Taldor--larsen pike

History

Part 1: Starting Out

Larsen Pike, like so many other hopeful unbeardeds, was born in Canal Row. His father worked as an alchemist and his mother, like so many others who had any opportunity, dabbled in magic, though she preferred divine callings. They taught him to read, write, and do sums, giving himan advantage over many, and he built upon it from there, learning most everything he could. From his father he quickly learned the basics of alchemy, and his mother taught him to cast orizons and beginner's spells before hitting puberty.

From childhood on he had been an ambitious man. He joined the Oppara Constabulary as a young man, quickly learning the basic fighting techniques. There was no question that he had a knack for it, being naturally faster and more robust than his peers. He lacked physical strength, however, and became obsessed with finding ways to bolster it. He didn't want to be as strong as his fellow guards, but stronger. As with everything else, he needed an edge.

Unsurprisingly, he already knew about many ways to become physically stronger. He knew of spells and enchanted belts that could grant small changes, and of items he could never afford that could make them permanent. With his father an alchemist, he knew of potions and mutagens that would strengthen him, but he wanted real magic.

The problem was that real magic was not easy to learn. Anyone could learn first tier spells. Oppara was, after all, a city obsessed with magic. Learning the second tier was practical as well, though it was not free for most. After that, one needed connections. Even with connections, though, finding tutors was rare. No one wanted to train a potential rival.

He had to do a little manipulation to make his goals come true. Any wizard of note had waves of apprentices, and apprentices went through scrolls at rapid rates, making them somewhat difficult to account for. In addition, security was a major concern for wizards of only modest ability, as they were out of spells after spending time both learning and teaching, and most had no combat skills separate from magic. Larsen, being of good reputation in the constabulatory, arranged to be the night guard. He read scrolls and private journals, teaching himself the arts faster than the full time apprentices could learn them. He discovered that he more he discovered about magic, the stronger his connection to divine spells became. Once he'd determined there was nothing more to learn from that teacher, he retired from the constabulatory, joining a mercenary guild that hired promising fighters...provided they could pay guild dues.

Through bribes and pledges of guard service, Larsen managed to join a small order of Nethys' that was open to unbearded. As both a member and guard, Larsen had access to much more, and through bribes and intimidation, was able to access more, experimenting when he was alone. He irritated many, but since warriors of Nethys were rare, nothing serious was done, just fines and occasional extra duty. Slowly, he began sharing his knowledge as a cleric in exchange for explanations of arcane lore beyond his understanding, as well as interpretations of Nethys' divine spellbook.

Part 2: Building a Legend

As it often did in Oppara, violence soon made its way to the order. Between thieves guilds looking to establish a presence, opposing religions following sacred duty, or, more frequently, rival orders of Nethys declaring blasphemy or just wanting to steal knowledge, Larsen soon found himself wading through apprentices, having learned enough about dealing with them from his days in the guard when lesser wizards got a taste of power and thought themselves gods.

He learned almost as much about them from fighting them as studying with them, as they were less cautious about revealing heir strengths with death on the line. By then it was too late, though. He had learned too much, and Nethys, it seemed had rewarded Larsen for his efforts, for his connection had become truly significant.

He made favors with the guards, letting them know when to avoid certain areas, and made sure they always had a couple of guilty folks to bring in, and his guild always got a little extra cut to not do business with the other factions.

Finally, he had what he wanted, the spells to grow larger, stronger, to make himself into the strongest warrior possible. He almost immediately knew why no wizard devotee had mastered it. It wasn't a spell, but a prayer. Due to false translations and assumptions, it had been written incorrectly for years.

From there, all it took was one demonstration. He showed his might, praised Nethys, and declared a new order devoted to him.

Organizations

The Merchant's Men: A merc company consisting of 24 warriors, headed by (Cohort). Their main source of income is through performing guard duties for merchants. http://elliquiy.com/wiki/Taldor--larsen_pike--Merchant%27s_Men

The Light of Nethys: Headed by Larsen, this order is the first such order of Nethys with a primarily divine focus. http://elliquiy.com/wiki/Taldor--larsen_pike--The_Light_of_Nethys