Battle Mage Cassius of the Steppe

The Steppe is a dangerous place. Trade cities dot the rivers between the open plains, making a living off the merchants passing through the lands. Between the cities, hordes of nomads on their horses and camels ride, hunting, feasting, fighting against each other and the cities.

Cassius was born into one such nomadic clan – the Golden Eagles, they were called. His clan’s history was a glorious one. Once, long ago, they had held sway over large parts of the steppe, ruling as emperors, building many cities which still stood today and constructing monuments whose ruins could still be seen across the vast grasslands.

And yet, the current fortunes of the Golden Eagles were much diminished. Centuries ago, their empire had been brought low by foreign invaders. Cassius’ clan was the only remnant of that golden age, reduced to the same level as the dozens of other nomadic clans found in the steppes.

But Cassius was born with the potential to change all that. When his mother gave birth to him, he came out clutching a blood clot. Everyone in the clan knew what that meant – it was the sign that the child would grow up to be a battle mage. Battle mages were the most prized warriors in the steppe, people born with the innate ability to cast spells, and able to use that power to lead their clan to victory.

And so, from the moment Cassius was able to comprehend basic concepts, he was put to work mastering his magic. The other battle mages of the clan spent each and every waking moment with him, trying to coax the magic out of him, to turn him into one of them.

It took a while – to the point that the other battle mages were worried that perhaps the omens were wrong – but when Cassius turned five, he finally managed to unleash his magic. It was out of pure accident, of course. As he was playing in the outskirts of that day’s camp, a wolf came up out of the grass and charged at him. Without thinking, Cassius blasted it back with a wall of force, sending it running.

After this, it was like a dam had burst. Cassius was able to access his magical powers almost at will, and all that was left was actually learning spells – which the other battle mages were happy to teach him.

As Cassius entered his teenage years, everyone could see how powerful he was becoming. By the time he was fifteen, he had surpassed the battle capabilities of all other battle mages among the Golden Eagles, becoming the strongest among them.

As this was happening, the people of the clan began to dream about their glory years again. With Cassius leading the mages, who knew? Perhaps they could bring about their empire once more.

However, the leader of the Golden Eagles thought differently. The chief refused to entertain any thoughts of war. And yet, after some time, the choice was lost to him. The people threatened to rebel if Cassius’ capabilities were not put to the test.

And so it was that the Golden Eagles marched to war against a nearby rival. In the first of what was to be many battles throughout his life, Cassius excelled, using his powers to beat back the enemy cavalry and win the day for the Golden Eagles.

After this taste of victory, the clan wanted more. Soon, the Golden Eagles spread like wildfire, eager to conquer the clans around them. As for Cassius, he was hailed as a hero and, soon enough, he was offered the position of clan leader.

Cassius of course accepted. He did as his clan required, leading them onwards to further and further conquests.

But nobody ever asked Cassius what he wanted to do. Sure, he enjoyed combat – the thrill of it was unparalleled. But he had never been given a choice as to what he would become in life. As the years passed, this began to weigh on him. Even so, he kept leading his tribe.

Eventually, however, he could take it no more. After conquering yet another city, Cassius reached out to the remaining clans and cities, and signed a peace. The territory of the Golden Eagles was much enlarged, but nowhere near their empire levels.

Even so, Cassius was done. He gave orders to not go to war without him, and left the tribe. He journeyed to a nearby mountain, climbing all the way to the top – which was thought impossible. Still, with his magic, Cassius managed it.

There, Cassius began to meditate, trying to understand his place in the world.

Years have passed, and peace in Cassius’ part of the steppes still holds. Cassius himself still remains in the mountain. Prophecies abound as to when he will return, but the truth remains the same: only Cassius knows when that will be.

Entered by: 0x8561…3979 and preserved on chain (see transaction)