Thomas Lawrence

In the year 1645 AE, Thomas was orphaned while on an archaeological expedition with his father, Joseph, in the badlands of western Baradin-Assan. The two were accompanied by seven Alaran (priests) and two Beru (bishops) of the Uruban. A week into the expedition, the group was attacked by a fierce Grimm and all but Thomas, who was near-fatally wounded, and a former-Wardine (soldier-class Crusad) by the name of Yarin Fasat, were killed. With no other family to return to and after weeks of rehabilitation, Fasat took Thomas under his wing and taught him the ways of a Wardine - a footsoldier analogous to judges in civil discourse. Educated in part by the Alaran and Urubat around him, Thomas became proficient with the sword and the pen as he continued to grow. He also took up a regional instrument, colloquially known as the Ouda.
His dedication to his studies and his swordsmanship caught the attention of several Bishaban, and as word spread, rumors of a skilled and intelligent young man reached the Uruban. In 1652, Thomas, along with his mentor Fasat were called for an audience with the Uruban, along with other promising members of the Urubat. After having the pleasure of an introduction to Thomas, the Uruban selected him specifically, as well as a few others, to receive unique attention as to hone their abilities – though Thomas was the only one amongst them to have developed any skill in combat. From here, his dedication towards the Uruban would only grow. When word of two Assar citizens – trained personally under the Crusadine – enrolling at the Church of Beacon’s Academy reaches the Uruban in 1656, he immediately calls for a council of his closest Sultaran. As per the consensus of the council, Thomas would be key in any play they could make in intercepting or ascertaining information on both the Crusadat and the Church of Beacon. Aware of the suspicion Thomas’ sudden appearance at the school may cause, the Uruban and his Council began to prepare Thomas for enrollment in Beacon the following year, having Fasat test his abilities more than ever before as preparation for what would lie ahead.