Overview
Kaelric Ardyn is a level eight divine mage from Soltheris, known in tournament announcements as the Shield of the Radiant King. He is Aurion's bodyguard, advisor, oldest friend, and protector, and remains loyal to Daryas after Daryas becomes king. He works from the Luminary Halls in Zeydrith and often gives Aurion's court its practical voice.
Appearance and Temperament
Kaelric has gray eyes, dark cropped hair, broad shoulders, and a sturdy fighter's build. He carries himself with disciplined calm, blunt practicality, and deep loyalty. Citizens in Zeydrith seek him for guidance and protection, and he challenges Aurion when the cost of Aurion's choices threatens Soltheris or its alliances.
Abilities
Kaelric specializes in divine enchantments and shields. His enchantments strengthen bodies, sharpen senses, improve movement, and keep companions moving through dangerous terrain. He can fight as a divine enchanter in melee, absorb heavy punishment, and project shields across army-scale fronts. In the Xalmyrran tournament, he defeats Xarion and ranks sixth among the highest competitors before losing to Cassian.
History
During and after the defense of Dravemir, Kaelric directs soldiers, fights at the front, and joins Daryas in warning Aurion that Soltheris cannot rely on essence-draining displays. As the orrery project expands, Kaelric questions Aurion, delivers messages, brings Eira to Zeydrith, and delivers Aurion's offer to share the orreries beyond Soltheris.
Kaelric joins Brynor, Mirael, Khoradyn, Orin, and Astheron on the expedition into the Land of Darkness. He carries supplies, provides enchantments, gives Lirien water after Brynor locates her in the dormant temple area, and prepares Astheron and Lirien for the return to Dravemir.
After the Soltheris-Teryndal standoff over Eira and the orreries, Kaelric fights alongside Aurion, Xarion, and Astheron against the shadow caster pursuing Eira. He saves Aurion from a direct strike with a divine shield and is knocked out of the fight. After Aurion abdicates, Kaelric continues serving Soltheris under King Daryas, prepares Soltheris forces after Aldar warns King Daryas of danger, and accompanies Seralyth when she chooses to fight for Xalmyrra.
Relationships
- Aurion: Kaelric remains loyal to him while openly challenging Aurion's worst decisions.
- Daryas: Kaelric serves under him after the succession and backs his command of Soltheris.
- Seralyth: Kaelric serves near her in the Soltheris court and escorts her after Aurion revives her.
- Brynor, Mirael, Khoradyn, Orin, and Astheron: Kaelric travels with them into the Land of Darkness to find Lirien.
- Xarion and Cassian: Kaelric faces them in the tournament and later across the Soltheris-Teryndal standoff over Eira and the orreries.