The Winter War: Sir Andrew

“I will sing of Iridia’s glory with my dying breath.” 
     -Sir Andrew, Knight of Iridia and Defender of Brin

Blessed with good looks and a captivating voice, Sir Andrew has always been popular among his fellow soldiers. When he was young, his mother hoped that he would become a cleric. As Andrew developed into a strong, charismatic adolescent, his mother realized that her son would serve Iridia in a more martial capacity. While her heart ached at the thought of what could happen to him in battle, it also swelled with pride. To serve Iridia in war ensured a warrior a place of honor upon Mount Celestia after death.

     Eventually war did come, brought by the Necromancer Lords, who carry the battle standard of Veoden, a dark god of death and decay. Despite an arduous campaign, Sir Andrew was one of the selfless knights who volunteered to serve as a rearguard while the armies of the Northern Kingdom retreated for the winter. Along with his fellow defenders, he holds a ruined village named Brin, which lays at the edge of the Necromancer Lords’ holdings. The village is now under constant assault from a formidable Wizard/Fighter named Lord Crase.

     Sir Andrew worries that he is fighting a losing battle. He and his comrades hold the village only to distract Lord Crase from driving north into their homeland. Maybe, just maybe, he and the other defenders can hold on until spring.

     In the meantime, Sir Andrew raises his voice in song. His battle hymns never fail to inspire his comrades or to soothe their nerves after a nasty fight. Even in the midst of combat, his clear, resonant voice echoes above the battlefield, urging his brother knights to victory.

Sir Andrew, male human Ftr5; Medium humanoid (5’ 11”, 190 lbs); CR 5; HD 5d10+10; hp 40; Init +1; Spd 20 ft; AL LG;       Armor: AC 20 (+8 half-plate +1, +2 heavy steel shield), touch 10, flat-footed 20.       Attacks: Base Atk +5, Grp +7; Melee: Longsword +9 (+5 BAB, +2 str, +1 weapon focus, +1 longsword) (d8+5, 19-20/x2).       Saves: Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +3.       Abilities: Str 15 (+2), Dex 12 (+1), Con 14 (+2), Int 11, Wis 15 (+2), Cha 16 (+3).       Languages: Common.       Skills and Feats: Intimidate +7, Knowledge (religion) +3, Ride +9, Perform (sing) +8, Spot +4; Mounted Combat, Ride-By Attack, Skill Focus (perform), Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Specialization (longsword).       Possessions: +1 half-plate, heavy steel shield, +1 longsword.