High Rider Thalon Ashmar

Thalon comes from the noble Ashmar family, one of the oldest and most respected horse-breeding families in Steeds Crossing. He assumed the mantle of High Rider after his father’s passing, cementing his role as the head of the Council of Horsemasters. Over the decades, he has overseen both the city’s defenses and the renowned Ashguard Riders, ensuring Steeds Crossing remains a bastion of strength on the border of the Ashlands.

Date of Birth: 3rd Day of Redfall 4700 AoU
Gender: Male
Eyes: Piercing blue, sharp with wisdom and a lingering intensity hardened by decades of battle.
Hair: Long and silver, tied back in a warrior’s braid, showing both age and discipline.
Skin Tone/Pigmentation: Weathered and tanned, deeply lined from years spent in harsh sun and wind.
Height: Tall, standing at 6'3", with a broad, imposing fig
Weight: 220 lbs, a mix of muscle and age, with the sturdy

Appearance

Physical Description

Thalon Ashmar has a broad, muscular build that reflects a lifetime of physical training and horseback riding. Though now 70, his body remains powerful, with a thick, barrel-like chest and strong arms from wielding weapons and handling warhorses. His shoulders are wide and square, giving him an imposing presence, and despite his age, he moves with the practiced agility of a seasoned rider. His frame is more stocky than lean, built for endurance rather than speed, and while age has added some bulk and stiffness to his joints, his overall physique still exudes strength and authority.

Mentality

Personal history

Thalon was born into the Ashmar family, one of the founding families of Steeds Crossing and renowned for their mastery of warhorse breeding. From a young age, he was trained in both horsemanship and military strategy, expected to one day take his place among the Council of Horsemasters. His youth was spent in the saddle, perfecting his riding skills, and serving as a captain in the Ashguard Riders—the elite mounted force of the city.

Thalon’s rise to power came during the Redscale Siege in 4721 AoU. As the Dragonborn of the Redscale Warband, led by Akranthar Bloodfire, launched an assault on Steeds Crossing, Thalon commanded a daring counterattack that broke the siege. Leading his riders in a lightning-fast charge from the flanks, he disrupted the Dragonborn’s siege weapons and forced their retreat. This victory earned him the respect of the entire city, and soon after, he was elevated to the position of High Rider, succeeding his father, who had fallen ill.

Since then, Thalon has dedicated himself to maintaining the strength of Steeds Crossing, improving its defenses, and ensuring that the Ashguard Riders remain the most formidable cavalry in all of Yohir.

Personality

Motivation

Protecting Steeds Crossing: Thalon's greatest desire is to protect his city from any threat, be it Dragonborn, bandits, or internal unrest. His mind is constantly occupied with strategies to strengthen Steeds Crossing's defenses and keep its people safe.

Upholding Tradition: As a staunch traditionalist, Thalon believes in preserving the ancient customs of horse breeding, warfare, and governance that have defined Steeds Crossing for centuries. He is wary of innovation that might compromise these traditions, particularly the rise of arcane mountsmiths in the city.

Legacy: Thalon is deeply conscious of the legacy he will leave behind. He strives to ensure that his family name, and the city, will continue to thrive long after his rule.

Savvies & Ineptitudes

Master Horseman: Thalon is one of the finest riders in Steeds Crossing, capable of controlling his steed with unmatched precision. His personal warhorse, Ironwind, is a massive black stallion bred for war, famed for its speed and endurance.

Battle-Hardened Strategist: His experience in battle, particularly during the Redscale Siege, has made Thalon a sharp military mind. He is known for using terrain and mounted forces to his advantage, striking swiftly and decisively.

Unyielding Leader: Thalon’s leadership style is direct and uncompromising. He demands discipline from those under his command and expects nothing less than excellence from the Ashguard Riders and the citizens of Steeds Crossing.