Elivalor "Eli" Højfødt Ridder known by most as simply “Eli” is the handsome bastard son of a High Elf mother. Though married to a noble house, Eli’s mother Eivør caused scandal in their Achtungwald Forest home by cavorting freely with several lovers of all stripes. Eivør was beloved for her natural beauty and joyous nature, but also reviled for rejecting social conventions by those less tolerant. Her numerous infidelities brought considerable notoriety to the once great Højfødt Ridder household. The exact identity of Eli’s father remains shrouded in mystery.
Like many, Eli’s family perished in the meteor and civil war that followed, leaving him orphaned in his late teens. He is now a 34 year old seasoned warrior. Out of necessity, he became a great sword for hire, often championing the underdog. Eli has come to Drakkenheim to slay as many monsters as possible and hopes to play a major role in recapturing the glory of his devastated homeland.
At his core, Eli is principled, but not above taking on distasteful missions for coin. Eli revels in being seen as a bit of a folk hero, feared by evil creatures and admired by simple folk. This heroic status often incites jealousy in less talented people– especially nobles. Eli finds this jealousy exceedingly amusing.
Although living beneath his original station, Eli’s bearing and speech are that of a noble. But, like most, he’s fallen on hard times partly because of a tendency to give away coin to those less fortunate. Eli is driven to avenge his family’s deaths and restore his rightful place in society– whatever that place may be. He suspects his social standing should be higher than that of a simple warrior. Regardless of his renown or righteous vengeful purpose, Eli struggles with bouts of melancholy when pondering the past.
For a Paladin, Eli is remarkably ambivalent when it comes to religion. He considers spirituality to be a private pursuit rather than a tool for political gain. Although actively recruited by the Hooded Lanterns and The Silver Order, Eli remains independent. He simply can’t whip himself into the fervor necessary to hang with zealots. Honestly, Eli spends most of his time just trying to stay alive.
Eli sees battle as a necessary evil and is extremely good at it. He is a natural born, experienced leader who is publicly circumspect, but privately more cheerful once he knows (and respects) you. He is the type of leader others want to follow, rather than needing to be coerced into doing so. While Eli is an extremely charismatic and persuasive diplomat, he does not suffer fools gladly. This lack of patience has landed him in hot water more than once.
Laika Reyndzher is a passing acquaintance. But, she is remembered fondly as having once provided shelter and healing when Eli was recovering from a serious wound. Eli is looking forward to catching up with her. For a warrior without family, being around Laika is like having a younger sister again.
If you do me an injury, I will crush you, ruin your name, and salt your fields.
The common folk love me for my kindness and generosity.
My favor, once lost, is lost forever.
There is no challenge I can’t face. I heard about the horrors and monsters of this world, and I am what they fear the most.
I may be of noble birth, but have lived life on the road for some time. I am more than willing to share what I have with others, as I am no better or worse than anyone else.
