Hernando Ruiz's page

About Hernando Ruiz

Parruvo Chalanian was born a Chelaxian, but did not remain either for long. Born to an underprivileged family, he was quickly sold into a future of slavery to keep the rest of the family afloat. His days would be a mere rotation of "Eat first meal, read stories, eat second meal, sleep, repeat." Being sold wasn't his main priority, as what life could not possibly be better anywhere as a slave than in this hellhole. This meager schedule remained there until around the age of 5, when a knight named Sir Esteban was passing through the Inner Sea on a Taldan cruise ship. On-deck divination foretold of a storm that suggested against further sea travel. They were forced to take port in the inlet nearest to them. Thus landed the pleasure-seeking Taldans in Westcrown.

The storm was to last three days, during which the crew had simply "informed" the passengers it was a "small detour, for re-exploring an old colony." Many Taldans took it as an opportunity to don their fanciest of attire and parade about and "perform a lavish visit, to show the Chels just how life COULD have been if they hadn't rabbled so long ago." As they paraded about town, young Parruvo saw Taldan society for what they truly believed themselves to be; a flourishing society, rich in culture and self-assurance of power. He made it a point to appear as proud as these foreign individuals, in hopes that it would enrich his life as well.

Sir Esteban, a knight of the Shield, felt that a personal inspection of the local slave traders was the best use of his time. He donned his armour that had seen him through many combats and entered the deepest and dankest regions of the port town. He felt that ensuring their livelihood was not being curtailed (within reason, of course. These are slaves, after all. But straight abuse and neglect is not to be tolerated, even for humans that are technically property.) During his "inspections," he found none to be absolutely ruthless. "The law is quite strong here, as to be expected of an Old Taldan land." He planned to spend all 3 days of waiting performing this inspection.

During his next stop, he came across a "youth workers distribution center." He finds a few dozen children, all of which were held at attention (as they always did in places like this.) Each one gave their schpiel of what they can do, how this place is adequate, and why they should be taken out of here for a one-time fee. None performed this act, however, as Parruvo did. Parruvo greeted him in a quickly-learned extravagant fashion, complete with an egregious bow and overblown Taldan accent so thick that even the Baron might second-guess his lands of origin.

Sir Esteban inquired further as to "this child's" origin, to ensure there is not a Taldan child living in one of these "lesser homes." The keeper assured him that Parruvo was a born Chelaxian, but could easily be modeled into a Taldan if he so wished.

Estaban did just that. He signed the papers, paid the gold crowns, and brough a child back to the ship. Parruvo Chalanian was henceforth Hernando Ruiz, and a squire. He took in as much culture as he could on his 2-day return to Taldor. He saw nobles in all their glory and admired them incessantly. Luckily for him, Taldan nobles love themselves more than they dislike foreigners, so they gave him praise and taught him the "rules of ettquite" for Taldan society. The most important lesson he taught them was that the closer you get to "Taldor's Heart" (the Baron), the better off you are. He was told that the Baron was going to restore Taldor to it's former glory, but he needed EVERYONE's help. Hernando took these words as his own personal edicts, which cemented the nobles' facination with him.

Upon landing in Ridonport, Hernando's training started. 20-odd years of traveling around the world on horseback, helping the needy and sick and battling with their oppressors when needed.

As Herenado grew, Esteban felt the tightening grip of old age. One day, while travelling back to Oppara, he told Hernando that his time of traveling was through, but that his ex-squire's has just begun. Despite Hernando's feelings, he quietly accepted that his master had retired, and that he must strike out on his own. He inquired as to what lands he should travel to better Taldor's relationship, but Esteban had a far different idea.

"You are more dedicated to the Empire than anyone, including myself. There is one place where you can serve it best, and that is the Pathfinder Society."

Esteban, using political connections, discovered that a Pathfinder had gone missing in a once-locked tower outside Absalom. He wished Hernando luck, and shipped him out.

Time has passed, things have changed, and yet it's all is the same...

Much has changed since Hernando first met the unlucky Pathfinder trapped within the Fallen Fortress. He has found both true allegiance and faith, in Baron Jacquo Dalsine and Abadar, respectively. Hernando has found good allies and friends in some of the most unlikely of individuals. He has grown strong, as has Marlene. He even once died in service, only to see his allegiance shine true as he left the Boneyard.

Despite his defensive abilities, he has also lost his greatest patron. Hernando has not taken the loss of Jacquo well. He has convinced himself that Jacquo is like Aroden, alive, well, and merely in wait for the proper time to return. The bouts of logic that he had with himself were quelled by the psychosis he's developed. The idea that Taldor's heart has been replaced is a fact that he cannot accept. He hears his missives telepathically and sees the signature "Jaquo" in his mind's eye, and knows what Taldor needs. He shall serve the Crown and his Baron, always.