Ephrom Thrarian

Ephrom Thrarian
Ephrom Thrarian was born the only child of bakers Marlena and Topher Thrarian, in one of the medium size cities. Growing up, it was around the age of 6 or 7 when his parents knew for sure that Ephrom had an affinity for magic. Enrolling him in a local school for magic users soon after, Marlena and Topher were determined that Ephrom be able to control his gifts. Ephrom excelled in school, both in study and in practice, and gained recommendations from his teachers upon graduation. He always enjoyed watching the soldiers coming in and out of the city, and so, inspired by his parents patriotism, Ephrom joined a military collage for mages. His own deep sense of patriotism grew, and his desire to protect his nation became strong. Through the collage, Ephrom joined the King's Army at age 20.

After 2 years of intense training, where he learned to cast defensive shields and magical weapons, Ephrom was in, and won, his first battle. Over the next few years, he gained a spotless and impressive military record. He rose to the rank of (Whatever the Medeival equivalent of a Lieutenant is), and gained a reputation for selflessness matched with fierce fighting. When Ephrom was 28, the Army was deeply involved in war with (another kingdom) attempting to move it's way into his country. Every battle had been difficult, but one was taking a heavy toll. Ephrom's unit was trapped in a huge, barren valley where they had been ambushed. The enemy were raining down a hellfire of arrows, bolts, and massive arcane fireballs. There was very little cover, and the regiment was slowly but surely being picked off. With reinforcements too far away, and and injured in desperate need of care, Ephrom, the only mage left in the field, volunteered to stay behind and conjure a massive shield to cover the retreat. He stepped out and cast the largest shield he could, managing to keep it up just long enough for the rest of the regiment to get to the safety of the mountains. But his concentration failed, and he was buried in an explosion of fire and debris.

4 days later, Ephrom awoke in an infirmary tent severely wounded, and missing his right arm. After reinforcements finally arrived and drove the enemy back, the Battle Medics had scavenged his barely living body from the rubble. Even with intense healing spells that brought him back from the brink of death, they could not help Ephrom recover completely with their scarce resources. Ephrom was sent home, where he received a high ranking commendation (from the King or from a noble involved in the military), and was honorably discharged. He spent most of his recovery in the care of the monks of (god that exists in this world?) at Sunstone Abby, using the time wandering the halls of the monastery, and reading every book they would let him borrow. After six months of learning to use his left arm, and learning magic to help in day to day life, Ephrom found himself without a calling, and few prospects. Compassionate towards his plight, the Abbot, Father Mataxis (MUH-TAX-ISS, 70s, clean shaven) offered him the chance to stay at the abbey as a groundskeeper in exchange for room and board. Perhaps he would find a new life with them in their piety. Ephrom accepted, and has spent the last 6 years in their service. While over that time he never felt the call to take up the life of a monk, he has grown a great respect for their worship, and a deep bond with them all. However, he still keeps his military weapon and tunic in good condition, maintaining a fool's hope that someday, he may have use for them again.