Ranger Rick said:Brian grew up with multiple siblings and was the 6th son of a farmer. The farmer was not poor, yet he was land rich and cash poor. As Brian got older, his family decided that Brian could join a local self-defense school. Banditry seemed to be on the rise and his father wanted some inexpensive protection. After class, several individuals broke in and seeing Brian and his teacher, they restrained them. Brian overheard the leader talk about how schools such as this where bad for the economy and if the teacher persisted he would be eliminated. Than Brian heard two snaps, followed by the screams of pain that one says after having both leg bones broken.
RR, the background looks good except for the 1st paragraph. In Erenland, the economy has crumbled since the final war against the Shadow one hundred years prior. Gems, coins, and fine artwork are worthless, unless they can put food into a starving belly, provide shelter, or ward off sickness and disease. Thus, discussion of cash or owning land is not readily applicable in Midnight, although someone might be considered wealthy if they have plenty of food or items for barter. Also, institutions such as schools, especially those that might arm the populace, were destroyed years ago by the Shadow's forces. However, Brian's father might have known a local that secretly trained defenders, providing defense against bandits without using outlawed weapons and armor and attracting the attention of the Legates (Izrador's priests) or their lackeys. Make these changes and I think Brian's background is good to go.
