Stand with me if you wish to live.

Behind my shield whose face is an enormous skull mantled in flame. A shield that has fended the ire of giants, demon hunters, deranged sons of kings and malign demigods.

Behind my vast bulk and fur and great swiping claws.

Behind runeblades that teem with dark energy, behind whirling nimbi of bones.

Behind Holy Auras that gleam only for the good and honest.

To protect you is my duty. My glory.

Though I may sway or falter, I will never yield. I am the great tree that sways in a storm and never breaks. The wall of iron that rusts and never crumbles.

Swords shatter across my crested helm of dragonscales. Spears bend into my bonetusk pauldrons. Arrows rattle from my volcano-forged chestpiece. The very earth trembles beneath my greaves.

The enemies’ eyes will burn hot as coals with baleful intent but they will see only me — for you shall know no harm. This, I pledge.

So when the great burning shadow washes over us or the Old Lords and their creatures-at-arms slink forth from the dark recesses, stand by me; whose task is to stand tall and war-like in the face of any danger.

Who glares upon void terrors and daemons and doomlords as a mongoose glareth at a venomous snake.

Let us storm strongholds monstrous as mountains until they lay slantwise and smoking to the sky. Let us leave castles windowless, walls crumpled, courtyards empty and vine-strangled.

Let those who would commit atrocities curse and tremble at our mere approach.

For my unyielding aegis I ask only for your respect. Your camaraderie. For though I am not selfish I revel in my ability to take on legions of foes that would fell any other opponent.

Stand with me.