Bengard MacDhui
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Appearance
Bengard is in his mid to late forties – a very good age for this time period – and so appears somewhat old, having a very weathered face, though this is also due to his years of soldiering. He has a rather big nose, and his most noticeable facial feature: his long, thick and bushy, though impeccably well groomed beard tied into a neat tail at the base by a delicate red ribbon. His hair was a dark blond shade, but is now evidently greying.
In height, Bengard is imposingly tall, standing just over seven foot at 7'1". He is well built – sturdy and robust – and he is impressively muscular for a man of his age, which is likely due to his choice of weaponry, demanding great strength.
At most times Bengard is seen in full armour, carrying a daunting axe rested firmly on his shoulder, with his pipe or rum in hand with his other hand in his beard. Naturally. He will always wear a plate mail tunic - what he calls "a real man's armour".
History
Bengard was born in a small settlement in the forests of Samlethe – in close proximity of Despise – the son of Hamish MacDhui, a Chieftain of Clan Carnoustie, leader of the MacDhui sept. He comes from a line of tall, sturdy, robust males, which was well known where he was brought up as a MacDhui trait – much like the renowned MacDhui beard, which he grew with great pride. His father and grandfather made their living as lumberjacks, as did most males, this being an ideal profession considering the settlement’s surrounding area’s geography. As such, Bengard and his brother Glenn were proud to continue this tradition. Naturally, over the years, Bengard became very proficient in the use axes, particularly favouring the larger selection. However, being a lumberjack for all his days did not appeal to him, and his goal was in fact to help the forming of The 1st Samlethe Axers Company which had for long been discussed. When the day of the attack by an Ogre Horde on Bengard’s settlement had passed, the days of The 1st Woodland Axers Company had begun.
His father commanding the Company as Captain, Bengard was appointed an Ensign – an Officer in training under the watchful eye of his uncle, then a Lieutenant. Bengard gave years of dedicated, prosperous service to the first Military Company of his home which he had helped form, and reached the rank of Lieutenant himself. Bengard’s brother had a successful career also – if not more so, being more intelligent than simple Bengard – though there came a day when he was conceivably careless during a patrol to Despise, and was killed; Bengard did not weep. He knew his brother had died what he believed to be a good death. However, now getting on in his years, Bengard felt it was time to move on.
He resigned his commission as an Officer, and traveled east to the town of Cove. He had heard of Baron Richter’s glorious army, and thought he’d try his luck in a more professional force. It was not long before he resigned once more. Although he had enjoyed his small time in service, he refused to fight against the true Loyalists. To this day, Bengard knows not whether the Baronship of Cove was ever Loyalist or not during the time he served, though he faintly remembers days of a Covian and Yewish alliance, suggesting Loyalist – the only reason he enlisted. Perhaps he only imagined such an alliance; he is a simple man after all.
Moving back to the west, Bengard bypassed the valley that he recognised as home, and continued to Britain. This was where he enlisted with the Britannia Guard, whom he also served for a very short period: Spending time in Yew, he had reunited with his long lost chum, John Aldridge, and also met other bearded militia. On the grounds that the Britannia Guard’s soldiers lacked any half-decent beards, and were but a collection of "tea bags" - a Bengard-produced definition of wussies - he made his final decision to transfer to the Yew Militia, where he hoped to finally reach the age of retirement among the other beardies, whom he, naturally, greatly respects.
Guardsman Career
As a Footman, Bengard is tasked with carrying out the laborious tasks of being in a militia, and generally obeying any orders given to him – much to his disappointment. Though he holds one of the lowest ranks, he tends to, on occasion, try to give out orders to those of a younger age, being older and feeling he holds more experience and therefore being entitled to do so. He rather dislikes being a Footman, but reminds himself it won’t last forever; however, he will do his utmost best to get out of his duties and, most likely, have some rum. He also finds it impossible to refrain from retaliation, should someone of higher rank offend his or another’s beard.
Personality
First and foremost, Bengard takes much pride in his long, thick and bushy beard. He takes great offense at any negative comment towards any beard – offending any beard to any margin is blasphemy in itself. Not grumpy all the time, however, Bengard can have quite a good sense of humour. He has a great fondness for rum, drinking far too much of it on a daily basis, which will likely be his downfall. Bengard disrespects all younger guards believing he is superior in all his greatness, though ironically he is a very simple man. He has a soft spot for John Aldridge, believing they've been friends since childhood; though he can't quite remember. Bengard strongly believes his beard to be the epitome of beards.
Goals/Motivations
Bengard’s ultimate goal in life is to form a, as he puts it himself, “‘ard-arsed regiment o’ bearded chums”, and thereby greatly promoting the growth of beards throughout the militia and further, and of course, due to the presence of beards, become the most feared military regiment in Britannia. He then seeks to thereafter hold regiment classes to teach the art of maintaining a healthy, well-groomed beard.
Quotes
- "Tea?! CRUMPETS?! That's fer posh folk from Britain, not Yewmen, you feckin' tea bag."
- "Phil’s amissin'!?! Well get off yer feckin' arse then John. Never leave a beard be'ind! PHIIIIIL!!!!!"
- "Yeh dare criticise tha' beard!? BLASPHEMY!!"
- "Tha' youngsters? Pah! They're all baby-faced sods wi' nay experience, yet they think they know et all; but whet's worse is they've nay feckin' beards. 'Orrible stuff!"
Trivia
- Bengard has never shaved in his life. He takes great, great pride in his long, thick and bushy beard, which is groomed impeccably well several times a day, and covers most of his chest, reaching down to his belly, tied into a neat tail at the base by a delicate red ribbon.
- It is said that Bengard’s great-great-grandfather married the niece of Clan Carnoustie’s Chief at the time, resulting in all MacDhui family members adopting the name “Carnoustie” as their middle name.
- Bengard claims to have once drunk a full crate of Moonfire Brew and lived to speak of it. This has yet to be proven…
- In the past, Bengard has been nicknamed “Big Ben” due to his size and build.
