ToF4-01-04: The Gathering – A question of destiny: Bald, though youthful and vigorous, Galen stepped forward from the darkness with a casual gait. “What destiny has this Dark Maiden sent you here to fulfill?” Galen questioned again in a more demanding tone as his steel grey eyes scanned the odd trio with a piercing gaze. “She has yet to reveal it to me,” Faeryl confessed. “But I have faith in her will, and welcome what ever challenge she sets before me.” Galen had never heard of drow who serve a good goddess. But few bent on evil would dare walk the streets of Silverymoon, even by night, and he too could sense her natural air of sensuality. “I see,” Galen replied with a cocky smile as his eyes lingered on her alluring figure. “And you,” he turned to Tarl and Aeron, “have the gods set forth a destiny for you as well?” “Not unless it involves a pint of stout!” Tarl shot back in good humor. “Now there’s a destiny I can see fulfilled,” Galen replied with a chuckle. “The Bright Blade Brandished is but a few blocks away,” he continued, turning his eyes back to the beautiful dark elf, “and I would like to hear more of this goddess of good hearted drow.” “Then lead on lad!” Tarl ordered enthusiastically. As the fourth stranger to cross his path that night led them toward a better lit street, Aeron wondered about his question: Was there some greater power at work here? Was this odd collection of strangers meant to meet for some purpose? And if so, what of the elven beauty whose image haunted him still… Would she play a role in this destiny? How arrogant he was, he suddenly realized; to think that there was some great destiny awaiting him just because he wanted to believe that his family had not just been the victims of random, wanton violence. He wanted there to be some greater meaning in their deaths so badly that he cast himself in the role of a hero chosen by fate… How unbelievable vane! Shaking such crazed thoughts from his head, Aeron turned his attentions to his new found companions, who were already several paces ahead, and seemed to be quite comfortable in each other’s company… But all of them failed to notice the shadowy figure that stalked along behind them.” The fourth of five principal characters from “the Table of Five”, a Dungeons & Dragons campaign set in the Silver Marches of the Forgotten Realms. Though he often seems the urban sophisticate, Galen was raised a small farm outside Silverymoon, but was sent to the Lady’s College when his talents for “the Art” became apparent as a teen. A true prodigy, he is driven by an insatiable curiosity, especial for all things magic. Recognizing the responsibility that comes with the power such knowledge brings, Galen, more then any other of the Table of Five, serves the greater good by conscious choice. Robed of his hair by a magical practical joke during his early days at the Lady’s College, Galen’s baldness serves a constant reminder to him that “the Art” can often have unintended consequences. Thus he has a deep respect for the power of magic, and never uses spells casually. A wizard, with some skill as a fighter, Galen’s staff of power is a potent magical arsenal, but it is not the only powerful magic item he possesses.