Eric Staggs: Writer

I’m going to take this opportunity to break the boundaries of comfortable Geekiness. Ever since I read Gary Gygax’s Gord the Rogue series and discovered there were character sheets for Gord in his various stages of development in the back of the book (yes, I’m that old), I’ve been building character sheets in my head for all characters I’ve come across. Today, I’m breaking down the characters from The Walking Dead. I’m not going to provide full, three page sheets, but I’ll offer the basics – the vitals: Alignment, Class, a few choice stats and some skills. For you young folk, we’re doing this 2^nd Edition Style – when the game was The Game.

Rick: Paladin – 5^th, Lawful Good

We have to start with Rick. He’s obviously our protagonist and he’s got one of the hardest jobs of all: keeping himself together while keeping the rest of the group together. Rick is obviously Lawful Good. He was a cop in his previous life, and now, as a zombie apocalypse survivor he spends most of his time keeping people’s spirits up and killing undead. Sounds like a Paladin to me. One could even go so far as to say he’s used his “Lay On Hands,” ability. And though he summoned (acquired) a mount, he wasn’t strong (or wise) enough to protect it. A common mistake for over-excited 4^th level Paladins. His Turn Undead is pretty weak, but he inspires courage and has an Aura of Protection from Evil (giving everyone else a +1 to hit, morale, etc.). Rick’s biggest problem, aside from the fact that I figure he’s only got 45 hit points, is the same problem all Paladin’s have: his alignment – Lawful Good. Characters who voluntarily sport the LG do so because they believe that everyone follows the same rules. To be clear, everyone does not share the same beliefs. That means the LG characters that keep their word are always going to get burned. Watch your back Rick.

Shane: Fighter – 7^th, Chaotic Evil

I’m going to give Shane two more levels than Rick – he’s been busy while our hero was in Coma-land. Shane may have started out as Chaotic Good or even Neutral Good, but the Zombie Apocalypse has pushed him deep into the realm of Chaotic Evil. I know he’s at least 7^th level, because he attacks 3/2 easily and has about 70 hit points. Probably more, since he’s no doubt got a Constitution score of at least 16. He’s a straight fighter; multiple specializations in ranged weapons but can easily roll with a mace or club if a melee should so require. I know Paladins may not knowingly work with those of Chaotic Evil or Lawful Evil alignment; but as is so often the case with Chaotic Evil characters, Shane hides it pretty well, at least, to the casual observer. By the middle of season two, his near rape of Rick’s wife, commando buzz-cut and outright murder of Otis solidifies him as a Chaotic Evil fighter. If I was running the game and it was house rules, I’d give him a bonus Fate Point and be secretly making Ravenloft Powers Checks for him.

Daryl – Ranger 6^th, Chaotic Good

He’s gruff and ornery and thought I can’t smell him, I imagine he’s got a peculiar aroma. This white-trash zombie-slaying redneck nightmare is, in my opinion, rapidly becoming an audience favorite. Hard to get to know and very independent, his early affiliation with Merle cast him in a rather doubtful light. But it’s easy to see he’s chosen a species enemy of Zombie (+4 to hit), has a double specialization in Crossbow. He’s attacking 3/2 or maybe even 2/1 with a +2 for point-blank shots. He’s one of those characters with an average strength but he’s got a Constitution and Dexterity (and maybe Wisdom too) score of at least 16. His skills make him invaluable to a crew of city-folk, but he’s very much a loner. His frequent hunting and scouting forays are the perfect use of his skills. He’s got a Hide In Shadows and Move Silently of about 70%, but likely has an item that gives him a bonus in rural areas and/or versus undead.

Dale: Cleric 4^th, Neutral Good

Though older, Dale is one of those characters that didn’t find his true calling until late in life. He might have dual-classed from Fighter or Ranger (I’d say 2 levels of Fighter for the d10 hit points and Weapon Proficiencies).  Dale is definitely not a specialty priest – he’s a generic cleric with access to most spheres, but at a lesser level.  Like a Space Marine Chaplain, though perhaps inadvertently, he takes the spiritual well being of the group very seriously. His aversion to death in general would indicate he’s a follower of one of the softer Forgotten Realms Gods – Chauntea or Sune; but then again, he might be a follower of Helm or even Ilmater. He’s a staple however, and though the NPC priest is usually the first to die, it’s good to know that a crafty professional is playing this character. I think the group would come apart without him. Like all Neutral good characters, he just doesn’t have the spiritual wherewithal to commit – like shooting Shane when he took the guns.

Glen – Thief 9^th, Neutral Good

We’re giving glen the levels here because he’s demonstrated a few things that only experienced and wily thieves can: he’s still alive. I’m going to give him at least x2 Backstab, maybe x3. He’s got a Hide In Shadows of 80%+ and a 10% bonus in urban areas (probably due to a Kit or a very clever backstory written by his player). His Move Silently is 80%+ as well. He’s got a Dexterity of 19 (it’s the only explanation for his Initiative modifier and To-Hit with Ranged weapons). However, I think his Strength and Constitution are below 11, which likely give him -1 penalties. At best I’d give him 36 Hit-Points. His Pick Pockets is low for a name-level thief (50%?), but his Open Lock is 80% as well. Probably he has no points in Read Languages either. His climb walls is 99% the maximum it can be. He’s a professional survivor in this Zombie world, but he’s going to have ad some HPs to make it long term with his chosen adventuring party.

Lori – 2^nd Fighter, Chaotic Good then Lawful Good

As a woman with a child to protect in the Zombie Apocalypse, Lori quickly adapted and adopted, finding emotional succor and physical protection with Shane. A character with a high Intelligence (18 maybe) she had a few extra proficiency slots available and used them for Wilderness Survival,

Andrea – 3^rd Fighter, Neutral Evil or Chaotic Evil

Lori is a survivor, but early in her career as a Fighter in the Zombie Apocalypse, she spread her Weapon Proficiencies around a bit too broadly – a necessity when one can’t stop by the blacksmith for a specially weighted long sword or height-calibrated composite bow. She’s just now reached 3^rd level and used her new Weapon Proficiency for a specialization in Ranged Weapons. She’s a character with above average Intelligence (15-17) but a low to average Wisdom (11). Her Charisma is high (16-18) and was likely the only attribute she relied upon before the Zombie Apocalypse. The loss of her sister affected to so profoundly that she’s truly lost her way. Now she’s struggling to find another emotional anchor and her choice of Shane shows her low WIS score and her shifting alignment. As she gains experience she will find herself pitted against that same emotional anchor and will be forced to make a choice.

Carl – 1^st Fighter, Chaotic Good

Carl, son of Rick and Lori, is in a unique position. Due to his age, he’s not yet set in any single Class choice and he’s got the benefits of a pretty wide array of trainers around him. I’m going to suggest his Wisdom score is very high – he’s had too much happen to him not to be better for it. I’m also going to suggest he’s got an above average Intelligence (15). These are going to help him in whatever career he finally chooses. It looks like he’s working on another level of Fighter. His affinity for firearms seems to be growing every episode (perhaps dangerously so). But the boy’s wisdom must make him more than a simple fighter. He could end up as a cleric – the spiritual guide and voice of reason for a community of survivors. Likely, an upcoming betrayal by Shane on a scale that none in the group can image will impel Carl towards the Lawful Good alignment. As it stands, he simply doesn’t have the world experience to understand the necessary sacrifices that come with a Lawful Good alignment. We also know that he’s got more than 1d10 hit points – likely about 10 exactly and his father’s Paladin abilities (First Aid, Lay On Hands) were able to stabilize him when he was shot. It’s not too much of a stretch to see Carl adopting some new post zombie apocalypse religion. Regardless, Carl is going to end up with above average STR, DEX and CON stats to compliment his Wisdom.

Duane – 2^nd Thief, Chaotic Good

This poor lad, like Carl has the dubious benefit of experiencing entirely too much entirely too fast due to the topsy-turvy world of the Zombie Apocalypse. Living in a city forces almost all characters to become stealthy. Duane’s whereabouts are unknown – so we’re going to assume he’s still living in a cityscape with his father Morgan. Duane’s adding levels of Thief as a necessity, but likely will dual-class to Fighter or Ranger as he ages. His trauma with his mother will undoubtedly make him an excellent zombie killer – perhaps giving him a natural +1 to hit and damage all undead.

Morgan 6^th Fighter, Lawful Good

When we meet Morgan in Episode 2, we see him demonstrate conviction paired with incredible kindness and understanding. When given the information necessary to satisfy his core needs and beliefs (safety for self and Duane) he immediately offers food and shelter to Rick. Morgan’s Intelligence score is high (16-17) as he picks up the patterns and behaviors of the undead rapidly. However, he didn’t leave the city and neglected to accumulate much of an arsenal. He’s a survivor however, and with more than 55 hit points, we’ll see him again.

Theo – 4^th Fighter, Neutral Good

With only what seems to be a support role, Theo is relegated (unfairly) to the status of low-level jack-of-all-trades, only a stone’s throw above that of NPC. The Walking Dead is a series (campaign) that plants the seeds of tomorrows plot today. Theo is going to be a key character upon Merle’s return. In the meantime, we’ve got a fellow with a pretty high Constitution (15+ as he continually made his Save vs. Poison when his arm was infected) and a solid Strength (15+ as well). In more than one occasion, he’s been Johnny-On-The-Spot with a neatly placed shovel to the back of some undead heads. He’s a stalwart fighter – but perhaps a bit clumsy. His dropping of the Key that could have freed Merle was an accident. Further, his cutting of his own arm was an accident as well. Yes, Theo has a DEX low enough to incur a penalty to all DEX checks (9?).  He’s got a lot of hit points for his level, maybe 50 or more.

Merle  – 9^th Fighter, Lawful Evil

This monstrous creature is obviously Lawful Evil, firmly set in his beliefs and unable to hide them for even a moment. His battle-readiness and durability mark his as a fighter hands down. Add to that his healthy case of PTSD from the Marine Corps and we have a “name-level” Fighter, one or two steps from becoming a warlord with his own randomly generated back of followers. His survival skills are solid as are his Saves vs. Paralyze, Poison and probably Magic as well. I’m guessing his got an item or character trait that gives him a bonus to his Con (17). His strength is 17 maybe 18:01. He’s got a natural toughness, which adds to his Armor Class (it’d be DR 3.5 edition).  His Hit Points must be near 80. Merle is the archetypical villain warrior leading the armies of evil in so many AD&D campaigns. Can’t wait to see him again – it’ll be trouble for everyone, especially Daryl and Theo.

Carol – 1^st Fighter, Neutral Good

By the Mid-Season Finale of Season 2, Carol makes her choice. Until now, she’s been a plot device, one with depth certainly, and plausibility that should be lauded – but a plot device nonetheless. Now, with the death of Sophie – so visceral and brutal, completely inescapable, she’s reached the top of her character arc and is now ready to rocket down the other side. She’s going to take a Warrior Class, Ranger probably, and study under Daryl. As well, she’ll receive a visit from Lori and Dale designed to prop her up. Likely a strange friendship will grow between Carol and Lori (should Lori survive her time with Shane). Carol seems to lack physical Strength, but she’s never caught unless she wants to be. She’s high a high DEX (15+) and her Con, WIS and INT are above average (14+). Her STR is likely around 11. She’s got a lot of Hit Points (as is so sadly demonstrated by her relationship with her dead husband Ed.

Farm Folks

Hershel – 12^th Necromancer, Lawful Evil

Contrary to popular belief, Lawful Evil is only an opinion away from Lawful Good. An evil cleric who razes villages at the behest of his God can’t consider himself evil – he is “righteous.” Hershel is motivated by a higher purpose and he easily blurs the lines between acceptable and survival behaviors. We’re calling him a necromancer because he willingly blurs the lines between life and death – his inability or unwillingness to recognize the undead as no longer living, no longer people, violates all the social mores of civilization. Yet Hershel is able to not only maintain his belief system, but also spread it to his followers, influencing them in ways they likely don’t even realize. We’re giving him so many experience levels because of his ability as a surgeon (veterinarian or not) and a craftsman. He’s got a very low Wisdom – 12 or so, because he can’t see beyond his own belief system. But his Intelligence is easily 17 (which, a mage’s prime requisite gives him a 10% XP bonus). Of course, his “command undead” powers don’t work quite as nicely as they perhaps should, but we can easily see this guy as a benevolent apothecary or even a hedge-wizard who waddles about the village, always there to lend a hard – always there to help “bury” a loved one. Yes, Hershel is a Necromancer – and a closet Lich wannabe.

Beth – 0^th NPC, Neutral Good

I had to do some research to find out the name attached to this familiar face. According to 2^nd Edition AD&D, as a 0^th-level Non-player Character, Beth can make attacks but has only 0-4 hit points (1/2 hit die), so a solid fist could kill her. There’s a big part of me that says she’s only on the screen to add some dimension and up the plausible body count. However, as Maggie’s little sister, she has the ability to be a compelling plot device for a character that looks like she might stick around (Maggie) and of course, manipulate Glen as well. The alignment of Neutral Good is based on her lack of significant involvement in the group’s politics. While this could be contributed to her being a minor character (NPC), more likely, we’re expected to believe her age limits her influence. That said kids grow up fast in the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead. A sixteen year old should not only be patrolling the perimeter and drilling with weapons, but likely focusing on a trade that will increase the over all odds of survival for the group (carpentry, metal working, chemistry). The jury is still out on whether Beth is a character or just NPC body count.

Maggie – 2^nd Ranger, Chaotic Good

It’s tempting to assign Maggie some Rogue class; but she’s not yet demonstrated much ability in that arena. So far, she’s just been the Farmer’s Daughter – a temptress and wild element thrown in distract some of our more stable but easily distracted characters. As we all know, even since the Conclave of Dungeons and Dragons Stereotypes in 1992, all Farmer’s Daughters are Rangers with 1d3 levels. Maggie hasn’t chosen her Species Enemy yet, nor has she demonstrated over-the-top woods lore, tracking or hunting abilities. She’s proficient in Animal Husbandry  (perhaps making her the only character in the history of AD&D to take the Non-weapon Proficiency slot). Maggie’s Chaotic Good alignment comes from her overall desire to do “right,” but an omnipresent selfishness gives her a chaotic streak that may in fact force her into either dual-classing to Fighter or Thief, or worse, simply losing her Ranger Status.

Jimmy – 3^rd Ranger, Chaotic Good

Chaotic Good is in my opinion the most common alignment in the world. It allows a character the comfort of civilization while enabling them to see to their own various worldviews, vendettas, opinions and beliefs. So, with less than 30 lines from Jimmy, we’re going to assign him the alignment of Chaotic Good. He’s bordering on making a change – his willingness to defy Hershel and assist Rick and his bunch implies knowledge and understanding of a “greater need” for good and community. Jimmy might switch over to Lawful Good by the end of Season 2. His weapon skills aren’t remarkable, but he’s alive, and hasn’t been branded a liability, so that counts for something. Ranger is appropriate due to his background and location on Hershel’s farm. Though the jury is still out – many of the folks in Hershel’s group seem to be in the mix for body count.

Patricia – 1^st Cleric, True Neutral

Patricia is Otis’ wife. She’s a dramatic addition, a reminder and downer all at once. She assists Hershel with the healing and first aid needs of the group, yet offers little else aside from chicken broth and maybe a Cure Light Wounds once per day. Her sadness at the loss of Otis will of course change her character. She now walks a dangerous path as True Neutral Character. Many Fighter-class players will argue that True Neutral is the most useful of alignments, enabling the character to willfully and even cheerfully take any action necessary to survive. They are incorrect – the alignment they are talking about is Chaotic Evil – the true Sociopath. Patricia knows her own lack of power and influence – Otis was her anchor and protector. She lacks real influence with Hershel and is a member of the community now only because of Hershel’s twisted views on charity, community and of course, life and death. Patricia may easily find herself becoming Chaotic Evil just to survive, or embracing Hershel’s worldview completely and adjusting her alignment to Lawful Evil. She might also make a complete moral recovery and shift to Neutral Good or even Lawful Good (mothers and wives tend to value life a little too much to stop for long as Chaotic Good).

Obviously what this group is missing is a 5^th Mage. A 5d6 Fireball would go a long way in the Zombie Apocalypse. There’s always next season.

If you enjoyed this you might also like The Problem With Undead, Zombies Again and A Good Night for Zombies

Check out this book review I wrote for Spectacle Publishing Media Group of Chris R. Knutson’s book, Hundredrom: Dream of the Hid-Folk!

Check this out: the complete thoughts of Eric on the topic of the Anti-Hero! Special thanks to http://www.puretextuality.com for the opportunity!

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(excerpt from a piece I wrote for Spectacle Publishing Media Group)

Since it’s the season for horror writing (though I think true Zombie aficionados are always alert and wary for the possibility of an undead uprising, regardless of the time of year) I thought it’d be a good time to talk about a tidal wave of a trend in fiction. I’m guessing if you’re any sort of Zombie fan, you’ve read The Zombie Survival Guide and World War Z by Max Brooks. These two books, so well researched and cleverly assembled helped to make the concept of a species-ending epidemic or plague, very real, bringing them close to home at the same time, viewing such terrific events from a cool and clinical perspective. This perspective added a level of plausibility that the genre had lacked before. Max Brooks two books are clear, concise, informative and not the blood-spattered, hysterical screaming gore fests many of us have come to associate with the genre… (read the rest at www.spectaclepmg.com)

The message was clear to all who laid eyes upon it: this is a fortress. Squatting grimly upon a bluff, the unnecessarily high walls were barriers for the wandering eye. Those few towers that did peak over the crenelated ramparts were silky smooth and topped with watchful eyes.

As is wont to do, a town grew up in the shadow of this stone monstrosity. As ages piled atop one another like the very stone skin of the great keep in question, the peasants wondered. Rumors started in taverns and inns, wherever the bored and weary gathered to officially let their unoccupied minds wander. One voice claimed it was a holy site, built in the days when the world was young and man was close to his creators. Secrets, said he, were laid to rest inside those stout walls, secrets men shouldn’t know, and daren’t seek after.

Still others called it evil, the last stronghold of a foul-minded demonologist, some perverse librarian with a predilection for parleying with ominous powers and malicious intellects from worlds beyond.

None of these, of course, was right. I know, because I’ve been inside those aching grey walls. I’ve strolled along the ancient corridors and inhaled the soothing dust of centuries. Yes, I’ve seen what’s inside, though I must admit the personal cost was significantly higher than I’d anticipated…

Sharin’ a link!

They were exhausted. Their once fine shirts, silk and golden traceries, were shredded and dirty, filthy with sweat and blood. They sat on the cold, worn stone steps, now slick with blood. Steam rose from the gore, tainting the fall morning air. At the base of the wide and winding stair lay a scrum of bodies, corpses of men-at-arms, peasants and nobles alike.

Of the two men sitting atop the stair, one was a horseman, the Baron of D’liesse. His warhorse, a roan he called Thunder, had been killed days ago by a volley of quarrels from archers in hiding. The Baron was of medium build and wore his jet hair short. Normally considered handsome, his face was a motley collection of scars and bruises, jagged tears of soft flesh, and deeper lacerations he’d hand stitched in the brief respite moments not unlike this one.

The Baron’s companion was a scribe, a historian and archivist, raised in the Great Temple-Libraries far to the south. His skin was golden by nature and his eyes dark, like his hair. The scribe was called Masuria, which meant collector in his native tongue. He too, could have been considered handsome by his civilizations standards, were it not for the bandage around his head, his split lip, and both blackened eyes.

Neither man said a word as they sat. The fall air was brisk, but a welcome relief after their seemingly endless exertions. Both had their backs to the heavy iron bound double doors of the temple called God’s Rest.

Drums beat in the distance, shushing the cautiously chirping morning birds, sending them fluttering in the sky.

“Again?” the Baron asked wearily.

“So it seems, Baron.”

The Baron took a deep pained breath. “Let just rest a bit here. They’ll come soon enough.”

The scribe, Masuria, just nodded his head.

“We had a good accounting for our selves.”

“That we did, Baron.”

“Look there.” The Baron pointed to a corpse some ten feet down the steps, still oozing rapidly freezing blood.

“Your Lordship?” Masuria turned his neck with a grimace.

“That man. There. The yellow tabard and blonde beard.”

“I see him, Baron.” The scribe nodded slowly as he spoke.

“I do believe that’s Alfrieg of Millor.”

The scribe nodded. “Indeed, I do believe it is.”

“Well, he was a cousin!” The Baron shook his head. “This has been some nasty business. Nasty indeed.”

“Agreed, Baron. I wonder how the armies fared?”

“I can see smoke in that direction, a lot of it. More than just a flag from horse.”

The scribe nodded. He understood all too well what that smoke meant to the town besieged.

“My God! That there!” The Baron flung his right glove down the steps, it landed next to man who’d been run through and brained by a heavy flanged mace, not necessarily in that order. “That’s the Viscount of Bellanor’s son!”

“Are you sure?” The scribe, despite himself, was somewhat flummoxed at the thought of dying in such prestigious company.

“Sure as sure. He used to fancy my sister and pay these gruelingly awkward visits to my family’s estates.”

“Then it’s a shame things came to this. He might have been your brother in law. And an ally.”

“’Tis true, but I never liked him much. He was hesher, through and through.”

“A hesher, Baron?”

“A mouth breather, scribe. He had no sense of how to comport himself in the company of his peers and betters.”

Masuria frowned inwardly. He’d dispatched easily fifteen or twenty invaders, defending this holy place. Though not a swordsman by trade, he was a quick study and found that his desire not to die in a horrible and messy way aided his technique significantly.

“Up, up, lad.” The Baron stood, slowly, working his stiff shoulders and knees as he stood. He groaned and raised his gore-covered saber. So tired was he that he’d neglected to wipe it clean after their last skirmish. “They’re coming again. Third?”

“Fourth wave, Baron.” Masuria stood and stretched likewise, taking a deep breath to try to still his quivering hands.

The sun was a flaring yellow-white, spearing its first few rays over the nearby hills, the eye-stinging shafts shot straight through the palisades of naked trees on the bluff. Moody clouds slid around above, splotches of grey and off-white.

The sound of boots and jangling armors rose up between the rumbling drums. Masuria and the Baron assume their stance and made ready to hold the curving staircase as long as they could. Resting on the carved stone banister next to them were two flint-lock pistols each.

The Duke of Geoffre led this next charge, supported by twenty quick-footed dragoons, who’d long ago expended their ammunition and lost their mounts. The Baron and Masuria drew their first pistol, each shooting a dragoon square in the chest. The shots punched right through the brittle breastplates of the dragoons and the men tumbled backwards, sending a handful of their compatriots sprawling. Upon seeing this indelicacy on the part of their enemy, the Baron and Masuria rushed forward, sword and drew their second pistol, spearing the men on the ground almost two at a time, and firing their second volley, such as it were, into the men charging towards them, then ran back to the top of the stairs.

“More yellow and green tabards.” Masuria commented, absently, between labored breaths.

“Aye, I noticed.”

Then, at once, the rest of Geoffre’s men, and the Duke himself were upon them. Sabers flitted about and men yelped in pain as the ragged edges of the now worn weapons tore and nipped at their flesh. Here and there, the scribe would thrust through an opponents leg and as he buckled, kick him down the gore and filth covered staircase. The Baron, for his part, was a trained soldier and relished the moment as only a superior swordsman, who is proving it to the world, could.

“Twist the blade when you land a good thrust.” The Baron said as he easily dispatched another dragoon, scouring out the man’s eye, and holing his brain with a rapid thrust.

“W-what? Why?” The scribe was struggling to hold his own, thankfully, the Baron was still wearing his colors and was not only seen a more dangerous target, but a better prize.

“The screaming will scare the piss out of the next charge.”

So, the scribe named Masuria began incorporate a little twist with each solid thrust, eliciting a scream of agony from each of his victims.

Finally, Geoffre himself stood toe-to-toe with the Baron.

“Warren, Baron of D’liesse, I presume?”

The Baron tilted his head and saluted with his dripping blade, flinging tissue and blood onto Geoffre’s spotless tabard, leaving a splotchy, jagged line from shoulder to hip. Geoffre frowned.

“Are you ready?” Geoffre raised his sword.

Masuria shot Geoffre in the face, who crumpled and spilled across the stairs like a torn sack of potatoes.

The Baron nodded and slid down to a seated position, as did Masuria. The morning was getting old, the winds unheard and the scent of so many freshly slaughtered corpses began to rise up, clinging to clothing and circling the nostrils of the two men.

“How much longer can this go on?” the Baron asked, rasping.

“Surely not much longer, Baron. Reinforcements for us or them must arrive.”

“Might I asked you, how a scribe so vicious and without ruth might have come to be one of the last defenders of God’s Rest?”

Masurai shrugged and reloaded his flint-locks. “Bad luck, really. I was just passing through. Delivering letters, really, when the whole countryside lit up with cannon and flame. I even think I saw a caster!”

“Bah! More like one of Gildenhern’s lords run awry.”

“What about you, Baron? Is it your holy duty to defend the Spire of God?”

“Me? No. I’m an atheist.”

The scribe was shocked, but clearly too tired to demonstrate his emotions using his body or face.

“But, then, why aren’t you fighting on the other side? Aren’t Gildenhern and his lot always on about the Truth of Man?”

“Yes, that’s right. They espouse a belief in mankind’s own freewill, our reliance upon one another.”

“And you think they’re wrong?”

The Baron laughed heartily, which rolled into a coughing fit. His face crunched up as he coughed, and a splatter of blood colored the back of his hand. He looked down at a wound in his torso and shook his head.

“No, scribe, they killed my horse.”