Joan of Barstow
Joan of Barstow is a high-spirited peasant woman from the village of Barstow. She became Ugly Bill's lover in Summer 1199 when he was training the village militia and she demanded combat training as well. She began their whirlwind courtship by dumping a bucket of water on the fierce mercenary.
From then until Spring 1203, she demanded training in combat skills, and received it. It looked as if she was going to become a grog of Stranggore, but in Spring 1203, she suddenly developed other plans.
Departure
In Spring 1203, Bloody Bill proposed marriage to Joan. Her response was unexpected: she suddenly tried to convince Bill to go with her on Crusade to the Holy Land (with Joan disguised as a man). When he balked, she impulsively stole a set of Standard armor and weapons and went alone.
Notable Abilities
Joan is a natural leader with a gift for inspiring people.
Before she threw social convention to the wind and took up the profession of arms, she was a potter's daughter. She is quite accomplished at making clay vessels and labware for the magi.
Personality
Joan is assertive to the point of audacity. When she saw Bill drilling the militia in her village, she simply decided that being a soldier was a better and more interesting life than being a potter, so she went and demanded to be trained as a grog. She craves excitement and adventure.