Patchwork Prince

The Patchwork Prince is a mysterious mercenary and the leader of The Bannerless, of which Dharion Aurelius is a member.

Appearance
The Patchwork Prince is a tall human male whose long black hair and beard are turning white. He is athletic and well-built, and stands at around 5' 10'. His face has a gaunt quality to it, and the right side of it is twisted and blackened thanks to severe burns sustained at the Battle of Mar Mulkaan.

He is easily recognisable by his multicoloured cloak made of strips of banners and surcoats taken from his fallen enemies, which he wears along with silver plate mail. He wears a grey eyepatch over his lost eye.

Personality
Stoic as stone, the Prince has a reputation for being stern but fair. He commands absolute respect from his company, and while he is not afraid to execute traitors, neither does he relish it, instead doing as his personal honour dictates - those who have slighted it pay the just price: no exceptions. Despite this inflexible reputation, however, he has shown his capacity for mercy in the past, such as allowing Dharion Aurelius a chance to leave the company and return when he has proven himself, in response to Dharion becoming paralysed with fear at the Battle of Mar Mulkaan.

Background
Details of the Patchwork Prince's origins are unclear, although rumours abound amongst the Bannerless and those who know of the Prince's reputation. Some believe he is an ex-knight who turned to selling his sword after the love of his life was tragically lost. Other whispers claim the Prince hails from places as far flung as Korantis and Vhashirai. The truth remains unclear - even the Prince's inner circle know little more about him than the lowest sword in the company.

However, it is known that the Prince fought in the Ord-Armathain War of 862 A.S. (on which side, nobody knows) and founded the Bannerless shortly after the war, its ranks mainly composed of deserters and disillusioned veterans. The company roamed western Ardor, generating a reputation as a band of honourable, if dangerous sellswords. In time, its ranks swelled as outlaws, wandering knights and fellow mercenaries cast aside their personal arms to join the cause. At some point, the company was riding across the Stormpoint Peninsula when they stumbled across Dharion Aurelius, who had fled across the Greywind Moors after the Sack of Cliffkeep. The Prince himself extended a hand to Dharion, and the tiefling joined the Bannerless.

The Prince led the Bannerless at the Battle of Mar Mulkaan, on the side of the Kingdom of Ord. However, as the Prince led his mounted vanguard towards the fortress, a barrel of alchemist's fire launched by the Iron Dominion garrison exploded in the heart of the advancing cavalry line. Several soldiers were burned alive, and the Prince was bucked from his horse, the right hand side of his face landing in a patch of green flame. Dharion's infernal heritage saved him from the worst of the flames, but he remained frozen in horror as his comrades burned, until Odin Drakemaul rode past on Dharion's horse Quicksilver and pulled him from the field.

Following the battle, the Prince arranged a private meeting with Dharion in his personal pavilion. The meeting was brief and uncomfortable for Dharion, who expected execution for his cowardice. Instead, the Prince offered him a chance to ride away from the company, prove himself, and return as a stronger man. Dharion eagerly accepted, and rode away to fulfil this quest, eventually falling in with a party of fellow adventurers.