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Posted on behalf of Skrayper

The History of Darius Kord

Darius grew up in one of the more prestigious homes of the Dwarven Kingdom. The 2nd of 5 children, Darius knew many responsibilities around the hearth and home. Most of the time, even as a child, he was a mediator, his personality quickly defusing the hostile personalities of his fellow dwarves. His father, also a diplomat, saw great promise in him and his abilities. His mother, a hearth cleric, sought to instill a strong devotion to her faith in their children, and also saw potential in Darius. She pushed forward his training in religious training, hoping one day Darius would follow in her footsteps instead.

Darius was much more inclined towards his father's work than his mother's. His father taught him the subtleties of dwarven diplomacy, which to other cultures was an oxymoron. Darius was an apt pupil, and began at an early age to mediate disputes between other dwarven households. The Council of Thanes were impressed with his abilities, and asked that he come in to mediate a trade agreement with a large city of gnomes nearby that had eluded the other diplomats. Darius agreed.

Darius spent several months with the gnomes, learning from them as well as constantly relaying messages back and forth with the dwarves to broker a better deal. After the first, large trade
agreement was found beneficial to both sides in about a month, Darius stayed on the remaining months to broker smaller agreements and treaties between gnomish families, and between the gnomes and smaller dwarven groups. The gnomes began to teach Darius many things, even their ability to speak with stone (his dwarven heritage making it possible, though much more difficult). However, he was nearly done when a messenger had arrived to bring him terrible news… his mother was deathly ill.

Darius returned home post-haste. His father was there to greet him, and Darius walked in to find all of his siblings there waiting on them. His older brother, a soldier within the dwarven
army; his twin sister, a cleric like their mother; his younger brother, a scout for the army (rogue); and his little sister, still too young to venture forth. Darius found her lying in her bed, her breath raspy and shallow.

Darius pledged to her that day that he would be part of the church. He realized he lacked his sister's aptitude for true clerical power and wisdom, and he did not want to abandon his true calling. At the same time, however, he found that he truly wanted to keep his promise to his mother. It was his sister that suggested that he undergo the trial of paladinhood. Darius pondered deeply on the subject, and then proceeded to be tested by High Priest Gimor of the Church of Thor. Darius passed, and was assigned to First Paladin Durok. He learned the art of mount riding, swordplay, and learned to access his powers for the greater good of the dwarven lands.

Soon after Darius finished his training, he was brought before the council of Thanes and asked to be one of the ambassadors sent to the nearby human kingdom, more specifically the county of Margrave. Once he arrived, Darius learned of the problems and signed on, his moral duty and job duties demanding that he assist the humans.

Family Name: Kord
Father's Name: T'darl
Mother's Name: Dera (deceased)
Older Brother: Brin
Twin Sister: Nira
Younger Brother: D'kar
Younger Sister: Minar

Interesting tidbits:
Darius refers to his twin sister as "han-ownad", which translates into "half-spirit". Darius and his sister have joked that she gained more wisdom and intelligence than he did (him being average, her being well above-average in those) but he gained all the charm and physical durability. Neither is incredibly strong (Darius is 12 str) and neither cares for dexterity anyway.

Darius refers to his little sister as "silfar-kahl", or silver stone. Because he once found a small nugget of the silver on his travels, had it affixed to a gold chain, and gave it to her as a birthday present.

Darius finds gnomish culture fascinating.

Darius spent time training in the arts of Trading, Negotiating, Diplomacy, Scribing Contracts, and Etiquette for Dwarves and Gnomes. He's not nearly so familiar with Human or other racial etiquette.

Darius learned much of speaking with the stone, but still requires training to get over the "hump," if you will, and actually be able to accomplish it.