The Deep Warrens don’t care about your pride or your fear. Down there, it’s survival that matters. And if you’re with me, you’ll survive.

— Sereth Kaine

Title: Commander of the Deepguard

Age: 165

Race: Dwarf

Appearance

Sereth Kaine is a physically imposing dwarf with the aura of someone who has spent their life facing unrelenting danger. His weathered, sun-bronzed skin is crisscrossed with scars, each one a testament to battles fought in the perilous depths of the Deep Warrens. His piercing gray eyes reflect a deep resolve and the sharp perception of a seasoned warrior.

Sereth’s long, dark brown hair is streaked with frost-white and kept tied back in a simple braid, while his beard—thick, neatly trimmed, and streaked with silver—bears a faint scorch mark along one edge. He wears heavy, rune-etched froststeel armor that has seen countless battles, its surface dull with age but impeccably maintained. Across his back is Ironfang, his signature froststeel battle axe, its blade faintly glowing with runes of warding and ice magic.

His voice is deep and gravelly, carrying the weight of command. A grim frown often rests on his face, though those who know him well recognize the flashes of dry humor that surface when the pressure eases.

Personality

Sereth Kaine is a no-nonsense, disciplined leader who values efficiency and loyalty above all else. His demeanor is serious, and his words are deliberate, reflecting his years of experience as the commander of the Deepguard, Ironhearth’s elite force tasked with patrolling the Deep Warrens. Sereth is calm under pressure and leads by example, earning the unwavering respect of his soldiers.

While Sereth’s exterior may seem cold, he is fiercely protective of those under his command and views their safety as his personal responsibility. He has little patience for recklessness but admires those who show courage, resourcefulness, and discipline. His sharp mind makes him an excellent tactician, and he is often the first to spot traps, ambushes, or subtle signs of danger.

Despite his stoicism, Sereth carries a deep burden of guilt for lives lost under his command. He masks this with a tireless work ethic, often pushing himself to exhaustion to ensure the Deepguard’s success.

History

Sereth Kaine was born into a family of miners and smiths in Ironhearth, but he chose a different path early in life, drawn to the thrill of exploration and the call to protect his home. Joining the Emberwatch as a young recruit, Sereth quickly distinguished himself through his bravery and strategic mind. His rise to prominence came during the Crimson Collapse, a catastrophic event in the Deep Warrens where an Abyssal incursion threatened to overrun Ironhearth’s lower mines.

During the collapse, Sereth led a desperate counteroffensive, holding the line with a handful of soldiers against overwhelming odds until reinforcements arrived. Though the battle was won, the cost was high, and many of Sereth’s closest comrades fell that day. This event cemented his reputation as a hero and earned him the position of Commander of the Deepguard, a role he has held for over four decades.

Under Sereth’s leadership, the Deepguard has become a formidable force, renowned for their ability to navigate the treacherous Deep Warrens and face the Abyssal horrors lurking within.