In the winding, shadowed alleys of Durakiss, among the city’s poorest quarters, lives Balan the One-Eyed, a figure both pitied and respected by those who know his story. Once a fierce warrior in the service of Durakiss, Balan’s life took a fateful turn during a vicious skirmish against the Consortium, a formidable group bent on conquering Durakiss and the entirety of Archeterre. It was in this brutal conflict that Balan lost his eye, a physical reminder of the sacrifices made to protect his home.

Now, far removed from the battlefield, Balan navigates the struggles of daily life with the same resilience and determination that once made him a formidable soldier. Despite his injury and the hardships of living in poverty, Balan’s spirit remains unbroken. He is known in the community for his sharp wit, a survivor’s strength, and an unwavering loyalty to Durakiss.

The Consortium’s attempt to invade and dominate Archeterre has left deep scars on the city and its inhabitants, but for Balan, it has also forged an indomitable will to persevere and protect his home against any future threats. His story is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle between Durakiss and the ever-looming shadow of the Consortium’s ambition.

Balan’s house

Balan the One-Eyed lives in a modest, dilapidated house nestled in the corners of Durakiss’s common district. The house, made of weathered stone and aged timber, leans slightly to one side, a testament to years of neglect and the harsh conditions of the area in the past. The roof, patched with bits of metal and old cloths, barely keeps out the rain.

A single, crooked door, which has seen better days, serves as the entrance, beside which a small, grimy window allows a meager amount of light into the dwelling. Inside, the space is cramped and sparsely furnished with a worn-out straw mattress, a rickety table, and a couple of mismatched chairs.

The air inside is musty, mixed with the scent of damp wood and earth, a constant reminder of the struggle Balan faces in his daily life. Despite its shortcomings, this humble abode is Balan’s sanctuary, a place where he can retreat from the world’s judgments and hardships.