The Fara Pertingi
THE FARA PERTINGI
A CHRONICLE of illustrious members commissioned by Luitprand Pertingi
Anno 832, Abbey of Vermal
By Brother Aicard
Aripert (530-590, estimate)
Aripert is believed to be the first of the long line of freemen that would eventually be called Pertingi. Written records of him are scarce and dominated by half-legend. Some oral stories and songs talk about facts such as dueling a giant, siring a hundred children, killing the Emperor (who in some stories is a dragon) and having the blood of wolves -- and as absurd as they may seem, they probably had some grain of truth to base from and exaggerate. Of what little is truly known about him, it should be noted he was surely a personal bodyguard of a powerful chieftain, travelled across all Calradia and was known as a great warrior. His death, too, is murky with myth, but it is well established he lived long, so a natural death is likely.
Guntard (755 - 815)
A capable leader of men and close friend of Rex Warnefrid, Guntard was the first of his blood to be elevated to nobility and have his own arms. They were gained during the Rex’s campaign against the Empire when Guntard and his two brothers Sigfrit and Zaban had learned ski warfare during their time in Sturgia and this made it possible for them to teach a band of a hundred men and cross the Highlander mountains to flank the Imperial troops. The ensuing Battle of the Golden Wings was instrumental in defending Galend and winning the war against the Empire.
Guntard chose three red lions on a blue background (#694) as his arms, after him and his brothers battling on the snow. He named his clan Pertingi, after his ancestor Aripert, and decided as the family motto thus: “Ad omnia paratus” - Prepared For All. He eventually died peacefully of natural causes. Guntard’s skis are still kept as a heirloom.
Wigilinda (754 - 795)
Guntard’s sister, she was married at a young age to the Baron of Vyincourd, Ewald Agilofing. She soon produced an heir, named Ansfrit, though fate would make it so that a year after his birth the Baron succumbed to illness at the age of twenty. Ewald left in his dying breaths that his wife would be the only regent until his son reached adulthood, for he was distrustful of his vassals and councillors. Wigilinda was thus thrust into an impious and treacherous world of politics without warning, though with experience as her sole teacher she proved to be a masterful ruler. She dodged three assassination attempts and eventually had to imprison almost all her councillors, though she remained merciful and simply banished them from Vlandia. Her vassal’s heirs proved easier to manage, as most were children like her heir. Often nicknamed “The Nanny of Many”, she remained offering good advice even when she stepped down sixteen years later.
She remained a widow until her death of illness. Her issue remained the rulers of Vyincourd, and her grandson can fondly consider the Pertingi as his kin.
Sigfrit (757 - 820)
Following his family’s ascension to nobility, Sigfrit parted from his brothers’ side and travelled eastward. After a series of adventures as a mercenary, deliveryman and innkeep, he settled on the monastery of Albudia, near Suno, although in reality it consisted of travelling to other monasteries across Vlandia and the Empire to bring back books. He copied a hundred books in his life, ranging from chronicles like this one to medicinal guides, some in perfect condition others on the verge of being forgotten, but above all he disseminated this knowledge, specifically those of medicine. The locals around the monastery regarded him in great esteem, as no doubt his efforts saved many lives. He died of natural causes, whereupon all of Albudia attended his burial. Many of these books were copied again by other monasteries, as well as bought by the Fara Pertingi. Some faithful have been motioning for Brother Sigfrit to be sanctified.
Raginmund (781 - 817)
Guntard’s third child, young Raginmund decided to seek his own fortune as a mercenary for the Chief of Varcheg. He proved himself a capable lieutenant, trainer and sailor in defending the Sturgian coast against Jumnish raiders. At the end of his third contract with the Chief, Raginmund travelled to Jumne and joined a raider leader. He rose through the ranks eventually captaining his own longship as they pillaged the coasts of Sturgia, Vlandia and Balion until he was captured by the Sturgians.
He awaited execution in Varcheg when he pleaded for his life to his former employer. The Chief decided to pardon his piracy in exchange of his lifelong service in defending the river estuary against sea raiders. Died by an arrow in naval battle against the Jumnish. He said his last words in Sturgian: “I have picked no wife, built no family; I have committed many sins, I only hope my work here saved more lives than I took. Thank you, Maker.”
Alachis (775 - 831)
Guntard’s first son, Alachis soon proved himself a worthy successor for his family’s long line of brilliant warriors. Veteran of many battles, mostly domestic peacekeeping, his deeds range from saving a village from marauders to rescuing countless hostages, most of them dames. Despite his advancing age, he joined Rex Amalareiks in war. He was joined by his sons, Ardoin and Liutprand as his lieutenants. The king’s own army was advancing to Jaculan when it was ambushed in the forest by Highlander and Imperial troops, and tragedy fell as in the chaos Alachis and Ardoin were struck down. Liutprand took his father’s sword and managed to reorganize his comrades and drive the enemy off. Despite the fact a third of the army had been lost, Rex Amalareiks pressed on and captured Jaculan. Alachis lies alongside his eldest son in a humble grave on the roadside.
Ragilo (782 - 830)
Alachis’ cousin and Zaban’s son, Ragilo like Raginmund left Vlandia at a young age in search of fortune. His travels led him south to the free cities of Geroia. At first he offered his martial services as a guard, however through observation he developed a sharp business sense that eventually served him well when opening his own business in Almadavara. Ragilo purchased valuable goods such as cloves, saffron and dyes and shipped them to the Empire and Vlandia. He would be infamous for wearing heavy fur clothing in the harsh summer sun of the south.
He made a considerable fortune from his enterprise and had a family of three sons and four daughters. Died of natural causes at age 50. He left for his family all of his estate, and although most of his fortune had mysteriously disappeared, his descendants maintain a comfortable life and his business is headed by his eldest son.
Liutprand (born 783 A.D.)
The current patriarch of the Fara and recently appointed Gastald of Krenn, Liutprand has already made his valour known for arguably saving the king’s life and the Jaculan campaign. It hadn’t been a week after his father and brother’s death that the Rex’s army was engaged by the Empire, and as Liutprand was still healing from his wounds, his brothers would gain their glory.
Sigifrit led the companions of the Pertingi in a cavalry charge, driving a wedge in the enemy until he was brought down from his horse and beset by a hulking masked man in golden armor. They fought hard, but when Sigifrit thought he was losing his advantage, an arrow flew straight in his enemy’s weak spot - it was shot almost miraculously from across the field by his brother Unichis, though his skill left no one doubting of his deed. Sigifrit finished his foe off and kept his sword, as a sign of respect for he could have killed him just as much, and amidst the battlefield he held aloft both weapons and shouted Unichis’ name.
Meanwhile, their cousin Warinhari dragged both the dying and the dead from the frontlines. As he came back he saw the Comtes of Gisim being pursued by a cataphract, immediately spurring him to his horse, charging towards the path of his enemy and striking him down with his lance. It is said that Liutprand, overjoyed by the acts of his kin, was compelled to get up for the first time since the ambush and stand on the camp’s hill to welcome them back from the battle.
Not only a great warrior, but he also proves a competent administrator of his newly acquired lands. His generosity and piety is to be remembered for commissioning this chronicle, as the money will be well spent in aiding the folk of Vermal and spreading the Maker’s holy mission. Liutprand’s section is to be left open as he and his family further expand their legend.
Written by Borrisnator