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It was obvious since he was a lad and there never was doubt in anyone’s mind that Zelrath was touched with Moridin’s Grace. The youngest child and only son of Golrath Gravelbeard, he was already known to the entire North Greymoors clan the day he arrived, as his father was (and still is) the greatest warrior of the Northern Spine. Though a small clan, their duty for generations was to protect the northern tip of the spine from all creatures, whether they are humanoid or beasts, and Golrath was always the first to swing his axe when the situation called for it and words had uselessly run their course.
Zelrath grew quickly and took to his chores, lessons, and additional training sessions with his father on a regular basis. As he grew, the elders could also see Moridin’s Grace shining through stronger than any other around him. When he finally reached the proper age, he was allowed to spend evenings with the priests and adjust his lessons accordingly. He was aligned with Brother Yemorda, who would oversee his new lessons and provide guidance for how a young acolyte must prepare for the world.
It was inevitable Zelrath would be selected for proper training to become a Paladin, but what wasn’t expected was the decision by the elders that he would not be traveling to mid-spine as others had before, but rather to a place further north. This would take him outside of the mountain range where he spent his full life. This would be the first big step in the young dwarf’s life.The elders had agreed to send Brother Yemorda north to assist with their training, and Zelrath and two others were to accompany him and attend their schooling for paladins with others outside of the spine. Not only was this a common act of goodwill among the clans, but Zelrath had the ability and early skills to represent his clan and be a beacon of Moridin’s Grace to far more than just the clans of the spine.
Zelrath was humbled by the selection and swore on his father’s name he would make them all proud and be fully prepared to return to the spine when called upon to aid and assist in any way. Until that day comes when he will return, he would grow in his role as Moridin’s vessel and bring peace and comfort to all he could.
Brother Yemorda ensured Zelrath stayed humble as he didn’t provide an easy path, no leniency on chores and lessons, and didn’t show any favoritism whatsoever. But Zelrath never minded, knowing he would never have an easy path in the future as he traveled and shared Moridin’s Grace with others, and he needed to be fully prepared for anything.
Though he never would compare himself to any of the others going through their lessons, Zelrath would constantly watch and assess the others to imagine how he could team up with them in their travels. Who would be best in a fight? Who would be best to speak of Moridin to non-believers? Who would be quick to draw a weapon rather than words?
Zelrath was easy to talk with about any subject and he usually made friends quickly with those around him. He would talk openly of his plans to travel, first and foremost to the lands and plans designated by the priests as he finished his lessons, and what he might encounter. He found himself drawn to a number of mates of whom he would feel comfortable with in any situation. One was his own travel companion from the spine, and the other was a tall, thin, human follower of Moridin, named Rollander from the Unterberg clan of dwarves. This combination struck Zelrath as quite odd, as it did for all the others, and Zelrath was drawn to him on several occasions. Rollander knew so much about Moridin and dwarven culture, he had a way to fend off the side insults from others who doubted his commitment, and stayed calm in difficult situations. He also had another trait, one which appealed to Zelrath and would be useful during their travels. Rollander could use a bow like nobody else in the entire spine. The lessons of the dwarven paladins don’t include bows other than for hunting dinner, but this lad had an eye for more than a deer or rabbit that is sitting still. As Zelrath befriended this young bowman, he also noticed that others appeared to a bit more accepting of Rollander. He liked that, and it made him feel better about his future plans of sharing Moridins Grace.
Things had worked out as best as Zelrath could have hoped. He and Rollander were both selected to head to Everton Wells.
In all the preparations, lessons, and prayer sessions, discussions, lectures, and signs from Moridin, Zelrath never could have been ready for a way to deal with many many days of the Rollander song.
Fun facts
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Zelrath is quite adept with a great axe base in his father’s training, but prefers the war hammer.Zelrath has two older sisters, which is rare, and both can best him wresting, axe fights, and races of any sort. They are exceptionally talented, and quite a bit older.
Zelrath prays and listens far more than he talks, but when he does need to speak, he tries to do so calmly, until words become useless.
All Gravelbeard men, and most women, have naturally tight curly bards with gray, black, and red, making it appear to look like gravel.
Awesome job Dan! I feel like Zelrath is an old friend already. Thanks for not telling them about all of the mean and cruel stuff the other Dwarves would do to me before you stood up for me. Next time you stand up for me, could you stand up for me before the latrine prank? Thanks just checking.
Glad to know I have another friend in Brother Yemorda. I’m going to say he saw me through the eyes of affection and not annoyance, which is pretty much a 50/50. Lucky for him, Yemorda doesn’t really rhyme with anything. Except “sorta”. Hold that thought. I have to go write a song.
Excellent!! Love the Gravelbeard name. Sounds like Rollender is straight based on his write up…does Zelrath know?
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