Simon Milinous

A Tale of Valor and Complexity

Sir Simon Milinous, Knight-Captain of the Mounted Borderers, once a paragon of chivalry and compassion, is a figure of significant influence and complex disposition within the noble circles of Verbobonc, Veluna, and Furyondy. His journey from a beloved betrothed to a stern military leader reflects the transformative effects of war and personal trials.

From Noble Vows to the Fields of Emridy

Born into the distinguished House Milinous, Simon was raised with the expectation of valor, command, and duty. His early years were marked by his devotion to chivalry and honor, matched by the blossoming love between him and Lady Elinor Asbury. Their betrothal was celebrated with fanfare, and it seemed destined to unite two noble houses under the watchful gaze of Viscount Wilfrick Revepaix.   But as the Temple of Elemental Evil’s shadow grew, the call to arms summoned Simon into the heart of the Elemental Wars. He rode to battle under the banner of Sir Jacque Kolgrim during the The Battle of Emridy Meadows, where the forces of Verbobonc and Furyondy shattered the might of elemental evil and laid siege to the fell temple.   There, on blood-soaked ground and against the unholy might of cultists and demons, Sir Simon's soul hardened. No longer the hopeful youth of courtship, he returned a battle-scarred man—resolute, vigilant, and changed. Gone was the warmth once known to Lady Elinor; in its place, a stern commander who saw the world only through the lens of duty and discipline.

The Breaking of the Betrothal

Lady Elinor Asbury, too, had changed. While Simon had buried his empathy beneath a soldier’s resolve, she had risen as a voice of compassion and reform. What once brought them together now drove them apart. The betrothal dissolved—amicably in court, but painfully in heart. Their paths, once united in purpose, now diverged under the weight of different truths born of the same war.

A Legacy of Command and Controversy

Appointed Knight-Captain of the Mounted Borderers, Lord Milinous forged the elite cavalry into an unbreakable vanguard along Verbobonc’s borders. Clad in plate and wielding the demon-slaying blade Demon’s Bane, he remains a bulwark against the creeping threats of the Wild Coast and the Kron Hills.   Yet his harsh doctrines and inflexible ideals have drawn scrutiny. He harbors suspicion toward non-human allies and holds loyalty as the highest law—traits that have strained his alliances within the viscounty. His belief that “nobility is proven by the sword, not by birth” drives both admiration and fear in equal measure.

Legacy of the Black Griffon

Today, Lord Milinous’s presence looms large in Verbobonc. His manor at Griffon Hill is ever-guarded by his black-tabarded men-at-arms. His word carries weight among the Council of Lords, though his methods are increasingly debated. And though he speaks little of Lady Elinor, those close to him know he still wears the ring that once bound their promise.   His story is one of heroism and hardship—of a man forged in fire, faithful to duty, and haunted by what he sacrificed to protect the realm.

“I do not mistake peace for safety. I’ve seen what rises when the realm grows comfortable.”

Early Life and Battle of Emridy Meadows

• Noble Beginnings: Emerging from Griffon Manor, Sir Simon Milinous displayed early on a strong sense of nobility and a deep commitment to the values of honor and justice.
• Warrior Spirit: His participation under Sir Jacque Kolgrim's banner in The Battle of Emridy Meadows with the Black Griffon Men-at-Arms marked a turning point, showcasing his bravery and strategic acumen.

"Honor is upheld and defended through the prowess of our swords and the bravery of our hearts."

Political Alliances and Betrothal

• Alliance with Lady Asbury: The betrothal to Lady Elinor Asbury, celebrated with grand festivals, symbolized a union of joy and strategic importance, earning the blessings of Viscount Wilfrick Verdanhart.
• Shift in Disposition: The horrors of war hardened Sir Simon, transforming him into a figure of cold authority, ultimately leading to the dissolution of his engagement with Lady Asbury.

“My bloodline forged these lands in treaties and war. I will not see it undone by cults hiding in woods or weasels hiding in court.”

Military Leadership and Ideals

• Knight Captain of the Mounted Borderers: Upon his return, Sir Simon resumed his duties, emphasizing a belief in martial discipline and the might of the sword as the true markers of nobility.
• Views on Races and Loyalty: His leadership style, marked by little tolerance for non-humans and an unyielding demand for loyalty, reveals a man shaped by the rigors of combat and the weight of command.
• Loyal retainers: Lord Milinous is rarely found without at least a half-dozen of his most loyal retainers, all of them wearing tabards and shields emblazoned with his crest, a black griffon.

"Power and authority are rightfully bestowed upon those who demonstrate unwavering might and resolve."

Heraldry and Influence

House Milinous: Symbolized by a black griffon on a field of azure, House Milinous stands as a testament to Sir Simon's martial prowess and the complex legacy of his leadership.

Legacy and Controversies

• Attempted Leverage over Lady Asbury: Sir Simon's efforts to use Lady Asbury's family debt as leverage for marriage, though unsuccessful, underscore the depths of his solitude and desperation.
• Relations with the Viscount and Noble Lords
• Military capabilities: His strategic mind and military capabilities ensure his importance in the defense of Verbobonc, yet his stern demeanor and stringent beliefs often put him at odds with both allies and adversaries.

Sir Simon Milinous's story is one of a noble heart marred by the scars of war, standing as a reminder of the price of power and the enduring struggle between personal convictions and the demands of leadership. His impact on the political and military landscape of Verbobonc remains indelible, a complex legacy of valor, change, and unwavering discipline.