Ringald

**Ringald** is the recently retired Captain of the Royal Guard in Parnos

## Description

### Appearance

Ringald is a striking Red Dragonborn warrior standing over 7ft tall and powerfully built.

### Personality and alignment

Loyal to Empress Alliana and a formidable ally or enemy. Has led the Royal guards and ensured that the Court of Parnos is well protected.

### Languages

Elvish

Draconic

Common

Primordial

Dwarfish

Halfling

### Armour/Clothing

Armour in gold with the Parnos Crest on his back plate.

### Weapons

A large great sword. Also proficient with bows, maces and axes.

### Spells / Abilities

Powerful smite when calling upon the Gods and is famed to have never let any of his guards fall in battle due to his healing skills.

## Home

Lives at The Royal Court of Parnos. Even since his retirement as Captain he has stayed on at the Barracks and works, under Hymn, with the new recruits.

## Treasure / Prized Possessions

He wears a small pin of a red dragon on the cross straps of his chest armour. Its origin is unknown but he is never seen without it.

## Relationships

### Allies

The Royal Court of Parnos and its guards.

### Enemies

Any that threaten the Court or the guards.

## History

Ringald joined the guard as a young man. He arrived in Parnos around 15 years of age and came to the attention of the guards when arrested for brawling in the streets.

He reported that he was fighting for money as he had none and this was the only skill he had. The arrest of this 15yo was a much greater challenge than it should have been for 5 experienced guards and the captain saw both fierce determination and untrained raw talent in him.

He paid Ringald's fine and in return asked that he live in the Barracks and work off his debt. Ringald gladly obliged for he was starved of both food and company and, seeing an opportunity, was keen to prove himself an asset.

It quickly became obvious to all that Ringald had a natural talent with weapons of any type and was a quick witted and willing student. He could be found, until the early hours, studying history, languages, military strategy and politics and during the day trained relentlessly. His desire to be the best of the best was clear to everyone and he excelled in everything he tried.

At the very young age of 17 Ringald took his vows as a Paladin and formally pledged himself to the service of the Court of Parnos and the Church. the guards became his family and he was a popular comrade. His skills in strategy saw him advance rapidly through the ranks. When the Guard Captain retired he, as was traditional appointed his successor. Ringald became the youngest ever Captain of the Guard at the age of 19.

Ringald dedicated his entire life to the development of the guards and the protection of the Court. The Royal guard was feared and envied in equal measure and was famed across the Old East for its discipline and tactical superiority. Ringald loved a great battle but was equally pleased to avoid one if he could do so with clever positioning and stealth.

Ringald first noticed Venali when the young elf used to accompany his father on visits to the court. Ringald had little time for the Elven Ambassador finding his sycophantic posturing quite disingenuous. He did not trust the man and avoided him where possible. Venali, although born to nobility, really just wanted to fight. Ringald saw a similar loneliness in him to his own at the same age. He decided to provide Venali the same opportunity that the Captain had provided him many years before.

Venali's skills developed rapidly away from the critical gaze of his father. Ringald offered him a place at the barracks for ongoing training and education. This was the day Aerith disappeared. Ringald watched as Ruven ignored his son and exiled his daughter. He took Venali into the barracks and provided him the home and guidance that he had also once needed.

Ringald was pleased to see that the rejection spurred Venali on to greater achievements and his book learning developed at a pace. It never matched Ringald's depth; Venali was always more of a warrior than a strategist. Ringald made him the personal guard to the Royal House; partly as he was a phenomenal swordsman and excellent bodyguard, but also so that Ruven had to seek his son's permission to have audience with the Royal family every time he visited Court!

Ringald served faithfully and at the age of 75 was looking to appoint his successor as tradition dictates when Empress Aliana suggested to him that she had a perfect candidate.

Ringald was initially unimpressed by the young tiefling woman he met but was quietly surprised when she readily agreed to battle his guards.

He was impressed when she defeated Venali Malthen in short order. She was quick and sure and both decisive and economical with her actions. One by one the guards tried and failed until Ringald himself took the ring.

He bowed low and began to fight. He bested the Tiefling but was aware that it was his first fight and she had been in battle for several hours. He knelt before her and pledged his sword to her. This woman was a worthy leader of his men and he was happy to hand his mantle on to such a warrior.

Having known no other home and having pledged his life to the Court of Parnos Ringald asked to remain at Court. Hymn readily accepted his service and he remains in the barracks training the young initiates. He remains a valuable strategist and has a deep understanding of the political state of affairs.