I am Kaden Al'Rashim (Background)
In the lands of Calimshan, in the dunes near Calimport, the manor house of Al'Rashim stands tall and proud amongst the heat and sand. Amongst the houses of nobility, Al'Rashim was never the largest or one with a tradition of administrating a great city, but they stood proud with a reputation of honor and faithful service to their homeland. Generations of Al'Rashim ancestors stretching back to the days of the Djinn fill the sandstone halls with statues and tapestries of brilliant mages, clever warriors, and wise administrators as a badge of honor upon the small, but consistently rising, house. Unfortunately, in the year 1469, this noble house was stricken by a lasting scandal that seems to have changed its fate forever-more.
This scandal, unfortunately, was me. My name is Kaden Al'Rashim, firstborn and heir to the house of Al'Rashim, and offspring of Sir Benshallar and Almeri. From the day that I was taken from my tan, dark-haired mother and my blazing eyes looked up from the matted mane of my burning red hair into the worn visage of our house's physician, I have become the embodiment of a blight upon my house. The very fire burning in my core, the blaze I cannot hide exuding from my eyes and hair, seems to exist solely to illuminate the disgraced reputations of my noble parentage and burn a constant mark of shame upon my family. I am the curse and scandal of my home. I was born of fire, fathered by all-consuming inferno seemingly holding no regard for honor, nobility, or the sanctity of a marriage bed. I was mothered by weakness and disregard. I learned from an early age that I exist to burn my father's hope and love to cinders. My biological father, the gracious being of flame that he must have been to grant so much of his flame to me, seems to be but a secretive rogue whose name I have not yet earned from my mother's lips. She would be forced to acknowledge me in more than casual passing to burden me with such knowledge, of course. Such a sin would simply merit herself pain and disregard from my noble father's reignited disdain. Such things are not done in the noble house of Al'Rashim. 'Better left alone' seemed to be the house motto for my youth.
A childhood of disdain and constant reminders of my being the embodiment of scandal left me with a forged resolve. Love is not given freely or easily in the house of Al'Rashim. Not to the embodiment of the other noble house's mockery, at least. Thus, from a young ember I learned that if love would not be given, it must simply be earned. When my noble father offered me a journey along the Sword Coast far away to a pleasant, small, estate in Elturel amongst the 'barbarians', it merely took the promise of an opportunity to gain my eager acceptance. The expressed intent was that I should better learn the ways of the 'barbarians to the north' to form stronger trade arrangements in the area to strengthen the economic power of my family through trade to replace the damage done to our house's reputation by my mere existence. Though I was forced to surrender the dunes I loved and the crystal clear waters of the Shining Sea which brought me such rare, limited comfort...I knew that opportunity is not lightly refused.
So it was that in the year 1482, at the tender age of 13, I became an independent man of House Al'Rashim. I was charged with gaining knowledge, studying the foreign ways of the barbarians, and managing the newly gained estate in Elturel with only my Tutor, my Au Pair, and my beloved guardian by my side. On the very day we were to depart, I walked the halls of my home one final time (for the foreseeable future). I chose to seek my father on that day to give my final farewells and received a gift of knowledge from my noble sire for my efforts. This gift came in the form of overhearing my noble father reassuring my faithful guardian that should he 'fail' in his task to protect me in the journey to the barbaric lands, the legacy of our house would be well secured by my younger, trueborn sister as the new heir. Father assured my guardian that no blame would be laid upon such a dedicated servant of Al'Rashim should such an accident unfortunately occur. Such assurances, I have since discovered, are simply to be expected to those tasked by my family in my protection. The tears on my cheeks stung for but a moment, but fire must burn such weaknesses away in short order. As I entered and bade my farewells to my father, I first experienced the sensation of my father's wry smile and his direct gaze. My mother was unfortunately not available to be seen that day, as I was so informed.
The travel north was harsh and long, but the lessons gained upon the journey were merely ones of steel and blood. Lessons of the greatest simplicity, assuredly, but lessons well learned all the same. Wit and cleverness merit no survival save when they are backed by steel and reinforced in iron. By the time we arrived in Elturel to meet the steward of my estate, I had already gained a second tutor in the form of my beleaguered guardian. The years passed as I learned the ways of the "barbarians" of the Sword Coast. Though childish paranoia and overheard words held my concern over the blade awaiting me in the darkness by my family's servants, I soon learned of the true nobility of commoners. The nobility of a simple morality where one's actions, not merit of one's birth, determined what actions one must take moving forward. Such a foreign concept at the time. To a person, each potential threat proved themselves to be truly noble and, eventually, true companions. Their affection, freely given away from the scolding and reprimands of my parents, was an odd experience indeed. A welcome experience, though, once I learned to accept it.
Though my lessons were forced to include matters of trade and commerce, I found myself far more drawn into histories and legends, stories of arcana and fire, and tales of blood and steel. I began to learn that in this place, far from our ruined reputation and our ancient nobility, most would view me simply as I appeared, not as the blighted scandal that I was. Should I be strong, seem wise, or appear beautiful or fashionable...these things held a greater value here. The ways of the "barbarians" were far different than of my people, but they were truths that I could master. They were discoveries that granted opportunities to redefine myself and my sense of nobility alike. They were something I could prove myself in and eventually earn. That is a way of being that I could understand.
I grew and my interests grew with me. My lessons continued into the forests and fields, guardian by my side, learning of desperately earned survival and seeking opportunities to forge myself into a true flame. I loved those years, but age will slow all blades in the end. My failure on that day for my guardian is that my inexperience slowed mine as well. I was unable to stop the blow. I was unable to save my guardian...my friend. I could only wipe my blade and look down upon the cold remains of the man that could have been rewarded, likely with lands and a minor house of his own, had his common sense of nobility only failed him once. Had he loved me slightly less, I knew he would be alive in that moment. His lessons were well taught, however, and I also understood that though breath would be in his lungs, he would not be himself. His death, had his nobility failed him, would simply be less obvious. I resolved on that forest path through the sting of burning tears that I would not allow myself a second such failure. I would not allow another failure to protect those that I seek to save. I would not let the cost of love and companionship remain unpaid.
The years since have passed with communication back home growing rarer and rarer (as long as the caravans arrive safely, of course). No new guardian was ever presented or finances for one ever offered. The implication is well understood, thus I have become the guardian of the estate in his stead. My childish hope to be recalled home to my familiar Shining Sea and the dunes of my childhood have since become replaced with dread at ever having to leave my new home. My true home. After a childhood of darkness, it was only under the light of the Companion that I was allowed to truly shine. So it is that I have endeavored to seek out others of my kind in my resolve to protect the home that gave me opportunity, acceptance, and love. The Companion burns above, a kindred fire to protect this beautiful land from the skies above, but it possesses no hands to protect those down below. I may be part fire, I may be part Calishite, but I am in whole Outcast. Thus it is that I now seek companions who know what it is to be Outcast. There are few of my kind, of my true people, but I seek those who have trod a similar path, hated for what they were born as, who seek to protect this place that has offered them the opportunity to become themselves at last. I believe that only they may understand the essence of nobility that was taught to me by my beloved companion all those years ago. Perhaps one day, together we shall burn away any blight that seeks to end this 'barbaric' land of hope.
The major events and journals in Kaden's history, from the beginning to today.
Another White Dragon slain. The cave's cold doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would. We'll find that mirror after a quick nap.
02:10 am - 12.10.2023Was the Companion was a prison for a celestial or a celestial prison? Either would make sense for a fallen celestial. I fear Barrat may not be a creature of his word after all, though.
12:41 am - 12.10.2023We struck a deal with Barrat. We will free him from the Pit if he will: -Information on Bels Forge -Answer all questions honestly -Do No Direct or Indirect Harm except in Self Defense
12:03 am - 12.10.20233 more Vrocks added to the kill list. Their screams can be pretty annoying, but taking one down by circling around it on my bike? That was one to tell Wassam when I return home.
02:22 am - 28.09.2023We've been contracted by Mahadi, the Rahkasha, to find the Mirror of Mephestar (Mirror of Ice). 20ft Tall, 6-8ft Wide. It lies in a Canyon barely large enough for the vehicle. Been lost for a few years. Unknown previous owners. It has Scrying abilities. We know Mephestar s the lord of the Cania, the 8th level of hell, the level of cold.
12:59 am - 28.09.2023They held down Lulu and ground her Tusks to make healing potions? Sune stop me from burning this Emporium to the ground.
02:56 am - 14.09.2023Between my new haircut, Cloak of Stars, and new anti-necrotic tattoo, Mahadi's Emporium has been a delight so far. Hopefully it stays that way after meeting Mahadi himself.
01:52 am - 14.09.2023We did it! We actually freed Oldrack! Maybe we really can make a difference in this accursed land.
01:54 am - 31.08.2023The Chained Demon we freed from the devils claimed the Contract for Eltruel is with Thavious Krieg (Eltruel's Leader We Slew) in Zariel's Flying Fortress
01:54 am - 31.08.2023Oldrack is actually an Empyreon who was cursed by Tiamat? This just goes to show that you can never take things at face value.
02:37 am - 22.06.2023Lady Yael was taken by Demon Lord Yenagu.
12:54 am - 04.05.2023I'd say Fort Knucklebones is not what I expected, but I genuinely don't know what I expected.
02:24 am - 20.04.2023Sometimes you wake up to find yourself free-falling 600ft into hell itself. It's just going to be one of those days, I think.
02:37 am - 13.04.2023I can't believe we're storming Shieldhall itself. I remember the first time I saw this magnificent building and thought how impregnable it looked. Now I stand atop its walls intent on bringing death to what lurks within its walls.
11:58 pm - 12.04.2023Sune, grant us the absence of flaws in our forms, avoid scars to our flesh, and bring your beauty back to this marred land. Should I fail to remove this blight, please accept me still into your lustrous embrace.
11:31 pm - 12.04.2023We had the oddest vision. Zariel fighting Gnolls in the fields of Eltruel? A Lady Yell who was bequeathed a blade? And that voice... "Seek ye Zariel's Blade. It is her greatest desire. There is only one who knows, but she knows night. She must seek the Kenko, in their minds she speaks." And Fort Knucklebones may be a location?
02:03 am - 30.03.2023Gideon's been given death of those who betray their ideals. But Wissam lives! I feel hope, true hope, at long last. All of those under my household survived. They survived so far...and I SHALL see them survive until the end of this nightmare.
01:46 am - 30.03.2023There are survivors in Shieldhall? And I am allowed to carry the great blade of the Unknown Warrior? I feel a relief I haven't in a long time. Perhaps when I find Wissam safely, and conclude his mission, I will find some measure of peace that will allow us to better carry out this dangerous journey.
03:57 am - 02.03.2023Zakariyya is a Shier? She can summon the Djinn? She knows the truth of my father? Never have I felt a reunion feel so bittersweet.
04:25 am - 26.01.2023I...I meant to save him. I didn't think saying "Wall of Fire" would...would just kill...
02:05 am - 26.01.2023I can't believe we made it over the bridge and Akaiya actually came through for us. As much as I want to see if the Manor still stands, I could not walk in with my head held high if I never tried to aid the survivors at Shieldhall.
03:34 am - 19.01.2023A request to meet from the "Forgotten Lord" Ikaia, the reason the Companion ever needed? Are we mirroring the mistakes of our ancestors in granting this?
02:43 am - 05.01.2023And...so it begins. Our Descent into Avernus.
01:55 am - 23.12.2022They are alive. They are all alive! We can still save them!
05:17 am - 16.12.2022Ganthras? Who the hell is GANTHRAS?
04:27 am - 16.12.2022I must remember when I jumped 20 feet through the open floor of the Candlekeep Firefly Cellar to the table below while grabbing the stone book midway down. In retrospect, it was not the wisest move. However, it shall be a grand moment for the poets should my life ever find its way into history.
01:36 am - 16.12.2022Could this be related to someone's research? K'Tulah is researching folk magics and dance magics. Ebder Smallstone is researching family lineage for him and Gailby.
01:06 am - 16.12.2022The Singing Madness cursed a merchant and burrowed through people's minds and almost destroyed the city? Of course it waited 520 years until we enter the library to strike. That's just the luck of we accursed.
12:38 am - 16.12.2022Books, food, silence, and a date with a beautiful woman for the paltry sum of 2gp? Only now do I realize how deeply I miss the comforts of my lost noble privileges.
02:59 am - 08.12.202240-50gp is rather pricy, but what cost can you put on not risking your friend's lives in service to an ancient hero trapped in Avernus. Yet I see the platemail I dream of slip ever further away...
02:01 am - 08.12.2022I must now form a deception that I have been inspired by my association with Billiam, the Bard of Eltruel, that I simply seek to write anovel of the great hero of my homeland to better connect in that. Perhaps in that I can safely investigate the Tethyrian Ithal Dynasty, The Genie Wars of Calimsham, Silvram's life and exploits, and learn beyond the mythologies of youth more of the hero I have sworn to aid. Avowed Sprig Silverfoot shall assist me...but will his focus on cooking be an aid in resisting the temptation to betray my search to demons and thieves as he is disinterested or will it signal ineptitude? I must run the risk.
01:47 am - 08.12.2022I must learn more of the Tethyrian Ithal Dynasty if I am to truly understand the Shield of Silvam. Perhaps I can safely investigate that without tipping anyone off.
01:30 am - 08.12.2022"Eltruel had it coming?" I believe you will soon learn what opinions like that have coming, Stablemaster.
01:24 am - 08.12.2022It will cost 1sp + 2cp daily for all of our horses in the stable. Why do I feel like I was paying so much more than that just for Juvti back in the manor?
01:12 am - 08.12.2022You know, I've bought and sold many horses for the Al'Rashem family. This is the first time I've ever bought a horse for myself to ride. How exciting!
01:09 am - 24.11.2022I cannot believe I am honored to carry the shield containing a portal to the greatest liberator of Calimshan. Wissam always chastised me of such fanciful dreams of living amongst legends, claiming all great things of stories were fictional. If he could but see me now and know that such dreams can in fact come true...perhaps then I would have seen a smile.
04:45 am - 17.11.2022We compiled the paper evidence with a letter titled "Revenge of Elturel", sealed it in wax in a scroll case, and left it with Pal to deliver to our friendly Flame should we not return in a day.
12:51 am - 27.10.2022Baris the Butler is who we should take Klem Jaaris to.
02:05 am - 30.09.2022I swear, I am going to find some way to never lose my shit again. Just *poof*, there's my sword.
01:01 am - 30.09.2022Jvuti is Kwalu's brother cursed by an Ifrit? It couldn't be the Ifrit that...no. Surely not.
03:01 am - 08.09.2022What else have I to lose? My friends fall beside me, what little I own vanishes from me in my eagerness to protect them, and there remains no comforting Companion to light my way forward. Drazzil, you had the heart for life and action of a man thrice your size. You will be dearly missed.
02:35 am - 25.08.2022Toramesh is a possible Trainer for Juvti according to Alan the stablehand.
11:37 pm - 24.08.2022Left Jvuti in quarantine stables for 5 days with a 1 gold gnomish "Kwalu" puppet. One may only hope raptors don't hold grudges.
12:43 am - 30.07.2022Caleb: "If I roll a Natural 20 right now, the velociraptor lives?" Anthony: "If you roll a NATURAL 20?"
03:24 am - 07.07.2022Kaden (in Infernal): "In the most cursed tongue of this realm do I curse you. You shall never see your god arise." Cultist: "Wat?" *Death by Dalaras*
02:38 am - 07.07.2022We must return the tacklebox of the fisherman. His family deserves closure after his demonic demise.
01:55 am - 07.07.2022Intoxicants are not to be consumed by nobility. We must maintain our faculties to act wisely in all situations.
12:31 am - 07.07.2022After a childhood of darkness amongst the dunes, it was only under the light of the Companion that I was allowed to truly shine. I may be part fire, I may be part Calishite, but I am in whole Outcast. I now seek out companions of my kind to protect the home I have chosen.
04:09 am - 23.06.2022Relevant Character Links
Homeland: https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Calimshan Diety: https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Sune Class: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/fighter#EldritchKnight Maneuvers: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/fighter#BattleMaster...
02:14 am - 23.06.2022The list of amazing people following the adventures of Kaden.
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