| Relatives | relatives |
|---|---|
| Languages | languages |
| Affiliations | affiliation |
| Aliases | alias |
| Marital Status | marital status |
| Place of Birth | birthplace |
| Date of Death | deathdate |
| Place of Death | deathplace |
| Species | species |
| Gender | gender |
| Height | height |
| Weight | weight |
| Eye Color | eyes |
Maximillian Brightsteel is a minor NPC appearing during the Fantasial Freeze.
At the Beginning of the Freeze[edit | edit source]
Prior to the events of PR 446, Maximillian was a respected captain after twenty years serving in the Balabag military. He was known for being a capable leader of men, fighting from the front atop his loyal horse. (During the Freeze, his horse was named Berkshire.) Unmarried and career-focused, Maximillian intended to work to expand Balabag's territory as he had been ordered to for the past six years.
During the Freeze[edit | edit source]
When the Ocean froze over, Maximillian was responsible for tracking many of the PCs and investigating the movements of Ravel and Manquel. He sent troops to engage some PCs in a Lush Pocket early in the Freeze, trying to seize. When that failed, he planned to use available troops to seize territory by force. This led to an uneasy standoff with the Manquel Bastion, and worry that full blown war was coming. Over the course of the Freeze, Maximillian's stance on Ravel softened, particularly when recruited by one Jollyfist Burnale to assist in the Saurus Siege of Ravel. His experience engaging with the Blowt and other forces of the Bhearah led to his resignation from the military, and a journey to embark upon. Below is his missive to his commanding officer, written some days after the battle:
[REDACTED]
Commander of the Armies of the Balabag Sovereign
Dated 466 PR
Subject: Resignation Effective Immediately
Sir,
For twenty years as a loyal soldier of Balabag I have fought for the interests of our fair city. I have served several notable campaigns in defense of the peoples of Balabag, defending the weak and upholding justice. These are years of my life I would not trade for anything, and I have no regrets about the time I served. However, in light of events in recent weeks between here and the city of Ravel, I cannot in good conscience continue to serve as a member of this army until meaningful change is affected within Balabag’s leadership.
You are well aware of the excursions I have made into Ravel territory; the attempts at [REDACTED] “Countdown”, the initial [REDACTED], and missions north to [REDACTED], I have been kept abreast of the many local heroes found in and around Ravel’s borders. Their [REDACTED] Balabag’s efforts to expand its territory in this decade.
My months of observance came to a head in the Battle of the Blowt, which is one of many monikers being used to describe the events related to the Rite of Unmaking. I participated in the battle per [REDACTED], fighting alongside these heroes and seeing the devastation that Blowt forces wreaked upon the port city. Mired in this conflict as they were, I found myself admiring the way their coordinated efforts focused on the rescue of the animalfolk citizenry, rather than relishing the conflict. I was present as they [REDACTED], even requesting I spirit away an orphaned kitsune baby at great peril to themselves. I did as was asked, and the babe’s quiet cooing as it huddled against my armor showed me a perspective I did not know could exist.
My witness to these events has shaken the long-held beliefs cultivated in me through my tenure in Balabag’s armies; that human blood is more precious, that we are somehow more enlightened and worthy than other races, particularly the animalfolk that dwell to the south. I am convinced nothing could be further from the truth, and I hold many parties responsible, [REDACTED] and Vepa Itali especially. I do not begrudge anyone for my previous actions, but I will no longer be a victim of this city’s propaganda. My resignation is effective upon receipt of this letter. You have been a dear friend, and I hope we can speak again in the future when tensions are less high. As my final warning to you – [REDACTED], Aiken Zimmermann, and the remaining [REDACTED] will likely be too much for your depleted forces to handle. I have seen them fight a lich and live to tell the tale.
Most dearly,
Maximillian Brightsteel
Personality[edit | edit source]
Maximillian is steadfast, a man of principle and order. His military training can make him stubborn and hardheaded, but he is not cruel.
Languages & Other Factors[edit | edit source]
Common and Dwarvish. Maximillian has a way with animals, with a particular love of horses. He is also a null, born with the ability to negate some of the effects of magic around him.