I, Vlad Tenegrez, was chosen to represent an unknown brotherhood formed by a handful of the new First Ones.
In search of a land where my kin might settle and prosper, we journeyed across the continent, surveying its domains and seeking whatever opportunity the Gods might place upon our path.
Yet the lands were heavily guarded, each for reasons unknown to us, and nowhere could we find a place to call our own. We wandered for some time, until word reached us of the fall of a Custodian administrator in the southern reaches.
We waited, watching closely for what would follow.
It was then that the Kingdom of Ascalon laid claim to those lands despite the authority held by those very same custodians.
Seeing an opportunity, I approached the southern kingdom in good faith, hoping that we might settle nearby and forge a bond of friendship with our new neighbors.
Yet our words fell upon deaf ears. We were ignored and before long our small holding, including Gliwik, was overrun by their forces.
We had scarcely an army to speak of. Apart from a few men whom the Custodians had left to fend for themselves.
I had sworn upon my honor that I would find a home for my companions and in this, I had failed. Though I could not fulfill the oath I had given them, I at least ensured that my friends would not be left without hope. I saw to it that they could take to the sea, seeking new lands and new fortunes while remaining upon the continent.
But my few personal retainers were starving and desperation leaves little room for honor or reason.
With no other path before me, I ordered my men into battle against Baldwin Le Clerc and Edelmir Harcourt, hoping that I might meet my death upon the battlefield and pay the price for my failure.
The Gods, however, had other designs.
I was captured.
Yet, perhaps because I was judged to be of little consequence and posed no threat, I was eventually quickly released.
Released alive was no comfort.
A man may endure hunger, defeat and even captivity but to live knowing that he has broken his oath is a burden...I can no longer bear.
Thus, I have resolved to end my days.
Let none blame my companions for my fate, for they followed me faithfully and I alone bear the weight of my failure.
To my cousin, Emma Tenegrez, wherever the winds of fate may have carried her: I leave this duty to you. May you succeed where I could not and may you find a home for our kin where I failed to do so.
May the Gods forgive my transgression, remember the oath I swore and grant my soul the peace I could not find in life.
Vlad Tenegrez