Astrid Ankenbrandt

Astrid Ankenbrandt, first of her name, second born child of Baronet Lord Auric Ankenbrandt, servant of King Eversol and the Council of Stormloft. Astrid was a disappointment to her parents upon her birth, as they wished for a second son who would climb the ranks of the military and bring great honor and lands to their house. So, they did what any noble family would do with a daughter and trained her in the ways of etiquette and hoped to marry her off to another Baronet. Very early in her upbringing the parents knew she was born with the heart of a soldier. She would beat up the other girls who would pick on her and even scrap with the boys in the bailey. Lord Auric decided to teach her to fight rather than watch her recklessly bully others.
She learned the ways of the Ayaten Fighting Man, a Parnan tradition that dates back to the Ancient Ones, when man served the fair folk in the War of Sword and Serpent. She also learned discipline and perception. Her skill in combat made her father truly proud, but they both knew she could never attain true knighthood. It was because of this Astrid continued her training with the Tal'na Mry, a guild of peoples who aimed to make the realm a better place. It was among their number she found her place as a Shield Associate, charged with the defense of the common folk.
She did not ascend far in their ranks because of her independent spirit. She decided she would be a mercenary and perfect the arts of her ancestors. She knew she was destined for greatness the moment she picked up a shield and an axe. If her deeds were so great, like the heroes of legend, her presence as a true lord and soldier would be undeniable.
Roleplaying Notes: Astrid can seem very selfish, aloof, and sarcastic. She has, or at least fancies herself to have, a quick wit, but it’s powered by a strong sense of arrogance. She feels she has made her life for herself and is very independent, but it can appear that she benefits from her noble birth and position. She will often voice her opinion even if no one asked for it. Despite this, she is a great ally as she will charge into danger and place her shield between any harm that may come towards her friends.