Many have often asked me why I chose to follow the path that I have, and the answer is not as complicated or grand and fantastical as one might think. You see, as a child, I found myself entranced by the mysteries of those who honed their magical talents in a way that left them prepared for a number of situations. When one can command the very fabric of reality through arcane methods, what would cause them to hone their skills in the practiced form of a Swordmage? Put simply, it is my belief that this particular practice of the arcane is an intricate dance of physical prowess and mental might, affording the practitioner with a range of options that would otherwise be limited by the focused training of a true mage. My fascination comes from the notion that one's body should be just as refined as one's mind, offering an outward showing of one's dedication as one's words and intellect would afford a glimpse into the mental capacity that they posess. To me, it was a simple choice really, for when I enrolled in the academy, I held on to the notion of training in the fascinating art of the blade, and devoted my studies to that area.
As time went on, I found myself enthralled with my choice of study. Using one's skills to defend, rather than destroy was far more appealing, and though I speak no ill towards those who have studied the arcane in other areas, I will say that it is my opinion that when one spends so much time dedicated to studying books and tomes, one loses the ability to progress in other areas, and I for one would rather have my cake and eat it too as they say. I do not feel that my skill is greater as a whole than other practitioners, I merely feel that I have found a way to harmonize one's skills and talents in such a way that I can achieve a greater balance of power.....we've all taken note of the mistakes of the past, and really, I think there is such a thing as too much power for one's own good as there are things that many should not be privy to when it comes to the mysteries of the arcane..for example, the entities that those who fall in the category of warlocks have made pacts with. Many of those beings should never be sought for the sake of power, as most are undecidely underhanded and conniving....
Now that you understand my viewpoint on my particular choice of study, perhaps I can explain what my purpose is. I am a protector....a guardian if you will. I do not use my abilities to inflict pain and harm on another for the sake of gaining power, I use my abilities to aid those who otherwise would never know the kind of blessed life I have led. I have a family who has supported me through every choice I have made, and I have naturally excelled in everything I have applied myself to. The thought of putting myself between someone in need and those that would challenge that persons right to life just seems....right somehow. Now, I'm not saying I would go so far as to recklessly endanger myself, sword drawn and swinging wild...I'm no brute. But, when it comes to a situation where I can be of aid, I will lend my power in defense of another, and my mind will be as sharp as my blade.....point of fact, there are actually no opportunities for me to further advance my talents here in Greystar. I have heard from my father that there are strange occurences in Valaysia....strange energies at work, and even strange tales ranging from goblins in the area, and even Dragons.....quite an opportunity if I do say so myself.
He and I agree on the fact that it will do me good to experience more of the world, and being the loyalist to the Crown that he is, he even suggested that I travel to Valaysia, if for no other reason than to give myself a test of my own abilities and see what aid I can lend to the locals...though I sense he has his own reasons for pointing me in that direction. Father always was a calculated sort, and powerful as he is in the arts of Magi, I'm quite sure he still seeks to further his own influence....and what better way than to have his son become noticed by someone within the Queen's court?
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