Gregory Bradshaw

The name 'Bradshaw' is no stranger to the lands of Arden Vale, even as a new noble line, it has forever been that where a Starling sits, a Bradshaw is at his side. A family steeped in tradition and duty, Gregory Bradshaw is no different. A man of a gregarious nature (as per his name), he is the oldest living nephew to the last Bradshaw that stood beside Duke Joseph Starling, Glen Bradshaw.

A man of the Wall, Gregory was not groomed to be a steward like his uncle before him, however, he stayed in the Village of Arden to man the wall against the vicious beasts of the land and help travelers pass through the dangerous swamps. A man known for his jokes, riddles and particular flair for wordplay (even with an atrociously thick Arden accent), Gregory may not have been trusted with all of old Glen's secrets, but he is a hard working and faithful man of the Vale. When a new family had to be set into place, as Joseph raised through the ranks, there was no question who he would choose to take his mantle, especially as Glen took Gregory's third son under his wing and began grooming him as Joseph's next chamberlain.

Unfortunately, in the wake of the Schism, Gregory's uncle and the notable head of the Bradshaw clan, Glen, died. With Gordon still requiring training and Gregory's reign fresh in the eyes of the people, many of the secrets of Arden remain buried, deep, without Glen to unearth them. Luckily, Gregory still has his good sense and training to fall back upon, making him a true Lord of the People.

• May 09, 479: Gregory is born as a citizen of Arden Vale to Gulliver and Marianne Bradshaw. He is the first son.
• January 07, 490: Gregory joins the men of the Wall at the age of 15, nearly 16.

• September 03, 491: Gregory weds Leanne.
• July 10, 492: Greyson is born.
• March 12, 494: Godwin is born.
• June 22, 496: Gordon is born.
• November 18, 499: Gennette is born.
• December 507: Gordon, at age 13, is given to Joseph and Glen, to rear as the next Chamberlain to the Starling Household.
• October 22, 508: Gregory endures the death of his uncle, Glen, and his father, Gulliver, in the Great Schism.
• November 508: Gregory is named Lord Regent of Arden Vale.
• January 509: Gregory is quietly named Lord Arden Vale, granting him and his family the full rites of the title.

A fitting name for the man, Gregory is an amiable, charismatic and friendly man, if a little rough around the edges, as most are when they come from the swamplands of Arden Vale. With an accent that immediately marks him from his homeland, Gregory--alternately often called 'Grey' or simply 'Bradshaw'-- is not the soft figure of nobility. A man of stories and gruff, earthy knowledge, he is a hardy man worthy of the name, and like every other Bradshaw seems to, his connection to the Starling family is solid and unwavering, as it has been since Arden Starling found the Vale.

Prone to boasts of his grand deeds and other 'fish stories', Gregory may come off unfiltered and while his manners are very well in place and he recognizes just where his bread is buttered, there still clings to him that grounded and humble citizen and servant to the throne.

Due to his years on the wall, he is proficient in wielding his magic in a combative manner, he is also handy with a pike. There is also an inherent fascination with animals of all sorts and types, not only restricted to the dangerous ones that dwell in the swamps. He does fancy himself something of a taxidermist, as well. In his off time.

When it comes to his Lordly duties, he is still learning. Especially with so many of the secrets of the Vale gone with the death of his uncle, Glen, there is much to learn and adapt to. There are days of frustration, but he yet manages to laugh most of it off. He is not prone to getting himself mingled in the quagmire of politics if he can help it, he is solely concerned with the practical matters of helping his people over political shouldering.

Gregory Bradshaw/Connections

• He fancies himself as something of a taxidermist, a love he discovered as a young man.
• He's a specialist in the areas of beasts and plant lore in the swamplands, and also a damn good source for information when it comes to some of the more dangerous components.
• His first son was named after him and his nickname, Grey.
• His third son, Gordon, is currently the ward of Joseph Starling and Lazuli Starling, training as their future chamberlain.