Balon Brighthand
Stellaran Knight (a.k.a. The Gold Moon)
The identities of the mythic Stellaran Knights are often unknown to the public at large, but not so for Balon who they call the "Brighthand." Towering over normal miridians and elves, Balon stands close to seven feet tall and quite broad of shoulder. His silhouette would be recognizable even if he did not go around wearing ornate armor and wielding the massive polearm for which he has earned his other most common nickname, "Moon Spear." Perhaps technically a glaive, the weapon consists of a sturdy, eight foot shaft topped with what amounts to a single-edged, starforged shortsword. Altogether Balon cuts an imposing image, and not one easily forgotten.
But what makes Balon famous across the Imperium is the way in which he breaks Stellaran tradition. Customarily these elite warriors travel the countryside as swords for hire, demanding the highest rates for their services. Instead Balon refuses payment for his services and works primarily for the poorest of the poor. He drives off wild beasts and lecherous lords to protect farmers, fishers, and woodsmen. Generally all he asks for in payment is food, lodging, and perhaps repairs or replacements to his gear if it was damaged during his endeavors. He is said to never ask for more than someone can afford to give, and turn away offers that he deems too generous.
Now, jealousy is a green-eyed monster, and as such an apparent paragon of virtue generates slander about his true intentions. Some suggest that he could not possibly live and sustain such a hulking form purely on the generosity of the least members of society. He must have some rich benefactor funding his campaigns and pulling the strings from behind the curtain. But those who believe in his ethos counter that the rich and powerful love little as much as claiming credit for acts of charity and goodliness. If such a patron existed, surly they would come forth and name themselves tot he public. As in all things the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. Perhaps Sir Balon takes more payment than he lets on, perhaps some of the monsters both humanoid and not that he battles trouble more than just the common folk. But to those same folk he is a hero, and his work of goodness for goodness' sake is to be lauded, even if it is all an illusion.
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