Desmond Otham

Desmond Otham was the carriage driver for the Briarwoods until he was captured and imprisoned by Vox Machina. As an NPC, he is played by Matthew Mercer.

Appearance
In confrontation with Percy, Desmond lost a large part of the upper part of his right hand and most of his fingers (index, middle and ring). After Pike healed him with her divine magic, the wound closed entirely, and the thumb and pinky grew complete and functional.

Background
Desmond previously worked as a coachman for Count Tylieri, who abused the power and titles that the Briarwoods gifted unto him by abusing his staff and many citizens of Whitestone, including a teenaged Desmond. After seeing the harm Tylieri had wrought, Sylas Briarwood took the boy under his wing, hiring him as a coach for him and his wife.

Critically hurt, the Briarwoods attempted to escape via the carriage, which Desmond Otham was driving. The party toppled the carriage, but the Briarwoods managed to teleport away. In anger, Percy severed Desmond's hand and knocked him unconscious to further interrogate him at Greyskull Keep.

After Vox Machina defeated the Briarwoods, they brought Desmond with them to speak with Sovereign Uriel Tal'Dorei III, where testified against the family activities in the Whitestone. For his misfortune, and at Scanlan's persuasion, Uriel rewarded Desmond with 1,000 gold. Percy, feeling guilty for maiming Desmond's hand, appointed him the official letter carrier between Whitestone and the Kingdom of Tal'Dorei. Percy also offered to ensure that whatever trade Desmond wished to pursue in Whitestone would be granted to him.