# #### **Basic Information** - **Name:** Rhodric Stannas (Captain of the Varnhold Militia) - **Race/Species:** Human - **Class/Profession:** Fighter/Military Officer - **Alignment/Morality:** Lawful Good - **Age:** Late 40s - **Gender & Pronouns:** Male (He/Him) - **Appearance:** A weathered, barrel-chested man with the sturdy build of a career soldier. Standing just under six feet tall, his once-powerful frame still carries impressive strength, though years of frontier duty have added a slight stoop to his shoulders. His face is deeply tanned and lined from years of outdoor service, with a thick salt-and-pepper beard that he keeps neatly trimmed. A prominent scar runs across his left cheek—a souvenir from an encounter with centaur raiders in his younger days. His dark brown eyes remain alert and observant, missing little of what happens around him. He typically wears practical, well-maintained armor bearing Varnhold's colors and insignia, with his longsword and dagger always within reach. Despite his age, he moves with the practiced efficiency of a man who has spent a lifetime in military service. #### **Personality & Traits** - **Personality Summary:** Rhodric is the embodiment of steadfast reliability—a practical, no-nonsense officer who values discipline, preparation, and clear communication. Years of frontier service have stripped away any youthful idealism, leaving a pragmatic commander who understands that survival in the Stolen Lands requires both strength and wisdom. To his militia, he is a demanding but fair leader who trains them rigorously while genuinely caring for their welfare. To Varnhold's civilians, he represents security and stability in an uncertain frontier. Though not particularly charismatic or politically savvy, his straightforward honesty and unwavering dedication to duty have earned him widespread respect. Beneath his gruff exterior lies a dry sense of humor and a deep loyalty to those who have proven themselves worthy of his trust. - **Strengths & Skills:** - **Veteran Tactician** – Decades of military experience in frontier warfare - **Leadership** – Ability to organize and motivate troops even in difficult circumstances - **Survival Expert** – Extensive knowledge of the Stolen Lands' dangers and resources - **Weapon Master** – Exceptional skill with sword, spear, and bow - **Practical Problem-Solver** – Finds workable solutions with limited resources - **Weaknesses & Flaws:** - **Stubborn** – Once he's made a decision, rarely reconsiders his approach - **Politically Unsophisticated** – Sometimes misses the subtleties of political situations - **Overprotective** – Can be reluctant to risk his people even when necessary - **Old Injury** – A poorly healed wound in his right shoulder acts up in cold weather - **Blunt to a Fault** – His directness can sometimes cause offense or diplomatic complications - **Mannerisms & Speech Patterns:** - Speaks in short, clear sentences with a commanding tone - Habitually scans his surroundings, a habit from years of frontier vigilance - Unconsciously rests his hand on his sword hilt when concerned - Uses military terminology and time-keeping even in civilian contexts - Punctuates serious statements with a firm nod, as if confirming orders #### **Background & Story Role** - **Backstory Summary:** Born to a military family in Rostland, Rhodric followed his father and grandfather into service, enlisting in Restov's army at sixteen. He rose steadily through the ranks, earning a reputation for competence and reliability rather than flashy heroics. His career took a decisive turn when he was assigned to a frontier outpost, where he discovered his aptitude for wilderness operations and small-unit tactics. When Maegar Varn received his charter to settle the Nomen Heights, he specifically requested Rhodric—by then a veteran officer with twenty years of experience—to organize and lead the settlement's defenses. Though initially reluctant to leave regular military service, Rhodric was persuaded by the challenge and the opportunity to build something lasting in the wilderness. For the past five years, he has served as Varnhold's military commander, transforming a ragtag group of settlers and adventurers into a disciplined militia capable of defending the growing settlement. He has weathered numerous crises, from centaur raids to monster attacks, earning the trust of both Maegar Varn and the settlement's population. - **Current Motivations:** - Ensuring Varnhold's security against increasing threats from the Nomen Heights - Training the next generation of militia officers to expand the settlement's defenses - Establishing a network of watchtowers and outposts to provide early warning of dangers - Maintaining good relations with neighboring settlements for mutual defense - Personally investigating rumors of ancient ruins that might pose unknown threats - **Connections & Relationships:** - **Maegar Varn** – His lord and commander, whom he respects for his vision and leadership - **Felisia d'Rocca** – A merchant with whom he has a cautious professional relationship - **The Varnhold Militia** – The force he has built and trained from scratch - **Captain Vassik Redblade** – A former colleague from his Rostland days, now in exile - **Teshkar the Windstrider** – A centaur chieftain with whom he has established an uneasy truce - **Factions or Allegiances:** - **Varnhold** – His primary loyalty is to the settlement and its people - **The Varnhold Militia** – The military force he commands - **Rostland (by heritage)** – Though distant from Brevoy politics, he still identifies as Rostlander - **The Mountain Watchers** – A ranger unit he established to patrol the highlands - **Notable Items or Equipment:** - **Steadfast** – His well-maintained longsword, a gift from Maegar Varn - **Captain's Medallion** – Symbol of his authority in Varnhold - **The Frontier Codex** – His personal manual of wilderness tactics and training methods - **Ranger's Map** – Detailed chart of the Nomen Heights with his own annotations - **Centaur Arrow** – Kept as a reminder of his first major wound and the dangers of overconfidence #### **Additional Notes** - **Recurring Themes:** - The balance between military necessity and civilian welfare - Building civilization in the wilderness through discipline and preparation - The responsibility of leadership and its personal costs - Finding purpose in protecting a community rather than serving a distant authority - **Player/GM Notes:** - Can serve as a valuable ally for characters operating in the Nomen Heights - Might provide military assistance or training to player characters - Could offer quests related to Varnhold's security needs - His knowledge of the region makes him an excellent source of information - His straightforward nature makes him a reliable point of contact in Varnhold