The Bloody, The Scholar, & The Mastiff

[helldiving 5793]

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

@Milenkhov @Jaelon @BardMainHere

 

    

 

11th of the Sun’s Smile, 1721

 

The Bloody, The Scholar, & The Mastiff

 

Origins

The story of the Grand Knight began in 1683, in the city of  Reza. Rodrik came from humble beginnings, son to a pair of farmers. His father was often absent, either out drinking or in too sour a mood to pay attention to his child. His mother was more caring, but ended up falling ill and dying in the boy’s youth. Rodrik lacked much of an education, and was not enthused by the prospect of being a farmer. He decided to enlist in the military instead, hoping to make a name for himself.

Youth

It was in this military service that Rodrik first distinguished himself. He was now a strong and headfast youth in his teens, seeking to prove himself to the masses. This mentality lead to him entering a tourney taking place in Reza. Over the past few years, Rodrik had become something of a menace with the longsword. He had a natural aptitude for the weapon and was regarded as a fairly decent swordsman. He performed admirably in the tournament, proving himself so thoroughly that he caught the attention of the Koeng Robert himself.  

 

Brotherhood

Robert I became fond of the young man, seeing a great amount of potential in him. He introduced the boy to Marius. The two swiftly formed a bond, becoming close friends. Robert approved greatly of this and began to regard Rodrik as a son. After 2-3 years, Robert began to groom Rodrik for the role of Knighthood. This would later come to fruition in Robert’s will, where he would state that Rodrik must be Knighted briefly.

 

Knighthood

Ser Rodrik gained the moniker “The Loyal” and became a knight of the Marian Retinue. He was a stalwart protector and adviser of the Haensetic-Crown with Marius, acting as brothers and true friends-defending Reza from countless attacks of  Reivers, bandits and the perils of the realm. Seeing the lack of prowess in Haense’s Militia, he was appointed Commandant under his cousin Otto Kortrevich. After one year of serving, he and Otto started having discussions that led to Rodrik asking for the crown to give him his cousin's titles and land, as head of the family. Marius refused this, much to Rodrik’s anger. He began making allies within the Empire, becoming a well recognized swordsman will fighting alongside Martinus Horen.

 

Treachery

Ser Rodrik learned of the rebellion through Ser Darius and Martinus. They informed him that Haense would be fighting with Reivers, Owynists and snow elves, the same foes that Rodrik defeated in countless occasions to save Haensemen. Angered by the betrayal, Rodrik patiently awaited Marius’ word to inform him of these plans. After a time, he realized Marius had no intent of sharing his plan of supporting the Marnan Rebellion. Angered by this point, he decided to leave Reza to fully join the Renatian side, making bonds with his old friends Martinus, Darius, Gregor Thorne, Rozmeo Kastrovat, and Uthred Gromach, while ranking up in the military. His Knightly vows were renewed by Godfrey III and he took Ser Rozmeo’s son, Antun, as his squire. Shortly after, he was named a Red Knight of the Red Dragon Order and played an integral part in numerous operations and skirmishes during the War of the Two Emperors. He was soon recommended for Dragon Knight due to recommendation by Ser Carlovac Kovachev.

 

Grand Knight

Serving as a Dragon Knight gave Ser Rodrik a sense of purpose and he took to his task with gusto. He served for a long time, eventually seeing the war to its end, defending his new allies and friends. During the war, he distinguished himself and came to replace Ser Darius Ault as the Grand Knight. Eventually, as the war came to a close, Ser Rodrik decided to leave his post, and journey to Aeldin. The night before the Dragon Knight’s departure was busy, not unlike the rest of his nights in the capital city. In fending off Aleksandra Sophia, he was granted time spent with the Imperial Princess Theodosia, who in the last few months had made a friend out of Rodrik. Their few moments together were raw as Theodosia lost her composure, breaking down before the Knight as she found out one of her only friends would be leaving for Aeldin with the rest. “But it’s so unfair!” She screamed, Rodrik’s response only seeming to calm her for a few moments, long enough for him to state that he wished for her dearest nephew, Titus Horen, to be knighted.

 

After Titus was honored, Theodosia once again ran for Rodrik. She jumped into his arms and refused to let go after wrapping Rodrik up in a loving embrace, planting a tender kiss to his cheek.

 

“Don’t miss me too much, for I will return one day.” Ser Rodrik replied.

 

“I’ll make sure to miss you the most, Ser Rodrik.” She murmured in response, using the handkerchief gifted to her to neatly wipe away her tears. Before retiring for the night, the Princess removed a shining piece a jewelry from around her neck and worked a silver ring from the chain it sat on, only to hand it out to the Knight as a parting gift.

 

Departure

The bustling and loud nature of the docks reminded Ser Rodrik of the markets he’d visited as a child. Servants scampered around the bulk of the Ben Quadinaros, preparing for his departure. He motioned for his personal servants to carry his bags aboard, making the final preparations to leave. Thoughts flooded back to him, thoughts of the friends and family he’d be leaving behind. A sad smile formed on his face as he recalled memories both good and bad. With a final sigh of resignation, he began striding up to the ship. Suddenly, a deep and gravelly voice sounded out, followed by tumultuous barking.

 

“Sprechen.”

 

Ser Rodrik turned around and spotted the faces of his close comrade Ser Gregor “the Mastiff” followed by his former squire, Ser Antun “the Scholar” currently pulling his luggage away from Anschutz, Gregor’s hound. Ser Rozmeo trailed the two men further behind, carrying a massive crate of Antun’s book collection.

 

“You didn’t think we’d let you go off on an adventure on you own did you? I brought some reading material for the voyage” the bookish young knight chimed in as they closed the distance, gesturing to his father. Ser Gregor huffs his usual huff, and makes his way onto the ship, walking past a stunned Ser Rodrik. The rest of the party made their way onto the ship. Rodrik exits his stupor afterwards, a large grin appearing on his face. Perhaps this would not be the end of their adventures, but a new beginning.

 

 

Message Milenko#9658 for further interactions with these personas!

[koanda 620]

Lily watches her brother proudly from her place in the Seven Skies. "Go, my dearest Rodrik. You deserve to find a place of rest. Ave my Brother, Ave." 

[sophiaa 778]

Theodosia waved Ser Rodrik off one last time, before hurrying back up to her chambers. She already began a letter for him, using the same handkerchief to wipe away her tears as she scribbled on the parchment. 

[BardMainHere 310]

Ser Gregor looks back at the city on the horizon he once called home, sending off birds to his friends he’d be leaving behind with a simple “Goodbye.”

[Porko 397]

“Farewell.” Edwin would mutter in a muted tone, grasping the hilt of his sword as he witnessed memories flash before his eyes. A ball soaring over a net, and the distinct crack of a broken nose. Tears falling on cold stone, the desperate pleas of those about to die. They had inspired fear, instilled hope, and now, they were gone. “Our time ‘ere was soaked in blood. Wherever ye end up... I hope ye find somethin’ ye can call peace.” 

[Blanchables 528]

Pierce would frown upon the news of the departure. Though his interactions were somewhat sparse with the Dragon Knight, he held nothing but the highest amount of respect for him. Memories of drinks in the Gentleman’s Lounge with talk of war, honor, battle, and glory would come flooding to him. “The best of luck, Ser Rodrik. Though you will never need it, let GOD’s hand guide you forward.”

[Drew2_dude 2636]

“It’s seems it’s time for us both to rest...as much as its pained me through these last few years, I could never not call you my brother, find peace Rodrik...find peace” Duncan smiles softly as he and his pregnant wife sail off into the distance.

[Kursion 463]

“Farewell Ser Rodrik... you will be remembered throughout history” would say Ser Nicholas 

[garentoft 9265]

“Ave Rodrik.” Mutters Achilius, wondering if he should send Rodrik a bird on occasion.