Burd

Burd was a Nord and a member of the Bruma City Guard during the Third Era. By 3E 433, he had achieved the rank of Captain, placing him in command of the entire Bruma Guard. In that year he would be a key player in the events surrounding the Oblivion Crisis.

Biography
When Burd joined the Bruma Guard is unknown. He was notable for being the only Nord guard in a city that was primarily Nordic. Possibly due to this, when he made Captain he instructed his men to respect the local Nords and their ways as much as possible. Burd was tough but fair; he held the ear of Countess Carvain as well, acting as an advisor of sorts in matters pertaining to the Guard.

Oblivion Crisis
In 3E 433, the Mythic Dawn cult assassinated Emperor Uriel Septim VII, starting the Oblivion Crisis. The last living heir to the throne, Martin Septim, was hidden in Cloud Ruler Temple, the fortress of the Blades. Due to its close proximity to the Temple, Bruma had always had close dealings with the Blades, and so it was no surprise when Bruma suddenly became a focal point for the war.

Shortly after the start of the Crisis, Mythic Dawn spies began operating within Bruma, attempting to case Cloud Ruler Temple in preparation for an assault. Though Burd and his Guard knew the spies were there, they had no way of pinpointing a location. The only odd occurence Burd could spot in the city was that of citizen named Jearl returning from a southern trip. Aid came in the form of the now famous Hero of Kvatch, whose reputation was well known. Burd told the Hero what they knew; after a series of events, during which Burd gave the Hero permission to search Jearl's house, the spies were found and killed. Intelligence gathered from Jearl's abode revealed the Mythic Dawn's plans to attack Bruma and kill Martin.

Burd had the Guard on high alert. Kvatch had been a terrible warning of what could happen to a city not prepared for a Daedric attack. In time, the offensive began, and an Oblivion Gate was opened directly outside Bruma's walls. Burd quickly organized the Bruma Guard to respond; he also requested the aid of the Hero of Kvatch, acknowledging that he had no experience with Oblivion, whereas the Hero did.

"Alright, boys. Listen up. We've got to close that Gate over there. Nobody likes the idea of going into that thing, but it's our job, and we're going to do it. If we don't, Bruma ends up a smoking pile of rubble like what happened at Kvatch. And that's not going to happen here! Not while I'm Captain of the Guard!"

- Captain Burd to his troops before the First Battle of Bruma

When the Hero arrived, Burd gave the signal and the Guard launched an attack on the Gate. After a brief skirmish outside the Gate, Burd, the Hero, and two other guardsmen entered Oblivion. Burd acknowledged fear and doubt when he set foot in the Deadlands of Mehrunes Dagon, unsure if it was possible to defeat the Daedra in such a setting. Ultimately though, he and the Hero were victorious, and the Gate was closed.

Thankful that he now knew how to close the Gates, Burd had his Guardsmen again on alert for any potential attacks. This alertness would be put to the test when the Mythic Dawn put their plan to destroy Bruma into full motion. By way of the Hero, Burd and the Countess learned of Martin's plan to allow the Dawn to open a Great Oblivion Gate, with the intention of recovering a Great Sigil Stone. Burd objected to this plan, but deffered to the Countess, who agreed to allow Martin to proceed. After having his men close the Gates of the city, Burd marched with the rest of Martin's army to meet the Daedra in the Second Battle of Bruma.

Burd's fate following this is unknown. He may have died at that last battle, or else lived. If he lived, he continued to be the Captain of the Bruma Guard, expressing gratitude to the Hero, who was responsible for closing the Gate.