Ah, settle in, my dear readers, for yet another enthralling tale of intrigue and audacity, spun through the eyes of none other than the renowned Volothamp Geddarm. This time, our focus turns to a character of mysterious origins, a human known as Tien Luen. Though his age remains a puzzle, his past tells a tale of resilience and cunning that echoes through the ages.
In the wretched slave camps of Fireshear, Tien first drew breath, his earliest memories etched in the grueling toil of the coal mines alongside his mother. Fate dealt a cruel blow, for his father, a man of northern blood, lost his life in a tragic cave-in when Tien was but a toddling child. Within the unforgiving depths of the mines, young Tien and others like him were exploited for their small frames, sent scurrying through narrow crevices and tight spaces in search of precious ores, or if luck dared to smile upon them, something far more valuable.
To survive and provide for his family, Tien had no choice but to master the ways of combat and the art of wolf hunting. Yet, it was under the cloak of darkness that his true education began. Slipping away from the confines of the slave camp, he ventured into the heart of Fireshear, seeking refuge within establishments such as the Singing Manticore and the Drunken Dwarf taverns. In these hallowed dens of revelry, Tien refined skills that would serve him well in the years to come—subtlety in thievery, nimbleness in stealth, the art of captivating conversation, and when all else failed, the brawling might of his fists. Whatever spoils Tien could claim, he would bring home to his mother and younger brother, a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering love for his family.
Tien’s talents did not go unnoticed, for fate, that fickle mistress, has a way of revealing hidden opportunities in the most unexpected of manners. It was a trading ship captain by the name of Dar Kurth, hailing from the notorious city of Luskan, who glimpsed the untapped potential within Tien and cunningly manipulated circumstances to frame him for a heinous crime. Facing a dire charge that threatened his very existence, Tien found himself indebted to Captain Kurth, who shrewdly convinced the slave master that he was owed the young man’s life as compensation for the supposed loss of a crew member. Reluctantly bidding farewell to his kin, Tien embarked upon Ship Kurth, setting sail on a journey along the storied North Sword Coast.
In every port they dropped anchor, Tien became Captain Kurth’s indispensable confidant, participating in a myriad of tasks ranging from stalwart protection to covert infiltrations and audacious acts of thievery. The years slipped away like whispers in the wind, and with each passing day, Tien yearned for liberation from the clutches of his captor. Finally, an opportunity, like a glimmering gem amidst the shadows, presented itself within the grand city of Waterdeep, and Tien grasped it with a tenacity borne of desperation. Eluding Kurth’s relentless pursuit, he sought refuge in the Field Ward, a realm where the captain held no sway and found no allies amongst its motley denizens. Yet, destiny guided Tien’s path tonight, leading him into the North Ward, and onto the doorstep of The Lusty Strigiforme Tavern.
As Tien settled into the vibrant tapestry of the bustling tavern, a frothy ale in hand, he couldn’t help but overhear the animated conversation emanating from a nearby table—a collection of curious characters whose presence stood out amidst the tapestry of this neighborhood. And lo and behold, who should approach their table but Zephyr, that enigmatic figure with whom Tien had formed a bond during the crucible of a brawl against unruly privateers. Together, their skills and Zephyr’s unwavering bravado had triumphed over their adversaries, and the spoils of that encounter had been nothing short of exhilarating.
Now, as Tien glimpsed Zephyr’s approach, a glint of anticipation danced in his eyes. Memories of their previous night’s escapades surged within him, kindling an insatiable desire for another thrilling bout. Ah, dear readers, the stage is set for the convergence of fates, where Tien’s path intertwines with those of these extraordinary individuals. Brace yourselves, for within the hallowed halls of The Lusty Strigiforme Tavern, destiny prepares to unveil its next grand act, and Tien Luen stands poised to take his place in this enthralling saga.
chronicles 