Lars
A solid, dependable Fringe Guard who proved his worth during the Blood Bond Tournament crisis — the kind of guard who does the job without seeking glory.
Quick Reference
Appearance: Broad-shouldered man in his late 20s, close-cropped blonde hair, square jaw with a small scar on his chin, wears standard Fringe Guard leather with a well-maintained crossbow always at his side
Voice: Steady and calm, rarely raises his voice even in crisis
Mannerism: Checks his gear compulsively — bow, bolts, knife, signal flare — making sure everything is in place
Background
Lars came to Shuttle’s Shipyard five years ago from one of the smaller outer settlements. His village was abandoned after repeated Edge incursions made it untenable, and he joined the Fringe Guard because “someone needs to hold the line.”
He’s not flashy like Watcher Orim “Quickrope” or legendary like Sergeant Kalla Steelcord. He’s a solid, middle-rank Guard who shows up, does the work, and goes home. The kind of person who makes up the backbone of any organization.
The Tournament
Lars was assigned to arena security during the Blood Bond Tournament. When the mysterious barrier sealed the arena and the Edge parasite appeared, he was one of the Guards pounding uselessly against the ward-knot trying to break through.
When the barrier finally fell, he vaulted into the arena immediately and engaged the creature. His crossbow bolt to the parasite’s eye cluster was a crucial hit that gave the contestants and Orim the opening they needed to finish it.
The new Edgerunners remember him fighting alongside them. He doesn’t make a big deal of it, but he’s quietly proud.
Personality
- Reliable: Shows up on time, follows through, doesn’t make excuses
- Humble: Uncomfortable with praise, deflects credit to others
- Observant: Watches and listens more than he talks
- Practical: Focuses on what works, not what looks impressive
Current Role
Lars serves as a standard patrol guard in the Edge Thread district, rotating through different watch posts along the perimeter. He’s qualified with crossbow and spear, knows basic first aid, and can operate signal equipment.
He’s exactly the kind of guard you want on watch — alert, responsible, and capable without being reckless.
Connections
- Unit: Serves under Sergeant Kalla Steelcord’s command rotation
- Colleague: Knows Orim well, respects him even if he finds him a bit too flashy
- Commander: High Edge-Warden Hem knows him by name after the tournament
- Friends: Several of the new Edgerunners — he fought beside them
Wants
- Keep the city safe — it’s that simple
- Maybe make sergeant one day, but he’s not in a hurry
- Not lose any more homes to the Edge
- A quiet life when he retires, maybe running a watch post at a safe settlement
Secrets
- Lost his entire family when his village was overrun — he’s the only survivor
- Has nightmares about being too late to help people
- The scar on his chin is from the village evacuation; he never talks about how he got it
- Keeps a small wooden carving of a house in his pocket — the only thing he saved from his childhood home
- Doesn’t drink because he’s afraid of being anything less than ready
What He Represents
Lars represents the everyday heroes of Shuttle’s Shipyard — the people who do dangerous work not for glory or advancement, but because it needs doing. He’s not destined for legend, but without people like him, the city would fall.
Story Hooks
- Lars knows the Edge Thread district’s patrol routes and watch posts better than almost anyone
- His perspective on the outer settlements and their struggles could be valuable
- He’s observant — might have noticed things other Guards missed
- If the party needs a reliable backup who won’t steal the spotlight, Lars is perfect
- His trauma about being “too late” could resonate with certain missions or choices
Quotes
- “Just doing the job.”
- “The watch doesn’t keep itself. Someone has to stand it.”
- “I saw you fight in the arena. You didn’t freeze. That’s what matters.”
- “Glory’s nice, but I’d rather everyone goes home at the end of the day.”
- “My village didn’t have enough Guards. That’s why I’m here.”
Reputation
Among Fringe Guard: Solid, dependable, the kind of guard you want on your shift
Among Citizens: Not well-known, but the Edge Thread locals recognize him as “one of the good ones”
After the Tournament: The new Edgerunners know him as someone who had their backs
In Combat
Lars is competent but not exceptional:
- Crossbow: His primary weapon, well-maintained and accurate
- Spear: For close combat, defensive style
- Tactics: Follows orders, maintains formation, protects civilians first
- Special: His eye for shots is excellent — he can pick vulnerable spots in armor or anatomy
Services He Can Offer
- Guard information: Knowledge of patrol routes, watch schedules, security procedures
- Edge Thread contacts: Knows the local residents and businesses
- Backup: Will help Edgerunners on legitimate Guard business, no questions asked
- Equipment access: Can requisition basic Guard equipment (torches, rope, flares) for authorized missions
- A friendly face: Sometimes you just need someone reliable who remembers you
Cross-Links: Sergeant Kalla Steelcord · Watcher Orim · Fringe Guard · Edge Thread