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Throughout the Realms, mothers tell tall tales of gallantry to their sleepy children.
One such tale told in many realms, primarily Apex, is that of Karawir The Dragonslayer. It is common knowledge that Karawir came from a poor home nestled in a rural branch town far from the hive that is Apex. At an early age, he showed compassion for those souls poorer still around him. Earning his keep wherever he could, just to give it all away at days end. The tales tell of this child growing to become the apprentice of a brave paladin, his name lost to history. The paladin taught Karawir the ways of justice and mercy. They were inseparable, helping rid that land of monsters and beasts no man had ever bested. It didn't last forever. On one fateful day, Karawir's little town was set ablaze by a giant red dragon. Karawir and the paladin rushed to the towns aid, fighting the dragon in bloody melee for 3 days and 3 nights. The dawn of the 4th day saw the dragon slain, but not without great cost. The paladin was struck a mortal blow and lay amidst the burning fields as Karawir pleaded to the gods for mercy. The paladin told Karawir in his final words, "Cry not for me my humble squire, rid the world of such vile destruction, make sure no more innocents suffer such fates as ours. I go now, the gods seduce me from this mortal coil. Fare thee well my child." With those words Karawir took up his famous spear and made it his mission in life to hunt down the dreaded dragons, making sure no one would have to suffer as he once did.
But that is just a tale...
Not much is known about the real Karawir, save for what could be recovered from a lucky interview. The rest of it was unfortunately lost in a fire, ironically caused by dragonfire.
"-ries, but is there any truth to them? Were you raised by a paladin? Did you give to the poor?"
"Those are just tales, things people make up over the years y'know? There was a paladin at one point, but he was nothing like the tale. He was drunken brute, and a mean one at that. Did I give to the poor? No. Not that I wouldn't, but I never had to. I kill dragons, and what do dragons hoard? Gold. There was always enough to go around."
"And what about the town? Are you actually from Apex?"
"That much is at least true, I'll admit. But I'm not even full human-"
He takes off his helmet, revealing slightly smaller than average pointed ears.
"-see? Half-elf by design."
"The giant red dragon? Real or story?"
His ambivalent tone and demeanor go to one of sorrow and regret.
"Yes, that part is all too real, and the paladin died that day. But he was not the only one...You know some people say that you only find love once...I saw that day what they meant..."
He stands and dons his iconic helmet.
"I must go, I hope your curiosity was sated. There are things that need doing and the realm won't save itself."
There are conflicting reports from multiple sources that claim Karawir died long ago, that he is merely the specter of his former self and other outlandish things.
One thing is certain however:
Karawir's tale dates back thousands of years.
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