Rhys Redgrave

Rhys staring into the distance, contemplating.

> I don't know how I fight, I just can. It's something I cannot simply put to words. It's almost as if I become someone else entirely, when I fight.
>
> *- Rhys discussing the idea of instructing combat, to someone.*

**Rhys** is a corporal under the kingdom of Aedwin, who took an oath to serve under King Geoffery de Castellane, following his departure from the Aedwinian fief of Caerdrys, and Fort Merit. Hailing from a far off country he claims to be called "Reala", he departed on a long voyage to the Hales, after hearing stories of the War of Daggers, along with other various chaotic tales that have seeped from the shores of the land. Rhys fights with his sword and shield not for conflict between the various kingdoms, but in hopes of using it to forge a union of peace between the whole of the land, someday.

## Brief Chronology

### Beginnings

It's unclear if the country of "Reala" truly exists, but if it does, then it would have to be somewhere far across the globe, for it appears to not be charted on any known map. Rhys developed general labor skills, during his time growing up in the fishing village of "Naymyth". He did all sorts of work like fishing, and lumber, along with sailing. All sorts of stories and tales were shared throughout the village, with the arrival of storytellers in the local tavern by the port, who had endured long voyages with the merchants they sailed with. Listening to these tales from a young age, Rhys was able to become somewhat cultured of the world that laid beyond the shores of his home. Following these stories later in his life, he would come to learn of the Hales, and the events that occurred there, over the course of it's history.

With such chaotic feats peaking his interest, Rhys decided to foolishly spend all his gold on a voyage to this land, without a second thought. To his dismay, he arrived in the port of Aedwin with empty pockets. Desperate to find a place to stay, he ran into the Aedwinian fief of Caerdrys, along with it's Prince. With the Prince mistaking him for a troublemaker, Rhys begged to do anything for a place to stay. Eventually, Rhys would gain the title of Constable of Caerdrys, earning a sword and shield. However, he only resided for a month, after not being paid a single piece of gold.

Furious by this, Rhys decided to leave his position, feeling he was being conned, with Caerdrys' entrance now sealed, and the Prince nowhere to be found. Because of this, Rhys was desperate for pay, and found brief solitude with Commodus Bonaparte, and the ragtag union of Fort Merit. This would also be considered short-lived, due to Rhys' growing disinterest in Fort Merit's intentions, feeling it being contradictory to their claimed goal of "freedom" away from the two kingdoms. Rhys would then slowly stray away from Fort Merit, roaming the land, and getting acquainted with the people who reside across the two kingdoms.

### Getting Acquainted

Walking along the roads, Rhys encountered all sorts of folk, but would witness various eccentric commoners in the kingdom of Hallengard, particularly a Duke who had intentions of marrying Vasilica Sutherland, the current queen at the time. This Duke, who thought of himself highly, called himself a "Mover of Worlds", and would proceed to make a massive fool of himself in front of everyone in the inn of Hallengard, by trying to impress a random woman, with childish antics. This flustered the Duke, who would only become further aggravated by Rhys' snarky remarks against his intentions. Shortly after this, the Duke then decided to best Rhys in a duel, which would take place in the field of Aedwin, at nightfall. Rhys was unsure what he would be getting into, but still seemed surprisingly confident in besting this Duke.

As nightfall approached, Rhys stood in the field, until the Duke arrived from the far plains. The two drew their blades, and to Rhys' surprise, he absolutely floored the Duke's prowess with a blade, with not having used the weapon at all, in his entire life. With the duel in Rhys' favor, the Duke faked a grave injury, in an attempt to land a surprise attack on Rhys. Somehow, Rhys was able to see through this, stating how he couldn't possibly be bleeding out yet. Surprised by the knowledge Rhys was unaware he had, he sheathed his blade, and the Duke stood. With the Duke's plan of besting Rhys failed, he rushed off, claiming that Rhys was not "the mark" he was after. It was here that Rhys learned he was very skilled in combat with a sword and shield, in a duel he believed he would surely squander. Returning to Fort Merit, he still feeled as if he didn't belong there. However, Rhys managed to forge a decent friendship with a man named Corvus, who saved him from a carnivorous fish, which lived in a lake near Greenfields.

Rhys searched for answers about where he belonged, while also hoping to find a position with a decent amount of pay. Rhys' answers would come in the form of a greeting from Geoffery de Castellane, the king of Aedwin. During a tournament being held in the field of Aedwin, the king showed a great interest in Rhys' morals, and paid him 300 gold, as a way of showing compensation for Caerdrys' Prince failing to do so. After a long discussion about their beliefs for not just Aedwin, but the Hales, Rhys would eventually consider Geoffery's offer to join the Aedwinian guard. It is unclear if the king witnesses something else of Rhys, or if he's merely showing true compassion to him.

### A Sense of Familiarity

The days following his meeting with the king, Rhys arrived in the kingdom of Aedwin, ready to join the guard. The king, accompanied by Duke Roland Sperhon, submitted Rhys' position as a corporal, asking Rhys to make an oath to the kingdom, and to serve them no matter the cost. It was here in Aedwin that Rhys was able to hone his newfound combat prowess, and where he would meet his Commander at the time, Liesal Braun. At first glance, Rhys would get a sense of familiarity from Liesal, although he was unsure why. Despite this, he decided to form a friendship of sorts with Liesal, after witnessing how lonely she seemed within the ranks of Aedwin, despite being his Commander. He'd briefly exchange his thoughts and conversations with her from time to time, and was really the only person in the guard he mainly spoke with. While, Liesal still seemed reserved, she became more comfortable speaking with Rhys after some time, while still keep certain details about herself subtle. Maybe she found a sense of familiarity within him as well. Perhaps he began developing feelings for her, and maybe she shared some as well, but at the time, it remained unclear.

Following two chaotic incidents in the catacombs of Aedwin, specifically related to "the Gate", Rhys' relationship with Liesal began to shift, until eventually she decided to drift away from him, and leave Aedwin altogether. Liesal felt as if she truly didn't belong as a Commander, nor an Aedwinian. Before leaving, Liesal left behind her armor in the barracks, with Rhys being the only one deciding to keep them as a memento. After these events, a part of Rhys felt lost, and adrift after Liesal left, and he continues to wonder why himself. He wonders if he truly did develop feelings for her, but if there's one thing that's certain, he cares for her safety. After learning she took residence in Hallengard, and became a druid, Rhys only hopes Liesal is content with her new role, despite now seeing her as a completely different person. Rhys now dons Liesal's armor, as a way of remembering the person she once was, and as regret for the events that transpired.

### Underlying Torment

After the two incidents with encountering "the Gate", Rhys began to hear a voice from time to time, calling out his name, wherever he goes. Accompanied by this, are incredibly detailed dreams, and nightmares, he keeps suffering from almost nightly. Seeking the aid of Brother Adalbur, 'Aella', and the Bishop, he actively strives to rid himself of this newfound torment, while continuing his work as a corporal. He only wishes he's truly being cursed by spirits from the abyss, because if not, then he may fear he's losing his mind. With all this going on, Rhys still manages to appear sane and healthy, and capable of carrying out his duties.

***To be continued...***

## Appearance

Rhys is a young man with an approximately above average height, along with an average body type. His blood red hair is possibly his most defining feature, with it being easily identifiable out of all his features, even in the darkest of shadows. His hair is short, but messy, and he makes fruitful attempts to keep it that way. While always keeping a neutral, static demeanor, Rhys manages to maintain a somewhat friendly appearance. His attire is simple, but an improvement over his last raggedy outfit, which was critiqued by his peers for being unfitting for a corporal. He has since worn a brown leather shirt, with a dark blue shirt underneath. He wishes to keep it this way, as a way of reflecting his upbringing with drab, dull colors, while also using colors that reflect his current allegiance.

Rhys is missing his left hand, which is currently replaced with a copper hook that was forged in his homeland. Rhys claims that his hand was taken during an incident, where he harpooned a moderately sized shark, which sprung from the water, biting his hand clean off. It is speculated that his copper hook may have a medium-sized lodestone embedded within it when it was forged. This is most likely true, because his hook, despite not being designed to have a fine grip, is able to keep his shield steady, especially when used in combat.

## Personality

Rhys comes off as very mild mannered and kind hearted, but at occasional times, can prove to be very outspoken and forward. This is most notably apparent during combat, when he's almost hyper focused on his goal of achieving victory, and also not afraid of showing a bit of pride in his skill. Rhys has stated a few times that he feels as if he's almost a completely different person, when he uses his sword and shield. Despite Rhys being content with being a soldier, he wishes that he's truly fighting for peace under King Geoffery, and dislikes the constant lust of war that pervades the Hales. Rhys likes to wind down from his duties by getting a drink of wine from the East Aedwin pub, as it's one of few things that he believes truly calms him. Every other drink Rhys has tried has left him with distain, with wine being the only thing he favors, along with the high quality Latoran Wine, from the titular Latoran Archipelago. Rhys seems to have nothing but good morals and intentions towards his outlook, but is something of a walking contradiction. Perhaps there is more to him, than what he truly thinks and believes. But who can really say?

## Trivia

* Rhys is the fifth Redgrave to appear in Medieval Roleplay's entirety. He is the first, and so far, only Redgrave to appear in Chapter 2.
* Rhys' predecessor was Earl Redgrave II, the first, and only Redgrave from Chapter 1's continuity.