Garrick Voss
✦Subject Dossier✦
Known Titles:
High Commander of the Adernian Army
Compiled by: The Archivist
Access Level: Restricted -
Senior Scholars only
Filed: Winter, 1554 A.C.
2 years post narrative events
Age:
56
Race/Species:
Human
Sex:
Male
Place of Origin:
The High Reaches
Current Residence:
Voss Estate, Bastion's Reac
Affiliations:
Adernian Army
Second Knight Army - Founder
Status:
Alive
✦Documented Narrative Involvement
High Commander Garrick Voss is a central figure in all recorded accounts of the Adernian-Savidorian conflict. The public narrative often reduces his actions to military utility. However, multiple sources and public controversy indicate his role was far more significant in the outcome of the war and of those involved. Proof has been sealed behind "bureaucratic entanglements" and accessing them as public records is next to impossible. However, the reputation of this Archive has granted more access than most.
Garrick is credited alongside Archmage Veylan Caelan and Field Captain Elias Varne in the strategy that eventually resulted in Luka's capture. Contemporary accounts confirm his intention was to investigate the weapon, determine is construction or origins, and prevent replication if possible or neutralization if not. Following the revelation of Luka's origins, sources note a marked shift in his strategic decisions. Garrick rejected all proposals of utilizing Luka as a weapon and redirected the Second Knight Order and the Adernian Army's efforts towards other designs. He also gained Crown backing in the process. Certain records remain deliberately sparse, particularly those involving knowledge that may, directly or otherwise, put Luka's welfare at stake.
Reports describe Garrick as a disciplined strategist Adern would not have stood long if not for Garrick. Statements collected from Voss clarify his long-held stance on the objective of the war.
"The pursuit of complete victory will drive even the most altruistic of men into wars they cannot fight in the name of justice, vengeance, or even divine right. I will not claim any. To me, it screams of pride. Our humanity must remain intact at the end of it all, or there will have been little point to survival. If vengeance is the only goal, I will not pursue it. However, if the eradication of the Savidorian threat will safeguard the future of my people, I will not hesitate to give the order."
-Garrick Voss
Public sentiment remains divided. While many consider Garrick's choice an act of restraint and humanity, others view the continued protection of Luka as a political liability and a betrayal of wartime losses.
Supplementary Records
✦Addendum - will need to further investigate if the truth is to be discovered and recorded.
I do not particularly care for the idea of venturing back into Savidorian lands, however. King Roderic has made it expressly clear his intentions to use the Archive's reputation for objectivity to sway public sentiment towards furthering the war efforts.
✦Addendum - It struck me after writing this initial entry and the narrative that Garrick often doubted himself. Truthfully, there is still much controversy among the general populace. I suppose one must decide these things for themselves.
✦ Physical Appearance
A broad-shouldered commander with dark, steady eyes and hair going silver at the temples. His skin is weathered, and he wears a permanent scowl born of too many campaigns and too little sleep. His gaze is often more tired than not, but it brightens for the few he allows into his guarded world.
✦ Temperament & Disposition
Garrick possess the stubbornness of a dwarf and the height of a bearman, yet despite his obvious physical stature, he uses it infrequently, preferring to err on the side of caution and plot his way to victory. King Fenric chose him for his principles and knowledge more than his strength. "It was something we needed direly in a court full of vexatious nobles," Fenric offered during one of his many interviews. Garrick's wife and subordinates report he often has moments of deep contemplation - brooding - before making important decisions.
✦ Capabilities & Known Talents
Primary Strength -
A strategic battle mind and a calm demeanor under pressure; his ability to plan for the future is perhaps one of the only reasons Adern has not fallen yet.
Secondary Talent -
Sharp discernment; he has an uncanny talent for picking good personnel.
Notable Flaw -
He attempts to shoulder responsibility without support, wanting to protect those he cares for. He doesn't think of what withdrawal from them might mean for those he pulls away from.
Notable Weakness -
Family and loyalty; they occasionally conflict, creating a stress induced work-day. Unfortunately for him, Amelia often takes Fenric's side and lobbies for her husband's participation in the necessary events.
✦ Associations
Amelia Voss -
His wife, the center of his world and the one person who can break down his walls and find his center.
Luka -
His ward - the boy who shattered every assumption Garrick had about monsters, mercy, and war and helped him discover just how far he'd go to win one.
Jorin, Sorcha, Coren, and Eleyna -
Garrick's son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Next to Amelia, they are the most important people in his life.
King Fenric of Adern -
Garrick's king and, on occasion, friend; in Garrick's words, "We are bound together by hasty decisions and mutual love of our people."
Elias Varne -
His hand-picked second in command and Field Captain; they've fought side by side for many years and Garrick trusts Varne's decisions as if they were his own.
Veylan Caelan -
Garrick and Veylan hold mutual respect for each other despite their differences in fields and expertise; their relationship has grown closer since deciding to bring Luka back to the Voss estate for rehabilitation.
Maeve -
Garrick regards her as a trusted presence in Luka's long-term care; he has become a sort of mentor and quiet guardian for her.
Riven Hawthorne -
He is one of Garrick's most adept warriors; Garrick had a hand in training both Hawthorne boys. After a successful early military career, Garrick had Riven promoted and assigned to the Second Knight Order.
Rhodney Hawthorne -
Deceased Knight Commander of the Second Order; Garrick personally trained him and his younger brother. After seeing potential in his command skills, Garrick asked him personally to take his place as Knight Commander upon Garrick's elevation to High Commander.
Gregor -
Garrick trusts Gregor's stewardship and judgement in all matters regarding the household; he considers Gregor the backbone that keeps everyone upright through chaos.
✦Addendum - Garrick's talent for picking good personnel is no doubt the reason for the Second Order's inclusivity - a fact that could have saved much heartache if respected much sooner.
✦Addendum - During a conversation, Garrick mentioned more than once he felt more prepared for Luka given his experience raising Jorin. This has given rise to many interesting accounts.
Next steps - interview Jorin Voss.
✦Addendum - Varne is considered an honorary member of the Second Knight Order, highly respected for his intelligence, high expectations, and his ability to handle Garrick.
Consider future interview for additional accounts.