Caladin Faust

* Casual
* Armored

> "I live by honor, yet I have none myself." ― Faust
>
>

‏‏‎ ‎

**Caladin Faust** is a former mercenary, originating from The Winterlands. He started off his journey in The Hales as a leader figure for the Ivory Cross, but abandoned them to spend the rest of his days as a wandering knight. Faust occupies the Ghost Kingdom, which is now considered to be his home.

## Biography

### **Early Life**

Caladin was raised in the North, living in harsh conditions with a family in poverty. Being the first born in the family, he grew up looking after himself and his two younger siblings. After the passing of his mother, he found himself to be the main caretaker of the family, more so than his father.

Shortly before Caladin was born, his father served as a royal knight to a Valendorian noble that governed Grand Valendoria. His family's name grew a good reputation, which was all credited to his father, Lampus Le Faustrecht. Lampus was rewarded with vast amounts of wealth for his service; however, his status and family's name became tarnished after an act of treason. Before any arrest could be made, he fled with his wife, starting life anew under a different identity.

### **Debut to The Hales**

Upon arrival on a northern merchant vessel, Caladin found himself lost and in need for money. Another passenger that was on the boat approached him, introducing himself as Cain. They had both just arrived, sharing the same ambitions to receive good wealth. Through speaking, the idea of mercenary work was brought up, immediately sparking in an interest in Caladin. He learned the basics of swordsmanship from his father, which may be sufficient to act as an average mercenary. They both agreed on naming their company The Ivory Cross, which is inspired from a religious background by Cain.

The first step was to introduce themselves to Aedwin, where Caladin immediately found himself on good terms with their king, Roland. Their reputation grew immensely after the duo rescued a woman from nearly being killed by a lunatic. After tending her wounds, Caladin offered her to join the Cross, in which she accepted and introduced herself as Petra Sela. The new triad asked for equipment and the necessities to best serve Aedwin, as well as some estate for their crew. King Roland complied with their requests, formally establishing The Ivory Cross. Now at days, Aedwin sponsors the mercenary guild, in return for their loyalty.

### **Abandonment**

The three are successfully making a living now, being paid well for their services. Caladin quickly becomes a reliable force for Aedwin, often being expected to deal with the latest crimes. However, being relied on too heavily led Caladin to have second thoughts on his mercenary career, as it was overwhelming. Things would change for the worst after Usher Orville Grant had mysteriously been murdered, a person that Caladin saw as a dear friend. Orville's son, Mortimer Grant, was desperate to discover the culprit behind his father's murder. Nonetheless, he quickly found his way to Caladin's residence, asking for a commission to arrest someone he deems suspicious. Caladin arrests and injures the suspicious woman, as she tried to resist arrest. Her name is Lillian, and she is later interrogated; however, it's revealed with big surprise that she is not guilty. Caladin doesn't take this lightly, which impacts his honor heavily, due to the imprisonment and injuries he caused on the woman.

Feeling a great remorse for his latest actions, Caladin finds himself desperate to make up for them. Aedwin relies on Caladin once more, asking him to arrest the person they believe to be the "real" culprit this time behind the mysterious murder. The suspicious man is Jaroslav Glazkö, current ruler of Hallengard. While kidnapping a king may seem near impossible, Caladin has a history with this man, both sharing a friendship and interests in hunting. Caladin agrees to Aedwin's terms, betraying his friendship with Jaroslav, ultimately arresting the man they see as suspicious. Jaroslav is later brought to Aedwin, and is executed by Mortimer Grant; therefore, leaving Hallengard without an active ruler. Caladin is praised and rewarded for his work, yet he feels vile for his betrayal of a friend. Caladin abandons everything upon hearing that Jaroslav was yet another innocent man, framed by a greater evil.

### **The Fort**

A strong sense of shame and lack of honor now haunt Caladin, causing him to leave everything behind. He stumbles across a fort amid the woods, which looks completely abandoned and in ruins. After spending countless days restoring it, he makes the place his own settlement. Many others know this place as The Ghost Kingdom, but Caladin simply refers to it as his fort.

Although it is lonely, things are mainly peaceful. Caladin eventually meets a formidable ally, another armored clad. He isn't a man of many words, but his name is Edwin. Caladin allows the Ostarian knight to stay, and the two bond together, listening to the music of Caladin's lute.

*-to be continued-*

## Personality

### **Debut**

Caladin Faust upon arrival was both humble, respectful, and also known to be reliable. In his mercenary work, he grew a strong sense of justice and had confidence in his abilities. He took commissions without much thinking, even if they weren't morally valid; thus, later discovering that he may not be cut out for mercenary work, considering that he feels immense guilt and remorse for a lot of his actions.

### **Present**

Caladin Faust is more timid and reserved now, but still carrying his passion to protect others. He doesn't show his full face often, since he still feels shameful for the past events.

## Trivia

* His father was an honorary knight, so that kind of explains why he also lives by honor.
* The name Faust was inspired off of a sword from a game called Spiral Knights.

* One day people just randomly started referring to Caladin Faust by his surname.