MatthaisRagnarsson
The Life of Vale, Or how I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Sharp Metal Objects
[didn't like the original intro...starting over.]
Vale, in the Uxkhal Tavern:
Long ago, in the city of Praven, a son was born to a Swadian soldier. For some reason, his parents named him vale, for no other reason than "It sounds good." At an early age, Vale was shipped off to be a page at the court of a now-deposed swadian lord, beginning his training in the art of warfare. Vale was able to move up to squire in his teenage years, but could not afford to make the transition to knighthood. He returned home to Praven, were, for a time, he tried to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. After quite a few ales, he decided he didn't want to be stuck serving one lord for the rest of his life; he wanted to be free. He wanted to be an adventurer, where his years of training would serve him well. He spent some time in the wilderness around Praven, slaying looters and bandits to hone his skills, and became adept at tracking them down and finding the quickest way to reach his destination.
After a week or so, he returned to Praven, where he saw a tournament was taking place. He quickly entered, and shrewdly placed a bet of 100 denars on himself. After a very tough competition, he managed to defeat the King himself in the last round, and gained 1500 denars thanks to his wise betting.
After spending more time wandering Swadia, killing bandits and drinking in the various taverns, he signed a short-term mercenary contract with Swadia (in addition to becoming a conossieur of Swadian ale).
Whilst waiting for some sort of assignment in the Uxhal tavern, his drinking was interrupted by a messenger boy: The guildmaster would like to see him. Vale promptly drained his last ale and went to see what this was about. Apparently, the daughter one of the master's friends was kidnapped by bandits, who were holding here near Dirigesene. The fee offered was minimal, to say the least, but Vale couldn't turn down the chance to help someone in need, especially if that someone was an attractive lady.
On the way, his pride burned within him. Why would he let a bunch of vile bandits get away with this? Why should he pay them with silver, instead of his blade in their hearts, like they deserved? When he arrived, however, his mind quickly changed; he was outnumbered 35 to 1, on open ground. He had nothing, save a bastard sword and some tribal armor. At least the bandits were, in this matter, men of their word, handing over the girl when he presented the money. He quickly left, with the shaken girl clinging to him on the back of his horse. He felt sick as he left, until he realized that they must have been from Dirigesene, as they seemed to be headed in that direction. Looking over that way, he noticed peculiar: flames in the night sky. He rode to see what was going on, and the village of Dirigisene was in flames. They had been attacked by a Swadian raiding party! He imagined the looks on the kidnapper's face, and laughed all the way back to Uxkhal.
After returning the girl to Uxkhal and collecting his pay of 60 denars (which he proceeded to spend on booze), he heard of armies gathering near Vyincourd Castle. This was his chance to prove his worth to his employers.
Vale charged a rode a good deal ahead, meeting his only mounted opponent: The Rhodok noble, Count Reichsin. They fought in something of a duel on horseback, riding side by side, exchanging blows. The count could not get past Vale's skillful parries, nor could Vale manage to strike a blow through Reichsin's shield or armor, and instead tried to unhorse him and fight on foot like real men. Unfortunately, half a dozen Swadian men-at-arms plowed into them out of nowhere, barreling through Vale, who narrowly managed to avoid death by trampling, and swarming Reichsin, who was quickly brought down. Vale cursed, and was somewhat relieved to hear the count escaped during the battle. But for now, he had more pressing concerns than injured pride.
The highly skilled Rhodok crossbowmen had taken a strategic position on a hillside and were raining fire down on the Swadian army. If Vale charged up the hill, he'd be a pincushion. Fortunately, they were only focused on defending one side of the hill. He was able to ride unnoticed behind them, and attack from behind.
He suffered some wounds, but was able to hold his own until the cavalry arrived. All in all, it was a good day. He still had all his limbs when all was done, and Count Ryis of Swadia thanked him for his aid.
[didn't like the original intro...starting over.]
Vale, in the Uxkhal Tavern:
Long ago, in the city of Praven, a son was born to a Swadian soldier. For some reason, his parents named him vale, for no other reason than "It sounds good." At an early age, Vale was shipped off to be a page at the court of a now-deposed swadian lord, beginning his training in the art of warfare. Vale was able to move up to squire in his teenage years, but could not afford to make the transition to knighthood. He returned home to Praven, were, for a time, he tried to figure out what he wanted to do with his life. After quite a few ales, he decided he didn't want to be stuck serving one lord for the rest of his life; he wanted to be free. He wanted to be an adventurer, where his years of training would serve him well. He spent some time in the wilderness around Praven, slaying looters and bandits to hone his skills, and became adept at tracking them down and finding the quickest way to reach his destination.
After a week or so, he returned to Praven, where he saw a tournament was taking place. He quickly entered, and shrewdly placed a bet of 100 denars on himself. After a very tough competition, he managed to defeat the King himself in the last round, and gained 1500 denars thanks to his wise betting.
After spending more time wandering Swadia, killing bandits and drinking in the various taverns, he signed a short-term mercenary contract with Swadia (in addition to becoming a conossieur of Swadian ale).
Whilst waiting for some sort of assignment in the Uxhal tavern, his drinking was interrupted by a messenger boy: The guildmaster would like to see him. Vale promptly drained his last ale and went to see what this was about. Apparently, the daughter one of the master's friends was kidnapped by bandits, who were holding here near Dirigesene. The fee offered was minimal, to say the least, but Vale couldn't turn down the chance to help someone in need, especially if that someone was an attractive lady.
On the way, his pride burned within him. Why would he let a bunch of vile bandits get away with this? Why should he pay them with silver, instead of his blade in their hearts, like they deserved? When he arrived, however, his mind quickly changed; he was outnumbered 35 to 1, on open ground. He had nothing, save a bastard sword and some tribal armor. At least the bandits were, in this matter, men of their word, handing over the girl when he presented the money. He quickly left, with the shaken girl clinging to him on the back of his horse. He felt sick as he left, until he realized that they must have been from Dirigesene, as they seemed to be headed in that direction. Looking over that way, he noticed peculiar: flames in the night sky. He rode to see what was going on, and the village of Dirigisene was in flames. They had been attacked by a Swadian raiding party! He imagined the looks on the kidnapper's face, and laughed all the way back to Uxkhal.
After returning the girl to Uxkhal and collecting his pay of 60 denars (which he proceeded to spend on booze), he heard of armies gathering near Vyincourd Castle. This was his chance to prove his worth to his employers.
Vale charged a rode a good deal ahead, meeting his only mounted opponent: The Rhodok noble, Count Reichsin. They fought in something of a duel on horseback, riding side by side, exchanging blows. The count could not get past Vale's skillful parries, nor could Vale manage to strike a blow through Reichsin's shield or armor, and instead tried to unhorse him and fight on foot like real men. Unfortunately, half a dozen Swadian men-at-arms plowed into them out of nowhere, barreling through Vale, who narrowly managed to avoid death by trampling, and swarming Reichsin, who was quickly brought down. Vale cursed, and was somewhat relieved to hear the count escaped during the battle. But for now, he had more pressing concerns than injured pride.
