Ta’aniel
Ta’aniel was the descendant of a long line of Cerulis defenders. His ancestry was rumored to go as far back as the Age of Conflict but that was hearsay at this point. The young Ta’aniel was meant to join the city guard as rise through the ranks like his brothers, but he was more interested in exploration and adventure.
Without a word, he one day left his hometown of Swallows Keep and explored the nearby wilds. He had more than his fair share of combat training but often preferred sneaking his way past raiders and bandits. Narrowly avoiding threats along the way, he found himself deep in the Oreliana Forest to the south of Cerulis.
He came across a small temple, nearly overtaken by nature. There wasn’t much left inside to claim but he a had a keen eye for hiding spots. Along the lower wall he found a loose brick with a small pouch behind. Within the pouch rested two amulets, one of a ruby and one of a sapphire. Though they weren’t a legendary find, it was enough to spur Ta’aniel on in his adventures for many years to come.
His greatest discovery and claim to fame awaited him within the Ruins of Elórhand. Far to the south was the Inéthriul Jungle and at its heart were the Ruins. Braving the dangers of raiders and wildlife, Ta’aniel found his prize. Arcyna was rumored to have blessed a handful of trees with potent flowers with healing properties. One such tree was hidden within the Ruins, but Ta’aniel finally found it. However, he was not alone.
The Goddess, Caelia, was also in search of such a tree and was guided here by Arcyna’s visions. A strange poison had made its way into Lower Cerulis, and the victims were suffering. She confronted Ta’aniel, thinking he was nothing more than another self-serving fortune seeker, but he tried to convince her otherwise. She recognized his name as a somewhat well-known explorer but what he said to her was one of the most admirable things she’s ever heard.
He informed her he had no idea of the poison, and he was merely a seeker of the world, trying to uncover the unknown. He also told her that its best that the tree’s location remain a mystery as the poisoners might try to destroy it or opportunists might try to exploit it. Ta’aniel then broke off a small branch and offered it to the Goddess. Astounded by his selflessness, she offered to take him to Cerulis and reward him.
He became the first Expeditionary Leader of Cerulis and a frequent traveling companion of Caelia. It wasn’t long before the two fell in love and started a family of their own. He fathered the first demigod, Hitendra, and agreed to keep their adopted son’s, Bit, origins a secret. Ta’aniel would eventually fall during one of his expeditions but would be remembered as a shining example of humanity.
