Men of iron and maidens so fair, I bid thee hail!
As I wander this world in search of treasures so fine and adventures far flung, I encounter many a varied soul. Good folk some, and others less so. By the grace of the gods and their beards ever epic, most have been the former.
The question so often asked of me is the same:
“Barbarian, how are your spirits so high when your life is so ramshackle?”
My friends and cohorts, I bid thee take a seat ’round the fire and I shall tell you of the lessons I’ve learned in this journey called life.
Fear Thee Not Hard Work:
In my myriad quests for that ever elusive treasure, even I have had to take on what some refer to as “a day job” for coin. While some who would influence their days away may find this offensive, I remind thee that many a great land was built on hard work, toil and sweat. I remind thee that your own ancestors likely put clothes on your back and food in your soft little bellies doing honest labor. To this, I say if you must work, then do the best work you can. Throw your back into it and treat it with respect! When your opportunity for adventure beckons, be ready. Until that time, work with honor and dignity!
Eat Well But Waste Not Thy Food:
So often as I travel through multiple townships and cities, the examples I see held up as food I find laughable at best. These “foods” are surely the trickery of some vile sorcerer! I asked for an apple, and one merchant had the gall to hand me some vile concoction which was rolled up like thin wax from a candle.
SORCERY, I SAY!!
I cast that merchant to the demonic realm where he truly belonged and set about finding fresh foods of the earth. While this humble barbarian has nothing against the guilty pleasures, remember moderation, my friends. And do not waste thy food! Consider yourself fortunate to have such a bounty to choose from.
Remember Your Tribe:
A wise man once said good friends are hard to come by.
While this wanderer has traversed many a road alone, he has never forgotten his tribe. Through the haze of adventure, the trials of turmoil and weather most foul, I can still find my way back to my tribe. While our paths may diverge, they are never far from my mind and I see them whenever the chance avails itself. Perhaps one day some sorcerer will devise a way to instantly contact my friends, even from afar…Bah, silly notion!
Forget Not Your Family:
While you may roam the plains and mountains as a free spirit, best not to forget that thy family keeps the fires of home burning for thee. Neglect them not. For they raised you, fed you, clothed you and taught you. Respect that with your presence and love. And if you have grown and have a family of your own, do for them as was done for you. Remember, they are the reason you loot king’s tombs and battle ice giants!
Respect Yourself And Stand Firm:
Face your fears with confidence and remember that for which you stand. When you are thrown upon the funeral pyre, only your legacy goes with you.
Remember The Less Fortunate:
Perhaps you were there once or shall be in the future. The gods remember these things.
During Respite, Reflect:
Even the heartiest of warriors tire. One can only send so many demons back to Hades before his sword arm grows weary. Take rest, fellow fighters. Take rest and reflect on the battles past. What did you learn? How can you improve? What is your plan for the next adventure? Have you bought a map? Are you staying true to yourself? Reflect on these questions. Be proud of your victories, however small, and learn from your failures. If you do this, you shall only be stronger when the next battle beckons.
My friends! My humblest thanks for your time!
May the roads you travel be smooth and the treasures you seek be worthy of your name!
I salute thee!!!
The Beginning At Last 
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