- Character Profile
- Profile
Syr Galen Calloway
| Age 38 |
| Gender Male |
| Origin Kingdom of Altalusia |
| Occupation Knight Pursuant of Life |
History (Apologies - I went a little crazy with backstory. TW: Mentions of Death)
The Calloways
The Calloways were a family form the Northern border of the Kingdom of Altalusia, where they served as soldiers for the local liege lords against the raids that always pushed South. Four generations prior to Galen, his great-great-grandfather, Luke Calloway would rally a small troop against the raiders and prove themselves worthy of something greater. The local Lord took him into their service, arranging for a Knighthood from the Sovereign. So, Luke Calloway became the first of the family, and a Knight of Altalusia. This would afford opportunities for the family to formally train as soldiers and get more skills and education to better themselves.
Luke’s legacy would be carried on to his children, and their children. Theodore Calloway would be the lone member of the family to survive the various conflicts, and would serve with such gallantry and skill that he would be the first of the family to become a landed noble. During a particularly dangerous raiding season, Theodore saved a Margrave’s son. And with that, he was pulled up into the rank of March Lord. The first task he was given was the same for all new nobles, build a new settlement and further the Kingdom’s goal of expanding. And so Theodore took to that order, and created Calloway. During his lifetime it would only see the formation of the Holdfast and a few houses around it. It was his son, Nicholas that would push to create a larger settlement, formally getting Calloway Village status and with future growth planned. Situated in the foothills of the Northern mountains, it was wells situated for new roads around the mountains.
Nicholas Calloway would have two children with his first wife, Theodore II and Richard. His first wife would pass to disease and he would remarry another from the village. Theodore II would be sent to Crown’s Hold to be fostered with another noble family there and gain skills needed to become the next March Lord. Richard took to the sword in hopes of marrying another family to forge stronger bonds.
It was in the throes of Winter when the midwives were called and the small Holdfast became a bustle of activity. March Lord Calloway was not present, out on a Wintry Hunt with his companions. When he returned, the third child of his was born. Galen was named after his maternal grandfather, a hunter from the village.
The first years of his life were all a blur that Galen does not remember for the most part. By the time he was running around the village, he had already begun to see the changes to it. And then the greatest change came. When he was four years old, his father died, and so the title of March Lord passed to Theodore II, who was 17. Then came the sweeping the changes.
His brother returned with a great caravan, all under the flag of a merchant company. Apparently his brother had married the daughter of the company’s leader. And as such, the company was investing in Calloway to turn it into a merchant hub. Richard, who was 14, refused to serve his older brother who didn’t have an ounce of being a knight in him, and ran off. Galen would later learn that Richard would serve in a mercenary company and die in battle, but that was a decade later.
Galen’s mother had been pregnant before his father’s death, and gave birth to his sister, Serah. While they were permitted to remain in the Holdfast, it would not be long before Galen would be sent away. With Theodore II having the birth of his first child, and looking at the situations of the family, there was no use for Galen. His sister could be used for a political marriage, but Galen had no real use. His sister-in-law would provide his escape, and state he should be sent to the Knights of Anathaeum, there he could make something of himself and recuse himself from keeping any titles.
And so it was decided. When he turned 6 years old, Galen was brought to Astenvale by a few of the Merchants with the letter from his household, giving him to the Knight Order.
Galen of Astenvale
Once in Astenvale, Galen would be given a place among the other Prospects that had entered the Monastery. They were of all different ages, normally broken up so as to not be surrounded by the older kids all the time. Daily life in the Monastery was busier than he had grown up. Of course there was time to run around Astenvale with the other children, playing games – but they all had to do their chores. Everyone participated, be it cleaning all the buildings or running errands around town.
Galen took to the games in town where everyone would practice Knights and Bandits. Running around with sticks and fighting one another imagining they were Sworn Knights and saving the realm. Galen would play any role he got, he was not like some of the other kids that only ever wanted to be the Knights. It was in these games that he would find that he had an attachment to the Shroud. Taking one for his team of Bandits, he bullrushed the Knights, and to his surprise actually tackled all of them and was able to hold them in place for his team to win. Afterwards he would pass out from straining his body. He had unknowingly used the Shroud to strengthen his body.
Nothing much changed other than a few lectures and some observers every now and then, but it was the same for the other children that showed potential to use the Shroud.
When he turned eight, the daily activities would change. Instead of being able to do chores and play most of the day away, he now had to participate in classes. Reading, mathematics, language, and a number of many more. All of them were basic and had nothing to do with the future in the Knighthood. But the teacher said it was best to build foundations, because it was not guaranteed that everyone would be able to enter formal service. And it would still prepare the others for use in other positions.
Four years of that education, and Galen turned 12. He had been a good student, albeit a quiet one. He did all that was asked for him, and when he made mistakes he learned from them. Most teachers only had good things to say about him. In that year, many Knights would pass through, observing their lessons, and it was one of them that caught Galen’s eye. He felt as though the Knight was always watching him. The Knight looked far rougher than the others that were finely dressed, and instead had a wild look about him. Half-way through that year, Galen would learn why.
The Knight that had been watching him was an older Human of the Order, one that was often away from Astenvale, patrolling the highlands. They were also a rather well-known Knight, if not for their exploits, then for their maverick behavior. Syr Griswald the Old Bear, they called him. He must have been in his sixties, gray hair and gray eyes, though he had a large figure and looked as strong as a bear. Syr Griswald, Knight Pursuant of the Wilds had chosen him to become his Squire. And for the next few years he would need to continue excelling in his education, and only then would Syr Griswald take him into his service and train him personally.
Education of a Knight
Having received the right to become a Squire, Galen would start taking all the classes that the proper Knights of the Order would take. While he had taken the simple courses before, now there would be a renewed focus. It was also when his formal courses in Shroudweaving would begin. He was free from a majority of his chores, though would still spend the weekends doing work around the monastery. His coursework was now broken in half. Half of it was book work and lessons with the various teachers. The other half was physical training, combat, shroudweaving, and horsemanship. All that would be required of him later.
Galen took to combat like a proper student. Any mistakes he made were punished with swift whacks and bruises. He never got angry at that. He would take up his stance and keep trying again, learning and watching his teacher’s slow down so that he can see. The four years of courses would turn him in a capable warrior, though not battle-tested. His primary weapon of choice was a longsword, though he could use most any that was put in his hand, as the various training games had proven. He would give a few good hits, and would receive equally as many.
His other coursework of the book variety proved interesting to him as well. Learning about nature and plants and ways to survive in the wilderness. The history and cultures of Illica that he might encounter. Even some of the languages. Those were difficult for him, and while he would never be fluent in the other languages, he does remember pieces to understand what is being spoken. Just as when he was a Prospect, Galen was a good student and loved to learn from his mistakes, treating that as the real method of learning, not just passing the tests the teachers gave.
Galen had loved the combat training and working with the horses, but what he truly enjoyed was the lessons in Shroudweaving. Not always in conjunction with the Knight Masters, but sometimes with Knight Pursuants that were in the Monastery for the season. His favorites were Flame and Life. His shroud capacity was not the highest, so most of his training was spent on increasing his capacity. In that time of training, he found that his best element was Light, and he had passing usage of most elements from the Flame. He could also use Life to strengthen his body, making him a veritable force to reckon with when combined in combat, but training sessions using both magic and combat were rare – after all they did not want any serious injuries among the Squires and Prospects.
Every so often through the years, Syr Griswald would return, and he would update the Knight to his training and improvements. Galen was always candid with his failings and would always have a plan for his improvement. It was not until he turned sixteen that the Old Bear decided his training at the monastery was completed and that Galen would be joining him in the Wilds.
Squire to the Old Bear
For everything that Galen knew of the Knights, Syr Griswald proved a bit of the opposite. It started when they left Astenvale without horses. Syr Griswald had said that horses didn’t like his scent and left it at that. They set out by foot and began following the various trails in the Balewoods and south into the Vale and across the Kingdom. The first month had been spent in silence, hardly a word said between the two. It was when Galen had started being the one to take over the tasks Syr Griswald was doing that things began to change. Not a word was said, and Galen was beginning to understand the older knight.
They would travel around Altalusia, passing through the Wilds, always watching of what was going on. Every so often Syr Griswald would take up residence in a village for a while, explaining the use of the Knights in protecting the small folk when their lords would not. That the politics of the realm would not save the smallfolk, and in fact would use them for their own, greater means. Galen took all of his lessons seriously, and began mimicking the Old Bear at times.
While he had kept on with his own sword training, it was not until after the first year that Syr Griswald began teaching him. It was perhaps luck that had helped him not need to draw his sword at all in that first year. But he would get his first taste of blood when a bandit group had begun to assault the frontier. All he thought was how easy it was. The bandits were slow and did not aim, their strikes were not strong enough. By the end of the battle, if it could be called that, five had died to his blade. He did not know how to fully process it. Why did they turn to banditry? Were there no other options? Could they not have put themselves to use somewhere else?
Syr Griswald returned him to his senses, explaining that they had already made their decisions, and as soon as they took up arms against others, they could no longer complain if the same was done to them. Even if their reasons for turning to banditry were sympathetic, they needed to be the protectors. No matter the cost to themselves.
The conversations between the two changed after this. Far more psychological and philosophical in nature. When they returned to the monastery, Galen would seek out a Pursuant of Loch and ask for some training in that field. He was starting to come up with an idea of the way he would use his shroudweaving. Not the combative nature of the Flame or the Smiting Light and Healing of Life. He would talk about this with Syr Griswald who would offer guidance.
And so the years would go by, Galen taking tutelage from his mentor. And everything changed when they were at the monastery and got orders to put down the Oleander Witch. Unlike their prior patrols, Syr Griswald was joined by a Knight of Dusk, and together they marched north of Altalusia where the Witch could be found.
Mari the Oleander Witch
Mari the Oleander Witch had been an herbalist turned poisoner. They could not understand where the shift had come from, but news and omens spoke of the Witch concocting a terrible new disease that could sweep down into Altalusia and devastate the population. When they caught up to the Witch, it was horrible. The disease had been released in a village, turning the population mad. Running around with whatever items they could killing each other.
When the Knights arrived, the Witch immediately released spores infecting the Knights. Galen had been able to protect himself with his Shroudweaving, but the two Knights were not saved. In a moment the Knight of Dusk had drawn their blade and attempted to behead Syr Griswald. Without missing a beat of what was happening, Syr Griswald released a beastial roar, shifting into the form of a great bear. One swipe of his paw and the Knight of Dusk collapsed with a broken neck. The Old Bear’s eyes shifted over to Galen for a but a moment, and as if in understanding, turned to face the Witch.
Galen was left fending off villagers, cutting them down before he could be killed. Meanwhile, the Witch was shroudweaving, fighting against the Great Bear. While Galen had seen this form before, and even heard of the stories that gave Syr Griswald his name, he saw the might of the Knight in action. The Witch hid behind the villagers that she began to control. Axe, spear, farming tools, all of them left blows in the Bear, drawing blood. The Bear would not be stopped. When there were none left to protect her, the bear took the Witch’s head into their mouth and a loud crunch brought her to an end.
This was not the end. The Witch’s Disease had already been loosed, and the only way to ensure that it did not spread was to burn it all. The Great Bear collapsed after the mission was done, returning to the form of a human. Blood and injuries covering him. What Galen saw then was not the Knight, but rather a scared old man. He could see the fear in his eyes as he fought the impulses and madness that had consumed the others. The thought of losing himself to whatever the Witch had made. Galen stepped forth and kneeled beside his mentor’s broken body. He took hold of the Knight’s hand, already feeling the fading heat. And then, mustering up his shroud and all he thought possible to do, Galen spoke. “I’m here.” Syr Griswald’s eyes lost the fear, and they once again returned to the ones that Galen saw in the firelight when camping. A calm expression filled the Knight’s face. Galen remained there until Syr Griswald’s strength gave out and he finally passed in peace, having fulfilled his oath.
Galen moved amongst the dead village, bringing all the bodies together and then setting it aflame. This disease would not be allowed to escape. He had purified everything that had attempted to affect him. He stood vigil along the village until it was all ash. And then he returned on his own to Astenvale.
Syr Galen Calloway
When Galen returned to Astenvale, he was brought before the Knight Captains and Knight Commander to act as the witness of the events as they unfolded. “I know I am not sworn, but I stood vigil for them before I returned, I wanted to honor their sacrifice.” While the outcome was not entirely what was wanted, the Oleander Witch had been stopped before things turned worse. For his own role in the incident, he was allowed to take the Twice-Lit Flame Ceremony and become a Knight Sworn of Dawn.
After the Ceremony, an old Knight that had once served with Syr Griswald approached Galen and gave him a package. It was the Old Bear’s belongings, and with it, a letter addressed to him from his mentor. Galen would never share the contents of the letter, but with the other items, he would step forth into the Order as the inheritor of his mentor’s will. The most prominent item was a weapon, an armonium blade of light that had been forged just for Galen by his mentor. Many favors owed and fortune from decades had been put into it. Galen would keep the blade at his side as he ventured out.
As a formal Knight Sworn of Dawn, Syr Galen would begin his own patrols. He would keep up most of what he learned from his mentor, except for one important difference. He had a horse. While the traveling by foot had built a lot of character for him, he was no longer bound by the Old Bear’s dislike of the creatures. He would continue regular patrols on his own, and meet up with others of his Order when missions were given. Galen would practice his use of Life magic through his Voice wherever he would pass. Whether it was to give comfort to those dying, or to speak peace into at least a few bandits that might wish to seek penance.
The more he traveled, the more skilled he became in his use of his Shroudweaving. Whenever he was with his Dusk counterparts, he would ask about their knowledge of Loch so that he could further his own skill. And before long he was putting down conflicts without having to draw his blade, but as with most things, if someone was lost enough, not even his Voice could reach them. There were still people that would sink to all lows.
He performed generic tasks throughout this time, making a steady name for himself, but not being outstanding. Then came the mission. Rumors of a noble in the Free States planning some action in southern Altalusia. Galen would be meeting a Knight of Dusk that had uncovered the information.
Bridge on the Fork
Syr Galen headed South to a blossoming village near bridges across the Southern rivers to the Free States. The newest village was in the woods, near the lake where they set up a logging camp, sending timber and supplies downriver to Unicorn Bay to be taken to White Port for shipbuilding. Galen was told to wait in the village for the Knight of Dusk. When that Knight finally arrived, they were in a panic. The noble had purchased a mercenary company to launch an attack on the village, burning it to the ground so as to hamper the new supplies of Altalusia. The mercenary company was on their way and there was no way to hold the village. The best course of action was to get the local lord to dispatch troops.
Without a second thought, Galen passed his reins to the Knight, offering his horse. A fresh horse would help them make ground better. Galen swore that the bridge would hold. The Knight of Dusk left to pass along the warning and get reinforcements. Meanwhile he returned to the center of the village and passed a warning along to the Elder, asking that evacuations begin. The women and children were the first to leave, the men were grabbing what tools and weapons they though would be useful. Seeing them altogether, Galen knew that they would all die to the mercenaries.
In the night, the mercenaries and the noble arrived. Galen stepped out to the middle of the bridge in his full-plate armor, shield, and sword drawn. He proclaimed that none would make it across the bridge, and using his Voice, he assured them that any attempted would find themselves swept down river. The noble called out to him, reminding him of the honor of nobility and the need to fulfill obligations. “There is more honor in the fishing nets of this village than there is in you.” Galen stood his ground. Orders to advance were given.
Filling himself with the Shroud, his shield began to glow and form a Light Wall, pushing the advancing soldiers back. And there, Galen stood. A few mages within the mercenaries let loose attacks, each being broken upon his barrier. Nothing would be getting through. It would turn into a battle of attrition.
Stuck in a stalemate, unable to advance across the bridges, and the route around the lake taking too long, giving Altalusia a chance to catch them, they kept up the attack. Running low on Shroud, his barrier cracking, Galen held his ground. His body starting to unravel under the stress of usage, pain coursing through him. “I can do this all day!” And so he did. Whatever pain and weakness he felt, he did not let it show, maintaining the barrier that prevented them from advancing.
More time passing and the mercenaries began to get antsy about formally fighting Altalusia. The Noble began screaming about finishing the attack. Realizing the crack forming in the enemy, Galen spoke forth, his Voice carrying. The mercenaries stepped aside as he let his barrier down, walking forth between them to the Noble. “Put up your blade, if you had any claim to honor, show it now.” Galen cut down the noble with a single strike, and then let all of their belongings go to the mercenaries, the jewelry and armor being well worth their weight in gold.
The mercenaries left, and Galen returned to the village. Those that remained and watched him began to say he took after the trees that filled the area. Unbreakable, sturdy, dependable. The Oaken Knight they proclaimed him.
The Oaken Knight
Syr Galen the Oaken Knight, now so named, would continue his service to the Knights of Anathaeum. Going where missions directed him. He would always dedicate his all to the missions, no matter the cost to him. He tried to embody the same type of knight that his mentor had been.
This time period of his would see further travels and minor showings of his abilities, largely the regular activities that were normal for the knights. Every so often he would go on larger missions with a Dusk counterpart, and most always they would succeed.
He was twenty-nine when an unexpected visitor would meet him in Astenvale, at the monastery. His sister, Serah had sought him out and waited for him, and there she told him about the fall of their house and the disaster of Calloway. First was the news of his brother Richard perishing with a mercenary company a few years ago, and then it was of their older brother’s descent. Theodore II had begun overspending trying to maintain the village, getting into large amounts of debt, and when the merchant company backing him fell apart, the entire settlement came crumbling down. Debt collectors hunted them down. In this descent their mother passed away, unable to deal with the situation that was unfolding. Serah had been previously married off, but her husband had passed from disease and she returned home a widow. Eventually their brother ran away from the debt collectors, and the entire settlement was forfeit. With nowhere to go, Serah had come to her last remaining family member. Galen would help teach her a few things before going with her to Cloud’s Keep, where he would assist her in finding a new profession. As a seamstress, Serah would start a new life. Every so often Galen would get letters from her, to which he would respond about his travels.
It was not until he turned thirty that a new important mission was issued.
Dalmeth the Blightborn
Out of the Balewoods was born a monster, what could have once been a person. But no longer. Taking on the name Dalmeth, this monstrosity would wander the woods going on a murder spree, before being chased from the woods. The original Knights that fought the creature said that they had killed it. And so every one was surprised when similar murders began in the Vale. Finally, Galen and a Dusk counterpart were instructed to track down and put an end to Dalmeth the Blightborn.
The two would go on a wild chase, always on the tail end of the monster. While the Dusk Knight would be the advance member, searching, Galen would stay behind to pick up the pieces of the villages that were terrorized. His Voice acting as an anchor to help them return to a life of relative normalcy.
Eventually the two would finally trap Dalmeth and come to a confrontation in White Port. Dalmeth had started an attack in the middle of a public trading square. While the Knight of Dusk rushed in along with guards and other soldiers in the city, Galen called out to the Square, giving guidance to evacuate and putting an end to the chaos, allowing more people to escape since they were no longer panicking.
Then he ran forth to join his ally in battle. To put it simply, it was the most dangerous fight that either of the knights had ever had. Galen was constantly pushing his body to the utmost limits. The only thing he remembers about the fight was the searing heat in his left thigh before he loses memory. From what he heard afterward in an infirmary, both Knights well surpassed their limits despite their injuries and after spearing the monster through the heart, Galen’s sword claimed the head.
The searing heat in his leg had been his thigh breaking and his Shroud immediately healing/strengthening it so he could keep fighting. The same had happened to his left arm with his shield. The shield was battered and destroyed, and his entire arm had been shattered inside, held together only by Shroud. While his arm was able to heal back fully, his leg would be just a little off, persisting in slowing him down.
Cornelius von Wechsler
Healing from his prior injuries, Galen would eventually return to service, pushing through against his pain to fulfill his Oath. Rumors reached the monastery of a unexplained murders across the north and west of Altalusia. Galen and Knight of Dusk were dispatched to hunt down the cause. In the course of their investigation, they learned that it was a rogue mage that was using smallfolk as experiments.
They traveled south towards Cloud’s Keep, and there the trail turned hot. They were close behind their pursuits. Witnesses now helped them identify the rogue mage and an apprentice. As they continued the hunt, the Knight of Dusk reiterated the importance of taking both mages alive, while this magic that was being used was vile, it would be a good opportunity to learn from it. Galen disagreed, but kept that to himself.
It would be a few weeks before they’d finally track the two to a small homestead. The illusions of hiding were done well, but the Knight of Dusk had revealed it all, and then they met their quarry. Galen stepped forth, and did what he was known to do. His Voice carried. “Put down any weapons, surrender peacefully and serve penance for the murders committed.” His honesty was true, but it was in vain. Cornelius von Wechsler was one of those people that could not be reach, no matter how much empathy there was. After a bit of verbal retorts, the battle was on. It was all so very quick. Galen had his sword out, and nearly claiming Cornelius head, the Knight of Dusk was already weaving counterspells. But it was all for naught. Without so much more action, the mage’s apprentice came out and stabbed the mage through the neck.
Galen could tell the look on the girl’s face, and immediately used his magic to her interfere with her and put her to sleep. She would be a great danger to herself in that moment if she had stayed awake. Conversing with the Knight of Dusk, they decided that the girl should not be taken back to the monastery and instead be given a chance of a new life, free from her captor and master. He would rely on his sister in Cloud’s Keep to help find the girl a place.
Crown’s Hold Duty
After getting much acclaim for his own actions within the Order, Galen was eventually chosen to join the group of Knights that were stationed in the capital of Altalusia, a sort of public relations group of monitoring actions between nobles. A kind of resource for the nobility, because of their impartiality. Galen did not care for this posting very much, he much preferred traveling and seeing the villages of the countryside. It was a good time however to meet a great many people that he would grow to have disdain for. The politics was the worst of it. But it would not be his forever.
Knight Pursuant of Life
After finishing his posting in the capital, Galen would return to Astenvale and in recognition of his service and skill for the Order, he was granted the title of Knight Pursuant of Life. At the same time, Galen was called to answer about a new recruit for the order, a potential Field Sworn, a girl by the name of Selene Vera. Galen had trouble recalling the name, but once the story was passed along to him, he remembered her. While some were skeptical of her, Galen gave his word, that they are to serve the people’s and the wilds, and if anyone wanted to do the same, they should teach them. As long as they were willing to swear the same oath, then there would be no issue.
For the next two years he would mainly spend it traveling around the area, doing light patrols before returning where he would eventually pick up a friendship with the new Field Sworn.
The Calloways
The Calloways were a family form the Northern border of the Kingdom of Altalusia, where they served as soldiers for the local liege lords against the raids that always pushed South. Four generations prior to Galen, his great-great-grandfather, Luke Calloway would rally a small troop against the raiders and prove themselves worthy of something greater. The local Lord took him into their service, arranging for a Knighthood from the Sovereign. So, Luke Calloway became the first of the family, and a Knight of Altalusia. This would afford opportunities for the family to formally train as soldiers and get more skills and education to better themselves.
Luke’s legacy would be carried on to his children, and their children. Theodore Calloway would be the lone member of the family to survive the various conflicts, and would serve with such gallantry and skill that he would be the first of the family to become a landed noble. During a particularly dangerous raiding season, Theodore saved a Margrave’s son. And with that, he was pulled up into the rank of March Lord. The first task he was given was the same for all new nobles, build a new settlement and further the Kingdom’s goal of expanding. And so Theodore took to that order, and created Calloway. During his lifetime it would only see the formation of the Holdfast and a few houses around it. It was his son, Nicholas that would push to create a larger settlement, formally getting Calloway Village status and with future growth planned. Situated in the foothills of the Northern mountains, it was wells situated for new roads around the mountains.
Nicholas Calloway would have two children with his first wife, Theodore II and Richard. His first wife would pass to disease and he would remarry another from the village. Theodore II would be sent to Crown’s Hold to be fostered with another noble family there and gain skills needed to become the next March Lord. Richard took to the sword in hopes of marrying another family to forge stronger bonds.
It was in the throes of Winter when the midwives were called and the small Holdfast became a bustle of activity. March Lord Calloway was not present, out on a Wintry Hunt with his companions. When he returned, the third child of his was born. Galen was named after his maternal grandfather, a hunter from the village.
The first years of his life were all a blur that Galen does not remember for the most part. By the time he was running around the village, he had already begun to see the changes to it. And then the greatest change came. When he was four years old, his father died, and so the title of March Lord passed to Theodore II, who was 17. Then came the sweeping the changes.
His brother returned with a great caravan, all under the flag of a merchant company. Apparently his brother had married the daughter of the company’s leader. And as such, the company was investing in Calloway to turn it into a merchant hub. Richard, who was 14, refused to serve his older brother who didn’t have an ounce of being a knight in him, and ran off. Galen would later learn that Richard would serve in a mercenary company and die in battle, but that was a decade later.
Galen’s mother had been pregnant before his father’s death, and gave birth to his sister, Serah. While they were permitted to remain in the Holdfast, it would not be long before Galen would be sent away. With Theodore II having the birth of his first child, and looking at the situations of the family, there was no use for Galen. His sister could be used for a political marriage, but Galen had no real use. His sister-in-law would provide his escape, and state he should be sent to the Knights of Anathaeum, there he could make something of himself and recuse himself from keeping any titles.
And so it was decided. When he turned 6 years old, Galen was brought to Astenvale by a few of the Merchants with the letter from his household, giving him to the Knight Order.
Galen of Astenvale
Once in Astenvale, Galen would be given a place among the other Prospects that had entered the Monastery. They were of all different ages, normally broken up so as to not be surrounded by the older kids all the time. Daily life in the Monastery was busier than he had grown up. Of course there was time to run around Astenvale with the other children, playing games – but they all had to do their chores. Everyone participated, be it cleaning all the buildings or running errands around town.
Galen took to the games in town where everyone would practice Knights and Bandits. Running around with sticks and fighting one another imagining they were Sworn Knights and saving the realm. Galen would play any role he got, he was not like some of the other kids that only ever wanted to be the Knights. It was in these games that he would find that he had an attachment to the Shroud. Taking one for his team of Bandits, he bullrushed the Knights, and to his surprise actually tackled all of them and was able to hold them in place for his team to win. Afterwards he would pass out from straining his body. He had unknowingly used the Shroud to strengthen his body.
Nothing much changed other than a few lectures and some observers every now and then, but it was the same for the other children that showed potential to use the Shroud.
When he turned eight, the daily activities would change. Instead of being able to do chores and play most of the day away, he now had to participate in classes. Reading, mathematics, language, and a number of many more. All of them were basic and had nothing to do with the future in the Knighthood. But the teacher said it was best to build foundations, because it was not guaranteed that everyone would be able to enter formal service. And it would still prepare the others for use in other positions.
Four years of that education, and Galen turned 12. He had been a good student, albeit a quiet one. He did all that was asked for him, and when he made mistakes he learned from them. Most teachers only had good things to say about him. In that year, many Knights would pass through, observing their lessons, and it was one of them that caught Galen’s eye. He felt as though the Knight was always watching him. The Knight looked far rougher than the others that were finely dressed, and instead had a wild look about him. Half-way through that year, Galen would learn why.
The Knight that had been watching him was an older Human of the Order, one that was often away from Astenvale, patrolling the highlands. They were also a rather well-known Knight, if not for their exploits, then for their maverick behavior. Syr Griswald the Old Bear, they called him. He must have been in his sixties, gray hair and gray eyes, though he had a large figure and looked as strong as a bear. Syr Griswald, Knight Pursuant of the Wilds had chosen him to become his Squire. And for the next few years he would need to continue excelling in his education, and only then would Syr Griswald take him into his service and train him personally.
Education of a Knight
Having received the right to become a Squire, Galen would start taking all the classes that the proper Knights of the Order would take. While he had taken the simple courses before, now there would be a renewed focus. It was also when his formal courses in Shroudweaving would begin. He was free from a majority of his chores, though would still spend the weekends doing work around the monastery. His coursework was now broken in half. Half of it was book work and lessons with the various teachers. The other half was physical training, combat, shroudweaving, and horsemanship. All that would be required of him later.
Galen took to combat like a proper student. Any mistakes he made were punished with swift whacks and bruises. He never got angry at that. He would take up his stance and keep trying again, learning and watching his teacher’s slow down so that he can see. The four years of courses would turn him in a capable warrior, though not battle-tested. His primary weapon of choice was a longsword, though he could use most any that was put in his hand, as the various training games had proven. He would give a few good hits, and would receive equally as many.
His other coursework of the book variety proved interesting to him as well. Learning about nature and plants and ways to survive in the wilderness. The history and cultures of Illica that he might encounter. Even some of the languages. Those were difficult for him, and while he would never be fluent in the other languages, he does remember pieces to understand what is being spoken. Just as when he was a Prospect, Galen was a good student and loved to learn from his mistakes, treating that as the real method of learning, not just passing the tests the teachers gave.
Galen had loved the combat training and working with the horses, but what he truly enjoyed was the lessons in Shroudweaving. Not always in conjunction with the Knight Masters, but sometimes with Knight Pursuants that were in the Monastery for the season. His favorites were Flame and Life. His shroud capacity was not the highest, so most of his training was spent on increasing his capacity. In that time of training, he found that his best element was Light, and he had passing usage of most elements from the Flame. He could also use Life to strengthen his body, making him a veritable force to reckon with when combined in combat, but training sessions using both magic and combat were rare – after all they did not want any serious injuries among the Squires and Prospects.
Every so often through the years, Syr Griswald would return, and he would update the Knight to his training and improvements. Galen was always candid with his failings and would always have a plan for his improvement. It was not until he turned sixteen that the Old Bear decided his training at the monastery was completed and that Galen would be joining him in the Wilds.
Squire to the Old Bear
For everything that Galen knew of the Knights, Syr Griswald proved a bit of the opposite. It started when they left Astenvale without horses. Syr Griswald had said that horses didn’t like his scent and left it at that. They set out by foot and began following the various trails in the Balewoods and south into the Vale and across the Kingdom. The first month had been spent in silence, hardly a word said between the two. It was when Galen had started being the one to take over the tasks Syr Griswald was doing that things began to change. Not a word was said, and Galen was beginning to understand the older knight.
They would travel around Altalusia, passing through the Wilds, always watching of what was going on. Every so often Syr Griswald would take up residence in a village for a while, explaining the use of the Knights in protecting the small folk when their lords would not. That the politics of the realm would not save the smallfolk, and in fact would use them for their own, greater means. Galen took all of his lessons seriously, and began mimicking the Old Bear at times.
While he had kept on with his own sword training, it was not until after the first year that Syr Griswald began teaching him. It was perhaps luck that had helped him not need to draw his sword at all in that first year. But he would get his first taste of blood when a bandit group had begun to assault the frontier. All he thought was how easy it was. The bandits were slow and did not aim, their strikes were not strong enough. By the end of the battle, if it could be called that, five had died to his blade. He did not know how to fully process it. Why did they turn to banditry? Were there no other options? Could they not have put themselves to use somewhere else?
Syr Griswald returned him to his senses, explaining that they had already made their decisions, and as soon as they took up arms against others, they could no longer complain if the same was done to them. Even if their reasons for turning to banditry were sympathetic, they needed to be the protectors. No matter the cost to themselves.
The conversations between the two changed after this. Far more psychological and philosophical in nature. When they returned to the monastery, Galen would seek out a Pursuant of Loch and ask for some training in that field. He was starting to come up with an idea of the way he would use his shroudweaving. Not the combative nature of the Flame or the Smiting Light and Healing of Life. He would talk about this with Syr Griswald who would offer guidance.
And so the years would go by, Galen taking tutelage from his mentor. And everything changed when they were at the monastery and got orders to put down the Oleander Witch. Unlike their prior patrols, Syr Griswald was joined by a Knight of Dusk, and together they marched north of Altalusia where the Witch could be found.
Mari the Oleander Witch
Mari the Oleander Witch had been an herbalist turned poisoner. They could not understand where the shift had come from, but news and omens spoke of the Witch concocting a terrible new disease that could sweep down into Altalusia and devastate the population. When they caught up to the Witch, it was horrible. The disease had been released in a village, turning the population mad. Running around with whatever items they could killing each other.
When the Knights arrived, the Witch immediately released spores infecting the Knights. Galen had been able to protect himself with his Shroudweaving, but the two Knights were not saved. In a moment the Knight of Dusk had drawn their blade and attempted to behead Syr Griswald. Without missing a beat of what was happening, Syr Griswald released a beastial roar, shifting into the form of a great bear. One swipe of his paw and the Knight of Dusk collapsed with a broken neck. The Old Bear’s eyes shifted over to Galen for a but a moment, and as if in understanding, turned to face the Witch.
Galen was left fending off villagers, cutting them down before he could be killed. Meanwhile, the Witch was shroudweaving, fighting against the Great Bear. While Galen had seen this form before, and even heard of the stories that gave Syr Griswald his name, he saw the might of the Knight in action. The Witch hid behind the villagers that she began to control. Axe, spear, farming tools, all of them left blows in the Bear, drawing blood. The Bear would not be stopped. When there were none left to protect her, the bear took the Witch’s head into their mouth and a loud crunch brought her to an end.
This was not the end. The Witch’s Disease had already been loosed, and the only way to ensure that it did not spread was to burn it all. The Great Bear collapsed after the mission was done, returning to the form of a human. Blood and injuries covering him. What Galen saw then was not the Knight, but rather a scared old man. He could see the fear in his eyes as he fought the impulses and madness that had consumed the others. The thought of losing himself to whatever the Witch had made. Galen stepped forth and kneeled beside his mentor’s broken body. He took hold of the Knight’s hand, already feeling the fading heat. And then, mustering up his shroud and all he thought possible to do, Galen spoke. “I’m here.” Syr Griswald’s eyes lost the fear, and they once again returned to the ones that Galen saw in the firelight when camping. A calm expression filled the Knight’s face. Galen remained there until Syr Griswald’s strength gave out and he finally passed in peace, having fulfilled his oath.
Galen moved amongst the dead village, bringing all the bodies together and then setting it aflame. This disease would not be allowed to escape. He had purified everything that had attempted to affect him. He stood vigil along the village until it was all ash. And then he returned on his own to Astenvale.
Syr Galen Calloway
When Galen returned to Astenvale, he was brought before the Knight Captains and Knight Commander to act as the witness of the events as they unfolded. “I know I am not sworn, but I stood vigil for them before I returned, I wanted to honor their sacrifice.” While the outcome was not entirely what was wanted, the Oleander Witch had been stopped before things turned worse. For his own role in the incident, he was allowed to take the Twice-Lit Flame Ceremony and become a Knight Sworn of Dawn.
After the Ceremony, an old Knight that had once served with Syr Griswald approached Galen and gave him a package. It was the Old Bear’s belongings, and with it, a letter addressed to him from his mentor. Galen would never share the contents of the letter, but with the other items, he would step forth into the Order as the inheritor of his mentor’s will. The most prominent item was a weapon, an armonium blade of light that had been forged just for Galen by his mentor. Many favors owed and fortune from decades had been put into it. Galen would keep the blade at his side as he ventured out.
As a formal Knight Sworn of Dawn, Syr Galen would begin his own patrols. He would keep up most of what he learned from his mentor, except for one important difference. He had a horse. While the traveling by foot had built a lot of character for him, he was no longer bound by the Old Bear’s dislike of the creatures. He would continue regular patrols on his own, and meet up with others of his Order when missions were given. Galen would practice his use of Life magic through his Voice wherever he would pass. Whether it was to give comfort to those dying, or to speak peace into at least a few bandits that might wish to seek penance.
The more he traveled, the more skilled he became in his use of his Shroudweaving. Whenever he was with his Dusk counterparts, he would ask about their knowledge of Loch so that he could further his own skill. And before long he was putting down conflicts without having to draw his blade, but as with most things, if someone was lost enough, not even his Voice could reach them. There were still people that would sink to all lows.
He performed generic tasks throughout this time, making a steady name for himself, but not being outstanding. Then came the mission. Rumors of a noble in the Free States planning some action in southern Altalusia. Galen would be meeting a Knight of Dusk that had uncovered the information.
Bridge on the Fork
Syr Galen headed South to a blossoming village near bridges across the Southern rivers to the Free States. The newest village was in the woods, near the lake where they set up a logging camp, sending timber and supplies downriver to Unicorn Bay to be taken to White Port for shipbuilding. Galen was told to wait in the village for the Knight of Dusk. When that Knight finally arrived, they were in a panic. The noble had purchased a mercenary company to launch an attack on the village, burning it to the ground so as to hamper the new supplies of Altalusia. The mercenary company was on their way and there was no way to hold the village. The best course of action was to get the local lord to dispatch troops.
Without a second thought, Galen passed his reins to the Knight, offering his horse. A fresh horse would help them make ground better. Galen swore that the bridge would hold. The Knight of Dusk left to pass along the warning and get reinforcements. Meanwhile he returned to the center of the village and passed a warning along to the Elder, asking that evacuations begin. The women and children were the first to leave, the men were grabbing what tools and weapons they though would be useful. Seeing them altogether, Galen knew that they would all die to the mercenaries.
In the night, the mercenaries and the noble arrived. Galen stepped out to the middle of the bridge in his full-plate armor, shield, and sword drawn. He proclaimed that none would make it across the bridge, and using his Voice, he assured them that any attempted would find themselves swept down river. The noble called out to him, reminding him of the honor of nobility and the need to fulfill obligations. “There is more honor in the fishing nets of this village than there is in you.” Galen stood his ground. Orders to advance were given.
Filling himself with the Shroud, his shield began to glow and form a Light Wall, pushing the advancing soldiers back. And there, Galen stood. A few mages within the mercenaries let loose attacks, each being broken upon his barrier. Nothing would be getting through. It would turn into a battle of attrition.
Stuck in a stalemate, unable to advance across the bridges, and the route around the lake taking too long, giving Altalusia a chance to catch them, they kept up the attack. Running low on Shroud, his barrier cracking, Galen held his ground. His body starting to unravel under the stress of usage, pain coursing through him. “I can do this all day!” And so he did. Whatever pain and weakness he felt, he did not let it show, maintaining the barrier that prevented them from advancing.
More time passing and the mercenaries began to get antsy about formally fighting Altalusia. The Noble began screaming about finishing the attack. Realizing the crack forming in the enemy, Galen spoke forth, his Voice carrying. The mercenaries stepped aside as he let his barrier down, walking forth between them to the Noble. “Put up your blade, if you had any claim to honor, show it now.” Galen cut down the noble with a single strike, and then let all of their belongings go to the mercenaries, the jewelry and armor being well worth their weight in gold.
The mercenaries left, and Galen returned to the village. Those that remained and watched him began to say he took after the trees that filled the area. Unbreakable, sturdy, dependable. The Oaken Knight they proclaimed him.
The Oaken Knight
Syr Galen the Oaken Knight, now so named, would continue his service to the Knights of Anathaeum. Going where missions directed him. He would always dedicate his all to the missions, no matter the cost to him. He tried to embody the same type of knight that his mentor had been.
This time period of his would see further travels and minor showings of his abilities, largely the regular activities that were normal for the knights. Every so often he would go on larger missions with a Dusk counterpart, and most always they would succeed.
He was twenty-nine when an unexpected visitor would meet him in Astenvale, at the monastery. His sister, Serah had sought him out and waited for him, and there she told him about the fall of their house and the disaster of Calloway. First was the news of his brother Richard perishing with a mercenary company a few years ago, and then it was of their older brother’s descent. Theodore II had begun overspending trying to maintain the village, getting into large amounts of debt, and when the merchant company backing him fell apart, the entire settlement came crumbling down. Debt collectors hunted them down. In this descent their mother passed away, unable to deal with the situation that was unfolding. Serah had been previously married off, but her husband had passed from disease and she returned home a widow. Eventually their brother ran away from the debt collectors, and the entire settlement was forfeit. With nowhere to go, Serah had come to her last remaining family member. Galen would help teach her a few things before going with her to Cloud’s Keep, where he would assist her in finding a new profession. As a seamstress, Serah would start a new life. Every so often Galen would get letters from her, to which he would respond about his travels.
It was not until he turned thirty that a new important mission was issued.
Dalmeth the Blightborn
Out of the Balewoods was born a monster, what could have once been a person. But no longer. Taking on the name Dalmeth, this monstrosity would wander the woods going on a murder spree, before being chased from the woods. The original Knights that fought the creature said that they had killed it. And so every one was surprised when similar murders began in the Vale. Finally, Galen and a Dusk counterpart were instructed to track down and put an end to Dalmeth the Blightborn.
The two would go on a wild chase, always on the tail end of the monster. While the Dusk Knight would be the advance member, searching, Galen would stay behind to pick up the pieces of the villages that were terrorized. His Voice acting as an anchor to help them return to a life of relative normalcy.
Eventually the two would finally trap Dalmeth and come to a confrontation in White Port. Dalmeth had started an attack in the middle of a public trading square. While the Knight of Dusk rushed in along with guards and other soldiers in the city, Galen called out to the Square, giving guidance to evacuate and putting an end to the chaos, allowing more people to escape since they were no longer panicking.
Then he ran forth to join his ally in battle. To put it simply, it was the most dangerous fight that either of the knights had ever had. Galen was constantly pushing his body to the utmost limits. The only thing he remembers about the fight was the searing heat in his left thigh before he loses memory. From what he heard afterward in an infirmary, both Knights well surpassed their limits despite their injuries and after spearing the monster through the heart, Galen’s sword claimed the head.
The searing heat in his leg had been his thigh breaking and his Shroud immediately healing/strengthening it so he could keep fighting. The same had happened to his left arm with his shield. The shield was battered and destroyed, and his entire arm had been shattered inside, held together only by Shroud. While his arm was able to heal back fully, his leg would be just a little off, persisting in slowing him down.
Cornelius von Wechsler
Healing from his prior injuries, Galen would eventually return to service, pushing through against his pain to fulfill his Oath. Rumors reached the monastery of a unexplained murders across the north and west of Altalusia. Galen and Knight of Dusk were dispatched to hunt down the cause. In the course of their investigation, they learned that it was a rogue mage that was using smallfolk as experiments.
They traveled south towards Cloud’s Keep, and there the trail turned hot. They were close behind their pursuits. Witnesses now helped them identify the rogue mage and an apprentice. As they continued the hunt, the Knight of Dusk reiterated the importance of taking both mages alive, while this magic that was being used was vile, it would be a good opportunity to learn from it. Galen disagreed, but kept that to himself.
It would be a few weeks before they’d finally track the two to a small homestead. The illusions of hiding were done well, but the Knight of Dusk had revealed it all, and then they met their quarry. Galen stepped forth, and did what he was known to do. His Voice carried. “Put down any weapons, surrender peacefully and serve penance for the murders committed.” His honesty was true, but it was in vain. Cornelius von Wechsler was one of those people that could not be reach, no matter how much empathy there was. After a bit of verbal retorts, the battle was on. It was all so very quick. Galen had his sword out, and nearly claiming Cornelius head, the Knight of Dusk was already weaving counterspells. But it was all for naught. Without so much more action, the mage’s apprentice came out and stabbed the mage through the neck.
Galen could tell the look on the girl’s face, and immediately used his magic to her interfere with her and put her to sleep. She would be a great danger to herself in that moment if she had stayed awake. Conversing with the Knight of Dusk, they decided that the girl should not be taken back to the monastery and instead be given a chance of a new life, free from her captor and master. He would rely on his sister in Cloud’s Keep to help find the girl a place.
Crown’s Hold Duty
After getting much acclaim for his own actions within the Order, Galen was eventually chosen to join the group of Knights that were stationed in the capital of Altalusia, a sort of public relations group of monitoring actions between nobles. A kind of resource for the nobility, because of their impartiality. Galen did not care for this posting very much, he much preferred traveling and seeing the villages of the countryside. It was a good time however to meet a great many people that he would grow to have disdain for. The politics was the worst of it. But it would not be his forever.
Knight Pursuant of Life
After finishing his posting in the capital, Galen would return to Astenvale and in recognition of his service and skill for the Order, he was granted the title of Knight Pursuant of Life. At the same time, Galen was called to answer about a new recruit for the order, a potential Field Sworn, a girl by the name of Selene Vera. Galen had trouble recalling the name, but once the story was passed along to him, he remembered her. While some were skeptical of her, Galen gave his word, that they are to serve the people’s and the wilds, and if anyone wanted to do the same, they should teach them. As long as they were willing to swear the same oath, then there would be no issue.
For the next two years he would mainly spend it traveling around the area, doing light patrols before returning where he would eventually pick up a friendship with the new Field Sworn.
Appearance
| Height 6'2" |
| Build Athletic |
| Hair Brown |
| Eyes Purple |
Galen stands at 6’2” and can strike a rather imposing figure. Perfect for when needing to take control of situations. He has a few scars across his face, ranging from monster blows to scars from close encounters with other enemies of the Order. A prominent scar through his left eye brow nearly goes to his eye, and then on his right cheek are scars from a previous encounter with an elementalist. He has more scars across his body, normally from close encounters or injuries that were not treated in time. All reminders of past mistakes from his youth. The most prominent of his injuries was to his left knee, that even with magic, could not fully heal. While still usable, prolonged strain does wear on him.
His hair is kept shoulder length. When he is on the road, he tends to not care for it as much, letting it hang loose. When in civilization, he will normally tie parts of it back to look more presentable. The same with his facial hair. While traveling, it is something he doesn’t worry about, letting it grow out, and when stopping at an inn or someplace with actual facilities, he will shave.
Clothing wise, he wears the common clothes that the Sanctum provides. When traveling or in most of his duties, he prefers to keep his armor relatively light, but still protecting everything. A chainmail hauberk, with a tabard on top. Pauldrons and gorget, and then vambraces and a bit more armor along his arms. Light grieves are on top of his boots. Normally, he carries a longsword, a dagger, and kukri, with a cloak covering it all. His shield would be slung over his back.
He does possess a set of full plate, but he typically keeps it stored unless actually needed, mainly because it is exhausting to wear. His main longsword was forged from armonium in the element of light. The sword was a gift from his mentor.
-Sword (by Cliffan Hansson)
-Dagger (by Vyacheslav Tokmakov)
-Kukri (by Bleqew)
His hair is kept shoulder length. When he is on the road, he tends to not care for it as much, letting it hang loose. When in civilization, he will normally tie parts of it back to look more presentable. The same with his facial hair. While traveling, it is something he doesn’t worry about, letting it grow out, and when stopping at an inn or someplace with actual facilities, he will shave.
Clothing wise, he wears the common clothes that the Sanctum provides. When traveling or in most of his duties, he prefers to keep his armor relatively light, but still protecting everything. A chainmail hauberk, with a tabard on top. Pauldrons and gorget, and then vambraces and a bit more armor along his arms. Light grieves are on top of his boots. Normally, he carries a longsword, a dagger, and kukri, with a cloak covering it all. His shield would be slung over his back.
He does possess a set of full plate, but he typically keeps it stored unless actually needed, mainly because it is exhausting to wear. His main longsword was forged from armonium in the element of light. The sword was a gift from his mentor.
-Sword (by Cliffan Hansson)
-Dagger (by Vyacheslav Tokmakov)
-Kukri (by Bleqew)
Personality
-Integrity
-Calm
-Focused
-Force of Will
-Closed-off
-Stubborn
-Guilty
-Calm
-Focused
-Force of Will
-Closed-off
-Stubborn
-Guilty
Skills
Combat
Melee Weapons – Master
Ranged Weaponry – Basic
Magic
Pursuit of the Flame – Proficient
Elemental Enchantment – Main elements can be imbued into his weapons/equipment when he needs the extra damage.
Spellblade Casting – Utilizing the elements and his melee weapons, he can cast magic with the swings and parries of his weapons to add more “firepower” to his combat arsenal.
Pursuit of Life – Master
Body Enhancement – Utilizing internal shroudweaving to strengthen his body and allow him to go beyond his regular limits. Normally this results in longer exhaustion after the fact.
Starlight Enchantment/Casting – Using the light of the stars, he can create shields and strong enchantments on his weapons and equipment to purify foes and protect his charges.
Healing – Not an expert healer, but can use enough of this to do emergency first-aid as well as assist with minor injuries.
Voice – His main method of shroudweaving that he put all his focus into. Combining the mental effects from Loch, and combining with his pursuit of life, Galen can use his voice to “heal” and calm people. In chaos and frantic moments, he can be an anchor that brings people stability. To those who have experienced horror at the hands of the blight, he can help them regain focus to get to safety. To any that are injured or scared, he can soothe them as if he is speaking directly to their soul.
Pursuit of the Wild – Basics
Animal Handling – Similar to his use of Voice to shroudweave, he can do it to animals as well, normally earning their trust and support.
Wilderness Survival – Can shroudweave enough to understand the finer points of navigating and surviving in the wilderness.
Pursuit of the Loch – Skilled
Mental Interference – He can shroudweave well enough to interfere with people’s minds, though it is something he only uses with consent
Voice – As he combined Loch knowledge with others, it is listed here as well.
Pursuit of Death – Knowledge Only
Non-Combat
Leadership – Proficient
Animal Handling - Proficient
Knitting – Proficient
Melee Weapons – Master
Ranged Weaponry – Basic
Magic
Pursuit of the Flame – Proficient
Elemental Enchantment – Main elements can be imbued into his weapons/equipment when he needs the extra damage.
Spellblade Casting – Utilizing the elements and his melee weapons, he can cast magic with the swings and parries of his weapons to add more “firepower” to his combat arsenal.
Pursuit of Life – Master
Body Enhancement – Utilizing internal shroudweaving to strengthen his body and allow him to go beyond his regular limits. Normally this results in longer exhaustion after the fact.
Starlight Enchantment/Casting – Using the light of the stars, he can create shields and strong enchantments on his weapons and equipment to purify foes and protect his charges.
Healing – Not an expert healer, but can use enough of this to do emergency first-aid as well as assist with minor injuries.
Voice – His main method of shroudweaving that he put all his focus into. Combining the mental effects from Loch, and combining with his pursuit of life, Galen can use his voice to “heal” and calm people. In chaos and frantic moments, he can be an anchor that brings people stability. To those who have experienced horror at the hands of the blight, he can help them regain focus to get to safety. To any that are injured or scared, he can soothe them as if he is speaking directly to their soul.
Pursuit of the Wild – Basics
Animal Handling – Similar to his use of Voice to shroudweave, he can do it to animals as well, normally earning their trust and support.
Wilderness Survival – Can shroudweave enough to understand the finer points of navigating and surviving in the wilderness.
Pursuit of the Loch – Skilled
Mental Interference – He can shroudweave well enough to interfere with people’s minds, though it is something he only uses with consent
Voice – As he combined Loch knowledge with others, it is listed here as well.
Pursuit of Death – Knowledge Only
Non-Combat
Leadership – Proficient
Animal Handling - Proficient
Knitting – Proficient
Art Credit: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/L4LWk0
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