Allow me to introduce myself I am Jarik Thanderghast, latest son of House Thanderghast to take up the noble profession of Monster Hunter. I carry the taint of evil in my blood, but in equal measure the blood of valiant men and women who have long striven against the darkness. If I could cut my vile heritage from my flesh I would, but as it is I make use of it to protect the people of Ustalava as my father did before me.
My father Sir Varik Thanderghast was chosen by Iomedae, and served her for many years as a Paladin until he was slain defending a village from predation by the restless spawn of Tar-Baphon. I always longed to be chosen, but perhaps my faith was not strong enough, when my Mother died shortly after Father's death it shook my faith in the goddesses good graces, weak and selfish fool that I am. But I sought other means of facing off against the unnatural, Uncle Lyle sent me to study in Caliphas at fourteen where I attempted to become a wizard. But though scholarhood intrigued me I felt naked without a blade in my hand.
It was Professor Lorrimor, and old associate of my fathers who showed me the path of the Magus, to blend spell and sword to bring low evil. A great man. Though he was not suited to the path himself his learning was such that he was able to teach me the rudiments and over the course of his visit I was able to channel my first spell through my blade. I corresponded with him since, and it was always a pleasure to be able to confide in and learn from him. I only hope I can one day repay his kindness.
My family pursue darkness wherever it might be found. Grandmother runs the small estate on the outskirts of Caliphas, and oversees the vineyard and apple orchards that finance our war against the darkness. Uncle Lyle has lost an eye and an arm, having cut off the later to avoid being infected by a werewolf's bite, and Aunt Stenna is a devoted Priestess of Pharasma. For all that I respect them we are a cold family, concerned more with righting old wrongs than taking joy in one another's company. I used to have five cousins, but they all passed away, and only my younger sister, Ileesa - thankfully she shows no signs of the taint I evidence - remains to carry on the family name, and she is engaged to a fine young Lord from Lastwall, whom I have yet to meet.
The taint which is so evident in me, and my Grandmother, is a legacy of a deal my Great Great Grandfather made during The Shining Crusade. Promising to give his first born daughter to a Devil called Jaramal the Beseecher, in exchange for a blade that was a bane to the undead. Well past his prime, with no offspring my ancestor thought he only imperiled his own soul and was willing to sacrifice that to help fight Tar-Baphon and end his evil. The blade helped him distinguish himself and he was heralded as a hero. He took a baron maiden as a wife hoping to cheat Jaramal, but somehow she proved fertile and he bore a daughter. But Jaramal did not come to collect his debt, not until the girl was sixteen years old. He planted his seed in her and commanded that she bear his child saying that by doing so, and keeping the babe his debt would be paid. My family lives in constant fear of Jaramal's dark purpose. And my greatest fear is that some darkness within me could be the fruit of the devil's age old scheme.
