Lord Kealen Thorne

Height: 6’0” (183 cm)
Build: Broad-shouldered and physically fit, with the stance of a seasoned warrior.
Hair: Ash-brown, neatly cropped with a hint of silver at the temples.
Eyes: Piercing blue, often narrowed as if calculating his next move.
Skin: Weathered from travel and sun exposure but well-maintained with noble grooming.
Clothing: Favors finely tailored doublets in navy and gold, embroidered with patterns resembling trade routes. Always carries a gilded longsword, both as a symbol of authority and readiness.
Aura: Projects authority and calm confidence, with a subtle scent of leather and parchment.

AC: 17 (Breastplate and Shield)
HP: 68
Speed: 30 ft
Abilities:
- STR: 16 (+3)
- DEX: 12 (+1)
- CON: 14 (+2)
- INT: 14 (+2)
- WIS: 12 (+1)
- CHA: 15 (+2)
Notable Skills:
- Persuasion (+6)
- Insight (+5)
- History (+5)
- Perception (+4)
- Intimidation (+5)
Saving Throws: STR +6, WIS +4
Languages: Common, Elvish, Dwarvish.
Special Features:
- Combat Superiority: Can use tactical maneuvers to control the battlefield and allies.
- Commanding Presence: Adds superiority dice to persuasion and intimidation attempts.
- Parry and Riposte: Deflects attacks and counters in quick succession.
- Guild Wealth: Access to extensive resources, including caravans, guards, and guild-owned properties.

Traits:
- Practical and disciplined, valuing preparation and calculated risks.
- Charismatic negotiator but firm in enforcing contracts and alliances.
- Protective of his guild’s reputation and fiercely loyal to his merchants.
Ideal: Prosperity must be earned through hard work, fairness, and order.
Flaw: Overly cautious and slow to trust outsiders, sometimes missing opportunities.

Trade Expansion - Focuses on securing and maintaining trade routes, particularly along the Azure Horizon.
Defensive Networks - Invests heavily in caravan guards, fortifications, and outposts to protect trade routes.
Alliances with Nobility - Forges ties with other houses to gain political protection and influence.
Economic Leverage - Uses loans and partnerships to bind rivals and allies alike into beneficial contracts.
Neutral Arbiter - Positions himself as a mediator in disputes to maintain neutrality and earn favours.

Parents: Deceased; former caravan leaders who built the foundation of the Azure Horizon Trading Company.
Siblings: Older sister, Lady Celia Thorne, who manages the guild’s urban operations.
Close Allies: Works closely with Lady Laeral Silverhand to maintain trade stability and partners with Lord Dain Ironbraid for dwarven-crafted goods.
Romantic Prospects:
- Past Relationships: Divorced amicably, remains focused on business.
- Future Considerations: Open to alliances through marriage but prioritises practicality over romance.
- Fears: Losing independence or being tied down by untrustworthy partners.

Caravans and Trade Routes - Enthusiastic about trade logistics and managing large operations.
Security and Defence - Discusses strategies for protecting goods and ensuring caravan safety.
Fine Craftsmanship - Collects rare items and treasures, especially from dwarven forges.
Economic Trends - Keeps a pulse on markets and fluctuations in goods.
Guild Policies - Proud of his guild’s growth and rules, often citing them as models for success.

Guild Scandals - Quickly downplays or denies any accusations of corruption.
Romantic Failures - Avoids discussing his divorce or former partners.
Personal Failures - Redirects conversations when questioned about lost caravans or bad deals.
Family Conflicts - Prefers to keep internal disputes quiet, especially disagreements with his sister.

Respects Hard Workers - Values diligence and competence but dismisses idleness.
Distrusts Adventurers - Considers them unpredictable and unreliable.
Esteems Artisans - Prioritises skilled craftsmen, especially dwarves and elves, for high-quality goods.
Skeptical of Magic - Relies on practicality over arcane solutions, though he tolerates mages who prove useful.

Buried Rivalries - Quietly works to outmaneuver rival guilds through economic pressure.
Hidden Contracts - Holds secret agreements that bind competitors to disadvantageous terms.
Guarded Wealth - Maintains private vaults in hidden locations outside guild records.
Political Aspirations - Seeks a formal advisory role in Waterdeep’s government to solidify his influence.
Contingency Plans - Keeps detailed escape routes and fallback plans in case of emergencies.

🎲 The Mercenaries