Aransar

Aransar McGae - Initiate of Orlanth and Valind

Aransar was born in the lands of the Greydog clan around the Starfire Ridges area of Sartar. He was raised as a fisherman and an Orlanthi and enjoyed both in equal measure, finding affinity with the cold winter seasons of his highland home. He has become estranged from his homeland and clan since choosing to be one of the relatively few members of the Lismelder Fyrd who answered the original call to arms of Kallyr Starbrow. He was disarmed and exiled to Prax in the wake of the armistice, for his part in holding the walls of Jonstown against the Lunars. Finding a role for himself as a freelance adventurer on the River of Cradles and the city of Pavis, he made a name for himself as an Orlanthi freedom fighter in the service of Krogar Wolfhelm and Garrath Sharpsword among others. His exploits have caused a stir up and down the entire river, even if his name isn’t always actually attached to them, though this is sometimes a benefit. He recently underrtook a year’s mercenary service in the pay of duke Raus of Rone, where he held the rank of Wing Officer. He has since returned to Pavis to resume his career as an adventurer and has become embroiled once more in the anti-Lunar Orlanthi movement.

Why I challenged Orstanor to a Duel

It was calculated.

I knew what I was doing.

There has been a shift in the party. One that I am essentially happy with. When we served in the Borderlands I was appointed as commander of our group.  I don't know why that was, but I was happy enough to either lead or be led. Calum raised some objection to my command, and fairly so. Truth is, I did not appoint myself commander, but had command thrust upon me (by Duke Raus). When we left the Duke's employ I suppose those old relationships still existed, as one would expect they might. I was happy to step back and let others make decisions. But often I found this led to indecision and inaction. And at those times I found it easier to just intervene and do something.

And I think that worked OK. Not the best system, but got things done.

I am very pleased to say we have been joined by Orlkensor and his brother Branduan. Orlkensor, rather refreshingly, also has a very direct way about decision making. Though on occasion his decisions may not be the same as my own. I am thinking, of course, about our recent encounter in the Grazelands. I admire Orlkensor because he seems a principled and idealistic person - and I do greatly admire those traits. And he is a strong person as well. This strength of character makes him easy to follow. As many have done. AND I AM QUITE HAPPY WITH THAT. I do NOT see myself challenged by this. Though, strangely (and inaccurately) some think Orlkensor is a direct threat to my command. I think this is nonsense on two counts: 1/ I do not see myself as in 'command' in any way (and neither do I want to be!). 2/ I don't think Orlkensor relishes that role either.

Pride is a strong Orlanthi trait. And it is a trait all Orlanthis should strive for. But I am no idiot. I know when I am being manipulated and when a stand must be taken. Although being in charge is not something I intrinsically wish for, I will not be humiliated and goaded. I have my pride. And so I thought it would do well for all to see just how well the power of Orlanth and Valind flows through my veins.

Orstanor is rightly regarded as a powerful fighter. I think he is probably our best fighter. With the chance of a friendly duel (merely to first blood) in public I saw this as a way of demonstrating to others that I am not to be trifled with. Orstanor may be a worthy opponent, but I too am a master with my sword. And, what's more, I can also fight with cunning.

So when he made an open offer of a duel, I accepted. I knew he would be fast and skillful, but I knew also that I was just as quick and just as skilled. He swung first, and I expected a more precise strike. I was surprised to see how wildly he swung, and I barely needed to move to avoid the blow. Then I raised my broadsword and, with Valind's full power, I brought it down on him. He soon learnt how to move. Instinctively he brought his short sword up, but I had put my full strength into the blow, and my blade hammered past his sword and cut deep on his arm.

First blood was mine.

I am no fool. I am looking and listening. And I think there are others who need to learn a lesson or two.