Thrusk's military career is a study in failing upward. He always seems to be in the right place at the right time in order to succeed, despite his general lack of interest or ability. After three years of auspicious accidents, Thrusk finds himself the captain of his own platoon of men.

One day, his camp fell victim to a suprise attack by the Bloody Skulls, an Orc raider band seeking to pillage a Chondathan settlement nearby. It was a brilliant ambush set by the notoriously vile warlord Arja Kin-killer - who in a bid to crush the morale of his enemies, challenged their leader to one-on-one combat.

Terrified, Thrusk attempted to bargain with the fearsome Orc for the lives of his men. Not willing to listen to deals, Kin-killer ripped the weapon from Thrusk's hand, and raised his warhammer above his head. Thrusk saw his life flash before his eyes. As Kin-killer levelled his blow, Thrusk shuffled back on his feet, accidentally sliding a small stone toward his foe. As it slid, Kin-killer stepped on it, lost his footing and fell with his full force and weight upon the lip of Thrusk's shield. The resulting decapitation was jagged and brutal - and a hush fell upon the onlookers. As a shaken Thrusk turned to speak, the now panicked Orcs retreated.

News of Thrusk's legendary victory spread like wildfire through the ranks of the Purple Dragons. When news reached general Joriff Ulbren, he made a trip to Thrusk's camp, and decided that Thrusk's skills were too valuable to be wasted as a rank-and-file soldier. Thrusk was offered a new assignment: to be a special Purple Dragons agent acting with autonomy, reporting directly to General Ulbren himself. Cormyrian Agents of this kind are only dispatched on the most vital and dangerous missions.

With all his men and a cadre of high-ranking officials looking on, Thrusk had to accept, despite his intense misgivings. As Thrusk departed the general's tent to find something hard to bang his head against, his men stood in reverent awe. They'd always remember this living legend they had the honor to serve under.