Balen Hammerstone
Smiths of the Wardens
Balen was born in A371 in the quiet, remote village of Hearthwell, nestled in the shadow of the Bittercrag Mountain range. The son of a skilled smith, he grew up in the forge, learning the trade from his mother. As a child, Balen’s life was often shaped by the enigmatic figures who frequented his mother’s shop: members of The Dawn Wardens. These mysterious hunters would come in for new weapons and repairs, sharing their stories as they waited for his mother to finish his work at the anvil. Balen became captivated by their tales of supernatural creatures and far-off lands, and he found himself growing increasingly fascinated with the Wardens' mission.His obsession with their cause grew, and he took particular interest in rifles—a new weapon that was unfamiliar to his mother. Determined to contribute, Balen crafted a custom rifle as a gift for a Warden, hoping to demonstrate his skill and passion. At 18, after much persuasion and with a reluctant blessing from his mother, Balen joined The Dawn Wardens, eager to prove himself.The Dawn Wardens
Balen quickly became the personal smith to the Wardens, forging custom gear for their specialized needs. While most Wardens favored speed and agility, Balen’s combat style was the opposite. He preferred heavy, plated armor and a powerful rifle, opting for durability over finesse. As his skills grew, Balen invented the blunderbuss—a weapon that fired a spread of pellets rather than a single round. This new creation proved invaluable for hunting supernatural creatures like vampires, as the weapon required less accuracy and allowed for faster reloading. Balen’s contributions to the Wardens went far beyond his forge, cementing his place among the organization’s most trusted members.The Guild of Heroes
In A404, Balen received a letter from his mother, informing him that she had relocated to the newly established settlement of Brightheart, where she had been hired as a smith for The Guild of Heroes. Balen traveled to Brighthearth in A405 to attend the wedding of Veckhan Duskbane, a fellow Dawn Warden and celebrated hero of the Guild. Over drinks and conversation with his mother and Veckhan, Balen was persuaded to join The Guild of Heroes. Moved by the camaraderie and purpose of the Guild, he accepted the invitation, eager to forge a new path alongside his allies. Today, Balen serves as both a Dawn Warden and a hero of The Guild of Heroes. Known for his stoic demeanor, he’s the type to shoot first and ask questions later. His extensive knowledge as a Dawn Warden makes him an invaluable asset to any team, and his expertise in weaponry is unmatched. When in Brightheart, Balen can often be found at the forge, working side by side with his mother, continuing the smithing legacy they built together.Relationships
Balen Hammerstone
- Born: A371
- Age: 37
- Nationality: Vydern
- Alleginaces: The Dawn Wardens, The Guild of Heroes
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