Aelfric
Sworn Warrior Aelfric Vargstrom (a.k.a. Aelf)
Aelfric belongs to the Blackvane's military organization, which is a semi-militia-like warband comprised of volunteers. It is semi-militia like in that training, equipment, money, and housing (for the poorer conscripts) is paid for by holdtax, but as long as certain oaths of service and mustering are met, members are free to ply their given trade. This usually means that the warband contains the necessary craftsmen, workers, and artisans amongst the fighters to cover logistical aspects of the upkeep of the military.
In essence, very little support staff is needed, these are self-reliant Jarl-bonded warriors who pledge themselves to their home. Aelfric is a carpenter, and is proud of his work he has done for his family clan (knocking up beehouses for the apiary in his family's meadery estate), and for Jarl Ulfric Ironhand (knocking up beehouses for the apiary in the warband's meadery-barracks). The warband operates as peacekeepers, defenders, war-bringers, and an expeditionary force when interests of the hold lie beyond its borders.
The Jarl and his council have recently decided to further open the hold-fast, and its surrounding farms and villages, with an eye towards trade and development, as a way to retain and grow relevance, and grow its economic power. This means that a) a stronger connection with the outside world must be made, b) infrastructure must be created, and c) trade balances must be massaged into existence. As such, small units of the warband have been sent to the South and the West, accompanied by those chosen as diplomats by the Jarl, on this greater trade mission.
Key to this mission is the further strengthening of the reputation Frostmerites have as reliable and powerful mercenaries. With little of physical substance to trade from the North, a broad strategy of economic development involves the exporting of talent and force. Jarl Ironhand seeks to forge alliances and set up trade partnerships by playing up what his kinsman are known for best. It seems to him to be a far more sustainable model of growth as opposed to raiding/pillaging.
So, a mission to the agricultural Westerlands was an obvious choice. The Jarl sent his nephew, Enevald Ironhand, along with a score of warriors, to explore and capitalize on this "ground floor" expedition. A strong tie to a verdant breadbasket is very high on the list of desires of Blackvane. Muscle for grain, seems like the foundation of a long-lasting trade mission. Aelfric has been sent by Enevald (who is also progressing Westward on his own terms) to join the caravan, where he meets up with his old friend Owyn Gerdasson. His task is to be the eyes and ears for his hold, and to do whatever he can to forward the interest of his Jarl, and his people. Best case scenario? A meadery and mercenary outpost, which could funnel grain and fine goods back home.
Physical Description
Facial Features
A fine beard
Mental characteristics
Personal history
A son of a lesser noble house of Blackvane, the Vargstroms. He comes from a line of dutiful warriors and craftsmen, and even has a rune-priest uncle.
Aelfric buys in to the Jarl's plans for the economic expansion of Blackvane and the Frostmerite people wholesale. Something of a "progressive" amongst his people, he believes in the need for the Northern clans to reassert themselves in the world of Tairos, lest they be swept away.
Gender Identity
Male
Education
Carpentry apprentice, bee husbandry and apiary upkeep, mead brewing. Trained in sword, axe, and spear by the battlemaster of Blackvane
Accomplishments & Achievements
Known as a particularly enthusiastic slayer of orcs. A dedicated brewer of fine mead.
Mental Trauma
Perturbed by large insects, anything that skitters unnaturally, as he has seen such creatures kill his kinsmen when they did not know how to defend themselves from that many legs and pincers.
Intellectual Characteristics
Practical, tactical, level headed.
Morality & Philosophy
All for the good of Blackvane and the Frostmerites at large.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
The needs of Blackvane
Social
Contacts & Relations
Friend to Owyn Gerdasson
Hobbies & Pets
Mead making
Species
Ethnicity
Birthplace
Farmstead outside of Blackvane
Children
Current Residence
Blackvane
Gender
Male
Eyes
Dark Brown
Hair
Dark Brown, Greying
Height
6'1
Weight
225lbs
Aligned Organization
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