Aladuchar - Origins

Betrayed.

Betrayed by my treacherous cur of a brother. My honour and rank have been stripped from me. All my efforts, all that toadying to the assembly - wasted. And yet, I can't help but admire Bhelen's skill in out-playing both my older brother and myself. Truely a stroke of genius.

But I get ahead of myself.

I ran across Trian and Bhelen on the way to the Proving Grounds yesterday. Trian has always believed himself better than me simply by virtue of being the eldest of fathers three children. Today proved no different as he gave me a lecture on "responsibility" and "duty" to our father and how I should be at the feast entertaining our Grey Warden guests before their quest into the Deep Roads. Bah - as if that stuck up pig would know anything about honour.

Trian (far left) lectures me while Bhelen (second left) watches on

After he left, Bhelen delivered a warning to me. He had overheard Trian plotting my assassination!

At first, I could scarce believe it. But then, Trian had always feared my growing honour and glory among the Assembly, always feared that father would make me next in line despite Trian being the eldest. Would he really assassinate me to ensure that father named him next in line? Yes, he would try - and he would fail. My fighting prowess is legendary and I have proven myself in the Proving Grounds on numerous occassions.

And so it was that I ventured into the Deep Roads with my man, Ser Gorim, at my side. Our squad was to venture into the nearby thaig and retrieve the legendary Shield of Aeducan. A simple enough task for a dwarf of my talents. And it was on our return when I found out the true extent of Bhelen's treachery.

We were fully expecting and ready for Trian to show his face. It would have been the perfect time for an ambush - after we had retrieved the shield but before we had returned to father. And, although Trian was indeed waiting for us, he was waiting with empty eyes and an open bladder. He was already dead by the time we found him.

And then who should show up but little Bhelen dragging father along while claiming that Trian and I were arguing. I was speechless. I knew immediately, of course, that the whole thing was a setup by Bhelen. With Trian dead and me dishonoured, Bhelen would be the next in line.

I pleaded my innocence but it was no use. Bhelen had already paid off the members of my squad who all swore that I attacked and murdered Trian. My man, Ser Gorim, tried to tell the truth but alas, with him being my man, his witness was tainted and none believed him.


My traitorous squad

Poor Gorim. Stripped of his knighthood in the warrior caste, he has been exciled from Orzammar to forever wander the lands as casteless. He deserved better.

But then, my situation is not much better. Stripped of all rank and honour, I have been made to walk the Deep Roads and to fight the Darkspawn until the day I die. Considering that all they gave me was one measly sword and the rags on my back, Bhelen probably expected my death would occur in short order.

No, little brother. I do not die easily. Fighting my way through numerous darkspawn, I eventually managed to find Duncan and his team of Grey Wardens. I have joined with them for now but know this little brother - I will be back.

And I will have my revenge.


I start my lonely walk in the Deep Roads armed with naught but a sword



At last, a decent weapon!


Gordon and the Grey Wardens offer me shelter