Baerd the Broad

<i>‘I know your kind, intruder, for I was once the same. I came here mantled in shame and ruin, humbled before these magnificent trees, and that is why I was privileged to stay – but you come with fire and ax, and malice in your closed-off heart. Your death shall be the remedy.’ – Baerd the Broad</i> * The remarkable Sylvan anomaly, Baerd, was once a rash and boorish marauder, adventurer, logger, and huntsman. Originally from the Deadlands, he was known for the tame Deadlands elk, Bucklan, that accompanied him as he roamed Peltas doing odd jobs and avoiding retribution from those he robbed and whose woodlands he raided. On their travels, Baerd and Bucklan were forced across the Cloudspire Mountains, fleeing the terrors of the Stormwind Wastes. Both he and his elk suffered greatly from the cold and altitude, a sobering, clarifying experience. Before this, Baerd had always got away with his risky behavior, but now he had bitten off far more than he could chew. Bucklan was weak and sickly after the arduous crossing, which had led them to the borders of the Mistwood, an unwelcoming place. Baerd had no choice but to enter, for to return across the mountains would kill them both. They were quickly tracked down by Sylvan Watchers, who were dumbfounded to see the rare beast far from its native range and bonded so strongly with a mere Human. Baerd pleaded for help, and the Sylvan were moved by his devotion to his elk. But there was nothing to be done: the elk was old and the enormous stress of the journey had all but broken it. The Sylvan could only help him pass away peacefully. Baerd was filled with self-hatred and grief. But in the tragedy, he had seen what a compassionate community was like, and would never return to his old ways. He begged the Sylvan to let him stay so he could prove his gratitude and learn from them. They were ready to politely but firmly refuse, but then they felt a faint flicker of Baerd’s pain, loneliness, and hope. Remarkably, it seemed the Human was already attuning to the Rhythm. A debate ensued, until the ancient and beloved <color=#774418>Grand Oak Padraig</color> arrived, who was the decisive voice advocating for Baerd. Padraig offered to mentor Baerd and help the Human truly become Sylvan, as some Dawnlanders and even Dwarves had. As a gesture of goodwill, Padraig laid a hand upon the head of Bucklan’s dead body and transformed it into a glimmering statue of Sylvan alloy. Baerd kept this preserved trophy so that Bucklan could be with him always. Baerd wandered long with the Grand Oak, learning much lore and history of his adoptive homeland. Because it was Padraig who largely shaped Baerd’s connection with the Rhythm, it was of the Old, lacking the militant thrum of the New, antique and nostalgic and serene. Ironic for an outsider to be one of a handful of Sylvan to claim such a legacy. With Padraig’s endorsement, Baerd became part of the honor guard of the noble, Folan Silverhart, a fellow admirer of antlered beasts. When Folan’s lands were besieged by the Corrupted stirred up by Kurosa the Covetous’ invasion of Teleria, Folan ordered Baerd to flee the Corruption that was overtaking his home. Mournful, yet obedient, and seeing that his liege was doomed, Baerd escaped the carnage.