Apostles Lore: Hogràn

HOGRÀN, THE HALF-TROLL ARCHER   by Elhavius

Hogràn was extremely resilient. He spent most of his time exploring or hunting in swamp areas. He had a sulky temper and didn’t enjoy people’s company, he deeply hated Trolls and didn’t really feel like being in Human company either. The only ones he might have enjoyed would have been females, but they were getting so scarce that he had to visit increasingly remote places, quite often with unsatisfactory results at the end of the trip.

Hogràn had set a campfire at the edge of a forest and was recovering from a very long and tiring trip. He was about to slumber, when he heard muffled foot-steps right next to him. Alzeria was standing there, in front of him, her golden hair floating in the evening breeze, her eyes shining with a strange, fire-like glow. Early in the morning, Alzeria and Hogràn shared the product of their hunting and, for a long time, they talked about the problems in Ganareth since the Great Cataclysm had occurred and the Dragons had arrived. They shared many things in common: their love for hunting, long walks and solitude; but above all, their sheer hatred for Trolls united their destinies for some time.

Hogràn learned a lot from Alzeria. He soon gave up his ancient, rudimentary hunting techniques and learned how to use a bow. His technique grew more efficient, and his strong constitution allowed him to fire his arrows at a tremendous range. Training and tenacity soon gave results, and his shots became as accurate as they were damaging. Considering his great abilities, Alzeria decided she would teach him how to use a crossbow. Hogràn was able to span the biggest and most powerful ones with disconcerting ease. Hogràn and Alzeria parted ways almost as soon as his teachings were over; their own nature began to show-up within them again, and they didn’t want to spoil such a great and rare friendship.

Hogràn watched Alzeria walk away, perched on a stone peak, when he spotted a band of heavily-armed Trolls hiding between the rocks near the road. He didn’t have time to warn her: the Trolls were already attacking. He spanned his crossbow and impaled two Trolls who were about to knock her down from behind. She gutted the ones who were courageous enough to get close to her, but more than once, Hogràn’s arrows saved her from their devastating blows. When the fight was over, Alzeria lifted a Troll’s head in the air to prove her victory. As a further sign of friendship, she offered Hogràn a beautiful crossbow the Gods themselves had created. The crossbow was later buried along with him in the swamps of Birèrin, but other crossbows have been crafted based on the same model. They are as powerful as the original one, thanks to the moon crystals that have been placed within them.