Rufus - an introduction
Posted: Sat Jul 01, 2023 2:12 am
Rufus Bronzer approaches the gates of Boldhome. He pauses, straightens his shoulders, walks tall and enters the fabulous city that he is determined to make his name in. Proud son of a chieftain belonging to the Kheldon tribe, the most noble of all the tribes, he expects to be treated with the respect due to his lineage. Back home people feared his strength, his skill with weapons and truth be told, his headstrong nature.
But here, such virtues would be welcomed! Confidently he approaches the gate, only to be confronted by an emerging wagon whose driver calls out cheerily "Watch out farmer, don't want to run you over!" Rufus checks his anger, "Farmer!" - he is a of noble blood not some uncouth agricultural labourer! Nevertheless, where at home he might have thrashed someone showing disrespect, for now he steps aside. He realises that he is not known here (yet), that the driver meant no offence and sadly his travel clothes give no clue to his importance.
Entering Boldhome is a stunning experience. The size of the city, the immensity of the buildings, the crowds of people all busily engaged in making a living. For a while he trudges around, just trying to take it all in.
Eventually, wearied from travelling and from gawping at the sites. he stops at a nice looking bakery and asks for one of the tasty looking cakes and is stunned by the price. "How much?!" he chokes incredulously. "Back home for that price I would get a tray of cakes!" The baker has none of it, "Well, you are not home now and as I charge guild prices, there is no better option!" Dazed, he pays and moves away. What had seemed a fair amount of money given to him by his family, he now realises will be pitiful in this town. How will he live, let alone prosper?
He tries to think through what to do and realises he is completely out of his depth. His hopes of glory look to be dashed - he cannot face the ignominy (and worse) of returning home or a life of poverty bringing shame to his family name. As the light starts to fade, he comes to a plaza he has not entered before to see a magnificent temple, the most impressive building he has ever seen.
Entering, he sits in one of the pews, hoping for inspiration but the emotion of his plight gets to him and he starts quietly sobbing. Anyone watching would have seen no sign of his desperation except for the shaking of his shoulders.
Wrapped up in himself, he does not notice someone coming up to him until they say "My son, you seem troubled. Share your problems with me." He looks up to see a kindly mature lady in the robes of an Orlanth priest gently smiling at him.
She sits beside him as Rufus tells his tale. He tells of his family and tribal history and she is impressed, agreeing that the Keldron tribe is regarded as noble and loyal to the King. He states with pride his aptitude with weapons and likewise nods appreciatively. Then he explains about his noble father's heavy drinking and his foolish "get rich quick" schemes and the financial difficulties that resulted. And then quietly, he explains why he had to leave home. Seeking to restore the name of his family and its fortunes, he led a raid with some of his boisterous friends onto a Lunar Empire outpost. Recklessly he followed up the initial success heedless of the enemy organising resistance. Suddenly attacked by a large organised force of Lunar soldiers, he had to to escape. He was able to cut his way free but others were not so lucky and some were killed or badly wounded. Instead of bringing honour to his family name, his reputation was gravely damaged such that he could not remain with his family. A sum of coins was handed over and he was advised to go to Boldhome and make his name there. "Perhaps you will be able to return with fame and power bringing honour to you tribe and family" - and so Rufus the red haired journeyed to Boldhome.
The priest reassures Rufus. You have a great name, even I have have heard of your tribe and family and you would be welcome to join us, assisting even leading our ceremonies and passing your time here. Who knows, you may in time become a priest? But maybe not, for I think you are a man of action and the duties of an initiate are significant.
I think a military life might be best. It can be a good route to fame, glory and even great wealth. Serve Orlanth as a lay member and seek to join a regiment of high standing. Perhaps one of the magic using ones would be best? How much money do you have? Ahhh! That little. Never mind, there are those who will advance you sums though at ruinous interest. But with boldness and good fortune, you might earn sufficient to pack back any loan and come back with a glorious reputation!
Heartened by her words, Rufus immediately pledges to join the cult of Orlanth.
But here, such virtues would be welcomed! Confidently he approaches the gate, only to be confronted by an emerging wagon whose driver calls out cheerily "Watch out farmer, don't want to run you over!" Rufus checks his anger, "Farmer!" - he is a of noble blood not some uncouth agricultural labourer! Nevertheless, where at home he might have thrashed someone showing disrespect, for now he steps aside. He realises that he is not known here (yet), that the driver meant no offence and sadly his travel clothes give no clue to his importance.
Entering Boldhome is a stunning experience. The size of the city, the immensity of the buildings, the crowds of people all busily engaged in making a living. For a while he trudges around, just trying to take it all in.
Eventually, wearied from travelling and from gawping at the sites. he stops at a nice looking bakery and asks for one of the tasty looking cakes and is stunned by the price. "How much?!" he chokes incredulously. "Back home for that price I would get a tray of cakes!" The baker has none of it, "Well, you are not home now and as I charge guild prices, there is no better option!" Dazed, he pays and moves away. What had seemed a fair amount of money given to him by his family, he now realises will be pitiful in this town. How will he live, let alone prosper?
He tries to think through what to do and realises he is completely out of his depth. His hopes of glory look to be dashed - he cannot face the ignominy (and worse) of returning home or a life of poverty bringing shame to his family name. As the light starts to fade, he comes to a plaza he has not entered before to see a magnificent temple, the most impressive building he has ever seen.
Entering, he sits in one of the pews, hoping for inspiration but the emotion of his plight gets to him and he starts quietly sobbing. Anyone watching would have seen no sign of his desperation except for the shaking of his shoulders.
Wrapped up in himself, he does not notice someone coming up to him until they say "My son, you seem troubled. Share your problems with me." He looks up to see a kindly mature lady in the robes of an Orlanth priest gently smiling at him.
She sits beside him as Rufus tells his tale. He tells of his family and tribal history and she is impressed, agreeing that the Keldron tribe is regarded as noble and loyal to the King. He states with pride his aptitude with weapons and likewise nods appreciatively. Then he explains about his noble father's heavy drinking and his foolish "get rich quick" schemes and the financial difficulties that resulted. And then quietly, he explains why he had to leave home. Seeking to restore the name of his family and its fortunes, he led a raid with some of his boisterous friends onto a Lunar Empire outpost. Recklessly he followed up the initial success heedless of the enemy organising resistance. Suddenly attacked by a large organised force of Lunar soldiers, he had to to escape. He was able to cut his way free but others were not so lucky and some were killed or badly wounded. Instead of bringing honour to his family name, his reputation was gravely damaged such that he could not remain with his family. A sum of coins was handed over and he was advised to go to Boldhome and make his name there. "Perhaps you will be able to return with fame and power bringing honour to you tribe and family" - and so Rufus the red haired journeyed to Boldhome.
The priest reassures Rufus. You have a great name, even I have have heard of your tribe and family and you would be welcome to join us, assisting even leading our ceremonies and passing your time here. Who knows, you may in time become a priest? But maybe not, for I think you are a man of action and the duties of an initiate are significant.
I think a military life might be best. It can be a good route to fame, glory and even great wealth. Serve Orlanth as a lay member and seek to join a regiment of high standing. Perhaps one of the magic using ones would be best? How much money do you have? Ahhh! That little. Never mind, there are those who will advance you sums though at ruinous interest. But with boldness and good fortune, you might earn sufficient to pack back any loan and come back with a glorious reputation!
Heartened by her words, Rufus immediately pledges to join the cult of Orlanth.