Gerfried Clauser

Appearance

Gerfried stands straight  at an even six feet, a man distinguished by his ropy muscles. He walks with a relaxed gait that shows the potential for action in each step. Such movements were akin to a tiger's casual grace, subconsciously mindful of the nearby environment. His skin is a darker color that has been tanned from years outside under the harsh sun. Beyond this, his hands are covered in a number of thick calluses, a sign of long hours of work in the field

From a farmer's stock, Mr. Clauser has the traditional features of his line. Thick jawed, a short nose, a heavy brow, and eyes that tend to squint as they observe the nearby world. His expression most often looks bored and calm. Looking at him shows him as a clear descendant from blunt men of the earth. His face is host to a rather healthy beard of brown-blonde hair that he keeps trimmed and contained to present a more groomed appearance. The top of his head is usually cut as well.

Taking a note from some of the newer members of the Alliance, Gerfried most often dresses in light, looses robes styled for ease of movement. Though, he can occasionally be seen in more sturdy leather armor as well. A black bag always hangs tied on the right side of his waist. Sturdy, yet relaxed, some might be able to draw the inference that this man is a monk from the number of scars on his knuckles or the markings on his clothes. He speaks in a slow drawl and usually smells of a spicy incense.

History

Early Years

Gerfried was born four years before the opening of the Dark Portal on the southern coast of Lordaeron, near the town of South Shore. His parents were Robert and Juliet Clauser. Both owned a small parcel of land that they primarily used for an apple orchard. Their ancestors had long lived among those southern hills as works of the land. They also made the occasional coin in raising small farm animals. It was a simple enough life for peasants and they were generally content with their lot in life. So came their decision to have a child, the son who they would name after Robert Clauser's own father.

There was little complication to Gerfried's birth and he was born healthy and hale. Four years after his birth, the Dark Portal opened the pathway for the coming of the Orcs. Both citizens chose to stay in the relative safety of the north, avoiding the combat as best they could, weathering the wars until they passed. But it was with the rise of the Horde and Scourge that the family made the decision to move to the newly rebuilt kingdom of Stormwind. Only able to travel with what they could carry, they found positions as tenat farmers in Westfall. The work was less rewarding than their previous freedom. However, it was what they could get to make a new life away from the rising threats in their homeland.

Adulthood

There was little chance for Gerfried to thrive in the tough life he had been born into. Once in the south, it took most of his time working with his elderly parents to eek out a living. But he was satisfied making sure that they were taken care of and safe from the Horde and other monsters of Azeroth. So it went for many years. He even found the love of a seamstress by the name of Lauren Falliet. But happiness was not meant to be for the Clauser line. Deathwing rose from his earthen sanctuary and wrout the Cataclysm onto the world. The heaving ground and crashing waves destroyed their household and ended the lives of Robert, Juliet, and Lauren. Gerfried managed to survive by luck, having been out at market.

Homeless and without family, Gerfried was faced with issues that had been plaguing many residents of Stormwind in recent years. He was unable to get proper work and was forced to steal food to survive. He eventually turned to drinking as well, struggling to deal with the extreme loss that the Aspect of Death had caused. So he struggled on for several more years in a fugue as the heroes of the world came together to end the great black dragon. But knowledge of the terror's defeat did not bring him much joy. There was little purpose to his life as he was without loved ones and had no profession to work.

Lessons of Pandaria

When the Pandaren joined the Alliance, they brought with them their monk teachings and philosophies. They were arguably less jaded than many of the humans of Stormwind. Thus, they were open about offering training in the ways of a monk and the teachings of tushui. Gerfried was interested in learning more after seeing a Pandaren training as he passed through Sentinel Hill. Aimless and alone, he made the journey to Stormwind City to try and begin training. The masters there were more than willing to take him in for one of their classes. Yet, they sensed the disarray in his life and warned against misusing what they taught him.

Initially the farmer's commitment to learning was only superficial. He found the skills they had to be facinating, but balked at a return to hard work after he had found escape in drinking for several years. But his old personality won out as he began to sober up and take to the rigorous routine. The effort reminded him of the old days when he would work the fields with his family. He found himself revitalized by the training. Mr. Clauser also managed to find a job as a courier in the city, earning enough coin for a place to live and clean clothes. Despite the skills he had gained, he was still lacking in purpose. So his mind turned to thoughts of his homeland in the north and how he might help Lordaeron once more.

Ravenwood

After signing on with the Royal Army as a courier, Gerfried managed to avoid the hostilities of the War of Argent Aggression. But his first action took place when action was taken in regards to the Ravenwood Schism. They were sent to help re-establish order during the uprising of the false consul. His first mission involved working with a reverend mother and others to destroy a dark creature, winning the loyalty of the town of Stonewall Crossing. This was soon followed by the battle of Stonewall Crossing, where he was given his first command of troops. They managed a strong victory. This was followed by several more battles, won less successfully.

Of note, Gerfried Clauser also took part in killing a troll within a local cave with other soldiers that won the support of a local mayor. As well as winning the support of the Archmage Edgar for subduing his rogue apprentice. The situation culminated in the defeat of the consul after numerous battles throughout The River's Eye. He was later promoted to Armsman under a man named West.

Recent Events

As of late, Gerfried Clauser has been serving in Eastfold. His aim to either avoid war or to ensure Eastfold triumphs over Stonesmeet. As well as activity progressing against the Forsaken. Took part in a celebration in Highpass for various Queen's Champions.