Aeldrin
The warrior who walked through death unburnt and was chosen by the Ashen Flame to lead in the coming dark.
Archetype
The Self, called before it feels ready. Aeldrin accepts the crown of leadership not because he is worthy, but because he is willing.
A survivor who fights for the moment and distrusts grand roles. Fear is his spark; he lets it light him instead of stop him.
The story
Aeldrin bears the mark of the ash: he has walked through death and returned unburnt. A summons he could not name drew him to a ruined temple where a brazier flared with silver and crimson fire and an entity of ember and ash asked why he stood there.
The flame showed him two futures: Albion in chaos with himself as its beacon, and Albion in chaos with the beacon extinguished. 'I am no leader,' he said. 'I am a warrior.' The flame answered that leadership is born of courage, not perfection. He put his hand in the fire. It burned away his doubt and left purpose.
Appearance
A scarred, calm warrior with amber eyes and a plain sword, marked by ash. He carries himself like a man who has died once already.
Signature
The Ashen Flame itself, which now burns within him as a steady, unyielding light.
Words
I am afraid.
Fear is the spark. It ignites the flame.