Storytime With the Sage: La Mercenario
The Court of Faces is one of the burgeoning courts in the Dwimmerwood. It advertises itself as a “Court for the People,” usurping the natural process of the Fey Courts by not having a High Fey at its epicenter. Little is known about the Mistress of the Court, but her inner circle is composed of several humanoid figures, all clad in colorful garbs and masks, frozen in expression. Underlings of the court also appear to wear this apparel, though it tends to be less decorated.
Of this inner circle, not much more is known, other than titles and roles. Most recently, the court made its name known with the appearance of La Mercenario in Freyglen during the war with the Hells, turning the blades of the Gildhart legions against one another in a pivotal moment during the final conflict. It is this intervention that put the Court of Faces on the map.
La Mercenario appears as a humanoid male, clad in fighting leathers and a breastplate with armor stretching down his left arm (he seems to be left-handed). He wields a longsword forged from what appears to be a mixture of silver and an unknown Dwimmerwood metal, one that causes the strikes of the blade to quickly decay flesh and metal around the wounds. His face resembles a bifurcated mask, partly porcelain and decorated with skeletal paint, and the other side constructed like a golden skull, conjoined with a gold bandit’s mask. He is often seen carrying a knight’s helm, but has never been seen wearing it.
Some people claim to recognize La Mercenario. They say they recognize his face or his finery. They say they recognize his mannerisms or his fighting style. But nobody’s been able to put a name to the porcelain and gold visage.
Rumors point to a soldier or bandit who fell in a conflict, judging by the mortifying imagery on his face. Given the style of his garb, he was likely from Ashara, probably between 4900 and 5050 P.C. Some believe the helmet was once his, but the way he fell was dishonorable, so he can no longer wear it. Others believe the helmet isn’t his at all, but that of a partner or comrade-in-arms who fell by his side.
In conversation, La Mercenario is said to be relaxed and sly, displaying control over his engagements. Those who spoke to him shortly following the conflict described him as “savvy” and “disarming,” and many who had been most adversely affected by the Gildharts’ cruelty said they were inspired by his outward valiance and his disdain for the “empty valor” of the occupying force. It is said that the Court of Faces nearly tripled in size that day.
