Angry Men In Kilts
Bringing Mel Gibson's Braveheart
Into Your Campaign

Character: William Wallace

By Rob Vaux
Photographs courtesy of Paramount Pictures, Inc.

Scottish Revolutionary

Skills: Leadership, Military Tactics, Archery, Thrown Weapons, Melee Weapons, Public Speaking, Languages

Motivation: Freedom for his country

Weakness: Single-minded

William Wallace is a 13th century Scottish farmer whose father and older brother were killed by the English when he was very young. Raised by a stem uncle; he spent many years -abroad before returning to Scotland and planning to settle down. He fell in love with and secretly married a childhood acquaintance, Murron, who was subsequently murdered by English troops. The act drove Wallace to join the bur. geoning Scottish rebellion, a movement he has since embraced wholeheartedly and come to lead.

Wallace is very passionate about the cause he has allied himself to, and will accept nothing less than full Scottish independence. He disdains the backroom. plotting espoused by Scotland's nobles, prefer, ring strength of purpose and success on the battlefield to achieve what he desires. Money and titles are of no interest to Wallace, which has kept him from being bribed or corrupted away from the cause. Everything he is since the death of his wife is focused on the cause of Scottish freedom.

His natural charisma (which may have something to do with his uncanny resemblance to Mel Gibson) and uncompromising beliefs have made him one of the most respected leaders in Scotland, and, even the nobility is in awe of his achievements. Since joining the rebellion he has displayed an intuitive grasp of military tactics and strategy, resulting in numerous victories over better-armed and larger English forces.

Wallace is a clever and intelligent man who understands the necessities of planning before a battle. He is not above resorting to "dirty tricks" to defeat a more powerful foe. He speaks Latin, Italian and French fluently and claims to have taken a pilgrimage to Rome. Those who meet him are often taken aback by his eloquence, which contradicts the grubby exterior he presents.

Depending upon when and where you plan on setting your campaign, Wallace may or may not be dead. He was captured by the English and executed in 1305 for high treason, after which he became a martyr for the cause he devoted himself to. If you wish to start play after his death, he will be spoken of with almost holy reverence by the men who followed him.

More Angry Men In Kilts Braveheart

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