Post by diemex on Jan 29, 2009 23:33:55 GMT
Perugrin Tossin, a story about a badlander halfling with quite possibly the worst luck in the realms.
Young Perugrin learned at an early age that he was rather agile. He easily scaled the many household obstacles that stood between him and the ultimate prize.... the cookie jar.
As Perugrin grew older he found himself quite adapt at manipulation of tiny complex objects. His father boasted with pride that someday Perugrin would own his own tinker shop ! Though secretly young Perugrin longed to join the circus and travel the realms. He was agile enough to perform many of the feats he witnessed at last years carnival. He was sure that he could make a living like this and enjoy the traveling and meeting of new people.
This was not to be however. His father was an honest halfling beset by bad luck, to keep the family farm running he had to borrow rather large sums of money over time. While the debts were paid as specified the local governor decided that where there is 100 gold coins... 200 can be found !
In the darkest of nights the corrupt governor's pawns, a local band of bandits, fanned out across the Tossin farm. Their mission was to loot what gold they could find, they were to keep nearly 3 quarters of the gold. The governor simply wanted to ensure he would have a repeat customer...and soon. Yes his loans were quite lucrative.
But this night did not go as planned. Young Perugrin was now at the age of maturity and was just about ready to leave the farmstead in search of a carnival opening. As he slept dreaming oddly of dancing cookies on high-wires a snap of a twig near his windowed roused him from his sleep.
Perugrin tossed and rolled to his side, thats when he heard a floorboard creak. He froze in place and listened intently...again a creak..steps... more than one person. This was not his father stirring in the night, it was something else... intruders !
Quickly and silently Perugrin moved to the shadows, nimbly with each step he drew close to the door. He didn't have a plan, all he had was his courage and in two more steps he would have his carving knife. Not an offensive weapon by any means but perhaps enough to scare off these would be thieves.
The bandits were quietly about their business, looking for a hidden cache of gold, silver, whatever wealth may be found. They were under strict orders, no killing and no assault. Just grab the loot and run. If discovered they were to flee immediately. The governor would cover their expenses, but he wanted no reason for the town militia to start snooping around town and possibly finding the link between him and the local bandits.
Perugrin meanwhile has slid open his door, carefully he slid to his parents bedroom door and inserted his little carving knife into the keyhole. He still had no plan, but he figured if his parents door was locked, they would have time to prepare should the bandits attempt to enter. Very carefully he felt the tumblers and moved them into the proper place. Now he would see about hopefully scaring off the thieves before any damage was done.
Fearless and with great stealth Perugrin slid down the stairs but at the end... one wrong step and the oak floor let out a loud protesting creak. OH NO ! The bandits now alerted to the presence of another immediately turned their attention to him.
True to their mission the bandits fled. All but one. He was not going to walk away hoping to get a cut from the governor. He wanted his loot...and with his comrades gone.... the slice for him just got bigger. Out flashed a dagger and with a wicked grin he dashed to Perugrin like a wolf to a lamb.
Both halflings crashed into each other and immediately started a dance that was likely to end in the death of one of them. The door upstairs shattered open and in that moment the bandit made his mistake... he turned his head and as his attention was misplaced the carving knife ruptured his belly.
A cry of agony rent the air and the bandit fled with amazing haste. Perugrin was not foolish enough to pursue, this was a task for the militia.
In less than an hours time the militia was on site but to the Tossin families surprise Perugrin was immediately apprehended. Much yelling and hostilities ensued but in the end of it all Perugrin found himself in the village jail. He could only wonder at what had happened ? What mistake was all this ?
Alas.... this was no mistake. The arrogant bandit that had stayed behind was none other than the Governors oldest son. There was the link the governor had longed to keep secret. Quickly the governor spoke with his boy and a story was arranged in which Perugrin was charged as a kidnapper who had taken the governors son for ransom to help get his family into a better financial position. The governors son was injured in the 'escape' but the local cleric was able to mend the wounds.
The governor was not exactly an evil man, he lamented to himself over the situation. He only wanted to make some money... sure he would inconvenience the family. But they'd survive... he loans them the money himself..... and gets repaid at a profit. But this.... this was bad. The penalty was death. He could not have this on his conscience, but he would not give himself up either.
So when the trial came Perugrin was given an option. Plead guilty and the Governor himself would grant a pardon with one condition.... Banishment to the far town of Ascension across the sea. The governor promised to look after the Tossin farm, but Perugrin had to leave and had to leave NOW.
With that Perugrin stepped onto the docks and made his way to the ship that was leaving for the Ascension Docks. The governor had given him a rather large sum of money for the trip. Goodbyes were not to be, he was whisked away before he could see his parents one last time.
On the seas there was much time to skulk about in self pity and every wave... every droplet of water that splashed upon his soaked clothes further darkened his mood. All he could do was mutter at the injustice and gross corruption of the local government.
It wasn't upon arrival in town before the Ascension militia politely pointed out the town rules. As if they had heard of him... or merely assumed by his appearance and small stature.
So here Perugrin begins his adult life, outcast from home with a serious distrust of authority. Here in Ascension, he must find a way to make a living. With his ultimate goal being the clearing of his name and the return to his home to prove his innocence and shackle the real guilty party's. He was no fool though... this would cost him.... a small fortune in gold. No... a LARGE fortune.
While Perugrins goal does seem lofty and out of reach.... his spirit is not yet broken. The militia did mention that there was a farm in town and a smithy looking to hire. Well... Perugrin does have farm experience, but the smithy perhaps is paying more. The first of many adult decisions is upon him !