The 3rd son of a miner, Alderenhelm inherited little from his parents apart from his fathers shield, a harsh, rugged collection of boards nailed together with a humble leather strap tacked onto the back. It wasn't much, but it was Alderenhelm's.

Not the brightest of his family, Alderenhelm spent his youth and younger life charging around the hills of Bree shieldfirst into any problems he could find. His life goal was to tackle larger and larger enemies. At first, just a few wolves, then bears and eventually trolls - proving to himself and everyone else that his shield wall was the toughest and "Most protectiest" shield wall of the land.

Spending some well earnt coppers in The Mad Badger Inn, he overheard a quiet discussion between two rangers of Esteldin who'd made their way into the town for some reprieve. They spoke of a beast, taller than any man, taller even than any fortress built by man. Strong enough to cast down even the mighty stone-trolls in a single blow. It lived deep in the mines far to the East, the mines of Moria.

Alderenhelm couldn't quite make out what this creature was called... Ballyrog? Bawlyrug? He wasn't sure, but there was one thing he was sure of. This Bawlyrug would fall on his shield just like any other.

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