Aethelwulf Bryonson

## ***Early Life***

Aethelwulf was born on October the 4th 1582 A.T.F in the Norkish Colony of Nork Shore. Aethelwulf's family held significant influence and power over the colony, and eventually Aethelwulf's father ascended to the title of Jarl of Nork Shore. Life in Nork Shore was difficult, and the land that Aethelwulf grew up in was one of the least desirable of the new Norkish colonies that had taken root in Reichland. From his early childhood to his teenage years, Aethelwulf spent much of his time hunting and learning from his father the ways of The Old Norks.

## ***Jarl of Nork Shore***

On September the 13th 1604 A.T.F Aethelwulf's father had suffered a mortal wound on a hunting expedition, his father died two days later passing down the title of Jarl of Nork Shore to his son Aethelwulf. Although Aethelwulf was only twenty two years old he had a natural talent for management, and was an avid listener to his father, the transfer of power and first few months of his rule proceeded smoothly. Within the following months Aethelwulf had reinforced his new fiefdom, pledged allegiance to the High King of New Norkia, and continued with his fathers previous projects.

## ***The Battle of Axony***

In the year of 1607 A.T.F The High King of New Norkia summoned the Jarls of New Norkia to rally their warriors and march to Axony. By June the 10th 1607 A.T.F Aethelwulf had arrived at Axony with 10,000 Warriors from Norks Shore. Aethelwulf had never participated in a battle and due to this lack of experience he was assigned to protect the supply lines from the Eastern Side of the Glasgov mountains. Aethelwulf followed his orders with haste, and protected the supply lines passing through the Eastern Glasgov Mountains from Bandits and small bands of Yurak raiders who flanked the Eastern Sovereign Alliances forces attempting to disrupt their supply lines. For four years Aethelwulf protected the supply lines, being a critical component to the success of the Alliance's forces. At the end of the battle Aethelwulf directed his attention to helping the remaining pockets of refugees who were now taking the opportunity to leave during the stall in the fighting.

## ***The Battle of Nork Shore and Departure From New Norkia***

For the next seven years Aethelwulf administered Norks Shore, slowly watching the Kingdom of New Norkia capitulate to The Kingdom of Donnington. During the decline of The Kingdom, the pirate known as Barnes "Crazy" Barclay took advantage of the Kingdoms weakness and besieged Norks Shore. Aethelwulf had little resources to retaliate, with most of his warriors being used by The High King to garrison the border regions. Norks Shore was nearly defenseless, and on May the 5th 1614 A.T.F Aethelwulf wanting to save his city from a possible pirate sacking surrendered and opened the gates. Uncharacteristically Barnes spared Aethelwulf and had him sent to New Norkia.

Odin was furious with Aethelwulf's quick surrender, and removed his title of Jarl. For the next twelve years Aethelwulf was left in charge of the Garrison of New Norkia, although his title of Jarl was removed Odin quickly forgave Aethelwulf and assigned him as the city's Hersir. In 1626 A.T.F the Kingdom of New Norkia was fully annexed into The Kingdom of Donnington. Several prominent Norkish Jarls, Hersirs, Chieftains, and Kings were deported from Reichland. Aethelwulf was summoned to Gold peaks, where he was later deemed too little of use for Donnington and was deported to the Far North.

## ***Later Life***

Aethelwulf eventually settled in Sven City and assisted with the city's recovery from the decades prior Crusade that devastated the Far North. Aethelwulf eventually enlisted in The Free States of The North, and would go on to train armies of Vicish and Norkish soldiers. By 1635 A.T.F Aethelwulf had a family, and was the father of a boy and girl. On March the 29th 1657 A.T.F Aethelwulf died in his sleep at the age of seventy five.

## ***Personality***

Aethelwulf was known to be attentive and always willing to listen to those who he believed to be wise. Like many of the Norks who lived in New Norkia, Aethelwulf was known to be caring for those who watched, however it was said Aethelwulf was naïve and oftentimes a push over. Something that caused many to view Aethelwulf as unique. Out of all of the nobility of New Norkia, it was said Aethelwulf saw the least amount of battle often by his own choice.

## ***Appearance***

Aethelwulf had white skin and had long uncut ginger colored hair. He had freckles dotted all around his face and had a unique set of light blue eyes. Aethelwulf had a long bushy beard and was regarded as having an abnormally large torso for his height. Aethelwulf stood at 5.4 feet tall, and weighed 143 pounds. Aethelwulf was regarded as stocky, and wore fur coats when he was not in battle. Aethelwulf carried a one handed Norkish Ax and a Wooden Round Shield. Aethelwulf was also said to have won a Norkish-Style Mail into battle.