---
type: npc
role: "Duke of Valdris"
location: "[[Valhold]]"
alignment: Lawful Neutral (wavering)
race: Human
class: Fighter (Battle Master) 11
---

# Duke Edric Blackthorn

## Appearance

A lean, angular man in his early 50s. Close-cropped silver beard, piercing gray eyes, and impeccable posture. Always wears the Blackthorn signet ring (a thorned rose over a shield). Speaks with the weight of someone who expects to be obeyed.

## Personality

- **Proud** — believes in Valdris's supremacy within the [[Crown Concordat]]
- **Calculating** — weighs every alliance by cost and benefit
- **Short-tempered** — years of political warfare have worn his patience thin
- **Secretly afraid** — the cult's reach into his court terrifies him; he trusts no one

## Role in Campaign

- Offers party commission as Swordsworn Investigators ([[Arc 1 - Heirs of Sundering#Hook 4: The Lords' Summons|Hook 4]])
- His court is infiltrated — the party must root out the cultist without triggering a diplomatic incident
- Arc 2: Pushes for war with [[Kethra]]; can be persuaded otherwise
- Arc 4: Leads the Crown Concordat forces at the [[World Council]] and the [[Citadel of Sundering]]

## Stat Notes

- **HP:** 95 | **AC:** 19 (plate + shield) | **Speed:** 30 ft
- **Multiattack:** 3 longsword attacks (+8, 1d8+4 slashing)
- **Maneuvers:** Commander's Strike, Parry, Riposte, Rally
- **Indomitable** (2 uses)

## Secrets

- One of his advisors — Chancellor Harlan — is a Witness of the [[The Hand of Ruin|Hand of Ruin]] (discovered in Arc 1 climax).
- He once had an affair with a Kethran diplomat; the resulting scandal fuels anti-Kethra sentiment.
- He genuinely wants to protect his people — but his pride makes him an easy mark for manipulation.