The Promised

Stories have circulated across Thiatrel for decades of travelers possessing tremendous strength, unparalleled speed, incredible wit, or towering magical prowess. These tales vary from heroic epics to grim stories told to inspire good behavior in children. Many historians decry these myths as mere rumor, inflated and escalated time and time again, while others look upon them as archival records, not to be taken lightly.   One common thread runs between every fable; these prolific figures were each and all chosen by a god, to carry out the deity's will from beyond the Celestial Barricade. This continuity gives credence to the sages that firmly believe these stories, although none have yet to find solid proof of their theory. Amidst the accepted beliefs are that the Promised are gifted divine power, but an immense cost. The shape that this cost takes does not appear consistent however, leading to even further debate and disbelief. Some say the individuals are bound to a location unable to leave its bounds while they live, while some claim the Promised are afflicted by great illness, or physical malady. Others still claim the price of this immense power comes in the slow manifestation of a deity's will, erasing the person the Promised once was.   Documentation of the Promised and their power is few and far between, leading to such great speculation. Arguably the most well documented, and most contended, is the ship captain Norris Addithas. Tales of her great strength and command of storms lead many to believe she is the Promised of Dhalo, especially as the claim often comes from her own mouth. While unafraid to announce to the world that she has been chosen, her incredibly infrequent visits to dry land offer few opportunities for extended study. Many scholars argue that these tall tales are just that, the superstition of sailors and ego of a particularly successful captain. While many speculate to the identities of the Promised, if they are indeed chosen, it seems many of them prefer to remain anonymous, or are content to live outside of the limelight.