Uric of the Redsmiths

Uric of the Redsmiths is a key figure in the Redsmiths clan, and a semi-renowned figure amongst the Mountain Clans of the Vale. Following the death of Roland Arryn he aided Valla of the Redsmiths in her escape, bringing her back to her people and aiding her in her rule.

He served as chief and warleader for the Redsmiths until his adopted son Royce came of age.

Before the Crisis
Uric was a small child, born to a fairly unimportant pair in the clan, and not expected to long survive the harsh life in the mountains. His size and his status worked against him in his younger years, leading to teasing and insults from other children.

This changed as Uric grew towards manhood, his height at last finding him - though he would never be a tall man. The mockery of his peers led him towards swordcraft and other tangible skills, hoping to prove his worth to the tribe as a fighter and a hunter.

By the time he was fifteen Uric began to cause quite a stir among the Redsmiths, his skill with the blade and his knowledge of the wilderness transforming him into an incredibly useful figure. It was around this time that he caught the eye of the woman Valla, daughter of the chieftain of the clan.

Despite Uric's skills it was largely agreed that he was not a fitting match for the girl. Better a youth from some other clan, for an alliance, or a stronger, more suitable male from the Redsmiths. In an effort to prove his worth Uric departed for the lowlands, journeying into the Vale proper with no company save his rusted sword and a bow. He was gone for months, to the point where some feared he might have been killed; until one dusk in 379AC he returned with a heavy golden circlet and a sack of gold coins, ostensibly stolen from the Eyrie itself.

Though the origin of the treasure could not be verified, its worth could be; and it was plain the artifacts were true. But before the youth could be betrothed to his desired love, her father returned - with news of a better match.

Valla was set to wed Roland Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie and of the Vale. She departed to the Eyrie at once, there to dwell for a time until Roland saw fit to announce their engagement.

Uric was distraught, and disappeared into the woods once again - this time not to return for a year. When he did, he was a man changed, far more quiet and reserved, but just as devoted to his clan as he had ever been.

With the wedding fast approaching, Uric opted to attend - though he could not bring himself to watch the ceremony. Instead he lurked on the periphery, out in the woods closer to the lake. It proved fortunate - for as the Crisis took shape, he ran into the fleeing Princess Valla.

Afterwards
Uric aided Valla in her escape, leading her back to their clan after a harrowing journey through the wilds of the Mountains of the Moon. He served her loyally thereafter, swearing not only his sword but his life and heart as well - the two would become lovers and consorts in later years, though she would never take him as a true sworn husband.

With Valla as the clan chieftess, Uric served at her side as warleader - conducting raids and battles against neighbouring tribes and Valemen, winning gold, goods, and glory for the Redsmiths.

The King in the Mountains
In time Valla's son - ostensibly by Roland, though some suspected Uric - began to grow, and it fell to Uric to teach the boy all that he ought know. Uric showed him the hidden paths of the forest and how to hunt deer in total silence; he explained the intricacies of sword-fighting and archery, and trained him in combat and martial matters both. When the boy came of age Uric stepped aside as war-leader, letting the youth take command of their forces -- which were largely internal battles against other Clansmen, until 407AC and the Ambush on the High Road.