Online:Martin Dathieu

Martin Dathieu is a Breton found in the settlement of Hoarfrost Downs. He is the son of General Dathieu, King Ranser's military advisor. Martin has a tendency for big schemes and trouble which has lead to his current situation and his possibility as a recruit for the Shornhelm Guard.
 

Related Quests



Quest-Related Events
The Wayward Son
thumb|right|Martin Dathieu in the stocks
Martin is initially found in the town stocks after being implicated in a robbery. 
:''"If you've come to poke fun at the prisoner, you'd better think twice. I'll be out of these stocks soon, and then you'll have to watch your back. They may not have enough evidence to hold me, but that doesn't mean I'm not a dangerous criminal."''

The local constable and Captain Thayer have worked out a deal that if Martin enlists he foregoes punishment. However, he refused the captain and now it is up to you to try and convince him. Once you've started the quest, you can ask him about his predicament:
:What crime are you accused of?
:''"They say I broke into Jerine's Ironworks and robbed the place during the night, but they haven't got any proof. Besides, my friend is going to come forward and vouch for me. I was at his house drinking mead all night."
:Whatever the case, joining the Shornhelm Guard might be a good idea. They could use you.
:"And get myself killed? I can't do that. My father went back to the dirt fifteen years ago and my family needs me around. My mother would fall to pieces and my sister doesn't make enough coin to support herself, let alone the both of them."

After speaking with his friends and family, you can return to him with reasons why he should join the Guard. How you spoke with them will shape what reasons you give. When you approach him he will earnestly believe that Olivier will come forward with an alibi.
:"They are going to release me, aren't they? Has Olivier really not come forward?  He will. I know he will."
:I really think you should enlist, Martin.
:"Why? Olivier's not going to vouch for me, is he? That backstabbing arse-hole!  I can't enlist though. I just can't. I'm just not cut out to be a soldier, and my mother and my sister need me here."
:  (If you learnt the truth about his father)
::"You know about my father? You mean … you were there, weren't you? He did die with honor, didn't he? I-I don't know. Perhaps you're right. Maybe I was born to be a soldier and I've just been running from my destiny. All right. I'll enlist."
:  (Persuaded Aubrey)
::"Really? She said that? I guess it's true. My plans for making gold haven't really panned out, have they? My poor mother, she's been wearing the same shawl for eight years …. All right. If this is the best way I can help my family, I'll enlist."
:  (Intimidated Olivier) 
::"That fobbing Olivier. I can't believe he's hanging me out to dry. I don't want to rot away in some prison cell. I can tell you now, I am not cut out to be a soldier. Dishonor runs in my family. But you're right. I don't have a choice. I'll enlist."
:  (Failed to convince Olivier)
::"I should've known better than to trust Olivier. I suppose that if you went to such trouble, you're going to say I owe it to you to enlist. Fine. I'm not excited about it, and I don't know that I'll make much of a soldier, but I'll enlist."''

Speak to him before leaving and he'll say:
:''"I hope this is the right decision. I'd be lying if I said I didn't still have some reservations, but I suppose this'll at least give me a chance to earn some coin."

After agreeing to enlist Martin can later be found with Captain Thayer, where he will be having second thoughts.
:"What have I gotten myself into? If I get killed in battle, it's on your head."

The Crown of Shornhelm
If you recruited for Captain Thayer before the crowning of the new ruler of Rivenspire, Martin and his squad mates can be found at Shornhelm Castle. However his appearance there entirely depends on what reason you gave him to join. 

If you told him his father died a hero, he will have been inspired to make a name for himself and show qualities of a leader.
:"I can't tell you how much I appreciate you convincing me to enlist. I've come to realize that this is what I was born to be—a soldier. I also met some soldiers who served under my father. They spoke highly of him. I hope I can honor his memory."

If you told him his sister wants to enlist to help support the family:
:"I can't tell you how much I appreciate you convincing me to enlist. I've come to realize that this is what I was born to be—a soldier. Not only have I been able to better support my family, but I like to think I've made them proud, too."

If you told him to enlist if you have to bail him out yourself:
:"Oh look. You're that nosy, fobbing arse who talked me into joining the Shornhelm Guard, aren't you? Talk about a nightmare. All that marching … I actually prefer to be here in the stocks, and it's clearly where I belong."''

If he isn't there, speaking with Captain Thayer will reveal his fate—he can have either deserted and wound up in the stocks once more or have been killed in battle.
 

Notes
He suspects that Captain gro-Mak, a Covenant spy, was involved with the Bloodthorn Cult and other illegal businesses, but he has no proofs of any of his thoughts.