Aldric does not know exactly where he was born as he grew up an orphan in Helena. His father left before he was born and his mother died giving birth to him. He was taken up by a merchant family in Haense, they lived there for a year before moving to Helena. It was here he learned how to read and write, and hence forth thrusted himself into learning more about the world around him. Hansel, his adopting father, encouraged him in his endeavor, providing him with the materials and books to sharpen his talent. Aldric by the age of 13 was already writing works of his own, on topics such as plants, animal behavior, and “philosophical thinking” for what he though that was at his age.
When Aldric turned 17, Hansel grew ill with an unknown illness. He tried everything to help Hansel, researching what he could from libraries and even trying to make herbal potions without formal training. In the last months of Hansel’s life he developed a tincture he hoped would cure him, this “cure” only hastened his demise, resulting in his death. Aldric would have been tried for murder, but the court took mercy upon him and had him spared. Aldric continued to study medicine and boarded a ship that would make multiple trips around the coast of Arcas. This trip would be followed by multiple instances of misfortune, as crew members got into freak accidents and the ship itself fell apart on occasion. One night while Aldric slept, a ghastly storm blew across the sea, capsizing the ship.
Aldric’s lungs filled with water as he struggled to get out of the inside of the ship, he managed to escape the ship with seconds to spare but blacked out before he could breach the surface of the water. Aldric woke up on the shore somewhere near Sutica, an older woman kneeling over him. As he came to, she introduced herself as Talia. She was passing by and noticed a body on the shore and came to investigate. Talia took him in and helped him recover, she worked at a local tavern and gave him a place to sleep. For the next two years Aldric would help around the tavern and perform odd jobs for those that needed his assistance. He worked hard and managed to save enough money to finally go out on his own, he bought some basic essentials and headed out to see what life had in store for him, not before thanking Talia for all of her help.
Note:
You’ve just stepped off of the boat in the port of a massive and fortified city. Before you lies a sprawling bazaar, with numerous shops, stalls, and seated traders selling wares to folk of all walks of life. Just as you’re about to continue walking onwards, into the market, you’re approached by a well-dressed gentleman who looks upon you with a big smile. “Welcome!” He began. “What brings you to this lovely city? Adventure? Wealth? Or some grand aspirations to elevate your place in society?”
How do you respond?
“Greetings!” Aldric exclaims as he turns to address the man. “ I just arrived a short while ago, I was hoping someone could direct me to the nearest library.” Aldric pauses for a moment and then asks, “Might that be you stranger?”
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