Berenger Coldren
(a.k.a. Barry)
I could wait around here to eventually join you my love. Neros knows it can't be far off for me. Yet, maybe there's a few good fights left in me, Starla. What kinda man would I be if I didn't put those to good use. I'll see you soon my love, I just don't think these old bones are gunna end up next to you here.
Duty, honor and courage. The life of Berenger Coldren has been about the pursuit of these ideals that always seem just out of reach. For him, the very concepts have been romanticized beyond attainability.
Berenger's been chasing his dream since he was a young boy in the Farmlands of Ghal Pelor where he joined the local militia and challenged threats like the Red Vest bandits. By the age of twenty one he left for Ghal Pelor to join the army. Tensions were high in those days as the Tengu had just arrived only a few decades prior, goblin tribes were on the rise and a hoard of the undead were swarming eastward. Berenger's training was in the field and his life on the line from there very beginning. He rose quickly through the ranks of the army, proving himself battle after battle, year after year.
Life as a solider was good to Berenger. He saw the distant lands of Tengu Town and the violent Butcher Yards of the Dougal clan. He met his wife Starla in the southern district of Ghal Pelor and made his way into the prestigious ranks of the Dragoons. He had three children, built a beautiful home in the farmlands and eventually retired with good money.
Yet, they story of his life is not the same one his children would tell. To them, their father was always gone on one campaign or another. Their mother raised them and taught them everything they needed to know about life. When Berenger was home he tried to teach them about heroics, honor and courage but these were of no real practical use them. He brought them trinkets from his travels and told them stories from his adventures but both of these became rarer and rarer as he took on increasingly longer tours of duty. When Berenger finally came home to retire it was to a family that had already gone their separate ways. His daughter to the city proper and his two sons to start farms of their own. His children had little interest in getting to know their father. Starla did her best to connect with Berenger and live a good life with him. She felt she owed him that much since he was the father of their children and he did provide for them. And in his own mind he was the perfect father and husband. She refused to take that notion from him.
Starla passed two years ago, a fever that grew worse and worse till it took her one hot summer night. Berenger hasn't seen his children since that night. He says they're too busy with their own lives, families and responsibilities. It was just him, his empty farm and the little grave by Starla's favorite oak tree. With all of the them gone the yearning quickly returned to him. The desire to chase honor, pursue duty and live a life of courage. He grabbed up his gear and brought his lifetime of expertise to the New Sanctuary Expedition under Rehele's leadership.
His children wish him the best, even though none of them could make it out to see him before he set off on the road. In truth, they know full well what Berenger can't bring himself to ever admit. He's relieved. As much as he loved Starla and them and the farm he loved his quests even more. They're happy for him in a way. He finally get's to embrace the life he always dreamed of and never has to look back to Ghal Pelor again.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Elderly yet very fit and healthy for his age
Identifying Characteristics
Missing an eye. It was lost in battle against clan Dougal in the Butcher Yards
Mental characteristics
Education
Field Training with the Grand Army of Ghal Pelor
Employment
Currently with the Westbound Star Company
Accomplishments & Achievements
Having fought at numerous important battles in the last 40 years of service.
Morality & Philosophy
Berenger lives by a strict code of ethics. He sees himself as a virtuous man and a defender of the helpless. He'll go to every length to protect those who can't protect themselves. Especially The Ghal Pelorians
Taboos
Taking of innocent life
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
To make life better for those he's sworn to protect. To live a life dedicated to duty, honor and courage.
Social
Family Ties
Sienna Coldren - Daughter. Lives in Ghal Pelor and works in the trade district
Jacob Coldren - Son. Lives in the Farmlands of Ghal Pelor and runs a large farm and cattle ranch
Wren Coldren - Son. Lives in the Farmlands of Ghal Pelor and runs a modest farm specializing in growing barley, wheat and other specialty ingredients for Ackley Ales
Jacob Coldren - Son. Lives in the Farmlands of Ghal Pelor and runs a large farm and cattle ranch
Wren Coldren - Son. Lives in the Farmlands of Ghal Pelor and runs a modest farm specializing in growing barley, wheat and other specialty ingredients for Ackley Ales
Religious Views
Believes in the old gods and still prays to them.
Relationships
History
Berenger is Erik's commanding officer. He looks at Erik as courageous but vulnerable youth in need of protection, education and friendship
History
Rehele employs Berenger in the Westbound Star Company as a scout and soldier
Species
Ethnicity
Birthplace
Ghal Pelor Farmlands
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Gender
Male
Height
6'0
Weight
205 LBS
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Comments