Harlakh Doroaver

Harlakh Doroaver was a venerated mercenary and "ruler" of the region known as the Realm of the Ready Sword, a valley between Shaar and Duskwood as part of the Border Kingdoms's east, in the 14th century DR.

Description
A huge man of bulging muscles, raven-black hair, and a much scarred face--and seldom found out of his saddle and armor.

Personality
He was a cunning, battle-wise mercenary veteran. He lived to fight, defend, command, and anticipate, leaving family life and farming to others. He was unwed, but numerous lady "friends" across the realm would rather die than betray him. Never one to be caught off his guard, Harlakh was always planning in terms of battle. It was under his rule that the realm became safe enough to allow for caravan travel. He was blunt and had no time for anger and tears; he kept his wit clear at all times and had a keen interest in learning new things and hearing news, never trusting any one source at face value. He watched over his subjects as if they were his children, each one precious, and as a result was loved or respected.

Activities
Watching vigilantly over his "kingdom", Harlakh watched the realm from coast-to-coast, maintaining residences at either end. He was also known to frequent inns to hear the word on the street, maintaining his secrecy and calm at all times.

Harlakh had no "royal castle", but maintained homes (small, defendable stone fortresses) at either end of the realm: The Keep of Crows in the west and Aldersund in the east, and one near its midpoint, Graaltower.