Walter of Marin

This character on the surface is nothing but some ridiculous DnD crap. We combined 1st and 2nd edition unknowingly by allowing a Fighter in 2nd Ed to use a Martial Art from Oriental Adventures. What resulted was a 1st level character who did d8+2 Dmg unarmed and had an AC of 2 when wearing no armor. Thats officially out of control.

Of course, thats not why he was cool...

The Origin

Nobody who participated in the game knew this, or even could discern it most likely, but Walter was inspired by and based on Robin Hood. I revived him once, or some of the ideas on which he was based, but the main problem is that he kind of needs to be a campaign focus to be properly utilized. If I remember correctly he also was only played in a few sessions.

The Father, the Mother

Walter's father Henrik was a diplomat to the highest court (the emperor, whose name I cant recall) who often travelled long distances and for long times with the army. He was not a violent man, and was very cool headed when negotiating, and was instumental in brokering peace and good relations between the humans and elves. For this, he was well respected by both parties. In the years since this treaty both have remained close allies.

Walter's mother Sabine was an amazing beauty, and when she was young she was the desire of many men. She and Henrik were married when she was young, and were very much in love. But because of his work they were not able to have a child until he was over 40. As a young child Walter only knew his mother.

Once Henrik returned home they were a family for the first time. It was the happiest times in their lives.

Unrest

When Walter was a young boy, political unrest in the empire began to increase sharply. Henrik and Sabine both agreed, this was not the best place to raise a child. Henrik had an unorthodox idea, and when Walter was 11 he implemented it.

As a boy he reached puberty early, and was a tall and gangly kid at 11. Henrik contacted a local governor in the Elvish kingdoms and they came to an unusual consensus: Walter would come to the Elvish kingdoms, and be raised as an Elvish Ranger.

The Elvish Kingdoms

For four years Walter trained with the elves, learning to hear the forest, move like the wind, and strike with his bare skin. His bones strengthened with unorthodox exercises and demeanor refined with Elvish mannerisms, he returned home a man at 15. Standing over 6'2, but weighing under 160 pounds, he was still a gangly kid, though no one could guess his true age. In fact, few could recognize him when he returned, and he could not recognize his home.

Political Strife

Little did Walter know what was occurring while he was away learning the ways of the Elves. A quick and decisive coup deposed the emporer and installed a scheming rival to the highest throne of the land. Lords were toppled, freemen enslaved and the world turned upside down. Henrik, though well respected and accomplished, was not a rich man. It would seem that this revolution would affect him little; he had been retired for over a year.

The Apple of the Emporer's Eye

The new emporer had been a contemperary of Henrik, and was also active in diplomatic circles. They also grew up together, and both knew Sabine. They had, in fact, both competed for her hand. Now the emperor would right the wrongs the world had dealt. He would take Sabine for his own.

The Imperial Gaurd moved swiftly and with great purpose. Henrik was deposed from the family lands, and left with a modest hovel at the edge of the Marinwood. Even though the emperor's power was great, he could not yet risk imprisoning a popular man such as Henrik, especially considering what he did next.

The captain of the gaurd was cordial during the relocation, yet both Henrik and Sabine believed there was something amiss. As the men moved their belongings that would fit in the new home and confiscated what wouldnt, it was clear that virtually all of Sabine's belongings were being taken. Eventually the truth was revealed. Henrik was left in his new home, alone and severely beaten, and Sabine accompanied them, under great protest, to the Imperial palace. She was to be his new bride.

A Headstrong Woman

Sabine was staunchly against this turn of events. She refused food and water for weeks. She slapped the emperors face whenever she saw him. She vandalized his precious valuables. Eventually she had to be placed in the dungeon. The emperor believed she would come to her senses, eventually she would see what was best and agree to the marriage.

Walter Returns

After four years training with the Elves Walter left for home. He was homesick, and he had been told something of the strife his homeland was suffering. He knew he wanted to return to the Elvish Kingdoms again someday, but for now his homeland needed him. He was given a magical cloak as a gift, and was blessed by the Elvish priests. They loved him as their own, and even they were impressed by his progress. He had arrived a goofy child, and was leaving a warrior worthy of the Elven Cloak.