Yell’a’Beard
Legend
“A smuggler who jumped a junk to the Outlands, eyed fully, and came back again.”
“It’s strange to observe the fondness for some Outlanders.”
Description
Al ‘Yell’a’Beard’ Burd is a figure of imposing and contradictory physical traits, a natural byproduct of his dual Moss'Ari and Ogryl heritage. Standing tall, he possesses a frame that suggests both the raw, dense power of an Ogryl and the resilient, earthy vitality of the Moss’Ari. His “presence” and “constitution” manifest as a physical aura of unshakeable robustness and a magnetic, albeit boisterous, personality.
His most defining feature—and the source of his moniker—is a massive, unruly beard. Described by peers as “big and greasy”, it is often matted with the remnants of his latest meal or drink, earning it the affectionate nickname “belly-jelly beard”. Despite its unkempt nature, the beard is a mark of his history as a tracker and smuggler; it has weathered the frost of unknown mountain passes and the salt spray of the Outlands. His eyes carry the sharp, calculating glint of a man with keen intuition and great wisdom, allowing him to read a room as easily as he reads a mountain trail.
Yell’a’Beard carries himself with a boastful, exuberant demeanour that masks a razor-sharp intellect. His bearing is that of an “underworld entertainer”—broad-shouldered and loud, always at the centre of a tavern’s gravity. While he appears as a “jagged shard” or a “rough caiman“, there is an underlying “pristine shine” to his movements. Despite his bulk, he can slide silently over ship railings or vanish into the shadows of a junk’s anchor. He emits a distinct pink aura, a surprising and vibrant contrast to his rugged exterior, reflecting his genuine fondness for the “commoners, the poor, and the shady”.
As a man who has lived as a skinner, a smuggler, and a high-ranking Skjald, his wardrobe is a functional mess of high-quality utility and lived-in grime. He favours heavy furs from the Apal lowlands—remnants of his family trade—and sturdy leather gear suitable for “jumping junks” or trekking through the snow. Since his elevation to 2nd Skjald, he sports tokens of his office, though they are undoubtedly tucked beneath his stained travelling cloak or obscured by his legendary beard.
When Yell’a’Beard enters a room, he doesn’t just walk in; he “causes a stir.”. He is a “bigmouth heir” whose voice is as loud as his history is long. He smells of old campfire smoke, expensive combat herbs, and the distinct tang of the sea. To meet him is to be overwhelmed by a man who is simultaneously a “half-pirate scoundrel” and one of the most vital fonts of wisdom in the realm.
“Grand words are needed to wrap such a hero in a proper mantle.”
~Skjald Sigurd
History
Fourth AgeIn the year 1171, Yell’a’Beard was born in Apal, more precisely in the collection of huts and cabins known as Valleyend Lodges in the foothills of the mountain range towards Esly. Born the youngest of five siblings to a family of skinners, he quickly learnt tracking skills and how to keep spirits up at campfires.
Dancing and entertaining other trackers, hunters and skinners became his mark. The acting, storytelling, and jesting instilled some sort of boldness in him, so he often was at the flanks when they tracked. His life changed during a tracking for skins, as he was never afraid to be at the edge of what others would try or endure. As their group was attacked by a large pack of wolves, he became separated from the rest and was thought dead.
“The yelling beard was silent as he ran and ran. Until he fell through the snow.”
~Skjald Vinotis
The surprise attack and escape in 1187 separated me from the rest of the group and forced me to run like never before—for a distance far longer than anyone ever did. I remember running all night, their growls filling my ears, their heavy breathing at my neck, and their claws scratching my back. After a full night of fleeing, as I suddenly plunged through the snow, I was certain I would die in the fall and was knocked out in the tumble.
I woke as the morning sun broke on my face. Realising I was far off normal tracks, and oddly enough, the mountain rim seemed in the wrong direction. Unable to climb, I decided to walk downwards, and the next day I saw a lodge with smoke emerging from its chimney. I went to it and knocked on the door and was welcomed by a hermit who was surprised about my dialect, claim of origin, and passage.
As I was fed and thawed out, we talked, and I realised I was in Esly and had discovered an unknown pass across the mountains. This immediately gave me an idea, but I had to keep it secret until I had secured it. I might tell you where it runs, but I’m thirsty, so let’s share a mug.
“Thus was born a smugglers’ legend, “Yell’s Pass’, and bravery of the youngster.”
~Skjald Yell’a’Beard
In the summer of 1188 Yell’a’Beard had come to trust two local rascals, and as they were preparing a trip through his pass with a heavy load of combat herbs, he noticed a small group that felt out of place. It turned out it was three wreckers on the run, and he offered them an escape if they were willing to haul along his sacks of goods. Willing to do anything to escape the bounty hunters at their tails, they agreed.
The six of them used the secret pass to travel across the mountains many times to avoid tolls and taxes. Often they were accompanied by cloaked companions hiding their identities or cargo wrapped up so it could not be examined. It’s said that Allele Diploid were elite customers. Triad Traders often had crates, boxes, or sacks of Combat Herbs passing through. Then in 1191, as they had completed escorting a pair of rogues to Apal, as soon as they were at their endpoints. It turned out the escort were Silver Hands, who swiftly ended the lives of the wreckers.
Fate catching up on wreckers after the passage contract ran out ensured no grudges were held. But as Yell’a’beard was low on crew, he went to his old hometown. It evoked surprise, joy, and anger, yet provided him with what he needed. Four friends joined his crew, and they continued the caravans, now also with skins and furs from the Appal lowlands. As the crew grew in size, they extended their endpoints further north in Esly and further south in Apal.
In 1194, there was quite a conflict with a traders’ guild in southwestern Apal, which had noticed a decline in the old channels of goods going north. Luckily their contacts with several powerful individuals gave them the strength they needed, and Yell’s lot gained a sudden reinforced mountain foothold down south. This ensured an increased flow of certain combat herbs that are unique to frostland climates, along with strengthened bonds with the Triad Traders.
In 1199, he bought a residence and a warehouse in Gilgamil. The residence, after some greasing of the local guilds, was turned into a tavern, the ‘Flickering Lamp’. The clientele at first were just any thirsty ragtag sailor and whatnot, but it didn’t take long before normal people stopped coming. It was an underworld’s nest, for certain. Some even told me that he’s been seen there with both Setil and Bergon on several occasions. Both at the tavern and joining them for the road.
None of the involved have admitted directly, so it is not verified by him or others, but our knowledge of his appearances in cities and roads in Apal and Esly hints at this being a fact. One thing that is certain is that he has a great many friends among the commoners, the poor, and the shady parts of society, such as thieves, smugglers, and even wreckers.
“Being an underworld entertainer and informant for local nobles, it’s no wonder he became so well versed in the matters of the world.”
~Skjald Ulrich
In 1220, he again appears in our records as he began aiding the 1st alliance, moving supplies hidden from the eyes of the Torch. This was a well-executed act of secrecy that lasted for years. In the year 1271, he broke a contract of passage, and when the customer finally tired of waiting at the docks of Gilgamil, he took the long sail around Claun. Last seen was when he sailed out to a Kinoblin junk passing Esly that same day.
“And that was the beginning of the 3-year-long absence of Yell’a’Beard.”
~Skjald El Mary
I was out at the bay delivering a package to the secret bastard Kinoblins in our small, roofed boat, blocking prying eyes. Handing off the goods and turning the boat, I had this sudden urge. Either I could go through life, zig-zagging through those mountains and having the High Kings' prying eyes on my back, or I could be one of the boldest heroes ever.
So, as I edged over to the far side of the boat, I instructed my comrades. Then I slid silently over the railing and dived back towards the junk. The longest dive anyone ever made, I tell you—far longer than any of my previous records in the basins of Gilgamil. And with the last breath of air in my body, I emerged hidden in one of the huge floating anchors beside the junk.
As they began sailing home, when we passed out of the strait between West Fjella and Midgard, I climbed one of the ropes and entered the ship’s main hull. And my god, the wisdom I gained hiding in the cargo for all those months and what I learnt at their lands… but, by my beard, I’m getting really thirsty by all this talking.
“Had the urge not thrilled so much, we would never have known.”
~Skjald Yell’a’Beard
What actually passed during the 3 years of Yell’a’Beard’s absence from any scene in the Realm is uncertain. I’ve heard his tales, both from him and from the highborns gossiping. They could be all fake or as good as any fact, and they are often discussed at court and with counsel. Regardless, he does know Yùnchīn, the Kinoblin language, have a certain affiliation with, and touch for, the Romasai females, and as good as all his information has been verified by invader prisoners.
Since 1274, He has been the most consulted regarding ‘outlands’, as we call those lands. But as he seemingly has told the High King, the Kinoblin themselves call their realm up north Utallantu, and Armelien is a continent going all the way to Uestu at the Rim. Much of our preparation and the planning for the Cleansing Crusade is said to have been based solely on his treasured information.
“The character as flawed as a jagged shard, the flow as rough as a caiman’s bite. Yet the shine is pristine.”
~Skjald Valgrif
It’s certain… in 1271 Yell’a’Beard sailed on one of those gigantic Kinoblin treasure junks, gems and gold as bunk… listening to the snouted, big-eyed hunchbacks babbling in their odd tongue for night after night, week after week, and month after month…hold my breath, sailor!
He’s told me of humans in their lands as well, and that is why his cover went so well… he learned their words and minds, and when he finally understood their great plan… He dropped every gem and bar, and to the shore he went… and stared at the immense span… separating his beloved from his knowledge… and his friends from our foes!
In 1274, he risked it all again and dived, climbed and slid… and under a pile he hid… this time much sharper at their words and with passage on a far superior junk… He had chosen a way better bunk… seemingly listening to generals, leaders and top snouts!
He learned of their actual plans, and after his first thoughts… to warn his friends Lionel and Setil… he decided to aim for the High King… despite knowing that the new one being but a green lad… because this news was indeed sad and bad!
“How he managed… to both hide and keep quiet… is surely a riddle for all.”
~Skjald Kazumix
Despite him talking about urgent and important information since 1274, it didn’t seem like the High King trusted him. Luckily, some nobles and officials saw the value of this boasting half-pirate smuggling scoundrel, took note of his warning, and began enquiring about him. Soon he realised he was friends with Setil, Den Godan, Lionel, Nefius, and others.
In 1276, he became a Skjald at an extraordinary meeting set up by nobility and traders. The newfound status made him able to focus solely on gathering and organising information, and his climb through Skjald’s ranks was swift and unwavering. The value of his information ensures that he is currently second in our circle.
And, despite that big, greasy beard and boasting demeanour, he’s someone I’m glad to call a friend and one I honestly treasure accompanying me on my travels. But since the war is over now, I somewhat dread the next grand meeting of ours where I will resign. I expect the circle to vote in favour of Skjald Valgrif.
“My time is up, and I almost emptied my life’s cup. Soon it’s time to merely wander with a relaxed mind.”
~Skjald Ulrich
I tell you, in their lands, I saw some odd monsters and nasty races. By thunder and high waves, they have some brutal warrior tribes over there. Each one is able to stand toe-to-toe with a Gaji-Kulat outcome uncertain, I tell you. All eager to subdue each other and not at all like here in the realm. The founding elders had it right when they said peace and trade would benefit us all.
But it’s no wonder to me that the Grimsborg guard was defeated that easily. After all, the Anurai were carefully chosen as those best fit to win with the fewest casualties, but by the foamy spray, they didn’t count the toughness of the N-Erectus and the Hordes.
And it was funny, sort of, that it was the valuable information about those hostile lands that brought me the ears of the noble ones when it was the tales of our own folk, our roots, and legendary heroes that brought me to the ear of the common folks and filled my belly-jelly beard, as Kazumix would have said it.
Oh well, better not yap like him; that might bring him around, and I owe him a coin or two. But where was I?
“Oh yes, their lands are a whole tale in themselves, and I’m hungry.”
~Skjald Yell’a’Beard
Organisation
He is ranked 2nd in the Skjalds.
“Causing a stir… this bigmouth heir.”
~Skjald Kazumix
Special
He knows the language of Kinoblins and the customs of Romasai; in fact, he knows a little too much about the Outlands.
“It always made me wonder how he could learn that much in just three years.”
~Skjald El Mary
Last Updated on 2026-04-12 by IoM-Christian