Factol Sarin

The right way is the Harmonium way.

- Factol Sarin

The chant says Factol Sarin comes from the Harmonium world of Ortho, where he moved through the ranks to become a high-up, Deserving of promotion. Sarin chose to go to Sigil, rather than take the easier route through the ranks of the prime Harmonium worlds. He knew Sigil would be a rough posting compared to one on Ortho and that he'd arrive a near Clueless. And he still wanted the Cage.   This fact ought to tell even a leatherhead one thing: Sarin feels dedicated to the Harmonium cause. This commitment shows in his every word, his every action. Since arriving in Sigil some two decades ago, he has become the ultimate Hardhead, embodying all the reasons his faction got pinned with the nickname.   Sarin's tough - not even a barmy or a Clueless ever would suggest otherwise. he believs unshakably in the Harmonium's cause and will do anything honorable, lawful, and good to promote peace and harmony. Not surprisingly, this attitude makes it very difficult for a lot of folks to deal with Sarin.   And the factol deals with a lot of people. Because he remains active in Sigil, locals see his imposing figure on the streets with some regularity. the tall, broad-shouldered factol wears a perpetually severe look andd his unmistakable armor, made of a prime-world metal some call red steel. The front of the armor is decorated with the Harmonium's faction symbol, and the spikes sprouting from the shoulders and helmet resemble the Lady of Pain's own shining blades. The likeness is no coincidence: Sarin likes to remind bashers that he supports the order of the Cage, and that he supports the Lady by doing so.   Anyway, the factol's appearance attracts attention, and so does his personality. Some Harmonium members might feel inclined to soft-sell the faction, but not Sarin. No, he'll take the chance to lecture anyone, anytime, if he doesn't think they understand the absolute correctness of the Hardhead cause. He also feels he can increase his people's morale by performing himself the tasks he asks them to do. Sarin doesn't figure he's doing a good job unless he arrests someone personally, at least every day or two.   The factol makes himself accessible to faction members in a social context, if they happen to run into him - but he'll talk faction business only with cutters who go through the proper procedures to get an audience with him. He'll deal straight with any faction member, and treats everybody fairly - at least given the Harmonium view of "fair."   Sarin has a smooth, deep voice that can really boom in a lecture hall or on the streets of the Cage. He can act charming, almost friendly - when he wants. But even when he's harping on the Hardhead chant or drumming the law into some poor cross-trader's brain-box, his magnetic personality commands respect. Without a doubt, Sarin numbers among the finest leaders in Sigil. He even has the respect of the other factols, including those who hate him or disagree with him. The Hardhead even ocasionally sways them to work with him - though that works partly because of the threat his faction presents to those who don't behave. Make no mistake, though, Sarin deserves respect, and he gets it: he never has to lead through intimidation.   Sarin has headed the faction for a little more than five years so far, and he's looking forward to leading it for a long time to come. The even-tempered blood's not given to rash decisions that might get him booted, so he likely will hang around for a good, long time.   Besides being a prime and a charismatic and popular leader, Sarin sticks out among most factols for another reason: He's married and has a family. His wife, Faith, is a priest, one of the faction's spiritual leaders. Sarin and Faith have nine children, all of whom they raise in a loving but disciplined fashion. their oldest, a girl of 14 named Marinda, already plans to join the Harmonium.