------------- The Braxton Expedition – Ahtwar

Ahtwar, the not so gentle giant. What can I say about him? Ahtwar came from the interior, from the savannas of the southern region of Stygia and the northern reaches of the lands of the Hillikari. As such, his mother was a Hillikari witchdoctor, a powerful and hateful woman who wished nothing more than control of her tribe and power over others. She struck upon an idea and saw it to fruition. She transformed herself and used her magic to locate and ensnare a Meglon Giant, a small one, only 40 feet tall. Her intention was to bear a child, a male child for she had the power to control such things, and use the child once grown to overcome her enemies. She succeeded, at least partially.

Seven months later, she bore a son, a huge baby by human standards, 16# at birth. Only her magic allowed her to survive the birthing, but it left her weak and vulnerable. Her rivals within the tribe, and those fearful of what abomination she was creating, attacked and killed her. Before they could turn on the baby, though, the child’s father came into camp and took the child.

Ahtwar was raised amongst the Meglon Giants, a runt by their standards, barely more than a human. But they soon learned he could go places and do things they couldn’t. Namely, he could act as their envoy to the human tribes of the savanna. He could trade with them and negotiate settlement of dispute without the Meglons having to kill everything in their path. In time, he realized he did not belong with the Giants anymore and left their sometimes cruel ways behind. He began to wander and came west of the Cebu Mountains.

I met Ahtwar first when the expedition formed up and I was introduced to him by Lord Braxton. Seems the good Baron had travelled with the Half-Giant before and knew his worth. As a guide to the interior and a guardian for our camp, there was none better. As a friend, I held him close and knew that what he lacked in compassion and faith, he more than made up for in loyalty, discipline and honor. In battle, he was ferocious. I was thankful that his Sentinel’s code of conduct prevented him from taking advantage of those he was sworn to defend, for to see him aroused to battle was not nearly as frightening as the prospect of seeing him aroused in lust.

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