Belor Hemlock

Character overview

Belor Hemlock, also known as Sheriff Hemlock, is Sandpoint's sheriff, a Shoanti man from the Viskalai tribe who carries the considerable weight of that office with the kind of steady and undemonstrative competence that makes good lawmen easy to take for granted right up until the moment they are needed. He grew up in Sandpoint, which gives him the particular authority of someone who knows every street, every family, and every old grievance in town. He has served as sheriff long enough that the role has become inseparable from the man in most residents' minds. Well respected across the social divisions of Sandpoint, he is trusted by the merchant families without being their instrument and regarded by the town's more marginal residents without the suspicion that official authority usually attracts. He is a serious man without being a humourless one, and he carries his Shoanti heritage with the same quiet dignity as Garridan Viskalai — present, acknowledged, and not available for casual discussion.
Belor has built his life in Sandpoint on his own terms and served it faithfully. The town is quietly aware that it is lucky to have him. Those who have seen him in a genuine crisis, when something has gone badly wrong and the comfortable rhythms of small-town life have broken down entirely, understand that beneath the measured exterior is someone considerably more formidable than his daily manner suggests, which is precisely how he prefers it. During a recent festival, Sheriff Belor Hemlock was present on the Cathedral square at noon, addressing the crowd, asking people to keep calm and instructing that bonfires be kept safe. He called for a short silence to remember those lost in the fire that destroyed the previous chapel and spoke from the stage immediately after Mayor Kendra Deverin, participating in the opening speeches and festival ceremonies.
In a recent incident, he was present at the Garrison, overseeing the treatment of the wounded in front of the Cathedral. He approached Ruby angrily for risking her life but quickly calmed, thanked her, and instructed her to stay safe while ordering his men to sweep the town for Goblins. He later intercepted a party in the market, asking them to accompany him to the Boneyard to investigate a tomb break-in. During this investigation, he reported that three of his guards had died fighting the Goblins and expressed his dislike for indebtedness. He accepted The Party’s report of animated skeletons, stolen remains, and goblin and human-sized tracks, concluding that the raid was a distraction and that someone inside town was cooperating. He gave The Party a reward of fifty gold as payment and inquired whether they would remain at the Rusty Dragon and be available if needed, noting he might have to involve Magnimar if the situation escalated.
Shalelu sought him to report information about A Mutated Goblin-Like Creature raids and the suspected mastermind. His involvement with The Party and his connection to Shalelu make him a point of contact now. He identified himself as Belor Hemlock of Sandpoint and introduced Shalelu as the local hunter monitoring goblin activity. He reported increased organization among Goblins and expressed concern about a greater threat. He planned to ride to Magnimar to request militia reinforcements and requested The Party to remain in Sandpoint, stay visible, and help keep the townsfolk calm during his absence. He deputized The Party, offering pay of five silver pieces per day and legal authority to uphold the law. Before departing to brief The Mayor, he provided Lucien with a small satchel containing The Watch stamped with a shield and tower.
Belor was elected sheriff of Sandpoint, serving two terms after the previous sheriff's murder. He arrived in Sandpoint through snow after a forced march and offered condolences to Ameiko for her father's death, praising The Party's actions. He reviewed Tsuto’s Journal and recognized a name linked to Finley’s missing Grandmother's Sword. He reported that Shalelu’s scouting matched the Journal, indicating a more intelligent force behind A Mutated Goblin-Like Creature attacks, specifically naming Prutasmus. He arranged for extra men to watch Sandpoint while Shalelu scouted and asked The Party to assist Shalelu at Thistletop, accepting Rasvantin Torvashti as an additional deputy. He provided The Party with 30 gold and described Thistletop as north of Sandpoint, through denser forest and the Nettlewood, atop the stone head of an ancient statue on an island. Concerns about Goblins reuniting at Thistletop prompted The Party to set out from Sandpoint to investigate A Mutated Goblin-Like Creature activity north at Thistletop.
Belor has a decisive demeanor and values lawful justice over mob rule. He ordered a cleric when Nualia was brought to him and kept her in Sandpoint Garrison cellar. He expressed gratitude to The Party for resolving the Thistletop threat and plans to send Nualia to Magnimar for a fair trial, as Sandpoint cannot guarantee her a fair trial due to local influences. He seeks The Party's assistance in escorting Nualia safely to Magnimar. Belor Hemlock received documentation showing that Nualia had been transferred into his custody. He held authority over the Sandpoint investigation into the attacks and deputized Lucien and the others who were present. His report was cited during Nualia’s trial concerning the circumstances of her arrest, Raz’s involvement, and reports of Esquik carrying an unusual weapon.
At the garrison, he witnessed Eliza Darrow’s written declaration that the cancellation letter was forged and that the Darrows’ business arrangement with the Scarnettis remained valid. The following morning, Belor Hemlock waited outside the sawmill, pale, while two guards vomited beside the building. He announced that a murder had occurred during the night, said Rasvantin and Esquik had been seen following the victims, and pointed out a note addressed to Ruby before demanding an explanation.
At the lumber mill, he confirmed that marks had been carved into earlier victims’ chests. He suspected the The Scarnettis might kill over stolen money, while acknowledging the financial impact of closing the mill. Concerned that a murderer had begun killing in Sandpoint, he reinstated the group as deputies after their earlier assistance.

• Sheriff of Sandpoint; described as handsome and as having an authoritative presence.
• Well respected across social divisions in Sandpoint and known for steady, undemonstrative competence.
• Present during the festival to ensure crowd safety and remembrance.
• Commands the town guard, controls searches and rewards, and coordinates further investigation.
• Has access to local law enforcement and information about recent crimes.
• Officially deputized The Party and issued The Watch.
• Involved in ongoing threats to Sandpoint, including organized goblin activity, the situation surrounding Nualia, and a murder investigation.
• A murderer has begun killing in Sandpoint, and carved marks were confirmed on earlier victims.
• Belor Hemlock suspects the The Scarnettis may kill over stolen money but recognizes the impact of closing the mill.
• He reinstated the group as deputies, involving them in the continuing investigation.

Belor Hemlock arrived with mounted people armed with pitchforks and torches, pursuing ghouls fleeing near a farmhouse. He reached a window and struck an enemy through it, then jumped into the room, struck a ghoul, and moved into position beside another attacker. During the fight, he struck at a ghoul after it stood and made a melee strike after another failed attempt to trip it. After the fight, he told the occupants to clean up and explain what had happened.

• Belor Hemlock arrived with armed pursuers while ghouls were still near the farmhouse.
• He entered the fight and struck ghouls.
• He expects the occupants to account for the scene inside.