Gareth Brightwood (GAIR-eth br-AIGHT-wood)

From Tragedy to Shadows

Gareth Brightwood's life is a tale etched with the sharp edges of tragedy and tempered by the crucible of survival. His early years, steeped in comfort within the upper echelons of Fjorla, were abruptly shattered when illness claimed his mother and the sea claimed his father's ship. Left orphaned at the tender age of five, he found himself entrusted to the stern but nurturing care of Breena Murnig at the Honey Drop Orphanage.

Under Breena's unyielding guidance, Gareth learned a harsh truth: life was neither gentle nor merciful. He and his peers were taught that they must forge their own destinies, climbing their way to the top through sheer determination and cunning. It was during these formative years that he met Alistaer, a friendship that would become an unbreakable bond.

Gareth's life took a dramatic turn at fourteen when he caught the attention of Tharivol Galanodel, the enigmatic Administrator of The Quarry of Fjorla. Tharivol recognized the potential in Gareth and Alistaer, youngsters who were already adept at thievery and skullduggery. He offered them a chance to rise beyond their circumstances, to shape their own destinies rather than be shaped by them.

Under Tharivol's tutelage, Gareth's skills were honed to a razor's edge. He and Alistaer were molded into Shadow Operatives, learning not only combat and covert tactics but also the intricate art of information manipulation, decyphering code and political maneuvering. Gareth's loyalty to Tharivol became unwavering, viewing him as a mentor and father figure.

However, fate's cruel twist struck when an orcish ambush separated Gareth from his brother-like friend, Alistaer, and Tharivol. The betrayal of snapping ropes sent him plummeting into the churning river, forty feet below. His survival was testament to his resilience, but the scars—both seen and unseen—remained etched on his soul.

Rumors Beyond Death

Recent rumors have come about that Gareth has resurfaced, wearing the armor of the Crimson Court, shadow hunters allegedly beholden to the vampire Lord Ichabod Althaeus. These whispers paint a chilling portrait of a man who has descended into darkness, possibly seeking solace or revenge. The transformation from an orphaned child to a master of shadows is a testament to Gareth's adaptability and resolve. Yet, questions linger about the true intentions that guide his path now, as he treads the precarious line between avenging the past and embracing an uncertain future.