About Rion of CarlisleHP Total: (10+6+6+6: hit die)+4*3+4=44 Traits: Highlander (+1 to stealth, CS, and +2 stealth in hilly terrain),
Feats:
Attacks:
Background:
The second son of a western Baron, Rion's parents were determined to send him into the knighthood or, more preferably, the clergy, to make his way in the world. Early on, they decided the clergy was the right fit for him, given his gentle, gregarious nature and love for helping the weak. But while Rion is quite content to worship Arkey, his imagination was captured since youth by the power of steel and skill to defend the weak and uphold the law. He practiced with any weapon he could lay his hands on every day, following his father's men-at-arms and begging them to train him in every weapon imaginable. When he reached his teenage years, he took to roaming the nearby countryside when he heard tell of wolves and bandits plaguing the small folk. While patrolling the nearby hills, he was fortunate enough to find a shepherd fending off several wolves and rushed in. When his steel bit home into one of the wolves, the rest scattered. Rion was thrilled to help defend the people of his father's land and was filled with a sense of importance. One day, he heard cries coming from a nearby homestead. He rushed toward the commotion as quickly as his armor would allow and saw several bandits approaching the thatched hut. He did his best to run to the peasants' aid but his armor slowed him too much and he could not reach the bandits before they reached the peasants. As one of the bandits raised a club to strike a poor farmer, whizzing sounds cut the air and yard-long arrow shafts appeared rapidly in the bodies of several bandits with soft thumps. The rest quickly fled. Rion was shocked and the peasants were shocked when a knight with slight gray at his temples stepped out of the nearby brush. It was Ser Owain, a knight of his father's household known for being eccentric and wandering the nearby hills. Owain made sure the family was all right then bid Rion to follow him. Rion followed the knight in awe and silence until Owain finally spoke: "An arrow may save where sword and armor would not arrive in time." No more words passed between them that day but Rion followed Ser Owain and saw how Owain patrolled the countryside, moved gracefully through the brush in his light armor, and kept a sharp lookout on his surroundings. The next day, Rion was standing outside Owain's quarters as the knight emerged at dawn. Seeing Rion wearing studded leather instead of his normal chainmail, Rion nodded in approval stating "Our steel serves the law, the land, and our Lord best when carried and wielded wisely." Owain then strung up his bow and began oiling the bowstring. Thus began Rion's squirehood with Owain. Occasionally, they patrolled the flat farmland on horseback while other days they tread carefully through the fens. Few words were exchanged but Rion learned quickly from Owain's examples. One of the few times Rion saw Owain express emotion was when the news came that Uther's heir had appeared and taken the throne. Owain knelt and bowed his head, whispering "Arkey be praised." Rion's parents were disappointed to see their son gravitating toward knighthood instead of the clergy but when he came of age, they provided the necessary funds to sponsor his entry to knighthood. After his vigil, Ser Owain grasped the newly knighted Ser Rion by the arm. His gray eyes glistening with moisture he said "Our steel and skill for the king." "Our steel and skill for the king" Rion repeated. Soon after, Rion rode to the court of the young king Arthur, looking for a liege to serve.
Personality:
Rion walks softly and carries himself in an unobtrusive manner. Close observation reveals the whipcord muscles underneath his light armor are ready to snap into action at a moment's notice. Somewhat reserved at first impression, due to his training with Ser Owain, Rion's gregarious and people-loving nature shows through should someone appear more interested in talking than Rion's old master. Not all find Rion agreeable, however, as he is more likely to speak and associate with commoners than seems decorous. Time at Arthur's court:
Since arriving at King Arthur's court, Rion found settling in somewhat difficult. He found the political maneuvering, in particular, distasteful. To get away from it all, Rion has volunteered on several long-distance missions, even those considered less glamorous. When peasants in the north complained of repeated wolf attacks, for example, Rion stepped forward to make the journey and hunt down the wolves. On another occasion, a hill giant was raiding near the edge of the fey forest. Rion fired arrows into the monster while swiftly circling it on his steed until he was able to drive the bleeding and furious creature away from populated lands. When required to stay at court, Rion has associated mostly with Ser Owen, learning from the older knight's wisdom. He has had a more peer-peer relationship, however, with Ser Lady Tanith, appreciating her tranquil and reflective nature, discussing the plights of the common folk, walking through the courtly gardens, and sparring. Rion has also become acquainted with Jonith and Marcia due to his interest in visiting the stables but no deep friendship has sprung up. He finds Jonith's bravado and Marcia's lack of passion about anything amusing and enjoyable but barriers to true companionship. Relationships with Nobility:
Baron Skavir's attempts at political maneuvering are quite off-putting to Rion, who is courteous to the man but does not respect him or trust the man. Rion can admire the Baroness Mira's resourcefulness but her political dealings trouble him. He respects her abilities but does not trust or like her. Rion can't help but pity Claira for her marriage to Greogor but she seems genuinely happy, which confuses him. So he merely accepts that she is inexplicably happy with the old Earl. Isabella's kindness warms Rion but he is somewhat put off and confused by her flirtatious nature. The young knight is very uncomfortable with many of the subtler aspects of court and he never knows when to take flirting seriously or not. There's also a nagging fear at the back of his mind that Isabella truly did murder her husband. Almaria's business-like attitude and competence at running a duchy impress Rion. Her low birth and rise to power epitomize the upward mobility he truly wishes were more common. Rion would perhaps get along well with Emma but his fierce loyalty to Arthur makes it difficult for him to forget her support for Lukous' bid for the crown. Rion greatly admires Erika's work helping care for the common folk. She is one of the few nobles he would willingly spend time with and fight for. Arkin is a somewhat strange noble to Rion, who knows little about the man on a personal level. The fact that the fancies of court dislike him, however, doesn't bother Rion at all. Rion wants to like Bastian but has trouble doing so. The duke's haughty manner is difficult for Rion to overlook in favor of the duke's more likable side. Ecrin's strange side is completely disregarded by Rion. Arthur's warmth towards Ecrin and Ecrin's propensity to be on the move accomplishing things for the kingdom have won Rion over. Iven's friendship with Uther draws Rion towards liking the older Duke. Iven's appreciation of horses and spending time with them also falls in line with Rion's interests, leading to the two seeing each other occasionally in the stables. Rion has difficulty maintaining a courteous manner towards Duke Ludwig. Ludwig's lust for power and heavy taxation are unforgivable sins in Rion's eyes. Lukous' personality itself does not bother Rion but the attempt to crown Lukous is a root of bitterness in Rion's heart. His steely loyalty to Arthur son of Uther is too strong for much forgiveness towards interlopers. Greogor's appetite for new wives disgusts Rion such that he does not respect the Earl. Lord Eric's youth does not deter Rion, who respects the lad's courage and resourcefulness to take such a difficult position at such a young age.
Relationships with Knights:
Coming soon. Relationships with Magi:
Coming soon. Relationships with Clergy:
Coming soon. Relationships with Squires:
Coming soon. Skills:
Climb: CS+2 free points+3 str = +8 Escape artist: 1 point+6 dex=+7 Handle animal: CS+1 free point+0 cha=+4 Know Eng: CS+1 free point+0 int= +4 Know Geo: 1 free point+0 int=+1 Know His: 1 free point+0 int=+1 Know Nat: 1 point+0 int=+1 Know Nob: 1 free point+0 int=+1 Know Rel: 1 free point+0 int=+1 Perception: CS+1 trait+4 points+0 wis=+7 Per Dan: 1 free point+0 cha=+1 Ride: CS+4 free points+6 dex=+13 Stealth: CS+1 trait+4 points+6 dex=+14 Survival: CS+1 free point+2 points+0 wis=+6 Swim: CS+3 free point+3 str=+9 Equipment:
+1 Mwk composite longbow (str +3): 2700 gp Studded leather armor: 25 gp 20 common arrows: 1 gp Handy haversack: 2000 gp Cloak of resistance +1: 1000 gp Flint and steel: 1 gp Crowbar: 2 gp Trap, bear x 4: 8 gp Silk rope 50 ft: 10 gp Rations, trail x 5: 2.5 gp Lantern, bullseye: 12 gp Alchemist's fire x 3: 75 gp Lamp oil x 10: 1 gp Tanglefoot bag: 50 gp Bedroll: .1 gp Backpack, common: 2 gp Pole, folding: .2 gp Light, combat-trained horse: 110 gp
Remaining wealth: 70 gp, 9 sp, 5 cp |
