A lone Monk sits at his bedraggled wooden desk. Situated on the north wall of his bed chambers he can look out his window and just make out the wild lands that lay over the northern city wall. A single candle light flickers, creating eerie yet somehow comforting shadows on the stone walls. He dips his quill into the ink pot and begins writing....
'Tis Memoirs of Lux,
It is difficult for me to remember much of my childhood. My best guess is that I have locked those memories out of my mind forever. 'Tis a sad thing, for a child's memories are the foundation on which he stands. I do know this... My mother was not around much, my brothers and I were left to take care of each other. She spent most of her time inside the Moorgate city walls...how shall I put this... "entertaining" men of all races and creeds. She was a beautiful woman, but full of anger and bitter to the core for what had become of her life. Many nights I lay awake awaiting her return, resolved to tell her that her life had been her choice and that if she truly wanted to change it, we as a family, would make that happen. Alas, young as I was, I could never bring myself to make this confrontation a reality ... and with that shame I live the rest of my days.

My father was, I am told, a brave warrior. Who fought valiantly for the safety and well being of all citizens of Cosrin. However I am inclined to think perhaps he was one of mother's ... ummmmm ... clients.

My brothers and I set out at a very early age trying to make sense of this life. The four of us heading out in search of meaning and purpose. I cannot speak for my brothers, for I know not what has become of them. I only know what became of myself.

After wondering the lands of Cosrin, I stumbled upon a small unassuming stone building. Seeking a warm meal and perhaps some safety from the dangers of a 14 year old traveling alone, I pulled the single rope that hung outside. A small door opened high above and a voice quietly spoke "May I be of service my child?".

I lived with the Brothers of the Banned for the next 4 years. My dirty face washed, my torn clothing replaced by a simple robe. For the first time in my short life I felt loved and I felt safe. All the Brothers around me spent their days in prayer, meditation and training in the ancient fighting disciplines know as Martial Arts. But I, the youngest lad inside the walls, spend my days digging potatoes and drawing water, dreaming of the day when I
would be allowed to join my mentors in their quest for oneness of spirit and body.

I peeled so many potatoes over three years time I do believe I began to grow sprouts myself [chuckles to himself], then one day Master Sensei Tandon (my guardian) took me into his chambers.

Sensei Tandon: My Brother Lux.

Lux: <bowing very low> Master Sensei Tandon. May I ask a question of thee?

Sensei Tandon: Of course Brother.

Lux: Sensei, you have to this point always called me Son. Have I brought you displeasure?

Sensei Tandon: <gives a hearty laugh and hugs Lux> Oh my Brother do you truly not understand the last three years of your life?

Lux: I am shamed to say that perhaps I do not.

Sensei Tandon: Brother Lux. You have spent your time here in humble servitude. That is the first, hardest learned and most important lesson in the life of a Monk. I bring you here, into my chambers for the first time today. This is the room where all of our family have come after their time at the potato plow to be given the choice.

Lux: Choice Sensei?

Sensei Tandon: Lux, the time has come for you to choose your path. I will offer you as a full Brother of the Banned at dinner this eve. Or with a heavy heart I must ask you to find your true path elsewhere. You have reached a crossroads in your life, a path must be chosen, for if you sit and ponder the options for too long your spirit will parish like that of a grape left too long on the vine.

Lux: <tears streaming down his face> Master Sensei Tandon. I have awaited this day for three long years. I do not feel worthy of the honor you have chosen to bestow, but with a grateful heart I accept. <drops to one knee to bow to Sensei Tandon>

Sensei Tandon: <lifts Lux from the floor> Please, we are no longer father and son, we are brothers. <grabs Lux in a massive hug> From this day forward you will be known as Lux, Brother of the Banned. However there is one other thing. I want you to enter the City of Moorgate and seek out the Monks Guild. There you will find a greater purpose to your life than is possible here. It makes my heart heavy to set you this task. But it must be so.

Lux: Then I will accept my task with great pride father. <tears streaming down both mens faces>

Sensei Tandon: Thank you son...and know that I am proud of you.

I left the Brothers of the Banned and set out for Moorgate. Upon my arrival I was greeted by Dandy. Then Monk GM. Dandy guided me through the training and spent much of his time making sure that I had what was needed to become a member of the guild that I now serve. I will forever be grateful to Dandy. My Brothers in this guild are some of the finest men and women in all of Cosrin and I count myself blessed to be here with them.

Lux takes one last look over the northern wall into the darkness. Pushes his chair from the desk, stands and extinguishes the lone candle.