Sigurd

Legend

“Mind so sharp… tongue sharper… sharpest of all… grand and small…”

Skjald Kazumix

 

History

Fourth Age

The youngest son of musical instrument makers of Jomzaar and N'aldaan parents. They say he always had a melody in his bones; occasionally it chimes a little too high, but that arrived early, according to the same people. Anyway, with reasonably prosperous parents and 18 older siblings, some of whom already had jobs, there was a lot going on. So the tail of the flock was free to do whatever he pleased. So he performed, acted, sung, and created when he wasn’t studying Mathematics, Languages, Alchemy, or… whatever. He was certainly a brilliant bulb!

Skjald Yell'a'Beard

 

He was born in Trambadol, near the The Trambadols Shelfs and the coast of Kimlops Bay, surrounded by rivers, mountains, and the sea. As a result, he frequently encountered trade caravans. He informed me that Lionel was one of the most adventurous and joyful merchants, and that he had even travelled with him when he was a boy. One of such journeys was in 1170, when he witnessed Lionel’s quick intelligence and courage, when Lionel was notified of an unusual vessel that had docked on the opposite side of the Isle. Lionel stood motionless and visibly considering for a minute or two before sending everyone ashore and vowing that if they would let him retain their goods for the time being, he would compensate them tenfold when they returned. .Everyone decided to give up their possessions. Knowing it was a risky expedition since the ship may be pirates, he trusted this natural merchant and turned over the few family artefacts and instruments to Lionel to sell. Lionel’s cargo assistant and the majority of the crew joined us on the pier, and The Falcon took off.

Skjald Vinotis

 

When he returned home, the scolding he received for the handing out on simple trust caused him to quit his family. However, the earnings from the goods, which he had entrusted to Lionel, meant that he could properly pay his family and leave free of unpaid debts. This experience, being at the right place at the right time, is claimed to have sparked Sigurds’ interest in visiting courts and taking risks. As a result of his own hard work, he became a Bard and travelled from court to court entertaining the nobles.

But, he claimed, as time passed, he became tired of singing made-up praise and old fairy stories. He preferred the true sagas and folklore. So, about 1199, he began studying all he could about whatever court he attended, and through the years, he became extremely well educated in what had happened. He gradually established his reputation.

Skjald Sejrik

 

I saw him perform again in the year 1232, during a huge royal feast marking the 100th birthday of Junnatu Weavers‘ great king Meanbone. This time, I was confident he should no longer be a Bard and instead become a Skjald. So, late that evening, when I asked him what he thought of such an offer, he grinned and replied, “Finally, one of you inquired, and I’d be honoured, and of course, you can test whenever you like.” We had a fantastic night, and within a week we were off to Findon to join the Skjalds’ annual meeting.

Skjald Ulrich

 

That year’s meeting at the Dunes of Drogtor in Andalus was warm but enjoyable. Particularly when Ulrich and Citrine had both brought trainees to be assessed. And it was a joy to find that they both had professions as Bards but wished to join our ranks.

Both performed admirably in their respective tests and gave spectacular results. El Mary uses rhythmic movement when presenting, and Sigurd uses rhythmic voice usage. Both passed, and it was the first time a gathering had accepted dual apprentices, so things got a little festive. It was very important for me because it was my 30th anniversary as a Skjald.

Skjald Vinotis

 

After being approved, I spent 15 years studying in previously forbidden libraries and organisations steeped in secret. And in 1244, I went to Kistal and spent two years at The Deep Inn, which was run by Deepminded. Then I spent four years touring the Isles, attending courts. And slowly came to realise that something was building in the shadows, that if the powers behind were successful, a High King would be born.

So I returned to my homelands and paid a visit to Lionel, who was now the proprietor of an island near Golny titled Island of Piecao and wealthy beyond conception. Such a beautiful environment he had made, but how strange to see the Kinoblin wandering around the village. But we knew so little back then.

He recognised me and told me that one of the high ranking Kinoblin had enjoyed my Instruments so much… that my parents were now the richest in Trambadol, if not all Lioni. Grinning, he amended, “The king may be richer because of my gifts…”

I was astonished by how far this little war victim had gone as he toured me around town, the island, and his residence. We talked about it over dinner, and I asked him if he could share any information about ‘a king to be born,’ which I imagined he would know. With a sneaky smirk, he informed me about a gamble, but a good one, they’d set in motion to ensure peace and commercial stability. They intended to propose a High King who would unite all Hordess in The Realm. In fact, they had a king to present at a’meeting’ with some opposing kings coming up this year. I should accompany you. I did.

Skjald Sigurd

 

I recall seeing him during the coronation of the High King…

Observing everyone who communicated to one other and calculating fractions of The Realm…

Later, we spent time together touring and talking about people and fractions…

We began to discover some well-hidden partnerships as time passed…

And the company of this or that noble, lord, or merchant…

We didn’t share this information with the circle until The Great Invasion arrived.

Skjald Kazumix

 

Sigurd and Kazumix's accumulated knowledge, as well as the experiences survivors could offer during The Great Invasion. It made organising and launching the Cleansing Crusade significantly more secure. Avoiding numerous traitors and renegades before we arrived at their gates was critical to the success of a driven but old and ageing High King and his similarly tired fellow Heroes.

Skjald Valgrif