Captain Rumford

"The tireless farmer Rumford is one of the many respectable individuals I have met in New Tristram. He seems a humble and introverted man, but I think there is more to him than that. I have heard that his ancestor was one of Rakkis's most loyal lieutenants, a charismatic soldier who settled in Khanduras. Due to this lineage, I believe the blood of a leader runs through Rumford's veins, whether he knows it or not."

- Deckard Cain

Rumford was a member of a Tristram Militia. While humble and introverted, he proved himself to be a capable leader when New Tristram was assailed by the undead.

Biography
Rumford's ancestry goes back to the Sons of Rakkis. His ancestor was one of Rakkis's most loyal lieutenants. The soldier came to settle in Khanduras.

Rumford himself lived in/near New Tristram. His grandfather told him stories of ancient heroes who performed impossible feats, but also told his grandson that he looked like a Quill Fiend. He was, in Rumford's words, "a strange man."

In Khanduras, Rumford worked as a farmer, and also served as a member of the Tristram Militia. In 1284, he met Deckard Cain, who had arrived in the village alongside his adopted niece, Leah. He made a good impression on Cain.

The Fallen Star
"I volunteered to help because it seemed the right thing to do. But I’m no leader of men." "True, though you have held the town thus far." "That’s a simple thing for you to say. You were born to fight monsters like the risen dead. Me, I’m just a farmer."

- Rumford and The Nephalem

The following year, a fallen star descended from the Heavens above New Tristram, causing the dead to rise from their slumber. When Leah emerged from the ruins of the Tristram Cathedral, she told the militia that undead were pouring out of the cathedral. Rumford and fifteen other militia marched upon the cathedral under the command of Captain Daltyn, and while they did well at first, the dead just kept coming. Only Rumford survived, and he returned to New Tristram, now the captain of the miltia.

Rumford and the remaining militia held the gates of New Tristram against the undead for six days. Morale sagged. The situation improved when they were aided by The Nephalem, who was able to make short work of the creatures. Rumford told them that if they wanted to learn about the fallen star, they should talk to Leah. As The Nephalem entered the town, he ordered the guards to burn the bodies, lest they rise again.

The Nephalem returned, and told Rumford that they intended to put an end to the Risen Dead. He told them to strike at the Wretched Mothers. When The Nephalem returned to New Tristram, victorious, Rumford told them to talk to Leah. She hadn't given up hope of finding her uncle, and he wanted the hero to talk some sense into her.

In truth, Leah set out with The Nephalem to rescue Cain. With The Nephalem gone, the militia were left to defend the town. Rumford reduced the rations to halves and quarters.

In-game
Captain Rumford appears as an NPC in of Diablo III. He plays a role in "The Fallen Star" quest.

At the start of the quest "Trailing the Coven," he will no longer be found in the center of town. Upon leaving New Tristram and heading towards the Old Ruins, he can be found lying dead at the bridge.

His ghost/soul has a chance to appear in Act IV, but upon interaction, he will accuse the Nephalem of letting greed drive their actions, and failing to save him. After that, he turns into the monster Aspect of Sin.