Galindan Sha’Andraste
Galindan Sha’Andraste
“There are many people who despise my mistress as she embodies the vices of greed and vengeance. Yet how many of those same people can say that they have never wanted more wealth or that they have never sort vengeance upon someone?”
Background
Born in the year 428 of the Naethian calendar, Galindan spent much of his early years with his mother, Andraste Tha’Arlan, in the city of Ananuc[1]. His father, Balathan Sha’Durathis, was a pirate working under the infamous Skargg Throat-slitter when the Bloodied Tide (Skargg’s ship) was sunk by the Ananucian navy in 431 NC. Fearing for Galindan’s life, Andraste fled the city and headed to the isolated Temple of Vengeful Flame[2]. Upon arriving she collapsed and later passed away from a fever but Galindan was unharmed and it was decided by the priests that he should be raised as a cleric of Tiamat.
Galindan’s training was overseen by the cleric Ephelomar Sha’Inadras and over the years a strong bond of friendship was formed between the two. This training started in 435 NC and came to an end when he was inducted into the priesthood in 452 NC.
During Axanuc’s second crusade against Dalmesha[3], the Temple of Vengeful Flame was assaulted by a hoard of undead under the command of a Lich named Olaranas. The priests of the temple, accustomed to raids, assembled upon the steps and steeled themselves against the encroaching tide of rancid flesh and bone[4]. The battle lasted for almost five hours and when the sun started its accent only half a score of priests remained. Knowing the situation was hopeless, the high priest ordered Ephelomar and Galindan to take the secret passage from the temple so that one day revenge could be had against Olaranas. Despite their protests, the two priests followed the order and fled the temple.
Eight years later Ephelomar and Galindan had travelled far and wide looking for allies to help them in their vow of revenge. They eventually separated in the town of silverwell in order to cover more ground. Galindan met up with a group of would be heroes a few weeks later and accepted their invitation to join them.
Personality
In social interactions, Galindan is perceived to be reserved and never lets on all that he knows. He is self-assured and suspicious of people who have not earned his respect. When it comes to decision making he can occasionally be very commanding but is adaptable most of the time. As a result of being raised in an order of priest he has unshakable faith in Tiamat and follows her code rigidly.
In battle others perceive Galindan to be reckless but his faith in Tiamat protects him from the slings and arrows of his foes. When faced with a setback or an immense challenge he has a very stoic demeanour and possesses unshakeable nerves.
Mannerisms
Galindan is rather protective of those who have earned his trust (although he will rarely openly show this) and will often keep watch over the camp whilst they sleep. When in battle he often whispers prayers to Tiamat such as “Tiamat guide my blade” and “may Tiamat’s vengeance be delivered”.
Due to Olaranas’ attack on the Temple of Vengeful Flame and seeing many of his fellow priests cut down by the undead hoard, Galindan has an unreserved hatred of undead. Although he does not actively seek out undead foes he will fight with the fury of a fire wyrm against those unlucky enough to cross paths with him.
To worship Tiamat in a land where she is viewed as an evil goddess is often not easy but Galindan will not back down or hide his belief, even if it would be in his best interest to do so. If anyone insults his mistress he will force them to repent or take swift vengeance.
Appearance
At 6’2″ and weighing 174lb, Galindan is reasonable large for an eladrin. He has sholder length raven hair and his eyes are orbs of obsidian. This is highly unusual for an eladrin and lends him a rather sinister appearance. His skin is pale (emphasised even more by his dark hair) and sport many scars.
Whilst on the road Galindan wears black chainmail under a crimson surcoat emblazoned with the symbol of Tiamat. When not on the road he wears the dark red robes of Tiamat’s priesthood.
Code
Galindan is a strict adherent to the code of Tiamat’s priesthood. The code below is one which was slightly revised by the priest of the Temple of Vengeful Flame but is still looked upon by Tiamat with favour.
- Hoard wealth, for wealth is its own reward.
- Take vengeance for every slight.
- Never back down from any adversary.
[1] A large port-city located in the west of the Naethian Empire. It was founded by the hero-general Xanthar in 12 NC and has remained one of the most influential cities in the empire.
[2] Located in the foothills of the Giant’s Teeth Mountains, the Temple of Vengeful Flame is a fortress-monastery dedicated to the deity Tiamat.
[3] Started in 479 NC by King Sadramas, the second crusade lasted only seven months as during the seventh month Sadramas fell off his horse and broke his neck. The generals, who were against the crusade from the outset, took the decision to make peace with Dalmesha and withdraw their armies from the Dalmeshan Republic.
[4] It is estimated that Olaranas’ hoard numbered 20,000 but many historians now believe it was only around half that number. Taking into consideration that the temple was held by just short of a hundred priests, whatever the true number of the hoard, it is truly the stuff of legends.
