## Overview **Yarrow Halbrook** is the grizzled militia captain and master of horsemanship in the village of **Brighthoof**. Known for his no-nonsense demeanor and battlefield experience, Yarrow has protected his people from bandits, beastmen, and now—undead. As the leader of Brighthoof’s riders and ground forces, he bridges the gap between rustic warriors and sacred tradition, serving as a necessary anchor in times of crisis. - **Name:** Yarrow Halbrook - **Race:** Human - **Age:** 52 - **Class/Role:** Fighter (Champion), Militia Commander, Horsemaster - **Current Location:** Brighthoof --- ## Role in the Campaign Yarrow commands Brighthoof’s defenses and organizes its militia training, scouting patrols, and war preparation. He is one of the first local leaders to recognize the seriousness of the undead threat, and his trust is earned—not given. - **Function:** Military mentor and tactical voice among the survivors - **Party Connection:** May offer tactical training, escort support, or command coordination --- ## Personality - **Disposition:** Gruff, loyal, iron-willed - **Speech Style:** Blunt, direct, often critical but fair - **Beliefs:** War is only justified in defense of what matters; skill outweighs bloodline - **Flaws:** Distrusts outsiders, dislikes dithering or excessive ceremony --- ## Affiliations - Commander of **Brighthoof’s mounted scouts and militia patrols** - Loyal ally to **[[Elder Merel]] “Moonwake” Tathwyn**, though occasionally frustrated by her mysticism - Trusted by the people as the “shield” to Merel’s “spirit” - Has trained riders from across [[Talon Whisperwind|Talon]] Grasslands, including young nomads from the **Sunstride Clans** --- ## Skills and Strengths - Master of mounted combat and riding drills - Highly experienced in terrain strategy and rural fortification - Known for wielding a broad-bladed cavalry sword and reinforced tower shield - Can lead riders in guerrilla or defensive tactics against overwhelming odds --- ## Background Yarrow was born the son of a stablehand and blacksmith. He grew up among horses and taught himself to ride before he could properly walk. After serving in the border wars along the western reaches of South Angoria, he returned to Brighthoof and trained generations of riders and scouts. During the Ghoul March from [[Talonalton]], he was among the first to fortify the village edge and escort fleeing villagers to Hearthstone. --- ## Campaign Use - Can: - Train NPC or PC combatants in advanced riding techniques - Organize regional defense with [[Stoneharbor]] or the Talon Riders - Lead a flanking force or reinforce Hearthstone if called upon --- ## Future Development - Could take command of a multi-village defense coalition - May grow more sympathetic to divine causes if he witnesses miracles from [[Perserphina]] or [[Angoria]] - Could die in heroic battle defending [[Hesta]], Merel, or a sacred site—leaving his legacy in a trusted student --- ## Quotes - _“You don’t fight for the land. You fight so the people behind it don’t die screaming.”_ - _“Horses don’t lie. People do.”_ - _“I’ll follow a priest if they bleed like the rest of us when the time comes.”_