Lord Signmonder

Race: Dwarf
Role: Protector of the Crown, commander of the elite Redcloaks
Appearance: Tall, imposing, and heavily armored. Known to grip his sword tightly in tense situations. Often described as deeply troubled, scanning rooms with constant vigilance. At the King’s funeral, he and the knights covered their armor in ash as a mourning custom.

Backstory

Lord Signmonder is the Protector of the Crown and head of the kingdom’s military. Once a comrade of Voss Dain, he built mutual respect with him in past battles. He resides at the former royal castle, gifted to his family when the new one was built. His loyalty to the Crown is steadfast, but he harbors deep misgivings about its corruption and the curse that may afflict the royal line.

Personality & Traits

• Pragmatic and politically savvy, but visibly strained by the kingdom’s instability.
• Torn between duty to the Crown and suspicions of its corruption.
• Sober, cautious, and duty-driven.
• Frequently shows signs of unease, especially regarding soldier loyalty and the coronation.

Role in the Story

• Tasked the party with investigating the Rulmland estate and Old Grinder.
• Requested the party protect the queen and princess during the king’s funeral.
• Paid the party to guard him personally during the coronation.
• In Session 8, recounted the “public truth” of King Waldren’s tale — victory over Satyr King Dazmag and the queen’s rescue — but admitted he believes the “blessing” is a curse.
• Identified Master Eden, leader of the Arcane Tower, as someone who might help uncover the truth.
• Warned that the Cursed Crown may be poisoning the royal line and must eventually be neutralized.
• Arrived at the Haunted Manor with a dozen knights, who left behind magic items.

Notable Moments

• Spoke of Waldren’s killing of his son and exile of Father Lester, revealing fractures in the royal family.
• Declared that the Crown is likely cursed, not blessed.
• Linked the party’s path forward to Eden, the Containment Chest, and Ricio Tane’s discoveries.
• Welcomed the party at his manor after the King’s death, requesting their aid amidst black banners and mourning rites.
• Startled by Mortain carrying a bottle during the Haunted Manor meeting, showing his nerves despite being in command.

Relationships

• The Party – Increasingly reliant on them as allies despite doubts.
• Ricio Tane – Arrived together at The Haunted Manor; often at odds in perspective, but united by necessity.
• Queen Athena – Current ruler; he continues to serve her, though with mounting unease.
• Master Eden – Cited as an authority who may reveal the truth behind the curse.
• Gregory – His closest Redcloak guard, the only one identified by name.