Warband Leader: Sir Egbert the Careless
Sir Egbert has come to the Holy Lands in search of atonement for several unfortunate incidents in his past. He earned his unfortunate moniker when, at the celebration of his 16th birthday, he joined the entertainers in breathing fire. Unfortunately, his inexperience in the technique and enthusiasm lead to him accidentally igniting a tapestry in the hall where the feast was taking place. The ensuing inferno killed Egbert’s sister and several guests. In penance, he set out on his pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, dogged by misfortune along his path, including a shipwreck, accidentally alerting the sentries at a bandit camp while assisting the local magistrate in eliminating their group, making what could have been a simple fight much harder.
Despite these difficulties, he did eventually arrive in the Holy Land, and his natural charms and affable nature allowed him to attract several warriors to accompany him. When he isn’t seeking atonement, his main pride and joy is his horse, Charger, who he lavishes constant attention and care on. The lands he has been granted in the Kingdom of Jerusalem are not the largest, but provide a steady income that allows him to maintain his warband and horse, while he lives in a relatively frugal style as part of his search for atonement.
Traits:
Fast Learner
Shocking Blow
Melee Militia: Gareth of Ascalon
Gareth of Ascalon was born in the port city, the son of a local Christian woman and a merchant captain who vanished at sea. His mother and he lived a poor life, nearly starving on several occasions. On one occasion, the pair only survived due to the timely intervention of the local preacher, an act that cemented Gareth’s faith and devotion to the Church. He often talked to the various pilgrims, knights and warriors passing through the city on their way to the heartlands of the Kingdom, learning much of the world beyond and developing a strong desire to follow the warrior’s path. One knight who resided in the city took a shine to him, and taught him to use a sword.
When he was old enough he joined the city watch, earning enough to keep him and his mother in a level of comfort they haven’t experienced since his father vanished. He rapidly proved one of the most capable of their number, catching the eye of Sir Egbert as he passed through the city on his pilgrimage. The two struck up a friendship, and Gareth chose to join Sir Egbert. He still regularly sends home most of his earnings to ensure his mother lives a good life, and visits whenever their warband passes nearby.
Traits:
Faithful
Swordsman
Melee Militia: Matthew the Merry
Matthew the Merry was born into the service of Sir Egbert’s family and accompanied the knight from their estates to the Holy Lands. He is a positively boisterous fellow, always to be found in the centre of the largest party, down in the tavern or out carousing. He is also frequently found in the middle of a fist fight, often one he starts. Despite the occasional incident he causes, Matthew’s fighting prowess makes him an invaluable member of the warband.
Traits:
Amongst Friends
Aggressive Fighter
Ranged Militia: Stephen Longdeath
Stephen Longdeath is a man who talks very little of his past. He recently joined up with Sir Egbert’s group after running into them while he was working as a caravan guard and Sir Egbert’s men joined them to fend off a determined bandit assault. Impressed by his clear skill with the bow, Sir Egbert persuaded Stephen to join up with him. Longdeath has proved his usefulness since, quick on his feet and utterly lethal, he can be relied upon to take out hard to reach targets, even if his tendency to take first pickings of the loot gains him some resentment from the others.
Traits:
Expert Bowman
Fast
