Varius' family have resided on the southern border of Poitain for as long as any of the families of the village he was born can remember. They were not a prosperous family, but often an important one. As these things often arise naturally from circumstance, his family began as a clan of trappers, fur traders, and hunters. But with Ophir so close to their homes, they were often the site of many border skirmishes and raids. As such, theirs was the family often looked to for local protection, as they at least had some experience with archery, and utilizing stealth. So during times of war, they often served as scouts for the knights of Poitain, or archers when defending their homes. It was into such traditions that Varius was born. It was a simple and humble life, but it was a hard one. His grandfather having drilled him in their ways since he was old enough to walk, and seeing the horrors of violence when he was much to young to see such things. And there was a rift growing in the family. Varius' father was ambitious, and wanted to raise the status of the family. For their past service to Poitain, he was hoping to get a few of his sons inducted as officers, and further raise the family status of marrying his daughters off to men of wealth and higher power. But his grandfather wanted to remain as they had for centuries, content with their lot in life. Eventually, Varius had to choose a side in the family drama. Disgusted by his father's greed and naked ambition, to say nothing of his obvious machinations, he sided with his grandfather. Several spectacular arguments later, Varius left the family home, having been disowned by his father.

He was only nineteen winters old at the time.

But he had the skills his grandfather had taught him, and a proud martial tradition behind him. He might not have the ability, or even the desire, to be an officer, but the armies of Aquilonia could always use good men. And so he went north, to Tarantia, where he enlisted in the army as a scout. He might not enjoy having orders barked at him, but there are three meals a day, and the safety of numbers behind him. It is a good life for now. Even invading the Kingdom of Turan has been a worthy adventure, and he will see these missions through. For he is Varius of Poitain, and he is not a man to fail his duty.</tt>