My name is Xan the Dark Elf.  I write this history in part to relieve myself of the crimes that torture my soul, and in part to warn all who meet me.  My life has been a struggle and my people constantly hunt me, yet I have gained so much.  The power of magic I have acquired through my torment and this is my path.

    One hundred and seven years ago I was born in a small Silvanesti village.  My father was a bowyer and my mother a cleric of Zivilyn, lord of wisdom.  During my childhood I studied and learned from my mother the histories of the world and of the gods.  My true love however was to read of the magi and the creation of the three moons.  During these years of innocence I searched for the black moon as a hobby, never knowing where that would lead me.

    When I turned 40 my parents sent me to the house of a foolish white mage in the middle of the forest.  I learned to hate the man I called master.  He taught me nothing of use, perhaps a few cantrips or how to pronounce the words of magic but never anything of use, while I was expected to be his slave doing all of his domestic chores.  Whenever I about greater magic and the spells of the Arch mages of the conclave he would mutter to himself about being too ambitious and order me to dust his library.

    One day when I was dusting his library I found a secret latch that led into a room stacked with scrolls and old spell books.  This was when I found the scripture that consumed my soul and led me to the path of darkness.  It was called the "Book of Sin" and contained many secrets of powerful mages and how to create certain items, proper dagger movements for appeasing Takhisis, how to bargain with Hiddukel and many other things of interest.  Every night I studied that book by candle and was consumed by it to the core of my being.

    One of those nights of studying about nine years after I joined his services, Phandaris, my teacher, found me studying the book and took it up and began to light a fire.  At that moment rage consumed me and taking the knife I used to cut vegetables for dinner I murdered him where he stood.  After that I was forced to run from my people taking only the book, the knife, and my robes.  I had to steal and scavenge for food and money until one day I made it out of the forest and paid my way on a caravan heading to Istar.  Upon approaching that city the guards at the gate refused to admit me saying that I looked suspicious.  I ran from there and soon wandered across a lone tower inside a dark forest.  Starving and fearing an attack from wolves I knocked on the towers door and was met by Thoran, an elderly mage of the black robes.  Being a human he lived a very short life span but he postponed it by concocting a myriad of potions and elixirs to expand his life. 

    He taught me how to use the magic and he taught me well.  I became a devote follower of Nuitari and a servant to the Queen of darkness.  About 23 years after taking me in, the mans potions could help him no more.  He stayed a few years after that studying and reading his books until what is left of my soul urged me to leave.  Parting with only my robes and a pouch of gold I headed for Kalaman to expand my power and finally take what I truly deserve, power.  My soul is in constant torment and I am convinced, only through the magic may I release the fires inside of me. 

    This concludes my story, yet history is constantly being written, and my place in Gilean's book is yet to be fulfilled.

(The following is written in bold, flowing script that is neat and easy to read)

Xan has not been seen for quite some time and many wonder what has happened to him. There are many discrepancies in his story of his life, such as the white robe about to burn a book of arcane knowledge. When asked about this and his pupile, Rishandal Darkleaf nodded, "I have no doubt we do not know the true story. What man wishes to tell the truth about a crime he committed? I have not seen Xan for quite some time, however he did prove a worthy pupil, though his ambition was a bit too much for him. I would not be surprised if he died from trying to cast a spell much above his abilities."

--Astinus of Palanthas