Dziady — Roleplayer Guild

Name: 
Berislav Dąbrowski

Gender:
Male

Age:
Twenty-seven

Role/Position: 
Bowman/Vanguard/Scout - Job includes scouting ahead of the expedition for danger, clearing obstacles, securing lodgings for the main force and more. While most often accompanied by a body of fore-riders (who the scouts are drawn from), it is not unknown for them to travel and operate in small groups and rarer still, alone. Bolsters ranks of the bowmen during battle or positioned as an ambushing force with his fellow scouts. 

Appearance: 

Dark, peppered hair and deep brown eyes, there has never been a more common or forgettable face. He is not unpleasant to look at, however, there is nothing spectacular that stands out about the man either. Standing at 5ft8, Berislav is just above average height by maybe an inch, but no more. Berislav boasts a lean body most likely attributed to by his current position in the company, which he has held for a few years now; and his previous life as a simple woodsman. His most recognizable feature is a faint scar running from his forehead to roughly eye level above his cheekbone on the side of his face. Due to its prominent positioning, it is still rather obvious despite having faded over the years. It is an interesting story that Berislav would be inclined to divulge to you, if asked and over a good mead, you're buying.

Personality: 
Somewhat of a loner by choice, needing -- or at least craving -- to spend lots of time by himself allowing him to think, and entertain himself. It's not that Berislav necessarily dislikes other people, in fact the opposite could be said to be true in the company of most. He has been known to be able to get along with anybody and has been described as having an affinity for people, but still disliking company once in a while. With that said, Berislav doesn't have a deep need to be around people often and can spend weeks in his own company happily. 

Unfamiliar with shyness or nervousness when talking to people, including superiors, Berislav is not afraid to speak his mind although is often more reserved in his speech and actions, preferring to think first, a trait installed in him by his father from a young age.

Almost always attuned with his surroundings, as one would expect from someone in his position, Berislav very much lives in his own head. Hustle-bustle, noise, bright lights, and action tend not to distract him but rather act as a mild annoyance.

History: 
Berislav was born in a small village nestled at the edge of the woodlands and foothills of Westar, due north of Old Neystead, the second child of his family following a few years after an older sister. The people of the village, primarily hunter-gatherer folk, made their living off the land; occasionally trading goods such as wood, fish and meat to travelers, merchants and at times of trouble, the larger cities of Old Neystead and Tradeforth themselves.

A blacksmith father and gatherer mother, during his early years, Berislav and his family were also joined by his grandfather, Henryk; a prominent hunter in the village who taught the young man everything he knows. From age twelve Berislav would join and assist his grandfather with hunting and by age fourteen, a year younger than the average age, he was gifted his first bow and began to take a more active role in his community. It was clear from the beginning that the adolescent had an affinity for archery and it soon became an obsession, practiced day in and day out almost every day of the week. Originally destined for a holy life in the Clerisy (something his grandfather vehemently opposed) by his father who wished a better and educated life for his first and only son. However, as fate would have it, Berislav was turned away from the church for reasons undetermined; although it is not hard to discern it was probably a mixture of education and lack of faith.

A year after Berislav's coming of age (fourteen in his particular village), much to his dismay, Henryk passed away at the age of sixty-three. The cause of death had been an infected wound, acquired from a wild boar while out on a hunt alone, it wasn't until the next day that Henryk was found by Berislav and brought back to village. It had been known early on when the herbalist indicated so that Henryk would not survive, but his death came as a shock nonetheless and a source of much grief and mourning on the whole villages' behalf for a time.

After the passing of his grandfather, Berislav began to take on more and more responsibilities around the village, although this did not last too long. Aged seventeen, another tragedy had befallen the Dąbrowski family, when now Berislav's mother also passed on from a mysterious sweating sickness that ravaged their small village, in total cutting the population in half. For a while it seemed that the siblings' father would also die, he made a miraculous recovery however, although he would never get over the loss of his beloved Dominika.

It was around the time of the devastating loss of his mother, and stealthy decline of his father's mental wellness, that Berislav left the village. Upon leaving, he was gifted a sword by his father, tentatively crafted although far from masterwork, the sword would last him many years and with maintenance has survived to the present day.

Berislav spent the next several years roaming the lands, spending short stints in larger towns and cities but never settling anywhere for too long. From Westar he made east, winding up in Avaria making a living as a woodsman in the capital of Arlan for a few months before skipping out again and continuing on his travels, this time to the north. It was in Durranheim where Berislav was first introduced to war-archery, his talents transferred well and while he never swore fealty to any single ruler, he found himself for a short time on the back line of Ragmark's archers before travelling back southwest and resettling in Westar at the age of twenty-two. It was there, in the harbour town of Innsmouth specifically, Berislav became fast friends with a young and recently promoted Serjeant of a mercenary group known as the Band of Fortune. The promise of good food, women and coin at first did not interest the young hunter, yet the Serjeant's persistence meant it was only a matter of time before Berislav would enlist and since then he's just kind of stuck to the group like glue. 
 
Skills and Abilities:
Keen Eyes- Excellent eyesight combined with years of hunting, and arduous practice with a bow and arrow have made Berislav a talented archer; his trained eyes arguably his strongest suit. Often described by others as having the eyes of a hawk, Berislav is able to pick out details both significant and otherwise about his surroundings and opponents.

Nimble- A natural agility combined with little to no real armour and practiced reflexes makes Berislav a rather nimble being.

Swordplay- Although Berislav only truly began practicing fighting with a sword in his late teens/early adulthood, he became rather adept quite quickly. No doubt aided by his familiarity with his father's gift, reflexes and dedication. By no means is Berislav a master swordsman.

Weaknesses:  
Unarmoured- Wearing little to no armour and untrained in the use of it, the only protection he is afforded is by his clothing, reflexes and a leather jerkin.

Equipment:
Recurved Composite Bow- Ash wood, Gazelle horn and Deer sinew held together with animal glue make up Berislav's personal bow. It is not his original bow, although similar in design, which was made of inferior material and began to lose its use as it delaminated with overuse. 45lbs draw weight.

Father's Gift (Bastard Sword)- This sword has been with Berislav for roughly a decade and over the years has received much love and care, well maintained. Crafted with a considerable taper and a reinforced thrusting tip, the total length of the sword comes in at 41″ with a blade length of 30″. While obviously better suited to two-handed use, if need arises the sword can be handled with relative ease using one hand. Worn on the hip.

Hunting Knife- Primarily a hunting tool, if all else fails him in battle he can use this as a last resort in defending himself. Made in the likeness of the growth of a new shoot, the knife boasts a hardwood, oaken, grip, curved blade and a total length of 17.5" with a blade length of 11". Where his sword is kept on his left, this knife is worn on his back.

Clothing- Clad in a green linen shirt dark woolen hose and knee height soft boots made of travel-worn leather. Over his shirt, Berislav wears a sleeveless jerkin, secured by braided cord ties. A thick, hooded cloak goes over this although when not needed is rolled up and carried on his back. Sports two belts, both functional, one to help hold his jerkin closed and a second to carry his sword and scabbard. A combination of the appearance photo and this should give you a fairly strong idea of his general appearance.

Lem Arronson - 

Il Sposoletto -

Baldric Durant -  

Sister Margaret - 

Sir Branimir Bradford - 

Cedric Amberstone -

Wulfric York - 

Brádach MacShana -

Gerald Gast -
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