Sthandor Duskbane's weathered features tell the story of centuries of service. His dark brown hair, streaked with silver, is kept tied back with a leather cord, and his deep golden eyes retain a sharpness that belies his age. His skin bears the scars of a lifetime of battle, most notably a long scar across his left jaw from a wyvern's claw. Sthandor dresses in simple but well-maintained armor, dark leather reinforced with mithril bands. He carries a broad, single-edged elven longsword named Duskfang, enchanted to cut through shadow magic. Role and Expertise Sthandor is the oldest and most experienced ranger in the Silverbranch Guard. His deep knowledge of the Vale's geography and its hidden pathways makes him the guard's primary tactical advisor. A veteran of the Unification Wars, Sthandor fought against human to reclaim Jordaine from chaos. His strategic mind and calm presence in battle have made him an invaluable mentor to the younger rangers. Skills and Abilities:
Sthandor's stoic nature makes him a figure of quiet authority. He is direct and pragmatic, but not unkind. His long service under Captain Aerion has created a deep bond of trust between them. He views Kaelion Vaelaris as a promising but occasionally reckless warrior and often tempers Kaelion's more aggressive strategies with calm pragmatism. Sthandor has taken on a mentor role toward Vaeril Dawnsinger, offering quiet but firm guidance to the younger ranger. His connection with Deloria Moonbrook is steeped in mutual respect. While they rarely speak of it openly, Sthandor once saved Deloria from a magical backlash during the Unification Wars a debt Deloria has never forgotten. Sthandor carries the burden of old wounds, both physical and emotional. During the Unification Wars, he lost a close friend under his command, a failure that haunts him to this day. Recently, a faction within the King's court has begun questioning Sthandor's continued presence within the guard, citing his age and the need for “younger blood” in leadership positions. The growing political pressure to step down is beginning to weigh on him, though Captain Aerion has so far refused to entertain the notion. |
