Thrainn Frostmane

A Hero Forged by Ice and Trial   Thrainn Frostmane, the Glacial Champion, was indeed a child at one point. He was born into a humble family of herders in the frostbitten highlands of Ironholt. Growing up in the harsh environment of the north, he quickly learned resilience and resourcefulness, traits that would define his future as a hero. Despite his modest beginnings, Thrainn’s natural talent for combat and strategy set him apart. By the age of 25, he had been among the youngest recruited into the Ironwatch, Ironholt’s military force.   At the age of 42, Thrainn earned his moniker, the Glacial Champion, after defending the Frostgate against an overwhelming invasion from Vinterhaven. With only a small company of soldiers, Thrainn held the pass for three days, using his mastery of frostforged weapons and his deep understanding of the terrain to repel the attackers. His bravery and ingenuity not only saved Ironholt from invasion but also cemented his place as a national hero.   A Life of Love and Authenticity   Thrainn’s first great love was Kaelen Frostshade, a fiery blacksmith and aspiring warrior from his hometown. Their relationship began in their younger years and was marked by the kind of intensity that only youth can bring. Kaelen forged Thrainn’s first frostforged sword, which he carried throughout his early campaigns. Though their love burned brightly, Kaelen chose a quieter life. He eventually settled down in their village while Thrainn’s path in the Ironwatch took him far from home. The two parted on good terms, and Kaelen still sends letters to Thrainn, offering advice and encouragement.   Thrainn’s most passionate and storied romance was with Aric Stormveil, a roguish mercenary captain with a sharp wit and a knack for charming everyone they met. The relationship caused controvery due to Aric's status as non-binary, a foreigner, and a soldier for hire, each of which are not fully trusted in Ironholt society. Aric’s free-spirited nature was a stark contrast to Thrainn’s disciplined demeanor, and the two often joked that they balanced each other out. Together, they undertook daring missions and fought side by side in several critical battles. Their love was as tempestuous as it was intense, ultimately ending when Aric’s wanderlust took them far beyond the borders of Ironholt. Despite their parting, the bond between them remains strong, and Aric’s name often comes up in tales of Thrainn’s greatest adventures.   In recent years, Thrainn has found a quieter, more enduring love with the elf Dorian Icequill, a scholar and historian living in Ironholt’s capital. Dorian is known for his extensive knowledge of Ironholt’s history and his dedication to preserving its oral traditions. Their relationship is one of mutual respect and understanding, with Dorian providing Thrainn a sense of stability and grounding amidst the chaos of his duties. Dorian often accompanies Thrainn on his campaigns, chronicling his deeds and ensuring his legacy is preserved for future generations. After Aric, Thrainn's relationship with Dorian met with much less controversy. Even though Dorian was an elf and foreign-born, he was a long term resident of Ironholt. Additionally, he was a member of the family that developed frostforged weapons with the Silverwind Guild.   Ironholt’s culture is selectively accepting of diverse identities, but Thrainn has always lived openly. His romantic relationships have been as defining to his legacy as his feats on the battlefield. Thrainn’s open identity and his romances with notable figures have made him a symbol of Ironholt’s progressive values, inspiring others to live authentically. His relationship with Dorian Icequill, in particular, has captured the imagination of the people, with many songs and stories celebrating their love.   Heroic Accomplishments   Thrainn’s feats of heroism are legendary, and his name is spoken with reverence throughout the Frostlands and beyond:   The Frostgate Stand: Thrainn’s defense of the Frostgate remains his most celebrated accomplishment. Facing overwhelming odds, he utilized clever tactics and his frostforged weapons to hold the line until reinforcements arrived, earning him the title of the Glacial Champion.   The Winterlight Accord: As a skilled diplomat as well as a warrior, Thrainn brokered a truce between Ironholt and the nomadic tribes of the Winterlight Plains. This alliance has ensured peace in the region for over a decade and brought much-needed trade to Ironholt.   The Leviathan Hunt: When a massive leviathan threatened Ironholt’s northern fishing villages, Thrainn led a perilous expedition to slay the creature. Armed with a harpoon enchanted by Kaelen Frostshade, Thrainn struck the killing blow, securing the safety of the villages and earning further acclaim.   The Siege of Blackspire Keep: When rebel forces in Eldenreach threatened to destabilize Ironholt’s ally, Thrainn volunteered to lead a relief force. Despite being heavily outnumbered, his strategic brilliance turned the tide of the battle, cementing Ironholt’s alliance with Eldenreach.   Current Role in Ironholt’s Politics   Though his life remains marked by the responsibilities of leadership, Thrainn is a man deeply connected to his community and his loved ones. Now in his late 90s, Thrainn serves as both a military leader and a trusted advisor to Queen Aelina Stoneforge. While he continues to lead critical missions, Thrainn has also become a voice for social reform and diplomacy within Ironholt, advocating for stronger alliances and more equitable policies.