Example Background 2
War, hardships and death are all commonplace in the Dran lifestyle. For Laudris, this was no different. Both her parents were proud warriors, both were noted for their exceptional abilities and courage, yet only one survived to raise her. Her father was an experienced warrior, yet even for those well versed in war and tactics fall prey to the sword. For it was when Laudris was 5 years old, her parents were hired to escort a caravan for a rich merchant from the south. Taking furs and goods from the north, there was little in expectation of trouble. Usually two strong Dran warriors were enough of a deterrent to keep a caravan safe, but on this occasion it was not. A band of orcs, that had earlier been double-crossed by the merchant, attacked the caravan with overwhelming numbers.
True to their nature, Laudris' parents stood to protect the caravan, and for a good while were able to hold them back. A well aimed shot from an arrow ended her father's life, and her mother was horribly maimed and left for dead. Ransacked and decimated, the caravan should have been her mother's burial as well, but it happened to be within the path of a passing druid, who through great care saved her mother's life. Though scars and well earned battle wounds were revered among her people, the extent at which her mother was injured only brought pity. Pity was something a proud Dran warrior did not tolerate well. It was not long after the cold of the winter had passed, when Heidrun, Laudris' mother took her from their home and moved to an secluded area, unable to bear the pity of her people.
In a more temperate area of western Dran, a day's journey from the Khardic Mountains, Heidrun and Laudris choose to make their home. It was a lush valley full of trees, protected from the harsh arctic winds by the Mountains, Ludris spent the rest of her childhood with nature. The work was hard for they had to etch out of the woodlands a home, and find ways of growing food for themselves, but after the work was done it was well-pleasing to know they could sustain themselves. Living so close to the Khardic Mountains, there were bound to be Beastmen about, guarding their holy mountain, waiting for their beloved god. Little did they see of the Beastmen, and little did they go seeking them.
Heidrun only wished to live out her days in quiet solitude, remembering her glorious days as she was, a proud warrior and not the now broken form. Laudris did much of the heavy work, her mother's right arm was all but unusable, and spent much time in the woodlands bringing in wood to keep warm. It was during one of her jaunts into the woodlands that she met with a large and aged Beastman. Laudris wasn't frightened of him, for though her mother was maimed she was still Dran, and Laudris being only 8 was quite tall, or so she thought. The Beastman was huge, towering over her, and in her nievity she raised her chin and told him, "Its my wood. I cut it, I keep it! Go get your own." The Beastman took a liking to her right away, though he scolded her for it wasn't her wood at all. It belonged to nature. If she gave back for what she took, she could use it. Thus her introduction to Dana had begun.
Korgog the old Beastman approached Laudris' mother only once, paying respect to her and asking if he may convey the teaching he wished upon Laudris. Heidrun, still the proud warrior and wishing the same for her daughter took only moments to decide, for Laudris the way of the Dran warrior was not possible. Having great reverence for the Beastmen, she agreed to allow Korgog to teach Laudris. Daily Laudris would go into the woodlands with Korgog, after her chores were done and learn from him. He taught her about The Green Word, and Dana and how when taking, one must replace so that balance is maintained. She learned about how Dana came to the aid of the beastmen, and what strength lies in the Mok'Nathal Fetishes she granted them.
At first Laudris thought much of what he said was for weaker folk, if nature could not take care of itself, then it should step aside for other things. This thinking was quickly cut out, for no room was there for an unreasonable Dran childling. Aged as Korgog was, he was still immensely strong and agile, and these qualities once shown convinced Laudris the wisdom of listening to him. More than one scar graces Laudris' skin, for letting her tongue flap freely without thought. Amused as he was, Korgog knew she must be a thinking Dran, she needed to be teachable for her to gain all nature had to teach her. Korgog did not only work on her knowledge of nature, he also worked on her physical form. For all that the Dran where, there is always room for improvement. Old Korgog may have been, but faster still than a human. Korgog would press Laudris to greater and greater speed, daring her to keep up with him, taunting her if she couldn't. This training developed Laudris' speed and stamina even beyond her own kin, she could race with him keeping pace with the towering Beastman. She grew tall and knowledgeable in nature, she gained in wisdom, and in size and strength. Contesting her fighting skills against Korgog, as well as her tracking skills against his hiding. Often Korgog would shake his head, as her impatience would keep her from grasping the skill, but her strengths for nature and fighting he could not deny.
Laudris reached adulthood, and no further could Korgog instruct her. Dana often sent her followers into the world, repairing the damage battles and wars had done to the land. It was Laudris' turn to go forth, into the larger world. At first Laudris balked at this, for her mother still needed her help, and she was fine where she was. She liked the secluded life she had grown used to. Korgog shook his great head, at the still stubborn Dran. "Learn more you must. Thing you can not learn here. I will be sure your mother is looked after, she will not go hungry or cold." Finally Laudris accepted the order to go. After long debating it was decided that she would seek out human lands, near Alexandria for great wars had been fought there, much repair would need to be done. Laudris bade her mother farewell, took a few meager belongings with her. Before she left, her mother gifted her with two axes of masterwork quality. "No Dran goes into the world unarmed. Name them, and they will bring you great glory." With the final parting, Laudris left home to seek her future, in the service of Dana.
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