Deorum
Character portrait
Garth
male
Race
half-orc
Archetype
rebel
Background
paladin
Age
38 years old
Height
187 cm (6'2'')
Weight
95 kg (209 lbs)
Garth, 38 years old
Male half-orc
Archetype: rebel
Background: paladin
Height: 187 cm (6'2'')
Weight: 95 kg (209 lbs)

Garth emanates an aura of defiance rooted in his unusual upbringing. Born to an orc chieftainess and a revered human warrior, Garth stands tall amidst the swirling fog of intermingled destinies. His long ears, a trait inherited from his orc lineage, and his imposing stature declare his heritage to anyone who lays eyes on him. Raised in Thundertusk Village, nestled in the jagged Ironspear Mountains, his life is far from ordinary.

During his early years, Garth experiences the harshness of dual cultural expectations. Orc society prizes brute strength, while his human father's teachings instill a sense of honor and spirituality. The clash of these ideals leads to confusion and identity struggles. Childhood takes a darker turn when an attack from a rival tribe results in the slaughter of his village’s warriors, including his mother. This trauma leaves a deep-seated scar and kindles a rebellious streak against being pigeonholed by either culture.

At sixteen, Garth encounters Liam, a wandering human paladin with a history steeped in covert resistance movements. Recognizing the raw potential in Garth, Liam takes him under his wing. Under Liam's tutelage, Garth learns the ways of the paladin but twists the doctrines to fit his own rebellious nature. He wields his sword with an unconventional mix of brute force and surprising finesse, channeling divine power into strikes that leave foes bewildered.

Now, Garth's path diverges greatly. No longer tied to the principles that governed his upbringing, he carves out his own identity. Operating on the fringes of both human and orc societies, Garth turns mercenary. He takes on tasks that often pit him against the very injustice and corruption he feels shackled by. His current occupation sees him as a rogue paladin-for-hire, wielding his dual heritage as both weapon and shield.

Garth's best friend is a dwarf blacksmith named Thoric, whom he meets in the bustling trade town of Redstone. Thoric's unwavering loyalty and pragmatic wisdom provide balance to Garth's reckless tendencies. Despite their vastly different backgrounds, they become inseparable.

Deep within, Garth harbors a fear of betrayal, a hangover from witnessing his village decimated. It fuels his inability to fully trust, even pushing him to distance himself from those who attempt to get close. This fear interweaves with his life credo—"Strength without honor is savagery; honor without strength is weakness." He walks a tightrope between these extremes, crafting his own code in the process.

Garth’s most notable adventures are filled with unexpected twists. Negotiating a fragile peace treaty between rival clans, only to destroy it to expose a deeper conspiracy, leaves both sides reeling. Another time, he infiltrates a corrupt noble's estate and uncovers a smuggling ring, leading to a climactic confrontation where he faces the paladin codes he once revered.

Temper and an occasional disregard for consequences—these are his most glaring flaws. Mood swings manifest abruptly, especially when confronted with bureaucracy or perceived injustice. Despite this, a peculiar sense of humor thrives within him. His favorite joke? "What's an orc’s idea of a balanced diet? A different meat in each hand."

In battle, Garth adopts a unique mannerism—he hums an old orcish lullaby, a fragmented memory of his mother that calms his mind and intimidates his enemies. Although predominantly free-spirited, Garth respects certain cultural customs. He honors the orc tradition of "Grim Feast" by sharing strength-giving meals with allies before undertaking perilous missions.

His tangled history and relentless combat have left him with health issues, notably recurring pain in his left shoulder from an old wound suffered in his village's defense. This lingering injury serves as both a physical and emotional reminder of what he has lost and his enduring resilience.

Symbolically, Garth treasures an heirloom—a pendant combining his father’s paladin crest and his mother’s tribal insignia. It is a continual reminder of his dual heritage and the strength that he draws from embracing both halves.

Deorum: fantasy characters creator by Azgaar, 2024. v1.1.0