CZ: Ryke
Tagged:
Background Story
It had been a long time since Ryke found himself on his own. Once, half-a-dozen years ago, Ryke had run away. Angry at his father for being punished in front of his friends Ryke had grabbed some clothes, a rucksack, a small axe, and headed out into the woods. Two days later he'd returned, hungry, tired, and humble. His father had never said a word about it. Pride ran deep in the Blackwood family, and apologies were more of an understanding rather than any spoken words.
Ryke hitched up his belt, scratching where the rough leather rubbed his hip. He was the only son of Eckert and Judit Blackwood, a well-respected couple in the small community of Landburg, just on the northern edge of the clearings before the woods. The Blackwoods had been lumberers and loggers for several generations, and Eckert and a handful of others provided all the wood the community needed for building, and much of what they used for heating and the like.
Ryke had learned much from his father; woodscraft, lumbering, some weapons use, and most importantly, how to use his head. It had come as no surprise to anyone, then, that Ryke decided to leave town to see what else the world had to offer. Many of his father's workers were grizzled and scarred ex-soldiers, having fought in one land or another for one cause or another. They had filled Ryke's head with tales of battle and intrigue, danger and excitement, death and glory. The young man had wanted--needed--to see what the world was like. He left behind his mother, nearly all gray, and weeping on the porch while stoic Eckert, his father, stood resolutely by and watched his son leave the only home he’d ever known. His two sisters, both younger, likewise cried, but as much because their mother wept than out of any sense of loss at seeing Ryke go. He'd miss them, all of them, but this was something he had to do.
There were no hard feelings at his leaving. Ryke expected his father to try and talk him out of it, but instead the big man had merely nodded, offered some traveling advice, and given him a small bundle to carry with him: some clothes, a sturdy knife, and some silver to see him through a few rides. Ryke had been surprised, but with his father's tacit approval his decision was made. He would become an adventurer.
Along the road out of the village he met one of his father's men. Nabis was an old man, but still strong and wiry, with gnarled hands and a penchant for ale. He was his father's partner and a former soldier himself, and when he wasn't cursing or spitting tabac seeds he was filling Ryke's head with all sorts of stories about battles in far off places—Allinor, Deltenheim…even distant Farsendown.
Ryke stopped next to the man. 'Nabis' must be out scouting for their next cutting,' Ryke thought, noting the pack at the old man’s side.
"Hello, Ryke," Nabis croaked. He always croaked, always sounded hoarse.
Ryke smiled wistfully. "Goodbye is more like it, Nabis. I'm leaving."
The old man bobbed his head twice and spit to the side. "I know. How could I not? You have a fair distance to go before you find what you're looking for, lad, so I thought it best to help you along." He held out the pack for Ryke to take. It wasn't until Nabis jabbed the pack at him again that Ryke actually thought to move to accept it.
"I-I don't know what to say, Nabis." Ryke was pleasantly surprised, and moved, that his friend should think of him this way. "Thank you very much."
"Tis nothing," Nabis said, spitting again. "There's a blanket, an extra shirt, a pot for cooking and some extra food. Some jerky and cheese for the road, bread and fruits for the next day or so." He eyed the young man critically. "Eat the perishable stuff first, lad, so you don't be wasting any." He waited for Ryke to nod before continuing. "Some salt, too, for when you catch game. You can hunt some, and catch some, if'n the animals fall into your lap, so you won't go hungry none." The young man nodded mutely.
"Good,” Nabis said, spitting again. “I've taught you what I can, and your father has, too. We both knew you'd leave one day, so we did the best we could. Your ma's not as strong and she got all weepy like women get, but you come back to us and we'll put her right. I been friends with your family since before Eckert was born, so you listen to ol’ Nabis." The old man clapped a hand on Ryke's shoulder. “You go out and find yourself, and when you decide to come home we'll all be here."
Ryke couldn't speak for fear of crying. He'd hate to be seen crying in front of Nabis. Nabis saw this and spit, turning away to leave.
"Your father loves you, boy--never forget that." Nabis spit and rubbed one stubby finger at his eye. "We all do. Do us proud and come back home."
Ryke nodded again, his eyes watery. When he finally turned around Nabis was gone, down the road or into the woods. Ryke nodded again and smiled. "Thank you," he said to no one--and to those who he knew would hear him.
He turned and walked down the road.
Personality
Ryke Blackwood is an amiable sort, easy to laugh and easy to trust. He has never been in a big city--he once went with his father to a larger town on the way to Allinor but never left the wagon--so is in for quite a shock when he reaches any communities of size. Still, he has that certain quality about him that others recognize as 'character'. He is open, honest, trustworthy, and loyal to those he calls friends. He has a bit of a temper, however, and is not afraid to get into a fight. He's still growing, still learning, and still changing. For all that, however, Ryke Blackwood is someone most would find to be an easy companion.
Appearance
Ryke is a strong young man in his late teens. Standing just under two spans, Ryke is just now beginning to show the size he'll have as a mature adult. Strong and tan from countless days working outdoors, Ryke’s physique has developed from long hours swinging an axe, thick across the chest and narrow at the waist. His dark hair falls loosely about his shoulders while eyes "the color of the sea" (his mother's words) peek out from beneath angular brows.
Special Abilities
Ryke has no known special abilities, unless it is his uncanny affinity for animals. All but the most aggressive of domesticated animals seem nearly docile around him, and even the wildest of beasts have been known to defer to his presence, barring aggression or agitation.
He is a natural in the wilds, moving quietly at will, able to find trail and sign, and knowing many of the tricks of survival. Ryke's talents may seem mystical or otherworldly to some, but to him it is simply a matter of understanding and respecting nature.
Supporting Cast
Within the boundaries of Landburg, Ryke mainly associates with his parents--Eckert and Judit Blackwood--and his father's right-hand man, Nabis, an ex-soldier and adventurer who runs the timber crew for Eckert's mill. His other known associates are those with whom he has begun adventuring.
Knowledge of Other Characters
Ryke knows of each of his companions, though his knowledge varies from person to person. Oran is likely the only one of the group Ryke would consider a friend, if only for their shared love of the wilds. The more martial of the younglings--Garrick and Marissa--are known to him by reputation, if not well. They're a bit intimidating to Ryke, truth be told. Harrod is familiar to him from the young priest's frequent visits to the Blackwood mill. Ash and Lucas are also known to him, but they, too, intimidate him, though for vastly different reasons. He is not unfriendly with any of them, being of similar ages, but Ryke's proclivities toward wandering the frontier around Landburg generally make him a bit of a loner, by circumstance if not desire.
Romantic Relationships (If Applicable)
Ryke has no romantic relationships at this time.
Future Plans and Goals
RYke wants a life of adventure. He wants to see the world as his father and Nabis have, to experience other cultures, to live the life of the stories he was raised on. He has no immediate goals beyond becoming his own man.
Trivia
RYke has a certain skill with the lute. He's no bard or court musician, to be sure, but he's often played for his family and knows more than a few of the regional tunes. He rarely plays anywhere outside his home.
Side Pieces & Joint Posts
Influences
Character Sheet
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