Bolg

The shadow behind the visor....Photo Credit Lore Dagguere

One day many moons ago a fierce warrior emerged from the mist. Wearing full plate armor and a long blade, all you can see of his person is a dark shadow behind a narrow visor. None truly can attest to know him. Some say he is a disgraced Danish warrior, while others claim he is a mercenary, wanderer, or a legend. Yet there is no evidence to back these claims and all that is certain is doom at the sight of the armored horse head. He is a friend if you’re not afraid and a torment to those who would halt his travels. His true name is now lost to time, but most simply call him Bolg (real name Adam Grote; he/him/his)

Overview

Titles

The Mad Brewer
The Bratty Phantom
The Guide

Details

Several Realms have legends that corroborate the existence of the Armored Phantom. Although all of them are slightly different, many of them detail a figure that stands out in their respective lore. Most of these stories detail a figure clad in armor that appears during military campaigns but fades away after the fighting is over. It is not clear whether the phantom appears via a summons, appears to fights and/or cause he deems worthy, or simply enjoys the thrill of battle.

History

Seal of Bolg, Credit: Jayme "Gidget" Bussing of Gidget Draws

Records Lost

All that exists from our records about Bolg is the Chronicler’s notes in the margin of his title page. It reads:

The Mad Brewer takes the job of camp cook very seriously for someone of his martial prowess. To him it is not just about providing food. It is about making sure that everyone he is responsible for is fit for combat. If you have an upset stomach, he can help. If you have low energy, the cook fixes that. Low on rations, and Bolg makes it work. You budget is of no concern to him. If there is one thing that he likes more than fighting, it is making sure that everyone in his camp has a full belly. He is once quoted as saying, “It is the camp cook’s responsibility for the camp’s health as well as their nutrition and fitness!” His philosophy does not end at solid food for he believes that alcohol is a food ration for he says, “Why else would I learn how to brew mead? It provides the vital nutrient for boosting the camp’s morale!” Personal Note: Ask him for a recipe on how to properly prepare venison.

Legends and Folklore:

The legend of the armored phantom exists within multiple realms some separated by vast distances. It is not clear how many such legends exist, but the one's that are known have been documented below.

The Bratty Phantom (Mictlán):

Legend tells of a spirit that has appeared during battle alongside the warriors of Mictlán. Nobody knows why. Some say it is serving the bidding of a bruja, but don't let it hear you say that. The phantom has been known to show up time and again, often without request. People say it just doesn't like being told what to do and, if asked to help, even if it has already intended to, will choose not to lend its skills in battle.

Nowadays we just leave it be, occasionally leaving out a spare cask of ale or mead that mysteriously disappears by the next morning, or sometimes as soon as moments.

- Metztli, Warchief of Mictlán

The Engineer Core actually have multiple stories about the phantom and it's unclear why their realm seems to have such varying opinions on the entity.

The Guide (Engineer Core):

Fighters tell of an armored guide. Some call him Tinker Bolg. He often shows up to ensure the safety of an encampment. Before and during a trip the guide will teach younger fighters about history and customs. Middling fighters will be advised on financials and equipment. Older fighters in the unit will be introduced to new varieties of alchohol.

The guide is an invaluable part of the unit and all guidance he provides is appreciated.

- Crunchy

The Entity (Engineer Core):

An entity bound to the confines of his plate armor. A terrifying force on the battlefield, causing foes to flee from the clank of his armor. The only thing more fearsome than this monster is the beast that escapes from it's metal prison. Few survive meeting this creature outside of its armor as it pilfers the belongings of all who are near, bringing madness to all its victims. The few who can survive this unbound menace are entranced by it and are sworn to servitude, to rebind it in cold steel when the time for violence arrives.

- Pastor Ripper

“I swear it came out of nowhere…no one wearing that much armor should be able to sneak up on a person like that, but I guess that’s where its name comes from. I just wish the stories warned of the 8ft pole it carried around before I experienced it firsthand.”

- Eyewitness account from Bohemian Slim