Helm, The Watcher By Naradin He’ami

The first page of this book is a large but simple illustration of an upright gauntlet with a blue eye in the center of the palm.

Our enemies are numerous out there in the dark. I think about them from time to time, their ultimately twisted ways, and how darkness is bred or even woven throughout their very natures. Creatures that enslave, destroy, or simply devour as a way of existence. Were it possible, I would see them all destroyed so utterly that whatever evil survived in this world would only speak of them in fearful whispers.

Sadly, it is not. We must be satisfied to be as an insect, stinging a much greater force than ourselves. I do not doubt that Sanctuary can survive the very worst with how the Watcher looks over us, but I also believe that with great efforts on our own parts, we can prevent much of the suffering that we would otherwise endure at the hands of these fiends.

Do you believe that life sacrificed in the name of Sanctuary would be in vain? The Watcher looks to us. How else can you explain how our defenders could hold back not only an army of Formians but also the mummified fire giant that led them? This was not done without sacrifice, but through the Watcher’s guidance, we were able to circumvent much of the damage that would have been done. Call out to Helm, for he alone will always stand beside you in the darkest peril, and when the time comes to pass on from this world, receive you.

I was once a wanderer in the darkness, as are those who can only find a moment’s contentment in this world. I can look back on my life on the surface and smile to myself, for they were good years. I will never forget the wine, maidens, and song that brought me a small happiness, but it was an incomplete one. I sought these goods in better quality to fill that void, but it was not until I fell into the clutches of unspeakable evil that I ultimately found what I had sought.

I was once a slave to the Drow. My story is not unique, nor my suffering, but what I gained from it is. I despaired, at first, as many do at such a plight, but a young human brought me comfort in that darkness. He consoled me, and spoke of a god and faith that was selfless against overwhelming odds. Even in this abyss, a being that would live only a fraction of my life had become infinitely wiser than I ever could have been. Helm brought him such comfort and joy that he never despaired in that place, and when our moment came to make our escape, he sacrificed himself so that we might live free.

I will never forget you Patrick Roderick.

I have met many individuals who accumulate for their own sakes, but I know this to be folly. Strength for its own sake is incomplete. Power, for its own sake, incomplete. Wealth, for the joys that one gains merely by having it in excess, is incomplete. We can only truly temper ourselves when we do it for a cause greater than ourselves. Coin, can only truly bring happiness, when its benefit is shared with those around us.

I wish to thank all those who have defended and died for a better Sanctuary, and even more so, for all to give thanks to these individuals. May Helm receive them well.