Manfred Egaleson Also known as “the bear” Culture: Norman – Crusader Period: 11th Century Weapon of Choice: Sword/spear/axe with shield Living History Life: Approximately 2 years, with some dalliances with other groups Real Name: Michael

History

Having been born just after the battle of Hastings to Norman folk, Manfred grew up in a difficult time in England. Raised with the expectation of a life of martial service, he took to a Lord Mensie as a squire, but he was never able to complete his training and become a full knight. Manfred chose to leave his lord’s service when the then Norman king of England died and things were starting to look grim.

He travelled back to his family’s homelands in Normandy with the intention of once again taking up his training with another patron with the help of letters of recommendation from his lord. But the lords of the land were unwilling to take him on and instead he found himself working with a band of mercenaries where what little skills he had were enough to keep him alive and fed.

Soon the band were moving on and with them went Manfred, to Aquitane, then Provence, Rome and then onward to Sicily and eventually Byzantium, following the trail of coin and plunder and along the way fulfilling his personal quest to become a fully fledged knight.

It was in Handakas that Manfred first met the Varangians, he grew an easy humour with them and it was not long before he too was hired by the Byzantines, who have for the time being persuaded Manfred to stay in the port town and defend it if need be. Lately though, groups of warriors have been passing through whom have been talking about “taking up the cross” and preaching the deliverance of sin through service in the holy land. Now with his heart heavy and righteous fear deep within his soul he has taken a keen interest in the teachings of the black robed members of the order Hospitalier, who seem as keen to do good works as they are to go to holy war.

Notes

I’ve been working hard at this hobby for quite some time now and am slowly starting to get quite a collection of gear together! Now with the new ranking system I have a goal to become a Strategos, the highest rank of fighter with the best gear. This will be no mean feat and I look forward to the journey as much as the goal! I would also love to complete a fully fledged kitchen set as a previous incarnation of my career was as a chef and that part of the hobby piques my interest greatly. All in all by the time my journey is complete I would like to be a walking talking medieval fair to myself! A lofty goal perchance? Maybe… We’ll see!