![[KarthusPic.png]] # Karthus _Stone Giant Rebel | [[Vauldur's Redoubt]]_ ## Summary The Stone Giant who received the [[Orb of Skoraeus]] from [[Petra]]'s hands. Rescued by the heroes from [[Giltvein]], he built the bridge between the rebellion and [[Phandalin]]. Now the Orb seems drawn to him in ways he can't explain—and doesn't want. %% ## At a Glance Weathered stone giant with thoughtful gray eyes. Speaks Common fluently with a deep, measured voice. Shows unusual respect toward smallfolk—not condescension masked as politeness, but genuine regard. Moves carefully, aware of his size in spaces built for smaller people. Not a ruler. Not a warrior. Not a diplomat, exactly—just someone who believed cooperation was possible and acted on it. Convinced [[Gauntlgrym]]'s dwarves to return the Orb. Convinced [[Grimbor]] that smallfolk allies were worth the risk. Was the one who actually received the Orb when [[Petra]] placed it in his hands. Can't stop thinking about it. Finds himself walking toward wherever it's kept. Dreams of its presence—not visions, just... weight. [[Grimbor]] has noticed. Neither speaks of it directly. Both know what it means. ## Personality Quiet conviction. Does what he believes is right without needing credit or recognition. Uncomfortable with the Orb's apparent choice—he's not worthy, not a leader, not what the Stone Giants need. Terrified that the pull he feels is real. More terrified that ignoring it would be wrong. Genuinely likes the heroes. They trusted him. They gave him the Orb without demands or conditions. That kind of faith is rare, and he carries it carefully. ## Quote _"I am not what our people need. But the Orb... it doesn't seem to care what I think."_ ## Background **The Bridge-Builder:** Served [[Grimbor]] as scout and agent. When [[Kayalithica]] seized power, he was sent to retrieve the Orb from [[Giltvein]]. Captured by Duergar, rescued by the heroes and [[Zephyros]]. [[Petra]] returned the Orb to him without hesitation—a moment that changed everything. **The Reluctant Heir:** Stone Giant succession requires worthiness, not blood. The previous thane chooses. [[Kragsten]] never got to choose—[[Kayalithica]] murdered him first. Maybe the Orb is choosing for him. [[Karthus]] desperately hopes it's choosing wrong. ## Stats **Stone Giant** (MM 156) with: - Intelligence 14, Wisdom 14 - Insight +5, Persuasion +4 - Fluent in Common and Dwarvish - Holds the [[Orb of Skoraeus]] (whether he wants to or not) %%