righteous and steeled me. It was this that motivated me to join the Peacekeepers of Oscura. I saw that Oscura was weak in terms of military, the guards being unable to keep control. My ambition grew; I convinced myself that one day, it would not just be Vladimir, Duke Andrey’s son, but Vladimir, Templar of Oscura.
Bear vs. Eagle
The following chapter is perhaps the start of my road to becoming the vile creature I have become. Friction was always present between my family and the Komnenos. I do not deny that I wished to see the Lightning Eagle collapse. They were not only business rivals, but they slandered the name of the Northern Bear and my family. Tensions rose, partially to myself, and such, I feel responsible. I did not seek confrontation, but when provoked, I did not turn the other cheek. As I and Antiganos grew older, we bickered more the insults got slowly crueller.
This was nothing of importance, until the day when a shipment of furs did not arrive at the docks when it was due. I asked farther to let me look into the matter and I was pleased to be allowed to investigate the matter rather than his agents.
I took a large force of friends and trusted allies to Damara, where the order should have been shipped from. I hired the Black Sails to ship us to the port village there ship. It turned out that Antiganos had been to visit and paid the merchant not to send us the goods, but instead his workers had taken them for themselves. Rage grew in me; I struggle to remember anytime that such anger was inside me. I should explain that the Lightning Eagle saw themselves as the pinnacle of virtue; they claimed we were using illicit and illegal methods of business, feeble attempts to dirty the name of Kursk. Yet they would result to such underhanded tactics? I felt a strange burning, one which I had never experienced, to cause harm to others, not anyone, but to those who stole quite a large sum of gold from my family. We hastened back to the ship and took up pursuit of the Lightning Eagles boat which had left shortly before us. We caught it on the Icelace. I ordered those with me, none of which had to obey, to take up arms and claim back what was ours. We decimated the crew as we boarded, taking as many down to the depths of the water. I took the ship, and claimed it in the name of the Northern Bear. As we proceeded back to Oscura, I took the underhanded approach (one I now regret) of removing all signs of the ships name and owner, not a difficult task from the state after the battle. Dragged back through the locks and channels back to home. I paid all who came well with Fathers gold and gifted the ship to the Bear; Estana was most pleased by this as she wished another ship of her own for quite some time.
This was the start of much to come. Myself and Antiganos started to war. His men fighting in the streets with my own. I tried to take the high ground, seeing myself as proud and regal, where he took the underhand. He began to damage our business, our home life grew darker, our turnover suffering. He was getting the better of me.
Until one evening. After spending a drink in the Coppers, I walked back towards the Undercity. A cackling old man drew up to me just after the Temple of Caverns. I forget the exact words he spoke, but he knew much of me and my troubles. I walked on, ignoring what he said and his claims that he could put it right. Yet something nagged in me, he spoke with such accuracy that it perked my interest. I kept an eye for him over the following week until I saw him enter the temple. I called for him, yet no answer came. He walked through the temple, myself jogging to keep up. I recall the feeling of my heart beating, deep in my chest. He entered a door and I followed. The room I found myself in was long, simple, but filled with mirrors. I scanned the temple at it was empty bar one man at the altar. A man whose face was deep in shadow under a purple velvet mask.
We spoke for quite some time, of what had happened, what could occur and how to turn around this trade war. It was that evening, I turned from the gods I had once prayed to. Power hungry? Vengeful? Ambition? None of these entered into it. It was desperation which led to my knees in front of the altar. My family were at risk, my life, my pride; it would not do to have the family look weak.
From here it became a game of shadows, he sabotaged us, so I made sure we did the same to us. I did not lose my principles however, many believe the Lord of Shadows deals with petty thieves and criminals; those I despised. Untrue, whilst many of these lowlifes did frequent the temple, I showed them my detest all the same. I bribed, extorted and used the skills I was shown down in the temple to speak my way through the coming times. I did some things I was ashamed of, yet never anything criminal.
The tide slowly turned now that we were playing on a level battlefield. Not only did I undo the problems spread by Antiganos, but I ensured that the Northern Bear was in a better position than it started and the Eagle in a worse. This extra humiliation for the Eagle was I believe what led to the following events.
I sat in the coppers, with my followers and friends, when Ahkemedes Komnenos came hurrying in. Silence fell as he walked up to me, many, including myself thought that trouble was about to start. As he approached I stood, we looked into each other’s eyes. It was then I realised that he had fear in his eyes, not due to my heavily armed friends who were all clutching weapons, but of something else.
If I recall correctly he said the words in such a small tone that only I could hear:
“My son is in the Undercity, waiting for your brother… He is armed.”
Ahkemedes left as soon as he spoke. But by the time the words had sunk in, I had beaten him to the door, almost breaking through it as I drew my blade. I remember sprinting down towards the Undercity, my name being called behind me. It was only when I reached the gates of the Undercity I realised that no others knew what was happening. All they had seen was Ahkemedes whispering something in my ear, and a second later a flash of steel and myself smashing through the door of the coppers. I did not care however, even with greater numbers, we would have delayed. The quicker I found Ivan the better.
Outside the gallery, I found him. Six masked figures standing over him, thrown against the wall. A sword hanging from his side, blood trickling down his chain. In all honesty, I cannot remember the fight in detail. I remember cutting two of them down as I approached and then darkness fell. Someone had cast a spell casting the area in darkness as I turned my sword on the other four, and then a rallying cry surrounded us as my friends arrived. We made short work of the other four, by the time the darkness cleared they all lay dead at our feet. I have never liked assassins, but my hatred of them grew further as I stood looking down at my brother, Ivan. He struggled to breath, almost out of life it seemed. Yet I am ever grateful to High Dread Priest Quelcoth, and perhaps this is when we grew closer, but he called upon Bane to tend to Ivan’s wounds. He lives, and carries on doing so to this day.
Now, I know what the readers will be thinking at this point, it had gone too far, a petty trade war ending in the close call of a 19 year old, one who had shown no interest in the dealings of these two trading companies. And I would agree whole heartedly, if I were an outsider to this. But seeing my brother laid close to death at the hands of Antiganos’s thugs, made me want an end to it all for good.
What happened next, I do not regret. I would do it again, to protect my family. I called for those I trusted to meet me, and with a contact from the Bear, we devised a plan to trap Antiganos. Ivan was reluctant and scared for his part, yet he was the pivot. Due to fearing for his life in Oscura, he was to flee to Damara, the land of our ancestors. Traveling light with none but a single guard. Himself on a chariot and his belongings on another, the crates stacked however, certainly did not contain his personal possessions. Before Ivan left I let slip in public of Ivans escape, in front of a Lightning Eagle guard, who thought he was hidden. The trap lay waiting to be sprung. Far out of the pass, traveling slow, Antiganos and his riders caught the chariots. They waylaid them, from my hiding position, a gap in the wood of the crate, allowed me to see he attended this himself personally, and my heart leapt. I could see an end to this. I gave the signal to the others and we emerged, fast, armed and with a view to kill. Many tried fleeing yet magic flew around me as I charged, binding many to the spot. I called for Antiganos to be left alive. The battle was a long one, yet we emerged victorious, only a single casualty on our side, and all but one on their own. I felt the feeling of power again as I stood over Komnenos, on his knees before me. He stared at me in silence for a few moments, no one saying a word. He spat blood at my legs. That was the last thing he ever did.
His body was never found, and his family lay low in grief. But from here, it started a change in me. I did what I did to protect those I loved. Yet for the gods, this is no valid excuse. Those holy warriors of the surface avoided me, claimed an aura of darkness. A stain on my heart. I see no evil in what I did, yet even without knowing what had happened out in the wilds, they claimed me to be of an evil sort.
When I realised this, I never once entered the temple of the Lord of Thieves again. I returned to pray to Siamorph and Helm. Not Tyr however, his paladins and priests did not make eye contact with me anymore. I would have thought a god of Justice would have understood, but perhaps I was wrong. Perhaps Poetic Justice was more appropriate than true justice in hindsight.
This was the start to my road to darkness many will believe, yet I stand by what I had done in these moments, but that’s not to say, I had led a sinless life, I will be coming across as defensive at this point. Truth? I am of the previous events, and some to follow, but from what I had come from to what I became, I am no good man anymore.
The Crowned Warrior
Perhaps it was my various achievements that I took, or how I was born and raised, but I kept a high opinion of myself, one which now I feel was foolish. In my mind, I was a force to be reckoned with. I had a gifted skill with a sword, powerful allies, a wealthy family and from what I had achieved, I saw myself not as a man to be feared or to command others, but a man to bring these lands to order.
My most prized possession, took long to complete. I hunted down many parts to it, the helm, the bindings, the jewels that crested it and the circlet itself. It was such a rare piece, I became obsessed in completing it. I found some of its history after I found the crown itself:
@65ecfb8dd3=Moob:
With the Tethyrian Crown placed upon the Helm of Tethyrian Glory and infused with The Forgotton King's Signet Ring, Tethyr's Forgotton Crown is born.
This relic of legend was to be created by a council of wise wizards in the land of Cormyr. Tired as they were of the constant struggles of Kings and Queens in their homeland of Tethyr, they decided to bring their magical power together to create this crown, one true crown to rule them all.
However, Andaris, one of the most powerful of the wizards, quickly saw a flaw in the Crown after it was created. There was little to stop one of evil taking the crown and using it for themselves. Realising the folly of the council, he snuck into the vault one night and seperated the pieces of the crown. Andaris then gave a piece to each of his apprentices Tolda, Reynald and Ellis, and scattered them around Faerun so the crown may never have the power it was meant to.
Tethyr's Forgotton Crown not only protects the wearer but imbues them with greater wisdom and leadership virtues to help guide their efforts to King.
I must have looked arrogant wearing such a thing, but it was my most prized possession. Over the coming years I only became more influential, or so I had thought. I grew closer with Quelcoth, not just as warriors in arms. This only bolstered my opinion of myself, that one so powerful and strong, the most feared man in the whole of the Nars pass wished to associate with me.
I spoke out on the surface of relations with Peltarch and Oscura, hoping to forge a better path for both. Yet constant refusal to listen to my suggestions in the stand of Peltarch and the stain on my heart, led to more distrust of me on the surface, but respect in the Forgotten City as few dared voice opinions on a city led by paladins and zealots. Yet this did not faze me, I would not let the foolish words of others stop my aim of order.
Perhaps my finest moment came during this time. The duerger, due to Norwicks raids on the underdark wished to claim land that was lost to them, by taking Oscura. The actions of a few, putting the city of Oscura in danger. As a peacekeeper I had been monitoring this for some time, but when Pytor told me of the impending attack I stepped up to the mantle I had come to believe myself capable of.
Oscura has an elite force of guards, but hardly an army. Its defences solid, yet with such overwhelming numbers my city was in danger and we would not prevail by ourselves. We needed allies and quickly. I knew the Minotaur tribe in the underdark did not wish duerger anywhere near them. The fish people would have likely perished should the duerger take Oscura, and finally the Ettins, creatures of little intelligence or wit, could be fooled into the fight.
I gathered up all adventurers and warriors, protectors and peacekeepers, clergy of the temple and visitors to the city that could take up arms. We headed down into the depths of the chasms surrounding Oscura, calling loudly for the Kuo-Toa chief. He wished for a trade of services and I dismissed it, gaining anger at the time passing. He backed down eventually and assembled his forces in the tunnels around the Forgotten City. The next port of call was the Minotaur’s, it took some time to travel down to them, yet when they were found. They would fight for us, on the condition that a champion was beaten. A sign of strength, common amongst their kind. As I drew my sword, one of our party, Jay, a pirate but a fighter of great renown charged at the champion, his sword flinging forward. He was cut down within a few blows. I thought we had lost them, that we would be missing a vital part of Oscuras defence. Yet we were lucky that day, Tymora blessed us and the Minotaur chief laughed and applauded Jay’s bravery. He told us to return, with him following shortly. This left but the Ettins. A plan was hatched on our way towards the cave. Creg and Louis du Lorraine mastered an idea that was brilliant and clever. In the dark of the caverns, stood one behind the other, showing two heads, they would pose as an Ettin. I had my doubts at the time, yet how wrong I was. The plan worked beautifully. They tricked the brutes into joining our force.
Once all had gathered, Oscurans, surfacers, Minotaurs, Ettins and Kuo-Toa, I spoke the plan. We would not let them reach Oscura and put any in danger. A counter attack, swift, strong, surprising and deadly. We waited for them to get close to our position, when the drums were so loud they hurt the ears. I screamed the charge and hasted into the darkness ahead of my peers and the army we created. First to hit the lines of the oncoming force I cut two dead before any others joined me. A lengthy battle ensued, of all manner of creatures against the army of dark dwarves. I still remember every swing I made, every dwarf that died at my hand, the commands I screamed to those around me. By the end, many lay dead on our side, but the duergers were broken and fleeing. Forty seven died by my sword that day.
The creation and command of such an army was my finest moment. It was spoken of in Oscura for some time. The bard of Peltarch, William du Montz even wrote a song of it.
@65ecfb8dd3=Vashpsyco:
Across the land, next to the sea
A cool breeze blows into thee.
Oscura, a city under rock and tree
Under mountain and laughing with glee
Bustling streets with much to seeFoolish are we who live under sun
Surely we miss all of the fun
Those proud people, they never runAllow me to set sail a fable, a tale
Start Drumming
The duerger were rising, devising
A plot to raid Oscura with glee
Steadily comprising, upsizing
Their army to be!Who will save the noblemen?
Who will save the city?
Who will rise up and fight and take no pity!?Vladimir Kursk! Vladimir Kursk!
He stands up first
Built like a bear, blood quench his thirst
Fur of shining eloquent plate
Bastard sword claws decide the enemies fate
Carrying a silver spoon in his mouth
And a roar that could turn the Deurger south"I may be strong, but I ain't no foo', the Deurger will barge right on through!"
Vladimir Kursk! Vladimir Kursk!
He held his sword up, straight and true, and sung a verse
"Oscura! Oscura! My beloved city, we must gain allies to fight this curse.
Oscura! Oscura! Hear me now, into the dark we must traverse!"Creg Fester one of the best-a stood strong and proud at Vladimir's side
Together they would save all of Narfell's hide!
They marched with their men, into the dark, into the void
Searching for the Kuo-Toa who seemed rather annoyed!The chieftain of the Kuo-Toa looked upon the mighty duo,
He demanded in return for his help, they enter Peltarch to kill a whelp
Vladimir roared with a thundering boom, his silver spoon clanging on teeth,
It was not long before the chief began to unsheathe
"Asunder the blundering Deurger will be!"Who will save the noblemen?
Who will save the city?
Who will rise up and fight and take no pity!?Vladimir Kursk! Vladimir Kursk!
With Kuo-Toa in purse, Head down to the deep to find much worse
But all must join to fight this curse that which is most perverse
They need not go far till they reach Minotaurs, Horn on head and head on hard
Scary enough to make a man run ten yard
But a show of strength earned the men much regard!
Approach an Ettin on its bum
Creg Fester and Louis Du Lorraine accept a challenge of thumb
A loss, some shock, but voices of rum the Ettin soon do succumb!Drum Fast
Vladimir Kursk! Vladimir Kursk!
Army in tow, sword at the ready
Deurger charge, he holds it steady
Hundreds descend a storm of sweaty
Thunder strikes, blood confetti
Entrails like slimey spaghetti
An arm swings, heads grow wings
Archers shoot, very acute
"I'm missing an eye", How astute
Deurger slipping, slidding like idiot-brute!fourty-seven all told, fourty-seven never to tell
Personally sent to hell! By Vladimir Kursk, how swell.
Golden mane now dyed red, a good days work, he heads off to bed.It made me smile to hear my name sung. It of course, did little good for my ego. This was the first of two songs written about my experiences, the other written by the songstress, Val.
@65ecfb8dd3=rei_jin:
The Song of the Bear
In the woods in the night
You can hear the wolf howl
The owl hunts his prey
With a permanent scowl
So many are those
Who hold life in their hand
But the bear is the noblest
Of all in the landOf the house of the Bear
There are many sons
Big, strong, and reliant
Many battles they’ve won
And yet there’s a son now
Who stands above all
Vladimir of the Kursk
Loyal, mighty and tall.A maiden in need
She requested his aid
A town far away
Cormyrian made
Protection his task
On her journey most dire
They travelled together
Through mist and through mireOnce there they did hear
Of the purpose for this
To recruit a great soldier
Their aim could not miss
For to fail would condemn
Many lives would be lost
Success was the key
Regardless of costThe knights of the dragon
Purple hued was their steel
They stood at their duty
No fear did they feel
Too few there in number
To hold strong the fort
And yet they still stood
Duty, dearly bought.The Bear looked towards them
His vision was clear
His goal, to be worthy
Purple steel, none to fear
To prove now his mettle
He marched ever on
Protection and duty
Both marked with a songA dragon descended
It blocked out the sun
The one he defended
Had thought just to run
He remembered a gift
From a shaman most wise
And threw down a charm
To block the wyrms eyesIt raged and it rumbled
But quickly they flew
Away from the beast
Of the yellowish hue
‘Neath trees of much leafage
Their path led them on
More beasts were ahead though
So armour was donnedHis sword sang with battle
His gaze it was fierce
Defence of the lady
Whom no arrows pierced
Thanks all to the action
Of Vladimir Kursk
Who stood strong in battle
Through better or worseThey came to their target
A cave, Zhentil filled
She asked for his leave then
To seek out her yield
Deception, not bloodshed
For tough was her task
To get to their leader
Not force, but to ask.He waited in silence
His nerves coiled like steel
Awaiting a notice
Or sign he could feel
Her voice roused him onwards
To fight for her life
She called out for aid then
She’d come into strifeHe rushed through the ranks then
And death was the gift
He gave to the Zhentil
In that darkened rift
His actions had saved her
And gained them their prize
A soldier, a warrior
With cobalt grey eyesSo the day had been saved
By the man of the Bear
His courage, his honour
His loyalty there
The village in Cormyr
Could relax at last
What a joy comes in victory
By Vladimir KurskI became a force for law and order. Stopping rebellions, those who would see upstarts of chaos. The goblin king, the trade with Peltarch, relations with the underdark races. Illithid, beholder, even an Alhoon. It was I who struck Izekial dead, the mad wizard, the surfacers could not contain him, so it fell to me and those I worked with who bought his destruction.
Over the following two years I made what steps I could to bring stability, but when the Shadovar came, it all changed.
The Coming Shadow
It was the Shadovar which bought the downfall of the Bear, as I had become known. My actions have been misunderstood, or ignored. But this is explained shortly.
The Shadovar arrived, seeking to return a city to the skys. This was close to war in these lands. They attacked many in ruthless attempts to find the parts they needed. A Shadow Dragon was the key to their army. They made deals in Oscura, ones I knew of and opposed where I could. They promised destruction to Oscuras allies. The Sharrens were behinds this, Moonshadow and her minions.
My close allies and I monitored them for a while. They promised many, through Moonshadow, survival from the onslaught of the Shadovar. I met with them, I met with the Sharrens, I came to realise, they were being successful. Engine parts were falling into their grasp far quicker than the forces of ‘good’ on the surface were. Despite the promises of saving Oscura, it came to my attention from an informant of mine that a deal had been made between Moonshadow and The Shadovar General. Some Oscurans were to be saved, but only those devoted to Shar. This could not stand with me. Myself and a few close allies infiltrated the circle of Sharrens, not a difficult task considering our standing. They took us on, greedy and with enthusiasm, to have such weapons at command. The followers of Moonshadow were foolish to trust us, we sought every one of their destruction.
Moonshadow however, did not trust us fully. I think she suspected me knowing of her deal and I made it clear early, I would not bend a knee to the Lady of Loss.
We discovered the plans to rebuild the device they wished to pass to the Shadovar. I despised the Sharrens, willing to sell out Oscura for feeble attempts at power.
Moonshadow set me the task of spreading false rumours, I fear she knew of my past trips to the temple of the Lord of Shadows. I saw this as an opportunity to gain trust amongst her dark followers, but do little damage to those above who fought the Shadovar. I was bound however; I knew she would watch my progress.
I took a simple step, told such subtly ridiculous tales that she could not claim I did not try, but that would not be believed upon the surface. I aimed for such a cliché and overly obvious lie to the surfacers it would be discounted. A control rod, to activate the machinery the Dark forces sought. I travelled to a meeting of those planning to fight the Shadovar and told them what I had, or at least thought I had, made a transparent lie.
The fools of the surface heeded my words. They did not trust me, but they took it into consideration. I took it as a sign of incompetence. If they would even consider such a cliché lie, they were likely not able to be much use to me in defeating the Sharrens. Yet Moonshadow seemed satisfied with me, she set us one more task to prove ourselves before she told us all.
The capture of the Paladin Cedric. I was in a dilemma. I knew she would kill Cedric, who she knew was a threat to her allies and herself, he could have made a difference. Or continue on my crusade to bring her and the Shadovar down by ourselves
If it was my distaste and short-opinion of the surface forces, or my quest for personal glory I am unsure, but being so close to the destruction of my foes, I found myself making plans for Cedrics capture. The information she promised me would have been the last piece of the puzzle I needed, I will not write what the nature of my plan to destroy the Shadovar, as I fear the information could be used to awaken a dangerous weapon I do not wish to see fall into the wrong hands.
I took Cedric, under false pretences right from under the noses of many warriors of light and adventurers. I cut him down in the pass and dragged his unconscious body to Moonshadows feet.
I was to meet her in ten days where she would prepare what was needed. I kept an informant close to her, they reported she was making preparations, preparations unknown to her, which would lead to her death.
I waited, happy, I was so close to ridding these lands of Sharren and Shadovar alike. Giddy in fact. But one thing I did not count on, a wildcard in the deck, the surfacers. One of the few who was not a complete fool, Ronan, a senator of Peltarch waylaid me in the pass.
Shattered Dreams
I stood tethering my horse, in high spirits. The darkness of the night settling in around me. I was happy, I had almost bought down the entire Shadovar and the church of Shar. I was so very close.
As I stood, lights illuminated the darkness. I was thrown down on my chest, unable to move as flurry after flurry of spells hit the back of armour. Pain seared my body; blood trickled from my mouth as I lay motionless, unable to move. Darkness took me.
I know not of what happened over the next few hours. I awoke in unfamiliar surroundings, a cold stone floor beneath me. Bars in front of me. I struggled to reach for my blade, yet it was not at my waist.
Ronan stood above me, grinning down at me in pride. I remember little of what he said, but his gloating voice still haunts my dreams. I knew from this moment I was a dead man.
I knew I had wronged, I had caused the death of a paladin. It was not now I turned to regret, I turned to anger. I had been so close to completing my mission.
The magistrate came, Boradin her name was, Vlana. He spoke to me at length, under a truth spell by a Tormtar priestess. I told them the truth, what little option did I have?
I told them most, not all. I named myself as the one who bought in Cedric to Moonshadow and the Sharrens, I gave the names of those working for the Shadovar. I told them I sought the destruction of all there kind. I did not tell them my plan, not will I tell the readers of this tome. It could not fall into the wrong hands. Perhaps I was wrong to do this, mistrust of them was one reason. Hatred was another, they had ruined me and I knew it.
From my research now, I know that not all information I presented was followed up and I am led to believe this is corruption. I shall explain this further in.
I waited, my body turned to stone in the cells. I knew the gallows awaited me. What other choice did Peltarch have? They never liked me, for being Oscuran, for speaking out against them, for the kidnapping of one of their own. I would have done the same. No gods heeded my call. The gods had no need of a ruined man it seemed. The noose beckoned.
Death and Rebirth
I died with dignity, or at least I hope I did. I was frightened, I do not deny. Within the city hall they made me listen to the plan of my demise. I stood, handcuffed and bound while they spoke of what to do with my death. My body was to be burnt, and the ashes kept in the temple of the Triad. As far as I am aware, my ashes are still there.
Yet I was surprised when the officials came out to give a speech before the hanging to see another, hooded, wearing the same attire as I, pushed out alongside them. I was confused, I had not heard another to be hung that day. I waited in silence, several guards surrounding me, not that I could run very far.
As I waited, it came clear to my why another hooded person was taken outside. I heard a battle cry, Peltarch were one step ahead. The Shadovar besieged them, hoping to rescue me. For a moment I thought I’d be saved, I did not realise whom it was trying to release me, I thought it my friends and allies, my family and Oscura. But no. They had abandoned me. It was the creatures I had fought for long to destroy. This seemed strange to me, Moonshadow likely had me watched carefully at all times. I would have thought they’d know of my treachery. The hooded man was a decoy, to draw out any who would attempt to save me from the rope.
Once the battle was over, I was drawn out to into the blinding daylight. The crowd contained faces I knew, and many I didn’t. Most bade for blood, some with pity and some with hatred. I was protecting them, I was trying to stop these lands turning to a baron wasteland, but they wished my life. Those I knew, when I turned to look at them in desperation looked away. Even those I counted as friends. My last hope was gone.
My last words were short, panic took me. I almost asked for mercy, to admit to that which I had not committed in some hope of life. But in my mind’s eye, I imagined my Farther. I would die with pride, the regal man I could have been. I spoke shortly and fell silent, staring out over the crowd. That was the end.
Or so I thought.
My memory is hazy, I had died once before and I recall nothing of what came after. But this was different. I remember sitting, for days and days. No god came to claim me, they had all forsaken me. I stared for hours upon hours at the wall of tortured creatures. That was where I would end up. Absorbed into it.
I sat, the rage unbridled returned to me. None had come to save me, not even an attempt apart from by those I wished gone from the Nars. I was killed for doing what no other dared do.
The Wall drew to me, I could feel myself almost giving up hope. I thought perhaps someone would at least communicate with me, but I guessed my body had been burnt to a crisp by this point.
I watched many souls pass into Kelemvor’s realm, I did not wish to spend an eternity trapped within a structure, as no more than mere brick and mortar to the God of the Dead.
I saw them coming, to take me to the wall. I knew my time was up, I would go quietly, I would accept my fate, my punishment.
“They are coming, yet you do not have to go”
A soft voice spoke behind me as I stared towards the Crystal Spire. Behind stood a creature of beauty, in some senses, and true ugliness in others. An Erinyes, one who surveyed me coolly. Litha’lian was her name. I will meet her again shortly I dare say after this tome is read. She will come for me.
At this point, I saw a chance of returning, spreading vengeance over these lands in blood and brimstone. A deal was made. It turned me into what I have become. A life, a mortal life, till my death once more. Then I was hers for eternity. I was a good man. I truly believe that. Till this point. I wanted to bring so many to join me in death. I took the deal and that was my life gone. I shall face torment for all the years in all the worlds now. I was hers, no other, and I knew this.
Vengeance and Blood
I returned from what should have been returnable. In hindsight, I should have taken my place in the wall. It was this which caused me to do many deeds which deserved my a foul heart. I awoke in the Temple of Bane. Litha’Lian stood with me, in front of two of my allies, discussing how to avenge my death. They seemed stunned, I looked roughly the same as I had before and they took no time to recognise me. Shocked, they were, thinking me dead for good. I stood still for many moments, barely speaking. My new mistress bid me farewell and left me to organise myself.
It took some time to get reacquainted with life. I could no longer walk around Oscura as I had done previously, or the surfacers would take much effort in killing me once more. I grew a beard, let my hair grow long and unkempt. I was scarred badly, to cover some features. Time aged me for a few years before I dared step up into the light again.
For those from Peltarch who read this, I have a request for you. I believe corruption lays within your city. My equiptment was taken from me and I overheard plans whilst waiting for my death of what was to be done with it. Sold off, auctioned, to raise gold for familys of those who suffered on ‘my’ part. I had plans to find and hunt down two items of mine. The family ring, given to me by my farther and the crown I once wore so proudly. Neither of which id be able to wear in public again, yet the sentimental value of them was great to me. I had them scryed upon. Magistrate Boradin had them, a year on from my hanging. Look into it, uncover what you can. If she still has them, she is not the paragon of virtue she seems to be.
I was a different man. I did not enter into any politics, I kept my head down. I think Quelcoth was disappointed I did not kneel in front of Bane’s altar, but I aided the church where I could, they would protect me. I was a shadow of what I once was, skulking in dark corners, not involving myself in matters of Oscura.
Vengeance is what drove me for a time. It was the servants of the Lady of Loss I preyed upon. I blamed them for what had happened. The first I killed was the man known as Dart Findly. I beat him down to a pulp in the chasm beneath Peltarch, he would spread no more sorrow. Once he was floored, I cut his throat. It did not relieve the pain I hoped it would from my mind. As I flung his body down into the depths, I had hoped for a feeling of completed retribution. It did not come.
I killed many Sharrens over the coming months, yet none seemed to satisfy my thirst. I killed several others in the Order of Discord, and many other guards and agents of the church.
It was then I realised my anger was not towards the Sharrens. But to Oscura itself. It was Oscura I had served and protected my entire life. It was Oscura I died for, twice. It was Oscura I had loved.
It was Oscura that did not save me, it was Oscura that did nothing when I was captured, it was Oscura that had truly betrayed me.
I did much evil over the coming years, not just murder, kidnapping, extorting, enslaving. What had I become but a monster of evil that I had been thought to be? Perhaps the surfacers are right? Perhaps I did not see it in myself before when I was Vladimir, blinded with my righteousness. I do not believe this however. It was my execution at the hands of Peltarch and the inaction of Oscura that turned me into what I have become.
The faces of those that I killed in cold blood, for gold or for attempts at respect haunt me. I cannot sleep anymore. Only black lotus can put me out of consciousness now, something that I cannot do without. I have caused suffering of late, those I have harmed, I am truly sorry. I come to realise what it is I truly hate. Myself.
What is to come
Litha’lian spoke to me occasionally. It is Her I fear most and I know I have much suffering at her hand awaiting me. But I made my bed. I will lay in it for eternity. I am bound to her, yet I will do no more wrong in these lands, not by my own freewill. I wish death, I wish for this suffering to end. I wish that these lands no longer have to put up with one such as the wretched creature I have become.
I seek an end, and I hope if someone reads this, it means it has come at last.
Tell my farther, my mother, Ivan and Anna that I loved them and never stopped.
Tell Quelcoth also.These are the last words of Vladimir Kursk.
I am sorry.
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((A few spelling corrections and grammatical errors sorted as per request…))
