A Ranger's Path

Arthaniel was raised by the Rangers of Esteldín. He did not know where he really came from, or if he had any real family left out there, but he had a place with the rangers and they treated him as one of their own. They thaught him how to move through the wilds unseen, how to track someone for miles and how to shoot a bow properly. When Arthaniel came of age, and he'd grown up to be quite a proficient ranger, one of the rangers who had taken care of him came to him with a sword, well-made and obviously an expensive one, and a letter...

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My dear son, Arthaniel,

I write this letter with regret and worry. By now you must think I'm a horrible man, for leaving my own child like I did. I suppose that would be partly correct, but let me explain. It is a complicated story and I shall keep it short for simplicity's sake. You were born into a noble family: House Hawthorn. We originate from Rohan but moved on to Bree at some point. Right now things are complicated in the family. I made mistakes that I cannot undo, and I fear the Lord of the House, your uncle Emdar, will not be merciful when he finally finds me. I could not let you pay for my mistakes. I could not drag you into a life of intrigue, conflict and complicated family matters unwillingly. So I left you here, with the rangers, who have been good friends to me for years now. Once you read this letter it's up to you whether you want to see your real family or not. But I warn you, keep an eye on Emdar. He's not a bad man, but I fear he might not forgive me after all this and if any of that anger still remains after he has met you, who knows what he might do. Just be careful son. I hope you have a good life, one that I could never have given you...

Your father, Arthumir.

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House Hawthorn

After getting his father's sword and letter, Arthaniel went to Bree to find his real family, leaving behind his life as a ranger, perhaps even forever. He did find what remained of House Hawthorn. He rejoined the House and lived as one of them for quite a while. The life of a nobleman was strange to him. He wasn't used to all the intrigue and the people-matters. But he did bond with some of the family members and one particular employee.

The Covenant of Steel

For a while, life was good in House Hawthorn. But after a series of events the House eventually broke apart. Arthaniel chose to stay with his cousins, Tylan and Lucren, who then founded a sellsword company named the Covenant of Steel. As an officer and fighter of the Covenant, Arthaniel improved on his leadership and combat skills, especially his skill with the sword. For a while it seemed like he had finally found his calling, but the family matters kept dragging him back in and he was unsure whether this was the life he wanted to live. Although it hurt to leave behind his family, of which he had bonded with many, Arthaniel set out into the wilds once again, once more becoming the ranger that he was raised to be.

An unexpected return

For years, Arthaniel had lived a ranger's life and wandered the wilds. He hadn't seen his family in a long time now, and perhaps it was time to see how they were doing... Perhaps, after all this time, Arthaniel should return to those who share his blood. Perhaps it's time to accept what Arthaniel was born to be; a nobleman in the House of Hawthorn. So he ventured out to Bree after all these years and reconnected with his family...