PCs:Thaylis Beign

Name: Thaylis Beign

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colspan="2" style="text-align: center; font-size: 90%; border-bottom: 1px solid #aaa; line-height: 1.25em;"	Brigadier Sir Thaylis Beign, 12th Infantry Brigade (Blackhawk Brigade)
Allegiance	Nation of M'Chek
Service/branch	M'Chekian Army
Rank	Brigadier - Retired
Commands held	* Commander of Blackhawk Command Company. * Executive Officer - Blackhawk Battalion. * Chief of Staff - 3rd Infantry Brigade. * Commander of Blackhawk Brigade.
Awards	Numerous - See Below

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: Looks to be in his early 30's.

Deity: Pelar

Class: Ranger/Rogue/Weapon Master

Birthplace: Family farm, Nelthropian Lands (former, now belonging to Lord Chasworth), M'Chek

Residence: Drakehall Keep in western M'Chek and House Beign along the eastern M'Chekian coast, near the falls.

Affiliations and Titles:

• Sir Thaylis Beign of Drakehall Keep.

• Breath of Pelar, formerly the Blade of Pelar

• Brigadier, M'Chekian Army. Served as the Commanding Officer of the Blackhawk Brigade - Retired.

• Rear Admiral, M'Chekian Naval Forces.

• Knight Companion of the Chivalric Order of Balance - KCCB.

• Hero of the M'Chekian Union.

• Member of the 4th Royal House of Nor'Seere - House Silverstrike.

Early Years

Thaylis was the only child born to Cray and Thrella Beign, hard working farmers who labored on lands passed down for generations near the Order of the Way. When the young boy was only 7, his parents were killed by a roaming band undead who attacked the farm in the dead of night. He was taken in by his mother’s older brother, Garrick, a Pelarite Hunter who lived in a small cabin along the western Blandenberg border.

Learning the Hunter's Way

Growing up under Garrick's tutelage can only be described as a never-ending lesson. He was a veteran the War with T'Nanshi, serving with distinction for M'Chek. As I grew from a small boy to a young man, he taught me all he knew of Pelar's Teachings, spending much time exploring the Wilds with him, learning the basics of tracking, wood-lore, and scouting techniques. The old ranger was a firm believer that any Hunter should be comfortable enough to wield any weapon at hand, be it a simple club, iron sword, or farm tool. He stressed the importance of the bow and how the Hunt is the center of all of Pelar's teachings. I eagerly soaked in as much as I could from him.

By the time I had seen my 17th summer, I had a firm grasp of the basics of becoming one of Pelar's Hunters. Garrick failed to rise one morning, the grizzled Hunter heeding Pelar's call.

On 2 occasions now, I have met directly with the Breath of Pelar. I look forward to more meetings with this mystical Hunter.

The Big City and Finding Purpose

After Garrick's death, I took what little belongings I had and made my way south, to the city of Mikona. What drew me, I can't say for certain. Perhaps I was curious. Having very limited funds, I took up odd jobs for various farmers in the outlying lands surrounding the city, earning enough to keep me from starving. I soon had enough gold to rent a room at the Bored Gargoyle Inn. I preferred this inn to the others inside the city as the farmers were a friendly group and accepted me.

For the next few years I called the Gargoyle home. I did many things during this time, honing my Hunter's skills, learning a bit about carpentry and traveling to distant lands like T'Nanshi, Ferrell, Deglos, and Elysia. Currently, I have a room at the Canvas. Its a bit more extravagant than what I'm used to, but it does allow me access to Mikona's upper class.

The Art of the Shadow

Shortly after arriving to Mikona, I met a Master of the Shadows. As a teenager still under Garrick’s guidance, I had the chance to met one of his comrades from the War. This man was able to use Shadow in ways I could only imagine. Intrigued by these skills, he told me I too could learn the Art if I worked diligently and found a willing Master to instruct me.

Years later, I was fortunate in finding my Master when I did. I had made several naive inquiries in the city on finding a teacher who could teach Shadowdancing, as it is commonly called, and was approached by a group of less than honorable individuals that offered the training I was seeking. I turned down that offer. Later, I was approached by a Master near Mikona who offered to instruct me. I'm not sure why I was chosen by my Master but I was offered training with no concessions needed to be given on my part. I will always be grateful for that gesture and am thankful for the friendship that developed from it.

As I mastered the Shadows, I found I was in a position to no longer be an Apprentice, but that as a Master. I’ve instructed one already in the Way of the Shadow, a Blackhawk scout under my command named Paco Di Brancaleone, who shows promise in mastering the Art. I will continue to teach others, as I see fit.

The Blackhawks

Battle Flag of the Blackhawk Brigade

Just shy of my 20th summer, I inquired about joining the Blackhawks during the time the Demons spread throughout south-western M’Chek, offering my services and skills as a tracker and scout to the Army. Captain Swift of the Blackhawk Company took notice of me during this time and offered me a position within the unit. I accepted, enlisted, and soon after the Demon threat was neutralized by M’Chekian forces. Shortly after these events, Drotid military forces invaded the eastern coast of M'Chek, gaining a foothold on our soil. War was declared by War Commissioner Lord Chasworth and soon after the Blackhawk Company was increased to Battalion size.

Rise Through the Ranks

Under Major Fyne's and Captain Weller's watchful eyes, I rose rapidly, skipping several enlisted ranks in the process. To my surprise, Colonel-Commissar Brittain offered me an officer's commission, which I readily accepted. I continued to gain rank and responsibility within the unit. With the death of Major Fyne and Captain Weller's re-assignment within the battalion, I assumed command of the Blackhawk Command Company, and also served as the Battalion's Executive Officer (XO) under C. C. Brittain. During that time, I've overseen several successful operations against the Drotid invaders.

I was reassigned by High Command to a Chief of Staff position of the 3rd Infantry Brigade under General Arthur Matherson. While I was reluctant to leave the Blackhawks, I understood the need of making personal sacrifices during this time of War to defeat the Hissers. As Chief of Staff, I oversaw then the needs of a much larger command element, consisting of 6 full Battalions.

Command of a Brigade

In an unprecedented move following the infamous raid upon Fort Kasslesstha, War Commissioner Lord Tobias Chasworth promoted me to the rank of Brigadier, and ordered me to assume command of the 12th Brigade under Lord Derrington’s banner. He then tasked me with forging the Brigade with the capability to commence field operations against the Drotid invaders in eastern M’Chek. Consisting of the veteran Blackhawk Battalion and the remnants of the 12th Brigade, the 12th assumed the name Blackhawk Brigade.

After a successful recruiting campaign, the Blackhawk Brigade continued to spearhead a number of aggressive tactical operations against the Drotid. Elite members of the Brigade were responsible for denying the invaders use of the iron mines located east of Derrington Castle and disrupting the alliance forged with the Bugbears in the region.

In an act of unity and defiance the naval fleets of M’Chek and T’Nanshi joined forces. Supported by the select members of the Blackhawks and T’Nanshi’s 6th Division, the allied forces conducted a series of coordinated attacks along the eastern coast, targeting Drotid naval forces and land based targets. This operation resulted in the Drotid no longer having a viable presence in the Eastern Seas, as several warships were captured or sunk, and numerous land installations were destroyed.

In the final stages of the War, Fort Msaelifriss was besieged by M’Chekian forces. A small group of members of the Blackhawk Battalion, commanded by Lt. Colonel Fox, successfully breached the fortress’s gate. Soon thereafter in a climactic battle, Fort Kasslesstha fell, their Warlord slain in the shadow of Chasworth Keep.

M'Chekian Victory and Accolades

An oil painting on canvas of Brigadier Sir Thaylis Beign in his Blackhawk dress uniform, shortly after M'Chek's victory over the Drotid. The Star of the Order of Balance hangs from his neck.

With the defeat of Warlords Msaelifriss and Kasslesstha, and the Drotid forces broken and scattered, victory over the invaders was declared. A large celebration was held in Mikona to honor the brave men and women who gave their best in defense of our great nation. To my surprise, I was one of 5 officers named Hero of M’Chek and knighted into the Chivalric Order of the Balance.

I take pride in the men and women under my command and feel honored to have led these capable and competent soldiers against the Hissers who invaded M'Chek.

Struggle Against the Drotid Outside the M'Chekian Borders

An exquisite oil painting entitled "The Last Battle". This artwork depicts the final battle of Voivode Kasseshisrath against Warmaster Kiff and Brigadier Beign.

Shortly after M’Chek’s victory over the Drotid, I lead an elite force of approximately 200 Blackhawks to aid the Elysian Resistance in their efforts to reclaim their city from the Drotid oppressors. Joining forces with the T’Nanshi military and Le’Megen, the joint forces were successful in eradicating the Drotid from the city.

Soon after this victory was won, High Command presented me with orders to assemble the Blackhawk Brigade and combine it with General Matherson’s 3rd Brigade, with overall command of this amalgamated unit falling upon my shoulders. Numbering just over 6,000 men and with Brigadier Lambert’s 5,000 soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, we rendezvoused in Port Nireth and joined forces with the T’Nanshi and the Le’Megen. With this allied army assembled we sailed north to Grantir, with the intentions of striking at the heart of the Drotid forces. Intel reports had indicated that Voivode Kasseshisrath had taken the field with a large army with plans on retaking Elysia.

Intercepting the Drotid Army in Grantir, a large and costly battle was fought. A small, elite strike force was formed and flanked the Drotid's Army left side, fighting its way to a ruined fortress in which the Voivode used as his command post. During the height of the battle, the last desperate prayer to Pelar by His Chosen, Kahas, was answered by the God of the Hunt and brought Warmaster Kiff and I within the Voivode’s inner defenses. Together, we ended the reign of Kasseshisrath in a brutal fight in which quarter was neither asked for nor received.

It was for this battle against the Voivode that I was named "Blade of Pelar" by Kahas.

Hel'Byssia

With the growing threat of an ancient evil within the Gates of Hel'Byssia I received permission from High Command to march two heavy infantry company's of Blackhawks, numbering just over 250 officers and soldiers, to that peninsula and joined forces gathering under Warmaster Kiff's banner.

Spirit Kin Threat

During the height of Spirit Kin activity throughout southern Negaria, the Blackhawks mobilized on numerous occasions to protect her citizens from various threats from that quarter. The first such incident was when the Kin Burn wrecked havoc across the countryside, leaving large portions of grassland and farmland in ash and ruins. Key elements of the Brigade moved to protect M'Chekian citizens. Secondly, the streets and alleyways of Mikona herself became the place of a large-scale battle when the Kin Raven unleashed hideous and grotesque creations from within the city. The entire Brigade moved in place to defend and protect the city from this threat. Lastly, the Brigade once again mobilized and joined an allied force against numerous Kin who were held in check behind the magical wards of the Hel'byssian peninsula.

End of an Era

After serving M'Chek with the Blackhawks both during the Drotid War and peacetime service, I came to the decision to relinquish my command of the Brigade and resign my commission as an officer of the M'Chekian Union. The time had come to pursue other interests outside of the M'Chekian boarders, namely a greater focus and more spiritual pursuit of the Hunt.

Shaelth

I participated in what can only be called the greatest Hunt I could ever hope be part of. A Hunt which truly Honor’s Pelar.

Shaelth, an Ancient Lycanthrope of immeasurable strength, power and agility terrorized the mountains in Deglos, she herself Hunting someone or something. If left unchecked the fear was that she would continue to move south, eventually entering T’Nanshi lands and would continue to terrorize the citizens of that nation.

Alain, a Tydeun ranger had hunted her for some time, and together with Kice Ansu, coordinated the efforts of concerned citizens of many nations to draw her into a steep and narrow valley high in the Delglosian Mountains and ambush her there. Specialized ballistic bolts were crafted of silver and mithril, and the volunteers manned the siege weapons in order to bring Shaelth down.

When all was in place, I was able to draw Shaelth to the valley by creating a scent trail from the bloody hide of her most recent kill; that of a fellow Ancient Lycanthrope named Chlyros. I was successful in drawing the Ancient One into the valley, though to my dismay, Tem, the sand dragon at my side, was slain at Shaelth’s initial onslaught.

The battle was long and bloody, though neither side seemed to be able to gain an advantage. In the end, it was Shaelth’s own offspring, Xira, which brought her down, a Lycanthrope who followed Pelar’s Old Ways of the Hunt. Their battle was fierce, yet in the end Xira prevailed.

As a side-note, I first met Xira in the months leading up to the final confrontation with Shaelth. A Lycanthrope of considerable power, she takes the form of a White Tigress. When I first encountered her, she opened my eyes to many things; that not all in Life is written in black and white, and that of the turmoil and division in existence amongst the Lycan kind. As a follower of Pelar, she also first taught me the importance of the Old Ways of the Hunt, and through her teachings, reinforced the responsibilities and choices a Hunter must make while participating in a Hunt.

Presence of Marko and his Undead Minions

((Work in Progress))

The Elysian Dragon Wing

During the time the Spirit Kin conflicts surfaced throughout southern Negaria, I was approached by Finn Kiff and Cole Dayhawke about joining the newly formed Dragon riders that protected Elysia. I jumped at this wonderful opportunity to learn aerial combat and maneuvers, and quickly mastered the necessary techniques needed to be successful in the air. I was paired with Skyla Silverstrike, an Avarial Pelarite who could change into the form of a Silver dragon at will. Together, we became a cohesive team in the air, and I soon took command of the dual-role skirmisher group of the Wing.

The Dragon Wing successfully fought against Truth's siege of Elysia, defending against a horde of stone dragons thrown against the city. The value of air support proved invaluable and I would like to see M'Chek one day invest in such an endeavor.

The original number of dragon riders paired with Avariel-Dragons numbered just over two score pairings. The constant battles against Truth's stone dragons slowly dwindled this number. During the final conflict on the peninsula of Hel'Byssia, 14 of the Avariels were transformed into dark and evil creatures, Skyla being one of these. I continue to Hunt for a solution to their transformation, in the hopes of one day reversing the dark magic which took them from us. Of the original members of the Wing when it was first formed, only a small handful now remain.

Drakehall

Shortly after I resigned from the M’Chekian army, I was approached by War Commissioner Lord Tobias Chasworth in the wake of the numerous serious charges leveled against Lord Constantine Drake of Westshore. In reparation for the injuries inflicted on his heirs while held captive by Lord Drake’s conspirators, Lord Chasworth was gifted several select pieces of ancestral Drake lands by the Noble House, specifically Drakehall and Drakeshore. Searching for honest and capable men to hold these new lands, the War Commissioner asked me if I was willing to entertain the thought of serving House Chasworth.

I agreed to serve his House in this manner, and I swore an oath of loyalty to House Chasworth. I was then granted the ancestral castle of the Drake’s, Drakehall, as well as the lands surrounding the stronghold. Now a vassal of the Chasworth’s, I have been entrusted to oversee the prosperity and welfare of Drakehall and the loyal M’Chekian citizens who live in the surrounding lands and holdings. I have been named Sir Thaylis Beign of Drakehall.

Titles and Awards

• Hero of the M'Chekian Union

• Knight Companion of the Chivalric Order of Balance

• Service of Plate presented for actions during the War against the Drotid

• Gold Lion Medal

• M'Chekian Army Medal of Distinguished Service

• Silver Unicorn Medal

• Copper Eagle Medal (with one gold star)

• Medal of Valor

• M'Chekian Army Good Conduct Medal (with one gold star)

• Victory Medallion

• Eastern Seas Medal

• Derrington's Medal

• Serpents Tail Medal

• Medal of Mikona's Valor

• Hel’Byssia Campaign Medal

Community Voted Award

Irreverence Awards 2011: The Big, Shiny Prize

Additional Miscellaneous Information

M'Chekian Medals

Officer and Enlisted Ranks