Branthen Holdt

Biography: Living his whole life in and around the town of Hlint, Branthen Holdt was given the same education and opportunities as the other small young inhabitants of the back streets and playgrounds, byways and backyards of this prosperous middle Mistone town. Branthen was only a young man when he came to a stark realization: there are not shades of gray in matters of morals or faith, life is a series of causes and effects connected to the decisions we make. Our decisions have repercussions. We must ensure we uphold the right over might at every opportunity, lest the wicked cunning of baser ways darken the righteous light by which we make our path. His discovery was directly related to a central event of his formative years. His father, a lower order merchant, known for his occasionally outlandish comments and dress sense, had been found to be distributing copies of a heretical tract known as 'The Eye of Power'. As much as the crime of possessing this collection of obscure parchments was severe in the extreme, the further revelations that he had actually consorted with members of an insurgent group working to foster this heresy, was heinous to the core. When they were carting away his father, Branthen had to turn away to avoid his fathers lying eyes and even more treacherous mouth. To think that he had had to peddle this diabolic tome simply out of desperation for the welfare of his family! The gall of his father to suggest there was no other way. Since that day Branthen ceased to have a father, instead he imagined that Toran the All Watching would look out for him.

He was only 10 or 11, he can't remember which to save his life nowadays, when he first caught a glimpse of the machinations of the local priest of Toran making his rounds of the town. He had always seen the old doddering figure in its full frock and vestments at mass and church and community festivals, but this was the first time he had witnessed the power of the man in his interpersonal dealings. He noticed the beneficial effects of his kindness and cheer on the local community, such as when they were in need of some coppers for some triviality or high and mighty special purpose. More importantly though, he saw the remarkable power of his priest in matters of stern judgments of the faith when there was a crisis, like the panic and turmoil amidst the heady miasma of rumors that flew around when some refugees from the East spread word of Sinthar's impending invasion. Branthen's priest was a rock; he was a citadel of steadfast courage and calm in this swirling sea of wretchedness. And, he was right. There was no need to panic; Sinthar was thousands of miles away and no danger to the community at all. The townsfolk felt reassured and reconnected to the social bonds of fellowship that make a healthy community. Also, in times of war the priest has provided spiritual guidance and moral affirmation, as in the recent Goblin incursions. When the soldiers' morale was low, he would lift their spirits with a powerful sermon. When their bodies were torn or battered, he would use the power of Toran to assist them. And, when they were victorious he would be there to bring everything back together for them as community, making them stay focused on the importance of vigilant duty.

So when Branthen grew of age, he knew exactly what he wanted to direct his energies too. He sought out the priest, who's name was Marcon, and asked of him the means by which he might also seek the path to righteous through devotion to The Great Leader. Marcon told him that he would be happy to take him under his wing and teach him the ways of a priest. And so he did. Branthen was amazed to make his second seminal discovery: Marcon and his brothers in arms weren't simply tied to the town and religious duties, they also donned armor and wielded long swords in the name of Honor, Truth, Duty and Loyalty. That was 3 years ago. Marcon was slain in a night raid by an Orc gang a month ago. He now seeks to find the true path to righteousness through prayer, helping others and fighting to purge all that blights the land of Midstone!

Description: Branthen is of slightly below average height, at around 5'7". His eyes are Hazel and his hair is light Brown. His build is perfectly ordinary for someone who does moderate physical exercise. He has a wide mouth and an average nose. He has no distinctive scars or tattoos.