Halvard Ren

Human, Regional garrison commander

Formal, controlled, but the words come slower on certain topics, like each one costs something.

The Altered Report. He wants a threat neutralized decisively to prove the garrison — and he — still matter, regardless of risk.

What the Scout Said. He wants the scout who warned him found and silenced with a promotion before anyone reads the real report.

Appearance

Tall and hollow-cheeked, immaculate uniform hanging looser than it should. A black cord tied around one wrist, never explained.

He ignored a scout's warning before the ambush out of pride, and altered the official report to hide it.

Straightens already-straight papers when stressed

Salutes empty rooms out of old habit

Outwardly composed, privately shattered

Driven to prove the garrison's worth after failure

Competence is the only apology I know how to give the dead.

He lost half his garrison in an ambush he insists he could have prevented; the black cord belonged to his second-in-command.

His need to prove himself again risks repeating the same reckless call that got his people killed.