The Legend of Blade

Last updated: 9708.18

My name is Diego Tallero. I am known as Blade. I was born in the winter of 1501 in a small village near Cadiz, Spain. My family was persecuted under the Inquisition as we were Moor, Scot, and Native American in ancestry. My family fled to France, where I was privileged to study swordsmanship under Maitre d' Arms, Jean Marchot. I studied and trained in all aspects of fencing and court life. I returned to Spain in 1527. Through a series of duels, being the rascal that I was, I nearly single handedly eliminated Spain's aristocratic young. Well, so it seemed. In any event, I became well known at court. I earned the position of Sword Master at Spain' s Military School. For the next 10 years, I trained hundreds of Spanish nobles in the art of swordsmanship and combat. I plied and honed my skills during several campaigns. However, I had not forgotten my own troubled roots. I left the king's service and joined the fight against the Inquisition. I was killed in 1539 during an engagement near Madrid where we were surprised and sorely outnumbered.

Awakening, much to my surprise, I was forced to leave Spain and set out on world adventure. Since then I have plied my martial skills all over the world. My travels have taken me to the Orient where I learned the Asian martial arts. In China in 1626, I received Dragon' s Fang, a dochi or field sword. It is 52" long single edged weapon beautifully balanced and folded more than 200 times. The samuri, Tenagi, who wielded it fought bravely but was greviously wounded. I carried him from the field and tended his wounds for a week. But even the treatments of the vinerable Chinese monk T'chien Soo could not over come his injuries. Tenagi honored me with Dragon' s Fang as a gift before he died. I have wielded this sword in the name of honor, justice, in the defence of ladies, children, and the helpless. Not to mention the taking of a few immortal heads.

While I may not have yet lost my head I have had my heart taken a few times. But it has also been given. Of those who have caught my eye and my heart perhaps none has done it so thoroughly as the Contessa Sabrina de la Valencia.

In 1787 while helping to stir up the revolution in France, I meet a beautiful young girl, Ilianna. Who was also an immortal. I was with her during her awakening. She is much like me. A warrior in spirit. She and I bonded (I believe that is the new term). Over the centuries we have pursued separate lives but our paths cross on many occations. I have taken her under my wing as a daughter. Being 200+ years older than her does have it's draw backs. She' s a free spirit like a mustang. A mischevious one she is. But we' ll talk about her on another page. Having lived the life of an adventurer and soldier, I found that there was a missing element. Battle stirs the blood quickens the senses but does not calm the soul. So I turned my attention to the pursuit of music, art, drama, writing, and history in more recent times. I have found these things to be more rewarding.

Still the warrior' s heart beats strong. Just a few months ago I set out to put myself in "mortal" harms way as a diversion through multiple person street combat. Ahhhhh! 3 against 1. Even in my state (12 beers, 2 glasses of wine, and 2 vodka shooters all consumed within 90 minutes) they were no match for me. But it was stimulating, inspite of the cracked ribs, separated shoulder, and yet another back injury.

Over the centuries I have learned many things and some very worthwhile lessons. The most important one is, life is short and precious. Live it with honor, compassion, and zeal. Take nothing for granted. Live each day as if it were your last. Always remember the legacy you're leaving behind. Leave one that you would be proud of and so would others.

I try to share laughter with my jokes and antics. I try to sooth and brighten with my songs. I try to provide a sense of security by wielding my sword in the defense of others.

To my cyber friends a fond, "Thank you":

Sophia	Jessica	Aphrodite	Summer Dark	Isis
Lilybelle	Moonlight Fairy	Stormy	Taurus	Mr. Smith
Liani	Stephanie	Sandy	Lore	Tuesday
Nickname	Peeping Suzie	Tempus	Grey Wolf	Airmech
Doc	Fenris	Beeker	Blueman	Pookie
Surfer Boy	Pamphylos	Lord Soth	Eyes	Nicole
Sabby	LuckyLady	D-lightful	Fencing Chick

Several people have asked to list all the things I've done or been. I'm not sure I can do that but I'll list everything I can think of (remember). *deep breath*
A dad, an engineer, a playwrite, a writer, a musician, a fencing instructor, a kung fu instructor, a Scout leader, a teacher, a body guard, a narcotics detective, a chopper(AH-1 Cobra) pilot, a stand-up comic, a skydiver, a rock climber, a scuba diver, a radio DJ (top 40, easy, and soul), a semi-pro bowler, kids baseball coach, an actor, a Life Scout, a salesman (Amway anyone?), miscellaneous things (auto mechanic, plumber, carpenter, roofer, brick mason, farmer)

....Whew...That's enough!.....Hell! No wonder I'm so damn tired!