Terlyn Malahit
Terlyn Malahit is a gnomish warrior and member of the elite Somers' Rota squadron. She originates from Eriala, a secluded gnomish tsardom in the northern reaches of the Luminaire Mountains, known for its exceptional metalwork and jewelry craftsmanship. The tsardom, founded several centuries ago, has a population of approximately 3,000 gnomes and governed by Tsar Fiddlenik IX.
Born to Grimble and Nissa Malahit, respected silversmiths, Terlyn was the youngest of four children. The Malahit family has been producing fine silverware and decorative items for over seven generations, with their works adorning the halls of the tsardom's palace. Despite her family's artistic legacy, Terlyn showed little interest in the craft from an early age.
As a child, Terlyn began secretly training with wooden swords, often skipping her silversmithing lessons. By her teenage years, she had become proficient in basic combat techniques, much to her parents' dismay. Her martial interests were further fueled by tales of the legendary gnomish warrior Zinkle Copperborn, who defended Eriala from goblin invasions centuries ago.
At the age of 30, Terlyn's life took a dramatic turn. She was accused of having a romantic relationship with Glinor Ironfist, a member of the rival clan. The accusation, leveled by Boddynock Gemgleam, a scorned suitor, was based on circumstantial evidence of Terlyn and Glinor being seen together at the annual Moonberry Festival. Despite her vehement denials and lack of concrete proof, the scandal forced Terlyn to leave Eriala to avoid further conflict between the clans.
Exiled from her homeland, Terlyn spent the next 11 years as a mercenary, traveling across the realms of Aethoria, Verdania, and the Sundered Isles. During this period, she participated in 37 recorded battles and skirmishes, including the Defense of Thornhaven and the Siege of Mistport.
Terlyn's diminutive gnomish stature presented significant challenges in her career, particularly in the human-dominated realms. Her size, while advantageous for stealth, initially led to skepticism about her combat capabilities among potential employers and fellow mercenaries.
To compensate for her lack of reach and raw strength compared to human fighters, Terlyn developed a unique fighting style that capitalized on her gnomish attributes. She honed her natural gnomish agility and quick reflexes, becoming an expert in using her small size to outmaneuver larger opponents. Terlyn specialized in targeting weak points in armor and using momentum-based techniques to overcome larger foes.
During the Battle of Siltmire in the Verdant Marshes, Terlyn's combat skills caught the attention of Captain Lyra Swiftwing of the Somers' Rota. The Somers' Rota, an elite special tasks squadron formed over two decades ago, serves the Ducatis Lorial in its ongoing war for independence against the Imperion. Following a rigorous six-month probationary period, Terlyn was formally inducted into the squadron.
As a member of Somers' Rota, Terlyn has participated in multiple covert operations and a few major battles. Her most notable achievement was the successful infiltration and sabotage of the Imperion supply lines during the Siege of Crownspire, which turned the tide of the battle in favor of Ducatis Lorial.
Terlyn's signature weapon is a shield known as Lzesklo, acquired during a mission to the ruins of Zar'Kath, an ancient dwarven city. The shield, measuring just 12 inches in diameter, is crafted from an unknown alloy that exhibits both transparency and extreme durability.
At the age of 52, Terlyn Malahit, now known by the moniker "Glassfist," continues to serve as a key member of the Somers' Rota. Her current rank within the squadron is Second Blade, answering directly to Captain Swiftwing.
Despite her exile, Terlyn maintains sporadic contact with her family in Eriala through messages delivered by trusted couriers.