Personnel of Fort Virkin – Part 1: Military

Commander Frokr the Stormwalker

Frokr is the highest-ranking officer of the Ice Fortress and bears overall responsibility for its operation and security. He makes all strategic decisions, oversees military readiness, and serves as the point of contact for higher authorities. His duties include leading the garrison, coordinating various departments, and ensuring adherence to protocols and command structures. He is not responsible for operational supply, delegating that task to the supply officer, though he regularly reviews reports and approves major logistical actions. Frokr is known for his sober, factual demeanor and his ability to make clear decisions under pressure. He is not a man of many words, but his presence alone is enough to restore order.
 

Deputy Commander: Bryndar Windrunner

Bryndar Windrunner is the direct deputy to the commander and assumes his duties in his absence or during simultaneous deployments. He is responsible for the operational execution of the commander’s orders and acts as a link between leadership and individual departments. This includes daily oversight of fortress operations, coordination of patrols and readiness units, and monitoring discipline and preparedness among the troops. Bryndar conducts regular briefings, evaluates reports, and derives actionable measures. Unlike Frokr, he is more communicative, pragmatic, and popular among the ranks due to his clear instructions and willingness to lend a hand. His strength lies in organization and quick responses to unexpected situations.
 

Frost Judge: Karnil the Just

Karnil the Just is responsible for legal matters within the Ice Fortress. He investigates violations of service regulations, conducts hearings, and delivers judgments that may carry disciplinary or structural consequences. He strictly enforces the rules and documents all proceedings thoroughly. Karnil operates independently of the command structure but is required to consult with the commander in serious cases. He is known for his calm, objective manner and uncompromising stance against injustice. Among the troops, he is respected, even if his decisions are not always popular. His nickname “the Just” comes from earlier deployments where he maintained a clear line even under pressure.
 

Recruit Chaplain: Valk the Exalted

Valk the Exalted supports new recruits during their acclimation phase and serves as a contact for personal and emotional concerns. He conducts one-on-one conversations, accompanies training segments, and watches for signs of overload, conflict, or psychological strain. He also organizes regular discussion circles and rituals to strengthen the sense of community. Valk is not a traditional officer but plays a mediating role between command and humanity. He speaks calmly, listens attentively, and is known for his ability to offer comfort even in difficult moments without undermining discipline. His title “the Exalted” refers less to his rank and more to his posture—upright, clear, and always committed to the well-being of the individual.
 

Fortress Physician: Helis the Cool

Helis the Cool is responsible for the medical care of the entire garrison. She leads the infirmary, conducts examinations, treats injuries, and coordinates emergency and combat-related care. Beyond acute treatment, she monitors the physical fitness of soldiers and documents all medical findings. Helis works precisely, efficiently, and without unnecessary detours. Her calm, almost detached demeanor earned her the nickname “the Cool”—not due to a lack of empathy, but because of her ability to keep a clear head under pressure. She tolerates no negligence, neither in herself nor others, and is known for calming even unruly patients with a single glance.
 

Watchpost Commander: Karnrik Froststep

Karnrik Froststep is responsible for organizing and overseeing all watchposts inside and outside the fortress. He creates shift schedules, assigns posts, and ensures that all gates, walls, and checkpoints are continuously manned and operational. In case of incidents or alerts, he coordinates initial responses and informs the command center. Karnrik is an experienced man with a sharp eye for irregularities and a natural authority over his personnel. He moves through the fortress with notable calm, earning him the nickname “Froststep”—silent, yet always present. His strength lies in seamless organization and the ability to respond instantly to sudden changes.
 

Signal Officer: Thorn Swiftfoot

Thorn Swiftfoot is responsible for internal visual communication within the fortress. Flags, signs, and weather vanes are used to convey daily updates: shift assignments, movement permissions, access regulations for areas like the mess hall or armory, and alerts about weather or special incidents. Thorn coordinates the placement and updating of signals, checks their visibility, and ensures correct interpretation by the personnel. He works closely with the Watchpost Commander and the Supply Officer to manage operations efficiently. Thorn is fast, precise, and has a keen understanding of timing and procedures.
 

Tunnel Warden: Tharos Darklove

Tharos Darklove monitors the underground access points and supply tunnels of the fortress. He is responsible for inspecting shafts, maintaining lock mechanisms, and ensuring the safety of subterranean routes used for material transport and emergency movement. He conducts regular patrols, checks tunnel wall stability, and watches for signs of intrusion, frost damage, or unauthorized access. During severe weather or alert levels, he secures entrances and reports anomalies directly to the Watchpost Commander. Tharos is a quiet, enduring man who moves through darkness and confined spaces as confidently as others do in open terrain. His nickname “Darklove” is half mocking, half reverent—a name given by the troops, as no one knows the tunnels better or spends more time in them than he does.
 

Courier Runner: Kylnil One-Ear

Kylnil One-Ear is responsible for the swift delivery of messages and orders within the fortress. He moves between departments, delivering written commands, verbal notices, or urgent information directly to the intended recipients. In situations where visual communication is insufficient or too slow, Kylnil is the first choice. He knows the fortress paths better than anyone, understands when to move discreetly and when speed is essential. His nickname “One-Ear” comes from an old injury that cost him his left ear—a mark of his long service and his willingness to function even under harsh conditions. Kylnil is taciturn, reliable, and valued by officers for his discretion and speed.
 

Light Steward: Ilka Whiteblade

Ilka Whiteblade is responsible for lighting and visual guidance within the fortress. She maintains lanterns, signal lights, and mirror systems used for orientation and signaling. Especially during snowstorms, darkness, or alerts, she ensures that key paths, entrances, and rally points remain visible. Ilka regularly checks the functionality of light sources, organizes replacements, and coordinates lighting plans with the Signal Officer and Watchpost Commander. She is observant, technically skilled, and has a strong sense for atmosphere and impact. Her work often remains in the background, but without her, the fortress would literally be in the dark during critical moments.
 

Master of Arms and Armor: Skarnald Clumpfoot

Skarnald Clumpfoot is responsible for the maintenance, distribution, and inspection of all weapons and armor in the fortress. He manages the central arsenal, regularly checks equipment readiness, and coordinates repairs and customizations. For special requirements—such as weather changes or tactical shifts—he adjusts gear accordingly. Skarnald works closely with the Supply Officer and Fortress Physician to ensure that equipment is not only functional but also wearable and safe. His nickname “Clumpfoot” comes from an old injury that causes a slight limp—though it doesn’t hinder his work. He is thorough, direct, and has a keen eye for material quality. In his workshop, order reigns, and anyone mishandling gear quickly feels the consequences.
 

Artillery Officer: Brynar Curls

Brynar Curls is responsible for the maintenance, operation, and readiness of the fortress’s stationary artillery—such as catapults, bolt throwers, and other heavy defense systems. He regularly inspects the mechanics, organizes reloading, and trains personnel in technique and safety. During combat alerts, he is among the first on the walls, positioning the weapons and monitoring targeting coordinates. Brynar works closely with the Master of Arms and Armor, especially during repairs or modifications. His nickname “Curls” contrasts with his rough demeanor—a name from the troops referring to his unruly curly hair that defies both helmet and frost. Brynar is loud, energetic, and has a sharp eye for distance and impact—a man who prefers action over words.
 

Beastmaster: Visla Wolfcatcher

Visla Wolfcatcher is responsible for the care, handling, and control of the creatures housed in the underground facilities near the arena. These animals are used for training, tactical simulations, and stress tests. Visla monitors their health, organizes feeding and cleaning, and ensures secure transport and containment. She decides which creatures are suitable for which exercises and keeps detailed records of behavior, injuries, and reactions. Her work requires not only physical strength but also deep understanding of animal behavior and risk management. Visla is calm, focused, and possesses a natural authority over the beasts. Within the fortress, she is considered unshakable—those who work with her quickly learn that respect and control go hand in hand.
 

Wolf Keeper: Arril Three-Claw

Arril Three-Claw cares for the grey wolves used for transport and patrol duties, harnessed to sleds. He is responsible for their grooming, feeding, medical care, and daily training. These animals are not just draft beasts but part of the fortress’s tactical infrastructure—they must be reliable, resilient, and controllable even under extreme conditions. Arril knows each wolf by name, detects subtle behavioral changes, and understands which animals work well together. He coordinates sled teams, prepares them for missions, and personally accompanies critical transports. His nickname “Three-Claw” comes from an old thigh injury. Arril is quiet, but near the wolves he seems almost part of the pack—calm, alert, and fiercely loyal.
 

Supply Officer: Fjora the Diligent

Fjora the Diligent is responsible for all logistical supplies in the fortress. She coordinates the delivery, distribution, and storage of food, clothing, tools, and spare parts. She works closely with the Quartermaster and the Materials Officer, reviews supply requests, approves allocations, and ensures forward-looking planning—especially in anticipation of weather shifts or prolonged isolation. Fjora conducts regular inventory checks and prepares reports for the command. Her nickname “the Diligent” is no cliché, but a reflection of her structured, efficient work style and sharp focus. She tolerates no waste and is known for making clear decisions even under pressure. In the fortress, she is considered the backbone of supply—those in need go to Fjora first, and those without justification are better off not going at all.
 

Materials Officer: Svarin Three-Finger

Svarin Three-Finger oversees the technical and craft supplies of the fortress. He manages tools, spare parts, construction and repair materials, and ensures that all units have what they need for their tasks. This includes organizing resupply, checking material quality, and coordinating minor maintenance efforts. Svarin works closely with the Quartermaster and the Master of Arms and Armor to avoid shortages and speed up repair processes. His nickname “Three-Finger” comes from a work accident that cost him two fingers—yet he continues to work with remarkable precision and dexterity. Svarin is direct, solution-oriented, and known for his ability to create functional solutions even with limited resources.
 

Quartermaster: Frilsa the Cunning

Frilsa the Cunning manages the central storage of the fortress and is responsible for proper storage, documentation, and distribution of all supplies and equipment. She knows every corner of the warehouse, exactly what’s stored where, and keeps a meticulously maintained inventory book, regularly cross-checked with the Materials Officer’s reports. Frilsa decides when and how materials are issued, reviews requests for plausibility, and ensures nothing is lost or wasted. Her nickname “the Cunning” comes from her ability to uncover the truth even in unclear or conflicting situations—whether through questioning, cross-referencing, or sheer experience. She is sharp-tongued, vigilant, and feared by some for her refusal to be deceived. Anyone negotiating with her should come prepared—Frilsa forgets nothing.