Tirneldaer

A soft-spoken traveler who regards any and all with a smile and a story. He carries a wealth of wisdom, and loves to hear the tales of the lives of others.
= Backstory =
Born to a tribe of wood elves far to the east of even the Theozzian Empire, Tirneldaer (“Star-Gazing Groom'') was raised to be a steward and protector to his tribe’s dryad Cedrela, her maidens, and her grove. A peculiar custom they had, where one among their number was chosen as the dryad’s personal protector. Cedrela was a flighty member of her species, and loved to wander the woods outside their village, often curious about the outside world. Though she was never one to leave the forest, her habits eventually gave rise to the tradition of a steward, to keep her safe during such forays, for a large crowd would both detract from her sense of freedom, as well as be more likely to draw attention. Tirneldaer was chosen at birth by the village Seer to take up the mantle following the death of the previous steward, and quickly proved to be a perfect choice. He held a similar wanderlust to Cedrela herself, and the two bonded very early in his life as friends. When the time came to give him a proper name, he was named both for his love of star-gazing, and for the fact that - in his tribe - the one chosen as guardian of the dryad was not permitted to marry. He was - in a sense - wed to the grove itself, or so they viewed it. Such was his oath.	When the Theozzian Empire began to grow in power, their tribe took notice. The elders among them argued about how to ensure they would remain undetected, and Tirneldaer was asked to entreat Cedrela to aid in their efforts, should the humans come close to the village. The dryad, however, had other ideas. She would seek to speak with the humans, to make them amenable. A bargain could be struck: permission to hunt and log within a part of the forest, with the wood elves’ guidance, in exchange for allowing her tribe to be left alone. The empire responded as the empire does, and Tirneldaer, despite his best efforts, was unable to prevent the Empire's all-consuming flames. The forest was razed. His village was destroyed. His people were slaughtered or enslaved, and his Dryad - his charge and his purpose - was burned in front of his very eyes by an inquisitor of the empire. It all began and ended in less than a day.	Barely escaping with his life, Tirneldaer fled the woods even further east, away from the imperial advance. For a time he grew bitter, cold, and vengeful. Yet, as time passed, he realized that anger and brutality would not bring back what he had lost. Life was far too precious, far too easily lost. He would not continue to perpetuate the cycle of destruction. At the very least, he would not so foolishly throw his life away. She would never forgive him if he did.	A dryad, a seemingly eternal being, had been killed. Thus did Tirneldaer come to understand that ALL life is ultimately ephemeral. He did not wish for those lost to be forgotten. Thus did he begin a pilgrimage across the land with a new purpose. He would seek to meet people, learn their stories, and through this, he would preserve the histories and stories of the world’s people as best he can, after their inevitable end. This is his purpose: to watch, to partake, and to fondly remember. This will be how he spends his days, until such a day comes that Death chooses to greet him personally. When it does, he will welcome the reaper as an old friend.
= Attributes =
Major – Woodland Knight: Living as the personal steward and protector of a dryad who was not one to sit as still as her kin, Tirneldaer grew to be one of the more adept warriors of his tribe through necessity and duty. He is proficient with shields and spears, including javelins. 
Minor – Keen Eye: Tirneldaer is careful, and pays attention to every one of his senses closely. He can detect small details more easily than others, and can more easily avoid traps. 
Minor – Self-Treatment: Tirneldaer was often the one tending to his dryad’s maidens in times of injury or sickness, given that he was the one they spent the most time with. As such, he also learned how to take care of himself. Years spent alone only forced this skill to further develop from necessity. So long as he is both conscious, retains use of both arms, and possesses the necessary resources, Tirneldaer is capable of performing significant medical treatment on himself without the need for an aid or mediary. 
= Detriments =
Major – Armourless: Tirneldaer has survived a direct confrontation with an inquisitor, however the numerous injuries he sustained from the encounter have left him with peculiar pains that prevent him from wearing anything heavy. They have made it impossible for him to ever wear armour without experiencing excruciating pain. (He can still wield shields and lift heavy objects) 
Minor – Soft-spoken: Tirneldaer’s failure in his duty has left him both humbled and ashamed. He never yells or raises his voice for any reason, and as such he lacks the ability to lead. 
Minor – Pyrophobia: The sight of a dryad aflame has never - and will never - leave his mind. Tirneldaer will not carry torches, keeps his distance from campfires, and loses composure near burning structures or people.
File:Tirneldaer Portrait - Maple Sage.jpg
File:Tir Portrait - Maple Sage.png
= Links =
* Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/maple_sage
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/Maple__Sage
* Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIkuRdZo2DWeuBGJa2zN6nw
Category:Fractured Thrones Characters
Category:Maple Sage's Characters