Kaladin Battlehammer
Kaladin Battlehammer
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Kaladin Battlehammer stands tall with a broad, powerful build that speaks to his warrior training. His face is weathered by years of vigilance, with deep-set eyes of steel gray that seem to constantly scan his surroundings for potential threats.
Facial Features
His beard is a point of pride, thick and well-maintained, reaching to the middle of his chest. It's a rich auburn color with streaks of premature silver at the temples, which he has braided meticulously with bronze clasps bearing the flame symbol of Gorm Gulthyn. His hair is worn longer than most warrior-priests, pulled back into a tight braid to keep it from interfering in battle.
Apparel & Accessories
He typically wears armor of dwarven steel and bears evidence of numerous repairs and battles but is impeccably maintained. His most distinctive feature is the bronze shield he carries, its face emblazoned with the sacred flame of Gorm Gulthyn in bas-relief. The shield's edges show signs of heavy use, but the flame symbol remains polished to a brilliant shine. At his side hangs his warhammer, the handle wrapped in well-worn leather and the head inscribed with dwarven runes of protection and vigilance.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born on 1146 DR in Mithral Hall to Torin and Elda Battlehammer, respected smiths and warriors of their clan. Unlike his talented smithing sister Freya, Kaladin was drawn to spiritual matters, spending hours studying ancient runes and praying in the Hall of Heroes while his peers focused on combat training. Though his contemplative nature worried his parents, Kaladin would soon prove his worth in battle.
In his fortieth year, Kaladin joined Bruenor Battlehammer's campaign to reclaim Gauntlgrym from dark creatures. During the climactic battle, he became separated from his unit and was cornered by drow raiders in the Temple of Dumathoin. There, he experienced divine intervention from Gorm Gulthyn, the dwarven god of vigilance, who filled the chamber with brilliant light that allowed Kaladin to defeat his enemies. This spiritual encounter transformed his path, leading him to join the Guardians of the Hallowed Flame under the mentorship of elderly priest Thrain Goldbeard, eventually rising to the rank of Vigilant Host in 1190 DR. When Kaladin's sister Freya established a trading post in Neverwinter's Chasm District that faced threats from local criminals, he recognized Gorm's call to service. With Thrain's blessing, he traveled to Neverwinter with a dual mission: to protect his sister and to spread Gorm's faith among the dwarves living there, encouraging them to reconnect with Gauntlgrym.
For the past five years, Kaladin has served as both spiritual leader and defender of the Dwarven Enclave, conducting services, offering counsel, and patrolling against threats, all while being troubled by recent dreams of darkness encroaching on Neverwinter that suggest a greater challenge soon to come.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
- He takes his responsibilities seriously, sometimes to the point of forgetting his own needs.
Savvies & Ineptitudes
- Kaladin is methodical and observant, often noticing details others miss.
Likes & Dislikes
- Though solemn in his duties, he enjoys dwarven songs and tales during rare moments of relaxation.
Virtues & Personality perks
- Protection: The safety of his community comes before all else.
- Vigilance: Constant readiness is the price of security.
- Heritage: Dwarven traditions and crafts must be preserved for future generations.
- Faith: Gorm's light guides and protects those who maintain their watch.
Vices & Personality flaws
- Kaladin habitually puts himself in harm's way rather than risking others, even when tactically unsound.
- He struggles to delegate responsibilities, often taking on too much himself.
- Kaladin unconsciously gives preferential treatment to those from Clan Battlehammer or who have ties to Mithral Hall.
The Protector of the Dwarven Enclave
View Character ProfileCommon, Dwarvish, Goblin
