Gareth Tallwood

Gareth Tallwood currently serves as the Lord Chancellor of the Southern Marches, ruling in a fair and diplomatic fashion. He has a long and storied history within the region, and has gradually made his way into the most prominent role of the government. The league has prospered under his guidance, although there have been many difficult decisions.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Although an older man, Gareth retains much of the same physical prowess he had when he was younger. He is strong, lean, and agile especially after years of mastery with the spear.

Facial Features

Wrinkles exemplify experience around his eyes, as well as a stern brow. His broken nose is the result of many battles, along with a few scars on his right cheek. Covering most of his fact is a trim beard, flush with his short unkempt hair. His hazel eyes seem distant, as if always deep in thought.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Gareth was born in the year 1006 in the small village of Leafside. Although only a couple days travel from the capital of Riven, the village remains very remote and isolated from the political machinations of the league. His parents operate a small general store in the middle of the village, primarily selling grain and wheat sourced from the nearby farms. Gareth grew up knowing little of the outside world, and spent most of his time working at the store with his parents or causing trouble with friends around the village. At age 14, a band of gnolls attacked the village in an attempt to loot and pillage. The village itself had very little in terms of defenses, and the average guard was no match for the savage beasts. It was the first time Gareth took up arms, wielding an old spear from the store. He defended the village, slaying two gnolls by himself, and was immediately heralded as a hero by the villagers. This began Gareth's path toward protecting the innocent and weak, and taking up arms against the monsters and evil creatures of the world. By age 18, he had joined the Southern Marches Army as a spearman. He campaigned in Uruger before it was overtaken by the Corinian Empire, fighting orcs, ogres, and hobgoblins. Gareth served at Redmont Keep for years, protecting the Tusnyan border from invaders, and learning how to manage and operate a fort full of soldiers. His skill at fighting as well as his expertise of command allowed Gareth to quickly rise through the ranks of the army, discharged as a Knight Commander. Upon return to Leafside, his reputation stood in stark contrast to the secluded lifestyle of the villagers. Gareth knew it was time to move on, and apply his skills toward something bigger. He moved to the capital of Riven, where he quickly entered the political landscape.
By age 34, he had served as aide-de-camp to the High Marshal of the entire army, learning the intricacies of commanding a reserve army. Gareth had made fast friends within the political sphere, and found himself in the fortunate position to take on great responsibilities even at a young age. When the Lord Chancellor died in office in 1049 AR, the High Council began search of a leader who could serve for many years but still had enough experience to lead in times of war. Gareth became the most obvious selection, and was designated Lord Chancellor by age 43, the youngest in the league's history. Over the next 14 years, Gareth grew into a powerful and commanding presence in the capital, providing stability to the confederation. However, his military past has created an atmosphere of warmongering and hostility towards savage tribes and beasts. This has also spilled into a rancorous approach towards aggressive neighboring factions such as the empire and the ascendancy. While the league remains neutral in the Shadow War, Lord Chancellor Gareth has repeatedly advocated taking a side.

Personality Characteristics

Virtues & Personality perks

Gareth is a strong leader with a cosmopolitan world view and learned background. He understands the differences between races, and accepts all who enter his city. He accepts and embraces arcane magic as a tool to further learning and encourages spellcasters to wield it for good. He is curious and willing to listen to other's ideas to an extent, and is benevolent in the sense of fairness and justice.

Vices & Personality flaws

Many of his vices and flaws are shielded from view of the public. However, even citizens of Riven understand that Gareth can be aggressive and hawkish in his approach on war, and acts irrationally when offended by rival factions. He is loyal to his people, but sometimes acts stubborn to those who do not understand Tusnyan culture. Behind closed doors, Gareth struggles with his confidence and turns to festivals and parades as a way to encourage others to praise his accomplishments. Members of the council and senior leaders within the government need to be agreeable, and too much conflict over decisions can lead to their dismissal.

Species

Human

Ethnicity

Tusnyan

Currently Held Titles

• Lord Chancellor

Date of Birth

8th of Tabus, 1006 AR

Year of Birth

1006 AR 58 Years old

Birthplace

Leafside

Current Residence

Riven

Gender

Male

Eyes

Hazel

Hair

Black

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Tan

Height

6' 1"

Weight

190 lbs

Aligned Organization

League of Southern Marches

Ruled Locations

• Riven