Bolstering Bill (Exemplar) - Revision history

Twiggy at 14:13, 8 September 2025

2025-09-08T14:13:08Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 8 September 2025
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	The historian Edgar of Wayford did extensive research into Bolstering Bill during the reign of [[Empress Richilde]]. He tentatively put forward the theory that there were in fact ''two'', original, Bolstering Bills. The elder Bill was a man who lived perhaps a century before the formation of the Empire in Mitwold. A yeoman forced off his land by [[Wintermark]] raiders during one of the periods of open conflict between the two nations, he became a soldier through necessity. Far from the "simple" personality attributed to him in many stories, he was a competent leader who turned a band of displaced and argumentative farmers into a unit of effective warriors who ultimately turned the tide of the Wintermark advance, drove the invaders back across the border to Kallavesa, and reclaimed their farms.		The historian Edgar of Wayford did extensive research into Bolstering Bill during the reign of [[Empress Richilde]]. He tentatively put forward the theory that there were in fact ''two'', original, Bolstering Bills. The elder Bill was a man who lived perhaps a century before the formation of the Empire in Mitwold. A yeoman forced off his land by [[Wintermark]] raiders during one of the periods of open conflict between the two nations, he became a soldier through necessity. Far from the "simple" personality attributed to him in many stories, he was a competent leader who turned a band of displaced and argumentative farmers into a unit of effective warriors who ultimately turned the tide of the Wintermark advance, drove the invaders back across the border to Kallavesa, and reclaimed their farms.

	The second Bolstering Bill was the ~~grandaughter~~ of the original, named for her grandfather. She lived at the time of the Cousin's War, and was a staunch opponent of the [[First Empress]] and the households that favoured integration into the Empire.		The second Bolstering Bill was the granddaughter of the original, named for her grandfather. She lived at the time of the Cousin's War, and was a staunch opponent of the [[First Empress]] and the households that favoured integration into the Empire.
	-->		-->

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	"Well, sure as eggs" interjected the archer Harriet, "he promised to get us safe and here we are. All the way to Stoke Heath from the woods in one day! I've never managed that at a march before. The last thing he said was 'Blimey, I only meant to get you back to your unit, looks like I got turned round as well and ended up here instead! No wonder me feet are tired!'"		"Well, sure as eggs" interjected the archer Harriet, "he promised to get us safe and here we are. All the way to Stoke Heath from the woods in one day! I've never managed that at a march before. The last thing he said was 'Blimey, I only meant to get you back to your unit, looks like I got turned round as well and ended up here instead! No wonder me feet are tired!'"

	The three of them looked out at the crowd, clearly expecting applause, but the crowd were expecting something different. "Oh, he ~~aint~~ here!" Tom added. "Sorry. Right after we got here he said he had another job to do. Then he walked round the edge of Ma Greenly's henhouse and back into the fog. All we know is his name - Bill."		The three of them looked out at the crowd, clearly expecting applause, but the crowd were expecting something different. "Oh, he ain't here!" Tom added. "Sorry. Right after we got here he said he had another job to do. Then he walked round the edge of Ma Greenly's henhouse and back into the fog. All we know is his name - Bill."

	===Under Fire===		===Under Fire===

Rafferty: /* History */

2017-10-07T20:20:48Z

History

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:20, 7 October 2017
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	Bolstering Bill is often seen as a patron of soldiers. They are most popular in the western Empire - the Marches, Wintermark, and the Brass Coast - but versions of several stories are recounted by the [[Free Companies]] of [[the League]] and among the [[Navarr]]. Regardless of nation, Bill always wields a pole-arm.		Bolstering Bill is often seen as a patron of soldiers. They are most popular in the western Empire - the Marches, Wintermark, and the Brass Coast - but versions of several stories are recounted by the [[Free Companies]] of [[the League]] and among the [[Navarr]]. Regardless of nation, Bill always wields a pole-arm.

			<!--
	==History==		==History==
			The historian Edgar of Wayford did extensive research into Bolstering Bill during the reign of [[Empress Richilde]]. He tentatively put forward the theory that there were in fact ''two'', original, Bolstering Bills. The elder Bill was a man who lived perhaps a century before the formation of the Empire in Mitwold. A yeoman forced off his land by [[Wintermark]] raiders during one of the periods of open conflict between the two nations, he became a soldier through necessity. Far from the "simple" personality attributed to him in many stories, he was a competent leader who turned a band of displaced and argumentative farmers into a unit of effective warriors who ultimately turned the tide of the Wintermark advance, drove the invaders back across the border to Kallavesa, and reclaimed their farms.

			The second Bolstering Bill was the grandaughter of the original, named for her grandfather. She lived at the time of the Cousin's War, and was a staunch opponent of the [[First Empress]] and the households that favoured integration into the Empire.
			-->

	==Signs==		==Signs==

Rafferty: /* Legends */

2017-10-07T19:38:36Z

Legends

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:38, 7 October 2017
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	==Legends==		==Legends==
	He is a character generally believed to have been a [[the Marches\|Marcher]] ~~- if he or she existed at all -~~ who appears in a number of comic songs, stories and poems in various parts of the Empire. They are presented as a simple yet well-meaning soldier, usually wielding a polearm, whose companions encounter any number of amusing or hair-raising scrapes and who survive or triumph with the aid of their companion, ~~Bill combines~~ good humour, honest camaraderie and more than a little tough love with an absolute commitment to never leaving a ~~friend~~ behind.		He is a character generally believed to have been a pre-Imperial [[the Marches\|Marcher]] who appears in a number of comic songs, stories, and poems in various parts of the Empire. They are presented as a simple yet well-meaning soldier, usually wielding a polearm, whose companions encounter any number of amusing or hair-raising scrapes and who survive or triumph with the aid of their companion. In all the stories about Bill, they combine good humour, honest camaraderie, and more than a little tough love with an absolute commitment to never betraying a friend or leaving a comrade behind.

	While the truth behind these tales is contested, the character of Bolstering Bill is ~~often considered to be~~ an Exemplar of Loyalty. Even the critics of the Bolstering Bill stories note that it is likely that many of them recount the adventures of real people, and have simply been ascribed to Bolstering Bill by later generations of storytellers to make them more accessible to their audiences. (see also the [[bolstering Bill\|Good Neighbour]], a polearm ~~occasionally~~ called a ~~bolstering bill~~).		While the truth behind these tales is contested, the character of Bolstering Bill is an Exemplar of Loyalty. Even the critics of the Bolstering Bill stories note that it is likely that many of them recount the adventures of real people, and have simply been ascribed to Bolstering Bill by later generations of storytellers to make them more accessible to their audiences. (see also the [[bolstering Bill\|Good Neighbour]], a polearm sometimes called a Bolstering Bill).

			Bolstering Bill is often seen as a patron of soldiers. They are most popular in the western Empire - the Marches, Wintermark, and the Brass Coast - but versions of several stories are recounted by the [[Free Companies]] of [[the League]] and among the [[Navarr]]. Regardless of nation, Bill always wields a pole-arm.

	==History==		==History==

Rafferty: /* Signs */

2017-10-07T19:23:33Z

Signs

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:23, 7 October 2017
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	* Bill is without a doubt an '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Inspiration\|Inspiration]]''' to people across the Empire.		* Bill is without a doubt an '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Inspiration\|Inspiration]]''' to people across the Empire.
	* Bolstering Bill has left a '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|Legacy]]''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific polearm, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need of its assistance.		* Bolstering Bill has left a '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|Legacy]]''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific polearm, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need of its assistance.
	* There is little doubt, in the Marches at least, as to Bill's '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Benevolence\|Benevolence]]'''. While ~~his~~ actions help individuals, those individuals often go on to inspire others, and in some cases perform great acts that help their people.		* There is little doubt, in the Marches at least, as to Bill's '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Benevolence\|Benevolence]]'''. While their actions help individuals, those individuals often go on to inspire others, and in some cases perform great acts of their own that help their people.
	* Bill is credited with the '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Salvation\|Salvation]]''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].		* Bill is credited with the '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Salvation\|Salvation]]''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].
	===Contentious Signs===		===Contentious Signs===

Rafferty: /* Stories */

2017-10-07T18:43:35Z

Stories

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:43, 7 October 2017
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	==Stories==		==Stories==
	Bolstering Bill lives today in the stories told about ~~him (or possibly her)~~. According to some of the stories, ~~Bolstering~~ Bill occasionally appears in person to aid lost and desperate ~~Marchers~~, although such stories are often taken with a pinch of salt - some believe that reports of "Bill" appearing out of nowhere to help people is proof of a sect of beaters dedicated to following ~~his~~ example and keeping ~~his~~ legacy alive.		Bolstering Bill lives today in the stories told about them. According to some of the stories, Bill occasionally appears in person to aid lost and desperate soldiers, although such stories are often taken with a pinch of salt - some believe that reports of "Bill" appearing out of nowhere to help people is proof of a sect, possibly of Marcher [[The_Marches_military_concerns#Beaters\|beaters]], dedicated to following their example and keeping their legacy alive.

	===The Lost Beaters===		===The Lost Beaters===

Rafferty: /* Contentious Signs */

2017-10-07T18:34:07Z

Contentious Signs

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:34, 7 October 2017
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	* Bill is credited with the '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Salvation\|Salvation]]''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].		* Bill is credited with the '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Salvation\|Salvation]]''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].
	===Contentious Signs===		===Contentious Signs===
	* Several stories about Bill include ''''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Miracles\|Miracles]]''' but this is a contentious sign. The stories are difficult to prove, and evidence of actual miracles is difficult to secure. Whether it is stories of lost travellers crossing the entire Empire in a single night; a torch that miraculously lasts an entire night to keep wolves at bay; or a story of providing nourishing food for an entire army using only two turnips and Tom Drake's second-best pair of boots, if even one of these tall tales has a grain of truth it would be proof of Bill's miracles.		* Several stories about Bill include '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Miracles\|Miracles]]''' but this is a contentious sign. The stories are difficult to prove, and evidence of actual miracles is difficult to secure. Whether it is stories of lost travellers crossing the entire Empire in a single night; a torch that miraculously lasts an entire night to keep wolves at bay; or a story of providing nourishing food for an entire army using only two turnips and Tom Drake's second-best pair of boots, if even one of these tall tales has a grain of truth it would be proof of Bill's miracles.
	* There is no record of anyone in the Empire, or in the [[Sumaah Republic]], having a vision of being Bill in their past life. It is not clear if this is a sign of '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Liberation\|Liberation]]''', or simply proof that "Bolstering Bill" is a construct made up of several heroes. Obviously, proof either way is difficult to secure.		* There is no record of anyone in the Empire, or in the [[Sumaah Republic]], having a vision of being Bill in their past life. It is not clear if this is a sign of '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Liberation\|Liberation]]''', or simply proof that "Bolstering Bill" is a construct made up of several heroes. Obviously, proof either way is difficult to secure.

Rafferty at 18:29, 7 October 2017

2017-10-07T18:29:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:29, 7 October 2017
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	Bolstering Bill was recognised as an Exemplar of [[Loyalty]] by the Highborn Assembly of the Virtuous after his stories and legends were brought to Bastion by pilgrims.		Bolstering Bill was recognised as an Exemplar of [[Loyalty]] by the Highborn Assembly of the Virtuous after his stories and legends were brought to Bastion by pilgrims.

	==~~Biography~~==		==Legends==
	He is a character generally believed to have been a [[the Marches\|Marcher]] - if he existed at all - who appears in a number of comic songs, stories and poems in various parts of the Empire. ~~He (or sometimes she) is~~ presented as a simple yet well-meaning soldier, usually wielding a polearm, whose companions encounter any number of amusing or hair-raising scrapes and who survive or triumph with the aid of their companion, Bill combines good humour, honest camaraderie and more than a little tough love with an absolute commitment to never leaving a friend behind.		He is a character generally believed to have been a [[the Marches\|Marcher]] - if he or she existed at all - who appears in a number of comic songs, stories and poems in various parts of the Empire. They are presented as a simple yet well-meaning soldier, usually wielding a polearm, whose companions encounter any number of amusing or hair-raising scrapes and who survive or triumph with the aid of their companion, Bill combines good humour, honest camaraderie and more than a little tough love with an absolute commitment to never leaving a friend behind.

	While the truth behind these tales is contested, the character of Bolstering Bill is often considered to be an Exemplar of Loyalty. Even the critics of the Bolstering Bill stories note that it is likely that many of them recount the adventures of real people, and have simply been ascribed to Bolstering Bill by later generations of storytellers to make them more accessible to their audiences. (see also the [[bolstering Bill\|Good Neighbour]], a polearm occasionally called a bolstering bill).		While the truth behind these tales is contested, the character of Bolstering Bill is often considered to be an Exemplar of Loyalty. Even the critics of the Bolstering Bill stories note that it is likely that many of them recount the adventures of real people, and have simply been ascribed to Bolstering Bill by later generations of storytellers to make them more accessible to their audiences. (see also the [[bolstering Bill\|Good Neighbour]], a polearm occasionally called a bolstering bill).

			==History==


	==Signs==		==Signs==
	~~The assembly of Loyalty cited the following signs as proof that Bolstering Bill was an exemplar.~~
	* Bill is without a doubt an '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Inspiration\|Inspiration]]''' to people across the Empire.		* Bill is without a doubt an '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Inspiration\|Inspiration]]''' to people across the Empire.
	* Bolstering Bill has left a '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|Legacy]]''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific polearm, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need of its assistance.		* Bolstering Bill has left a '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|Legacy]]''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific polearm, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need of its assistance.

Rafferty: /* Virtue */

2017-10-07T18:26:17Z

Virtue

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:26, 7 October 2017
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	==Virtue==		==Virtue==
	Bolstering Bill was recognised as an Exemplar of [[Loyalty]] by the Highborn Assembly of the Virtuous ~~following~~ his stories and legends ~~being~~ brought to Bastion by pilgrims ~~and Wayfarers~~.		Bolstering Bill was recognised as an Exemplar of [[Loyalty]] by the Highborn Assembly of the Virtuous after his stories and legends were brought to Bastion by pilgrims.

	==Biography==		==Biography==

Rafferty: /* Signs */

2017-10-06T13:44:10Z

Signs

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:44, 6 October 2017
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	==Signs==		==Signs==
	* Bill is without a doubt an '''~~inspiration~~''' to people across the Empire.		The assembly of Loyalty cited the following signs as proof that Bolstering Bill was an exemplar.
	* Bolstering Bill has left a '''~~legacy~~''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific polearm, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need of its assistance.		* Bill is without a doubt an '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Inspiration\|Inspiration]]''' to people across the Empire.
	* There is little doubt, in the Marches at least, as to Bill's '''~~benevolence~~'''. While his actions help individuals, those individuals often go on to inspire others, and in some cases perform great acts that help their people.		* Bolstering Bill has left a '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|Legacy]]''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific polearm, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need of its assistance.
	* Bill is credited with the '''~~salvation~~''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].		* There is little doubt, in the Marches at least, as to Bill's '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Benevolence\|Benevolence]]'''. While his actions help individuals, those individuals often go on to inspire others, and in some cases perform great acts that help their people.
			* Bill is credited with the '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Salvation\|Salvation]]''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].
	===Contentious Signs===		===Contentious Signs===
	* Several stories about Bill include '''~~miracles~~''' but this is a contentious sign. The stories are difficult to prove, and evidence of actual miracles is difficult to secure. Whether it is stories of lost travellers crossing the entire Empire in a single night; a torch that miraculously lasts an entire night to keep wolves at bay; or a story of providing nourishing food for an entire army using only two turnips and Tom Drake's second-best pair of boots, if even one of these tall tales has a grain of truth it would be proof of Bill's miracles.		* Several stories about Bill include ''''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Miracles\|Miracles]]''' but this is a contentious sign. The stories are difficult to prove, and evidence of actual miracles is difficult to secure. Whether it is stories of lost travellers crossing the entire Empire in a single night; a torch that miraculously lasts an entire night to keep wolves at bay; or a story of providing nourishing food for an entire army using only two turnips and Tom Drake's second-best pair of boots, if even one of these tall tales has a grain of truth it would be proof of Bill's miracles.
	* There is no record of anyone in the Empire, or in the [[Sumaah Republic]], having a vision of being Bill in their past life. It is not clear if this is a sign of '''~~liberation~~''', or simply proof that "Bolstering Bill" is a construct made up of several heroes. Obviously, proof either way is difficult to secure.		* There is no record of anyone in the Empire, or in the [[Sumaah Republic]], having a vision of being Bill in their past life. It is not clear if this is a sign of '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Liberation\|Liberation]]''', or simply proof that "Bolstering Bill" is a construct made up of several heroes. Obviously, proof either way is difficult to secure.

	==Stories==		==Stories==

Beeswax at 21:02, 9 April 2017

2017-04-09T21:02:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:23, 7 October 2017
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	* Bill is without a doubt an '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Inspiration\|Inspiration]]''' to people across the Empire.		* Bill is without a doubt an '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Inspiration\|Inspiration]]''' to people across the Empire.
	* Bolstering Bill has left a '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|Legacy]]''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific polearm, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need of its assistance.		* Bolstering Bill has left a '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Legacy\|Legacy]]''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific polearm, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need of its assistance.
	* There is little doubt, in the Marches at least, as to Bill's '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Benevolence\|Benevolence]]'''. While ~~his~~ actions help individuals, those individuals often go on to inspire others, and in some cases perform great acts that help their people.		* There is little doubt, in the Marches at least, as to Bill's '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Benevolence\|Benevolence]]'''. While their actions help individuals, those individuals often go on to inspire others, and in some cases perform great acts of their own that help their people.
	* Bill is credited with the '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Salvation\|Salvation]]''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].		* Bill is credited with the '''[[Signs_of_the_paragon_and_exemplar#Salvation\|Salvation]]''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].
	===Contentious Signs===		===Contentious Signs===

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:02, 9 April 2017
Line 5:		Line 5:

	==Biography==		==Biography==
	He is a character generally believed to have been a [[the Marches\|Marcher]] - if he existed at all - who appears in a number of comic songs, stories and poems in various parts of the Empire. He (or sometimes she) is presented as a simple yet well-meaning soldier, usually wielding a ~~pole-arm~~, whose companions encounter any number of amusing or hair-raising scrapes and who survive or triumph with the aid of their companion, Bill combines good humour, honest camaraderie and more than a little tough love with an absolute commitment to never leaving a friend behind.		He is a character generally believed to have been a [[the Marches\|Marcher]] - if he existed at all - who appears in a number of comic songs, stories and poems in various parts of the Empire. He (or sometimes she) is presented as a simple yet well-meaning soldier, usually wielding a polearm, whose companions encounter any number of amusing or hair-raising scrapes and who survive or triumph with the aid of their companion, Bill combines good humour, honest camaraderie and more than a little tough love with an absolute commitment to never leaving a friend behind.

	While the truth behind these tales is contested, the character of Bolstering Bill is often considered to be an Exemplar of Loyalty. Even the critics of the Bolstering Bill stories note that it is likely that many of them recount the adventures of real people, and have simply been ascribed to Bolstering Bill by later generations of storytellers to make them more accessible to their audiences. (see also the [[bolstering Bill\|Good Neighbour]], a polearm occasionally called a bolstering bill).		While the truth behind these tales is contested, the character of Bolstering Bill is often considered to be an Exemplar of Loyalty. Even the critics of the Bolstering Bill stories note that it is likely that many of them recount the adventures of real people, and have simply been ascribed to Bolstering Bill by later generations of storytellers to make them more accessible to their audiences. (see also the [[bolstering Bill\|Good Neighbour]], a polearm occasionally called a bolstering bill).
Line 11:		Line 11:
	==Signs==		==Signs==
	* Bill is without a doubt an '''inspiration''' to people across the Empire.		* Bill is without a doubt an '''inspiration''' to people across the Empire.
	* Bolstering Bill has left a '''legacy''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific ~~pole-arm~~, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need ~~off~~ its assistance.		* Bolstering Bill has left a '''legacy''' in the form of the [[Bolstering Bill\|weapon]] that carries his name. While some scholars dispute whether Bill had a specific polearm, or used a succession of weapons, reports of a battered-appearing bill that evidences powerful abilities in a crisis are commonplace in the Marches. According to these tales, the pole-arm disappears of its own accord after a short time - actively seeking out someone else who is in need of its assistance.
	* There is little doubt, in the Marches at least, as to Bill's '''benevolence'''. While his actions help individuals, those individuals often go on to inspire others, and in some cases perform great acts that help their people.		* There is little doubt, in the Marches at least, as to Bill's '''benevolence'''. While his actions help individuals, those individuals often go on to inspire others, and in some cases perform great acts that help their people.
	* Bill is credited with the '''salvation''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].		* Bill is credited with the '''salvation''' of many citizens by spreading the teachings of [[loyalty]] (and to a lesser degree [[Prosperity]], [[Courage]], and [[Pride]]) throughout the early Empire, especially in the Marches, in [[Wintermark]], and in [[the Brass Coast]].
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	"I've got it! We'll use my helmet as a distraction. I'll put it on the end of my pikestaff and we'll raise it up over the wall to concentrate their fire whilst we all crawl back. We'll have to go quite a way on our bellies, but there's safety to stand once we get beyond the ridge. Well, what are you waiting for, soldiers?! Don't you worry about me, I'll be right behind you. I wasn't about to leave you behind, I'm sure you won't do the same for me!"		"I've got it! We'll use my helmet as a distraction. I'll put it on the end of my pikestaff and we'll raise it up over the wall to concentrate their fire whilst we all crawl back. We'll have to go quite a way on our bellies, but there's safety to stand once we get beyond the ridge. Well, what are you waiting for, soldiers?! Don't you worry about me, I'll be right behind you. I wasn't about to leave you behind, I'm sure you won't do the same for me!"

	Bill winked, and rose the helmet above the wall on the end of his pikestaff. Very soon, there were arrows flying left and right and no less than three sticking out from his helmet. Tom, Dick and Harriet ~~begun~~ crawling away from where the Jotun were aiming. It wasn't until they reached their place of safety that any of them looked back to see if Bill was still there, but she was nowhere to be seen. Cursing under their breath, they were about to turn round and go back for him when they heard her voice. "Covering fire, soldiers! Covering fire!" Bill was running toward them, followed by a whole band of angry Jotun who had finally discovered her trick.		Bill winked, and rose the helmet above the wall on the end of his pikestaff. Very soon, there were arrows flying left and right and no less than three sticking out from his helmet. Tom, Dick and Harriet began crawling away from where the Jotun were aiming. It wasn't until they reached their place of safety that any of them looked back to see if Bill was still there, but she was nowhere to be seen. Cursing under their breath, they were about to turn round and go back for him when they heard her voice. "Covering fire, soldiers! Covering fire!" Bill was running toward them, followed by a whole band of angry Jotun who had finally discovered her trick.

	With their expert bow work, the three of them made short enough work of the enemy that the others thought better about continuing and stopped for their fallen.		With their expert bow work, the three of them made short enough work of the enemy that the others thought better about continuing and stopped for their fallen.