General Bernod Kehlmeig

Bernod Kehlmeig (2E 732-785) was a noted Straegard military figure. He initially garnered fame as a Major by taking command of the Razorwing Offensive during the War of Bloody Feathers, and later, as Commandant-General of the Western Expeditionary Force to the Westwater Isles. There, after claiming the Isles for Straegard, he and his WEF met a bloody end at the hands of the Dhëmbëzi.

Childhood
Bernod was born on DAY, MONTH, 2E 732 to wealthy weapons dealer Dietren Kehlmeig and his wife Anilé. When young Bernod displayed an interest from a young age in military tactics, his father saw an opportunity to ensure the continuing success of Kehlmeig Arms. While his older brother Erghart was groomed to take over the company, Bernod was privately tutored by the finest military minds Straegard had to offer.

Education
When he came of age, Bernod was sent to Freiluund and enrolled in the prestigious Krigsfeir School of Tactics and Strategy. He graduated top of his class, displaying an uncanny knack for unconventional warfare.

Military Service
Showing potential in early ground skirmishes with Uprisers near Keld, Kehlmeig was quickly promoted to Major. His first real test, however, came when Straegard, with newly-minted ornithopter technology, decided to join the battle against the Eiru which had, until that point, been decimating Vaelorn and the Crownless Lands. Remembering the Razorwing packs that used to prey on his uncle's barik farms as a child, Bernod quickly codified the Kehlmeig Manual of Aerial Combat, later editions of which are still in use today. His work allowed humanity to turn the tide against the Eiru and eventually to invade the High Islands themselves. For his success, he was promoted to Commandant-General and given command of the newly-created Air Legion.

Western Expeditionary Force
Straegard being flush with gold and manashard out of the Eiru's treasuries, Bernod convinced High Lord Vrotan Berekan to order an exploration of the fabled Westwater Isles -- an act which naturally required large weapons contracts from his brother's company. General Kehlmeig and his Armada sailed to the Westwater and sent back an initial report containing reports on flora, fauna, and geography. Of particular interest to those at home were details of another branch of humanity called the Njerëzim. A few weeks later, another message from Kehlmeig arrived, in which he stated that he had publicly executed the Njerëzim bloodline for "barbaric" behavior and claimed the entirety of the Westwater Isles for Straegard. No further message was received, and all messengers sent to make contact disappeared.