Tal Harrenfel is more lie than legend.

　　This is my conclusion regarding "the Man of a Thousand Names," and by the flagrant dishonesty of Falcon Sunstring, Harrenfel`s minstrel, I must doubt all of the infamous adventurer`s purported exploits.

　　Sunstring`s opening ballad would have you believe:

　　He stole the Impervious Ring from the Queen of Goblins

　　He killed Yuldor`s Demon and saved the Sanguine City of Elendol

　　He protected the Northern Shores and plumbed the depths of the dwarven mines

　　He stole the heart of a princess and the tongue from a bardUnauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

　　Ringthief — Devil Killer — Defender of the Westreach

　　His name harkens back to the deeds of his youth

　　His legend rings out from every throat in the West&

　　Yet Sunstring fails to mention the darker stories also attributed to Harrenfel. Magebutcher. Red Reaver. Khuldanaam`defarnaam — or, translated from the Clantongue of the Hardrog Dwarves, "He Who Does Not Fear Death, For He Is Death`s Hand."

　　The story is at best incomplete, at worst impossible. That one man could be a swordsman, sorcerer, and mercenary as well as an accomplished poet, diplomat — and, if the rumors hold true, lover — stretches the limits of belief.

　　And how could any of the legend be believed, when Harrenfel himself was recorded saying to His Majesty, Aldric Rexall the Fourth:

　　"I`ve never claimed to be more than a man."

　　As a historian and a scholar, I will gather the witnesses, collect the accounts, and piece together the true story behind this modern fable. Then, fraud or impossibly true, I will expose Tal Harrenfel for the charlatan I suspect — nay, I know him to be.

　　- Brother Causticus of the Order of Ataraxis