Sir Thomas
Background
Vincenzo d'Arman, later knighted Sir Thomas, is the middle son of a Venetian noble in liege with the Doge of Venice. At an early age he was squired to the Swabian Knight Heinrich von Kirchberg from whom he learned much martial and some knightly skills. Early on Vincenzo showed an indelible will and enduring constitution which served him well throughout the rigors of his training. Vincenzo also has a strong sense of right and wrong which combined with his strong will has occasionally lead him to trouble with his more pragmatic master. Being brave, honest, and resolute, he faithful followed Heinrich to Zara and fought in the Fourth Crusade. Vincenzo was greatly troubled by his killing of Christians but willfully put aside his conscience, partly out of necessity and partly out of sense of duty. Upon the sacking of Zara he was a changed man, knowing he was damned and wondering if he really cared. After great reflection he decided he did care. Ironically his prowess in combat which lead to his damnation, also lead to his recognition and early knighting at the gates of Constantinople by the Doge himself. There at the ceremony he openly denounced the Doge and the Crusade as being unchristian and damned. He quickly made his escape to Venice upon which word of his deed brought great shame to his family where he was quickly disowned, becoming the family's black sheep. Others took well to his act of conscience and he has a good reputations with those who fight evil. Vincenzo took the name Sir Thomas which is what Heinrich called him as a squire. Being an outcast from Venice's noble class, he found that only the Don Arturus was willing to take him in. Despite the rumors of his cruelty, Arturus has been a very generous and fair patron. There Thomas serves as the leader of their meager men-at-arms as well as the captain of the nearby town's local militia. Thomas is greatly troubled by his excommunication and traveled to the Vatican to seek his penance for fighting in the renounced Crusade. Following their advice, he started a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Sir Thomas pilgramed to the Holy Land, carrying his arms and armor but not use them. He attended mass in Jersuslum and returned to Acre and sold his arms and armor, then sailed to Zara where he donated the proceeds to an Orphanage. He then went on to Rome where he received Papal approval to be recieved back into the Church by the Archbishop of Venice. On his return he was recruited by Don Lorenzo Malpiero, a Templar Knight, to lead a group of bodyguards used to protect the enemies of the Doge.