Biography
Name: Thorfinn Dalziel (AKA Chris Taylor)
Society Positions: Drengr; Hersir (Unit Commander); Member of the Black
Guard
Group Positions: Sturaesman, Treasurer, Group Stallari, & Training Thegn
Favourite Weapon: Sword & 2 handed long spear
History
My name: Thorfinn Dalziel (b. 970, 2nd son of Arfinn Dalziel)
Status: Brother to the current Laird of Lanackshire, noble family history.
Father: Arfinn Dalziel (b. 931. d. 974) - Land owner and Sheriff (now known a Lanackshire) – Given as a reward from King Kenneth II of Scotland, for valor and loyalty.
Mother: Gerlaf Dalziel (b. 936. d. 1001)
Brothers: Hazzlerigg Dalziel (b. 955)
Position: Laird of Lanackshire, inherited after the death of his father
Arfinn.
Ref Dalziel (b. 979, 3rd son of Arfinn Dalziel)
Arfinn’s great grandfather and family journeyed with
King Harald Fairhair of Norway to Scotland in 871, there they remained in
the orkney islands with the anointed 1st Earl of the Orkney's, "Jarl
Sigurd Eysteinsson (Sigurd the mighty)". The Family remained in the
service of the Earl until he died in 891 of blood poisoning from a scratch
he sustained. The family then left the Orkney's and settled in Lanark, where
they lived in peace when possible.
In the year 955 shortly after the coronation of King Kenneth II, the king
ordered his people to rally to his flag, in order for him to launch an attack
upon the Saxon held Northumbria. After the battle Arfinn’s brother
Thorgil was promoted to stallari (Marshal) and remained in Northumbria to
help secure and keep King Kenneth II’s interests in Northumbria. Whilst
Arfinn returned to Scotland.
In 956 Arfinn attended court. The King being exceedingly grieved, that a
favorite and near kinsman of his, was taken by the Picts and hanged upon
a gibbet.The King urged by grief of the disgraceful treatment of his friend,
proffered a large reward for the rescue of the body. But when none would
undertake this hazardous enterprise, Arfinn said unto the King, "DALZIEL",
which means, "I DARE". Which attempt he effectually then performed
to the Kings satisfaction, and for his reward King Kenneth granted him the
lands, and title of what is now Lanarkshire, and the word Dalziel for their
surname.
In 974 King Kenneth II (now in alliance with King Edgar of England) agreed
to offer support to King Edgar, in order to help Prince Hywel of Gwynedd
oust his uncle, King Iago of Gwynedd from his kingdom. During this battle
Arfinn was slain by soldiers loyal to King Iago.
Shortly after the death of his father Thorfinn was sent to live with his
uncle in Northumbria, where he was brought up and trained in the arts of
warfare and combat.
During Thorfinn’s 20th year, he started a fight one night with his
cousin, over a misadventure with his cousin’s wife. Fearing retaliation
Thorfinn left Northumbria, armed to the teeth, and loaded down with silver.
He traveled south towards London in search of a new life and new adventures.
One night in a London tavern he met and subsequently befriended, a man called
Thorkell, the disowned son of a Rich Danish farmer.
Thorkell had run away from his family, and joined up as a warrior of the
notorious Temesvikings, “a rough and tough mercenary army, paid to
be loyal to King Aethelred II (the Unready)” (So long as he paid them
on time).
Thorfinn had finally found his place, or so he thought.
4 long years had past and during this time Ref Dalziel, Thorfinns younger brother had located Thorfinn and joined the Temesvikings, with his friend and comrade Grim “the Furrier” whom he had met on his travels from Northumbria. Thorfinn however had become weary of following a poor leader, and as such the trio took the decision to go off on their own.