Ithela Marshbrand
Ithela Marshbrand is the elder and de facto leader of the village of Red Hollow, located on the northern edge of the Bleeding Mire. A stoic and pragmatic woman in her twilight years, she commands respect through her unwavering dedication to the survival of her people. Despite the unrelenting dangers of the swamp and the creeping influence of unknown threats, Ithela remains steadfast, the anchor of a fragile community.
Appearance
Ithela is a woman of advanced age, with silver-streaked hair usually tied back in a simple braid. Her weathered face bears the lines of countless hardships, but her piercing gray eyes shine with sharp intelligence. She is often seen wearing practical, earth-toned robes and carrying a gnarled staff adorned with charms and protective symbols carved by her own hand.
Personality
Ithela is deeply pragmatic and fiercely protective of Red Hollow. Her calm demeanor belies an indomitable will; she is not one to succumb to fear, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Though she speaks sparingly, her words carry weight, and she has a talent for motivating others to rise to the challenges they face. While she is compassionate, she prioritizes the survival of the many over the comfort of the few.
Background
Born in Frostveil 22, 678 AR, and raised in Red Hollow, Ithela has lived through decades of the Bleeding Mire’s harshness. She was a hunter in her youth, navigating the treacherous swamp with uncanny precision. Her knowledge of the mire’s dangers earned her the respect of her peers, and when the previous elder passed, she was unanimously chosen to lead.
Under her guidance, Red Hollow has endured countless trials: devastating floods, relentless attacks from swamp predators, and the mysterious disappearance of travelers. Ithela’s resourcefulness and unyielding spirit have kept the village alive, even as the Bleeding Mire threatens to consume it.
Leadership is not about commanding—it’s about standing firm when the world around you crumbles.
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