Riven Xander Hawthorne
✦Subject Dossier✦
Known Titles:
Knight Captain of the Second Order
Compiled by: The Archivist
Access Level: Restricted -
Senior Scholars only
Filed: Winter, 1554 A.C.
2 years post narrative events
Age:
34
Race/Species:
Human
Sex:
Male
Place of Origin:
Bastion's Reach
Current Residence:
Temporary residence at Voss Estate, Bastion's Reach
Affiliations:
Adernian Army - Second Knight Order
Status:
Alive
✦Documented Narrative Involvement
Where Garrick Voss' name appears in records, it is often accompanied closely by the name Hawthorne. Riven Hawthorne, Knight Captain of the Second Order, received his position only two years after his placement within the Second Order. Records accessed with the knight order show Riven to be a man of high potential - loyal, intuitive, and physically gifted. What he lacks in strategic awareness, he makes up for in being able to follow orders and execute them well.
Despite this trust Garrick places in Riven's abilities, he has played a somewhat antagonistic role in the narrative. After the loss of his brother on the battlefield by Luka's hand, and himself a witness, Riven displayed anger towards the boy, an anger that he himself reports he may not have overcome completely. And yet, he also admits his rage towards Luka may have cost him dearly.
"While I do not entirely forgive the boy, I cannot entirely hate him either. Regardless, I disappointed my commanding officer and allowed emotion to color my judgement, even after learning the truth. Rhodney would have been disappointed...or perhaps he would have understood. I guess I'll never know."
-Riven Hawthorne
The memory of his brother, Rhodney Hawthorne, lives on in Riven, their sister Vanessa Reeds, née Hawthorne, and her two boys, Daniel and Ian Reeds.
In the end, Riven's actions caused friction between himself and the trusted knights of the Second Order. And yet it did not impede Garrick's choice of asking Riven to accompany him to his estate as part of Luka's watchcare. Why no one protested the assignment is beyond this Archive's perview.
Supplementary Records
✦Addendum - I was unaware at the start of this record that Riven is not actually the youngest Hawthorne, but the third of four children. Theo Hawthorne was lost young in a drowning accident. Later, Riven also lost his father, a knight from the High Marches and friend to Garrick, in a border skirmish. His mother, Eliza Hawthorne, is currently sick, losing her sense of self and of family, with only Riven and Vanessa there to keep her company and stabilize her. After Rhodney's death, Riven's self-control is frankly inspiring. I am impressed he did not lose himself sooner and was able to regain it again.
Upon further consideration, I can understand why Garrick puts so much trust in him.
✦Addendum - Garrick's intentions, however unrecorded, seem to me to have been both a consequence and a lesson for Riven and Luka. What lessons can be learned through close proximity to it only the two of them could possibly understand.
✦ Physical Appearance
Riven is tall, broad, and carries a perpetual air of disapproval. He has dark hair, darker eyes, and a stance that screams quiet menace and competence. He is one of the most physically capable knights in the Second Order - his endurance is legendary even among those legends.
✦ Temperament & Disposition
Riven's personnel files are filled with commendations from various superior officers, not an insignificant amount from the High Commander and Interim Knight Commander Lyndon. He is disciplined and structured. Duty and routine are his lifeblood. The knights of the Second Order report Riven to be honorable but exacting - while he respects them, he also holds them to high expectations. Sergeants Glennan and Halek both report Riven to be stubborn to a fault but also one of incredible self-control and emotional endurance.
✦Addendum - While it may seem fondness on Garrick's part, I do not see that stubborn old man to pile praise upon one who is undeserved.
✦ Capabilities & Known Talents
Primary Strength -
Relentless discipline and combat master; a battlefield technician who reads movement, momentum, and danger faster than most commanders.
Secondary Talent -
Unshakable command presence; soldiers follow him because he's steady, fair, and honest.
Notable Flaw -
Clings to guilt and personal beliefs long past usefulness.
Notable Weakness -
His loyalty to those he loves, living or lost; he has not yet confronted his losses.
✦ Associations
Rhodney Hawthorne -
Beloved brother; the wound that never closes. His death drives Riven's guilt, his discipline, and his struggle to see Luka as more than the monster who took him.
Garrick Voss -
Commander, mentor, and the man who taught him what loyalty looks like in action; Riven trusts him more than anyone and follows him even when they disagree.
Luka -
Threat turned responsibility with an uneasy bond; Riven can't untangle fear from guilt, but he tries - every day - because Garrick believes in the boy, and Riven believes in Garrick.
Bran Halek -
Friend, and the knight who calls him on his nonsense; they banter, they fight, and they forgive like brothers.
Edain Glennan -
Sharp-tongued battle sister; Riven respects her skill, tolerates her mischief, and mediates her chaos.
Vanessa Hawthorne née Leeds -
Older sister; steady, practical, and what remains of their family. Riven adores her but relies on her continued support of their mother while he fights the war.
Eliza Hawthorne -
Mother; once iron-strong, now brittle with grief. Riven knows how deeply her sorrow runs from the loss of her family overtime. Riven ensures she's cared for, but he keeps his distance - hearing her call him "Rhodney" cuts deeper than any blade.
Maeve -
A healer he trusts; their relationship was distant at first, even antagonistic, but eventually, their working dynamic became something similar to mutual dislike.
Gregor -
Garrick's butler but Riven's savior of all things paperwork; his steady presence and offered aid keeps him upright.
Josiah Lyndon -
Mutual respect; Riven has nothing but thanks and welcome for Lyndon as Lyndon rescued him from burnout and going insane under the weight of responsibility.