Watcher Orim “Quickrope”
A veteran Fringe Guard watcher known for lightning-fast rope work and a duelist’s precision — one of the first to enter the arena when the parasite appeared.
Quick Reference
Appearance: Lean man in his mid-30s, shoulder-length brown hair usually tied back, multiple small scars on hands and forearms from rope-work, favors light leather armor that doesn’t restrict movement
Voice: Quick and clipped, speaks like someone used to giving orders in combat
Mannerism: Constantly adjusting his rope coils and checking his blade — always ready to move
Background
Orim earned his nickname “Quickrope” during the Breaking of ‘78, the same Edge incursion where Sergeant Kalla Steelcord earned her reputation. While Kalla held the line, Orim rigged an emergency descent system that evacuated civilians from a collapsing platform in under ten minutes — rope work that should have taken an hour.
He’s served as a Fringe Guard watcher for twelve years, specializing in rapid response and perimeter security. He’s not as strong as Kalla or as commanding as High Edge-Warden Hem, but when something needs to be done fast, Orim is the one they call.
Personality
- Quick-thinking: Makes decisions in seconds and acts on them immediately
- Competitive: Loves testing himself against others, especially in skills competitions
- Loyal: Has served alongside Kalla for years; trusts her completely
- Impatient: Can’t stand slow work or endless planning — prefers action
Role
Orim serves multiple functions within the Fringe Guard:
- Rapid Response: First on scene for Edge incursions or emergencies
- Rope-and-Knot Specialist: Teaches advanced rope-work to recruits
- Tournament Security: Helps oversee the Blood Bond Tournament
- Scout: Often sent ahead to assess situations before the main force arrives
The Tournament Incident
When the barrier sealed the Blood Bond Tournament arena, Orim was outside with the other Guards, unable to break through. He watched helplessly as the Edge parasite appeared and attacked the combatants.
The moment the barrier fell, he vaulted over the wall with his rope grapple and engaged the creature immediately. His quick strikes to the parasite’s eyes helped blind and disorient it, giving the contestants crucial openings.
He was impressed by how the new Edgerunners fought — adaptable, creative, and willing to work with the Guards rather than trying to be heroes alone.
Connections
- Partner: Sergeant Kalla Steelcord — they’ve fought together for years
- Commander: High Edge-Warden Hem — respects him completely
- Colleague: Lars (another Fringe Guard) fought alongside him in the arena
- Friend: Daven the Rope-Wright — Orim hired him once to teach advanced rigging techniques to Guards
Wants
- Keep training the next generation of Guards
- Perfect his rope-and-blade fighting style
- Catch the bastard who summoned that parasite at the tournament
- Maybe settle down eventually — but not yet, there’s too much to do
Secrets
- He freezes around fire — a trauma from the Breaking of ‘78 that he hides well
- Secretly envious of Kalla’s reputation, though he’d never admit it
- Has been investigating strange rope-marks near Edge incursion sites — someone’s been setting traps or markers
- Carries a lock of hair from someone he lost during the Breaking; won’t talk about who
Combat Style
Orim fights with speed and precision:
- Uses rope as both utility and weapon (grappling, binding, trip wires)
- Favors a light rapier for quick strikes
- Focuses on mobility and positioning rather than standing his ground
- Excellent at disabling opponents rather than killing them
Story Hooks
- Orim is investigating the strange rope-marks near Edge sites — might need help
- He can teach advanced rope-work and climbing techniques to interested Edgerunners
- Knows secret routes and rappel points throughout the city
- The trauma around fire could become relevant if facing flame-based threats
- His investigation might lead to discovering Rival Yard activity
Quotes
- “Fast hands save lives. Slow hands bury friends.”
- “Kalla holds the line. I get people behind it.”
- “You fight well for new blood. Let me show you how to fight faster.”
- “The rope doesn’t lie — it either holds or it doesn’t. I make sure it holds.”
- “That thing at the tournament? That wasn’t random. Someone wanted it there.”
Reputation
Among Fringe Guard: Known as one of the best rapid-response watchers, respected for his skills
Among Citizens: Seen at festivals demonstrating rope-work tricks, popular with younger crowds
At the Tournament: Recognized as one of the Guards who saved the contestants from the parasite
Services & Training
Orim can offer:
- Rope-work training: Advanced climbing, rappelling, and rope combat techniques
- Quick deployment tactics: How to respond fast in emergencies
- City knowledge: Knows every watch point, quick route, and emergency exit in the city
- Combat sparring: Always willing to practice with skilled fighters
- Investigation help: If the rope-marks near Edge sites are mentioned, he’ll share what he knows
What Makes Him Different
Unlike the more defensive Kalla or the authoritative Hem, Orim represents the Fringe Guard’s aggressive, proactive side. He doesn’t wait for threats to arrive — he goes to meet them. This makes him valuable but sometimes reckless.
Cross-Links: Sergeant Kalla Steelcord · High Edge-Warden Hem · Fringe Guard · Daven the Rope-Wright