Shattered Kingdoms

Story:

Tagg was a native of Qul’kelxi, the Griffon Isle. He departed from his island sanctuary to spread awareness that his race was not subservient to anything on two-legs. Tagg fought tirelessly to liberate griffons from their oppression and earn the respect of hateful mainlanders. Where mutual respect could not be found, Tagg saw fear as a potential solution rescuing his kin from those who might otherwise try to harm them. He led an altruistic life, serving not himself, nor any deity, only dedicated to his kin.

He joined the ranks of the Talon at an early age. Tagg could not refuse the pleas of Arielyn Lu for help in protecting the Kingdom of Zhenshi, a traditionally safe place for griffons. Tagg took an oath to exercise patience and tolerance as virtues of Zhenshi, a kingdom welcoming any,so long as they are obedient to the rules. A Hero tournament was held and for three months, Tagg fought with all of his strength to win the title that would propel the social placement of griffons. At the closing ceremony, Tagg drew upon Divine power to claim the soul of a famous poacher, Krintek. Shortly after, a group of tricksters evaded persecution for heinous crimes committed on Zhensh soil, Tagg sought justice for those who had trespassed. The tricksters became aggravated when they harshly learned that no crime goes unpunished and brought routine hostility to Nerina. Arielyn blamed Tagg for causing problems and provoking War. He believed that his commander had become soft, more concerned for the wealth of the city’s coffers rather than the safety of its people.

Feeling that his service was no longer appreciated, Tagg left the Kingdom of Zhenshi for a sabbatical on Quk’kelxi, he marshaled his resources and restructured plans for liberating griffons. He returned again to the mainland, but this time to Taslamar. His time in Taslamar was spent discovering what position griffons had in the Kingdom, what gains were made, and learn of those who had come before him. He eventually got word of Arielyn’s resignation and the arrival of a new commander, Jorinthia. Still feeling as though Zhenshi were a place of importance for griffons, Tagg returned to Zhenshi to renew his oath to protect the kingdom. Jorinthia proved to be a much stronger leader, eager to eliminate any that disobeyed the order of the Kingdom, despite their intentions.

Jorinthia convinced Tagg that the Hammer of Light believed themselves exempt from obeying the laws of Zhenshi. They frequently trespassed to hunt those swayed by Darkness, shattering the principle of Tolerance that Zhenshi adopted. For several years, Tagg dutifully carried out the orders of his Commander, engaging in acts he was not always comfortable with. She insisted that Tagg betray those whom he had called friends in order to uphold the values of Zhenshi, leading to at attack upon Castle Morea. Confused and conflicted, Tagg resorted to avoiding Jorinthia for fear of what she would make him do next. Then, during the gleeful celebration of Yiggmas, Tagg realized that he would not be tethered to a tyrant and decided to liberate himself from the chains that he had once willingly adorned. Jorinthia sought to ruin the Yiggmas festivities, stealing presents from across the realms. She operated under the delusion that the Holiday would generate chaos and mayhem, a dreadful thought for a dedicate of Lord Ain. Tagg’s rebellion caused him to be ejected from the Talon, ending in an epic battle between himself against Balacha, Jorinthia, and Ailee.

Tagg went to reside in the dominion of Uxmal, a Kingdom that rejected order and heirarchy. With Krintek gone, Tagg was comfortable residing in a city not traditionally welcoming of griffons, relying on his strength and reputation to keep him safe. Here, Tagg met many walks of life that did not reject griffons, but admired them. He worked on patching up old friendships, training young warriors, and trying to open the hearts of many that abstained from befriending griffons. Within Teron, there were no limits to the freedoms one could enjoy. However, a soft spot remained in Tagg’s heart for Zhenshi and when Jorinthia’s flame had been extinguished, he returned. At this time, Tagg was getting old. He knew that he was not the warrior he once was.

Nearing the end, Tagg heard of a young griffon poacher that killed in the name of Nashira. He challenged the hunter, Adriak, and killed him. He learned how the hunter had adopted a strong hatred for griffons, believing himself loyal to his Goddess. After a lifetime of fighting in the name of griffons, Tagg knew that Nashira was one of his kin’s greatest foes. Countless griffon lives were lost to dark creatures long before Adriak, but it was Nashira that gave them their cause. Frustrated, Tagg challenged the Goddess to face him, the entity that had promoted the oppression of his race and stood by as her flock committed genocide. To his surprise, she arrived, and they spoke. She seemed to recognize her error in endorsing the mass slaughter of griffons, finally welcoming them into her Cycle. Tagg believed that the Goddess’s sudden epiphany did not absolve centuries of abuse and found that he could not forgive Nashira. For this, she grew angry and attempted to teach the frail griffon some manners.

Before his death, Tagg decided to pass on his title of Hero. He knew that griffons everywhere would remember him as their champion and he would die happily knowing there was someone to carry on his legacy. It was Tagg’s honor to surrender his last breath for the discovery of a new Hero and be laid to rest by him. Also, it was a great joy to be welcomed into the Church of Wisdom and bear the symbol for the duration of his final months. Tagg was buried on the sandy beaches of Qul’kelxi.

Special Thanks: Zellidon, Hanathena, Tristala, Yuni, Nosephthyki, Ermex, Mumbo, Brock, Fintan, Grognak, Crunor, Aise, Nytomi, Peori, Alora, Raixor, Faerti, Cyphus, Fizbickle, Aethus, Estobar, Adriak, Ranakedo, Krewt, Cornelius, Jorinthia, Arielyn, Tyna, Orius, Sakhul, Seremela, Ivstnesr, Ailee, Qul’xon Talonthrust.

Sorry to those I’ve forgotten.

Immortal thanks: Marfik, Nashira, Achernar.


Stats

I enjoyed my interactions with Tagg. Solid griffon character.

What a joy Tagg was to RP with. Always solid RP, and you could stand your own in PK. I really enjoyed that Nashiran RP with Menkh, and so many more interactions with Faerti. I'm excited to see you come back with another character.

Tagg was very well played, had alot of fun with him when I played Izenick. Hope to see more of you around.

Hanathena was happy to finally invest him in the religion. I enjoyed all my interactions with him.

Tagg Team hyaaah!

tl;dr on the story, but a fun character

Tagg provided a nice note in the chord that was the roleplay of last summer, thanks for sharing him with us.

Tagg was the best griffon ever. He was awsome. I am very glad I got to play with him both as Fizbickle and later as Estobar. I hope this player decides to return with anothe character.

i think i saw you once. you were good.

*tosses and turns* Good to play with Tagg, even if it was somewhat antagonistic at times. But it was a real character, and for that, I commend you.