Turmish has a strange custom when it comes to inheritance and family duties. Farmers in the dry, dusty plains are renown for their skill and production. Seemingly able to turn any plot of land into a bustling, successful farm. But after a couple of decades of working the ground, they get bored. Restless. And very often just walk away….
Instead of taking time to enjoy the fruits of their labours, they leave the land and the business to their children, and set out seeking adventure. Turmishan farmers-turned-warriors are quite famous throughout the Sword Coast. Strong and resourceful from a life of hard work, but not broken by overwork.
Belaros grew up growing hay and breeding horses, donkies, and mules. He was already starting to think about giving up farming, when one year he was leading a team of mules to sell in the rowdy mining town of Ravilar's Cloak. After a successful day of barter and trade, a terrible accident occurred in one of the many nearby mines. An underground aquifer was breached, and a veritable tidal wave gushed forth from the mine mouth and rolled through the market square.
Turmish is a dry and arid land, thus very few of the inhabitants ever learn how to swim. But Belaros is a naturally athletic man, and has been swimming since he was a boy. He saved many lives that day, particularly children. And has been hailed as a local hero ever since.
He didn’t realize the impact he’d had until the following year, when he returned with another string of mules. He was welcomed to the settlement like a returning king. How could he not stay?
He has since abandoned farming, leaving his sons with a very valuable business, and taken up residence in Ravilar’s Cloak. He has become the sworn protector to everyone there. Be they rich or poor, local or just passers by. He has dedicated his life to Helm and valiantly stands in defence of fairness, equality and freedom.
Ravilar’s Cloak is rowdy to be sure. But honestly, Turmishian’s are famous for their friendliness and fair dealings, and Belaros rarely has to do more than simply appear when things go poorly, and wag his finger to calm the crowd.
He always has a stash of sweets for the children, a collection of food, clothing and tools for anyone in need, and an upturned skull full of delicious snails ready to surprise an unsuspecting traveller, just as a way to say ‘welcome’.
Of course, he still longs for adventure, and occasionally takes little ‘vacations’ looking for it…..
Last edited June 4, 2021 5:31 pm
