One of my favorite Arduin characters is the Barbarian. After all, everyone plays a "Conan" style character at some time in their gaming careers. However, my particular "Conan" is unique in that he is only 3'7 and weighs only 59 lbs! His name is "Beardfoot" the barbarian and, you guessed it, he is a Hobbit (Halfling to you AD&D people in Rio Linda)!

Beardfoot came from a tribe of nomadic hobbits located in the Scimitar Hills. He is a sixth level barbarian, with only average stats. His special ability is that he is "stupidly brave". About the only thing that makes him even remotely fearful are those things that won't stay dead like they're supposed to!

Beardfoot also has a nasty temper and is quick to react to any perceived injustice. He is also very prone to going berserk (40%) in the heat of battle, attacking everyone and everything within a 30 foot radius. As a result, he is banned from almost every tavern, pub and roadhouse in Arduin!

Beardfoot's claim to fame came approximately 19 years ago (1981) when the village of Hill Haven came under seige by a tribe of orcs lead by a Hill Giant. Realizing they had little chance of survival (they were outnumbered almost 20 to 1), Beardfoot decided to call the giant out (ala David & Goliath) and challenged him to weaponless combat!

The giant accepted Beardfoot's challenge; and when they met in the field of battle, Beardfoot's superior speed, agility and strength proved too much for the unsuspecting giant as Beardfoot commenced to make the giant's face look like a bowl of gruel! Needless to say, after seeing the hill giant beaten so quickly and easily, the Orcs lost all will for battle and beat a hasty retreat!

The moral of the story is never judge a book by it's cover. For you see, Beardfoot the Barbarian wears "Gaunlets of Ogre Power" AND a "Girdle of Storm Giant Strength"!

Beardfoot retired and is now living in the village of Hill Haven where he received the title of "High Sheriff and Guardian of the Realm". But since he has recently been banned from the town's only pub (some things never change), he is thinking of returning to his former life of adventure.