CHARACTER BACKSTORY: Balgruuf the Lesser, Stormcloak

  • My name is Balgruuf, Son of Balgruuf, jarl of Whiterun.  The people call me Balgruuf the Lesser, a name I find unfair in the extreme, as I have only just reached manhood, and have yet to demonstrate whether I am more or less of a man than my father.

    I was raised to succeed my father to his throne, trained in battle, speech and alchemy, and now the time has come for me to create a name for myself.

    My father has chosen the coward’s way in our country’s revolution.  I can not understand why he will not declare himself for Ulfric Stormcloak and throw off the Imperial yoke.  I believe I would have respected his decision better if he had sided for the Empire, rather than refusing to take sides at all. Thus, I set out alone without my father’s blessing to find Ulfric Stormcloak and throw in my lot with him.

    I first sought him in Windhelm, but was told by the housecarl that he was on campaign on the border.  I set off to find him in Falkreath Hold.  I was beset by bandits on the road, and robbed of my clothing and gear. Penniless, wearing rags, I have been turned away at inns and farmhouses alike, I have stolen food from gardens and vegetables, and I have been pursued, helpless by wolves and trolls.  I have spent many wakeful nights shivering in the mountains, but I pressed on until finally… I was captured by the Imperials, knocked unconscious and thrown in the back of a cart bound for the headsman.

    This last was, on some morbid sense, a bit of luck.  Had they not captured me, I believe I would have frozen to death before daylight.  Furthermore, I finally found Ulfric Stormcloak—bound and gagged beside me.  It seems my destiny to die by his side, though I am not sure such a death will gain me entrance to the Hall of Valor.

Comments

8 Comments
  • Jordan Butler
    Jordan Butler   ·  January 17, 2012
    And beyond that, I love that he sees his capture as a saving grace.
  • Guy Corbett
    Guy Corbett   ·  January 17, 2012
    I like it Piper. Will he overthrow his father? or sink into notoriety with the stormcloaks? Look forward to the results.
  • Jordan Butler
    Jordan Butler   ·  January 17, 2012
    Whoa! Another who thinks signing the White-Gold Concordat was a cowardly move! AWESOME!
  • RuneRed
    RuneRed   ·  January 16, 2012
    Cool.  A new story.  Looking forward to another one of your character's stories.
  • Paul
    Paul   ·  January 16, 2012
    Will be interested to see how this one plays out.....
  • THATSRESPECT
    THATSRESPECT   ·  January 16, 2012
    Nicely done!
  • Shane Wigmore
    Shane Wigmore   ·  January 16, 2012
    Sounds very intriguing! Sould make for a very interesting playthrough! =]
  • Piper Jo
    Piper Jo   ·  January 16, 2012
    Yes, I like this one for roleplaying.  Also, because he will have to interact with his father quite often on the quests I have in mind, and not under the best of circumstances!