Grog 17 : Siegfried, the one handed blademaster
Age: 30
Story:
Siegfried was born of the dalliance of a soon to be Baron and a kitchen maid. His father always took good care of his bastard first born, making sure that the boy received the finest education to be found near Xanten, where the family owned much land around the castle. His father as warlike and as he was lecherous took the boy to war once he could stand his own in combat. Unfortunately for Siegfried, he lost his left hand in a skirmish and was left unable to fight for over year. His disappointed father appointed him swordmaster and teacher to the household, and had him better manners taught so that he might survive without being a warrior.
With the death of his father two years ago, Siegfried found himself exiled from his family lands as his younger half-brother (who had always resented the affection their father showed to a "mere bastard"), the new baron, did not want to have a rival around the castle. The vindictive new baron made sure that none of the local houses would take him in either, through using his political clout.
Siegfried found himself suddenly without any of the comfort that his noble upbringing had accustomed him to. Fortunately for him, a redcap who knew his father led first to Triamore and then to the party's Covenant where he could continue being the sword fighting instructor.
Appearance:
Siegfried is an elegant blond man, with aristocratic features and a few scars from war. Most striking is that he is missing his left arm below the elbow, amputated to stop the gangrene from rising. Which he tries to hide, often by keeping his arm behind his back or with a cape. Siegfried has less of the warrior's stagger than might be expected and makes an effort for his manners. He is well spoken and courteous.
Why are they in the Covenant?
Siegfried is a very capable teacher, who while unable to lead the rub into battle is certainly capable of drilling them into competent fighters.
Siegfried finds himself in a difficult position with his peers. He is obviously of noble blood and has their manners, affectations and outlook, but as a bastard, they will not accept him as a peer. Common folk are beneath him, and his missing arm hamper him should he wish to become a mercenary. He lacks the profession or craft to make a living as a "peasant" and so finds the Covenant a place where he is accepted as a swordsman and a teacher, and his status as half noble is understood without being disparaged. He would probably get along well with Jerbitons who share his noble outlook.
Stats:
Attribute|Score
Str|1
Sta|1
Dex|1
Qik|1
Com|2
Pre|0
Int|0
Per|0
Virtues: Privileged upbringing, Warrior
Flaws: Missing hand, Bastard (apprentices, p9)
Abilities:
Animal Handling (Horses) 4
Area Lore (Lower Rhine) (Politics) 3
Athletics (Endurance) 4
Awareness (Alertness) 3
Brawl (Wrestling) 2
Etiquette (Nobility) 4
Great Weapon (Great Sword) 5
Hunt (Deers) 4
Low German (Prose) 5
Ride (Speed) 3
Single Weapon (Longsword) 4
Swim (Rivers) 1
Teaching (Single weapon) 5