A broad-shouldered man with thick, callused hands, Ulan has the build of a man who has spent his entire life working metal and wrangling horses. His jet-black hair is kept short, and a thick beard frames his weathered face. Deep-set eyes, dark and thoughtful, betray a mind always at work, constantly measuring those around him. Few in Newhaven know the full truth about the man called Ulan Beornsson. He arrived years ago, weathered by the sea and carrying little more than a blacksmith's hammer, a saddle, and a name that was not his own. To the townsfolk, he is the capable and respected stablemaster, known for his deep understanding of horses and unwavering work ethic. But beneath the surface, his past is one of secrecy, regret, and a crime that was never fully resolved. Born in a distant northern city in the Principality of Falanore, Ulan, whose real name he has long since buried, was apprenticed to a renowned blacksmith from a young age. His talent with metal was undeniable, and he was expected to take over the forge one day. But fate had other plans. One fateful night, a dispute with his master over an experimental forging technique turned deadly. Whether it was an accident or something more sinister, the fire that consumed the smithy left his master dead, and Ulan with blood on his hands, if not literally, then by association. Knowing that no plea of innocence would save him, he fled south, taking passage on a merchant vessel and leaving his old identity behind. He adopted the name Ulan Beornsson, a fabrication loosely based on a childhood folktale, and never looked back. Though his passion lies in metalwork, Ulan avoided the forge after the incident, fearing that rekindling his old trade might draw attention from those who still sought justice, or vengeance. Instead, he turned to stable work, a skill he had honed in his youth. His natural affinity for horses and his quiet, competent manner quickly earned him the trust of Newhaven's residents. When Fulgur Stormwind, the town's blacksmith and Captain of the Guard, sought a reliable hand to manage the stables, Ulan saw an opportunity to settle into a life of quiet purpose. Despite his efforts to stay in the background, he has become an integral part of the community. He ensures the town's horses are well cared for, offers advice to travelers, and provides discreet help to those in need. But in the dead of night, when the forge fires burn low, Ulan sometimes wonders if his past will catch up with him. Though he has found a semblance of peace, Ulan has not forgotten what it means to be on the run. He has an innate distrust of authority, particularly those who abuse their power. This has led to quiet whispers in Newhaven that the stablemaster is more than he seems. Some adventurers have noticed the cache of weapons he keeps hidden beneath the stables—pristine, well-balanced, and undoubtedly the work of a master smith. Others have heard him muttering about the folly of placing blind faith in rulers. If a rebellion were to stir in the Vale, Ulan would be among the first to take up arms. And when that day comes, he may finally reclaim his true name. |
