Galdor the Iron Lord

Art by Kekai Kotaki

**Galdor the Iron Lord** is a deceased Iron Lord of Daborak who resides in the Hall of Heroes of the Dream. He first appears in *Silent Knights* and is the main trial in *The Spirit Dance*.

## Description

### Appearance

Galdor appears as a male wearing silver plate armor over his entire body. He wields a large great sword.

## History

### *Silent Knights*

Galdor is one of the possible warriors that the Silent Knights could battle to obtain the Hall of Heroes' keystone. Although the party do not decide to fight him, they speak to him before deciding who to fight in the hall. He is described as being a straightforward fight, with some things of note:

* Has DM Cunning: no intelligence restrictions; uses abilities more effectively and more creatively
* Has Battle Herald Abilities: give commands, rallies himself
* Has maneuvers, similar to Battle Master, but his own
* Difficulty rating: fluctuates and depends on the party working together

### *The Spirit Dance*

River awakens following her death at the hands of the Mistwalker Gorger. The pain from the fight she just had is gone. She finds herself on top of a rainbow bridge. Unsure what to do, she walks along the bridge. As she gets close to the end, a building appears, emitting sounds of laughing and partying. She walks up to the front door, which is decorated with a mural showing warriors of various backgrounds, fighting each other. The door then opens up for the newcomer. A man in full plate mail approaches and greets her, telling her that the “Throne” wants to see her. She moves forward meeting with others.

Later after accepting the challenge from the Throne to return abck to the living, she enters an arena to duel. As her opponent, the Throne selects the same man who first greeted River. He introduces himself as Galdor, the Iron Lord, and he wields a greatsword. The fight commences, and River is the first to move. Many attacks are exchanged, but it is River who draws first blood. In response, Galdor pulls out a second greatsword. But it doesn’t help, as he receives his second Wound. He surges with power and combines his two swords into a flamberge. As the two circle each other, the Iron Lord comments on River’s determination to return. River replies “Of course I do.”

“Well, so DID I!” Galdor pushes forward, gains momentum, and Wounds River. River attempts to regain her momentum but fails; Galdor smashes through her weapons, landing another Wound. River does her best to regain ground. However, she fails to Wound Galdor, and instead she receives her third Wound. When the two re-engage, their weapons critically clash with one another, and the ringing of steel is accompanied by applause from the audience. The spiritual energy between the two forms a small swirling whirlwind around them as the two fight to get the Critical Effect. Despite that River wins, Galdar pushes forward, regains the Momentum, and lands a fourth Wound on her.

Galdor manages to get the upper hand once more and tries to Wound her. However, a tail trips the Iron Lord, and a kick pushes him away. In response, Galdor fastens an iron whip to both ends of his sword and draws a spear with his new greatbow. Upon the spear-arrow’s release, River’s eyes flash, and she dips low. Her tail launches the spear into the sky, and she jumps into the air. With a kick, the spear is launched back into Galdor’s chest, Wounding him for the third time. Impressed with River’s use of her body, both Madd Morc and Zara give their respect, increasing River’s prowess. Galdor moves forward to attack, but River pushes back with her newfound strength and knocks his weapon away. She then swings her weapon. There is silence for only a moment, then Galdor falls to the ground. The Sacred Arena heals their Wounds, and the two fighters praise one another for their skill. Galdor tells River to enjoy her time in the Waking Realm, as he would have given anything to return to his wife. He then dissipates.

## References

1. ↑ Silent Knights: Episode 11
2. ↑ The Spirit Dance