[quote="Duke Rorlan Coldmere"] Still waters conceal the deepest truths. Control the currents, and you control the world. [/quote] **Title:** Head of House Coldmere, Master of the Frozen Routes **Age:** Late 40s **Race:** Human ==== Appearance ==== Duke Rorlan Coldmere is the very image of polished nobility, his presence both commanding and impeccably refined. Standing tall and wiry, his slender frame conceals a surprising toughness honed by years of navigating Frosthaven’s political currents. Rorlan’s smooth, pale complexion has an unnatural stillness, almost like marble, with few visible wrinkles 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 reflect the endless stillness of the frozen lakes his house governs. Rorlan’s short, silver-white hair is immaculately combed, a color that came prematurely but 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 cold. His clothing is functional for the tundra climate but carries a subtle extravagance—frostglass buttons, intricate silver embroidery resembling frozen waves, and the house crest prominently displayed over his heart: 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 reminder that even in 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 but with calculated weight, choosing his words carefully to disarm, persuade, or manipulate those around him. His calm demeanor rarely breaks, even in the face of provocation or adversity, earning him the nickname "The Frozen Duke". Rorlan’s intellect is as sharp as the tundra winds, and he uses it to stay several steps ahead of both allies and rivals. 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 his house’s greater ambitions. Despite his cold exterior, Rorlan is fiercely loyal to House Coldmere and his family, believing that their survival and influence are vital to Frosthaven’s future. While he does not openly antagonize other noble houses, he sees them as rivals in a grand, unspoken contest for dominance in Frosthaven’s affairs. ==== History ==== House Coldmere rose to prominence centuries ago by controlling the Shard Sea’s frozen trade routes and establishing themselves as masters of ice-bound commerce. They built immense wealth by organizing caravans and ensuring the safe passage of goods across treacherous frozen rivers and seas. Rorlan inherited leadership of the house at the age of 25 after 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, with Rorlan leveraging their wealth to establish alliances, fund expeditions, and build 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 only grown, though whispers of shady dealings and underhanded tactics have followed the house. ==== Key Relationships ==== **[[Lady Serina Frostveil]]:** A bitter rival. Rorlan respects her cunning but views her obsession with magic as reckless. Their relationship is one of icy formalities and subtle barbs. **[[Lord Kaelith Blackthorn]]:** While Kaelith disdains politics, Rorlan sees Blackthorn’s control of the wilds as an asset or threat, depending on his needs. He seeks to “persuade” Kaelith into Coldmere’s sphere of influence. **[[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.