Ok, this is mainly just suggestions and questions for you to think about. I believe in character creation being a two-way process. We both throw ideas around until you're happy with what you've got and I'm happy that the character is well fleshed out and integrated into the setting.drs said:
So, here we go:
As the son of a knight, your character would've had privileges above and beyond the common serf. Did he use, abuse or ignore these privileges?
21 is very old for a person to have not accomplished anything of worth. Normally a child, even that of a noble or landed knight, would be apprenticed by the age of around twelve. Was he apprenticed to his uncle? If so, was this a result of his privilege, seeing as most apprenticeships are not chosen? Or does he revile his mother's relationship with your uncle and therefore not only didn't he choose to be apprenticed to his uncle, but he hated every minute of it and thus seeks another profession now that he's free?
Does he, in some way, blame himself for the relationship between his mother and uncle? Maybe because he was apprenticed to his uncle, that meant more contact between them?
The Knights of the Dispatch are a small, relatively weak organization who came under the governance of the Knights of the Watch many years ago. As such, during the Giant-kin incursions less than a year ago, although Knights of the Dispatch were in the wars, the majority of battles that they were in were led by Knights of the Watch (the knightly orders are only a small percentage of the forces of any nation). Is there any resentment towards the knights due to this? Perhaps your character blames them for his father's death, citing their incompetence?
Seeing as the people of Geoff are a mix of Oeridian, Suel and Flan blood, there have always been minor racial tensions with neighboring nations and peoples who consider the Flan to be a lesser species. Due to this, a lot of the exiles of Geoff were relegated to little more than squatter status, either set aside in camps or given refuge in churches. Though many skilled workers came there simply wasn't enough work to go around and so the increase in thievery has been blamed on Geoffites.
Due to this, many Geoffites have created their own conclaves, often in outlying areas where there is little fertile soil or great danger from bandits, humanoids or worse, Bisselites. Some have even taken to setting up villages in the Dim Forest, though due to the fell creatures that dwell within, few are game enough to settle here.
Those who were led to the relative safety of the border by Knights of the Dispatch, whilst being shunned by the local populace, have remained under their aegis and are beginning to form hill fort towns with the knights as commanders.
For those who have taken up work within the Gran March towns and villages, they have been relegated to the more menial tasks, unless skilled in a craft or art. Most of these people had some sort of connection to family or friends in the region.
So... which is your character?
Lastly, word is spreading of an edict handed down by Commandant of Gran March, Lord Magnus Vrianian himself. Due to certain realities, and now that the Treaty of Greyhawk has been signed and the giant-kin checked, the problem of Geoffite refugees had to be addressed. And so, as any good and lawful person would do, Magnus has instituted a policy of conscription and citizenship. Essentially, all Geoffite males of age are expected to join the military for the common seven year period all Gran Marchers must go through. During this period they may earn up to the title of Man-at-Arms but no further. Once the first year is completed, they may apply for citizenship and thus will become a fully fledged Gran Marcher, with all the appropriate benefits and privileges.
The cost of this has turned out to be somewhat hefty, however. First of all, there is a requirement that allegiance be sworn to Gran March, above and beyond all other allegiances. Second of all, the Geoffites are expected to pay for the privilege and this payment is either to be upfront or as a repayment scheme during tutelage. In essence, this leaves all Geoffites poor and powerless and under the direct control of the Gran March. Any who do not serve a duty somewhere within the Gran March must either sign up or ship out. You've heard rumours that the treatment of Geoffites in the Gran March forces isn't particularly pleasant, either.
One recourse is that you've also heard that Furyondy is recruiting mercenaries in all capacities. Wizards, clerics, fighters, rogues are all welcome to sign-up with them and it's a strictly mercenary deal, meaning that you would have your freedom to leave at any time and you would get paid whilst working.
So... decisions, decisions. Will you join up with the armies of the Gran March or travel to Furyondy for work? Or will you simply dodge the draft and smoke some weed until discovered?
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