Gareth Haydon

Garredd Haydn (Gareth from the Welsh, Heiden from the German), also known as Gareth the Heathen or Gareth Stringbreaker, was born in the town of Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin) in the Kingdom of Deheubarth (south west Wales) in 1327 AD. He is the first son of the merchant Haydn Nash, and only surviving member of the family. As a youth he showed some aptitude for archery, and trained in the art while learning the merchants craft from his father. He earned the nickname ‘Stringbreaker’ for his unfortunate habit of breaking the strings on his bow, When the Black Death came to the town in 1348 Gareth was the only survivor of the plague among his family, and he had them all buried in the ‘plague pits’.

Gareth then left Deheubarth, traveling by boat to the east for many months, eventually coming to the ruins of the Persian Empire in the era between the last Ilkhan, Abu Sa’id, and the rise of Tamerlane. He went west by land through eastern Europe, and eventually, after many years, came back to the Isles. During his travels he studied archery with whatever teachers he could find, learning many secrets and ways of shooting. Upon his return to the west in 1364 he was noted for his foreign ideas and manner of dress, and a cruel magistrate called him ‘Gareth the Heathen’ in mockery of his surname.

Despite this, Garredd Haydn has established himself in Avacal, and taken up merchanting. He has wealth left by his father, and has become slightly known to the local nobility. He won an archery competition held by a local Barony, and has gained some notoriety as a result.

Gareth Stringbreaker is the current Dragonblinder (Baronial Archery Champion) of Montengarde, from July 22 AS 41 / 2006 through July 21 AS 42 / 2007.