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Rafe Valenforth
Rafe of Ivereth
Alias: The Black Thorn, The Thorn of Ivereth, The King’s Thorn,Appearance
Tall and broad-shouldered, with a rough-hewn grace that belies his royal blood. His dark hair falls to the nape of his neck, and his eyes, deep forest green, are forever sparkling with mischief. He dresses simply, his fine silks long traded for wool, leather, and cloaks suited to the mountain wilds. When he ventures into the city, he dons the humble robes of a monk, his face shadowed by a hood so that hey may go unnoticed.Background
Born the eldest prince of Ivereth, Rafe grew up surrounded by luxury and deceit. His father, King Balian of Ivereth, ruled with an iron fist and a golden crown, hoarding wealth while his people starved. Rafe, unlike his father, could not turn away from the suffering that seeped through the kingdom’s cobbled streets. His heart belonged not to the court, but to the people beyond its walls.He tried to change things from within. He confided in his younger brother, Abel, revealing a plan to expose their father’s corruption, plots to drain the royal treasury and redistribute it among the starving villages. But Abel, ever hungry for their father’s approval, betrayed him. Rafe was branded a traitor to the crown.
He fled that night, pursued by the King’s guard, and vanished into the forested mountains. There, among rebels, outcasts, and loyal friends, he built a hidden network of smugglers, spies, and thieves who strike against the greedy nobility of Ivereth.
Twelve years later, Rafe's band robs the rich caravans that travel between the capital and its outer provinces, redistributing their spoils to the villages left to starve by royal decree. His name, 'Thorn', is cursed by nobles and praised by commoners. In the capital, wanted posters bear the image of a hooded shadow, a faceless thief whose bounty grows with every act of defiance.
Rafe moves unseen through the city under the guise of a monk, collecting alms. Beneath the outlaw’s grit, however, remains a man burdened by guilt, for leaving his mother and siblings, for what his brother became, and for the throne he abandoned to a tyrant.
He does not seek redemption. Only balance.
Thornhold
Deep in the mountainous forests north of Ivereth lies a labyrinthine sanctuary carved by nature and reclaimed by rebellion. Hidden behind cascading waterfalls and thick bramblewood, the cavern system sprawls beneath the roots of the oldest trees, their massive trunks piercing through stone and ceiling alike.
Lanterns hang from roots and branches, their amber light flickering like fireflies across winding tunnels and earthen halls. Wooden platforms and rope bridges connect the higher chambers, while warm springs flow through the lowest levels, filling the air with soft mist and warmth.
Homes are built into alcoves of stone and root, simple but lived-in, woven doors, carved furniture, fires burning low. In the largest chamber stands a makeshift tavern, where rebels gather to share stolen wine, laughter, and whispers of their next strike. Despite its secrecy, the place hums with life, a hidden heart of rebellion, beating beneath the kingdom’s cold soil.
Skills and Weaknesses
Skills:Once trained in the refined arts of courtly combat, Rafe has honed those talents into something far deadlier. A master of sleight of hand and subtle movement, he can pass through shadows without stirring a whisper. Years in the forests and mountains have made him fast, dexterous, and sure-footed, able to scale walls, trees, and cliff faces with effortless grace.
His preferred weapons are the bow and the blade. A longbow for distance, and a handful of throwing knives that strike with unnerving precision. In close combat, he fights with a duelist’s confidence, favouring agility and guile over brute strength. But perhaps his most disarming weapon is his silver tongue, the charm of a prince wrapped in the wit of a rogue. He can talk his way into, or out of, nearly anything.
Rafe’s leadership is built on charisma and loyalty. His people follow him not because he commands it, but because they believe in the cause he embodies.
Weaknesses:
Rafe’s greatest flaw is the same heart that drives his rebellion. Compassion makes him reckless.. He risks his life each month to leave a moon rose on his sister Rosa’s balcony, a silent promise that he still watches over her. He cannot resist walking Ivereth’s streets in disguise, haunting the city right under his father’s nose, testing fate for the thrill of it, or perhaps, for the hope that something of his old life might remain.
His need to protect others often clouds his judgment, and his confidence borders on arrogance. He’ll take risks no sane man would, trusting instinct and luck where caution should reign. Beneath the mask of The Black Thorn, there’s still a prince who wants his kingdom to thrive.
Thornhold NPCs
Triss Vale
Once a thief in the streets of Ivereth, Triss earned her place at Rafe’s side after saving his life during a raid gone wrong. A scar runs through her right eye, leaving it a milky white, though she claims it only helps her “see through lies.” She’s fierce, sardonic, and commands respect from the rest of the crew. Though she mocks Rafe endlessly, there’s unspoken trust between them. Her short sword and knives are as sharp as her tongue.Traits: Pragmatic, brave, protective of the crew, slow to trust outsiders.
Role: Strategist, thief, and close-combat specialist.
Lucian Hart
Lucian grew up in the castle kitchens where he first befriended Rafe as a boy. When Rafe fled Ivereth, Lucian followed without hesitation, abandoning his post and the life he knew. He’s the quiet strength of Thornhold, the one who keeps Rafe grounded when his temper threatens to flare. Thoughtful, patient, and fiercely loyal, Lucian is the only one who can truly tell Rafe “no” and be heard.Traits: Loyal, steady, clever, quietly humourous, introspective.
Role: Rafe’s right hand, tactician, confidant, and moral balance.
Ren and Jacks Harrow
The Harrow twins are both inseparable and insufferable. Former smugglers and pub brawlers, they bring a rough humour to the camp. Ren is the sharper of the two, all quick wit and quicker fingers, while Jacks is the heart, the one who’d share his last coin or cup. They bicker constantly but fight flawlessly as a pair, known for ambush tactics and distraction plays that almost always end in laughter or mild disaster.Traits: Mischievous, fearless, loyal to a fault, endlessly talkative.
Role: Scouts, ambushers, and infiltrators. The camp’s laughter and chaos.
Felix Rowan
Soft-spoken and golden hearted, Felix is the best archer in Ivereth, a talent he never boasts of. He was found by Rafe as a boy after soldiers razed his village, he took him in, and he’s followed him ever since. His gentle nature often clashes with the crew’s roughness. He keeps a carved wooden bird in his pocket, a gift from Rafe’s younger sister gave him years ago.Traits: Kind, idealistic, shy but brave when it counts.
Role: Archer, lookout, messenger, and moral compass.
Bran Tareth
Bran was once a blacksmith’s apprentice before debt and circumstance drove him into the woods. Now he forges and maintains all of Thornhold’s weaponry and traps. His dry humour and quiet strength make him the grounding force in Rafe’s often reckless schemes. He has a soft spot for Triss (though he’d never admit it).Traits: Level-headed, wry, superstitious, dependable.
Role: Blacksmith, trap maker, muscle, and steady hand in the chaos.
