Despite his size, and the obvious deadly skill in his walk, Baldric cannot help but project an open, honest demeanor. He looks more like a jolly old grandfather than an accomplished warrior and a leader of men. The times the man has been seen without a smile on his face or a twinkle in his ice blue eyes can be counted on one hand with fingers to spare. His short cropped blond hair is beginning to look more silver than straw, and it is usually tousled from his long rides through the wilderness, giving him an almost careless, roguish look. Aside from his beloved steed, Baldric is never without his signature pipe somewhere on his person. He can often be found blowing lazy smoke rings while laying on the branch of some grand tree.

Even when defending Selu's Children from their enemies, he seems an altruistic and straightforward man. He rides forth into battle with heavy armor, but it is clear from his camouflage and additional attire that he prefers not to draw attention despite his personal power and wealth. To say nothing of the advantages of not being seen when sneaking through thick brush. These times are when his his smoking habits disappear, as he does not give any indication of his presence if he can help it.

It is difficult to believe that Baldric Kolton is a veteran warrior and skilled leader upon first meeting him. His disposition is closer to that of a family priest, or a contented village elder. He always tries to see the best in people, even his enemies. And while this is a source of much love for the man among his friends and family, it can very much be a point of exploitation by his more canny enemies. More than once, a hand extended in friendship has been bitten by a bitter foe. And this trait extends to many aspects of his life. As he has no children, Baldric forms friendships easily, even among his subordinates. This has led him to take unnecessary risks and suffer more than a cautious man might for the sake of others. Some of his men whisper that he has a deathwish in this regard, though he would scoff at such an idea if it was voiced.

But for all his kindness, Baldric is no fool. When battle comes to him, he is every bit as pragmatic as any veteran soldier. Despite being elevated to knighthood, he still thinks nothing of cutting down an enemy that cannot defend himself. He might offer mercy to a fallen foe, or try to parley before it comes to blows, but if he is committed, he kills. Period. That has tarnished his image as a valorous knight somewhat, as some of his peers find this behavior cowardice. Baldric cares little for such whispers however, as he is more concerned with enjoying life, and improving the lives of those under his command.

When left to his own devices, he would rather enjoy a good story around the campfire, or a mug of ale with friends, than deal with the minutia of leadership. When not in the field, he heavily delegates responsibility to his subordinates. For all the joy he might create in others, enjoying a good pipe doesn't help latrines get dug, or work details organized. But Baldric wants to leave this world with no regrets, and as such isn't likely to change any time soon.

Baldric Kolton is the child of woodland dwelling peasants near the edges of Gnarlvost. He grew up in a village of less than twenty families, and even his hovel was far removed from the village proper. The dark forest was his true home. His father was a simple woodcutter, and his mother the closest thing his village had to a scribe. His was a strange education of practical woodland survival and higher learning in the realms of history and philosophy. From the time he was old enough to walk, he pulled his own weight as a young woodsman.

With his literacy and knowledge of the local terrain, as well as the dangers of the misty woods, Baldric became a messenger between villages. He became so successful at this task that he had amassed enough coin to purchase a young Courser for him to ride by the time he was fourteen winters. At that point his business expanded to the point that he was frequently making long distance journey's to Rimegast and back. And for two years, he made an excellent living. His deft equestrianism and bravery in facing the dangers of the dark wood alone garnered the attention of a powerful knight sworn to Rimegast's protection. He offered Baldric a place in his House as his Squire. Baldric accepted, if only so his parents could move to the safety of the capital in their old age with the coin he earned, and the social rank he could achieve.

Four years of faithful service taught Baldric much of the knightly arts. He was soon as adept with lance and sword as any noble born raised in such a life. When he reached twenty winters, he was raised to full knighthood in the eyes of Gnarlvost. Immediately upon achieving this rank, he set out on an extended errantry tour. Both to get reacquainted with nature, but to test himself and his new skills against the worst dangers that the forest had to offer. For two long, bloody years did he fight the deadliest threats that nature could throw at him. His adventures were many, and it was during this time that he met the Elf woman that would one day be the Supreme Commander of his forces. Shathana was his stalwart companion, and they ended many a threat, and won mountains of treasure from the monsters of the world.

It was then that Baldric came to the realization that for all the good he was doing, he couldn't be everywhere at once. He was just one man. And so he founded a Knightly Order that would be dedicated to being proactive defenders of Gnarlvost, instead of reactive guardians like their predecessors. Thus the Order of the Stormtalon was born. So named after the escapade that brought on this revelation, and rewarded Baldric with Astraeus' egg. For the next twenty five, the newly christened Lord of Talons built up his forces and set them to task patrolling the land. He built the great fortress known as The Rookery, built in much the same style as Rimegast itself. The great Rune Smith was so impressed with these tasks that he swore himself to the Order, and with his help the ranks and file have been greatly aided by his forge-work. Though he is no spellweaver like many of his peers, Baldric nonetheless commands great respect from his people, and is amongst the finest warriors in all of Iveriu.