Appearance:

Mordrid is perhaps the darkest of the Gold Dragons. Most of his wares are colored as nature makes things to blend, and shadows to cause things to elude: blacks, grays, browns and tans. The first item of clothing that one might notice is his flowing black bear skin, that when thrown over the shoulders shields away the cold night air. The vast part of Mordrid’s attire is comprised of heavy buckskins, tan with highlights of gray; high soft boots edged with leather tassels, and a tunic of blue-gray suede. As a man of the woods, and a well-traveled character, Mordrid often incorporates trinkets or reminders of places visited, and foes vanquished, and great deeds accomplished in his attire. For example: his bear tooth necklace, his Dwarven Baldric, and his calling horn.

Mordrid is tall as humans go; yet lithe and taught. “No more than necessary,” as often stated by Mordrid when on extended wilderness journey’s. His skin shows wear, and his dark eyes twinkle behind a squint that shows his intent to look within all things. 52 years in the wild leaves it’s mark on a man; tanned skin and crows feet to match. These days Mordrid’s long black locks show streaks of silver, and his moustache flows down past his jaws. “Not a man that invites trouble” is what one might say when gazing upon the old ranger.

On special occasions Mordid may be seen in more lively regalia. As a Knight of the Realm and a Gold Dragon, he begrudgingly dons an ornate suit of fine gold chain mail, and a black robe trimmed in white. His dark off-setting Valdor’s light. This mode of fashion is reserved for courtly things.

Personality:

Mordrid is a man of extreme passions. Right is right and wrong is wrong, and don’t debate the gray because by the time you’ve realized you’re dealing with a snake, you’re bitten. If you are a friend, you have earned it. And you’re likely to be his friend for life; work together, fight together, eat together, laugh together. However if you’ve managed to find yourself on the wrong team, it may be best that you leave town. Mordrid is not known to fight by what some call “fair play”. In Mordrid’s thoughts, “If you can’t kill without delay, remorse, or compassion; it is likely that the fight could and should have been avoided.” His love is deeper than the deepest ocean. His hatred is unequaled.

History

MORDRID THE BOUNTY HUNTER OF OSTO

by Korig the Stalker, retired enemy

Out of the swamplands of Osto spawned a hero whose tale would forever be told on those cold fire-lit nights. Osto was founded on the edge of the Great Cursed Swamp. It was known for the rowdy riffraff that crawled out of the swamps to trade with the rough-necked locals, who drive hard bargains, and refuse to be bullied. They there were mean and tough: their frontier spirit strong. Many young men of Osto left for the swamps to make a living exploring and trapping, as did young Mordrid. The ways of the wilderness were hard and often violent, so men like Mordrid learned to survive.

It is not exactly known why his name became known as Mordrid “The Hunter of Osto,” but most old locals say it was because Mordrid could track anything, whether it was to find a spell component, an artifact, or sometimes a troublesome person. Sometimes it was collecting hides for prize money. One of these adventures finally led Mordrid to the mysterious realm of Shadows. There he was found shackled, bound, and stripped of everything he owned. A group of Elennian adventurers freed him of his imprisonment, and so he traveled with them south to New Elenna. He found that in the prosperous south he could earn a living as an honest man. And so it was that his new friends served and protected New Elenna and its king. Through years of service he was dubbed Knight of the Realm and member of the Gold Dragons Adventuring Troupe.

His journeys led him to Koshe Marr, the Underdark, Lankhmar, over the Scab, across The Wold to the Desert of Desolation, and to all points high and low in New Elenna. But during these journeys, Mordrid made great enemies with men who would kill him with pleasure. The Gold Dragons defeated the evil Black Dragon group, but members of the opposing group fled and still to this day yearn for the blood of Mordrid. I have also been an opponent of Mordrid and have the scars to witness to it. The Drow Elves, who sent Mordrid’s spirit to Gargul, is also a great enemy of note. Gargul was gracious and Mordrid’s soul was returned, but Mordrid would never be the same. Consumed by rage, he began worshipping Jancassis, the Goddess of Revenge. His forehead was tattooed with the image of a spider in memory of his demise. The faint image of a Black Widow can still be seen from under his graying bangs, there the symbol of pain will still be visible long after he is avenged.

General information about Mordrid would reveal that he worshiped the gods Karinthis and Jancassis. It is said that he has gathered a great amount of wealth and power in Plateau City. He is rumored to have some spell-casting abilities. This probably is a result of his ranger background. Mordrid prefers to use his bastard sword in combat. With the power of his magic gloves, he inflicts terrible damage. He can usually be seen wearing his black cloak with heavy boots, trinkets and fetishes dangles from his ears, his thin hair braids and his tunic; each telling its own story.

Addendum: It was during a terrible time in the Wold when Mordid parted ways with the Gold Dragons. Joe Hand married the King, Claudia, thus making her fate even more entwined with that of the Gold Dragon’s. She fell into the hands of Flame, the most notable foe of the Gold Dragons. Claudia was impregnated with Flame’s seed, and bore his children; twins, both of dragon blood and both evil. Both were heir to the throne of New Elenna.

Mordrid knew what had to be done. The children must be slain. However, he knew his dear friend and blood brother Valdor was vowed to protect the children. Mordrid, not wanting to cross swords with his brother, mounted his horse, Ebon, and traveled north; putting the Kingdom of New Elenna to his back. Many tears were shed on that day of parting.

It was later that Joe saw the truth of necessity, and by his own hand slew the children of both Claudia and Flame. Claudie then takes her own life. Never had there been days of deeper sorrow than those days.

It was years later that Mordrid was seen upon Ebon in the streets of Plateau City. He had returned to visit Gold Dragon Castle, because the end days were drawing near, and he felt his summons to return. Mordrid, Valdor, Joe and the remainder of the Gold Dragons joyfully reunited. But that was not to last long, because the Year of Ascension had begun.

On that final battle with the gods, it was noted that Mordrid pulled Gargul’s sword from Valdor’s dead body, and tossed it into the abyss, never to be seen again.

Rumor has it that Mordrid has retired; maybe even bought a farm?