Johannes Smith

Johannes Smith was an Elven philosopher, scholar and religious leader best known as one of the Seven Lords of the Lady. He is by far the most fanatical member to the Seven Lords, arguably even more so than Marth himself. Smith was responsible for solidifying much of the church's religious practices as well as extensivly studying the history of the Lady.

Early Life
Johannes Smith was born into a family of priests in western Bardaria. From a young age he was taught about all the gods so that when he came of age he would be able to choose which god to devote himself to, as was traditional in his family. FOr much of his early life he lived in the shadow of his elder brother, who was far more naturally charismatic and intelligent than he was. This caused him to bury himself in his studies in order to surpass his brother in the eyes of their family.

Studying to Become a Priest and Dissillusionment
Johannes spent most of his time as a child in the Library of Gods. He rarely socialised with anyone and was known for caring more for the books than other people, once getting into a fight when someone tried to take a book from him. He went through the libraries entire collection of religious texts by the time he was 15, and began to search for other texts to read. Eventually he came across texts detailing the hidden histories of the gods. He learnt of the history of the Old Ones, of the witch known as Mother, and many other secrets. Realising that his education had been built on lies he went out into the world in search for truth. He knew that the true gods of the universe had to still exist and he was determined to find them.

Journey to Ashkelon and Meeting with Marth
Along his journeys he consulted with many wisemen and sages, including the witch Baba Yaga and the dragonborn mystic Bolond in an attempt to ascertain the truth of the gods. Eventually his journey took him to Grey Wall, then to the city of Ashkelon, home to hundreds of strange religions and cults. It was there that he met the mystic Marth Herenyonnen. Astounded by Marth's charisma and power he arranged to meet with Marth in private. It is not known what Marth said to Johannes during that fateful meeting, but it convinced the elf that the Lady was the truth he had been searching for.