Garrick Stormblade

Garrick Stormblade, the Blademaster of The Tainted, is a seasoned warrior whose skill with a blade is matched only by his unwavering loyalty to Cyrus Thorne. As the leader of The Tainted’s mercenaries and bounty hunters, Garrick oversees the training of recruits, organizes combat missions, and ensures that the organization’s enforcers remain the most fearsome in Widton. Known for his bravery and straightforward demeanor, Garrick is often called upon to deal with troublesome negotiations or situations that require a “direct” approach. When not training fighters or leading missions, he works at the fish shop that doubles as The Tainted’s contact point, making him an approachable yet intimidating figure for members of the organization.

Responsibilities

As Blademaster, Garrick handles all matters related to combat, ensuring that The Tainted’s operatives are prepared for any situation:
Training and Recruitment

• Garrick personally trains new recruits in combat, ensuring that every member of The Tainted is skilled enough to hold their own in a fight.
• He evaluates potential recruits, testing their strength, discipline, and loyalty before allowing them to join the ranks.

Mission Organization

• Garrick plans and leads combat missions, including bounty hunts, protection contracts, and raids on rival factions.
• He ensures that every operation is executed with precision, minimizing losses while maximizing impact.

Coordination of Bounty Hunters

• As the head of The Tainted’s bounty hunter network, Garrick assigns targets, manages teams, and ensures that contracts are fulfilled efficiently.

Background

Garrick earned his name on the battlefield long before joining The Tainted. As a former mercenary, he fought in countless skirmishes across Escya, earning a reputation as a fearsome and honorable warrior. His career as a mercenary brought him to Widton, where his strength and reliability caught the attention of Cyrus Thorne, who offered him a leadership position within The Tainted.

The Silent Waters Fish Shop

When not actively training fighters or leading missions, Garrick works at the fish shop called "Silent Waters" near the fish market that serves as The Tainted’s secret contact point. The shop provides a convenient cover for covert meetings and exchanges, and Garrick’s imposing presence ensures that no one questions its dual purpose. He also oversees the receipt of sensitive quest items and coordinates their delivery to The Tainted’s safehouses or leadership.

Personality

Garrick is a man of action rather than words, preferring to let his blade do the talking when diplomacy fails. Despite his gruff exterior, he has a strong sense of loyalty and fairness, earning him the respect of those he trains and leads.

Role in The Tainted

Garrick is the backbone of The Tainted’s combat operations, ensuring that its fighters are skilled, disciplined, and ready for any challenge. His leadership in battle and training programs makes him an essential figure in the organization’s hierarchy.

Notable Contributions

Defender of The outer City: Garrick led the defense of The Tainted’s territory during an attack by a rival faction, driving the attackers out with minimal losses.
Bounty Hunter Coordination: Under Garrick’s leadership, The Tainted’s bounty hunters achieved a 90% contract completion rate, enhancing the organization’s reputation.
The Blacksteel Training Program: Garrick introduced a rigorous training regimen for new recruits, significantly improving their combat effectiveness.

Reputation

Among The Tainted: Garrick is respected as a leader who trains and fights alongside his men. His straightforward attitude and dedication to their success make him a favorite among The Tainted’s enforcers.
In the Underworld: Rivals fear Garrick’s strength and ruthlessness, knowing that crossing him is a death sentence. His name is often spoken with a mix of respect and caution.
To Civilians: Those who encounter Garrick at the fish shop see him as a gruff but competent worker, unaware of his true role within The Tainted.