Odrik Hilderfinn

A middle-aged Dwarf with dark, braided beard with grey streaks as well as in his short mohawk. He is missing his left eye and doesn't have the most athletic build even for a dwarf. Has a straight-forward personality and doesn’t like to bother with proper etiquette, but isn’t particularly rude. He can have a temper after a few drinks, but usually sees merit in planning and strategy. Odrik likes to drink with friends and gambling.

Quick Reference

Name:	Odrik Hilderfinn
Race:	Mountain Dwarf
Class:
Background:	Soldier (Officer)
Hometown:	Stjortvik
Relatives:	Hordal Hilderfinn (brother), Gurtrid Wodottir (cousin)

Personal History

“Aye ‘t was during a routine deliver and protect job. Some noble or mage fella needed a detail for some Godfall relic. Ta clean ta get a bit dirty by getting it ‘imself. So I had m’self with the relic with one of the twins on the reins. Tali was whipp’n the horses while her brother Sker was scout’n ahead. I had Oban with some of the new pups gett’n em in shape, runnin’ formations while ridin’. A quiet ride so I was diddl’n on me flute, nobody drunk enough to get out the ol’ bagpipes y’ see. Couldn’t hear it m’self with Fiddich and Livet bicker’n over on tha side. Egan was in tha rear. Good soldier, but a bit of an odd duck, never fit in with the others… ‘T was when we saw Sker comin’ over the hill. Couldn’t hear what he was shout’n bout. Didn’t even see the little red mote pass ‘im by before it was too late. Tha’s where it all went too shite…”

Odrik was born and raised in the town of bards, Stjordvik in Sormark. Although he did get bit by the musical bug he was never one for the stage. He worked for his older brother, Hordal Hilderfinn, who was a well known instrument builder in Stjordvik. Although he could hit a nail or saw a plank, he wasn’t cut out for the delicate tinkering necessary for the craft. He left Stjordvik to go after his cousin Gurtrid Wodottir who was a Ductak of a local Bruised but not Broken chapter in Midtal, Otteun.

It didn’t take long before the superior officers noticed the effect Odrik’s natural charisma had on the rank and file. He was well liked and wasn’t too shabby at giving the right order either. Though his style of leadership was a bit too loose and jovial for high risk operations. Through the years he would lead a small unit to do simple protection jobs or be on standby for reinforcement at larger battles. Aside from that the higher ups of the Bruised would often send new recruits under Odrik for basic training. This was more to get them a bit hardened and respect the Bruised codes and rules, both spoken and unspoken. This meant that Quintak Hilderfinn’s unit often traveled between Midtal, Martell and Banak.  

The core of his unit consisted of Dectol Oban, his second in command. A surly dwarf that strongly believed in breaking new recruits before building them into something useful, as he would say. Then there were the two halflings; Fiddich and Livet. The first was from Loveria while the second was from Ogren. Strangely enough they looked as if they could be brothers but were no relation. Aside from constant bickering over what would be the best alcohol or food. Egan was a half-elf that was one of the first recruits Odrik ever trained. A quiet and aloof figure that was an odd presence within the Bruised. No commander ever showed interest in taking him on. Even within Odrik’s unit, only he and Oban were the only ones that could get along with him. And last were the dwarven twins; Tali and Sker. Both relatively new and known troublemakers. They ran with some of the seedy characters in Banak. They were caught by Odrik when his unit was running security for one of the warehouses of Abraxis Combine. Though he took a liking to them and gave them the choice to either join him with the Bruised or their colleagues in the brig.

Odrik had received orders from Ductak Wodottir while he was in Banak. Someone named Wilmar Fexemzerum had commissioned the Bruised to transport a relic from Dubanôn to Midtal. A simple task which ended in certain doom.

Their company was ambushed and the relic taken. Odrik doesn’t remember a lot from the ambush. He was one of the first that got hit by the magic the ambushers wielded and only caught vague flashes of chaos.

He eventually awoke in a Companions of Elric relief camp. Apparently they had found him as the single survivor and nursed him back to health as best they could, but they couldn’t save his left eye. When he recuperated enough he went back to Midtal to make his report. The commanders of the Bruised were glad to see him alive. One of the new recruits had managed to escape relatively unharmed and told the brass what had happened. Though he could only tell little of what happened to the rest of the unit. Some of the other recruits came back in a far worse state than either of them. Odrik was given the chance to rebuild his unit or get a permanent station training new recruits. Odrik passed on both and decided to retire.

During his early retirement he spent most of his time in Martell drinking, gambling and attempting to numb the resentment towards his own failing. When his pouch was drying up he did some bodyguard and security work as well as accompanying adventurers for temporary jobs. During one job as security for a meeting at an inn, he overheard a conversation about an artifact that resembled the one that was stolen. It turned out it was the Tipatshimun who were the ones to have the item transferred, a relic they referred to as the Niffug Cam.The old embers of rage ignited once more and now he’s trying to find the artifact once more and getting revenge for his fallen comrades.

And so he made his way back to Banak.

“Ears ringin’, ma face feeling like it was on fire while something wet was drippin’ from ma beard. Everything was a blur with dust, fire and blood gettin’ thrown everywhere. Around me were but splinters and scorched planks that used to be a carriage. I think I saw Tali’s lifeless hand stickin’ out beneath some debris but wasn’t sure. I heard some Halfling curses with a thick accent. Livet maybe? Definitely heard Oban hollerin’ over the explosions though the man was crimson all over. Don’t know if it was his or someone else's. Either way the bastard never knew how to be quiet. An’ tha’s bout it…”  

Gladys

Odrik served under Dutack Wodottir up to the rank of Dectol. As Dectol he mainly trained new recruits for his cousins company. When he got promoted to Quintak and his own unit he recieved Gladys from Gurtrid as a gift. Gladys was a custom set of bagpipes made from a Bruised but not Broken battle banner from the Battle of the Grey Fields. Gladys quickly became Odrik's pride and joy, both to the pleasure and annoyance of the other mercenaries. He would play her during marches and late tavernhalls.

During his retirment Odrik would often lose himself in Drink 'n Dice. During one of the lowest points he had lost Gladys during a drunken game.

The party had been in Midtal for a while and Odrik roamed the busy streets by himself killing some time. Appartenly there is somekind of festival going on and Odrik takes to the streets for some well deserved leave. It is after a low stakes game of dice on a street corner that he sees her. Just as breathtakenly gorgeous as when he first saw her. Even if it is in the hands of another man. He barrels his way through the crowd as if they were an enemy frontline. He stops the bard in his tracks and takes another breathless look at his beloved lost. He attempts to barter for her with the supple grace of a rhinoceros, but to no avail. The bard believes his recent successes were al thanks to Gladys and does not whish to part. But if the old dwarf wanted to hear her in action he was more than welcome to see him perform at the Boar's Ciderhouse.

That same evening Odrik barges into the Ciderhouse and takes seat as close too the bard as possible. Being born and raised in Sjordvik he does have respect for the troubadour trade and lets the man finish the first leg of his set before offering him a drink and another chance of bartering. Knowing what a man of his trade makes Odrik makes a rather sizeble offer. The bard declines, but the offer had piqued his curiosity.

Desperatly Odrik makes a last hail Helea attempt! He lost her in a bet, he will get her back in a bet. He challenges the bard to a bagpipe showdown. The would both play Gladys and let HER decide who would take her home using the audience's reaction as measure. The bard accepts and both man take to the stage.

During all these years of mourning her loss, Odrik had not once picked up the bagpipes. He feared he might have lost his touch especially hearing the skillfullness at which the bard handles her. Quick fingers tickle her pipes as guileful breaths fill her body. The bard opens with an old trusty crowdpleaser kept fresh with subtle accents.

Then it is Odrik's turn. Holding her again for the first time in years that felt aeons, a melochonic smile cracked his otherwise stern facade and for a moment the world contained only him and her in his arms.The dwarf knew he would never beat the bard at subtlety nor impressive technique. Odrik hadn't played an instrument in a while nor had he maintained his physique as he used to before retiring from the Bruised. But at least his lungs were still strong from barking orders at his new company. As well as the need of carrying the party.

What should have been a cacophonous burst turned out just the thing the crowed of the Boar's Ciderhouse needed. Odrik poured all the long, lonesome years without her out into the tavern, which seemed to resonate with the customers.

And in the end he had won her back.

Report of Quintak Hilderfinn

Old habbit's are hard to lose a gues. Not anyone's readn'n these, but makes me feel at ease at the very least.

Report no 1. Woke up and went spelunking

It happened again... Woke up among the dead feelin' like shite. Couldn't remember how or what but didn't have time either. A storm-a-brewin' coming right fer us. Gathered what supplies I could, rounded some of the other barely livin' and went into a cave fer shelter. Not much of a jolly ride neither to be honest. Caves went on for days ridden with pits and snakes. Some old Bantur magic-stuff littered around for others to cause trouble. Had a run in with some giants with rocks fer brains and some fish people. In the end we found some portal back to the surface. Couldn't tell where exactly, but close enough to Banak to be at ease. At least some... Thought we found some folks with hopefully some extra supplies. Turned out to be some old miner skeletons and wisps. Been out of the Godfall too long I supose. At least Soap, Shortstuff and Slim proved themselves to be of some use and how to follow orders. Troubles less so, maybe just hav' to get used to her...

Once in Banak we situated ourselves and touched on some old contacts. Still don't know how or why we were at that caravan nor what had happened. At least we have found some opportunities fer coin.

Report no 2. Gettin' settled

We made a short stop a village on the way to Banak. Apparantly there was some dispute 'bout some stabbin'. They somehow managed to get their claws into Shortstuff to officiate the procedings. Turns out the Halfing doesn't keep burying his face in to that book of his for nothing. We go on to Banak to investigate further.

Once in Banak we soon get ourselves into some trouble which hopefully turns to some coin. Some workers got missing at the waterworks. We went into the derilict and found some bodies and a weird water-snake-monster-thing. The thing seems unbeatable in the water so the only thing to fight it is to get it to fight on our turf. Ya can't be worried 'bout collateral damage during the heat o' battle. The job paid to little fer the trouble. Even asked if we'd inform the kin of the late workers 'bout their fate without extra pay. So bare minimum it was.

Got visited by an ol' friend, told me his son Kargrim was comin' round with bruises when he shouldn't. He suspected his wife. Thought it was a joke until he dropped tha lasses' name, Centak Sointu Duldren. Never met the Centak, but knew of her reputation. After some diggin' it turned out to be nothin'. Jest some dumbasses hittin' each other in some basement.

Had a visit from the ol' Quadok at the inn that night. Never spoke to Balmung himself when I served but all ya heard ya heard true. Asked fer me to look into the Centak fer him. Though he's not ma commander anymore, stilll, the man deserved some respect. See if I ken find some loose tongues among the Bruised or see if Kargrim knows what's up.

We even got an actual job from them Companions. Gettin' rid of some teacher of theirs without 'gettin' rid of her'. Didn't give us much, but we'll see how far we get.

Report no 3. City life

We went to see those know-it-alls at the temples and Dolana fellas to get a look at our noggins. Still not rememberin' anything fer about a week until we woke up at the shite-site. Clerics couldn't find shite but them wizards think it was Dwarven magic. The ol' proper kind, the bad kind. Thought it would cost us an arm and a leg but after we told them 'bout them caves they paid us instead. Seems Ulaa pointed us to a hidden vein. They told us to keep it too ourselves. whoops...

In the meantime we helped Shortstuff with the dead brother thing from the village. Did find some clues but not much. But it turns out the actual killer might have been a woman. I m'self would rather go into the field naked than fight a woman scorned.

Slim decided to go his own way but not before droppin' the name of a certain relic. This will need further investigatin'.

I found out why the Dolana fellas wanted us to keep quiet about the caves. Suddenly got ambushed by some broad with a giant ape monster. Fortunatly this happens more often than one thinks and I managed to get away.

We finally found some intel 'bout the caravan we were on. They at least stopped here to get some wheels fer the Godfall wastes. Also found out we weren't the only ones after the caravan. The Kasarians are lookin' into it aswell, this could come back to bite us in the arse.

The nest day we come across a curious shight. Some mooks beatin' into a soldier and a lil' kid. Soldier turns out to be none other then Ghalea Thovir, tha legend herself! She's outnumbered an' could use a hand I imagin. We enter the fray and help them escape. We retreat to the Companions, the lass is safe an' sound but we can't say the same of Ghalea. With her last breaths she request me to inform her kin, she has a son here in Banak. She grants me her shield, Chalka, a thing of legend in its own right but I rather had her keep using it...

As thanks the Companions set us up in some fancy restaurant. Food's decent enough, made Soap turn into a bear. All in all an entertaining evening. Next day we get a request to go get some supplies out of the wastes and act as a decoy fer the lass to escape.

Report no 4. On the road again

We follow the directions the Companions gave us. We come to a hidden garden with a green lady. Can't tell what kind of green lady, better t' just let it go. She will load the supplies herself in the meanwhile we get send to the Haklur to get some of its water. We find the cave she was talking 'bout and enter. Here we find Red, a Half-Orc, big as a tree but as fast as a bag o' bricks. He's after some sapphire further into the cave. On the way we find a pool of the water Kore needed and collect it as well as some of the caves denizens. They look more capable than they are.

As we come upon Red's quarry it looks like it could become something of a pickle. It's in the middle of a web of black goo. Fer some reason Troubles has an idea that actually works and we liberate the gem from the web.

Red thanks us for our help and decides to join us, at least till we get back to Banak. Back at Kore's garden he tells us a story 'bout a familiar caravan wreckage. Seems we missed the poor bastard when we was runnin' from the storm. He also shows us a letter he found at the wreckage, though it doesn't make much sense.

Report no 5. Back to Banak

Back at the Companions we get paid and hear the lil' lass is safe fer now. We then get called in by Abdura Dolana fer some more questions. Turns out the questions are from the head honcho himself. We show him the letter Red had found. He seems as lost as we are, but he does recognize some of the names on it. Kasarians. I thought the lost memories were a problem, but it sounds like we are slowly diggin' our own graves. Nothing is simple with these hellish sorcerers. But first it was that time of the year again. The Banak Open Ishmêk tourney! Usually I'm on the bettin' side of the circus, this time we was hired as players by some noble broad. We didn't even need to win, jus show up 'n wave. Though if ye hafta play, might as well go all out. We got lucky the first round, second not so much.

Just when I thought I could take it easy the next couple 'o days, Troubles starts acting up again. Apparently that little poker she's been carrying 'round isn't necessarily hers and the owners are comin' to collect. She wants to see what the other side has ta say, but not without back-up mind you. We have Red on the inside of some fancy inn while Soap and me take the exits. Doesn't take long before she runs out again and headfirst into trouble. It seems that a Otteun broad the size of a mountain can be easily missed if ya jus worried of your back. Hafta step in before she gets in over her pretty, lil' head even more. Troubles get hurt pretty easily so we opt fer a tactical retreat. I knew Red was a bit on the slow side but I thought he could at least run some surveillance... Seein' as our heels're gettin' a bit too hot we holler out the inn and get somewhere low.

I try to cool me head with some intel gatherin' bout the Centak. Dead ends all'round at the Bruised. I tried the familial approach through Kargrim's little club. Turns out they even softer than they look.

Just as we turn in fer the day we get to see some old fashion Ott court-martialin'. Sum deserter gettin' what he deserves. The next day Troubles earns her name again. Them people that are after that sword have some deep pockets and aren't afraid to empty them. Red tells us he convinced some mutt to track the dwarf. Thought he was talkin' bout some urchin or something. Turns out the boy tends to converse with actual dogs. Maybe he hid that empty head of his while he grew to hard. Can't be healthy that high up anyways.

Relationships with Companions

Boldrek 'Soap' Honorbeard

As a Dwarf, Soap can be seen as another man of culture. Big talk and an axe to back it up. At least he seems capable to watch Odrik's back. As long as it is away from his nose...

Soap keeps proving himself a valuable asset in fights. Especially compared to the others. Though Odrik doesn't know, nor care, about his past Soap is showing to be a capable second-in-command to this little outfit. However the suddenly changing into a bear is somewhat worrying...

Izzy 'Troubles' Whatsherface

ugh...

As the weeks pass Troubles keeps earning her name. Though she isn't necessarily a bad egg, she does have a penchants to attracting problems and ignoring orders. Odrik believes she tries and means well underneath it all. But she will probably die in a manner of hours if left to her own devices.

Zayn 'Red' Noname

In Odrik's experience having a Half-Orc next to you in a battle can be comforting in its own right. The preconcieved notion of their dim-wittedness is also largely exaggerated in his eye. Red though... The boy is a good kid, but a bit on the slow side. His habit of talking to each and every animal that comes along is a bit strange. Maybe he got dropped on his head as a kid? At least he seems to follow orders. Odrik will turn the boy into a capable soldier in the end.

Filibert 'Shortstuff' Chubb

Shortstuff is a bit bookish for Odrik's taste, but the man knows how to handle a shield.

Wynn 'Slim' Dawnwalker

A young pup like Slim is nothing new too Odrik. A lack of battlefield experience can be overcome with proper training and a good amount of shouting. At least the boy seems to follow orders when it counts. Got a surprisingly mean right hook as well.