Benjamin was a proficient magician—one of many in the Realm. He, and most other mages, performed their eldritch feats by tapping into the natural magic of the ley lines of the land. However, such frequent magical draining was having harmful effects on the natural world: plants withered, diseases spread, streams dried . . . But Benjamin was convinced that he could find an alternative source of magical power, so that his colleagues would no longer drain the land’s vigour. Eventually, Benjamin had crafted an alchemical ritual that he was sure would accomplish his goal. But before he could attempt the rite, a wyvern unexpectedly flew into Benjamin’s study and destroyed all of his arcane components, making him unable to perform the ritual. Then, Count Vincent the Snide, a merchant who represented the Conteh Guild of Sorcery, approached the mage Benjamin and offered him the requisite alchemical materials that he would need. Benjamin accepted, and got to work. His rite was successful, and he was able to drain arcane energy from a single plant, rather than the entire landscape. Benjamin’s work continued, as he discovered ways to siphon mana from animals too. Unfortunately, the process did leave dessicated remains of its subjects, but that was a necessary evil, Count Vincent told Benjamin. One day, though, Vincent brought in a commoner, and told Benjamin to perform the rite on her. Benjamin refused, so the Count ordered his other lackey magicians to perform it. They began the process, but Benjamin leapt in their way and attempted to use his own magicks to counter theirs. But instead, his interruption caused the vitae from the commoner and all the other mages to flow into himself, leaving them zombified. The shrivelled corpses then jerked their limbs, moving to Benjamin’s will. Benjamin turned to visit his wrath upon Count Vincent, but he had already fled the scene.
The Bard* was a mysterious being. Few knew of its existence, and even fewer had ever encountered the ancient entity. Its origins remain shrouded in the mists of the forgotten past. Some of the oldest known manuscripts spoke of the being, or at least an entity similar enough that they must be one and the same. The Bard is rarely seen, but whenever it is, it brings tragedy in its wake. The Bard is a teller of the Old Tales—sagas of ancient myth and legend known by all in the Realm. And when the Bard tells a tale, someone, somewhere, is compelled to act it out. The details of the story may vary, and its actors always do, but it is still the same tale in the eyes of the Bard. No one still alive knows what ends the Bard strives towards. Just be grateful that I haven’t turned my gaze towards you . . . yet.
And with that, this chronicle of the Sentinels of the Realm comes to a close. I have expounded upon all of the characters that I will. Any that I’ve not covered are either too minor in my eyes—such as the various Mini-Nemeses or Scions—or are already adequately fantastical—such as the Argent Adept, Fanatic, NightMist, GloomWeaver, Apex, Æternus, DS&PS, et cetera.
When the next Definitive Edition expansion rolls around, I may look at the possibility of doing write-ups for the new folks in there, however. In other news, I do grant permission to anyone to write their own stories in this timeline that I’ve crafted—and you’re also free to change anything that I’ve said if you do, of course.
For me, though, I don’t think I’ll be writing any actual stories in this universe any time in the near future, as I have some other projects that I’d sooner like to engage with. However, I will still be glad to participate in any discussions or answer any questions regarding what I’ve written here.
Excelsior!