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| History of Karameikos #1 |
The Song of Halav
The Song of Halav verbally recounts the early years of the Traldar people. Originally passed down through village priests and wandering bards, it purports to be the official history of Traladara (now Karameikos). Many Thyatian scholars have noted that the legend was not commited to writing until over 1000 years after the events supposedly took place and that much of the song appears to be metaphorical, at best, by modern standards. Regardless, the tale is very popular among the population, especially Traladarans...
"In ancient times, the Immortals created a forest home for the Traldar people. The Traldar lived happy, simple
lives. They fished and hunted, sported with one another and offered praise to the Immortals."
"But their happiness was not destined to last forever. A race of evil beast-men was marching from the far west toward Traldar lands, in search of treasure, prisoners and a more hospitable home."
"The Immortals, realizing that the Traldar were not prepared for this threat, descended to the village of Lavv to find clever youths to teach them secrets they could use to defeat the beast-men."
"They visited Halav Red-Hair, a maker of stone-knives, and taught him to forge armor and weapons of bronze. They also taught him the art of the sword and the strategy of warfare."
"They visted Petra, a maker of pottery, and taught her the art of medicine, the craft of the potter's wheel, and the use of the loom."
"They visted Zirchev, a huntsman, and taught him to tame and ride and fight from horses. They also showed him how to walk silent as the cat, swim as the fish and see as the hawk."
"Halav, Petra and Zirchev went to the people of Lavv and warned them of the threat of the best-men. But the king of Lavv only laughed and tried to drive the trio away. Halav, using the bronze sword given to him by the Immortals, slew the king and assumed the crown."
"In the years that followed, King Halav, Queen Petra and the Huntsman Zirchev taught their secrets to the people of Lavv. They also united all of the Traldar villages in a common cause. Soon villages grew into mighty cities and Halav was renowned for his fairness and wisdom."
"Eventually, the beast-men hordes arrived in Traldar lands, attacking in seemingly endless waves. But the Traldar stood strong. The immovable object held against the irresistable force."
"Finally, King Halav met the beast-man king on the battlefield and it was decided that the war would be decided there. The final battle raged from dawn until noon, both kings growing so tired each could barely lift his weapon. Each was resolute and unconquerable and sure the other would fall."
"Both proved right: King Halav and the beast-man king perished upon one another's weapons. Their armies then looked upon one another. The beast-men were fearful, for they had just lost their leader; but the Traldar were inspired, for their King had made the ultimate sacrifice for their survival."
"The beast-men fled Traldar lands in disarray. Queen Petra and Zirchev then took up Halav's body and returned home to Lavv. Great was the lamentation among the Traldar people, but during the ritual burning of the King's body, the Immortals spirited Halav, Petra and Zirchev away to join them in Pandius..."
