Thornton is the son of a minor noble lord, but rumours abound that he is really the illegitimate son of his father's Elven concubine. Be this true or not it is something Thornton keeps to himself, and bear no dishonour of any who say otherwise of his heritage. Following in his father's footsteps Thornton entered the military, where on the coat tales of his farther he was accepted as an officer cadet. But this was before the scandal of his origin sullied his prestigious career. As the rumour mongers whispers behind his back Thornton lost his social status and titles, these insults Thornton could bear but the greatest insult came within two months of finishing his training at the academy - Thornton was asked to leave. This dashed his hopes of becoming an officer as the upper military echelons cared more for their own social standing rather than the cold code of honour between soldiers. With his preferred career over, Thornton thought he would be destined for poverty - but little did he know his true fate. His fall from grace had attracted the attention of many minor nobles who now see him as their ticket to gaining access to a military officer the calibre of which they alone could not afford to train. Even though Thornton was not an officer he had already completed the training at the academy before he was requested to leave. Thus Thornton has become a form of mercenary as he finds work where he can, although he shows pride in his profession he secretly believes that working for such minor lords in such demeaning roles as "guard" is beneath him. But yet Thornton still aspires to the values of the officer class and carries out his duties as if still reaching for the uniform of an officer. But the life of a mercenary is a flimsy one, today he may be in the service of one merchant, tomorrow he may be in the Garrison of another noble. Thus he wanders from castle to castle, noble to noble, but always the honourable warrior who will treat an enemy soldier with respect as much as he would a fellow comrade in arms. Thornton is not an adventurer by nature, the battlefield is his place – a place where you know the enemies colours and can look your adversary in the eye. To Thornton adventuring is a necessary evil as he travels the land.