Balthórod (S."mighty current") was a member of the Shades led by Gontharan.Like his mentor, Balthórod hds long harbored a strong hatred for the Prince of Dol Amroth. His father also served in the armies of the city but was never true to his duty. He met his end in a duel ,after trying to blackmail one of his superiors. When the officer was not punished the young Balthórod took it as evidence of a plot against his family. The idea was preposterous, as his friends all told him. But, at wenty-five he had the world all figured out and the good sense his comrades spoke could do nothing to sway him. Then one night in a tavern his raving was given a sympathetic ear. This older man could see just what he meant, could see for what he must be going through...the friendship between Balthórod and Gontharan was begun.The younger man showed himself to be a willing pupil and displayed promise. His fervor matched that of his teacher and he rapidly became second in command of their growing cell of discontents.He became quite skilled in the ways of ihe assassin. He did not have his leader's charisma and could not rule the band, but he had no such aspiraions. He was fanatically loyal and would die for Gontharan without a second thought. In combat style the lieutenant was a loner. His only failing as a student had been his inability to learn group tactics and master team work. He was, however, a terror with a sword and could do on his own the work that most would have given to a group of men.‚Alone among Gontharan’s pupils, Balthrod had also learned the spells that had been given to the cult. He quite obviously had natural talent.
Notes[]
Original form in MERP:Balthrod = Balthórod
References[]
- MERP:Assassins of Dol Amroth