Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Hogg (霍格) |
| Alias(es) | Lord Hogg |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | Baruch Clan; Wushan Town |
| Occupation/Role | Lord of Wushan Town; head of the Baruch Clan |
| First Appearance | Chapter 1 |
Background and History
The Baruch Clan had declined from a renowned Dragonblood Warrior family after generations failed to produce descendants with sufficiently concentrated bloodlines. Hogg remains deeply ashamed that a previous patriarch sold the first patriarch’s personal heirloom, the Warblade Slaughter, and urges Moke and Linley to recover it. Though disappointed by their initial bloodline tests, he refuses to blame either son. 1
Hogg’s wife, Lina, was abducted on the night Wharton was born. For years, Hogg does not pursue her kidnappers because he must remain alive to raise Moke, Linley, and Wharton. 1 15
He supports his sons’ development despite the hardships involved. When Moke asks to train alongside older children at six and a half, Hogg permits it; later, he allows Moke to train independently after witnessing his discipline and progress. 3 4 He also agrees to send Moke and Linley to Fenlai City for magical-academy entrance tests after Linley expresses his desire to become a mage. 6
After an eighth-level mage’s conflict damages homes in Wushan Town, Hogg accepts Moke’s proposal that residents construct basements or bunkers. The shelters subsequently protect most townspeople during a Saint Realm battle and meteor shower over the town. 5 6 7
Moke and Linley’s acceptance into the Ernst Institute gives Hogg renewed hope. He celebrates by holding a grand banquet and exempting Wushan Town’s residents from taxes for a year. 12 With his sons safely enrolled, he finally begins investigating Lina’s disappearance and entrusts Hillman with caring for the children should he not return. 15
His investigation reveals that Duke Patterson was involved in Lina’s abduction and delivered her to a stronger organization. Hogg is severely injured while fighting a poisoned seventh-level warrior, suffering a broken arm, cracked breastbone, and internal injuries. 16 Despite Hillman’s concerns, he insists on continuing the investigation while attempting to secure the funds needed to send Wharton to O'Brien Warrior Academy. 17
Luke and three other attackers later infiltrate Baruch Mansion to kill him. Unable to match Luke, a peak seventh-level warrior, Hogg attempts to flee so that Wharton will not be endangered. Moke intervenes, transforms, and saves him. 18 19 During the aftermath, Hogg interrogates the captured attackers ruthlessly to uncover the force behind Duke Patterson. 19
Luke’s confession identifies King Clayde as the power behind Duke Patterson and states that Lina was transferred to another faction connected to the Radiant Church. 20 Hogg and Moke then agree to postpone direct revenge, focus on becoming strong enough to activate the Dragonblood Warrior bloodline safely, and eventually seek vengeance against Duke Patterson, King Clayde, and the Radiant Church. 21
Personality
Hogg is a caring but burdened father. He takes comfort in his sons’ maturity, worries intensely for their safety, and has spent years suppressing his desire to search for Lina because he could not risk abandoning his children. 1 7 15
As lord of Wushan Town, he is receptive to practical measures that protect residents. He approves the construction of shelters, directs compensation for damaged homes, and maintains unusually low taxes in Wushan Town. 5 23
Lina’s abduction hardens him. Although he initially acts cautiously due to his limited strength and responsibilities, the discovery of those responsible pushes him toward vengeance; during Luke’s interrogation, he is willing to threaten Luke’s family and kill the lesser attackers for information. 16 19
Hogg’s hope is repeatedly tied to his children. Moke and Linley’s admission to Ernst Institute and Wharton’s awakened bloodline convince him that the Baruch Clan may rise again, while Moke’s rapid growth also leaves him feeling guilty that his eldest son has taken on so much responsibility. 12 16 26
Abilities & Skills
Sixth-Level Warrior
Hogg is a sixth-level warrior, placing him among the Intermediate Warriors.
- Uses battle qi and carries swords, including a heavy broadsword and a longsword. 7 18
- Previously killed a seventh-level warrior who had been severely poisoned, though the encounter left Hogg seriously wounded. 16
- Is decisively outmatched by a healthy peak seventh-level warrior such as Luke. 18
- Cannot immediately recover from his wounds through Moke’s fifth-level light healing magic, though the spell substantially improves his condition. 19
Lordship of Wushan Town
Hogg oversees Wushan Town and the remaining resources of the impoverished Baruch Clan.
- Commands the town guards, led by Hillman, who also serve as the settlement’s security force. 12
- Orders compensation for residents whose homes are damaged during powerful conflicts. 5
- Authorizes townwide bunker construction before the Saint Realm meteor disaster. 5 6
- Exempts Wushan Town from taxes for one year to celebrate Moke and Linley’s acceptance into Ernst Institute. 12
Investigation and Interrogation
Hogg pursues the truth behind Lina’s abduction despite the danger.
- Identifies the Red Spider Clan’s involvement through marks on the abductors’ arms. 16
- Learns that Duke Patterson took Lina and passed her to an even more powerful force. 16
- Extracts further intelligence from Luke, leading to the identification of King Clayde and the Radiant Church’s involvement. 19 20
Relationships
- Lina — Hogg’s missing wife. Her abduction drives his years-long grief, investigation, and desire for revenge. 1 15 20
- Moke — Eldest son. Hogg supports Moke’s training and magical education, later relies on his judgment after witnessing his overwhelming transformed strength. 3 12 19 23
- Linley — Second son. Hogg encourages Linley’s ambition to become a mage and is overjoyed by his admission to Ernst Institute. 6 12
- Wharton — Youngest son. Hogg is fiercely protective of him and intends to send him to O'Brien Warrior Academy after his Dragonblood Warrior bloodline awakens. 7 16 17
- Hillman — Guard captain and trusted confidant. Hogg entrusts him with the children’s welfare and discusses Lina’s investigation with him. 15 16
- Hiri — Long-serving butler of the Baruch Clan. Hiri assists Hogg during the attack on Baruch Mansion and helps protect Wharton from the violence. 16 19
- Duke Patterson — One of the men responsible for Lina’s abduction; Hogg identifies him as a central target for vengeance. 16 21
- King Clayde — Revealed as the force behind Duke Patterson and implicated in Lina’s abduction. 20 21