Andrick was born in lands far to the north of the Realm of Darkon, lands which only recently came to be known by their true name, Scandia. His father was Osric son of Rowe, and his mother was named Ellsa. He was raised in the manner of the Norse, with sword at his side and spear in hand almost from birth. The glory of battle and the call of the sea are the codes to which he was born. The gods of the Norse were made known to him, and to all he pays honor, from Odin, Sif and Thor to Hel and Loki, although the latter two with some hesitation.
In the early years of life, Andrick made many excursions to the south, as his people are apt to do. Many villages were put to the torch and many southlanders fell to his spear and blade. It was upon one such raid that Andrick found his true purpose in life, when he was given a vision from the god Thor. Thor commanded “Throw your spear and sword into the sea, that I may know your faith is strong” And Andrick obeyed, throwing both spear and family sword into the sea. Thor continued “Your life is now mine, you shall serve me and no other. You will remain in the southlands and spread the word of my glory to the people there. You shall never again wield spear or sword, but only the hammer, mace or morning star. When the southlands are as the North, then you may return home”. From that time, Andrick has never returned home.
Having his path laid before him, Andrick began to travel south. Many villages he passed, but none seemed to be right. Most folk met along the way fled, fearing the wild Norseman after years of raids upon their lands. After many months of travel, he found Duke Cailen, a friend Andrick had known from an excursion into the south many years earlier. Andrick knew Cailen to be a good and honorable man, as well as skilled in the arts of war. They spoke, and Cailen told Andrick of the lands of Darkon and his own nation of Elidor. While the word of Thor includes much warfare, Andrick knew he needed a place to call home and agreed to join Cailen in Elidor.
Andrick stayed in Elidor for many years, helping the Nation grow and become strong. The time came, however, when friction developed between Cailen, who was king of Elidor, and some of the members of the military, including Andrick. It was at this time that Andrick left the lands of Elidor to found his own country with some of the other military men who also desired change. Thus the nation of Alcajar was formed. Shortly after this time, the god Thor again visited Andrick. “This is not the way. You are failing me. Perhaps you are not the one”. The next morning, Andrick left the lands of Darkon and was not seen for two years. No one knows where he was, or what occurred while he was gone.
Andrick returned to the Realm of Darkon with a renewed spirit and lust for what he is best at, combat. Alcajar had dissolved in his absence, and so it was that he rejoined Elidor, who now had a new king in Lord Alfred. Lord Alfred is also skilled in the arts of war, and has much honor. Alfred named Andrick to his old post, Minister of War. Andrick accepted, realizing at this time that it had been a mistake to ever leave Elidor in the first place, a mistake which he regrets to this day.
After several years of fighting in the Realm of Darkon, participating in many campaigns over those years, Andrick felt the time was right to put his skill to the test. He petitioned the Nobles of Darkon to join their ranks, and was granted the opportunity to fight for the title of Knight. His opponent was chosen, and Baron Raick and Andrick met in the following Tournament. Baron Raick narrowly defeated Andrick, but the Nobles agreed that he had fought well and Andrick was granted the title of Knight.
Several more years were spent fighting and spreading the word of Thor to the southlanders. At this time Andrick met Alexiata, the woman who would become his wife. Alexiata had traveled to Darkon from a far away land known as Avalon, wanting to see more of the world for herself. Andrick was drawn to the strong willed Daughter of the Moon, and soon they fell in love. After a short courtship, their hands were tied in the old tradition of handfasting and they have been together ever since.
Shortly after the ceremony, Andrick received the first word he has had from home since he came to the Realm of Darkon. His brother, known only to the people here as “Andrick's brother” or “Abe” came down from the north and also joined the nation of Elidor. His brother has proven an apt fighter, although he is somewhat different in his methods then is Andrick. The two do not get along well, so much so that they have never been seen together in the same place at the same time.
Andrick continues his work, spreading the word of Thor to all who will listen. He has made some progress over the years, and Thor is the patron god of Elidor to this day. Most nations of the realm have at least one follower of the Norse ways, and many have direct worshippers of Thor. To aide in the continuing spread of the glory of Thor, Andrick felt it was time to take the next step and become more well known within the realm. To this end, he again petitioned the Nobles of Darkon, this time for the right to fight for the rank of Baron. His opponent this time was chosen to be Lord Keldar of Mordom, and they met in the ring at the next Tournament. In a great display of skill by both combatants, Andrick defeated Keldar by the narrowest of margins and was dubbed Baron by the king of Darkon, His Majesty King Tarim.
Here the story of Lord Andrick VanDahl, High Priest of Thor, Elidorian Minister of War, Field Marshall of the Infantry and Baron of the Realm ends, for now. The Glory of Thor has yet to be spread to all within the Realm, but Andrick continues with his work. Perhaps, if all goes well, someday he shall be able to return home. Perhaps.