Theodore

After Frostfall, the native Dwarves of Belleron declared war on settlers. The Consul of Aurion, Lucius Ayden, sent a message to Tamaris requesting assistance. King Cyrus dispatched Theodore—who had made a name for himself during the Fiolett River Incident—to lead reinforcements to Belleron in support. Not long after Theodore's arrival, Lucius died suddenly. Due to the severity of the war situation, Theodore took his place as acting Consul, taking over the administration of the region of Aurion.

At first, the Royal Court's ministers held conflicting opinions regarding this knight of House Scull, but following the Fiolett River Incident, at least no one could doubt his "loyalty". In 1194, at Prince Dorian's birthday celebrations, Scull rebels who had infiltrated the crowd burst forth with weapons drawn, immediately turning the lively gathering into total chaos. But Theodore, as expected, protected the young prince: Royal Court guards, lying in wait in a nearby hunting camp, sallied forth at once and brought a swift and decisive end to the crisis. This incident greatly weakened House Scull's influence in Dawngrad, but also made Theodore's position clear: anyone who stood in his way would be cut down—even family.

From childhood, Theodore had been brave, intelligent, and an excellent swordsman. But as the youngest son of his family, he held no sway in House Scull's affairs. After joining the Royal Court, Theodore found himself in the swirling center of power and ambition, surrounded with opportunities to realize his aspirations. In 1188, Princess Madeline was disinherited at her Lightbearer Ceremony when the Holy Light failed to recognize her descent from King Tiyar; little Prince Dorian then stepped up to become the new heir. As expected, Theodore, the prince's closest confidant, became Captain of the Prince's Guard—a position that satisfied him much more than being his fencing tutor.

Of all the mysteries that surround Theodore, none are as enigmatic as the greatsword he wields. In 1176, in order to participate in a tournament at the Royal Court, Theodore commissioned a master swordsmith to forge a special sword, "as supple as a snake and as sharp as a needle". Following a sketch provided by Theodore, the smith fashioned a strange, unique greatsword with a curved blade and sharp point, which was named "Shadowsnake". The tip of the sword concealed a poison sac; its venom was not fatal, but would be enough to relax the victim's muscles and make them tumble from their mount. Thus did Theodore sit astride a white horse in the arena, wearing a magnificent helmet and brandishing Shadowsnake aloft to flaunt his victory. None who were present that day would forget this young knight of House Scull. His opponent lay defeated and in agony on the ground, blood seeping from under his armor. The wound had been caused by Theodore's vicious thrust—with a little something extra courtesy of Shadowsnake.