Since Ajay Young asked about Red Tails backstory, and inspired by David Wileys posts , i figured id give it a shot.
At the Laughing Goblin:
AS the catfolk speaks, you notice that he tends to roll his "r"s and hiss his "s"s, and switches indiscriminately between person and tenses, possibly inidcatign that common is not his native tongue, and he
"So you wish to hear my tail?"
Red Tail chuckles as the four foot long appendage lashes slowly and says:
"
Yes..I have fought Orcs before, and many other wicked folk. Goblins..I've fought Goblins alot...against the Red Hand Horde in the wars. My travels have led me into many predicaments, though I especially dislike those who prey on the weak. Whether they be monster, man or beast. Which is why I chose to battle those brigands on the road."
"I am from the Shaar, a vast savannah that stretches nearly half of the continent. My people roam the
northern grasslands... We follow the herds that sustain us, occassionally trading with other tribes, mechants, and travellers.. We live simply..most of the day is spent playing around, basking in the sun, or hunting for food.
L
ong ago, I realized the wild, empty savannah is not enough to satisfy my natural curiosity for any length of time. Leaving my clan, I set out to explore the Northlands. My natural talents served me well as a scout, messenger. guide, tracker and caravan guard. For the past several years I have wandered to and fro, sometimes serving as a bounder for some petty lord..more often just helping a freeman defend his hold. "
" Travelling the trade routes of Faerun, I have tried to keep the roads safe, and defend those who need it. Though of late I have spent a good deal of time herding goats.
A month or so ago, I met an old man who lost his goats. I found the goats in canyon, and brought them them back for him. Red Tail was then tending goats for elderly couple. I like goatherding. I got to roam the hills, throw rocks at wildcats, and eventually came to an understanding with the local wolfpack concerning "my goats". I even chased off a few goblins. Each night I brought the goats from the pasture to the corral, and received a lump of goat cheese for payment.
I like Goat cheese! Sometimes, I even got goat meat, though that was the exception , rather than the rule.
Anyways: To shorten my tale:
Red Tail then quickly spins and checks the length of his lashing tail.
"No, not that one" He continues, grinning at the jest.
However, a few tendays ago, the couples son had returned, and Red Tail was out of a job. Again. .
But the son proved to be interesting. It was he who sent me on this delivery errand. Being a goatherd was fun..but I often need to feel the wind on my face and see the ground moving beneath my feet. I hired on as a sellsword for a caravan headed to Mulmaster, and then another to Phlan, and thats how i ended up here"