A call for help

14th of Cylus 721

Almund is a thriving township with a dark side. With houses made from the wooden bodies of decommissioned ships, there are many opportunities here, coupled with many dangers.

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Praetorum
Approved Character
Posts: 1425
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2019 11:08 am
Race: Ithecal
Profession: Mercenary
Renown: 1020
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Wealth Tier: Tier 5

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A call for help


14th of Cylus, Arc 721

Another cycle, another war. 


Praetorum sighed softly. He sat alone on a too small bed in a rented room, running his hand along the polished surface of the sorelian steel shield on his lap. He'd just returned from another session at Saoire's Dream, and as usual, found himself becoming much more introspective than he normally was, at least for a few hours. 


Hong had asked him how he felt about jumping back into a fight, and Prae had told him it felt natural, like he was in his element. But sitting here now, he wasn't so sure about that answer. It did feel natural, but underneath it all, Prae felt... melancholy, he supposed. He felt tired. Not a good tired, like the soreness and weakness he got after a good, thorough training session, but a bone deep weariness Prae had felt building up for seasons now. 


He liked his therapist, he truly did. But he needed... advice from someone who understood a little better. Someone who might be able to help. In more ways than one. 


"Shieldmaiden..." Prae sighed, rubbing his muzzle. "I seem to have landed myself in the middle of another war." He smiled wryly. "I didn't go looking for this one this time, but it seems like I've a gift for landing in the middle of trouble." He ran a hand idly over his shield, brow furrowing. "I want to help them, I do. But I don't know how long I can keep doing this. I'm exhausted, and I don't know why. After Rharne, after Niflheim... I feel like I keep wandering endlessly into other people's problems with no rest." 


"How do you do it? When sometimes it feels like everyone needs help all the time?" Prae huffed softly. "I don't even know enough about what's going on to know how to help, or if I even should. This past arc has just been... exhausting and I don't know what to do."

 ! Message from: Peg
The next morning, Praetorum gets a delivery of books. Looking at the spines, they seem to be very focused. Tactics, military strategy, leadership, stories of great battles. However, of the ten books delivered, nine of them have blank pages. The only one that doesn't is a book on shield repair. Entitled "Shield Repair: A Vital Tactic" it does actually give some great tips for repairing and firming up / strengthening shields. It will certainly be of use for a smith.

However, the first page has the dedication, and it reads thus:
"This book is dedicated to a stalwart shield who has stood firm time and time again. Take time to repair yourself and, in doing so, ensure that the shield is strong and ready for use when needed. Because, when a shield is needed, you have to be sure that it has no cracks."

The book has no author.
word count: 494
Let's play 'What's Weird About Prae'

Head

  • A fiery rune shines under his right eye
  • A firey glow in the back of his mouth

Arms

  • A ring of blue runes floats over each of Prae's wrists
  • A silver shield marks the back of his right hand
  • A ring of light around his left forearm

Misc

  • His tail is about eight feet long, usually knotted around his waist
  • His body temperature is uncomfortably high

Surroundings

  • Wind gusts with every step he takes
  • The area around him is slightly more static-y than normal

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