Ulric Stormcrow

Early Life

Ulric XI was born in 11,086 AoR, to Ulric X, the current chieftain of Clan Stormcrow. From a young age, Ulric was a prodigy who embodied the ideals of his clan. He was exceptionally large from a young age and showed battle prowess only seen in the top warriors of the Raiders. He could read the battlefield or training ground with exceptional skill and accuracy and use it to strike with the ferocity of several grown men. This is why his father pushed him to be driven, ambitious, and singularly focused on the goal of restoring the Clan's dominance and one day becoming the Jarl.

Ulric excelled in all forms of combat that were brought before him by his parents. The most ruthless and experienced raiders of his clan taught him the ways of combat. The scholars that he had access to taught him strategy, history, and politics. Ulric was driven to be a perfectionist, with his relationship with his father being more of a mentor and prized student, rather than father/son.

He was trained not just to be the best, but he was conditioned to believe that anything less than perfection was failure. His father and the clan's elders praised his successes, but any failure was met with cold, cutting disappointment. This created a deep-seated need for external validation and a fear of weakness.

By the time he was in his teens, he had been taught to be a stoic and resilient raider, and to suppress any sign of weakness that might harm his clan.

First Raids

It was at the age of 12 that Ulric first accompanied his father on a raiding trip to the Republic of Cerania on the Western Continent, before moving South in a typical path. Here, Ulric learned the realities of life as a Raider and acquitted himself well in his first few battles. It was on the last skirmish before they headed home that Ulric slew his first opponent, an important right of passage for a young raider, and a remarkable feat for one as young as he was.

This alone set him up as the perceived frontrunner to be the next Jarl, as the current scion was viewed as too weak and pampered to amass much of a challenge. This only drove Urlic's father to push him harder to ensure that the Stormcrow Clan regained power.

Meeting Avena

It was at the age of 28 that the now prominent raider had an unlikely encounter with Avena Rylin at the Elven city of Amari. This began a year long romance between the two that had Ulric making constant trips south to Mauribon to spend time with her, and eventually managed to secure the Steward of the Seasons, Auralon Rylin IV, blessing to marry his sister and current Winter Warden. Thus, the two were wed in a modest ceremony under the light of a full moon.

The two enjoyed several years of a happy marriage, while Ulric's warband gained more wealth in his name. It was four years into their marriage that they were blessed with the timely arrival of their first child, Aren Rylin, and while it was obvious he took after his mother's Elven heritage, there were signs of his father in him as well.

Return to the Seas

After spending an additional 6 years in Mauribon, the then 39-year-old raider recieved word of the declining health of both the current Jarl and his father. Thus, he was encouraged to join in the next campaign to ensure both the Chieftan role from his father when he passed, but also to keep his status as the frontrunner firmly intact. While he wrestled over the decision for a few days, he eventually left after promising Avena that he would return home next year.

It was quickly apparent that a decade of rest had done nothing to temper the feared Viking warrior who rejoined his warband for one last campaign, quickly reestablishing himself as the greatest of this generation of Agrader raiders, who was unmatched on either land or sea in battle. His triumph did not last, however, as devastating word arrived that his wife, Avena, had been ambushed and killed by Orcs while he was away.

The grief this news brought him was crushing, and Ulric dealt with it as he had been taught, by focusing on his task and on the power of his clan. Thus for the next three years, Ulric was rarely sober, either high on battle frenzy or drunk from whatever he could find. This led to the eventual fling with another raider and the birth of his second son, Halvar Ulricson.

Rise to the position of Jarl

Two years later, the 43 year old Chieftan of Clan Stormcrow returned to Kaer Mauin upon the death of the previous Jarl, and proved himself the clear successor in the Raider's Trails. Thus, his life-long mission to become Jarl of Agrader was achieved, but Ulric still felt empty inside, and had ever since the death of his wife five years ago. He spent the first five years of his reign establishing his power base and remaking the Raider Stronghold into his clan's image. Once he stabilized things at home, he traveled back to Mauribon for the first time in a decade.

Reunion with Aren

Storybooks are rife with examples of great reunions where the emotion pours out of family members as they embrace and celebrate being able to do so for the first time in years. This was not one of those stories. Aren strongly considered drawing Dawn, and some accounts state his best friend, Crystal, drew her knife on him, and they all agree that she kicked him in the shin. Despite trying to reclaim his son, he is even more broken-hearted.

Over the next 10 years, Ulric threw himself into raising his remaining son, Halvar. His time with Avena and young Aren taught him a better way of accomplishing this. Thus Ulric sets out to raise Halvar to be better than him, and to one day maybe reconcile with his half-brother. The events of the past 10 years have dampened the fire he once had, and he largely goes through the motions while serving as Jarl, with a heavy dependence on mead and other alcoholic beverages.

Martial Prowess

Ulric's training began in childhood and focused on all forms of combat. This includes skill with various weapons like the sword and axe, as well as the shield. He would have also received extensive training in naval tactics, seamanship, and the art of coastal raiding. The emphasis was on strength, endurance, and physical perfection.

Political Acumen & Strategy

Beyond fighting, Ulric's education extended to the politics of the Raiders of Argader. He would have learned the history of the three clans and their complex rivalries. He also studied advanced military strategy and logistics, including how to lead a large warband and manage the resources of a raiding expedition.

Psychological Conditioning

This was perhaps the most crucial part of his upbringing. Ulric was taught to suppress emotions like fear, pain, and grief, as they were seen as weaknesses. His education instilled in him a relentless drive for perfection, where anything less than absolute success was viewed as a personal failure. This conditioning is the root of his later inability to cope with tragedy.

• Raider
• Warband Leader
• Father
• Chieftan
• Jarl

Prodigy - Ulric rose to prominence as a young prodigy in the Raiders of Argader. By the age of 20, he had distinguished himself enough to command his own successful warband, gaining a worldwide reputation as a fierce warrior and tactician. His physical prowess and knack for raiding earned him widespread respect and cemented his position as the most promising talent of his generation.

Driven by Ambition and Renown

Ulric has long been motivated by solidifying his name, the name of his clan, and achieving dominance amongst the raiders. He values power, reputation, and the respect that he has earned.

Restless and Unfettered

He craves the open sea and the thrill of the raid. He is not suited for a settled, refined life. He was a man who prioritized personal freedom and his own desires above domesticity.

Charming and Charismatic

Ulric does possess a certain rough charm and charisma. He knows how to inspire loyalty and use it to disarm others.

Warrior Spirit

He is a formidable fighter, showcasing strength, cunning, and an ability to move decisively in combat.

Pragmatic and Self-Serving

He decided to abandon his wife and son, prioritizing his clan's politics over familial duty.

Avoidance of Emotions

It is easier to focus on building a legacy or actions, rather than dealing with complex emotions.