Anders Varadyn
(a.k.a. The Storm's Inheritor)
Anders Varadyn embodies the martial aristocracy of Eldoria, carrying himself with the rigid posture and unflinching gaze of dynastic military leadership despite his mere eighteen years of life. His physical presence commands attention—not through exceptional height or build, but through the coiled intensity with which he occupies space. His dark hair, perpetually disheveled as though tousled by winds unfelt by others, frames features that would be considered handsome were they ever to relax from their habitual expression of evaluation and judgment.
The Varadyn bloodline's connection to storm energy manifests in Anders more strongly than in generations. Instructors in elemental disciplines have documented unsettling phenomena during his training exercises: barometric pressure fluctuations within enclosed spaces, static electricity accumulating around his person during emotional peaks, and in one particularly noteworthy incident, a localized raincloud forming above the practice grounds that followed his movements for approximately seventeen minutes before dissipating. Anders himself seems only partially aware of these manifestations, considering them the natural birthright of his lineage rather than extraordinary events worthy of examination.
Anders suffers from complex trauma inadequately processed through rigid adherence to familial codes of honor. His father, Commander Harrick Varadyn, fell defending Queen Evelyne during the Crimson Square Massacre—reportedly cut down by seven rebel assassins while sustaining wounds that should have incapacitated him thrice over. The boy witnessed this event from a concealed position, having disobeyed orders to remain in secured chambers. He has never spoken of what he saw to anyone except the Queen herself during a private audience granted one month after his father's state funeral.
Anders possesses raw talent with blade and bow that makes instructors forgive his occasional arrogance. His loyalty to the Queen borders on fanatical—a stance intensified since his father fell defending her during the recent uprisings. He views compromise as weakness and believes Eldoria's future depends on a strong monarchy backed by houses like his own.
In combat simulations, Anders displays tactical intelligence frequently overlooked due to his aggressive approach. What appears as straightforward assault often contains subtle manipulations of battlefield geometry—forcing opponents into positions of disadvantage through calculated application of pressure rather than superior technique. His instructors predict Anders will either become one of Eldoria's greatest field commanders or die spectacularly before reaching his thirtieth year, with little probability of an outcome between these extremes.
Behind Anders' hostility toward children of rebel houses lies personal grief—his father's death transformed political differences into blood feud in his young mind. He categorizes everyone at Oathwatch according to their house's loyalty during the rebellion. Those from rebel houses face his open contempt. Those from loyalist houses must still prove themselves worthy of alliance. Those from neutral houses he views with suspicion, believing fence-sitters to be more dangerous than declared enemies.
Despite his rigid worldview, Anders isn't without complexity. His devotion to Eldoria itself is genuine, and he struggles with reconciling his personal hatred for rebel houses with Oathwatch's mission of unifying the kingdom's future leaders. Some nights, he can be found alone in the Hall of Heroes, staring at his father's recently added portrait among fallen champions, silently renewing vows of vengeance and service.
Comments