## Overview Marshal Vaerin Mossblade is the commanding officer of the **Talon Riders**, a lawkeeping and defense force stationed in **[[Stoneharbor]]**, the regional seat of authority in the [[Talon Grasslands]]. Vaerin is known for his unwavering commitment to duty, his respect for divine law, and his deep loyalty to King Leon Talbain of South Angoria. He is both a symbol of strength and a cornerstone of stability during the undead crisis. - **Name:** Vaerin Mossblade - **Title:** Marshal of [[Stoneharbor]] - **Race:** Human - **Age:** 46 - **Class/Role:** Fighter (Battle Master) / Commander - **Allegiance:** Talon Riders, King Leon Talbain, [[Stoneharbor]] Defense Council --- ## Role in the Campaign Vaerin is the senior military authority in the [[Talon Grasslands]] and the first line of response for towns like [[Brighthoof]], [[Talonalton]], and [[Hearthstone]]. He is known for taking field action personally and values honor above all. He has the authority to deploy Talon Riders, provide militia training, and coordinate relief efforts when towns call for aid. However, his resources are stretched thin, and he is deeply wary of overstretching his forces in unknown situations. - **Primary Themes:** Honor, discipline, stability - **Conflict:** Torn between loyalty to law and the need to take risks in times of rising darkness --- ## Personality Vaerin is a calm and composed man, but steel lies beneath every word. He speaks plainly, expects excellence, and holds others—and himself—to high standards. While some see him as inflexible, he believes that moral clarity and strength of will are what will preserve South Angoria from collapse. - **Alignment:** Lawful Good - **Disposition:** Stern, measured, unyielding in matters of honor - **Beliefs:** Order must come before justice; justice before mercy. Undead must be purged without exception. - **Flaws:** Reluctant to adapt to new tactics or diplomacy; distrusts outsiders unless vetted by proven allies --- ## Affiliations and Influence - Commands the **Talon Riders**, a mounted peacekeeping force trained for rapid deployment - Member of the **[[Stoneharbor]] Defense Council** - Close advisor to **Warden Ilyra Windchime** and **High Scribe Kelwen Hargrace** - Has the authority to deputize militia forces from [[Brighthoof]] and outlying settlements - Loyal servant of **[[King David Firebrand]], sees the King as a just but overburdened ruler --- ## Background Vaerin was born in the frontier town of Redford, south of the [[Talon Grasslands]]. His father was a Talon Rider, his mother a cleric of [[Angoria]]. Trained in swordsmanship and tactics from a young age, he entered service by 18 and rose quickly through merit. He earned his title after the **Siege of Red Sickle Hold**, where he held the line for six days with a single battalion until reinforcements arrived. He was wounded but refused to relinquish command. He was later stationed in [[Stoneharbor]] to organize defense and law enforcement across the region. --- ## Campaign Usage - May serve as an **ally**, **commander**, or **mentor** to PCs helping defend [[Hearthstone]] or [[Brighthoof]] - Could offer training, leadership, or issue military-grade missions (patrols, courier runs, scouting undead) - May be a key figure in **political friction** between [[Stoneharbor]] and the [[Green Palace]] if relief is delayed --- ## Future Development - Could form a strong alliance with the party if they aid in rebuilding defenses or recovering fallen Riders - Might fall in battle defending a key town, his death serving as a rallying cry - Alternatively, could be promoted to **High Marshal of South Angoria** if the undead war escalates --- ## Notable Quotes - "We are the line they cannot cross. If we falter, they take the heart of the grasslands." - "Law does not sleep. Nor will I." - "You want mercy? Outfight the thing coming to kill you. Then show it mercy when it kneels."