Pippen Ruud

Captain of the Nightwatch

A man with a physically non-descript nature. He keeps his black hair cut short and his clothing and mannerisms are such that he could be passed on the street with nobody aware of him. He is a different man in uniform. A stern taskmaster that engenders no love from those he commands, but he does have their fear and respect. His intolerance for anyone that has strayed from the teachings of The Light are well known.

On the other side he is a member of the Black Tower Cult. A very secret organization passed down through the generations that seeks the final destruction of Tminir Tower. Pippen's firm belief is that the meaning of destruction is not the physical destruction of the structure, but instead the cycle of corrupted men that have ruled from it.

• Occupation: Guard
• Nationality: Kingdom of Dakar
• Spouse: Tanya
• Issue:

  • William (M, 451-
  • Hansen (M, 453-
  • Colette (F, 454-
  • Gwendolen (F, 459-
  • Bergheld (M, 461-461)
• Father: Harold Ruud (397-454)
• Mother: Soretta (403-449)
• Born: Fall 432 AH
• Religion: temple_of_light
• Race: Human (Northman)

When Pippen turned sixteen (16) his father secretly told him about the Black Tower Cult, giving him the book that had been passed down to him. During his nineteenth (19th) year he was brought before the other members of Harold's group and inducted into their ranks. The subjugation of the demon inside of him was a harrowing experience and one that will haunt his dreams for the rest of his life, but it is necessary.

When Queen Aurora I sent Countess Hapsteng to Bornheim to oversee her affairs it was not expressed displeasure of the current Lord Marshall, but changed Pippen's life. The nightwatch became her tool and she made Pippen its Captain. He was told to use his men to oversee the constables as well as controlling all traffic through the north gate.

His involvement in the cult eventually was exposed by Gia Sojourner, Brizanthimus, and Oswald and Lady Hapsteng had no choice but to secure him in Blackyard Prison. She would have quietly had him killed except that when she moved him to Ridge Constabulary for his trial he had a chance to speak with Gia. She convinced him that the city would perish if men like him did not stand up.

He unleashed the demon bound inside him and broke free, his fate unknown as he fled into the night.