Aaron Silversmith

**Aaron Silversmith**
***25.Feb.243 SC**-**7.Feb.294 SC***

**Place of birth:**Thunderstone

**Aaron Silversmith** (aka Herbert Ironclad), remembered by many as a formidable leader of a ruthless gang named Thunder direwolves, cast a long shadow across the Shifting Reach. He operated in with his audacious heists and confrontations with the law. He gained notoriety for his strategic acumen, making him a wanted man across several territories. Yet, beneath the veneer of the outlaw, emerged a tale few anticipated. In the latter part of his life, an introspective journey guided him toward redemption. Shedding his criminal legacy, he endeavored to reintegrate into society, adopting the name Herbert Ironclad as a testament to his transformed self.

## Biography

### Childhood

Born on the **25th of February 243 SC**, Aaron Silversmith came into the world in the modest village of Thunderstone. The village, characterized by its cobblestone streets and the harmonious blend of nature and architecture, provided an idyllic backdrop for young Aaron's early years.

However, Aaron's childhood was not without its tribulations. Thunderstone, though picturesque, grappled with economic uncertainties, which often manifested in the daily lives of its inhabitants. The Silversmith family, in particular, faced their share of hardships, struggling to make ends meet. As a result, Aaron's formative years were marked by a combination of youthful innocence juxtaposed with the gritty realities of village life. The socio-economic conditions of Thunderstone played a significant role in shaping Aaron's worldview, laying the groundwork for the choices he would later make in life.

### Youth

As Aaron transitioned into his teenage years, the economic struggles of Thunderstone intensified, pushing him towards choices born out of desperation rather than virtue. The once mischievous child, known for his harmless pranks, now found himself entangled in the murkier side of village life. Petty thefts and minor scams became common activities for him, drawing the concern of village elders and the disdain of his peers.

It was during these years that Aaron came under the influence of Branick Redwood, a notorious figure in the regional underworld. Under Branick's tutelage, Aaron's misdemeanors quickly escalated into more severe transgressions, including highway robberies and the occasional smuggling operation. His reputation grew, and by the age of 20, Aaron was no longer just another face in the crowd but was increasingly recognized as a rising star in the world of banditry.

### Thunder direwolves

By the age of 23, Aaron's notoriety had reached new heights, leading him to consider expanding his operations. The culmination of this ambition materialized in the formation of the Thunder Direwolves on **30th of March 266 SC**, named symbolically after his birthplace, Thunderstone, and the cunning, fierce nature of the direwolf, a creature of legend in local folklore.

Handpicking members based on their skills, loyalty, and audacity, Aaron assembled a band of like-minded individuals who, for various reasons, had found themselves on the fringes of society. Among these were skilled swordsmen, sharpshooters, and adept horse riders, making the Thunder Direwolves a formidable force.

In a chance encounter on **2st of September 266 SC** Aaron crossed paths with Wanda Macwrath. Recognizing her fierce combat abilities with her signature dual daggers, he was immediately impressed by her prowess. Seeing potential beyond her immediate circumstances, Aaron extended an invitation for her to join the Thunder Direwolves. As they worked closely, their professional camaraderie blossomed into a deep romantic relationship, with Wanda quickly ascending to the position of second in command. Her tactical insights and combat skills complemented Aaron's leadership, solidifying their bond both professionally and personally.

Under their leadership, the gang orchestrated a series of heists, raids, and high-profile kidnappings, targeting affluent merchants and nobility traveling through the region. Their audacious endeavors were characterized by meticulous planning, a code of conduct that forbade unnecessary violence, and a certain theatrical flair that quickly became their trademark.

The Thunder Direwolves operated out of a concealed camp located deep within the forested hills surrounding Thunderstone. This secret haven not only served as their operational base but also as a sanctuary, where members found camaraderie, shared their stories, and plotted their next moves.

### Betrayal

On **14th of May 276 SC** Aaron hatched an intricate plan targeting the caravan of Wesley Talon, an affluent merchant known for his vast wealth and opulent trade goods. Talon's caravan route, which wound through the dense woodlands, was perfect for an ambush. The Direwolves meticulously charted the caravan's path, making sure to exploit every natural bottleneck and blind spot the forest had to offer.

On the designated day, as the sun dipped low on the horizon, the Direwolves lay in wait. The unsuspecting caravan, laden with rich tapestries, precious stones, and gold, was lulled into a false sense of security by the deceptive calm of the woods. With a synchronized war cry, the Direwolves sprang from their hiding spots. The caravan's guards, though trained and battle-hardened, were no match for the element of surprise and the sheer ferocity of the Direwolves' assault. In the midst of the fray, Aaron came face to face with Wesley Talon. After a brief but intense skirmish, Talon was defeated, his life snuffed out by Aaron's blade.

Rifling through the spoils, Aaron's fingers brushed against an old, leather-bound tome. It was the Inscrutable Codex, an artifact shrouded in legends and mysteries. Even a rugged outlaw like Aaron recognized its immense value and the power it potentially held.

Yet, the triumph of this grand heist was short-lived for Aaron. Unbeknownst to him, Wanda Macwrath had harbored ambitions of her own. Sensing the perfect opportunity post-heist, she clandestinely rallied a faction of the Direwolves, instigating whispers of mutiny. One evening, as Aaron relaxed by a campfire, reflecting on their recent success, he was suddenly overwhelmed by a group of his own gang members. Betrayed and outnumbered, he fought valiantly but was ultimately subdued. Wanda, with cold eyes and a steely resolve, approached the incapacitated Aaron. Without hesitation, she drove a dagger into him, an act of treachery sealing her ascension to leadership. Assuming him to be dead, the Direwolves, now under Wanda's command, abandoned Aaron in the heart of the dense woods, leaving him to the mercy of the elements and wild beasts.

### A new life

In the heart of the forest, as twilight began to settle, Priscilla Harrowrift, a young healer renowned in nearby settlements for her unparalleled skill with herbs and potions, was collecting medicinal plants. As she made her way through a particularly dense thicket, she stumbled upon the unconscious form of Aaron, bloodied and bruised from his ordeal. Despite the danger he presented as a notorious outlaw, her compassionate nature took precedence, compelling her to save the life of the man before her.

With considerable effort, given his imposing stature, Priscilla managed to transport the grievously injured bandit leader to her humble shack in Wraithmoor. To shield him from any potential retaliation and ensure his safety, she introduced him to the villagers as Herbert Ironclad. They accepted this new addition, none being the wiser about his tumultuous past.

During subsequent months, Priscilla tirelessly tended to Aaron, nursing him back from the brink of death. As his physical wounds healed, Priscilla's gentle confrontations regarding his past actions prompted Aaron to introspect. The stark contrast between his brutal life and the selfless kindness of the young healer stirred a profound transformation within him.

As the days went by, an undeniable bond grew between them. Drawn to her compassion and unwavering sense of justice, Aaron found himself opening up about his past, the choices he made, and the life he led. Priscilla's unwavering belief in the inherent good within people further pushed him towards redemption.

Shedding his former identity, Aaron Silversmith, once the terror of the region, began a new life as Herbert Ironclad. His days of marauding were replaced with helping the villagers, tilling the land, and assisting Priscilla in her healing endeavors. Over time, the two grew inseparable, with their bond deepening into love. In the heart of Wraithmoor, surrounded by the very villagers he might have once terrorized, Aaron and Priscilla vowed to spend the rest of their lives together.

Not long after their union was solemnized, the joy in the household of Priscilla and Aaron was further amplified. In the heart of Wraithmoor, amidst the serenity of their humble abode, on **7st of August 277 SC** Priscilla gave birth to a healthy baby boy. They named him Valerian, a symbol of the new beginning and the strength their family now represented. The child, with his innocent laughter and curious eyes, became the beacon of hope for Aaron, a daily reminder of the second chance he had been granted and the new path he had chosen to tread.

### Revenge

On **22th of April 280 SC** under the cover of darkness, the thunderous gallops of the Thunder Direwolves approached Wraithmoor. With utmost precision, they descended upon the unsuspecting village, rapidly raiding their granaries. The next day Wanda herself went to the village to demand ransom for the grain stock. Aaron could feel a familiar sense of rage build up within him upon learning of the calamity caused by his former comrades.

Motivated by a potent mix of revenge and the need to protect his newfound home, Aaron devised a plan. On **23th of April 280 SC** the cloak of night provided him the cover needed to stealthily approach the bandit camp. With keen senses honed by years of living on the edge, he swiftly took down the unsuspecting sentinels guarding the perimeter.

Infiltrating the camp, Aaron's heart raced with adrenaline and anger. Drawing from his extensive experience in the art of stealth and assassination, he meticulously took down each member of the Thunder Direwolves, their deaths swift and silent. The camp, punctuated with the occasional snore of a slumbering bandit, remained oblivious to the vengeance unfolding around them.

As dawn approached, only one tent remained - that of Wanda Macwrath. Aaron approached cautiously, memories of their past together momentarily clouding his judgment. As the dim light from the campfire cast long, flickering shadows, Aaron silently approached her tent, his knife gleaming with lethal intent. He entered the tent and just as he was about deliver his final blow, Wanda's instincts, honed from years of life on the edge, kicked into overdrive. She woke up and rolled to the side just as Aaron lunged forward, his knife slicing through the empty space she had occupied moments before. Wanda, her eyes wide with surprise and recognition, quickly reached for her dual daggers, her weapons of choice, which lay next to her makeshift bed.

The tent became a confined battleground. Each of them knew the other's moves intimately, having fought side by side in numerous skirmishes in the past. This knowledge made the duel even more dangerous, as they anticipated and countered each other's strikes with expert precision.

Aaron swung his knife downward, aiming for a fatal blow, but Wanda parried with one of her daggers, the metallic clang echoing in the stillness. Using her other dagger, she lunged at Aaron's exposed side, forcing him to jump back to avoid the sharp blade. Their eyes locked, a mixture of anger, betrayal, and a hint of residual affection.

Seizing the opportunity, Aaron lunged again, managing to slice a shallow cut across her arm. Wanda hissed in pain, retaliating with a fierce combination of strikes that pushed Aaron on the defensive. The confined space of the tent proved to be a challenge, with both having to constantly adjust their footing to avoid tripping over the tent's contents.

In a final, desperate move, Wanda charged, hoping to catch Aaron off-guard. However, years of experience and his heightened state of alertness allowed him to predict her move. Side-stepping her charge, he used her momentum against her, tripping her up and sending her crashing to the ground. Before she could recover, he was upon her, pinning her down and, after a brief struggle, delivering the fatal blow to her neck.

Sifting through the camp, Aaron's gaze landed upon the Inscrutable Codex, an item of immeasurable value and power, hidden away in Wanda's personal chest. With the codex in his possession, he returned to Wraithmoor, guiding the villagers to the now vacant camp to retrieve their stolen grain. The once-feared bandit leader had redeemed himself, solidifying his place as a protector and cherished member of Wraithmoor.

Upon his return to Wraithmoor, Aaron disclosed to Priscilla the retrieval of the Inscrutable Codex from the gang's camp. Intent on selling it for the betterment of their village, his plans were halted when Priscilla enlightened him about the codex's perilous nature. Taking heed of its dangerous implications, they mutually resolved to securely hide it within their abode, ensuring that its malevolent secrets remained inaccessible.

### Demise

Years later a new peril emerged in the form of a monstrous white direwolf. This creature, with its piercing eyes and menacing presence, began to terrorize the village, mauling livestock and instilling fear among the residents. Recognizing the danger it posed and driven by the determination to safeguard his family and the people he had come to care deeply for, Aaron, despite his advanced years, took it upon himself to confront this menace.

Equipped with his sharp instincts, honed skills, and the experience of many battles, on **7st of February 294 SC** Aaron tracked the direwolf to its lair. As night blanketed the surroundings, a fierce and epic confrontation ensued between the seasoned warrior and the ferocious beast. With every move and countermove, the two adversaries seemed evenly matched, their strength and agility on full display. The cold air was punctuated by the direwolf's growls and Aaron's grunts of effort.

As dawn approached, the battle reached its climax. In a final, desperate lunge, Aaron managed to land a fatal blow on the direwolf, but not before the beast's sharp claws and teeth found their mark on him. The two adversaries fell together, life ebbing away from both in those final moments.

The village mourned the loss of its protector, a man who had once been its most feared enemy, but had transformed into its staunchest guardian. The legacy of Herbert Ironclad would forever be remembered in the annals of Wraithmoor's history.

## Appearance

In his bandit days Aaron was a striking figure. He sported a rugged, weather-beaten face with sharp, penetrating blue eyes that often held a mischievous glint. His unkempt, jet-black hair fell to his shoulders, occasionally obstructed by the wide-brimmed hat he frequently wore. A scruffy beard adorned his chin, adding to his fearsome appearance. He typically donned dark leather armor, accented by various trinkets and trophies from his conquests, and always had his trusty sword on his side.

## Personality

Before his betrayal, Aaron was a self-centered individual, driven by ambition and personal gain. His loyalty was primarily to his gang, the Thunder Direwolves, and the benefits they brought him. He was ruthless in his pursuits, often displaying a cold-heartedness that made many wary of crossing him. His primary focus was the welfare of his gang and the success of their criminal endeavors.

However, after the betrayal by his own gang and his near-death experience, Herbert underwent a profound transformation. The kindness and care shown to him by Priscilla Harrowrift made him introspective, leading him to evaluate the choices he'd made. As Herbert Ironclad, he became a man deeply committed to the well-being of his village, Wraithmoor. His priorities shifted from self-interest to the collective good, and he often went out of his way to ensure the safety and prosperity of his fellow villagers. The once-selfish bandit leader evolved into a protector and benefactor for his community.