Godfrey Swandown is a helpful stranger without a purpose. Formerly a bandit of the high roads, he and the band of thieves he was a part of were once stopped by a paladin. A fierce battle ensued and most of his fellow thieves were slain, but Godfrey surrendered, preferring to face his crimes and the word of justice than to foolishly try and defeat one of Iomedae’s shining blades.
Because his own crimes had been lesser, Godfrey was sentenced to prison, but escaped the death penalty. Humbled by this mercy, he swore to move back to the rightful path and make amends for his misdeeds.
Mathias Fairflame, the paladin who had put an end to Godfrey’s career as a criminal, came to visit the former bandit several times. They spoke at length of redemption and justice, and the paladin’s words won Godfrey over. Furthermore, fearful of returning to his old ways, Godfrey took a solemn vow: He promised to never again be dishonest.
Upon his liberation, Godfrey found work at the local farm’s stable. Rather than pay, he asked for only food and board and, after a time, a horse of his own so that he may go on his personal journey of redemption. He worked hard at the task and eventually earned the animal as well as an older saddle, no longer fit for the guard’s use, but plenty serviceable. Profusely thanking the town for giving him a second chance at life, Godfrey galloped into the horizon, eager to discover his new life.
He went from town to town, at times tracing back his old bandit routes, and offered his help with various tasks, each time asking only for food and board, and though he tried as he could to refuse gifts and repayment beyond such, he often wound up graciously accepting them, not to offend his hosts, and thankful for the help.
As the adventure begins, Godfrey finds himself in the hamlet of Kor. Only time will tell what destiny awaits the repentant man.
