铁拳领主的信

本文由NWC原创，原载于官方H1游戏手册，小虾汉斯译。

Letters From Lord Ironfist

23rd Day of the Month of the Raven, Common Year 632

乌鸦之月23日，通用历 632年

To my great and munificent lord, King Ragnar, from his loyal cousin Lord IronFist - Greetings.

伟大而宽厚的Ragnar国王，您忠诚的表弟Ironfist领主向您致意。

It has been thirty days since I crossed through the mysterious gate which opened in the Varnal Hills and thus found myself in this strange and uncharted land. I wish my dear lord and cousin, through this missive, to dispel the ugly rumors about me, which I fear you might believe.

自从我从Varnal山的入口穿过这道神秘的传送门，来到这个奇异而未知的土地，已经有30天了。我希望我亲爱的表兄和国王，通过这封信，彻底消除对我身上一切丑恶谣言的疑虑。而这些谣言正是我害怕您相信的。

I was deeply shocked, dear cousin, by the attempt of the wizard Guthbert to slay you. I heard that upon the rack of pain, shortly after you had his arms torn from their sockets, that he cried out my name as the one who had paid him. Dear cousin, it has injured me grievously to hear that you believed him. You know my loyalty to you is undying. Even though you took the hand of fair Ewine to be your queen, though I loved her dearly, still it is wrong to think I would wish harm upon you. That wretch Guthbert must have forged my signature to the letter you found in his chambers. As for the satchel of gold bearing my mark, I know not how it came to be in Guthbert’s possession. I believe some dark enemy must have planted it to cast blame upon me for such a dastardly crime.

对于法师Guthbert企图刺杀您的事我感到十分震惊。我听说在你把他的臂膀从他的腋窝上撕下来后不久，在极度痛苦之下，他喊出了我的名字，招供我是收买他的人之一。亲爱的表兄，听说你竟然相信他，这深深伤害了我。你知道我对你的忠诚永恒不变。尽管你娶了我深爱的Ewine女士做你的王后，认为我会想伤 害你的想法仍然是错误的。这个卑劣的Guthbert一定是将我的签名伪造在了那封你在他的房间里找到的信上。至于那个印着我的标记的金背包，我不知道它是怎么成为Guthbert的所有品的。我相信某些黑暗的敌人已经安排好了，故意将这样一个卑鄙罪行嫁祸于我身上。

Please trust me on this.

请一定要相信我。

I was sorely grieved to hear that your barons had set out to arrest me. I am deeply hurt to hear it being said that I fled like a coward up into the Varnal Hills to escape your justice. I was merely going on a hunting expedition, dear cousin - an innocent trip to escape the heat of summer accompanied by a few trusted servants. The fact that I took my family jewels with me was simply to keep them safe, for there is always the problem of thievery on the part of servants while the master is away.

对于你的男爵们已经出发前来逮捕我我感到极为悲哀。某些传闻说我像个懦夫一样逃到Varnal山来逃避你的惩罚，更是深深伤害了我。我只是正好前去参加一个狩猎探险，亲爱的表兄-这不过是一次清白的旅行，带着几个我信任的仆人躲开夏日的炎热而已。我带着我家族珠宝同行的目的只是为了确保他们安全，因为在他们的主人不在时，我的仆人们总是搞些小偷小摸的事。

How I came into this strange land is still somewhat of a mystery to me. While wandering in the Hills, I, and my few retainers, stumbled into a narrow pass on the borders of your realm. As we walked into the pass, a strange glowing light engulfed us for a moment. We turned to go back from whence we came, but an invisible barrier was now in place. Try as we might, we could not penetrate it.

我是怎么进入这个奇怪的地方的对我来说仍是个谜。在山上漫游时，我和几名随从，偶然走进了我国国界上的一个狭窄通道。我们走进通道时，一道奇异的光辉将我们吞没了一阵子。我们转身想回到我们进来的位置，但一道无形的障碍阻挡住了我们。我们尽管尽了全力，仍然无法突破它。

So we continued on, passing out of the Hills down into a strange uncharted land. All seemed different in this new place. The sun is not like the red of our lands, but rather has a strange yellow hue. It seems that objects do not fall quite as fast when dropped and the air holds more moisture to it.

所以我们只好继续向前，远离那山而进入了一个奇怪而未知的土地。所有我们在这新地方所见的东西都与众不同。这太阳不像我们土地上那样是红的，而是发出奇异的黄色色彩。看上去物体下坠时并不像我们世界那么快，这里的空气中也包含了更多水蒸气。

We wandered for many days and found no trace of pillars marking boundaries, no rulers, or any hint of kings and laws. All was wilderness, untamed, and untouched by the hands of thinking beings.

我们漫游了许多天，也没有发现这里有任何桩柱构成国界，也没有任何迹象表明这里有统治者，国王和法律。所有的一切都是荒蛮的，野性的，从未经过文明生物开化的。

Of course, my dear cousin, I immediately realized that here was an opportunity to extend your realm and win for you greater honors and treasure. Thus did I erect boundary markers and raised up your banner to lay claim to, in your name, all the lands as far as my eyes could see. Please accept this as a sign of my fealty and family loyalty and ignore any disparaging rumors about earlier events.

当然，我亲爱的表兄，我立刻明白了这是一个扩展您的疆土，使您赢得更多荣耀和财宝的大好机会。于是我便竖立了国界的标志，升起了您的旗帜，以您的名义宣布，这里所有我眼睛看得到的土地都属于您。请接受这些，作为我和我的家族忠诚的象征，并忽略任何因之前的事而起的毁谤我的谣言。

My dear cousin and liege lord, after wandering for many days I bethought it appropriate to try and return through the gate and inform you of my great discoveries in your name. I wished to bring word of my discoveries to you personally, before other barons tried to do so first. But my lord, the mysterious gate was still closed and I could not pass through it. Thus did I erect a pillar next to it, and shall place there this letter and those that I will write afterwards, to show my service to you in extending your realms. I shall keep you informed of my progress in service to you and your undying glory.

我亲爱的表兄和国王陛下，在漫游了许多天后我想起了应当在适当的时机尝试通过传送门回去，告诉您我那些在您名义下的发现。我希望亲自面见您以告知您我的发现，以免被那些男爵抢先。但是我的陛下，这神秘的传送门依然关闭着使我无法通过。于是我在其附近竖立了一根柱子，并将这封信以及我以后会写的信贴在上面，来显示我为扩展您的国家所作的努力。我会继续告知您，我为您以及您永恒的光荣所做的工作的进展情况。

Please extend as well my most humble respects to the fair, gentle and lovely Queen Ewine. Tell her that out of my loyalty to you I think of her each morning and night and wish her happiness at your side. Loyally, Ironfist

请向美丽而可爱的Ewine王后转达我最谦卑的尊敬之情。请告诉她我对您的忠诚以及对她日思夜想的思念之情并祝她在您身边幸福。忠诚地，Ironfist。

4th Day of the Month of the Dragonfly, Common Year 632

龙蝇之月4日，通用历 632年

My dear lord, King Ragnar,

我亲爱的陛下，Ragnar国王，

It has been more than a month since my last missive was sent up to where the mysterious gate was located. There, my most trusted servant waits in hope that the barrier preventing our return dissipates and he may deliver my pronouncements of fidelity and news of your growing estates here personally. I have moved my headquarters a dozen leagues down out of the hills and into a fair valley filled with game, great trees and swift running streams.

自我上一封信送往那神秘的传送门以来已经超过一个月了。在那里，我最忠实的仆人仍然翘首以盼那个障碍早日消失，这样他就可以将我的忠诚宣言以及你扩张中的新殖民地的新闻亲自告知您。我已经将我的总部搬迁到距离那山12里格的地方，位于一个美丽的峡谷中，那儿到处都是野生动物，大树以及奔腾的溪流。

It is a curious place and at first I thought the lands were devoid of all those who walk upright and can speak. For days I pondered what next to do. I wondered if all around me was thus. And then on the seventh day after arriving in the valley, a wandering peasant came through the woods and I thought, here at last is your first new minion.

这是一个奇妙的地方，起初我以为这地方没有任何灵长之物存在。我花了几天时间考虑下一步干什么。我在想是否所有在我周围的都是这个样子。然后在第7天当我到达这个峡谷之后，一个四处走动的农民在树林中出现了。我想，我们第一个新奴才终于出现了。

I tried to put him to work chopping down trees so that he might plant grain to make my bread for me, but he was recalcitrant, as are most peasants. Finally I deemed it necessary to lower myself to speak to him at length. We had here a great problem. My retainers, being men of arms, of course could not be asked to work and our one peasant refused to labor. Though tempted to kill him I realized we would starve next winter, if there is a winter here, if we did not reason with him.

我试图使唤他去砍树，这样他也许就可以帮我种粮食和面包了，然而他却反抗我，像大多数农民一样。最后我相信我降低点身份和他说话还是必要的。因为我们在这有大麻烦。我的随从大多是武装战士，当然不能干粗活，而我唯一的农民拒绝干活。尽管我有杀了他的冲动，但我还是意识到，如果不能说服他的话，我们下一冬天肯定得挨饿，如果那儿有冬天的话。

I asked him where were the people and creatures I needed to serve me. He bargained long and hard for the secret, something I found distasteful. Finally I agreed to pay him if he would tell me the secrets of this place and reveal a way to bring in those who would serve me. He then gave me this cryptic answer:

我问他哪里有人以及生物可以用来服侍我。他对这个秘密守口如瓶了很长时间，令我非常不爽。最终我同意给他钱，如果他愿意告诉我这里的秘密，并带路帮我找到那些可以服侍我的东西。他于是给了我一个神秘的答复：

“If you build it, they will come.”

“如果你建造了它，他们就会来的。”

I was angry at such a stupid saying and prepared to slay him and then he explained.

我对这样的蠢话当然十分气愤，准备杀了他，但他接下来做了解释。

The following day I set the peasant and my men to building huts. It took some reasoning with my men to convince them that this was not peasant labor, but rather was the simple building of shelters in the same way that they would prepare an encampment. Even with this logical explanation, many were reluctant to work beneath their station. I was forced at last to bribe them with some of my jewels to convince them of the dignity of what they had to do.

第二天，我让那农民和我的侍从开始建造茅屋。我花了不少时间使我的侍从明白，这可不是农民的活，而是和我们建设营地一样要建造的简单住所。尽管我的解释很有逻辑，很多人还是躲在岗位之下不愿干活。我最后被迫用我的一些珠宝笼络他们，使他们明白他们所干的活是体面的。

Lo and behold, on the morning after the huts were completed I awoke to find a deputation of peasants outside my tent, begging me for the right to occupy the homes that had been created.

经过很长时间，在那些茅屋终于完成的上午，我醒来后发现一群农民聚集在我的帐篷之外，祈求我给他们占领这些刚刚被建造好的家园的权利。

I thought long and hard upon this before lowering myself to speak to them. I explained to them that by living upon the land I had claimed and living in the huts I had made for them, that they owed me the obligation of their liege lord. They were to cultivate the ground, offer a tithe to me and that the men were to serve in time of war. In exchange I would offer them the protection of my sword. They willingly accepted. Marks were made upon a piece of parchment and the agreement was struck. The peasants moved in that same day and began to work.

我思索了很久，最终再次降低我的身份去与他们对话。我向他们解释如果他们要住在这我所宣称拥有的土地以及我为他们造好的茅屋，他们有义务称我为他们的领主。他们将为我耕种，给我交税，并在战争期间为我出征。作为交换他们将得到我的剑的保护。他们乐意的答应了。在一张羊皮纸上签字后协议达成了。这些农民当天就搬进住所并开始干活。

This set my mind to thinking and I asked the crafty peasant for more advice.

这件事使我陷入了思考，我决定请教那位狡猾的农民，问他有何更多的建议。

Heeding him, the next day I set my men to building huts of straw and huts of sticks. This cost me more money in payments, but that was offset in a small amount when I demanded of the peasants and received rent payments, even if it was but a few coppers. The huts of straw and sticks were finally completed and to my utter amazement goblins and orcs appeared from out of the woods, willing to serve me in exchange for the places of dwelling. We struck the same agreement as I had made with the peasants.

采纳了他的劝告，第二天我命令我的侍从去建造稻草房以及砖房。这使我花了更多的钱，不过当我要求农民们上缴住宿费时得到了小小的弥补，尽管只有小小的几个铜板而已。这些稻草房和砖房终于建造好了，绝对令人惊异的是一群地精和兽人从树林中走了出来，心甘情愿为我服务换取那些住宅地。我们签订了相同的协定，正如我和农民签的一样。

Frankly my lord cousin, these seem to be foolish creatures who are in need of a leader and hero to provide them with places to live. They seem not self-reliant at all but expect some form of liege to provide everything for them. I heard them exclaim that such a thing was their right and their ruler should provide to them all things. I gladly gave it to them and easily convinced them that I am their all-knowing leader. Now they are mine to use as I see fit, for they are fearful of losing what I have given them.

坦率的说我的王兄，这些看上去蠢笨的生物正需要一个领袖和英雄来为他们提供地方住。他们看上去一点也不像是自力更生的，却期待某些领主给他们所有东西。我曾听他们大喊这些东西都是他们的权利，他们的主人应当为他们提供所有东西。我愉快的供给了他们并轻易使他们相信我就是他们全知全能的领袖。现在他们就任凭我如何颐指气使了，因为它们害怕失去我给他们的东西。

Thus I have started the building of a town, which we are considering naming after you. My only fear is that it will not become great enough to be worthy of the name. To ensure you would not lose faith we have chosen our family name, so that should the town fail all will think it was named for your humble servant. It cost much to begin, but even now a small but steady amount of money is starting to trickle back, for these creatures do have pieces of copper in their pockets, though I wonder who out there is minting the coins.

于是我开始建造城镇了，而这城我们正考虑用您的名字命名。我们只担心这城镇不够伟大，配不上你的名字。为了确保你的名誉不受损，我选择了我家族的名字，所以所有的人都只会认为这城是用你卑微的仆人命名的了。一开始建城耗费不小，但到现在我又开始得到一份小而稳定的金钱回报，因为这些生物总是有几块铜板在他们口袋里，尽管我怀疑这里是否有人正在铸造硬币。

I will keep building all sorts of structures and I will see what else will come.

我会继续建造各种各样的建筑，看看还有什么别的事情会发生。

Please extend to Lady Ewine my warmest thoughts and tell her I have many fond memories of times I spent with her. She’ll know what I mean.

请您向Ewine女士转达我最温暖的思念，告诉她我想起了很多和她在一起时美好的回忆。她会知道我说的是什么的。

18th day of the Month of the Unicorn, Common Year 633

独角兽之月18日，通用历 633年

Dear Cousin Ragnar,

亲爱的表兄Ragnar，

It has been nearly a year since my last missive to you, but I have been preoccupied with many things. I should add that my messenger reports that the gate is still barred shut and no one may pass it. After some months he felt it necessary to cease his vigil. He told me as well that the last two letters I left for you atop the boundary pillar I erected have not been taken, but I shall continue to write you nevertheless.

离我上一次给你写信已经差不多有一年了，我已经全身心的做了许多事。我应该告诉你信使报告说传送门依然被阻断，没人可以通过。在几个月后他感到必须停止自己的值班了。他还告诉我放在那根桩柱顶上的前两封我写给你的信，也还没有被人拿走。尽管如此我仍然应该继续给你写信。

Through my leadership and strength much has changed in this valley which I now control and have named the Valley of Ragnar in your honor. Where once forest stood, now there is a thriving town. I continued to build things, using all my wealth, but I know my lord that you will be pleased with what I have done to honor you, and that when the time comes you will pay me back the difference in what I have spent here so far. A full accounting of the cost is enclosed. All income has gone to maintenance.

尽管在这个峡谷中我的领袖地位和力量已经今非昔比，可我还是将其命名为Ragnar峡谷以表示对你的敬意。曾经是森林茂密的地方如今已经兴起了一座生机勃勃的城市。我继续利用我的财富建造各类建筑。但是我知道我的国王，你会对我为你争取的荣誉感到高兴，有朝一xxx一定会为我距今为止在这儿的事业做出回报。随着一笔笔支出的投入，所有的收获也都应该得到维护。

As to the management of my barony, I felt it important to build the population of the realm first. Therefore, I set out to construct many different dwellings to bring under my banner a great host. With the building of a brick house mighty ogres came to live in the valley. When I commanded that a bridge be placed over the River Morglin, I returned there the next day to find a troll having taken up residence beneath it. As each of these creatures came I presented them with parchments to sign, recognizing me as their liege, which they gladly did.

至于对我的领地的管理，我觉得最重要的是先使这里的人口发展起来。因此，我着手建造了各种各样的建筑，使聚集在我旗帜下的人们与日俱增。建造了一座砖房后强大的食人魔们开始住进这个峡谷。当我下令横跨Morglin河（注：领主本名）建造一座桥梁时，第二天我竟发现有巨魔在桥下建造住宅。每个来这里的生物 我都介绍它们签订协议，承认我为它们的领主，而它们都愉快的照做了。

Wolves are always worthy allies and they can scent trouble from afar, therefore I commanded that dens be made. The following day massive, intelligent beasts came out of the woods and offered onto me their service.

狼总是可靠的盟友，它们总能从远处就嗅到危险的来临，所以我下令建造狼穴。第二天过后，这些聪明的野兽从林中走出来自愿加入我的队伍为我服务。

Next I sought men of skill. The peasants had spoken of wizards and such many times. With the digging of a well, to provide cooling spring water for the tempering of steel, a blacksmith and then a rank of pikemen came into my service. A field was then cleared and the grass cut short. Target butts were set up and archers appeared to offer their services. A tavern near the bridge was built and from within its rooms swordsmen drink their fill and have fun bloodying each other as they argue about dice and mates.

接下来我要寻找各种有战斗技能的人。农民们已经在长时间谈论法师们的事情了。我先挖了一口井，用这些凉爽的春水冶炼钢铁，建造了铁匠铺，然后一队枪兵加入了我的行列。我清出了一片平地，将草皮剪短，设立了箭靶，这回弓箭手们出现并加盟了我。在桥边建造了一座酒馆。在酒馆的房间里剑士们开怀畅饮，当他们谈论投骰和伴侣时有时喜欢开玩笑惹毛对方。

There are more plans afoot here as well, my lord. Even now I am building a most curious structure, tiny houses set up in the trees to rally the fairy sprites to my side. Cottages near the side of the mountains are being hewn of stone so that dwarves will serve me, while in the woods I have been advised to set up targets so that elven archers may come to try their sport.

在这里我还有更多的计划，我的国王。我正建造一个奇异的建筑，这是一种长在树上的微小房间，吸引着小仙子们前来投奔我。我在山脚下用石头建成屋舍，使得矮人们来为我服务，而在森林里有人也建议我在里面设立标靶，吸引精灵射手们前来进行它们的竞技。

Once the elves and dwarves serve me, I am told that they will help to make such things as great stone circles for the pleasure of druids, fenced meadows for unicorns and fearful red towers for the mighty phoenix.

当精灵和矮人们加入后，有人告诉我它们可以用来建造像巨石阵这样的东西来讨德鲁伊的欢心，也可以为独角兽建立草场围栏，为强大的凤凰建立那令人生畏的红塔。

Already I have created a dwelling place for users of magic and one is now in my service. He is expensive though, my lord, for to master his spells is a costly process. My funds have run short and I have made the decision to let the arcane arts of magic wait. For the price of but one spell I can marshal a host of peasants. I remember as well the fool Guthbert, your court magician. He wasn’t worth very much if memory serves me well.

我也已经为精通魔法的人建立了招募地并且已经有一人为我服务了。他开价很高，我的国王，因为要全部精通他的魔法可不是件容易的事。我的资金已经不那么充裕了所以我决定暂停学习奥术魔法的进程。用学习寥寥一个魔法的价钱，我不知道能招募多少农民。我也想起了你昔日的宫廷魔法师，愚蠢的Guthbert，在我的记忆中，他就不值那么多钱。

Speaking of money I should point out to you the tens of thousands in gold that I have spent so far in this venture, which was started solely to glorify your name. My pockets are not bottomless, cousin, and though my servants now bring in some small income, still it is not enough. Therefore, if you read this letter, I would ask of you to send more money to me, for after all this has become quite an expensive proposition. Your flag does not fly over this realm, cousin, without incurring some obligation in return.

说到钱，我得指出我已经花了10000黄金在这个地方了，这全都是为了您名字的荣耀。我的腰包已经不是那么鼓了，表兄，尽管农民们总能给我一点小小收入，但这远远不够。所以，如果您读到这封信，请你给我送点钱来，毕竟这已经成为一个相当必要关键的建议了。如果你不尽点义务回报的话，你的旗帜恐怕将不再飘扬在这片国度上了，表兄。

Oh yes, I should add that I did erect a modest dwelling place for myself, which I call Morglin’s Keep. I have tastefully appointed it as befitting the honor of one of your servants.

哦对了，我应该告诉你我也给自己建立了一座谦卑的住宅，叫Morglin城堡。我已经高尚严正的指出了这座城堡不过是为了满足您一个仆人的荣誉而已。

Once the spring planting has been finished I plan to take part of my new host and go adventuring, for I am told that this land is vast and that if one looks carefully there are riches to be found and glory to be won. Of course, my lord, whatever I find shall be for the glory of your name.

当今春的建设结束之后，我将带着我的新部下们去冒险了，因为有人告诉我这片土地很广大，如果有人能仔细注意到这一点，无数财宝和荣耀将属于他。当然，我的国王，无论我找到什么它都是您的荣誉。

Do send my best to Lady Ewine.

请将我最好的祝愿转达给Ewine女士。

29th Day of the Month of the Aarvark, Common Year 635

土豚之月29日，通用历 635年

Cousin,

表兄，

It has been more than two years since I sent my last missive up into the hills to be placed near the gate where I first came through into this world. I am informed that my previous letters are gone but that no reply was waiting. I am not sure if you or a servant of yours found the gate and came through, or if thieves violated the boundary pillar placed there.

距我上次给你写信，将信送往我第一次来这世界时通过的传送门那儿，已经两年了。我被通知说我前几封信都不见了，但却没有收到回信。我不知道是你或者你的仆人找到了传送门并穿了过来，还是被一群小偷玷污了我设在那儿放信的桩柱。

I embarked on my expedition to explore new lands and have endured two long and hard years of campaigning. At first all was uneventful, though by careful looking I found occasional deposits of rare metals, burial mounds containing treasures, and other such things. I also met strange and terrible creatures. Near an ancient graveyard I did battle with ghosts. I met wandering beasts with fearsome skills and bested them in single combat to the glory of my name.

我开始探索新的领地，并已经经过了多年艰苦卓绝的作战。起初一切都那么风平浪静，尽管在仔细搜索之下我发现了若干稀有金属的矿产地，里面有财宝的埋葬土堆，以及其他一些东西。我也碰上了奇怪而恐怖的怪物。在一古代坟地旁我与一群幽灵交火了。我遭遇了一些漫游的，有着令人生畏的特技的野兽。在一场战斗中我打败了他们，为我自己赢得了荣誉。

After wandering for many weeks I came at last upon another town. As I approached it the inhabitants barred the gates. They then climbed upon the battlements and made rude gestures. They made strange noises while sticking out their tongues and said many coarse and vulgar things about your lineage. Of course I attacked them at once. At first I was thrown back, losing many of my peasants and some swordsmen. Then I laid siege to the place, having my men construct engines of war. The catapults I constructed finally cast down the walls of the town. I was tempted, since my honor had been insulted, to burn the filthy place to the ground and slay all within.

经过许多周的游历，我终于到达了另一座城镇。我接近时居民将大门关闭了。随后他们爬上了城墙并做出侮辱性的手势。他们伸出舌头发出奇怪的杂音，并对你的血统说了许多不堪入耳的话。当然我马上开始攻击他们。起先我被击退了，损失了不少农民以及一些剑士。于是我对此城展开包围，命令我的手下建造攻城武器。终于投石车完工了并砸烂了城墙。由于这帮家伙侮辱了我的荣誉，我实在有念头要将此城夷为平地并大肆屠杀。但是，在我下这个命令之前，我的谋士，就是那个昔日的老农民，如今已是尊贵的内侍，指出我可以将此城转为己有并为我带来财富。

Before I could give such an order my advisor, formerly the old peasant and now an honored chamberlain, pointed out that I could turn the town to my use and wealth. It was there that I discovered much about this land. The town I had thus taken was a barbarian town and was filled with creatures unique to such a place. There I brought into my service more orcs, wolves, ogres and trolls, along with a powerful cyclops. I found out as well that there are many other towns scattered about the lands. Some are towns of humans alone. Others are controlled by a sorceress and magical creatures reside there.

到现在我已经对此大陆探索了很多。这座我攻下的城镇是座野蛮人城，里面住的全都是这个地方独有的生物。在那里我将更多的兽人，狼，食人魔，巨魔，以及强大的独眼巨人一起编入我的军队。我还知道了还有许多别的城镇坐落在这片土地上。有些就是人类城镇。有些城镇被女巫以及居住于此的一些魔法生物控制。

A few towns, which are hard to find, are ruled by warlocks and have within their walls powerful and dreadful creatures such as minotaurs, gargoyles and even dragons. I am not yet prepared to deal with such and shall avoid these boroughs.

有几座城很难发现，它们被巫师们统治，在这些城的城墙中有着许多强大而可怕的生物如牛头怪，石像鬼，甚至龙。我可还没准备好对付他们，并应该避免与这些城镇发生冲 突。

I found out as well that there are other kings who lay claim to all the lands and wage war. They have heroes of great skills in their service and I am warned now that my power is considerable, attention will be drawn onto me in an attempt to block the growth of my strength. It appears I have no choice but to act against others before they cause me grievous harm.

我也同样发现，这里还有别的国王声称要统治全部的这片土地，并且相互开战。他们拥有各种英勇善战的英雄于麾下。有人警告我说我的力量十分强大，所以他们的注意力会转移到我身上并阻止我的力量继续发展。看起来，在他们给我以重创之前，我别无选择，只有灵活地与他们周旋和对抗。

I plan now to go forth and seek out these other kingdoms, to humble them, and place your standard upon their battlement walls.

我现在的计划是继续前进，找到这些其他的王国，挫败它们，将您的旗帜插在它们的城墙上面。

Say hello to Ewine for me and ask her if she still has that curious birthmark.

代我向Ewine问好，问问她那奇怪的胎记是否还长在身上。

3rd Day of the Month of the Mongoose, Common Year 638

猫鼬之月3日，通用历 638年

Ragnar,

I have fought three long and hard campaigns since last I wrote. Marching out from the first town I captured, I wandered across strange lands of mountains, deserts, swamps and deep woods. There were many creatures to contend with, some of great strength, some willing to rally to my banner, some wishing to tear it down. Of those who stood in my way, their bones now lay bleached in the sun.

自从我上次写信以来，我已经打了三场漫长而艰苦的战役。从我攻占的第一个城镇出发，我在山脉、沙漠、沼泽和深林等陌生的土地上徘徊。我必须与许多生物抗争，他们之中有些力量强大，有些愿意团结在我的旗帜下，有些则希望撕毁我的旗帜。那些挡在我面前的人，他们的骨头现在已经在阳光下漂白了。

After long weeks of wandering I met an opposing army that had come to smite me and had a long and difficult battle with it, losing more than half my host. Finally, I bested in single combat the hero leading the enemy army and took him as my prisoner. Shortly afterwards I received a missive from the hero’s liege lord, offering ransom, which I refused, for the amount offered was insulting. I then received another offer, which was far more munificent. I agreed to accept the ransom payment and thus refilled my empty coffers. The hero I released parted from me in good spirits, promising we would meet again, to which I replied that I prayed it would be so for I would undoubtedly need more money.

经过几周漫长的徘徊，我遇到了一支来攻击我的敌对军队，并与之进行了一场漫长而艰难的战斗，我失去了一半以上的部队。最后，我在单挑中战胜了领导敌军的英雄，并把他作为我的俘虏。不久之后，我收到了英雄的领主的信，想给我一笔赎金，我拒绝了，因为提供的金额是侮辱性的。后来我又收到了另一个提议，这个提议要慷慨得多。我同意接受赎金，从而填补了我空荡荡的金库。被我释放的英雄兴高采烈地离开了我，并承诺我们会再见面，我回答说，我祈祷会是这样，因为我无疑需要更多的钱。

I came onto a town next to an open sea and took it after difficult battle. There I captured another hero and this one pledged service to me. Now with this leader to serve me I made a fateful decision. I split my army, sending half of it with him. Purchasing boats, my hero took his army and led them great distances, exploring many strange and wondrous lands. I received information from him and was able to draw up maps of all that I thought I now owned, and was well pleased. Unfortunately my hero met with an evil magician who destroyed him and my army.

我来到大海岸边的一个城镇，经过艰难的战斗，我拿下了它。在那里我抓到了另一个英雄，这个人承诺为我服务。现在有了这个英雄为我服务，我做出了一个决定。我拆分了我的军队，把一半的军队派给了他。我的英雄购买了船只，带着他的军队走了很远的路，探索了许多陌生而奇妙的土地。我从他那里得到了信息，并能够绘制出我认为我现在拥有的所有土地的地图，我很高兴。不幸的是，我的英雄遇到了一个邪恶的魔术师，他摧毁了他和我的军队。

Then came dark and difficult days. The great prince of another realm sent a powerful army against my capital city, which you will recall I named after you.

然后，黑暗和困难的日子来了。另一个王国的大王子派了一支强大的军队攻打我的首都，你记得的，这个首都我是以你的名字命名的。

I regret to report that the small garrison I left there was overwhelmed and the city taken. This created great difficulties since one of my main sources of income was thus denied me. It forced me to march back, bringing my depleted host with me to retake the town. This I succeeded in, but then I lost the other towns in my possession as well.

我必须很遗憾地向你报告，我留在那里的小规模驻军被完全压制，城市被占领了。这造成了巨大的困难，因为我的主要收入来源之一就这样被剥夺了。这迫使我带着我精疲力尽的队伍往回走，以夺回该城。我成功了，但我也失去了我手中的其他城镇。

Ragnar, I am fighting a difficult battle here and you have not helped one bit. Twenty or thirty thousand in gold would be a great help right now if you wish me to keep this realm in your name.

Ragnar，我在这里打了一场艰难的仗，而你却一点忙都没有。如果你希望我以你的名义保住这个王国，那么现在两三万的金币将是一个很大的帮助。

By the way, do ask Ewine about the interesting time we once had and both fondly remember as “the night of madness.”

顺便说一句，我和Ewine曾经有过一段被我们亲切地称为“疯狂之夜”的愉快时光，你可以问问她。

11th day of the Month of the Lizard, Common Year 641

蜥蜴之月11日，通用历 641年

Ragnar，

I have survived the last three years, no thanks to you. I thought for a time that all was lost. I had but one town, my capital, that the residents insist on calling Ironfist Keep. Twice I was besieged and twice I repelled the attacks.

我终于在最近三年生存下来了，不过可什么好感谢你。我有段时间甚至认为一切都完了。我现在只剩下一座城——我的首都，我这个住处的名字仍然叫铁拳城堡。我已经两次被围攻，又两次将敌人击退。

Both times I captured the hero leading the attacking hosts. The first of these heroes was the same one I had captured before. Thinking that I could gain great wealth I held him for ransom. I received a paltry offer the first time and reasoned that I had but to hold out and his master would offer a great sum. I never heard from that skin flint of a king again. I asked the hero then to serve me but he refused. I was bound by the code of royal blood and could not execute him and thus had to let him go. I had lost a hero and had no ransom money to show for my effort.

而这两次我都俘虏了领军进攻的英雄。其中第一个被我擒获的英雄就是那个以前就被我俘虏过的。考虑到我可以在他身上赚不少我将他关押起来要求赎金。结果我收到了个可鄙的提议，劝我除了继续扣留他别无选择，他的主人不会出一大笔赎金的。我可从来没听说过世上有如此冷酷无情的国王。接着我要求那个英雄转投我但他拒绝了。而我深受我的皇家血统的影响，不忍心处决他，于是只好放他走了。我白白失去了一个英雄而且一分钱赎金都没赚到。

The second time I was wiser and upon capturing the hero of the next attacking host I immediately made an offer to him and he gladly accepted the right to serve me. He has become a powerful ally. While still protecting the source of my power I sent him out and he recaptured the town I once held to the south. I built my wealth up, investing in yet more structures to bring various creatures and brave warriors into my service. I had found that moving forward aggressively at the start of things might win great glory and honor, but also left one vulnerable to attack from the rear.

第二次我就学聪明了，将进攻的英雄俘虏之后，我马上就找他签订协议，他也很乐意的接受了从此以后为我效劳的权利。于是他从此成了个强大的盟友。由于我仍在保卫我的首都我派遣他出去征战，结果他将我在南部的一座城夺了回来。我的财富增长了，建造了更多建筑并招募了更多种的生物以及勇士加入我的麾下。我现在发现，在一开始就积极主动的进攻固然可能迅速带来大量荣誉和尊严，但也可能留给对手漏洞，这样我就可以从背后袭击之。

The next time I was attacked I repulsed it easily, driving my enemies before me and hearing the lamentations of their loved ones.

当我再次遭到攻击时我轻松的击溃了他们，追赶着敌人败逃的部队，聆听着他们爱人的悲叹。

At great expense I built jousting arenas to attract great and powerful knights into my service and then at even greater expense I erected a holy cathedral so that mighty paladins would rally to my banner.

我以巨大的投资建造了一座枪术竞技场，吸引着强大的骑士们加入我的阵营，并且以更大的投入建造了一座大教堂，这样强大的圣武士们就能为我擎起大旗了。

I did not neglect the realms of magic either, for it was due to a weakness in such spells and powers that I had nearly been bested the first time I ventured out into the broad and dangerous world. Though they are expensive to develop, they are worth the investment.

我也不再忽视魔法了，这是因为由于我在这方面的弱势，我在第一次深入这广大而危险的世界时几乎遭到迎头痛击。尽管发展魔法是很贵的，但它们还是值这笔投资的。

The powers of those who wield magic are many. They have mastered arts here that your useless court magicians can barely imagine. There are various spells of protection and attack. There are spells that can burn an opponent into cinders or turn them into ice. My magic users have spells that can enchant and spells that can block the strikes of swords and spears, while there are yet other spells that can aid greatly in the difficult art of siege craft.

那些施展魔法的人的力量是很强大的。他们已经精通了很多你那无用的宫廷魔法师想都不敢想的魔法艺术。这些魔法，从保护类到进攻类有很多种。这些魔法可以将对手烧成灰烬也可以将他们冻成冰块。我的魔法使用者们拥有可以迷惑人的魔法，拥有可以阻挡刀枪长矛杀伤的魔法，甚至有可以在困难的攻城战中可以助你一大把力的魔法。

At great expense I commissioned my magic users to master such subtle arcane arts as the ability to turn undead, to provide protection against the magic of others, to cure, to bless my warriors so that their strength increased, and to blind my opponents so that they could not see where to attack.

在巨大的耗费之下，我委托我的魔法使用者们掌握了如此微妙的奥术艺术，例如使死人复生，提供抵抗其他人魔法的方法，治疗，祝福我的战士们使他们的力量如虎添翼，使我的对手目盲，让他们对从哪攻击都无所适从。

I think I should add here that the pathetic wizard, Guthbert, who caused me so much trouble in your realm with his loose tongue and could not strike a mouse dead, would have been burnt to a crisp by the rivals he would face here.

我觉得我应该说明了那个悲惨的法师Guthbert，那个因为他的告密使我惹了大麻烦，连一个老鼠都弄不死的家伙，如果来这儿和魔法对手对决的话，肯定会被烧成麻片的。

I also developed my contacts with the thieves’ guilds and thus learned many secrets from them to help me in the campaigns I now planned.

我已经与盗贼工会取得了联系，并且学到了很多秘密，他们将为我计划中接下来的战役提供很大助益。

After thus consolidating my powers I set out on an expedition that brought another hero into my service. I now had three armies. One, under the command of a trustworthy hero, I left to protect my homeland. The other I sent south to sweep back down to the sea, while I marched eastward across broad open plains.

经过这番巩固我的力量之后，我再度出发并将另一名英雄招致麾下。这样我就拥有三个军团了。其中一个在我最信任的英雄指挥下负责保卫我们的老家。我将另一个军团派往南面，重新冲向大海，与此同时我向东进军，穿过宽广而开放的平原。

My hero in the south reached the coast where I had first marched years before, and taking a town there, he greatly strengthened it. A lighthouse was constructed to aid in the sailing of ships. I commanded him to move upon the flowing waters with caution for there were many dangerous creatures, brigands, and rival heroes upon the sea.

我在南边的英雄重新到达了海岸，我一年前曾经在那征战过。他拿下了一座城并大大加强了那里的防务。一座灯塔被建造起来帮助船只航行。我命令他小心谨慎地进入海洋，因为许多危险的生物，海盗以及敌方英雄都在海上巡航。

He guided his ships up the coast, taking the town of a sorceress and thus did my power wax greatly. Islands were next taken and their wealth added into my coffers, denying at the same time such wealth to rivals.

他命令自己的船队沿海岸而行，又攻克了一座女巫城，这使我的实力再次大增。靠近大陆的许多岛屿被攻克，使得大量金钱进了我的腰包，也使得我的对手们失去了同样多的财富。

And then disaster struck yet again. A shower of great stones, trailing fire, plummeted from the heavens, smiting down the host of my hero. It seemed as well that as I grew more powerful an alliance was formed between the rival kings to turn their combined strength against me. As a result all that I won in the south was lost.

但是灾难再次击中了我。大片陨石如同暴雨一般，带着火团，从天空上砸了下来，击垮了我那英雄的军队。看起来在我实力增强之后我的国王对手们已经组成联盟并组织了联军对付我。结果我在南方的胜利全都化为乌有。

I knew that if I stayed on the defensive the enemy would march to my gates. Therefore, I set out to meet the new threat. But this time I did not make the foolish move of stripping my capital and the towns close to it of their defenses. My reasoning was proper, for through some great and powerful magic an enemy army appeared, materializing out of thin air, near my capital. They were repulsed but at great loss of the city’s warriors, wizards, and wealth.

我知道如果我继续消极防御的话敌人早晚会再兵临城下的。于是，我亲自出发去面对这新的威胁。这一次我没有愚蠢地将我首都和各城镇的防卫力量全带走以集中起来。我的做法是正确的，因为之后通过一种强大的魔法一支敌军突然从我首都外的天空中冒了出来。他们被击退了，但我主城的战士，法师和金钱也损失惨重。

I now realize as well that I had neglected to build up strength with the great and dark creatures such as Gargoyles, Minotaurs, Hydras and the dreaded king of all, the Dragons. Thus I set out to bring the towns of warlocks under my control.

我现在明白我已经不能再忽视以召集黑暗生物增强实力的可能性了，例如石像鬼，牛头怪，九头蛇以及最可怕的生物之王——龙。于是我将出发去攻占巫师城镇，这样才能招募到它们。

I found that though a Paladin was indeed a mighty warrior he was, as they say, ‘burnt toast’ when confronting an army with dragons. I shall work hard in these areas and then all shall tremble before me.

我发现尽管圣武士确实是很强悍的战士，但是与龙组成的军队交手时还是很快就会被烧成烤面包的。在所有东西都在我面前颤抖之前，我还有很长的路要走。

I am curious to know, is Ewine’s breath as disgusting as I now remember it to be?

我现在很好奇地想知道，Ewine的呼吸声是否还像我记得的那样烦人呢？

21st Day of the Month of the Rat, Year One of the New Age

老鼠之月21日，新纪元 第1年

Ragnar the Ursurper,

篡位者Ragnar，

It has been five years since my last missive, I can imagine how things must fare you there, sitting fat and blotted like a corrupt spider upon your cheap web of a throne, which you wrongfully assumed and which you have wrongfully held.

距我上一封信已经整整五年了，我可以想象得到你现在是怎么过日子的。又脏又胖，像一头腐烂的蜘蛛一样趴在你那卑贱的王座上，而这王座和王冠都是你本不应该拥有的。

My strength here has indeed risen like a phoenix from its earlier ruin. Many and great battles have I fought. Citadels have I cast down, cities I have taken and raised MY banner over. Heroes aplenty now flock to my cause. I wonder what have you done of late, sitting safely behind your castle walls. While bards shall sing of my name, your memory will be nothing more than sayings and drawings about you and your so-called queen carved on latrine walls.

我的势力就像凤凰一般从早先的挫折中重新崛起。我打了不计其数的宏伟战役。我摧毁了一座座堡垒，攻下了一座座城镇，在上面升起我的旗帜。众多英雄聚集在我麾下。我很好奇其间你在做些什么，安全地蜷缩在你的城墙后面。当吟游诗人们歌唱我的传奇时，你的记忆就无非是那些关于你和你所谓的王后的，镌刻在茅坑的墙上的那些故事和绘画。

After long years of consolidating my strength in all areas, raising levees of peasants and pikemen, mounting warriors on horse, legions of ogres, goblins and trolls, marshalling the strengths of magic users and placing in the van great creatures such as hydras and dragons, I set forth to sweep all before me.

经过我多年在各地积蓄实力，我拥有了排山倒海般的农民，枪兵，骑兵，一队队食人魔，地精和巨魔，汇集起魔法使用者们的力量，部署着那些强大的怪物如九头蛇和龙，我终于出发前去扫清一切我面前的障碍。

Three of the high kings of this realm united against me. They laid cunning traps for me and placed great strengths in their cities. Many were the heroes they arrayed against me so that at one time I faced six different armies closing in upon me from all points of the compass.

三个这个国度的大君主联合起来对付我。他们设置了狡猾的陷阱对付我，并将大量的军力部署到他们的城镇内。一时间如此之多的英雄向我杀来以至于我曾经一度要面对六个军团从四面八方的围攻。

It was then that the great investment I made in magic was rewarded. Twice I was able to teleport entire armies clear across my empire, placing them behind the advancing foes to crush them. I was able to control an Oracle and through her and by way of the thives guilds I learned the secrets and intentions of my enemies. This was no small thing, for it enabled me to place my armies to parry their thrusts, and throw my armies into lands where they were weak.

我在魔法上的巨大投资终于收到了回报。我有两次得以传送我的军队穿越我整个帝国，到达正在前进的敌军背后，狠狠的打击了他们。我也控制了一个神谕，通过她以及从盗贼工会，我得到了许多关于我的敌人的秘密和动向的宝贵信息。这可真不是件小事，这使得我总能及时部署军队抵挡敌人的突击，并在他们虚弱时将我的主力投入反击。

The cost of such campaigns was great. I spent in a month what but a short time ago I would have believed to be undreamed of wealth. But if one wishes all, they must risk all.

这样庞大的战争所付出的代价当然是很大的。前些日子我在一个月内付出的代价的可以说价值了人们想都不敢想的财富。但如果一个人想赢得一切，他就必须敢于冒一切风险。

I cast down two of my great rivals and finally there was but the great Lord Alamar to face my powers. Ragnar, you are but a grovelling beggar compared to such as he. Long we struggled. He launched one attack that swept all the way into the heartland of my realm, forcing me to teleport back to deal with the threat.

我击败了我最大的两个对手后，终于要与强大的Alamar领主面对面决战了。Ragnar，和他比起来你就只是个摇尾乞怜的乞丐而已。我们打了很长时间消耗战。他曾发动一场总攻，冲向我的领地的心脏地带，迫使我将主力传送回来抵挡住此次危机。

Finally I was before his great and wonderous capital city. My siege engines smashed down his high towers. Dragons struggled in the air overhead. Hydras wrestled upon the ground. Great legions of swordsmen, archers, dwarves, orcs, and peasant levees gave battle so that the ground was covered with the slain. With my magic welders(wielders) around me I gained the wall and there did I fight with spells, fire and sword against the great Lord Alamar, and his wizards that has already become a myth told by peasants around camp fires. He was cunning, mighty was his sword arm, great his magic, and brilliant his strategies. But they availed him for naught, for in the end I cast him down and my only disappointment was that he was able to flee into distant realms .

终于我来到了他那宏伟的首都城堡面前。我的攻城武器摧毁了他的防御高塔。龙群在空中挣扎，九头蛇们在地面上奋力苦战。我不计其数的剑士，弓箭手，矮人，兽人以及农民潮水般的冲向敌人，整个大地上到处都在厮杀。在我旁边的魔法使用者的帮助下我夺取了城墙，在那里使用魔法，火与剑与强大的Alamar领主对 抗。他和他的巫师们早已被我军营营火边的农民们说成是神话般的人物了。他是那么狡猾，他的军力是如此强大，他的魔法是那么伟大，他的策略是那么杰出。不过这些对于他已经毫无作用了，我最终打败了他。我唯一的遗憾就是他得以逃到遥远的地方去了。

So now Ragnar the pig, I own all this land of Heroes. All creatures within it acknowledge me as the rightful king. I shall rule it with justice and wisdom. I shall guard its borders well for I have heard yet more rumors of wars in distant lands, and evil kings that plot their return to overthrow me.

所以现在Ragnar你这猪头听好了，我已经统一了这个英雄的大陆。这里所有的生物都承认我为他们无可争议的国王。我将用我的正义和智慧统治我的国家。尽管我听说了在遥远的地方正在开战，邪恶的国王们正计划打回来把我推翻，但我仍然会守护好我的边境的。

Let me add here that I view it as fortunate now that the fool Guthbert failed so miserably in his attempt on your life. If the plot had succeeded I would have been but a petty lord, in a petty realm, which is all you now have. Your father murdered his brother, my father, to take the throne and you took it from him. I was forced to flee, with but a handful of retainers into unknown lands, and here in the realm of Heroes I have carved out an empire to which a few paltry counties pale in comparison. To those who risk all, all may come as the reward. This shall be the last of the letters I will post at the gate. If you hear from me again it will be because the gate has opened and I shall come through it, sword in hand, seeking justice.

我得在这指出，那个白痴Guthbert企图取你性命的举动如此轻易就失败了，在我现在看来这真是再好不过了。如果这阴谋成功了，我现在就顶多是个渺小王国的渺小国王了，就像你现在一样。你的父亲杀害了自己的兄弟——也就是我的父亲，然后坐上了王位而你又继承之。而我被迫逃跑，仅仅带着少数侍卫逃到未知的国度，但正是在这英雄的国度我却缔造了史上乏人能与之相提并论的大帝国。对于敢于冒一切风险的人，奖赏就是他将赢得一切。我想这将是我贴在传送门上的最后一封信了。如果你还能再听说我的话，那就是哪天这传送门开了，而我将率军通过它杀到你哪儿，用我手中之剑寻求正义。

Farewell Ragnar.

再见了Ragnar。

PS. If Ewine is still with you tell her I have married and am quite content. My companion has all the attributes that she did not, trustworthiness, intelligence, beauty and kindness. Beyond that, she bathes more then once a year and is not surrounded by a cloud of flies, something I find to be most refreshing after having known Ewine.

PS：如果Ewine还在和你一起的话，告诉他我已经结婚了并且过得很好。我的伴侣有着一切她所没有的好处。可信赖，聪明，美丽，仁慈。除此之外，她一年可不止洗一次澡，也没有被一堆苍蝇包围，这个才是我在认识Ewine之后，发现的最令人耳目一新的事情。