The world of Empires Rising is frequented by many bards and poets. Below is an example of a traditional Atalansian poem called Ode to a Troll Slayer, believed to have been written in the year 75 New Calendar. It depicts the tale of a farcical knight who ventured out to slay a rampaging troll and is believed to have been based on a true story.
Sir Cliff was called the batty knight,
Who always ran away from a fight.
His trusty sword was dulled and notched,
No wonder after the quests he botched.
One day in a village far away,
A villager with a worry came to stay.
A troll run riot through the land,
And someone somewhere had to take a stand.
Sir Cliff decided to take up the quest,
Even though he was not the best.
Off he marched along the road,
Looking awfully like a toad.
It was after lunch he spied the beast,
Straddled a rock having a feast.
Sir Cliff decided to hide in the grass,
Making his quest even more a farce.
The troll caught the batty knight’s scent,
It decided it would let some anger vent.
The troll made its way to where the knight was cowering,
In amongst where the daisies were flowering.
The knight looked up to see the creature,
To see its rather nasty main feature.
Upon its face was a hideous boil,
Terrified he filled his small clothes with night soil.
The troll swung down with all its might,
It’s blade biting deep into the knight.
Woe for him and the wound took its toll,
And Sir Cliff was eaten by the troll.
Here ends the tale of the batty knight,
And time for me to bid you goodnight.