Found lore: Goblin Mercenaries

A Goblin blade ascetic kneels humbly before their opponent.

“The purpose of a warrior is to fight for those who cannot, to lay down their life before others in the presence of Death. If Death is to catch someone, it should be a warrior first, for they are no strangers to it; they have sent many to be in Death's company, and ultimately send themselves there too… but always before those who do not choose this path.

And that is where I have sinned.

I meditate here, on Overrealm, alive and breathing, but have let so many of my people die before myself. The sudden betrayal of the Mole People was unforeseen, it is true, but the first to die should have been myself and my colleagues. Not the craftsfolk, the artsfolk, nor the children; just us.

I could not be relied upon to fulfill my duty in society, so I left it to better myself, to atone, and to understand.

I set out into this forest to slay three foes:

The first: my ego.

I did not hesitate to fight for and save my people, but a crumb of self-preservation caused me to favour my life over theirs at important moments. So long as I saw any part of myself more valuable than those who perished before me, I would not be a warrior.

The second: my dishonour and passions.

I had always acted dutifully. After my failure to die for my people, shame and guilt crept into my soul. Rightfully so. However, they have overstayed their welcome and must perish. If I am to return to society and fulfill my duty, I cannot let any such feelings dance through my actions. I must forgive myself and my opponents, so my duty may be pure.

The third: a great foe of flesh and blood.

There are many demons inside anyone that can be fought, yet, we cannot dwell on them too long, as we exist in two realms and must pay equal attention to both. A warrior's purpose is to address the foes of this material world. I could not fully rectify my failings without proving my physical worth as a warrior.” A gentle breeze finds its way through the thick forest. Birds who were recently hushed by the clangs of metal continue their chirping.

A gentle breeze finds its way through the thick forest. Birds who were recently hushed by the clangs of metal continue their chirping.

“Your lying tongue and treacherous feints proved to be nasty techniques, indeed. With your blood running along my blade and your skin becoming cold, I have now slain all three foes:

I did not enter melee with you in hopes of surviving - each dodge and parry I made was done so to land another strike, and sooner return me to my duty. Had I died here, by your sword, I would have been at peace with that outcome, for I do not value my prolonged existence.

Which brings us to the second foe. I see the souls of those I failed - they neither guide my blade nor lower my head before yours. They bear no ill will towards me… if they can forgive me, then I can forgive myself. In these flora and fauna, I see the worldly order, no emotion, and only my duty. I have no rage to guide my blade, nor any shame to lower my head before yours.

And now you, Apate. Truthfully, I had slain other great foes here before you: beings of rock from Underrealm, beings of rock from the moon, beings of energy and steel, and beings of profane fire… but they weren't of flesh and blood, like you and me. A great foe from this material realm must know the experience of having vulnerable flesh; it grows in one's soul a ferocity, a tenacity, a wild spark… the others didn't know of it, but you do.

Thank you for this duel. Today I have spilled the blood of a goddess, but henceforth shall watch over the blood of mortals.

I will return to society and be one who bridges the gap between life and death: a chasm which shall henceforth only be as wide as my sword’s edge. My footwork is enlightenment, and damnation is my guard. I am sin, and I am discipline. I am serenity, and chaos.

I am all of this, and nothing.”