Commander of Ratwater's military forces and founder of the sprawling fortified district known as Hax's Compound that occupy the town's western quarter. Hax Axebane is a heavily armored dwarven veteran known throughout the frontiers as "The Wall," Hax has spent the better part of the last decade transforming Ratwater from a vulnerable frontier settlement into one of the most heavily defended locations in all of Westreach.
Originally arriving in Ratwater under assignment from southern authorities, his early presence in the region was intended to oversee a group of laborers working to repay puchased debts through dangerous frontier expeditions. During repeated ventures into nearby ruins and dungeon complexes, the group not only survived but accumulated enough wealth to establish themselves independently. Recognizing both the settlement's strategic importance and its near total lack of proper organized defense Hax used his share of the treasure to establish what would eventually become Ratwater's standing army.
Over the years his role expanded far beyond that of a simple commander of the town guard. Following several clashes with imperial forces moving through the Shield Mountains, he became convinced that Ratwater represented one of the most critical defensive positions protecting the rest of Westreach from invasion, conquest, and countless other threats emerging from the frozen wastes. Since that time, he and his soldiers have dedicated themselves to ensuring that whatever dangers approach meet a wwall of steel before reaching the lands farther south.
Among both civilians and soldiers has has a reputation for absolute discipline, reliability, and unshakable resolve. He speaks little, wastes no movement, and treats command less as authority and more as responsibility. To the soldiers under him, he is respected not merely because he leads them, but because they know without question he would stand and die beside them as necessary. That same expectation extends equally in reverse, within the ranks loyalty is considered mutual.
Despite commanding one of the largest military forces in the region, Hax largely avoids interfering in civilian affairs unless matters threaten the town's overall stability or security. While adventurers, criminals, and wandering mercenaries often test his patience, he tolerates their presence so long as they do not endanger the settlement itself. His ongoing conflict with the local thieves guild remains one of the town's worst kept secrets, though neither side has managed to fully oust the other.
Physically Hax is difficult to ignore, encased almost constantly in layers of reinforced dwarven warplate and carrying a massive tower shield scarred from countless battles, he appears less like a traditional soldier and more as a moving fortress. His battered armor, repaired repeatedly over years of warfare, has become as recognizable as the dwarf himself. Unlike many warriors who seek glory through aggression, Hax's presence communicates something far simpler and far more intimidating; Nothing is getting past him.
To most of Ratwater, Hax Axebane is not merely the commander of the guard, he is the line standing between the frontier and everyone behind it.