Bardings

Each year, Barding merchants reach new faraway lands, as they look outside their borders to expand their trade and influence. Sometimes, warriors follow in their wake, hoping to prove their mettle against worthy adversaries, inspired by their King's slaying of the Dragon.
CHARACTERISTICS: Strong in body and fearless in spirit, the Northmen are the denizens of Middle-earth that many consider to be nearest in kin to the Men of the West. They are strong-limbed, with fair hair, although dark or even black hair is not unknown. Barding men tend to keep beards, and often let their hair grow to reach their shoulders. Women adventurers braid their hair in long, tight tresses.
Bardings rarely become adventurers before their 18th year, and retire in their forties, when they return home to serve their family and folk. When abroad they may be recognised by their gear, as they often carry equipment of superior make. Unlike most denizens of Wilderland, Bardings prefer to use swords over axes, and naturally favour the bow, after the example of their King.
CULTURAL BLESSING — STOUT-HEARTED Stories tell that the Bardings lived under the shadow of a great Dragon for decades.
Your VALOUR rolls are Favoured
STANDARD OF LIVING: PROSPEROUS
DERIVED STATS Calculate the following scores based on your chosen Attribute ratings:
Endurance STRENGTH + 20
Hope HEART + 8
Parry WITS + 12
COMBAT PROFICIENCIES Copy the following Combat Proficiency ranks onto the character sheet, selecting a preferred Proficiency when offered a choice.
Bows OR Swords 2 Choose one Combat Proficiency 1
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES Choose two Distinctive Features among those listed: Bold, Eager, Fair, Fierce, Generous, Proud, Tall, Wilful.
LANGUAGES AND TYPICAL NAMES All Bardings speak Dalish, a language that can be described as a very old form of the Common Speech. As far as their names are concerned, they are usually composed of one or two elements (for example, Dag — Day, or Lif-stan — Life Stone).