Max

Max's journey from an abandoned shield-bearer to a questing knight is a story of perseverance, loyalty, and the transformative power of mentorship.

Max was thrust into the harsh realities of the world at a tender age. Starting as a shield-bearer at the age of ten, he worked under various knights and sellswords. Some saw potential in him and imparted lessons, while others viewed him merely as a tool, leaving Max to train himself during his sparse free hours. For six long years, Max diligently served his lieges, performing tasks that ranged from saddling horses and carrying weapons to holding banners in battle. Despite the grueling work, he managed to acquire a basic education and some combat training.

Fate took a cruel turn when his liege either perished or abandoned him in the town of Oreville in the Vache Kingdom. Max found himself alone, waiting in vain for his liege to return. Days turned into a test of endurance as he braved the elements, hoping against hope for a reunion that never came.

Everything changed with the arrival of the paladin Mirann Minblood and his companions in Oreville. Sensing a glimmer of opportunity, Max mustered the courage to appeal to Mirann for a position as his squire. Mirann, lacking a squire, saw potential in the determined young boy and took him under his wing. This marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in Max's life.

Mirann was a demanding master, initially assigning Max menial tasks like cleaning, sharpening weapons, and carrying gear. Max, determined to prove his worth, performed each task with diligence and an eagerness to learn. His keen observation and willingness to listen quickly made him invaluable to Mirann and his companions.

Noticing Max's unwavering dedication, Mirann began to introduce him to the tenets of the Executioners of Light, a holy order from the desert lands of the Khein Dynasty. Despite the harsh and often grueling training, Max remained undeterred. He absorbed every lesson, honing his skills in combat and learning the ways of the order.

Equipped with simple but effective weapons, Max accompanied Mirann on numerous perilous journeys. He witnessed Mirann's battles against cultists, ferocious beasts, and demons, experiences that would have broken many but only fueled Max's admiration and resolve. Each encounter was a lesson, each victory a testament to the power of faith and determination.

After a particularly harrowing quest to save the world from a great evil, a feat largely unknown to the wider world, Mirann returned home as a celebrated champion. Max continued to serve him at the fortress Knight's Rest within the Khein Dynasty. Over the next year, Max's responsibilities grew, and he mastered the spear under Mirann's tutelage.

At the age of eighteen, Max's steadfast loyalty and unwavering dedication were rewarded when Mirann knighted him. Marking him as a "Questing Knight" of the Order of the Executioners of Light. The ceremony was a moment of immense pride and a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. Now a knight, Max remained fiercely loyal to Mirann Minblood, the Commander of Knight's Rest and Champion of the God King.

Max continues to serve alongside Mirann, embodying the virtues of the Executioners of Light. His journey from a forsaken shield-bearer to a respected knight is a testament to his resilience and the transformative power of mentorship. He carries with him the lessons of his past, a deep-seated sense of duty, and an unyielding commitment to protect and serve.

Max's story is far from over. As a knight, he faces new challenges and responsibilities, but he does so with the same determination and spirit that carried him through his early years. His bond with Mirann remains strong, and together, they stand as a formidable force for good, ready to face whatever the future holds.