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Background Story: Tydic
Oakheart is the son of Cerdic Ironarm, born and raised in the
town of Ravenhyrst along with two sisters. Tydic's father was
once an Imperial soldier but settled down in Ravenhyrst once the
terms of his enlistment had ended. Tydic's mother past away when
he was but a boy, a victim of lung disease that claimed several
other townsfolk during a particularly bad winter. Though always
doing the best he knew how Cerdic has always had problems with
his only son. Cerdic had taken up logging after settling in
Ravenhyrst and was content to remain a placid townsman. Tydic
had other ideas.
Restless and curious, Tydic was always interested in his
father's time spent as a soldier. In particular the youth was
curious about foreign lands and the many battles that he was
sure his father was in but never talked about. No amount of
persuasion could disuade young Tydic from his fanciful notions
of the warrior's life, and he soon found an able companion in
Garth, a grizzled old soldier from a time even before Cerdic's
enlistment.
Garth was happy to find in Tydic a willing listener to his tales of
battle and adventure across the Young Kingdoms. War, adventure, kings
and princesses, evil forces and legendary knights--these were the tales
that Tydic thrived on. The youth was filled with the urge to go out and
explore the world, perhaps even join the Imperial Army himself. Cerdic,
of course, was against any such fanciful notion, and did his best to
rein in his only son's restless ways.
Not content with being a woodcutter like his father Tydic soon
realized that his path would soon take him away from Ravenhyrst. He
wasn't satisfied with the tame life of an ordinary citizen. There were
adventures to be had, damsels to rescue and dragons to slay, treasure to
be won and legends to be made. Not for him was the life of a working
commoner with a plump and homely wife. He was destined for greatness--or
so he convinced himself.
When not helping his father fell and trim the trees that made up the
core of Ravenhyrst's trade Tydic often found himself in Garth's company.
In addition to his stories of life outside the town Garth began
instructing Tydic in the rudiments of weaponry. Like many of the
woodcutters Tydic was already proficient in the use of a spear, both as
part of the town militia and as necessary protection against some of the
beasts that occasionally ventured from the forest. Too, he was an able
shot with the sling, using what talent he had to bring down the
occasional hare or quail to supplement his family's larder. Garth honed
his skills, however, showing him the basic forms that all soldiers
learned. In addition Garth worked with the lad on his skills with the
axe, both large and small, knowing that familiarity and comfort were two
points in building the foundation of a warrior's skills. Garth was
pleased with his young protégé.
It was the tenday before he was to be presented to the woodcutter's
guild that Tydic decided he had to leave. His sisters were already in
their middle years and would be able to help with the chores around the
house. Though his father was likely to miss the silver Tydic's added
labor brought, the youth convinced himself that without the extra mouth
to feed the extra silver wouldn't be missed. With Garth's help he
scrawled a very short note telling his father he was off to find his
fortune. Not having any sons of his own Garth gifted the youth with
several prized items, selections from his own inventory of arms and
armor that he'd stored from his days as a soldier. Tydic was overjoyed,
and it only reinforced his belief that he was destined for something
great.
As Tydic prepared for his journey Garth told him of a wandering
priest who was passing through Ravenhyrst. Tydic awaited the cleric just
outside of town, hiding from those men heading to the forests for an
early start on the day's labor, and joined him in his travels. That was
one week ago, and though his vision has been slightly tarnished still
Tydic knows that the entire world awaited him.
Quote: "My father says
there's a story behind almost everything. Well, my story is
still in front of me and I'm going to find it."
Personality: Though young, Tydic
has a certain maturity about him that comes from his
responsibility as eldest child in his home. Too, youth are
expected to work at least some of the time from an early age,
twelve years old in some cases. By the age of fourteen Tydic was
purring in nearly a full day's work with his father, though not
always felling trees with axe or saw. He is responsible and
courteous, though perhaps a bit rough on manners due to the
mixed company he often found himself in. He is still somewhat
naive as to the ways of the world, however, and very curious
about a great many things, both characteristics contributing to
his restless nature. His cognomen of "Oakheart" was given to him
by the men with whom he worked side-by-side, a compliment to his
earnest nature and his willingness to work hard. Garth and his
father both took to calling him "Greenheart" as a way to remind
him how young he truly was. That name is not one Tydic often
shares with anyone.
Appearance: Tydic is a strong lad of sixteen
summers, already having reached nearly his full height at just
over a span-and-a-half. Though he still has a little growing to
do Tydic still possesses an impressive physique from long hours
spent with an axe or a saw. He is broad across the chest and
shoulders, tapering to a narrow waist, with well-proportioned
arms and legs. His walnut-colored hair hangs about his neck,
just out of his eyes, and is usually in need of combing. Brown
eyes peer out at the world from an expressive face with just a
hint of stubble about the cheeks and chin, and like most Barinds
he has fair skin, somewhat darker on the arms and neck from his
hours toiling under the sun.
Tydic commonly dresses in rough but comfortable homespun, the
typical garb of the working class. Garth gifted him with a shirt
of studded leather, with accompanying bracers, and the youth
already possessed sturdy boots. A wide leather belt supports a
hand axe as well as a pouch containing his sling and a double
handful of stones. His battleaxe, by far his prized possession
and also a gift from Garth, he usually carries either in hand or
slung over his shoulder, only rarely securing it to his back by
way of a baldric. He wears a backpack when traveling and often
carries a sack stuffed with food, as well. A small knife also
rests on his belt.
 
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