Appearance

Physical Description

Tall, broad-shouldered, solidly built.

Body Features

Numerous scars on his back from being whipped as a child.

Identifying Characteristics

As a tiefling, Des is easy to identify, even more so because of his size. There are many in the Silver Flame who haven't met him personally but would know him the instant they see him.

Physical quirks

Des does his best to maintain a calm and polite attitude, as befitting a paladin. Those who know Des well can tell he's emotional by the set of his shoulders and the sway of his tail.

Apparel & Accessories

Des is more often than not wearing his plate armor emblazoned with the emblem of the Silver Flame and he's never without the amulet he wears which signifies his rank as a paladin and templar.

Mentality

Personal history

CHILDHOOD

Des was born and "raised" in the hidden tielfing city called the Venomous Demesne. Very few know of its existence, and far fewer know its location. Before he could even talk, Des was taken from his parents and bound to one of the warlocks of the Venom Court in magical slavery. He was branded both with the mark of his mistress and the overlord she served. For his entire childhood, he knew nothing but fear and pain, and dreamed only of escape.
When Des was around twelve years old, a fight broke out between a few members of the Venom Court and his mistress was killed. Des, along with many of the warlock’s slaves, felt it the moment the magic shackling them broke. Most succumbed to a fugue state of confusion and were quickly snapped up by others of the Court. But others, Des included, fled before another Venom Master could re-brand them. His size and strength allowed him to push onward through the Shadow Marches when other escapees gave up. As far as he knows, he is the only one who made it to the other side.
He spent the next year or so struggling to survive, mostly in the wilderness. Unable to speak anything but Infernal, he couldn’t ask for help in the settlements he came across. Many attacked him on sight, forcing him to flee or die. After barely surviving winter, half-mad from fear, pain, and hunger, he slaughtered a farmer’s bull and began eating its raw flesh. The farmer called for help, and Des was captured.
 

SIR DARON & THE SILVER FLAME

After over a month in a cage given little more than a slice of bread and a cup of water each day, Des woke to a visitor. He wore white armor with a flame on his chest and spoke in a soft, kind voice. Des couldn’t understand him at first, but the man placed a hand against his throat, and when he spoke again it was in flawless Infernal. He called himself Daron, a templar of the Silver Flame. He asked a lot of questions about where Des came from and why he’d attacked the bull. Des could barely speak he was so afraid, and didn’t tell him much, but Daron guessed correctly that he was an escaped slave. He offered Des freedom on the condition that he remain with him for a time, promising plenty of food and a safe, comfortable place to sleep each night. Though still frightened, Des was desperate to be out of the cell and agreed.
Over the next few years, Sir Daron took care of Des, teaching him Common and the basics of society in the human kingdoms. The first several months were devoted to helping Des overcome his fear of being punished for everyday things. He also taught Des how to stand firm in the face of the prejudice and fear he’d be treated with as a tiefling. The most important lessons Des treasured were those of the Silver Flame and the teachings of Tira Miron. Des travelled with Daron across the Five Kingdoms and beyond, carefully observing how he handled situations with patience, wisdom, and through the Flame’s guidance. After helping him defeat a cult of demon worshippers and banish the creatures they’d summoned, Des decided to officially join the Silver Flame.

Education

At the age of 16, Des officially became Daron’s squire. Many in the church tried to fight that decision, but the Archbishop saw it as a chance to truly fight against evil. What better way to do that than to turn a creature of evil origin to the Light of the Flame? Des was nervous but thrilled to be accepted. He took to his training with enthusiasm, quickly surpassing other squires in strength and skill. He learned the effective use of all manner of armor and weapons, as well as etiquette and chivalry. His training also included reading, writing, arithmetic, logistics, and battle tactics, along with detailed knowledge of the law and justice.

Accomplishments & Achievements

At the age of 21, Des finally completed his training and became a paladin. With a few of his fellow squires, he went through the ceremony to become a knight-errant of the Silver Flame and receive his amulet. Yet when it came his turn, no amulet was given to him. Angry and confused, Des left the ceremony in shame. However, his savior and mentor Daron was waiting for him outside. He took his own amulet from his neck and placed it around Des' before telling him that he was retiring as a templar and joining the priesthood. Though sad to lose his mentor and travel companion, Des was proud to be honored with such a gift.

Morality & Philosophy

Though a member of the church of the Silver Flame, Des follows the teachings of Tira Miron and the will of the Silver Flame itself more than that of the church, especially since it has become the ruling body of Thrane and thus, much more political. He holds his honor higher than almost anything, and fears a day may come when he is forced to break his oath as a paladin to preserve his honor as a person.

Taboos

Des will never knowingly or willingly consort with a warlock. He sees warlocks as one of the primary sources of evil in the world.

Personality

Social

Birthplace

The Venomous Demesne

Current Residence

Silverdusk Keep

Honorary & Occupational Titles

Sir Des, Templar of the Silver Flame
Commander of Silverdusk Keep