Tieran Hauchsryne

Tieran is a tall and lean man, though not slim. His body is the product of a lifetime of training, fighting, and movement over great distances. His eyes are a dark blue that appear almost purple in direct light. His hair is somewhere between blonde and white, partially from his bloodline and partially the natural bleaching of the Alshaamanian Desert’s sun. He has small scars on his face with burns and entry scars on his body. His calloused hands have slightly crooked fingers, likely from breaks, and deep scars on his knuckles, wrists, and forearms. Though lean, his legs, shoulders, and arms are well developed; a byproduct of his lifestyle. His face is surprisingly expressive under his stoic demeanor. The deep lines etched in his brows suggest much time spent scowling but the observant will notice faint laughter lines in his eyes as well. His armor is old and weathered, showing scuffs, scratches and dents. It has been broken and repaired many times. He carries a longsword of extremely high quality but equally old and well used, though also well taken care of. He often has a small buckler type of shield strapped ot his back. Hecarries a hunting dagger and a parrying dagger.

(There is significantly more information than what is written here. However, his secrets can be revealed during roleplay)

Tieran Cardacus Enver of Lineage Hauchsryne; Gallant (noun - meaning knight), Third of his father’s line (Father - Duke Gallant Arde Morvan Enver of Lineage Hauchsryne), Commander within the Shadowborne (a secret police squad of knights).

Tieran was born to a noble family in the Kingdom of Strychmere. Strychmere, also known as the Kingdom of Sand, is located centrally in the great deserts of Alshaam. They are small and few in number but their reputation is Their climate is harsh, terrain unforgiving, and resources are few. To survive, their kingdom is forced to take what it needs. The Kingdom has been in one war or another for the last 150 years, often over resources but also to keep their rival kingdoms in check. Raiding supply lines, disrupting enemy movements, and even resorting to piracy, Strychmere coined the phrase “No better friend, no worse enemy.” Many rumors exist about how their soldiers are trained, requirements to graduate, and their brutal approach to life. Citizenship is earned only through military service to the crown for a period of no less than 15 years. This is so ingrained in their culture that, should children of citizens refuse service, it can be treated as sedition or heresy. Ashaam is a harsh landscape with unforgiving terrain, deadly wildlife, and tricky navigation. Direct warfare against the kingdom is near impossible for these reasons.

Tieran grew up with the weight of expectations befitting someone of his father’s status. Unlike other monarchies, where nobles are often coddled, safe, and lazy, Strychmerian nobles have it harder than the working class. Members of High Lineage are expected to be strong, shrewd, ruthless, and better than anyone beneath their station. It is not uncommon for politics to be built on bloodshed. Tieran was raised by politicians, taught by generals, and served by prisoners of war. However, being third in his Lineage, his options were always limited. He has chosen to pursue a life of military service, bringing accolades and honor to his Lineage even though he will inherit nothing. Such is the culture in Strychmere.

Gallant Tieran, now a Commander, is not a typical knight. The Shadowborne are a secretive unit, so much so only the Crown knows what they do. They operate independently of the Royal Army, answering only to the King himself. They operate alone or in small groups that act as a specialized force but it is unclear what specific purposes they serve. Speculation suggests that they may partake in assassinations, operate within other kingdoms to report back to Strychmere, blackmail, bribery, or any other number of activities that any honest kingdom would blush to even consider.