Joseph was born the son of Baronet Richter in a small Hamlet just east of Holderness. He was born into a life of privilege but lost his mother due to complications of his birth. Richter took a general lack of interest in his son. Though he cared for Joseph, he seemed to treat him as one would treat a good horse. He taught Joseph the finer points of etiquette. Even to speak in the tongue of the elves. He also taught Joseph the art of swordplay with the help of his knights. Richter was not a compassionate man, but he was fair. This was in contrast to the relationship between Joseph and the estate's head groundskeeper Brent.

The general non-concern of Joseph's father led him to seek out other father figures in his life thus, his friendship with Brent. Brent showed Joseph many things; how to care for the animals, how to tend the fields, how to stitch a deep cut, but most importantly how to respect life and all that is in it. He showed Joseph how "commoners" are not very common at all. And that there are a great number of good and strong people among them. Joseph's life was a good one until one particular event.

Near the turning of Joseph's 19th birthday, his father made a discovery that over the past year Brent had been "stealing" goods from the grounds to bring to less fortunate families. A hard winter had made things difficult with few crops coming to fruition and a general lack of goods moving in and out of the hamlet. Because of this Joseph's father keep a larger number of goods from his people than usual. "It is more important for those who lead to be healthy and thrive," was the response givin when Joseph would question this practice. Having such a small supply Brent had to be slightly more bold in his takings and this is how he was caught.

Brent was locked in the cells until he was to be hanged. Joseph went to his father and pleaded for Brent's release and to absolve him of his crime. "A small transgression can be forgiven. But a year's worth of goods cannot be ignored. If his crime goes unpunished, others will take advantage. I do what must be done. This is what it means to be a noble."

The hangman's noose was taut as the cold biting winter air caused the rope to shrink. As Brent was placed over the trapdoor the air was still and all was silent. With rage burning in his soul and tears filling his eyes, Joseph watch as Brent was placed in the noose.

Time stood still as Joseph watch Brent’s eyes look into his. "Remember," escaped Brent's mouth as the lever was pulled.

The snap of rope clinching.

The pain of a heart ripping.

And the sound of tears falling as a good man was lost to the heavens.

Rage was replaced by sorrow as Joseph made his way to his bed chamber and, exhausted from emotion, fell asleep.

"Remember"

One hour later he awoke and knew his course. He gathered what belongings he could. Gathered a bit of coin and made his way to the family vault. There he broke into the vault and took the family sword.

As he snuck into the darkness of the night, Joseph paused to look back at the life he was renouncing. Knowing full well he would never again have a life of such ease. With his hood pulled over his head, Joseph left, vowing to help misfortunate souls wherever he went.

"Remember"

It has been one whole year since the day that changed his life, but Joseph, going under the name Brent so as to avoid being found, is no brooding hero. He has helped many people and known much happiness.

Sometimes his help was small as in picking cotton or fixing a wagon wheel. Sometimes it was more dangerous as the time he fought three mercenaries who were bothering a bar wench. But always he has been met with kindness from the "common" people.

Joseph stands about 5'10''. He has blond hair and green eyes. He tends to wear a hooded cloak but does not wear the hood all the time as would a dark hero. He still walks and carries himself as a noble because years of training are hard to change. The only other point of note would be that he keeps cloth wrapped around the hilt of his bastard sword at all times to hide his family crest.

Brent finds himself in Brix looking to help, as he often does, but he hears of something that sounds far more important. He hears from the people on the streets of a group of odd looking heroes who brought down a dragon.  “These are people who can do real good! Where can I find these heroes?”  After investigating the North gate district for several hours Brent finds a horse merchant who recalls seeing the “Lizard-man” with the group trying to find a horse large enough to carry him. He seems to recall them heading to an old river tower west of Brix. You could reach them with a horse…”

. "Who knows, maybe I can catch up with these heroes before they reach their destination..........and who am I talking to?"

Brent's dreams are unusally disturbing. Yes his wounds made for a rough night though there was something more. His dreams centered around his youth.  Vauge childhood memories of a mud floor shack and of rough wood blankets. The smell of wet fur and of burning offal. The taste of thin gruel. Surely these sensations would have never have played a part in the upbringing of a noble-born.

The past few days events had somewhat rattled Brent, though he did not show it. An undead dragon, a crazed wizard, a priest beheaded, "Such horrors I have seen. But I somehow think I will soon see far worse."

Shaking off the feeling of dread, Brent thinks of his sword style. "I almost exclusivly fight with my sword in two hands. Perhaps I should think of getting something larger when we arrive in Brix."

((The ole noble trained in Streetwise ploy eh?))

The celebrations center around the fact that caravans began arriving en masse just two days after Omas Bood was elected membership in the cutter’s guild council. You learn the following tidbits  though the truth of these claims can hardly be assured.

Omas is the first elected member from non established family since…….ever!

Omas had claims on several mines west of the Kelix. He made decent coin but usually just sold to other families. He didn’t have a jewelry shop of his own.

Omas returned from his mine three months ago with a harrowing tale. Apparently he and his party came across a  goblin war band who had captured that wizard he runs around with. After a great battle Omas was able to free the old man. Unfortunately all of his party died in the battle. The wizard is now his closest friend!

Omas made friends with that wizard years ago by giving him an emerald large enough to imprison a Demon prince! The wizard is an important member of the Guild in Holderness!

That wizard speaks to the birds! Omas has used his sorcererous powers to enrich his mines! My claims are nearby and haven’t seen a scrap of the riches he comes by!

Having recovered from his own sickness Brent is very concerned to see his friend not doing well. Using his finely honed street connections (Streetwise) he is able to track down a “Manual of bodily perfection” which contains the ritual for curing disease. Unfortunately the owner of the tome is asking 500 Marks for it and then there still is the matter of casting it.

Brent knows of a skilled healer in the lands of his father though. It is a many days travel and not a place he would expect a warm welcome if news of his arrival spread.

Abandoning his friends to the bottle in a time of need; Perhaps I have more in common with my father than I’d like to admit. During his night of drink he meets several of the working men of Brix. They speak of leadership and of role of government. Between flagons he learns that the common man thinks great things of Omas Bood. They think he should probably dissolve the assembly and take charge himself. It’s probably wise that his wizard friend there was appointed grand vizier.  Food for thought anyway.
After a long night of drinking,  Joseph finds himself a little lighter in coin and a little worse for wear. Once his head clears Joseph sets off through the snow towards Feyfields.  During the journey he meets   several refugees fleeing shattered bridge. Apparently a great beast has taken up across the bridge in Whitehall and though no forays into the city have happened, the sight of a great undead dragon silhouetted against the moon is enough to drive folks north to safer ground.
Upon his arrival in FeyFields Joseph learns of Naddaresh’s death. While he doesn’t know the abilities of the druids he can’t help but think the healer in his hometown could have saved him...If only he had been more forthcoming.

Resting in the healers old home gives Joseph time with his thoughts. He still feels a great amount of guilt for having abandonded his friends to the bottle when the healer Jessica from the estate could have helped Nadarresh.

Memories of his home flood into his mind as he dreams. He remembers the story of his family name and the name of his estate, Venyrth.

"Long ago when the elves held rule the dark invasion came. During this time few humans gave help but for a few families. Gregor Trannyth was in one of those families. He held in his hands a sword the size of most men and a smile that would warm the hearts of even the coldest people. When the hordes came many of the monsterous beasts were cleaved in twain by his might.

The elves began to refer to him as "Venyrth". Which, later explained, apparently meant swordsoul. For you see, Gregor had little training. Yet when in battle he fought with not the ferocity of a bear, but the cunning of a fox. In battle many would witness a calm come over him and watch Gregor prevail where lesser men would fall.

One night at a keep on the outskirts, when all were exausted, the hordes came in full force. The keep was sure to fall and so began the retreat. While many were fleeing Gregor held the beasts at bay. He layed fifty to the earth, some claim a hundred and I have heard from a very old elf now in seclusion that no less than two hundred fell to his blade as it sang through the air.

Regardless of how many he killed there is no exaggerating the number he helped save that night. For his valor, the elves rewarded him with lands of his own. He would also be known as Gregor Venyrth, a title bestowed to only the most renowned of swordsman.

This is the story of how this estate and you gained it's name. This is also your history Joseph, never forget the honor and respect that goes along with how this name was earned. Remember."

Joseph wakes with a start as the morning light begins to pour into the old home. The dream, which seemed far to real, made him realize the truth must be told. Perhaps he should tell the party about his past once they have delt with the current problem. Whether he tells everyone now or not matters little if they all become trees.

After the fights with what seemed to be the forest itself attacking, Joseph thinks about how close to death he came.

He could sware that Brent came to him and said, "It is not your time. There is still much to be done."

Tears well up in his eyes as he thinks on this when suddenly the dragon lands upon him and his comrades camp.