SAL-KARR, HERO OF STORMFRONT
[ Librarian's note: This book was written by Duskwind following her
return from her journey into the jungles of Belaern. She seemed
particularly driven to write about Sal-Karr following her return,
and used the study area here at the library for most of her work.
One must assume that she met up with someone who told her these
stories about Sal-Karr, since much of this was not known to the
people who raised her. ~ K.D.E ]
One of the largest figures in Belaern's history was the leader of the
group that founded Stormfront, Sal-Karr.
Sal-Karr rose to leadership among the group of soldiers that wrecked
their ship on the northern end of Belaern. He led the tattered band
of men through the perils of the Northern Jungle, over the Great
Volcano, across the Blood Sands, and through the Southern Jungle until
they came across the Cult of the Malevolent Maelstrom and the Black
Tower that housed the Cult.
After bloody battle, the survivors banish the Cultists to the Acid
Marshes, feeling sure they will perish. They begin to make homes for
themselves around the Tower, many find wives in the native population.
Sal-Karr meets a non-native woman named Sylasha living amongst the
natives. The natives are worshipful to this woman, who they claim has
not aged in over 100 years. They call her "Shaldorzuum," and seem to
ascribe god-like qualities to her. Beautiful and mysterious, she
captures the heart of the warrior and they marry.
They have no children, for which Sal-Karr is much grieved. His wife seems
pleased with this, however, and when he questions her, they have a huge
disagreement. He becomes withdrawn and spends much time hunting in the
jungle north of Stormfront, and also takes a mistress named Lauranya, the
widow of one of his fighting companions from the battle for the Tower.
He returns from one hunting trip visibly distressed, and in the bar that
night with friends, talks of an "evil vision" he had of a man living under
the Great Volcano. It soon becomes clear that he is not the only resident
of Stormfront to have seen him, and he wishes the citizens of Stormfront
only ill. He feels it must be his destiny to find this man and end the
tormenting of the city.
His wife attempts to persuade him not to go, but as they are going through
a rough time, she is unsuccessful. She curses him publicly as he leaves
Stormfront, shouting from the walls: "You are a foolish man, Sal-Karr, and
you will die a foolish death! You should listen to those who know more of
this place than you!"
He never returns from his journey. If he met up with the mysterious evil
man, who many feel must have been the mage Rakmar Horgashax, it seems
clear he must have also met his death. However, no proof of this has
ever been found.
His mistress died in childbirth 3 months after his disappearance. She
never named the girl's father. His wife never remarried, and eventually
left Stormfront. It is rumored she returned to the natives and still
searches for Sal-Karr to this day.
Sal-Karr, Hero of Stormfront [ Q to quit ]