The noble House of Benettari is one of the oldest families in Taldor, their formation dating back to the days when Aroden still lived. If the family's history is to be believed, they were part of the original humans lead to Taldor after Earthfall, and took up the arts of Aroden when he first taught them, learning the humble practices of smithing, magic item creation, and blending both the martial and arcane teachings of Aroden into a single form. Of course, since the Last Azlanti's death, their influence has waned dramatically and the once wealthy and well connected family has become something of a relic in Taldor's aristocracy: still there, but certainly not what it once was.
Fordorian (or, as he prefers, just "Ford"), is the youngest of two brothers and one sister, and grew up being taught all the glories of Taldor's past, their great devotion to a dead deity, and insisting that they will return to glory once again. Much as Ford believes in these teachings and of the practical applications in smithing and arcane research, he isn't so sure about this great return to the glories of the past. He personally doesn't actually believe Aroden is dead, simply silent: he's testing humanity, encouraging them to attain the same heights on their own, without him holding their hands. Ford believes self sufficiency, being reliable, and skilled in diverse skills are the most valuable things - the best man. A true descendant of Azlant. Sadly, Ford's family is less interested in bettering themselves, and more invested in refilling the family coffers and regaining their influence throughout Taldor. (And Ford can't entirely argue with their reasoning - after all, their practices are not cheap). Still, Ford has insisted that glory should not be sought for its own sake, but as a result of improving. His deviating outlook has put him at odds with a number of his relatives. Not enough to soil his name, but enough to relegate him as being the lowest child on the totem pole.
However, the recent news of a colony in the old lands of Azlant itself caught the interest of the Benettari family. Ford was the first to suggest they try and get invested in the venture, but his father's stubborn insistence on titles and traditions unsurprisingly clashed with the Bountiful Venture company. (It also didn't help that his parents insisted that, as "descendants of the first refugees of Azlant", they had first rights on all artifacts and valuables found during the expedition). The company rebuffed their investments and refused any contact with the Benettari family.
Agitated and desperate, Ford decided to take matters into his own hands. Shortening his name and fabricating a false identity, Ford has quietly applied to join the latest expedition to Talmandor's Bounty, posing as a blacksmith and offering his services at the fledgling outpost in exchange for passage. When he received word back that he'd passed preliminary interviews (no doubt helped by a small gift of a finely made sword to demonstrate his craftsmanship), Ford's family immediately began leveling tasks and missions for him while on the venture, demanding that he squirrel away any artifacts of value or significance. After all, by lineage, anything they find belongs to them by right! Ford agreed to their demands, but only to quiet them and keep them from ruining his cover or sending either of his brothers or sister in his place on the expedition. However, Ford is now in something of a crossroads. He doesn't want to betray his family (and they DO need a source of wealth), but he knows full well that their intentions for this venture are certainly not in line with his own. For now, Ford has set out with the intent of at least seeing the new colony, and determining if there is anything to be gained from sticking around, and not getting caught being part of Taldan nobility. Should he find anything of value... well, he'll cross that bridge when he gets to it.
