Anton was raised in his father's castle. He is the first son of Arl Orlovsky, a noble of a minor branch of the Orlovsky family, but, alas, he is also a bastard. His mother, Cressida Tarkys, was a woman of low extraction and Cheliax origin who died while giving him birth. Recognized by his father, he was allowed to live, train and study with his 2 young half-brothers: Aghar, older legitimate son and heir to the title, and Ador.
With the years passing, both of Anton half-brothers became strong, valorous and charismatic boys. But Anton, however he trained, was never really fit for battle, and remained shorter and weaker than the others. He achieved fulfillment in study rather than martial training. He was even allowed to work with the castle wizard for some times. He never managed to successfully cast a prepared spell but this exposition to magic revealed some innate talents and powers.
During those first years at the castle, Aghar was a good friend of Anton. While younger by a year, it was always him that protected his older but frail half-brother when the castle boys games turned to brawl. Ador, on the other side, was never kind for Anton, and liked nothing more than playing tricks on him.
When coming to adulthood, Aghar became a brave and generous knight. Arl entrusted him with more and more responsibilities. Anton helped him with his knowledge and advices.
At the same time, Ador, the youngest brother, became bitter and somber and his relation with Anton and Aghar did not improve. Eventually Ador leaved the castle.
Then Aghar died. Stupidly.
Arl mourned his son for months. The death of his beloved son took a toll on his health and he fall ill. He then recalled Ador to the castle. Even if Arl appreciated Anton, he never considered making him his heir.
Without Aghar to protect him, with Arl ill, and Ador now more and more in charge, Anton think it could be time to leave. He knows he is not able to manage a domain - he lack the charisma and authority - and that Arl was probably right in calling back Ador. Alas ! He always thought he would live as the councellor or the éminence grise of Aghar but this won't be possible with Ador.
So ? Leaving ? Well. But where ? A bastard is not always welcome in the established noble families and living as a commoner is really not an option.
Then, there is this call from Rostland to send men to conquer the Stolen Lands. The lands are free there and new domains can be founded. Of course this could not be done alone, but with the right companions, within a group leaded by someone brave and charismatic but not to bright, someone that could use his knowledge and advices (someone like Aghar in fact), he has faith that, with is cunning, he could achieve what should have been his live: be the power behind the throne.
