Joval grew up as a poor farmer's kid. He was a middle child among five. His mother and father could not afford to pay for so many mouths to feed, so him and his oldest sibling who were the only two boys of the family, were sent to the local town to find work.
On the way to town though, they were set upon by a group of marauders. They gave up their possessions as requested and did not fight back when they were captured.
As a form of entertainment, the leader of the group liked to capture travelers and force them to fight. He would let the victor live and leave. Him and his brother were thrown into a pit that had been dug into the ground. Around the outside the boss and all the bandits sat, watched, and jeered at them both.
Two swords were thrown into the ring with them. One behind Joval, and one behind his brother. Forever the honorable and noble of the two, his foolish brother threw the weapon down and swore he would never harm family.
