The Lore of the Mind & Man's Nature

Becket troweth he be set hither for mirth; to fare the land with his fellows, to slay fell overlords, and quaff much ale. Soothly, he feeleth the need to shield the weak, knowing how the rich and mighty do use them. This he learned whilst in service to House Stroude, by his father's bidding. He doth all he can to aid small villages on his journeys, chiefly if they be under the sway of cruel nobles. In short, the strong shall shield the feeble.

His greatest dread be the losin' o' one o' his fellows. Muckle doth he care for those who fare with him an' them 'neath his watch, feelyng a great burden for their weal. He cares not for kindred's bond for, in his eyes, they've wrought but woe. Yet, hath he found many a boon companion on his journeys, who hath aided him in battle or with victuals an' roof when fortune frowned.

Though oft of hasty mood and quick to ire, Becket is wondrous bold, fiercely loyal and hath trained without cease to become a knight both strong and noble, that he might aid those in need.

A right sociable fellow he be, oft to strike discourse wi' nigh any soul. 'Gainst brigands or them what steal for life, he'd lief parley than brawl. Yet, should proud lords, knowin' what's what, commit such deeds (specially 'gainst his fellows, the feeble or the needy), he'll waste nary a breath in parley.

Of Yore & Setting

From the Coast of Aethelgard, where high cliffs stand and salt-spray doth kiss the forests, Becket spent his youth a-fishing or with scamps in the fish markets, feeling more kin to the common folk than his own blood. House Stoddarde, once great mariners, had fallen into a sorry state, striving to regain their name through trade but failing in their aim.

Becket be the second son o' House Stoddarde. Whilst his elder brother, Osborn, were groomed to manage the family's wanin' coastal lands, Becket were largely left to his own devices. His father, Harold, a stern but weary man, did at length send him to the capital to be a page under House Stroude, hopin' the discipline might tame the sea-salt within him. 'Twas all in vain.

Before Becket was sent to House Stroude for service, his mother did see to it that he could both read and write, albeit he took little joy in learned pursuits. Yet, he is well-versed in foraging and angling, knowing well which berries and mushrooms are safe to eat, what bait doth lure which fish, and how to make them ready for the table.

Whiles he served in House Stroude, his pampered cousin, Wynnstan, did use him ill, oft leadyng hym to mischief and a sore punyshment. Yet Becket hymself was not blameless, for he strayed from his duties to consort with common folk and see the capital, thereby earnyng many a stripe upon his back (and once, a blow to the face from Wynnstan's own hand).

Fellowship

His closest companion likely be his trusty hound, Marshal; a vast, shaggy wolfhound that doth deem himself a lapdog and hath been with Becket since his youth. Marshal hath followed him everywhere, from the high cliffs of Aethelgard to the thronged streets of the capital. Yet, touching human friends, 'twould be Brother Silas; a wry, middle-aged monk who forsook the silent life for the open road. He oft declares that the ale is much better in other parts and that be his chief cause for travel but that is plainly not the sole reason. They hold each other very dear.

Touching matters of the heart, Becket hath become enamored of one Ælfric, an alchemist and map-maker who doth also journey with him. Becket did first meet him whilst serving House Stroude, when yet Ælfric did train in the arts of alchemy. They were reunited after the Siege of Blackiron, when Becket grew weary of the noble class and did beseech him to travel as companions. Ælfric is a capable warrior despite his stature, knowing well how to use the land to his benefit, engaging foes from afar with his bow. He doth also serve as healer for the fellowship.

Deeds of Renown

• Defeated the Beast of the Crag
• Restored the Sacred Grove of Aethelgard
• Successfully translated the Sunken Scrolls