John Stieldeek

John Stieldeek is the father of Rolf Stieldeek. He was a member of the Windseekers before they disbanded. He travels with his dire bear companion Pepe.

Adventuring Life
John Stieldeek became a member of the Windseekers in order to "see the world". He was bored by life in the city and dissatisfied with his bowyer's salary. Upon joining the Windseekers, he became fast friends with Chadley Thunderburker. After the Battle of Ebonhearth, where Pepe was injured, John decided to settle down in the village of Hamletsburg where he met Noelle Salton. The two were quickly married and had a child, Rolf Stieldeek.

Battle of Ebonhearth
The Battle of Ebonhearth occurred approximately 50 miles south of the village of Frostfield. The Windseekers set siege to Fort Ebonhearth and after 3 days assaulted the keep in order to expel the vampires that had taken over the fort. The attack was successful, and the vampires were driven out, but Rodrick Fogripper was killed and Pepe was seriously injured. This was the last and most renowned battle the Windseekers had participated in, and trophies were taken from the castle. John Stieldeek took an amulet decorated with depictions of flames and smoke.

Hamletsburg
John and Noelle lived a happy, simple life in Hamletsburg with their son Rolf. They made a living working the land, John hunting and Noelle working at home. The two devoted almost all of their free time to nurturing Rolf, believing him to be greatly gifted. After 13 years in Hamletsburg, when Rolf was 12 years old, Hamletsburg was razed and Noelle was killed. It is believed that the bandits were looking for the amulet that John had taken from the Battle of Ebonhearth. At the tail end of the fight, John was injured but fought his way out of the hamlet and ran into the forrest, looking for Rolf, who had disappeared by that point. John has now been searching for Rolf for 4 years and always seems to have misfortune fall upon him just as he gets close to Rolf's location.