Tharek Baresh
High Fang Tharek Baresh (a.k.a. "Sandfang")
High Fang Tharek Baresh is the undisputed leader of the Kaelen Confederacy, a formidable warrior and respected tribal statesman who has long been the spearhead of Kaelen's defense against the horrors of the Rel-Vath Barrens. Revered by his people and respected by allies across the Al-Muru Daxin Contingent, Tharek is both a living legend and a symbol of Rahki perseverance, having unified warring tribes into a single war council and forged a legacy rooted in honor, ferocity, and duty.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Born in the now-vanished outpost of Nashir-dun, Tharek Baresh was the son of a tribal hunter and a caravan pathfinder. He was orphaned at age 12 during a sand drake raid, surviving alone in the Barrens for two weeks before being found by a passing band of Dune Stalkers. Raised thereafter among them, Tharek rose through the martial ranks quickly, earning his first command at 20 and uniting a fractured network of tribal warbands by 32.
At 38, he challenged and defeated the previous High Fang in ritual combat, claiming leadership of the Confederacy and immediately initiating reforms to strengthen alliances and modernize military logistics. He was instrumental in drafting the pact with the Allied Sentinel State, ensuring equal watchfulness at the Barricade.
Education
Though not formally schooled, Tharek was trained in tribal lore, martial philosophy, and tactical warfare by oral historians and veteran warriors. He is considered a master of Barrens-path cartography, mounted combat, and Rahki cultural diplomacy.
Accomplishments & Achievements
Negotiated the Barrenwatch Compact with the Allied Sentinel State
Survived the Trial of Sand and Bone, defeating a sand drake barehanded
Oversaw the establishment of The Stonehold, Kaelen's central war academy
Morality & Philosophy
Tharek believes in strength through unity, and peace through readiness. He holds to the Rahki maxim: "The sun scorches all, but those who stand together cast the longest shadow." He has little tolerance for cowardice or indecision but respects honest dissent. Mercy is not weakness to him, but a resource to be given only when earned.
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Tharek seeks to preserve the Confederacy's independence while ensuring its survival against the dangers of the Barrens. He hopes to pass on a legacy of balance: one where honor, tradition, and progress walk together in lockstep.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Allied with the Sentinel State Commanders
Tactical ally of Chancellor Varros Malrik of the Surtgard Republic
Old rival (now ally) of Commander Yetha Orun of The Silver Steps
Regular guest of the Stonewalker Council for tribal deliberations
Family Ties
Spouse: Amarai Baresh, spiritual guide and battle-shaman of the Kaelen Temple of Flame
Children:
Rolan Baresh (29) – Captain of the Dune Stalkers
Jirra Baresh (25) – Desert Ranger and scout-master
Thalik Baresh (17) – Currently undergoing the Trial of Stone
Social Aptitude
Tharek is blunt, intimidating, and deeply charismatic. He commands with presence more than words and is known to speak in metaphors rooted in desert life. While he is not one for diplomacy in the traditional sense, his honesty and martial honor often earn him unexpected respect in foreign courts. He’s especially good at reading people’s intentions—and better at calling their bluffs.
Current Location
Species
Honorary & Occupational Titles
High Fang of the Kaelen Confederacy
Warden of the Southern Barrens
Sand-Seer of the Ancestors
Age
54
Date of Birth
23rd of Avurn, 420 AEL
Children
Pronouns
He/Him
Sex
Male
Presentation
Masculine
Eyes
Molten Amber, intense and deeply set
Hair
Shaved sides with a long topknot of coarse, dark dreadlocks streaked with bone-white strands
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Dark bronze, weathered by sun and sand
Height
6' 6"
Quotes & Catchphrases
"The wind does not ask permission to shape the dunes, and neither shall I ask to shape our future."
— Battle Council of Kaelen, 457 AEL
"One spear may shatter. A thousand? They become the sun's teeth."
— Address to the Dune Stalkers, 468 AEL
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
