Andrew Allen - Writing Showcase 004 - Project Lyria Character Introduction - Harken Emberfist

Please find below a character description of one of the characters that you meet in Project Lyria (Working Title)

Harken EmberFist

Loyal | Stern | Determined

Age: 120 (presents 50)

Gender: Male (Male presenting)

Origin: The Fire Forges of the Northern Mountains

Ethnicity: Caucasian

Character References:

• Gimli - Lord of the Rings

• Stubbornness and somewhat hot-headed

• Alfred Pennyworth - Batman

• Ally, guidance, mentorship

• Mufasa - The Lion King

• Father figure, wisdom

Tropes to Avoid: Not clumsy, not too fiery

Physical Appearance

Harken is an aged dwarf originating from the noblest of houses located in

the upper district of the fire catacombs under the mountains in the North.

Standing at 4’5”, although adorned with armour from head to toe, you can

sense that he is just a block of muscle. He has multiple scars on his face

and one distinct scar covering his left eye causing a murkiness to it due

to partial blindness. His skin looks aged beyond the norm, but his eyes still

sparkle with determination and eagerness to get things sorted. His hair is

plaited, both head hair and beard, and is a dark copper, with the ends going

more grey to white to show his age more. Armor wise, he still wears the armor

of his kin, heavily battered and scarred, but still very much fit for purpose.

He holds a large warhammer that he seems to rest on more than wield these days,

and a cloak hangs at his side that bears the fire forge crest, an anvil

underneath three mountain peaks aflame. 

Overview

Harken is from the noblest house in the fire catacombs. He comes from a lineof Emberfists dating back centuries. When the Void happened, the mountainserupted with fire, and Harken had to leave, the origin of his kinfolk and therest of his family, most predominantly his brother, Shorgar, are unknown.
Seeking shelter where he could, he eventually stumbled upon Burton, and
together, they formed the base of operations at the centre of the valley here
in Lyria. Eager to help anyone that appears, Harken, whilst wary at first,
welcomes anyone to the base of operations with open arms, but it seems that
there is something he is hiding, something eating away at him slowly but
surely. This will lead to Harken returning to his home, to witness the horror
that has become his brother and his kin. 

In PRIMARY Phase

Harken is determined to help the hero in any way they can. They work to get

as much information whilst the hero is at the base of operations as possible,

and every time the hero returns, they can talk to Harken to gather information.

At the end of the Primary Phase of the game, Harken is confronted by one of

his kin arriving at the base of Operations, heavily scarred from lava burns

and a sword protruding out of the back of him. The kin member explains that

Shorgar has gone mad, corrupted by the void and engulfed in flame, and keep

screaming Harken’s name, wondering where his brother is, to “prove once and

for all who the true emberfist is”

Goal: Help the hero to rid the world of the void in any way he can, whilst at

the same time aiding people at the Base of Operations
Obstacle: He’s abandoned his home for some time, and is somewhat untrustworthy

to newcomers at first. 
Arc: Harken is learning to determine if he can trust the hero, and in doing

so learns some truths and more about themselves in the process

In SECONDARY Phase

Once the hero returns from the depths of the sea after defeating the Kraken,

and once Harken has seen first hand what his brother is capable of, he has

no choice but to accompany the hero and any other party members in order to

venture to his home, and try and help save his brother. During this time,

Harken shares more about his story and past and what happened to him when the

Void hit, and we learn more about Harken’s struggles, and his reluctance to

return home. Harken confronts his brother alongside the hero where they fight

a twisted, corrupted face melted fire breathing demon that once was his

brother. They defeat him, but his brother is gravely wounded, and thus Harken

has to make a choice - stay and take his brother’s place as ruler of the fire

forge under the mountain, or continue to help the hero in his trials to rid

the land of the Void.

 

Goal: Help the hero venture to the fire forge and the catacombs under the

mountain

Obstacle: Harken’s reluctance to leave the Base of Operations, and his fear

of what he might find back home

Arc: After learning what has become of his brother, Harken decided to leave

his home. With it restored, he says he will return once the Void has gone

from this land for good, and decides to continue to help the hero

In FINAL Phase - Conquering the Void for good

Harken returns to the Base of Operations with the hero after the culmination
of the SECONDARY Phase, and tells the hero that should he need him, his

hammer is always available. Harken travels with the hero to the Kingdom of

Shadows, where he aids the hero in defeating the Lord of Shadows who is

responsible for the Void. In doing so, the rest of the world becomes rid of

the Void, and normality is restored to the lands. With news travelling of

all the has been restored, Harken returns home, and is welcomed with open

arms as the new ruler of the fire forge and takes his place as the true

EmberFist. He says the hero is welcome any time, and agrees to erect a

statue to his brother to forever remember him.

 
Goal: Stop the Void once and for all
Obstacle: The Void and its many obstacles that lie ahead
Arc: Though the journey has been difficult and tough, Harken can rely on his

new found companions, and some older friends and family, to help him through

this and rid the Void from this land for good