Galadin/Irf's page

About Galadin/Irf

Irony. Little else described the Paladin so perfectly. Here he stood, hovering over the corpse of the old man he had been sent to cure. He would have died soon anyway, and you know it the wolf said. "That's not the point! It's wrong!" Galadin whispered. You know I must feed, or else I cannot guarantee anyone else's safety. That is the rule we established.
If he had not been a Paladin to begin with, he would likely have never encountered this monster. Irf was now a part of Galadin, and it was all because of that fated day. The day of his Passing.
The Passing is a ritual, performed by the protectors of Galadin's home. His small village trained pious knights through faith and combat. During an individual's Passing, they would quest to perform an act of great service for his people. Galadin's Passing was fated to be the cleansing of a tainted portion of the Darkwood, where several compatriots had recently disappeared.
As he arrived, his path was clear as it was marked with splashes of blood. It did not take long for him to find his tattered friends beneath the feet of a crying woman. As Galadin approached, the woman muttered, "Save me." Galadin scanned his surroundings, but did not spy the monster who had slain his allies. "Save me..." She said again, looking into Galadin's eyes. As he reached for her hand, she woman snapped, "Save yourself!"
Immediately, the woman was transformed into a wolf and stood over the surprised Galadin with snarling teeth. She stopped, and sniffed the knight in training. After several long inhales, it seemed as though the beast would be appeased without harming him. Then, just as Galadin thought it safe to move, the wolf clamped onto his arm. In a moment that seemed to last an eternity, Galadin felt the darkness creep into his veins and into his soul. You will do... perfectly.
The old woman instantly returned to her human shape and backed away. "I'm sorry.... so sorry!" she gasped. "Irf is yours.... pity on your soul!" And without further breath, she fell lifeless in the dirt.
To say the following years were a struggle would be an understatement. They were hell for the rising Paladin, as he struggled to keep the beast at bay. Eventually, he got to the point where most days were better than not. But still, some days were impossible. Today was one of those days.
As he stared at his victim, Galadin noticed a piece of paper sticking out from beneath his vest. A note, inviting brave men to venture into King Vesteri's tower. Galadin and Irf both stared at the note with knowledge that this is what they must do. Galadin, to gain the means to expel his foul monster. Irf, to claim royalty and power.
Together, they folded the note and walked calmly towards Westervale.