Seraphin Valtheris

Role as Knight Commander

Seraphin claimed the title of Knight Commander through ritual combat, defeating a rival senior knight in a battle that left the Council of Titans awestruck by his ferocity, and became the Chosen of Griffith. In this role, Seraphin oversees the Blackthorn Knights with an iron grip. His leadership style blends ruthless efficiency with an almost religious zeal for Griffith’s creed. The knights thrive under his command, operating as a disciplined but brutally pragmatic martial order. Seraphin constantly tests the order’s strength through mandated trials, skirmishes, and war games. Weakness is culled swiftly, but those who fail with dignity are given a chance to rebuild.
The Blackthorn Knights frequently find themselves drawn into the empire’s conflicts. While their allegiance to Cormyr is tenuous at best, Seraphin recognizes the strategic advantage of cooperating with the empire, at least while the gold continuous to flow in their direction.

Interactions with Adventurers

Seraphin views adventurers as beneath the Blackthorn Knights, seeing them as opportunistic mercenaries who lack the discipline and resolve of true warriors. He will tolerate their presence only when it serves his goals. Adventurers who cross the knights may find themselves subjected to brutal retribution, but those who prove their strength might earn Seraphin’s reluctant respect.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Early Life

Born to a well-to-do family in Marsember, Seraphin's early years were marked by tragedy. His celestial heritage made him a beacon of hope in his family’s eyes, but his brilliance attracted jealousy and fear. A brutal betrayal—whether through the machinations of rivals or a supernatural force seeking to exploit his potential—left his family dead or scattered.
Broken and alone, Seraphin was found by the Blackthorn Knights as a child, wandering the streets of Marsember. Taken in by the order, he was subjected to the grueling trials of initiation at a young age. Under the mentorship of Gary Whiskers, the knight captain of the time, Seraphin grew into a shining paragon of the order’s teachings.

Young Adulthood

As Seraphin grew under the Blackthorn Knights’ rigorous training, his celestial heritage and natural talent propelled him to greatness. By his teenage years, he had already surpassed many seasoned knights, mastering both martial and strategic skills under the mentorship of Gary Whiskers. Embracing Griffith’s teachings, Seraphin honed his ambition and strength, dedicating himself fully to the order’s creed.
During his early campaigns, Seraphin led the Blackthorn Knights in decisive battles against bandits, monsters, and rebellious factions. His ruthless efficiency on the battlefield earned him a fearsome reputation, while his victories cemented his status as one of the order’s rising stars. His unwavering discipline and tactical brilliance inspired respect among allies and fear in his enemies.
One year, the Knight Captain declared he was stepping down. For the first time since the early days of the order, the captainhood was to be competitive. Even while saying he was no longer fit for the job, Gary was far beyond most of the ordinary knights. He had not lost a duel a single time in the 20 years he had held the seat. Seraphin entered his name into the running and, facing off against some of the order’s strongest warriors, Seraphin’s ended up victorious, claiming the seat he still holds to this day.

Morality & Philosophy

Seraphin embodies the teachings of Griffith “The Titan” Blackthorn to an almost fanatical degree:

• Conflict Breeds Strength: Every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. Seraphin revels in combat, seeing it as the ultimate crucible to test and refine his abilities.
• Ambition as Sacred: Seraphin's rise through the ranks was fueled by an unyielding drive to prove himself. He sees ambition as the lifeblood of progress but demands discipline and loyalty among his followers.
• Power as the Measure of All: Weakness is abhorrent to Seraphin. He respects only those who can demonstrate their worth through strength of arms, strategy, or sheer willpower.

Unlike Griffith's chaotic neutrality, Seraphin has adopted a structured interpretation of these teachings. Treachery, while historically common in meritocratic hierarchies, is expressly forbidden under his rule, as it represents cowardice and an unwillingness to confront challenges openly.

Personality
Seraphin is cold, calculating, and ambitious. His celestial heritage gives him a radiant charisma that can inspire awe, but his unrelenting focus on strength and power leaves little room for mercy.

Year of Birth

1370 42 Years old

Sex

Male

Eyes

Piercing gold

Hair

Short, white

Height

6' 5"

Weight

243 lbs

Belief/Deity

Griffith

Aligned Organization

Blackthorn Knights

Other Affiliations

• Cormyr