Brayden Hodes
Journalist for the Diarchy
BRAYDEN HODES
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Brayden Hodes is tall, broad-shouldered, and visibly fit. His hair is a rich ginger-brown, kept neatly styled, with a trimmed beard that frames his jawline. His eyes are a vivid blue.
He dresses in layered jackets in muted browns and tans. A small DNN insignia is often visible on his person. His posture is calm and assured, his hands steady and expression controlled.
INVENTORY
Datapad
PERSONALITY AND BELIEFS
Brayden is intelligent, composed, and highly self-aware. He believes deeply in narrative power. While he once held idealistic views about journalism as a force for truth, years of conflict reporting and political maneuvering have reshaped his outlook. He now sees truth as something malleable, dangerous if mishandled, and best curated by those who understand the consequences.
Brayden believes the Diarchy represents order, even if that order is imperfect or morally compromised. He rationalizes propaganda as a necessary tool, convincing himself that a controlled truth prevents panic, rebellion, and unnecessary loss of life.
STRENGTHS
- Master Communicator: Exceptionally skilled at shaping narratives, framing events, and guiding public perception without appearing overtly manipulative.
- Political Savvy: Understands Diarchy power structures, knowing when to push boundaries and when to retreat.
- Calm Under Pressure: Years in volatile regions have made him unflappable during crises, live broadcasts, or political scrutiny.
- Charismatic Authority: Commands loyalty from his staff and respect from his audiences.
WEAKNESSES
- Institutional Entanglement: Though he holds immense influence, his authority exists because the Diarchs permit it, and any attempt to act fully independently risks unraveling the very system that gives him reach.
- Overconfidence: Believes he can always stay one step ahead of the truth.
- Political Leverage Over Him: The Diarchy holds ownership of DNN, limiting how far he can truly deviate.
- Controlled Distance: Keeps professional and emotional distance from most people, including his own staff. Those close to him respect him deeply, but few truly know him.
HISTORY
Brayden Hodes began his career as a freelance journalist, moving from system to system covering border conflicts and corporate exploitation. He earned a reputation for being fearless and incisive. His reporting gained attention not just for its accuracy, but for how effectively it framed complex situations for mass audiences.
Eventually, his work brought him into Diarchy space. His news coverage caught the attention of the Diarchs. Through direct contact with Diarch Rellik, Brayden was offered the opportunity to build a state-sponsored news outlet from the ground up. And so the Diarchy News Network was born.
Brayden accepted, believing he could maintain some level of integrity from within the system. Over time, The Diarchy Today became the primary voice of the Diarchy, shaping public perception across Bastion and beyond. While Brayden retains creative control, every major story passes through the invisible filter of Diarch approval.
Now, he stands at the apex of Diarchy media as a well-respected and influential public figure.