Stefano da Urbino was born in Urbino, Central Italy, in 1471, the first son of a petty civil official. Luckily enough he was discovered by the Urbinese court to have a clever brain for numbers and given a first class education under the patronage of the Duke and Duchess. After University he left the indolent lifestyle of an intinerant polymath and courtier to become a condotierri, or soldier of fortune, in the wars between the Italian city states and the kingdoms of France and Spain. He longs to be knighted, but unfortunately shows much better prowess as a scrivener, strategist, tactician or logistician (particularly provisions) than as a fighter. Currently he enjoys the position of Constable of Darton, of the Shire of Darton. He once commanded most ably, two score and three foot-soldiers of the St Florian Division, of the Army of the Kingdom of Lochac.
Alistair is well-read, curious, logical, pragmatic, tolerant, honest, loyal and fun-loving, and will be first against the wall when the revolution comes, unless he lucks out and happens to be part of it. He works in a moderately interesting, moderately well paid desk job, but will be thrown out like a bowl of mouldy tangerines when computers get so smart they no longer need people. He needs to eat less and move more. He also needs to make some more medieval clothes and shoes. Such conflicting demands.