Eburacum PBEM - The Players.

Sir Aedan of Ornewood

Shield: Argent on a bend sinister azure, a unicorn erased or.

"Love thy neighbour"

Cymric/Christian Errant Knight
from Ornewood, Somerset

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Family:
Father: Sir Rynn of Ornewood, Somerset [deceased]
Mother: Lady Alise of Glastonbury [deceased]

Age:
Born 540AD [25 years]

History:
Aedan was born in 540 to Rynn of Ornewood, a household knight of King Cadwy of Somerset. Aedan’s mother died during his childbirth and his father later passed on in 545 while Aedan was still a young boy. His father never remarried and he has no brothers or sisters. Out of compassion for the boy and respect his father’s years of service the Earl took Aedan on as a household page and later a squire. Aedan proved his worth and was knighted at the customary age of twenty-one years.

Inspired by tales of Arthur and his knights, Aedan reveled in the romance and high adventure of the time. Of all the people and stories that passed his way he was most impressed by the tales of romance, both courtly and otherwise – most especially those of Tristan and Isolde. Aedan focused his spare time learning the delicate arts that would earn him female attention – flirting, dance and other romantic pursuits. His efforts were mostly constrained to innocent expressions of fine amor but there were a few exceptions. Although Aedan wasn’t seen as a serious tournament contender or war leader, he was sometimes sought after by his peers for guidance in matters of the heart. Aedan has fond memories of many comedic evenings spent helping the more heavy-handed young knights win the affections of the young ladies of court.

At the age of twenty-three Aedan’s wit and diplomatic nature caught the attention of the King’s Seneschal who took on Aedan as an assistant. Over the following two years Aedan caught his first glimpse of the life as a court advisor and his dream of becoming one was born. As a result, during the muster for the battles with Mordred Aedan was asked to stay behind and help garrison the Kingdom. He was deeply saddened that he could not join the King’s host, however, and Aedan took the loss of King Arthur particularly hard. In some ways Aedan holds himself personally responsible by not being present at Camlann.

Following the battle rumors began to circulate about a romance between Aedan and one of the King’s younger daughters, the wife of Sir Ysgarn of Caline, one of the King’s more important bannerets. Although the affair was never proven it drove a wedge between Aedan and the King, resulting in Aedan’s errantry.

Although he hated to leave his homeland Aedan realized this would be an opportunity to both search for a true love and an appointment where his talents could be better realized – such as a large urban area with its more significant politics and intrigue. Of all the established cities in Britain, Eburacum seemed the most attractive and Aedan set off immediately.

Physical Description:
Aedan is twenty-five year old Knight Errant of tall, trim Cymri stock. He appears well kept, clean-shaven with thick blond hair and crystal blue eyes. His voice is deep and rich though he rarely raises it in song. His has a contagious smile that suggests wit and a penchant for mischief. Some would call him quite handsome, but he would deny it and be embarrassed at the suggestion.

Personality:
Aedan is nearly always in a cheerful mood with an expression to match. His deep voice, pleasant personality, genuine nature and storytelling abilities combine to give him a certain amount of charisma. He is not unaccustomed to the finer indulgences of court and is quite willing to direct his charms towards the opposite sex. He considers himself, if nothing else, a romantic.

He is quite fair in his outlook and dealings, seeking to intentionally wrong no one. While he often finds himself unavoidably away from chapel on Sunday mornings, his sense of justice and mercy would rival the most astute vicar.

Motivations:
Aedan needs to resolve a secret melancholy that he has felt ever since Arthur’s death, partly due to a sense of guilt for not being present at Camlann. Although he is not quite sure how, he hopes that perhaps meeting a great love may relieve his pain. In the short term he seeks to become a household knight of a major lord in an area where his courtly abilities would serve well – particularly an urban environment such as Eburacum. In the long term he hopes to use these same skills to earn a coveted position as an officer and trusted advisor to one of the great lords of the realm.

Disadvantages:
Not long after Aedan reaches Eburacum he will learn that Sir Ysgarn of Caline’s wife Gwen has recently given birth to their first child. Much to the dismay of the good Sir Ysgarn, however, the child’s features look suspiciously like Sir Aedan’s. Although Gwen swears there was no affair, knights of the Calinian family have avowed themselves to be Aedan’s enemies. Confrontations of honor may be unavoidable in the future. Also, if the child does not grow to resemble Sir Ysgarn’s family he may be abandoned or banished – possibly coming to the responsibility of Sir Aedan. From the beginning, however, Aedan has asserted that his interest in Lady Gwen was of a courtly nature and never consummated.

Aedan has a moderate fear of heights due to a fall from a parapet during a romantic encounter as a young man. Ledges and balconies overlooking open areas are extremely uncomfortable for him (especially battlements). He is quite embarrassed by this and will keep this a secret as long as possible.

Aedan is colorblind, making heraldry more difficult for him. He also suffers from intense, extended hangovers after drinking heavily. The latter tend to be a particular problem as he is not known for his temperance.

Heirlooms:
Aedan has only a single heirloom, an ancient and exquisite sword of unknown origin originally owned by his father. The weapon is enormously decorative with several intricate carvings and inlays. One wise old woman once told him that the weapon was forged in Atlantis in the days before Christ. Regardless it is the only possession of his father’s which Aedan presently owns. He is not quick to display the weapon as he fears theft or a possible accusation of the weapon having a pagan origin. Aedan is extremely curious about the weapon’s origin and hopes to one day learn more about it.

Aedan encountered armies of Arthur and the Saxon Kings in the court of the Oak King. He bore witness to the carnage many suffered there, and survived the bloodiest day.
Sir Aedan can claim to have fought at Badon Hill