Champion of Irum

"Jints Journal"

Day 19

After much negotiation and repeated appearances in the Irum forum, the assembly have finally permitted me 300 days to observe and document their secretive training rituals. The first time an outsider has been approved to enter the Irum training grounds in over 400 years. The excitement is overwhelming, must be careful not to squander this gift.

Day 21

Truly fascinating. Spent today researching the Combat Arena. Inspite of my initial reservations based on its title, it revealed itself to be a beautiful Irums firm mastery of all arms illustrates they view combat as an art, to be sculpted by individuals into something wonderful. The very fabric of their society hinges on strength and aggression as everyday they strive to prove themselves worthy of membership to their chosen clan. Such discipline, the Shadow Army must fear what these Champions are capable of.

Day 23

This afternoon I was escorted the Recovery Area, something akin to the Grand Hospital in Layar. Extensive texts and paintings have been collected highlighting the techniques and innovations the Irum employ. The constant stream of casualties has undoubtedly attributed to the rapid progress in medical technology. This information will help treat the now mounting casualties of the Shadow War. Perhaps some good can come from all this senseless violence.

Day 24

I discovered Irum training begins when the child is only 4. They compete in an arena where instructors assess each child's performance. A proud day for every Irum Parent. Based on the grade assigned they progress into specialised classes. No child left out, they simply move where specific weaknesses can be supported. In this way all Irum work together to better the group. Should the rest of Balor train as the Irum do, the Shadow Army would be wiped from Balor in a matter of months.

Day 29

A group of or Irum started The Gauntlet, the final test before an Irum New Blood becomes an Irum Champion, and I was allowed to watch. It was unbelievable. A grueling 5 day assault course testing every physical element an individual poses, followed by direct combat with a with a series of beasts. Should they pass (often they don't), they are then appraised at length by the Council of Irum and subjected to a series of mental challenges. Only once all these tests has been completed would an Irum choose their clan and have their trademark shield cast. Each engraved with the clans emblem and Irum montra "I will return with my shield... or on it..."

Day 53

These people are magnificent. Having spent nearly a cycle in their presence, I now struggle to understand how we could live another way. Victory over the Shadow Army is no longer a distant fantasy. I wonder, is it coincidence the Shadow Army has not invaded Irum territory, or have they sensed their strength and chosen weaker targets?

Day 83

Stumbled across an awful truth while training. As we ran past the youth camp I witnessed an 8 year old child being executed. In shock I tried running to his aid, but was easily restrained. An Irum child must reach New Blood status by their 8th birthday. Failure to do this brings dishonor to their bloodline. Under Irum law the parents must then take the childs life publicly. Seems the Irum not only don't tolerate weakness, they actively snuff it out. What kind of creature could do this to their own flesh and blood?

Day 102

The beauty initially experienced has now been marred by reality. Clan rivalries create a constant tension as each vie for dominance. When the top clan in overthrown, its junior members are traded as slaves, while its senior members are executed. Such bloody cou's have taken place several times over the past few years and I pray I'm not here for the next.

Day 118

The shadow attacked Beltair, a small encampment west of Derun. I witnessed it. Creatures beyond the fathom of imagination. Behemoths, Gargoyles, Wulven and a host of other monsters assaulted the Baltairians without notice, and were defeated. Conflict swirls in my head. The Irum won, but showed a ferocity even the shadow don't poses. To beat a monster is it right to become a monster?

Day 150

Retaliating for the assault on Beltair. The 30 day siege of Au'Thi, a shadow city in the realm of Xire, has shown the determination of the Irum people is their greatest strength, and their greatest flaw. Refusing to retreat, countless Champions of Irum gave their lives to conquer a strategically insignificant piece of dirt. Fighting like animals, they engaged the horde, destroying everything in sight. I realise today what it will take to beat the Shadow Army. Turning people into beasts is a heavy price. Are the Irum any better than the Shadow? Or are they fighting for the same mistress?