The Lore of Cryptomancer Talbot of the Valley

Talbot had once believed in freedom—the wildness of nature and magic were no different to him for as long as he had lived, long before the appearance of the Quantum Shadow. His rage when the Shadow spread across the land was so great that it consumed him, transforming him into True Flame and unlocking the fire magic dormant within himself. For ages he had dwelt undisturbed in his valley, nestled deep in the Wild, immersed in the magic hidden among its waters, woods, and hills. But the reckless use of magic, he believed, magic divorced from nature, had summoned this Shadow. There were too many careless wizards—he for one welcomed the Great Burning, hoping it would restore balance to the land.

In his fiery rage, Talbot swore to defend his valley and all valleys of the Wild from the Quantum Shadow, unwittingly making a magical pact with Nature itself, which took the form of a canine familiar named Oeth. The conjured hound would help him, but also hold him accountable—if Talbot failed to keep his promise, allowing the valleys to be consumed by shadow, Oeth would change from a loyal field dog into a supernatural beast and devour the wizard in both flesh and spirit.

With a newfound purpose (and a powerful but contractual companion), Talbot learned to control his fire magic and combined it with his knowledge of the earth, deciphering the Rune of Steel and enhancing his strength, fortitude, and endurance. He is known to wander endlessly through the Wild, wielding flames of hobgoblin green, on the lookout for threats posed by the Shadow or anyone that perpetuates its existence, lest he lose his own life and his soul.

Entered by: 0x5065…a7ad and preserved on chain (see transaction)