- Leader of the chieftain's bodyguard (Red Cow Housecarls)
- Strong and confident
- Supports Kangharl Black-Brow
- Wants to teach the neighbors a lesson (Conquering Storm)
Tall and strong, Jaranil the Thunder is the leader of the Red Cow Housecarls. Jaranil has held this post for over ten years and become the experienced “old man” whom the chieftain and Red Cow Inner Ring trust implicitly. When Jaranil speaks on matters of war folk fall silent, or are taken aside by thanes and told to “show some respect.”
Jaranil rarely argues with dissenters, preferring to simply ignore them, confident in his own position.
Jaranil is frustrated with Broddi Strong-Kin's continual avoidance of conflict. He fears that the Red Cow will be seen as weak, which might attract a perfect storm of all their enemies — Emerald Sword, Two-Pine and Telmori. He is convinced that giving the occasional “bloody nose” is necessary to teach the neighbors a lesson.
Jaranil is likely to sponsor a raid if the chieftain ignores the feelings of the young men. Jaranil supports Kangharl’s ambitions and has given considerable credibility to him because of that support. Farandar Orendalsson remains jealous of that and seeks Jaranil for his own cause.
A Wind Lord of Orlanth, Jaranil protects and serves the clan’s earth priestesses, and leads expeditions beyond the clan’s boundaries. Jaranil’s wife, Orvane Amber-Eyed, divorced him when he became a Wind Lord, unable to bear his infidelity, despite the god’s blessing it as sacred. She returned to the Underwillow, but
has taken no husband since. Jaranil still pines for her.