So, you would have me tell you about myself? It's no great legend, but it's worthy of bar-chat. Let me get you another drink.

Comfortable? Good, then...

It goes without saying, I'm sure, that I was born in the Kerran city of Shar Vahl. The great blue orb of Norrath shone brightly on my mother and I as she nursed me. My father was unable to be present for my birth, as his duties within the ranks of the Khati Sha kept him far from his home and family in service to the King. In the great acylia-walled city, there is not a grea tneed for the father to be present for fatherly mentoring to happen. Many fine Vah Shir make their ways and means above the Pit, and I was never without want of kits to play with or trouble for which to be reprimanded!

Once again, the story comes back to my father. I was fast approaching the age at which adolescents normally begin their training, and Father sat me down at our table to discuss it with me.

"Empere, your life is not getting shorter," he said. "Have you given thought to how you will make your way in these worlds? All of Luclin and Norrath will come to know your name regardless of your path, but you must begin this journey soon, my son." He smiled at me and leaned back in his chair.

"Papa, there has never been a doubt in my mind as to my desires." I beckoned my father's tiger-spirit to me and listened to her purr as I scratched betwen her ears. "For you see," I continued, "I could never hope to be anything more or less than the faithful son of my father and my ancestors."

I felt warmed within, as my father's smile opened up to the fierce, toothy grin of a proud Kerran. "Ah, my boy. I know you will make our family proud!" His eyes narrowed, the laughter evident in his face, and the edged closer to the table, "But Empere, I've never heard you sing! How could you suppose to be a Bard!?"

We had a good laugh, and I sighed. "Come now father!! Were I to choose the Barding way I'd no doubt peel the leaves from all the plants in the thicket!! Let me put it plainly. I will go today to the Castle, and speak there with Master Poren. I will ask of him to induct me as a member of the King's forces as the son of the greatest Primal Lord since Yekan, or even Khati Sha himself!!"

My father spluttered, the joke having been turned neatly about on him, and a warning hand raised while he chuckled.

"Child with a mouth like that I wouldn't be surprised if he kicked you in the codpiece and turned you out like moldy fruit! But I am honored that you would say such things to my General and Master. Poren is not known for his sense of humor, unless he's has some wine. Wait until then to tell that joke again, if you don't mind."

"Of course, father. I'm glad your own mirth is hereditary!!"

After that discussion, my family walked with me to the sprawling home of King Kerrath. My father introduced me before His Majesty and I swore my oath of fealty unto him. Kerrath is a very quiet man, and I wasn't certain at first if he perhaps begrudged my father in some way. All these things flew through my mind in a flash, and I found myself sweating at attention as his eyes looked me over. My father clapped me on the shoulder, and after my pledge was spoken, I was led to the office of the master Animists.

"Captain Staticlaws!! Finally I see your progeny before me! Seems a very short time ago I was speaking with your own father about your suitability for the Order. Thankfully my misgivings were unfounded in your case!!" He glanced at my mother and raised an eyebrow, "And you've been good to my niece, haven't you, Captain?"

My mother actually laughed aloud as my father and I blinked in surprise. I spoke into father's ear, "I thought you said his humor was, you know, lacking?"

My father's eyes shot wide as Poren, evidently still of excellent hearing despite his age, fixed a feral grin on his Captain. "Staticlaws!! Have you been telling your son I'm some joyless old cat? Surely, your practical joking will be your end one of these days, Captain!" He stepped from his position, grasping my hand and leading me around to the other great Vah Shir in the room, introducing me to each as the newest recruit of the Khati Sha.

And so it was. Another ale on me!!

~ Empere Staticlaws