In some parts of Andoran, military leaders are not appointed, but selected by their soldiers. Red was a relatively effective soldier, but, did not distinguish himself in direct combat.
Assigned to a battalion in the Fifth Crusade as an expert in law, he fought in the Battle for Drezen.
His officers killed, he took command of his ragtag group, and, although they weren't able to triumph, not one of his soldiers lost their lives. Acclaimed by his superiors, the group wanted him as their lieutenant.
He spent time after the Worldwound closed studying war and combat, and prosecuting those who had acted treasonously or had abandoned their compatriots to their fate. Still young by elven standards, with no wars to fight, he is now looking for wealth and fame elsewhere.