Still waters conceal the deepest truths. Control the currents, and you control the world.

— Duke Rorlan Coldmere

Title: Head of House Coldmere, Master of the Frozen Routes

Age: Late 60s

Race: Human

Appearance

Duke Rorlan Coldmere exudes an aura of polished nobility, his presence both commanding and impeccably refined. Tall and wiry, his slender frame belies a core of surprising toughness forged in the crucible of Frosthaven's political landscape. Rorlan's complexion is pale and smooth, almost marble-like, with few lines despite his age. His high cheekbones and sharp jawline give him an air of quiet severity, a look that makes others instinctively choose their words carefully in his presence.

His most striking feature is his icy blue eyes, cold and calculating, which seem to mirror the stillness of the frozen lakes that his house governs. Rorlan's short, silver-white hair is impeccably combed, a premature silvering that now only enhances his air of wisdom and authority.

Rorlan dresses in tailored coats and cloaks of midnight blue and pale silver, accented with fur trim to ward off the tundra's biting cold. His clothing, while functional, carries a subtle extravagance—frostglass buttons, intricate silver embroidery resembling frozen waves, and the prominent display of the Coldmere crest: a crescent moon reflected in still, frozen water. A silver signet ring, engraved with the Coldmere crest, adorns his left hand, always immaculately polished, a symbol of his house's wealth and power. He often carries a slender silver-topped cane, though it is not for show—it conceals a dagger of enchanted froststeel, a constant reminder that even within the confines of court, danger is ever-present.

Personality

Duke Rorlan Coldmere is a master of diplomacy, subtlety, and manipulation, a man who thrives in the intricate games of politics and trade. He speaks softly, each word carefully chosen, his voice carrying a calculated weight that disarms, persuades, or manipulates those around him. His calm demeanor rarely breaks, even in the face of provocation or adversity, earning him the nickname "The Frozen Duke."

Rorlan possesses an intellect as sharp as the tundra winds, allowing him to anticipate his rivals' moves and plan accordingly. He values strategy over brute force, preferring to achieve his goals through negotiation, leverage, or quiet subterfuge. While he rarely acts out of cruelty, he is not above using others as pawns if it serves the greater good of House Coldmere.

Despite his cold exterior, Rorlan is fiercely loyal to his house and family. He believes in their survival and influence, viewing them as essential to Frosthaven's future. While he does not openly antagonize other noble houses, he sees them as rivals in an unspoken contest for dominance within Frosthaven's affairs.

History

House Coldmere rose to prominence centuries ago by controlling the Shard Sea's frozen trade routes, establishing themselves as masters of ice-bound commerce. They amassed immense wealth by organizing caravans and ensuring the safe passage of goods across treacherous frozen rivers and seas.

Rorlan inherited the mantle of leadership at the age of 25, following his father's sudden illness. Though young, he quickly proved himself an astute leader, solidifying trade agreements and expanding Coldmere's influence. Under his guidance, House Coldmere transformed from a family of traders into a political powerhouse. Rorlan leveraged their wealth to forge strategic alliances, fund expeditions, and cultivate a formidable network of informants.

Rorlan also oversaw the development of Coldport, a fortified settlement at the edge of the Shard Sea that serves as a vital trading hub. Despite the dangers of the tundra and the Abyss, Coldmere's fortune has continued to grow, though whispers of shady dealings and underhanded tactics have followed the house.

Key Relationships

Lady Serina Frostveil: A bitter rival. Rorlan respects Serina's cunning but views her obsession with magic as reckless. Their relationship is marked by icy formalities and subtle barbs.

Lord Kaelith Blackthorn: While Kaelith disdains politics, Rorlan views his control of the wilds as an asset or threat, depending on his needs. He seeks to "persuade" Kaelith into aligning with Coldmere's interests.

Lord Thrynn Emberforge: Rorlan values Thrynn's craftsmanship and often engages in trade agreements with House Emberforge, though the two clash over Rorlan's perceived lack of transparency.