Irene Savashal had one hero ever since her earliest age: Saint Sofia Immal. That a simple shepherd girl, just like herself, could ascend to such noble and glorious heights, could become not only a hero to Gild but a Saint within Jura itself, filled her young heart with wonder. But dutifully did she tend to her family's farm, to flock of sheep and to the livestock, all her chores, and she saved these lofty dreams for the comfort of a sound sleep.

Then came the raiders.

Farms were always the first targets in probing raids throughout Campania. At the time Irene knew not from what nation the raiders hailed, but in the moment of their coming it mattered not. Yet it seemed that Regel himself intervened, for shortly after the raiders' arrival came from over the hill a Praetor leading his maniple of soldiers, and a battle over the Savashal farm was joined. During the course of the engagement, Irene found the true favor with which she had been bestowed: her own Praetor gifts were revealed. With the raiders in short order put to flight, her father and mother, her siblings, the leading Praetor were all in their own measures astonished by Irene's power, but none more so than Irene herself. Eclipsing this surprise was a supreme elation and reverence, for it seemed that her very prayers had been answered, and eager was she to come of age to accept enrollment into the War College.

At last the time came, and though the occasion of parting was sorrowful for all the Savashal family, such sadness was overmatched by the joy of what Irene, their daughter and their sister, was destined to become. Much honor would she bring to the Savashal name by earning the title of Praetor. And for Irene herself, it was a chance to walk in the very footsteps of the Saint who had inspired her.

To this very day, one would be hard pressed to find a more pious and devoted servant of Jura and warrior of Gild.

Embrace the Slaughter

The Long Dark