![[DALL·E 2025-02-28 20.34.26 - Create a detailed character portrait of Calder Bracken, a human soldier and veteran sergeant. He is tall, standing at 6'2" with a muscular and imposin.webp]] #### **Basic Information** - **Name:** Caldor Bracken - **Race/Species:** Human - **Class/Profession:** Soldier, Veteran Sergeant - **Alignment/Morality:** Lawful Neutral - **Age:** 42 - **Gender & Pronouns:** Male (he/him) - **Appearance:** Calder stands tall and imposing at 6'2" with a sturdy, muscular build honed from years of military discipline. His dark hair is cropped short, flecked with grey at the temples, and he sports a meticulously trimmed beard. A scar cuts diagonally across his left cheek, a souvenir from past conflicts. He is typically seen in well-maintained, though weathered, armor adorned with insignia indicating his rank within House Whitewood’s forces. #### **Personality & Traits** - **Personality Summary:** Calder is stern, disciplined, and unwaveringly loyal to his command. His no-nonsense attitude often comes across as brusque or even disdainful, especially towards those he views as inexperienced or overly idealistic. However, beneath his tough exterior lies a deep sense of duty and a quiet, guarded respect for competence and courage. - **Strengths & Skills:** Calder is an experienced battlefield tactician with keen combat instincts and leadership abilities. He excels at training troops, maintaining discipline, and quickly assessing threats. His combat skills are highly refined, particularly in swordsmanship and tactical defense. - **Weaknesses & Flaws:** Calder struggles to adapt to unconventional tactics or unorthodox strategies, often dismissing them as reckless. He harbors a deep-seated skepticism towards magic, viewing it as unreliable. His strict adherence to procedure sometimes makes him inflexible. - **Mannerisms & Speech Patterns:** Calder speaks with a clipped, authoritative tone. He frequently uses dry, biting sarcasm, especially when irritated. His speech is precise and measured, rarely allowing emotion to seep through. #### **Background & Story Role** - **Backstory Summary:** Calder Bracken served House Whitewood faithfully for over two decades, participating in numerous skirmishes and campaigns in [[Issia]]. His reputation as a steadfast and dependable officer earned him the respect of his superiors, especially [[Brinnard Whitewood]], under whom he directly serves. He joined the expedition to [[Rivermarch]] as part of the contingent led by [[Brinnard Whitewood]]. - **Current Motivations:** Calder is driven by duty, honor, and loyalty to House Whitewood and its leaders. He believes in maintaining strict military order and sees himself as a bulwark against chaos and disorder. He aspires to ensure that House Whitewood's legacy remains strong, stable, and unchallenged. - **Connections & Relationships:** - [[Brinnard Whitewood]] (Commanding officer, respected superior) - [[Brinn Whitewood]] (Lord Regent of Rivermarch, respects his authority but quietly questions his experience) - [[Maximus]] (Sees as inexperienced, a rival for military authority within Rivermarch) - **Factions or Allegiances:** Loyal to House Whitewood, serves the interests of [[Issia]] and by extension, Rivermarch. - **Notable Items or Equipment:** Calder wields a finely crafted longsword bearing the insignia of House Whitewood. His armor is an heirloom passed down through several generations of loyal servants of the House. #### **Additional Notes** - **Recurring Themes:** Authority vs. autonomy, loyalty tested, conflict between tradition and innovation. - **Player/GM Notes:** Calder respects authority but may challenge or dismiss those he perceives as insufficiently competent or disciplined. He will respond positively to displays of strategic competence, bravery, and adherence to established military customs.