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. And he had a 16 CHA, and was a Swashbuckler template from the Fighters book, so he was irresistible to the ladies as well. 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 traveled long distances and for long times with the army. He was not a violent man, and was very cool headed when negotiating, and was instrumental 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 emperor 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 Emperor's Eye

The new emperor had been a contemporary 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 Guard 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 guard 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.

A Tearful Reunion

It was a brisk spring morning when Walter found his fathers hovel. Henrik was outside splitting wood, his back clearly aching and the morning mist collecting on his forehead. Moisture welled in his eyes when he saw his once proud father struggling to prepare wood to keep him warm. He ran up and took to axe from his hand and effortlessly split the logs.

At first he was not recognized, and Henrik protested that he had no coins to pay him. But then he looked into his eyes, and saw his only son. He hugged him, and invited him inside.

Once inside they drank hot cider and discussed the tribulations that had led their family to its current quandary. Walter's distrust for the Emperor grew into hatred when he learned what happened to his mother. He vowed that he would make the Emperor know his wrath, and his mother would be freed.

Henrik was hesitant. He knew Walter was an impetuous child, and it was obvious he had become an even more impetuous young adult, but he feared losing all he had left. He also knew that the Imperial Gaurd often watched his house, and it would not be safe for Walter to stay here.

It is no bother, Walter proclaimed, I will live in the wood, for I am it's protector.

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.

The Marinwood

Upon returning to the family home Walter was shocked to find it had been sold. His parents were nowhere to be found. He questioned the locals (who did not recognize him), and found that his father had been moved to a hovel at the woods edge, and his mother had not been heard from since. She was feared dead. They also expressed their disdain for the new emperor and his ways, he was taxing them into destitution, and providing them nothing in return. He vowed openly that he would protect the Marinwood and all who inhabit it from the incursion of the emperor, and he would do everything in his power to restore governorship to the people's rightful leader.

At first the locals laughed. Who was this twenty-something rabble rouser? But in the months to come they were to learn that his words were true, and his devotion to the protection of the lands absolute.

Protector of Marinwood

When he entered the wood, he knew he was to soon be a fugitive, so he needed to be very careful in securing a home. He spent days searching before he finally found the giant redwood he would call home. He built himself a hollowed out section with modest accommodations. High above the ground he could easily see the approaching Imperial Guardsmen, as well as the lay of the land. It was easy and natural to keep his protectorate within his view.

As the weeks wore on he became acquainted with all of those who lived and worked in the wood. He learned the forest instinctively, and understood where his people would forage for food and other essentials. He helped old women with their farmsteads, he guided young men to game and wood, and generally bonded with the people he had sworn to protect. Most of them didnt know of his oath, and didnt really care. In fact, they just thought he was a nice young man who lived in the area.

It was weeks before he began investigating how he would free his mother. Thats as far as the campaign got. When he was last played he was getting himself into trouble trying to do reconnaissance on the Emperor and his holdings.

Psychology

Physically Walter is very mature for his age, yet emotionally and psychologically he lags way behind. His time with the Elves has taught him to be a hardened warrior capable of living on his own indefinitely, but it has taught him nothing of being social or existing within a society. In many ways Walter is the childish 11 year old he was when he left for the Elven Kingdoms.

Being an impetuous child, he also was prone to flights of fancy. In the years he was away he often imagined his father a great warrior, as the Elves spoke of him arriving with the army. He heard stories of the armies conquests, and with his father being associated with the army in these stories, his imagination took him beyond any sort of reality.

The reality, of course, is that Henrik is far from a warrior. One of the greatest diplomats the empire has ever known, he is a borderline pacifist, and has never taken arms in any conflict. In Walters mind he is the greatest warrior who has ever lived, and up to this ideal he must aspire.

To this end, he is always seeking his fathers approval. His time fighting with the Elves has made him a hardened, disciplined warrior, and his confidence in this realm is beyond realistic. After one encounter, a bruised and battered Walter met his father at his home and had the following conversation (actual game stuff!):

Walter (sobbing): Im so sorry father, I have almost soiled your great name.
Henrik (quizzically): My son, you can never soil me. What has happened?
Walter: While investigating the Emperors lands I was intercepted by a band of kobolds. I was nearly defeated, and there were only 6 of them! Im sorry father, please forgive me!
Henrik (slaps Walter): Dont be a fool son. If you see 6 enemies, you run! Fighting is a last resort.
Walter: How can I run? You are the greatest warrior who ever lived and I am nearly defeated in such an easy confrontation.
Henrik (shaking his head): My god son, have you no sense? (walks away)

Girls

Through no fault of his own Walter is virtually irresistible to womenfolk. His demeanor, look, and unspoken confidence belie his deep fear of women in general. He is often approached and accosted by women young and old, and this makes him extremely uncomfortable. Often he will fake sickness or drunkenness to make his escape. He has absolutely no idea how to interact with the opposite sex.

Tactics

Walter is versed in the use of swords, axes and daggers as well as common missile weapons. He rarely if ever uses them, however. He will often carry a dagger, but mostly as a tool. He prefers to use his body as a weapon.

His fighting style is similar to Aikido in that it relies on motion, and using your opponents motion against him, but it also incorporates the Elven style of 'uno makti', iron skin. While incorporating the proper movements his bones and skin perform like iron, hardening to the point of being lethal. When bound or otherwise prevented from moving his defense is no better than an average man.