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Torgils hails from a small coastal Scandinavian village on the Western shore of the Gulf of Bothnia. Growing up, Torgils always dreamed of adventure, but being an only child, his duties were at home caring for the farm while his father was away trading. Life in the village was never easy for Torgils but it was a good life. He learned farming, hunting, gathering, fishing, and even a little blacksmithing.
When Torgils was only 14, his village was hit by a horrid winter that took the lives of many of the villagers, including his father. When summer finally came, Torgils quickly stepped up to help rebuild the settlement. Unfortunately the winter had also taken the lives of the last two oxen that were used to plow the fields. Torgils, being both strong and stubborn, decided to take over the role of the oxen. His work was noticed, and soon people began to call him “The Ox”. From that day on this nickname would stick with him. By his 20th year, there was not much left of his village. After his mother’s death, Torgils decided it was time to finally make his way out on the adventures he had always desired to go on as a child. He wandered from place to place, village to village, helping where he could to pay his way. One day, he overheard a few people talking about a voyage across the great sea in search of an encampment of a band of Vikings that had made a home in a far off new land. He could not help himself. His wanderlust drove his need to find out more. Through much effort, he found his way onto the ship bound for the new land. Upon arrival, Torgils was welcomed into Jarl Aesa’s ranks, and began working to learn the ways of his new family and this new land. The thing that amazes him most about this new land is how easy it is to "trade" with the locals. From shinny hats and trinkets to various foods, Torgils has developed a real skill for trade! |