Janos Pylatorn

Born to Yohn of House Pylatorn and Lady Siamon of House Dradian. The third of three sons, Janos has felt estranged to his family for as long as he can remember. Where his brothers Derdaric and Tayr were brave, Janos was faint of heart, where they were strong, he was weak. Throughout his childhood, Janos had the impression that perhaps he wasn’t a Pylatorn at all. At times he dreamed that perhaps he was a ward from some conquered land, held a hostage of sorts to his forgotten father’s obedience, or even a bastard, born from a weak mother. Janos’s mind ran wild with such imaginings, and his fears and self pity were fed by his family. His father, with two strong heirs, had no need for his feeble son. His lady mother was too caught up with her aspirations for Tayr and Derdaric that she paid Janos no mind. Janos’s brothers made sure to plague him with praise to their own superiority.

It was in the library of his father’s house where Janos sought his freedom, enthralled in stories of bound on to the leather of ancient books filled with the dust of the years. While his brothers trained their steel in the yard and grew towards knighthood, Janos read of the great heroes of the past, of the dragon wars, of chivalrous feats and the races of Layonara.

Janos was befriended by the households scribe, Valadrian Stroad. Valadrian was engaged by Janos’s curiosity of the histories and the arts of writing. He slowly became Janos’s guardian, though the Lord father and Lady mother were altogether unaware. The scribe taught Janos his letters and of tending to the birds in the rookery. Most importantly, Valadrian introduced young Janos to music. The stone walls of Yohn Pylatorn’s stronghold had no love for music, nor did its protector. For this, Janos had to practice his music in secret. The library or crypts beneath the earth made perfect for the discreet lessons, as the household was not drawn to knowledge or religion. For Janos’s twelfth name day, Valadrian brought the boy a hand harp. Janos was elated. He practiced his music day and night, always mindful to remain unfrequented by unfriendly ears.

His study in history and music continued for years and these were happy days for Janos. He learned to write his own stories of made up heroes and great deeds and he made songs for those he was especially fond of in the leather bound volumes in the library. Valadrian taught him the ways of numbers, accounting and of taking stocks of food and animals, those which passed though the gates of the stronghold. On Janos’s sixteenth naming day, Lord Pylatorn decided finally to rid himself of his third son. As his other two sons had been married to respectable households of wealth and influence, he felt that perhaps he might be able to do something productive with Janos. Lord Yohn brought his ill favored son to his solar and informed him that he had arranged a marriage for him to Soliel Arriad, his cousin, and an horrid ugly fat one at that. Janos refused his father and escaped his company. Yohn would not be thwarted however, he sought him out in the library and found him playing his harp and singing in sorry. Taking his son for a gay, he rose into a fury and lashed out at Janos. His son escaped him however and took to the crypts. There he remained unfound for many hours. Valadrian however, at learning that Janos had gone missing, descended into the crypts and found his friend in fear and sorrow. He did for him what he could. He gave him some coin, a satchel of food, and a sharp dirk. That hour, Janos escaped from the stronghold and took to the surrounding forest, straying not far from the road, until he reached the nearest town. Janos, although frightened is excited. For the first time in his life, he is doing something unexpected and adventurous and it thrills him. He intends to put as much distance between himself and his fathers stronghold as possible should there be a party looking for him. In the case that he finds a companion or two to travel with, he would gladly join them. Currently he is trying to disguise himself as well as possible save he be discovered, and surprisingly, he is actually enjoying himself.

Janos has been a boy too long and now delves into the unknown world, seeking to become a man. Although he has little skill with a blade, he has an unidentifiable charm to him. He has the good looks of both his father and mother, and is slim in both face and body. His hair is that he has never been in a situation like this, and he is confused as to where to start. Seldom had heroes in stories been forced into hiding in small villages, least of all from there own father, yet Janos feels somehow heroic. He has a good heart. He would never kill for the sake of killing, and would try not to kill even in self defense. These would be the deeds of a sellsword, not a knight or paladin. Janos has read much of the histories of heroes and has learned from them the gods. From them, he finds Aeridin, Aragen, and Az’atta very appealing. Due to Az’atta’s wish that none should kill save the most dire circumstances he respects her ways the most. Janos knows as much history as he could learn from the books in the library, and knows as much of the world as he found on assorted maps that lay about his home. He has a talent for music, both in singing and in playing. Although he doesn’t fully understand yet, he longs to sing new adventures and to experience them first hand; though, should he realize this now, it would scare him half to death. To accompany true heroes on valorous quests would light a spark in Janos, the spark he would need to discover himself.

Janos is furtive, especially around the combating types and attractive women. He feels comfortable around books and scrolls and music. Although he has no great love for ale, he does enjoy inns and bars for music and performance. Should he find a storyteller or bard, he is more than likely to stop and listen, and probably drop him a coin. Conversation that engages him is history, lore, that of heroic tales and music. He is more than willing to experiment in music, whether it be different instruments or different styles of singing. He is very receptive to complements, although he rarely believes them. Janos's self confidence is low, despite his good looks and various talents. His accent is not thick, however it is noticeable. When he speaks, he uses expressions like: -For the love of the gods! -Evil truly is born by the hands of men -A wise man once told me fighting is naught of swords, but of wits -A true hero helps the innocent and teaches the evil. -One cannot become good if they are dead, they merely perish evil. -To my side! -Save your own hide, yes, but save mine too -If you were truly a wise man you would realize not to spit on the ground you walk upon, for in death, it will be home and shelter for your mortal shell and bones, and may gladly be holding a grudge.

Janos is not a swordsman. He has had experience with weapons before, however.As a child, his father had taken it upon himself to build character in the boy. He placed a sword in his hand and forced him to practice. This spell continued for a little over a year before his father finally gave up.

With some luck and wit, Janos may one day become the writer of legendary accomplishments, thoes of heroes, and perhaps, thoes which he himself executed.