Egfirth the Shabby

Egfirth the Shabby, also referred to as the wealthy beggar of Stanroy, is a mythical figure known for wearing a shabby coat covered in numerous pockets from which he pulls small gifts for those who show him kindness.

Summary

In the mid Queedom Period, Stanroy was rampant with poverty and homelessness. The city was hostile to beggars, and during the winters many froze to death on the streets. A wealthy business man was angered seeing his beautiful city marred by death and indifference. He wanted to prove that good and generous people still existed.
The man commissioned a special coat, one that was insulated properly to keep him warm but appeared to be thread bare and shabby. This coat was also covered in pockets. Dressed as a beggar in his coat he took to the streets as just another one of the huddled masses. For weeks he would adopt his persona before returning home to his life of luxury, dejected to have once again been ignored by the city he held in such high esteem. He began putting small trinkets in his pockets, hoping that someone, anyone, would help him and that he would be able to reward them for restoring his faith in his fellow man. 
One day a child stopped before him. In her hand was a single hot bun from a nearby bakery, one she had purchased using the coin given to her as a gift for Lemnorian Feast. Feeling sympathetic for the man before her, she sat down on the pavement beside him and split the bun in half, handing the larger half to him. He was so moved by the generosity of someone of such simple means that he pulled the trinkets from his pockets and piled them in her lap. They were very valuable, the small pile able to cover her family's expenses for two years.
That single kind act was enough for the man to abandon his life of luxury and remain on the streets, becoming Egfirth the Shabby. Rumor of the wealthy beggar of Stanroy spread through the city. Those of better means began to show kindness to those on the streets in hopes of helping the right person. In time, after the man had met his natural end, this behavior became second nature rather than motivated by greed. 
During winter, Egfirth is said to return to the streets of Stanroy as a ghost to continue testing his dear city. On the coldest nights he can be found on the street where the old bakery used to be.

Historical Basis

During the 300s Stanroy saw significant population growth due to becoming a center for trade from the mines of the Thetbron Mountains. Population grew faster than infrastructure, leading to a steep increase in homelessness. Aside from witness accounts, there is no hard evidence that Egfirth the Shabby ever actually existed as more than an urban legend started by those trying to advocate for the poor.

Spread

The myth is considered important to the history of Stanroy, but it is well known in Porcanda and northwestern Domthe where Egfirth the Shabby has become a figure in modern winter traditions.

Date of Setting

312