
Galen was born in the rugged heart of the Freelands, where strength of arms and the sharpness of one’s blade define the law of the land. As a child, tales of warriors, skirmishes, and the distant sounds of battle echoing through the hills surrounded Galen. His father, a once-great swordsman who had fallen on hard times, was a frequent storyteller, recounting vivid accounts of heroism, betrayal, and glory. These tales ignited a fire within young Galen, fueling his dream of becoming a warrior who would carve his name into the annals of history.
As soon as he was old enough to lift a sword, Galen trained relentlessly, pouring every ounce of effort into mastering the art of combat. His fiery spirit and relentless ambition led him to seek the tutelage of local mercenaries and seasoned fighters who roamed the Freelands. While some viewed him as nothing more than a braggart, claiming feats he had yet to accomplish, those who knew him recognized the prowess beneath his boastful exterior. Galen quickly earned a reputation for not only his skill with a sword but also his tendency to embellish every tale of his exploits, often casting himself as the hero of his own stories.
The harsh realities of the Freelands, however, tempered his youthful bravado. Galen learned that survival came with a price tag, often paid in blood. He began selling his sword to the highest bidder, taking contracts from noblemen and mercenary bands, and becoming embroiled in skirmishes that tested his combat skills and ethical boundaries. Each victory on the battlefield brought him wealth and notoriety, but with each kill, the weight of his choices grew heavier. Galen was not merely fighting for glory. He navigated a treacherous landscape where loyalty was scarce and betrayal was commonplace.
“That’s bullshat!” a mercenary yelled, pushing through the crowd and hopping the meager wooden barrier separating the combatants from the spectators. A burly display of muscle and steel, the merc bristled with weapons and held a tankard that splashed ale every which way as he spoke. “Show me this eslar so I can show him what real skill and technique look like!”
Those behind him raised a litany of cheers as they slapped him on the shoulders.
“What’s this, my friends?” Barnabus spun around, taking in the crowd. “Do we have our contestant’s first opponent? Will you step forward, Galen, and accept this challenge of a lifetime?”
Galen spat. “Challenge of a lifetime, my arse! I accept!”
- THE ALCHEMIST’S FORGE
Despite his charismatic bravado, Galen was a man of principles. He refused to take contracts that involved unnecessary cruelty or oppression of the innocent. This moral code and his reputation often put him at odds with unscrupulous clients and rivals. Nevertheless, he proved time and again that he was not to be underestimated. When push came to shove, he fought fiercely for those he deemed worthy. His blade was quick, but his sharp tongue and quick wit often won him allies—or enemies. Galen thrived in the tension of battle, turning foes into friends with a humorous quip while still holding onto his resolute nature.
Galen took stock of his life as he grew older, reflecting on the paths he had traversed and the people he had met along the way. Though bravado and flamboyance peppered his adventures, he yearned for something more profound—a sense of belonging and purpose beyond mere coin. For Galen, every challenge is a chance to prove he is more than a mere edge of steel. He is a mercenary with a heart, wielding his sword not just for the thrill of battle but for honor in a world that often seems devoid of it.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Galen first appears in The Alchemist's Forge (The Alchemancer Book Four).
