Orome Hansel

Orome in his usual garb

Orome Hansel, once known as Orome Snow, hails from the Hansel family lineage. He is the eldest child born of a liaison between a Hansel progenitor, whose identity remains unknown, and a tavernkeeper's young daughter from Hanselville. Orome is the elder brother to Henry Hansel and Gaia Hansel.

As a child, Orome was drawn to the wilderness, where he learned to navigate the forest's mysteries. His proficiency with a bow, which he acquired after being tutored by a passing traveler, soon became his livelihood as he took to hunting, providing for his family from a tender age. His exceptional eyesight and skill as a huntsman became the stuff of local legend, attracting attention from far-flung houses seeking his game.

At the age of seven, during a raid on Hanselville, Orome's archery skills were put to the test. Although he fought bravely, he could not fend off the invaders. This experience hardened him, and he subsequently joined a group of huntsmen dedicated to expelling bandits and wildlings from their lands. His leadership qualities shone through, and he ascended to the rank of leader after he and his close-knit group reclaimed Hansel Hall from the Wheat-bandits with minimal casualties.

Following their victory, Orome established Hansel Hall as his stronghold. It serves as a bastion against further incursions and a launching point for his continued efforts to rid the North of banditry, a battle he wages relentlessly.

## Appearance and Character

At 17 years of age, Orome Hansel embodies agility and speed with his lean, swift build that serves him well both in mounted combat and archery. His black hair is kept long, adding to the dynamic image of a huntsman, while his piercing green eyes are keen and discerning. Orome carries an air of stoicism, his face often set in an expression of neutrality, sparing in smiles or outward displays of emotion. Despite his casualness with personal grooming, he maintains his chin clean shaven.

Known for his laconic nature, Orome is a man of few words; not due to any affectation or as a response to past events, but as a genuine reflection of his reserved demeanor. At times, this trait manifests in a certain ruthlessness and a propensity to act decisively and unexpectedly, often catching his adversaries off guard. He is a man of action, preferring to communicate through his deeds rather than words.

Orome's bond with the local populace is profound, and over time, he has deeply internalized his responsibilities. While his actions may seem driven by compassion, they often stem from a sense of duty, underscoring his commitment to the welfare of his community.

## History

### Deserter ark

Orome Hansel's inaugural appearance in the narrative unfolds during the deserter arc when Lionel and Darreth Farsight arrive at Hansel Hall in pursuit of a deserter from the Night's Watch. This encounter took both parties by surprise, as the Farsights had not set foot in Hansel Hall for many years, a legacy of the historical purge.

The initial interaction between the two sides was marked by caution, with each party wary of the other's intentions. However, the atmosphere shifted towards a more cordial tone once Orome assured Lionel that he was not providing refuge to any deserters. Orome proved to be a valuable ally, suggesting that the Farsights interrogate some of the wildling raiders notorious for pillaging Hanselville. With his guidance, the Farsights successfully staged an ambush and captured several wildlings, who verified that the deserter had not ventured south for fear of capture.

As the party departed and the arc progressed, it is implied that Orome resumed his routine of hunting and conducting patrols along the West Bank. However, he faced the necessity to pull back most of his forces from the marshes due to heightened activity near Skagwall, which had become a stronghold for bandits over the span of nearly thirty years.

### Skägwall ark

During the tumultuous events of the Skägwall arc, Orome Hansel was notably absent from the main narrative. However, it is inferred that he was actively engaged in defending his territory against relentless bandit raids. The disastrous flooding and collapse of Skägwall unleashed a new wave of banditry on the West Bank as former inhabitants of the bandit stronghold sought new territory, escalating the violence and chaos in the region.

Faced with overwhelming odds, Orome and his forces were compelled to retreat, leading refugees to the relative safety of Hansel Hall to prepare for a desperate stand against the encroaching threat.

In a pivotal moment, the narrative reintroduces Orome as he is informed by Darreth and the arriving party that the bandits had consolidated their ranks into a formidable army marching directly towards Hansel Hall. With little experience in siege warfare and the stakes at their highest, Orome recruits the aid of the party. Alongside his loyal huntsmen and a band of resolute volunteers, they manage to hold off the bandit onslaught, sustaining their defense until the timely arrival of reinforcements from Farsight Tower. The support from the Farsight forces turns the tide, breaking the siege and providing a decisive victory for Orome and his beleaguered followers.