General Varek Steelgaze
Towering and broad-shouldered, with iron-gray hair cropped short and a chiseled, weather-worn face. His most notable feature is his left eye—replaced with a polished steel implant after a duel in his youth, hence the name “Steelgaze.” His gaze is unflinching and cold, able to silence a room with a glance.
Personality and Leadership
Steelgaze is a man shaped by conflict, not politics. He believes strength is the only true currency in a broken world. He’s brutal in command, pragmatic to a fault, and absolutely uninterested in diplomacy unless it’s backed by the threat of force. He rules his forces through fear, loyalty, and sheer force of will.
While his soldiers are unruly and lack formal discipline, they revere Steelgaze like a war god. Many owe their lives to him on the battlefield and would die for him without hesitation. His authority is unquestioned. When Steelgaze speaks, the room listens—or leaves.
He cares little for the ideals of the Solaris Republic, viewing them as weak, decadent, and compromised. He serves the Republic out of duty and convenience, not belief. On Scholara Island, he is the law, and he likes it that way.
Background
- Born to a blacksmith in the lower quarters of Solaris, Varek enlisted young and rose through the ranks through brutality, cunning, and results.
- Earned the title “Steelgaze” after losing his eye during the Siege of Marhollow and replacing it with a cold steel implant forged from the very chains of a fallen enemy captain.
- Known for turning around hopeless battles through ruthless tactics—including sacrificing towns or burning fields to deny enemies resources.
- Personally fought and executed at least two former generals for betrayal.
- His posting on Scholara Island is both a reward and an exile: the Republic trusts him to keep the island under control, but not to remain too close to the capital.
