Backgrounds

[Sullivan]

Shinno had always been a quiet man. Not necessarily a shy man, but a quiet one none-the-less. His father had been an elf, his mother had been a human. As a result, his genetics used the two as a springboard for something he considered far superior: a half-elf, taking the best traits from the two races. Growing up around the house, he had learned to speak both Common and Elven.

As he neared "the age", his parents had made a joint decision that it was about time that he leave the house. Though not entirely happy about it, Shinno did decide that it was best that he go on to lead his own life. After all, he couldn't live at home with his parents forever, could he? So, he left town. At first, he really didn't do much of anything with his life. He took to wandering, passing through town by town and meeting person after person. But never did he stay, as he wasn't yet ready to take root anywhere.

Upon his journeys Shinno had accumulated a good sum of cash, from trading things he found here or there, and doing various odd-jobs in the towns he stopped in. He had a great number of adventurer's items to show for this, including his very own weapon that he used to keep himself defended when he had no place to stay.

One day, however, his life would take root.

It was a particularly nippy evening, and Shinno had his cloak drawn tightly around him to keep himself warm. Despite this, he still found himself shivering. His sense of adventure had pointed him in the western direction, and was now carrying him on a beaten dirt road that bordered a particularly dark and gloomy forest. From inside, he could hear the crackle of a fire and roars of laughter that carried to the main road. But he was feeling particularly fatigued after a long day's walking, and if the presence in the forest was not benevolent, he was not willing to take up arms.

But as a particularly plump apple soared over his head, the result of some unknown being flinging it presumably, Shinno found his stomach rumbling uncontrollably. Surely it had been more than a day since his last full meal...and as such, was it not worth the risk to see if he could find himself something to eat? His hunger overcame his better judgment, and the half-elf found himself following the voices from within the forest.

It didn't take long for him to stumble across a party of either half-elves or elves, that bore much resemblance to himself. Shinno stood lurking in the shadows, and they had not yet noticed his presence. But he had noticed theirs. He waited to overhear what they were saying before he approached.

"Hears to a good day's work, mates!" bellowed out one, raising up a mug of beer. "Rubai 'erself would be proud o' us!"

A unified "here, here!" rang out, and the party clinked their glasses together before swigging down a few gulps jovially. It did look like a fun time, and Shinno was very, very tempted to step forth. But then he spotted a wandering eye, that had apparently found its way to him.

"Well what do we 'ave here?"

All the heads turned to rest their gaze on Shinno, the intruder standing in the dark shadows of looming tree.

"I should run you through with my blade right quick, fer lurkin' around our campground!" stated a particularly large elf, with a grizzled appearance. He rose to his feet, unsheathing his sword. It definitely was long...Shinno was rather uneasy.

He brought his hands up in defense, putting on an innocent expression.

"Now wait just a minute," he stated. "I'm just a hungry ol' traveler looking for warmth and food. I've traveled far and wide, and seen a great many things. Many respect me, and an equal amount despise me, but I have been known for large amount deeds. Surely you could spare some nourishment for one such as I?"

The elf lowered his blade, and Shinno spotted an emblem on his armor. It was red, with hints of green at the bottom. But Shinno recognized it.

"Ah, Red Company," Shinno started, a keen look in his eye. "Held a tavern in my hometown once, they did. I don't suppose there'd be any way for me to join, maybe?"

What better time to start his life anew than now? After all, he had no strong moral feelings towards either benevolence or malevolence. And maybe, just maybe he could climb the ranks here to make something of himself. He could see himself as a soldier...after all, he had fought off many creatures with his halberd, whilst on the road to here or there.

"Alright," stated the tall man, after mulling it over a minute or two. "You can take yerself a test...and then we'll see what ye're made of."

And so he did, and thus he was granted entry into the Red Company. Shinno found his place in a low rank band of recruitees of varied sorts. However, he wasn't really there to meet any sort of goal. He just wanted to have himself a good time, whether it be in battle or whether it be fraternizing with fellow travelers. After all, what bond was greater than the bond of brotherhood formed by a travelling party?

[ http://www.dndonlinegames.com/view.php?id=53180 ]