Quagim

"Great leaders don't have to be big men, sometimes it's just enough to be more like me!"
- Quagim, the warrior poet

Quagim was a self-declared warrior poet and gnomish military leader during the time that should become known as "The Wounding". Some of his scriptures survived the event, which lead to his rise in fame about 400 years after his death, also due to some people interpreting his works, that were often filled with self-reverance as prophecies. This lead to a small cult called "The Quagimites", that follow his scriptures and see some kind of prophetic hero in him.

Life

History is unsure of Quagim's origins. It is said that he was interested in poems and music ever since his early life. He must have been around 20 years, when his parents sent him to military school. Some records state that he was in an arranged marriage to Krimsolde, the daughter of a famous gnomen general of the time. It is hinted through some of his poetry during the time, that he impregnated her but didn't want to take care of the child at first. The self designated warrior poet came to fame during the latter part of the event called "The Wounding". He lead a regiment of gnome warriors and often got assigned the hardest and deadliest missions by his father-in-law. Somehow it seems, he alsways survived in the end, as his own works state through his prowess and cunning strategies, as other records of the time state through sheer luck and capable men all around him, who could win all battles in spite of him giving them orders.

Work

Although most of his works got lost in time, a few of his poems and songs could be recovered. One of the most famous being Praise the power of lord Quagim, an excerpt of his Magnum Opus called Quagim, history of the greatest small hero, that suggestedly had over 1000 verses, and a full recital took around 7 hours. This work was also one of those that lead to the Quagimite belief, that he must have been a sort of god. There are a few letters from the era of The Wounding, that could be recovered, mentioning Quagim. Count Zerberecht wrote to his friend, grand magus Unustatus once:

"His eloquence is that of a brute cavetroll and he has the poetic tactfulness of an ogre. His verses tickle into your brain and stay there, wether you want them to or not. Can you cure me?"

Another famous critique of his works came from Quagim himself in a letter to his wife:

"Lady Bellaflor shouted 'Incredible!' after I was done with my recital of the greatest small hero opus. The evil tongues of her staff proclaiming, she meant it as a reaction to the prior posed question 'Was that the last one?' but of course, my love we both know otherwise. Her husband was just as smitten! The first half of the recital, he couldn't close his mouth because of his fascination and also gave long, emotional sighs during the higher stretches that deal with my great prowess in battle. The second half, I saw him close his eyes because he was so carried away by my verses. He just wanted to give himself in to my recital the best he could! He even lasted in this state after the recital was finished to let everything he had just experienced, sink in. I have to say though, the floorwork of the Bellaflor mansion sure needs some renovation. It almost sounded like someone was snoring!"

Legend

Quagim gained legendary status, when a number of stone tablets was pulled from a scar, one of the world wounds that contain loads of treasure and dangerous monsters. Such a piece of art being amongst precious and magical treasures had to be of relevance and so lots of scholars took big interest in the works of this gnomish war hero. Soon a small group of worshippers formed, that were sure that this great hero Quagim should still be alive somewhere or at least should come back in their time of need. This is how the Quagimite religion was formed. Today still some of his works resurface from time to time. Many with suspicious brown stains on ancient parchment. In 389 a.N. the play Love and blood in the battle of mount Birringahwl was rediscovered and became a huge success. It was considered Quagim's best work and leagues above the rest of his writing. Quagimites later refuted the authenticity of the piece, proving that Quagim never fought in the battle mentioned in the play. It was later proved, that a local bard wrote the play, as sort of a mockery to the Quagimite belief. Quagimites claim that Quagim was so powerful, he could suggest people to commit suicide. Some found scriptures seem to somehow verify this power, albeit in a completely different manner, such as this passage found in a letter by Lord Sothlebree, estimated around 20 B.N.:

...but when he started talking, the moment he started you wished he would just stop. But this luxury only got granted to us, when Admiral von Slee threw himself out of a window. For a moment, I truly admired the admiral's resolve. He had dared what I had been thinking about for the better part of the past hour. Luckily, his deed startled the gnome long enough so the guards could uncover their ears and lead him outside. All the heroic exploits the poor Admiral had during his years in the war, his death will still be remembered as the bravest thing that saved a lot of people.

Quagim by Artbreeder / mrsummer360

Belief/Deity

When you believe in yourself, everything will work out. At least, if you're me.