Maxwell Winson

Maxwell 'Max' Winson was born in Greystone to poor parents. His parents, Stanley and Elizabeth, worked odd jobs to provide as best they could for Maxwell and his older sister Leah. Nevertheless, their upbringing in the Shins left a lot to be desired. He and his sister never got any proper schooling, but learned their street smarts in fights with the other kids. While Maxwell usually won, Leah was smarter than him, and knew better when to run.

The Greystone City Guard were always hated by the kids of the Shins - it was the symbol of the rich people across the river. Shouting taunts or throwing stones at passing guards was a regular pastime. This usually ended in a footchase, but if you knew enough shortcuts you would get home safe.

During Maxwell's teens, Leah fell in with a gang of thieves and started coming home with expensive gifts for Maxwell and their parents. Maxwell knew it was wrong, and tried to convice Leah to leave the criminal life, to no avail - the boons of her new lifestyle far outweighed the risks in her view.

Maxwell realized that the only way to get away from it all was to cut and run. When he was 18, Maxwell signed up for the Greystone City Guard, the only organization that valued his fighting skills. Relations with his family quickly deteriorated, as his parents took Leah's side, caring more for the gold she brought home than right or wrong. He still remembers the last time he saw his parents and sister, before leaving the Shins for good.

In the Guard, he quickly made new friends among his fellow recruits, especially a girl his age named Anna. Anna, with ginger hair and a freckled smile, was from Southhold, up the Quickwater, and was the daughter of farmers. She had no interest in living her life in a small town.

Maxwell and Anna pushed each other through the grueling parts of the training, growing close. Luckily, they were assigned to the same unit under Captain Steinar Hornmail.

They shared their first kiss during their first night shift, stationed atop Wheatgate. If anyone tried to sneak in that night, it would have been quite easy to do so. Maxwell knew that a covert relationship was not right, and convinced Anna that they should come clean to Captain Hornmail.

Captain Hornmail was less than impressed, but thanked them for their honesty. He gave them an ultimatum - get married or get transferred. They chose to marry, and made their vows on the summer solstice in the Temple of Freya.

With their combined incomes, Maxwell and Anna could afford a small apartment in Riverside, instead of sharing barracks with other guardsmen. They were permitted to patrol together, always keeping order where they walked. When the kids in the Shins threw rocks, Maxwell simply laughed and insulted them right back.

A year after they married, Anna gave birth to Maia, a beautiful daughter. Anna now stays home, and Maxwell has to provide for his family. His contract is coming due, and if he went adventuring, perhaps he could ensure a better future for Maia?

Last he heard of Leah, she had scored big and bought the Jolly Fowl, the bar where they would sneak in as kids to get drunk. Where she got the money, Maxwell does not know, but he is convinced it was some illicit activity.

Personality

Freya

Traits

• I always have a good quip or insult, depending on the situation.
• I face problems head-on. A simple, direct solution is the best path to success.

Ideals

• Responsibility. I do what I must and obey just authority. (Lawful)

Bonds

• I need to provide for my new family.
• I am afraid that others will judge me for my family.

Flaws

• I obey the law, even at personal loss to myself.

---

• 1: Polearm Master
• Human FS: Dueling
• 1: FS: Superior Technique
  • Bait and Switch
• 3: Maneuvers
  • Commanding Presence
  • Precision Attack
  • Pushing Attack
• 4: +2 str
• 6: +2 str
• 8: Tough/Alert/Res:wis/Martial Adept