It has been said that the easiest way to begin, is at the beginning. So here it is...the past, my past, and what it means when I say, "I am a ?hadowknight."

Seven Hundred and Ninety years ago, a man by the name of Asmodius Stormbender brought his world of N?blis crashing to it's knees. Asmodius was a charismatic leader, shunned by his people for following the path of ?hadow. The man began to drive his way of life into the hearts and minds of the people he knew, and eventually gathered together a following he called the ?hadowknights. Asmodius was a physically imposing man, standing almost seven feet tall and built well beyond normal human comprehension. He weilded an enormous two handed sword, but the most frightening thing about him was the combative magic he held in the tips of his fingers. That magic, coupled with his size and brute strength won the first few battles they faced.

In time, the ?hadowknights grew larger. The thunder of their marching into battle was enough to scare most off the battle field, and the few that chose to stay were so hidiously destroyed that it drove the survivors, those that chose to run, into madness, most so severe that they were slain by their loved ones, or killed themselves. The ground shook beneath their feet and battle was a way of life. Sometimes they would walk into battle two or three times in a week. And always they prevailed, leaving a trail of blood and gore in their wake.

Six Generals stood by Asmodius's side, They were the only men that he trusted and let his guard down around. He held their confidance close to his heart and the seven men were bound to one another by oaths that went deeper then blood ever could. The Generals were named Thegrin Hell?oul, Steel Widdowmaker, Evan Valor, Darian Deathblade, Saris SoulBinder and Kharn Bloodknight. Each man held a place in their Commander's heart, all of them being among the original ?hadowknights. Each General was charged with a division, a seperate branch of the whole. Together, the seven men were immortal, unstoppable by any man or woman in N?blis.

Then early one bitter winter 'morn, while the seven were talking over a map in Asmodius's tent, betrayal struck. Suddenly and without warning, Asmodius cryed out and slumped forward on the table, his blood spilling out across their map. Turning, the five men saw Thegrin Hell?oul wipe a long dagger off on his sleeve, a smirk sliding across his lips. With a snarl of rage, Darian Deathblade ripped his black bladed katana from it's saya and plunged it deeply into Thegrin's chest, uttering words that tore
his soul from his body and bound it to the steel of his sword. Darian etched runes across the blade that would bind the assassin to the steel for an eternity, everytime a life was taken by the sword, his soul would feel it a thousand times. Darian named the blade "Hell?oul", and passed it on to his child, Drorian.

The five Generals, fearing a swift rebutal by the forces in N?blis, took their divisions and went into hiding. As far as the people of the land knew, Asmodius was killed and his minions were claimed back to hell along with him. The five men kept in close contact and a loose organization was formed. Darian broke the ?hadowknights into five houses, House Deathblade, House Valor, House SoulBinder, House Widdowmaker and House Bloodknight. Eventually, they made their way to other planes where once again the thunder of their feet would cause grown men to wet themselves, and mothers would use the name '?hadowknight' to scare their children into obedience...