Baron

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Nordus Tervain (also rendered Nordsa Tervain) 19 60
Alias(es)	Baron Tervain; current Baron Tervain 19
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Tervain family; Tevalinburg; supporter of the Count 19 60
Occupation/Role	Baron, regional lord, former military commander, Griffin Knight 19 76
Status	Alive 101
First Appearance	Chapter 19

Background / History

Before becoming Baron, Nordus served as a squire to Count Hefenm before Hefenm inherited the countship. He later received military authority from the Count, expanded territory by a thousand miles, and commanded thousands as a regional lord. He is rumored to have killed his own brother to secure his title, a charge he neither meaningfully dispels nor allows to define his political standing. 19 60

Nordus maintains absolute practical control over Tevalinburg despite Pastor Alphons believing that the Holy See has sidelined him. He regards secular authority as more rational than divine authority and opposes the Holy See’s efforts to restore divine right of kings. 19 25

He identifies Ergons’ impersonation of Sir Davis through behavioral inconsistencies—particularly the fact that Sir Davis would not have killed Bane—and through Ergons’ failure to follow expected trade and tribute practices. Rather than expose him immediately, Nordus offers cooperation, sees value in his military potential, and attempts to position him as support for his own son. 19 55

Following victories over a neighboring Viscount, Nordus gains four manors and six villages, bringing his holdings to twelve manors and twenty-seven natural villages. His expanded territory is comparable in scale to an inland Viscountcy, though its fortress-centered economy and population prevent formal promotion. 56

Appearance

Nordus is a sturdy, fair-skinned man of roughly sixty whose physique shows little sign of age. He has a carefully trimmed thick, short beard and carries himself with the bearing of a prominent noble rather than an ordinary knight. 19

• Often conceals his identity beneath an eagle-beaked helmet. 19
• Rides and fights alongside a griffon. 19 85
• Is formally dressed when appearing as Baron, but later enters the arena in green knightly attire. 19 101
• His age and physical condition contrast sharply: he is described as healthy, spry, and still capable of combat. 19 76

Personality

Nordus is calculating, image-conscious, and highly adaptable. He presents different faces to different audiences: a loyal subordinate before the Count, an obstinate noble before the Holy See, and a maintainer of order before his vassals. Beneath these roles, Ergons concludes that Nordus ultimately acts for his own benefit. 60

He is politically perceptive and recognizes both the threat and usefulness of extraordinary people. He quickly understands that Ergons’ rapid training of soldiers cannot be explained by William’s abilities, but initially underestimates Ergons’ judgment and assumes he can exploit the young man’s talents. 55 60

Nordus can be charismatic in victory, treating his troops as brothers on the battlefield and sharing spoils with them. He is also ruthless when protecting his authority or commercial interests, destroying merchant caravans that interfere with Tervain Village and ordering the execution of a spy. 40 86

His ambition becomes more visible after witnessing Ergons annihilate the blood kin. He dreams of gathering young boys in his territory to create more “Light Transporters” and eventually become king, only to be rebuked by Ergons. 59

Abilities & Skills

Political and Military Command

Nordus is an experienced commander and territorial ruler with strong influence over Tevalinburg’s soldiers, court knights, and administrative structure.

• Previously commanded thousands of troops and expanded territory by a thousand miles. 19
• Maintains control over Tevalinburg even while allowing the Holy See to appear dominant. 19 25
• Mobilizes his forces for war, personally signs mobilization orders, and leads cavalry charges. 37 43
• Uses fiefs, promotions, troop recalls, and rewards to strengthen loyalty and keep potential rivals dependent on him. 43 55 56

Griffin Knight Training

Nordus is an accomplished griffon rider and teaches Ergons the fundamentals of becoming a Griffin Knight.

• Instructs Ergons in approaching, controlling, maneuvering, ascending, descending, turning, and fighting alongside a griffon. 85
• Accompanies Ergons on aerial patrols across the barony. 86
• Helps Ergons complete training in just over ten days, despite normal Griffin Knight training taking at least five years. 85
• Was reportedly capable in his youth of using Holy See-related methods and the advantages of his griffon, though these abilities were said to fade with age. 76

Combat Ability

Though no longer portrayed as being at his youthful peak, Nordus remains capable of direct action and is not merely an administrative ruler.

• Personally rides into battle during the pirate conflict. 37
• Enters the Gaudy City arena disguised as a knight in an attempt to prevent Ergons from taking the championship. 101
• Is defeated by Ergons in a single swift move after attempting to influence the match’s outcome. 101

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Griffon — Nordus’ mount, used for travel, patrols, combat, and training Ergons. 19 85 86
• Eagle-beaked helmet — Used to conceal his identity when first confronting Ergons. 19
• Short sword — Kept at hand during Ergons’ later threat against him. 94
• Gemstone-and-gold-bead magic artifact — An item in Nordus’ possession that Ergons takes during their confrontation. 94

Relationships

• Ergons Tervalin — Distant nephew and political asset. Nordus discovers Ergons’ disguise, supplies him with troops and provisions, and later seeks his soldier-training expertise; their alliance deteriorates after Ergons openly threatens and subordinates him. 19 25 60 94
• Count Hefenm — Former lord and long-standing political patron. Nordus served Hefenm as a squire and later received military authority from him. 60
• Pastor Alphons — Political rival and negotiating counterpart. Nordus dismisses Alphons’ competence, resists Holy See interference, yet accepts church medical assistance during wartime. 19 43
• The Chancellor — Trusted administrative adviser who assists Nordus with troop matters, rewards, negotiations, and plans to reclaim soldiers trained by Ergons. 43 55 56
• Sir Davis Tervalin — The identity Ergons assumes. Nordus recognizes that Ergons cannot be the real Sir Davis because of his actions and unfamiliarity with family relationships. 19 55
• Ergons’ father / Nordus’ brother — Nordus publicly frames Ergons’ killing of his brother’s murderer as an act of filial vengeance, though the family’s internal relationships are implied to be far less affectionate than presented. 52 89

Story Role / Major Arcs

Exposure of Ergons’ Identity

Nordus arrives unexpectedly in Tervain Village, reveals himself as the current Baron, and confronts Ergons over his false identity. He chooses cooperation over immediate exposure, emphasizing his authority over Tevalinburg and his opposition to the Holy See. 19

Control of Tevalinburg and the Pirate War

He covertly manipulates the quality of soldiers sent to Ergons, then later promises capable troops and provisions once Ergons proves useful. During the pirate siege, Nordus commands a cavalry charge after his forces are transported to Tervain Village. 25 37

Expansion and Mutual Exploitation

After gaining territory from a Viscount, Nordus distributes fiefs and promotions to soldiers aligned with Ergons while considering how to reclaim and use Ergons’ rapidly trained troops. Both men recognize that their relationship is based on mutual utility rather than trust. 55 56

Encounter with the Silver Hand Narrative

Witnessing Ergons defeat more than a hundred blood kin convinces Nordus that the Silver Hand and Light Transporters may be real. His desire to exploit this perceived power for kingship is directly challenged by Ergons. 59

Reversal of Power

Nordus increasingly relies on Ergons for military training and for Tevalinburg’s security. Ergons eventually confronts him with explicit threats, asserting that the Baron survives only because preserving the Tervalin name remains useful. 60 94

Arena Defeat

At the Count’s apparent request, Nordus enters an arena competition disguised as a knight to prevent Ergons from becoming champion. The attempt fails publicly when Ergons defeats him with one move, damaging Nordus’ ability to control the situation. 101