Acanus Tilernos, favoured of Iomedae

Tall, broad, and powerful in build, Acanus fits the part of a warrior of Lastwall and Iomedae. Upon his
right palm he bears the first Mark of Justice (a shield), indicating he is a citizen of Lastwall and has
sworn an oath of loyalty to support the crusade and its ideals, and to treat citizens and strangers alike with
fairness, honesty, and respect. Upon is left palm he bears a second Mark of Justice (a blazing longsword -
Iomedae's Holy Symbol). This second mark is revered for Vigilant soldiers who swear to faithfully serve
their commanders, to protect the citizens even at the risk of their own life, to temper justice with mercy,
and to uphold the crusader ideal.

Acanthus was born to one of the oldest and most respected noble families of Lastwall. House Tilernos have
been sworn to the Knights of Ozem since the days of the Shining Crusade and the founding of Vigil.
Despite the recent threat of orcs from the Hold of Belkzen, House Tilernos has always held to the funding
principal of Lastwall - to guard against the return of the Litch-King, Tar-Baphon. To this end, many scions
of House Tilneros take the oaths of Iomedea's Paladins and join the Knights of Ozem patrols in Virlych.

In contrast to his cousins though, Acanus followed a different path. Form the day of his birth, Acanus has
been favoured by Iomedae. Normally, those warriors who wish to bear the second Mark of Justice must be
vetted by a Precentor Martial of Vigil. By contrast, Acanus was born bearing the second Mark of Justice as
a birthmark. As he grew tall and strong, so to did his faith, and soon Acanus left his bothers, sisters, and
cousins in the martial training fields of the Ozem. Inducted into the warriors’ priesthood of Iomedae, Acanus
was taught the edicts and principals of his faith.

The circumstances of his birth would have weighed heavily on some, but Acanus has embraced what he sees
as his calling. Iomedae has great plans for him, and it is up to him to find it. Acanus has spent several
years wandering in the blighted Virlych, both as part of official Lastwall patrols, and in smaller less
organized outings. These solo wanderings have become longer in recent years, and has strained his
relationship with the family heads of House Tilernos. Acanus has always maintained close ties to his large
family, and pays careful attention and affection to the children of the House. He knows first-hand how hard
it can be to grow up in a House so steeped in honour and military tradition. While most of the House
support his quest to discover Iomedae's grand plan for him, many of the House Elders think he would be
best to take up a leading position with the Knights of Ozem rather than wander aimlessly.

Whether at home in Vigil or on the road in Ustalav, Acanus always seeks to help the needy and punish the
unjust. Wherever possible in Ustalav, he encourages the peasants to set aside their fatalistic worship of
Pharasma, and to follow the teachings of Iomedae and their more proactive approach to addressing the
injustices of their lives. Acanus believes that every individual has the potential to overcome the evil and
chaos in their lives, and eagerly reminds people of Iomedae's mortal ascension as proof.

Acanus and Professor Lorrimor have been frequent collaborators in matters of the undead horrors that once,
and still, lurk in the blasted wastes of Virlych. More than once Acanus and Professor Lorrimor have set off
together to explore some half-sunken tomb, or to put down a cabal of evil arcanists intent of stirring up
slumbering evil. Acanus has never known the Professor to leave work unfinished, and so sets out to close
the final chapter in his life's work. It is with a heavy heart that Acanus Tilernos sets off for Ravengro.