Dear Adventurers of Derlith,

In my recent prayers to Gradius, he decided that I would deliver his message to the people of this land. In regards to Gradius, I am nothing but his humble servant, and am honored to be his messenger.

The dwarves of Ironguard Keep have been working very hard recently to reinforce their stone walls, as I have witnessed every time I return to my home. The reasons for these reinforcements are joint assaults by the dark-elves, who have risen to great power in Darkhold Forest. The dark-elves, often called drow, have combined forces with the hated orcs to assault the dwarven forces. So far, the warriors of Ironguard have been able to repel the assaults everytime.

However, many young dwarven warriors are lost in these battles, as they are demoralized by the dark shamans who heal the orc warriors in packs. Priests and clerics of Gradius, such as myself, are far and few in between, as training to become a skilled priest is a long process.

As a result, it has been decreed that a new type of warrior will fight in the name of Gradius. The dwarves of the Keep often refer to this new class as warrior-priests, but most folk may be more familiar with the term paladin.

The paladins of Gradius will be cross-trained in healing arts and in legendary dwarven war-combat. In response to the pressures of attackers, the paladins will be taught to use the smothering power of the earth earlier on, a power normally reserved for more skilled priests. However, because of their focus on combat, they will lose their connection to the elementals of the earth.

The ultimate intent is that this new breed of warriors will be able to hold their own in battle, delivering severe physical damage, as well as being able to heal themselves when necessary. The assaults by the vile races against Ironguard Keep are futile, and the dwarves will retaliate!

- Delta the Chosen of Gradius