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"A deadly warrior and exceptional tactician, Hardin aims to destroy his Canid oppressors in any way he can, even if it means plunging the rest of the world into war." -Character Profile[1]


Hardin
Hardin Portrait
Pronunciation: Har-DEEN[2]
Age: Late twenties[3]
Gender: Male
Origin: The Northern Wastes
Allegiance: The Sratha-din
Occupation: Revolutionary
Rank: Champion
Weaponry: Dagger
Status: Alive
Appearances: Beyond the Western Deep

Fall of the Evyn-din

Hardin is an Ermehn warrior.[4] Some Ermehn say Hardin is the reincarnation of High King Aeslid.[5]

Personality[]

Hardin is determined to achieve his revenge on the Canid at any cost, and has a great sense of Ermehn pride.[6] Hardin believes sacrifices will be necessary to return Ermehn to their former glory. He doesn't think the Canid situation can have a peaceful solution.[7] He believes the Ermehn were the victims of an elaborate political conspiracy.[8]

Hardin doesn’t put much weight on the actions of gods- he prides himself on his own actions and doesn’t like the idea of anyone else, god or no, taking credit for his work.[9]

Despite his preparedness to sacrifice some of his people for the cause, Hardin feels the weight of the burden he has taken on, knowing his actions will set everything onto an irreversible course. For him, the path he is leading the Ermehn down can only end one way or another.[10]

Skills[]

Hardin is a skilled tactician and warrior,[11] capable of defeating a tribe champion.[12] He always has a plan.[13]

History[]

Backstory[]

Hardin was raised in the harsh Northern Wastes and instilled with a sense of Ermehn pride since he was very young.[14]

Fall of the Evyn-din[]

When Bevan emerges from his uncle's tent, Hardin is waiting for him by a nearby campfire. Getting Bevan's attention, he tells Bevan that he doesn't have to participate in his uncle's doomed plan to attack Deltrada Garrison. Complimenting Bevan's skills, Hardin asks him to join his tribe. Bevan tells Hardin he is already loyal to the Evyn-din, and Hardin counters that his tribe will not exist after their attack on Deltrada. Bevan asks Hardin how he can be so certain of this, and Hardin claims he has seen it over and over again, reminding Bevan of Oran and his failed uprising. Bevan tells Hardin he has no control over his uncle's choice. Again, Hardin asks him to join, predicting that after the attack, any that remain of the Evyn-din will be outcasts, hated for bringing severe repercussions on the other Ermehn.[15]

Considering this, Bevan leaves for a moment and returns with a cloth cowl that conceals his distinct facial markings. Hardin tells Bevan that it makes him look like he has something to hide, but it will do if Bevan wants to keep his markings. Bevan responds that since he's abandoning his uncle on the eve of battle, he will wear the marks of his uncle until he dies. Hardin asks if he's made his choice and Bevan returns that he has two options: die in a pointless battle or join a tribe with a plan. Telling Bevan he made the right choice, the two set off to the southwest to meet up with the Sratha-din.[16]

Beyond the Western Deep: The Prologue[]

Hardin sits alone by a fire, sharpening his knife as he prepares for the events he is going to set in motion.[17]

Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One[]

Ermehn Diplomacy[]

Hardin publicly duels the Champion of Feyn's Tribe.[18] He draws first blood,[19] and quickly gains the upper hand.[20] Hardin kills the champion, and tells the tribe to make themselves known if they won't fight with him.[21]

Hardin's Speech[]

Feyn steps out of the crowd and asks why his tribe should join with the leader of a dead tribe, calling Hardin the self-proclaimed savior of the Ermehn. Hardin returns that he has never claimed to be a savior or a leader,[22] and that the Ermehn are weak when they fight amongst themselves.[23] He continues that instead of fighting each other, the Ermehn need to be fighting the Canid. Feyn calls Hardin a madman, claiming that his plan would kill them all but Hardin cuts him off, claiming the Ermehn have been dead for generations.[24]

Hardin goes on to say that the Canid hunt them down like savages because that is what the Ermehn have become, and that the Canid will not rest until they are all dead. Feyn says that all of the tribes together wouldn't stand a chance,[25] prompting Hardin to reply that he only needs one. He promises Feyn that if they fight with him, it'll be the best chance they'll ever get to take back what was lost. Then Hardin tells the tribe this is their last chance to back out, and calls Bevan, Rhosyn, and Rathik to come forward.[26] and tells them to get the tribe ready.[27]

Conversation with Ashtor[]

Hardin moves to the tribe's bonfire, and Ashtor approaches him, telling Hardin that he was as impressive as always,[28] but doesn't see what purpose this served. Hardin tells Ashtor that the Sratha-din needs expendable warriors if they want to take Deltrada Garrison.[29] Ashtor asks if that's how Hardin sees his own people, and Hardin says that they aren't his people, only shadows. Ashtor tells Hardin that this is wrong. Hardin asks Ashtor if he would rather sacrifice himself. Ashtor replies that he would rather not sacrifice anyone.[30]

Hardin tells Ashtor there will be bodies and that if Ashtor can't stand the thought then he needs to return to his tribe. Ashtor tells Hardin all the Sratha-din would follow Hardin anywhere, and asks Ashtor not to question his loyalty again. Hardin apologizes, and tells Ashtor that he knows Ashtor has good intentions, but says there can only be death this time, and begins to walk off.[31] Ashtor tells Hardin that they are destroying the one thing the Canid cannot take from them: their honor. Hardin does not reply.[32] Hardin walks away through the camp.[33]

Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two[]

Hardin Consults[]

Hardin waits with Ashtor for Bevan on the overlook.[34] Hardin tells Bevan that they’re going in that night so they won’t be caught on the mountain top when the storm rolls in. Bevan advises Hardin on which angle to approach Deltrada Garrison, one more well guarded but better protected, the other more exposed but with less guards.[35] Hardin listens to Bevan outline his plan to get the tribe in quickly, and tells Bevan to have the Sratha-Din break camp.[36]

Bevan tells Hardin that it will be done, and leaves. Ashtor asks Hardin if he’s still going over the western ridge, and Hardin says he is. Ashtor starts to ask about the Canid patrols and Hardin says that the other Ermehn will draw attention away from the ridge.[37] Ashtor asks if Feyn’s Tribe is only bait to Hardin. Hardin tells Ashtor that their sacrifice won’t be in vain because General Clovis will be at Deltrada.[38]

Ashtor asks if Hardin is certain about this, and Hardin confirms that General Clovis has been in Deltrada since the last full moon.[39] Ashtor says if Hardin kills General Clovis, then the Canid will hunt them down with everything they have. Hardin retorts that the Canid are always hunting them down, and that he promised the tribe an chance to take back what they lost.[40]

The Eve of the Attack[]

As the Sratha-din watch Deltrada Garrison from an overhang in the mountains,[41] Hardin sharpens his dagger.[42] Hardin notes that a third patrol is leaving Deltrada and going northeast, which means Rhosyn’s diversion has worked. Ashtor warns Hardin that Deltrada will soon realize the patrol they killed to take the overhang has gone missing. Hardin asks Ashtor what he and Eira plan to do during the attack, and Ashtor says they will hold by the western shore of Lake Felnach until dawn with two soldiers for protection. Hardin tells Ashtor to take four.[43]

Ashtor asks Hardin if he can spare four warriors, and Hardin reminds Ashtor that the Sratha-din is composed of the finest scouts and warriors- and that Ashtor is the last known Ermehn scholar, and Eira may be the last known scribe in the Northern Wastes. Ashtor reluctantly concedes this point,[44] and asks Hardin what he plans on doing. Hardin says a thousand things have to go right, but he only has control of one. Ashtor says he’s never approved this plan, and reminds Hardin that success or failure will set the Sratha-din and all Ermehn on an irreversible course. Hardin asks if Ashtor thinks he doesn’t know that.[45] Ashtor says he does, and says he might finally admit this was inevitable. He adds that some of the newer Sratha-din say that Hardin is the reincarnation of High King Aeslid, because Hardin has won great battles and turned Ermehn to his cause. And now the Sratha-din will follow Hardin to the ends of the world. Hardin sardonically comments that mortals couldn’t possibly overcome the Canid alone, and adds that he believes the higher power at work here is not the work of the gods.[46]

Ashtor notes that Hardin thinks highly of himself, but very little of his own kind, and Hardin says that he freed the Ermehn from a lifetime in the shadows, and if they all die the Ermehn will disappear, and that is the weight he bears.[47] Ashtor tells Hardin that sort of talk works on the average Ermehn, but not on him. He tells Hardin that the Sratha-din are his army and that Hardin is responsible to save them or at least ensure they don’t die in vain, and that is the true weight he carries.[48] Hardin confesses he never expected to get this far, to which Ashtor adds that none of them did. Ashtor reminds Hardin to meet him at Lake Felnach’s western shore at dawn, and walks over to Rathik to get the four soldiers. Hardin looks over at Deltrada, and asks the gods to help him.[49]

Betrayal[]

Hardin is subdued, on all fours with three spears pointed at his back.[50] Clovis goes to kill Hardin, but Kenosh intervenes and kills Clovis before he can hurt Hardin.[51] Taking advantage of the stunned Canid, Hardin kills one guard, and the other two are killed by Bevan and Rhosyn.[52] Hardin kills another Canid soldier with a spear.[53]

After Rathik grabs Dakkan by the throat, Rathik starts to ask Hardin if he can kill him, but Kenosh intervenes, asking Rathik not to hurt Dakkan[54] and telling Hardin that Dakkan is his son. Hardin orders Rathik to release Dakkan. Then Kenosh gets angry at Hardin and asks him why he didn’t wait like he said he would.[55]

Hardin tells Kenosh it can’t be helped, and Kenosh will have to come with him.[56] Hardin calls Kenosh’s name when the Canid are coming to close the gate.[57] Hardin leads the Sratha-din out the gate, and Kenosh tersely tells Hardin he was supposed to wait as they leave Deltrada.[58]

Description[]

Hardin carries a curved knife.[59] He wears the typical Ermehn kilt, as well as green wrappings on his lower arms and bandages on his hands. He also has a dark green cloak and leggings.[60]

Appearances[]


References[]

  1. Cast Page- Hardin
  2. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 41- Alex’s Comment on May 25, 2014, 11:54 pm
  3. Cast Page- Hardin
  4. Cast Page, Hardin
  5. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 42
  6. Cast Page- Hardin
  7. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 61- Alex's Commentary
  8. Cast Page- Hardin
  9. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 53- Alex’s Commentary
  10. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 53
  11. Cast Page- Hardin
  12. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 53
  13. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 50
  14. Cast Page- Hardin
  15. Fall of the Evyn-din
  16. Fall of the Evyn-din
  17. Beyond the Western Deep: The Prologue, Page 14
  18. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 48
  19. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 49
  20. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 51
  21. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 53
  22. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 54
  23. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 55
  24. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 56
  25. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 57
  26. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 58
  27. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 59
  28. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 59
  29. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 60
  30. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 61
  31. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 62
  32. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 63
  33. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter One, Page 64
  34. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 21
  35. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 22
  36. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 23
  37. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 24
  38. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 25
  39. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 26
  40. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 27
  41. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 48- Alex’s Commentary
  42. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 48
  43. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 49
  44. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 50
  45. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 51
  46. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 52
  47. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 53
  48. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 54
  49. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 55
  50. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 82
  51. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 84
  52. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 85
  53. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 86
  54. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 88
  55. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 89
  56. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 90
  57. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 92
  58. Beyond the Western Deep: Chapter Two, Page 94
  59. Beyond the Western Deep: The Prologue, Page 14
  60. Beyond the Western Deep: The Prologue, Page 9
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