Hannibal, almost always called Tusky, was a Dantari scholar, archaeologist, and member of the Brass Blades. A native of Pakuley in Danto, he left the island to pursue archaeological research and later became keeper of the ancient Ordai mechanism known as the Clockwork Heart.
Early Life in Danto
Tusky was born in Pakuley. When he was eight, a hill giant killed his parents and then turned on him. In terror, Tusky manifested magic strongly enough to compel the creature to stop. The event was the first clear sign of abilities that would later develop alongside his scholarly interests.
After his parents’ deaths, Tusky was raised by a cleric known as Watcher, who cared for orphaned children. He grew up alongside an older adopted sister, Banti, who later became a soldier and taught him much of what he knew about weapons and fighting. Tusky was more interested in old sites, forgotten devices, and the history behind them. He became especially interested in artifacts capable of altering weather and other large natural systems.
Tusky eventually left Danto for Elgaard to pursue archaeology more seriously. The decision took him far from a society normally cautious about foreign entanglements, but it gave him access to scholars, archives, and ruins unavailable at home.
Fenro
During his studies, Tusky became associated with the archaeologist Fenro. Fenro spent much of his time in the field, while Tusky was particularly well suited to archival research and helped investigate material through libraries and scholarly contacts. Their partnership gave Tusky both a mentor and a practical route into the kind of work he wanted to do.
Fenro eventually disappeared while investigating an archaeological site. His last correspondence warned that he believed he was close to an important discovery and that someone might be watching him. He sent his journal to Tusky, leaving his student with the strongest surviving lead on what had happened.
Tusky’s search for Fenro brought him into the events surrounding the Brass Blades. By the time the reforged company formed in Trinswood, finding his missing mentor had become one of the group’s continuing objectives.
The Brass Blades
During the early journey back toward Elgaard, Tusky was afflicted with lycanthropy and underwent his first transformation. The condition was later cured by mages in the city. His investigation into Fenro continued and eventually led the Blades through Arcanist Thordahr to Zhaken Amberheart and Adamantis Tower.
At the tower, they found Fenro being used in a ritual involving the Clockwork Heart. Zhaken completed the ritual and escaped, but the Blades rescued Fenro. Exposure to the Heart’s simultaneous rhythms had severely damaged Fenro’s mind, leaving him unable to speak. Tusky continued searching for a way to restore him until the Blades reached the Dancing Hut of Baba Yaga, where Tusky used the opportunity granted by Baba Yaga to return Fenro’s mind.
Tusky also played an important role in the Blades’ diplomacy with Danto. At his urging, the company sought military assistance for Entwood, arguing that the spreading wars of the Djozanates of the Kenai Mountains posed a danger beyond the immediate mainland. The Pradhan of Danto and Sabha of Danto ultimately authorized an unusual foreign deployment to help defend the city. During the later defense of Entwood, Tusky and Darieth Ariessus operated the Fist of Beskatel.
Keeper of the Clockwork Heart
Tusky eventually became the new keeper of the Clockwork Heart. The artifact proved crucial when the Blades entered the Kenai Mountains, where devices derived from Zhaken’s work were helping Dhuulan Havar maintain control over the Leopard Song Order and other Djozanate forces. The Heart allowed the Blades to disrupt that synchronization and helped make the overthrow of Dhuulan possible.
Tusky remained with the company through the Cult of the Stars crisis and the Harrowing. Afterward, he returned to Pakuley and rejoined his sister. He continued to assist the Brass Blades on occasion and took part in the defense of his home when needed.