The Road to The Crimson Throne. (A Merger of Road to Revolution by 0one Games and Curse of The Crimson Throne) (Inactive)

Game Master Dread

Tolenn grew up in Bridgefront, running the streets and Shingles for Gaedren Lamm. Being a ineffectual pickpocket and having a good
conscience, Tolenn was a poor thief, frequently on the receiving end of Lamm's viscous temper. After one final beating, he left her for dead.
Sore and sodden, Tolenn woke to screams filling the air. Running to find her uncle, a crony of Lamms', she witnessed his death
at the hands of a zombie. Apparently, Lamm, entrepreneur, had been investigating the profitability of necromancy, having heard
of its prevalence in Kaer Maga. The experiment was out of control. Lamm escaped, many did not. Cornered in an alley, Tolenn
found a well of strength and outrage within her, and defended a group of orphans from undead attack. Her bravery was witnessed
by a priest of Sarenae, who had arrived to quell the undead infestation. Seeing kindred spirit , she took Tolenn into her care;
arranging for Tolenn to receive training in her faith; whether as healer or warrior only time would tell.

Tolenn lived the live of an Empty in Korvosa. While her main goal is to bring Lamm to justice, there are many others
who prey on the unfortunate; helping to better the life of those unfortunates is her ultimate goal. To help those people is to help Korvosa, the only home she's ever really known.

Once again Tolenn was returning empty handed.

A quiet drizzle fogged the streets of Bridgefort as she slipped through the press of people. What am I going to do. He's
going to beat me again! Tolenn despaired, looking about, wondering as she had in the past if she could run away, escape
Lamm's punishing blows.

"Hi, Tol" a bright voice took Tolenn out of her reverie.
A brown haired girl a few years older had run out of an alley and now walked beside Tolenn.

"Hi, Ammi" Tolenn said quietly

"You din't find nothin', huh?" Ammi asked, concern on her face.

Shaking her head, Tolenn continued in silence.

"You kin shares with me. I found me a bunch." Ammi offered, pulling Tolenn into an alcove.

Pressing a few pinches into Tolenn's hand, Ammi smiled brightly and pulled Tolenn back into the rush of people.

Later, a group of thirteen orphans were lined against a wall , Tolenn among them.
Pacing in front of them was Gaedren Lamm, all 140 vicious pounds of him.

As usual, he was ranting about how useless all of the orphans were, how little profit they brought him; on and on.
Occasionally, he would slap a child to punctuate a point.

Finally he ended his harangue, and called each child to bring him his tribute.

Tolenn's turn finally came, trembling she offered Lamm her measly pinches. She never saw the fist that doubled her over,
air expelled from her lungs, nor the other open hand that flung her to the ground. Lying in pain, she could smell
Lamm's foul breath as he leaned down to whisper in her ear "Next time you don't find nothin' fer me, I'll have yer
tongue out!"

"And you! Shares you yer finds with her again and I'll have a finger for ev'ry pinch!" Lamm screamed at Ammi.
He continued to berate and yell at the children, but his voice slowly faded for Tolenn as the light dimmed and went
black.

A middle child of a moderately well to do family, Ezekial Somrivatram was a brilliant student at the Andoren Alchemical Society as well as occasional visitor to the Almas University. An accomplished alchemist and budding doctor, Ezekial was part of a fraternity the two universities shared, one that sponsored safaris, hunts, and expeditions to various parts of the world. Seeking to expand his knowledge as well as his skills as a field doctor.

It was during these trips that he came to a simple solution; as an alchemist and a doctor, his job was the most boring at times and the most intense. As such, he took to cooking while on these expeditions, reasoning that if he wasn't being used for his medical skills, he might as well be useful for his culinary. In addition, Ezekial is studying the use of the crossbow. While not a great shot, he has worked on extractions that will help his skills nonetheless. As time went on, he also became an invited guest to several academic parties, trading stories on the expeditions he was part of, and the stories of his medical experiences in the field.

After two years and several expeditions, Ezekial felt that he saw it all. Despite his young age, he has mended bones, healed scraps, cleaned infections, removed barbs, arrows, and spears from fellow adventurers, and seen the after affects of several diseases. With such field experience, he was on the verge of becoming a rising star in the alchemical and medical science world. But nothing prepared him for betrayal and political intrigue.

Backstory- Cedric is a slave refugee. He unfortunately wasn't captured slaved for too long (under a year) but still it has left his mark. He had drifted a an other year from place to place trying to find some port of call to attach himself. That is when he landed in Korvosa. He enjoyed the freedom of the city.But still he had liked the city to a certain extend of course. He had figured to live here for a bit. And so he found a job, a harsh and dangerous job: Working for the sewers maintenance groupe as an otyughs Enforcer. Occasionally these creatures escape their pens and break into the main sewers, or even make their way onto the city streets, causing untold damage. And its his job to track and kill those dangerous escaped creature.

Hurting Children is the one thing completely unforgivable to Cedrec. Adults have the tools (moral values, intelligence, education, cultures etc...) to understand that they are responsible for their actions, children aren't usually.

So when he has heard word that Gaedran Lamm might be heavily in the children slavery business, Cedric know he had to find out the truth and do something about it, if it was.Character goal:

Goal- To become an Arbiter or maybe, just maybe Cedric would dream to become a minor noble.

Writing sample:

As the evening street party was going in full strength, Cedric got himself ready to go to work. He sight a few times while heading toward his workplace for he knew, tonight when all the cheerful people would go home his job would be dangerous. There were lots of cleaning up to do and the Otyughs were likely to get out of hand, and with passed out citizens in the streets it could get ugly real fast. He really wanted to stop somewhere and pray but the festivities meant it would take extra time for him to get to work.

Upon arrival, after saying hello to everyone ine in the courtyard he went directly to the Otyughs pens, and gave them a long hard look.

You better not give us any trouble tonight, there will be plenty of waste for you to eat in the sewers so don't get to curious if you smell lots of nice things to eat up on the streets. You have plenty down there. It was wishful thinking of course but he couldn't help it. For tonight some of his colleagues might not make it home.

Well then i better get ready now he said to no one in particular.

Backstory- Originally from Janderhoff, Branhleir has eagerly hired on to one of the noble families in Korvosa, namely as a (Profession: Trapper) and wilderness guide. Unused, at first, to the wealth and privelege such a position offered her, Branhleir swiftly became a spendthrift, and a bit of a prodigal daughter, even to the point of experimenting with Shiver, with Gaedren Lamm as her supplier (Drug Addict trait). With the assistance of a cleric of Iomedae, Branhleir trained herself to break the addiction. The teachings of Iomedae are an important aspect of her character, now, and she finds herself pulled into assisting the lower classes of Korvosa regularly (Inspired trait), as well as working with nobles to see what situations can be improved upon by the wealthy. It's a strange life for a dwarf more used to the outdoors than to comfortable living of nobility, and Branhleir seems to be more a woman of action than her current situation allows her to be.

Goal- Branhleir wants to see quite a few of Korvosa's crime lords brought to justice. At least 5, including Lamm)

Writing Sample: Branhlaier ducked down into an alley, nimbly stepping over a stream of an undefinable putrid fluid, her bright eyes looking around and into the shadows, piercing the darkness with her racial sight. One of those guttersnipes is around her somewhere, she thought to herself, carefully holding up her repeating crossbow. "Come along, little lamb, I won't hurt you if you tell me where your master is. There's other things you can do to make a living, and I know people, important people, who can help make it happen."

She doubted that her promise would have much effect. She looked up briefly as a shadow flitted across the sky between the buildings above her. An imp, or a pseudodragon, she couldn't be sure. Or perhaps a roofrunner. But she hadn't heard the sounds of running feet, nor, she reminded herself, had she been trying to.

A sound ahead of her drew her attention back to the alley. "Well? This type of opportunity only comes along once or twice in a lifetime you know. Most people would shoot first and ask questions later." It was obvious that she was losing her temper, if only a little bit. Miriam Iomenclair would be very mispleased if she learned of it. She applied herself a little more forcefully to prevent herself from inadvertently killing the child, but she expected some cooperation. Finally, after what seemed like an hour, a lone child crept out of the shadows.

Backstory- Karl was born into a family that was no stranger to crime or poverty; his father was a small time thug, who died when Karl was 14, his mother on the other hand was a bitter woman who hated her self and the decisions she had made in life. After his father died Karl's mother did nothing but put him down, saying things like; that he would always be a petty thug just like his father, that the apple would not fall far from the tree. That angered the young Karl, because it was partly true, as he was already mixed up with local gangs and street toughs.

Two years later his mother committed suicide and her son had vowed to prove her wrong, he joined the city guard, and have somehow found a girl he would gladly spend the rest of his life with. Karl's life had taken a turn for the better, but that turn was at an end; news of his wife's corpse, found stabbed to death in an alley soon made him obsessed with finding the one responsible for his suffering: Gaedren Lamm. Finding no help among the guardsmen he had come to trust and befriend, he left his respectable position and had revisited the life of crime he almost seemed to inherit from his father. At the moment he is running a gang that would do any sort of job for the criminal organizations of the city, hoping that in time his path will cross with Gaedren Lamm.

Karl has no love for the city of Korvosa, but his departed wife had loved this city, and that to him is enough of a reason to not see the city tear itself apart.

Goal- Killing Gaedren Lamm and in time possibly redeem himself.

Writing Sample- The door of the downtrodden wooden shack opened with a shrill creak, Rolin stepped inside and swiftly closed the door behind him. He was greeted by the greedy and eager look of Jael, then there was the look that Karl was sending him; a cynical and unrelenting gaze.

"A good number of the nobles have left their houses, guarded of course but that should not pose a problem" Spoke the hooded elf as he sat into the empty chair that was in front of him.

"Really? How did you get that precious piece of information?" Replied Karl, the poison of sarcasm very clear in his voice "If I wanted to rob some nobles house I wouldn't be here waiting for you to come back and state the obvious" He continued his tone not letting up, mocking the rogue with every word.

"So why aren't you robbing one now?" Asked Rolin, his tone equiped with a shield of indifference, but Jael knew the elf for a while now, and he also knew that this could end badly if he didn't step in "Hey, hey now, lets all settle down and plan our--" Karl got up from his chair, picked up his axe from the table, picked up his shield of the floor and slung it on his back.

"Where are you going?" Asked Jael, his tone carrying the slightest bit of worry and annoyance.

"Go on I am listening" Said the ex-guard as he exited their makeshift hideout, ignoring the the calls of the large rogue. He kept to the shadow of the alley, their shack opened to, and stalked through them till he was close the alley's opening, then his eyes caught the site of a young looking guard; clean shaven, eyes weary but vigilant, in his left he held a torch that drove away the darkness. Karl stopped in his tracks and stayed in the shadows for a long while, for a time the young guard was gone and his place stood an equally young but albeit larger man, in guard armor, with curly brown hair and a confident, almost arrogant look about him, holding a very similar torch, to drive away the the dark and the unclear, and yet here he stood now...no torch, just a part of the darkness, the unclear and the unwanted.

Backstory- Our unnamed Shoanti friend has survived a rough and tumble sort of life, never really letting anything break him down. He was brought to town when he was very young, in the kind and gentle care of a slaver's caravan that had acquired some “cargo” in the Cinderlands. Sold to Gadren Lamm for a special bulk price and included among several other strange urchins.

The Shoanti was forced into working as one of the accursed “Little Lamms”, and the things he did through that part of his life, he has done his best to forget through heavy use of drugs and cheap booze. He has a burning, consuming hate for the man who once held power over him and still has power over much of the city. He would jump at the chance to get even with the man who ruined his childhood.

Goal- He has had a strange tattoo on his face as long as he can remember, and it sparked a real interest in discovering the meaning behind it. He's also wishing to learn more about the culture he never knew.

Writing Sample: ”Damn brute! Stinking up the place!” the tattooed Shoanti heard as he passed by the shop keep. Just yesterday he had bought two handfuls of crystalized sugar ropes from the woman and was her best customer. Today, he was a brute, a menace to the city, and to the entirety of the markets and the wilds beyond.

Rows and rows of faces showed their distrust of his kind. He'd heard the word “Shoanti”, but every time he approached to inquire more about what they had said, they would back away, and the stall's guard would usher him away at weapon point. It was an endless cycle, but like everything horrible in life, he knew it would break eventually.

After several streets, a couple of bridges, and a dash down a cramped downhill alleyway, to the docks, where he was employed by one of the smaller Sczarni gangs, as bouncer, occasional dockworker, and when time allowed (and he had the money for bribes), the Shoanti would be given the chance to ply his growing tattooing talents. One day, he would rise above this, but for now the Tattooed Man would wa

Backstory- Tolenn grew up in Bridgefront, running the streets and Shingles for Gaedren Lamm. Being a ineffectual pickpocket and having a good
conscience, Tolenn was a poor thief, frequently on the receiving end of Lamm's viscous temper. After one final beating, he left her for dead.
Sore and sodden, Tolenn woke to screams filling the air. Running to find her uncle, a crony of Lamms', she witnessed his death
at the hands of a zombie. Apparently, Lamm, entrepreneur, had been investigating the profitability of necromancy, having heard
of its prevalence in Kaer Maga. The experiment was out of control. Lamm escaped, many did not. Cornered in an alley, Tolenn
found a well of strength and outrage within her, and defended a group of orphans from undead attack. Her bravery was witnessed
by a priest of Sarenae, who had arrived to quell the undead infestation. Seeing kindred spirit , she took Tolenn into her care;
arranging for Tolenn to receive training in her faith; whether as healer or warrior only time would tell.

Goal- Tolenn lived the live of an Empty in Korvosa. While her main goal is to bring Lamm to justice, there are many others
who prey on the unfortunate; helping to better the life of those unfortunates is her ultimate goal. To help those people is to help Korvosa, the only home she's ever really known.

Writing Sample: Once again Tolenn was returning empty handed.

A quiet drizzle fogged the streets of Bridgefort as she slipped through the press of people. What am I going to do. He's
going to beat me again! Tolenn despaired, looking about, wondering as she had in the past if she could run away, escape
Lamm's punishing blows.

"Hi, Tol" a bright voice took Tolenn out of her reverie.
A brown haired girl a few years older had run out of an alley and now walked beside Tolenn.

"Hi, Ammi" Tolenn said quietly

"You din't find nothin', huh?" Ammi asked, concern on her face.

Shaking her head, Tolenn continued in silence.

"You kin shares with me. I found me a bunch." Ammi offered, pulling Tolenn into an alcove.

Pressing a few pinches into Tolenn's hand, Ammi smiled brightly and pulled Tolenn back into the rush of people.

Later, a group of thirteen orphans were lined against a wall , Tolenn among them.
Pacing in front of them was Gaedren Lamm, all 140 vicious pounds of him.

As usual, he was ranting about how useless all of the orphans were, how little profit they brought him; on and on.
Occasionally, he would slap a child to punctuate a point.

Finally he ended his harangue, and called each child to bring him his tribute.

Tolenn's turn finally came, trembling she offered Lamm her measly pinches. She never saw the fist that doubled her over,
air expelled from her lungs, nor the other open hand that flung her to the ground. Lying in pain, she could smell
Lamm's foul breath as he leaned down to whisper in her ear "Next time you don't find nothin' fer me, I'll have yer
tongue out!"

"And you! Shares you yer finds with her again and I'll have a finger for ev'ry pinch!" Lamm screamed at Ammi.
He continued to berate and yell at the children, but his voice slowly faded for Tolenn as the light dimmed and went
black.

Backstory- Ellismus's was born and bred in Korvosa and his facility with language and symbols was discovered at an early age. With his interest in magic, it earned him a scholarship to the Acadamae. There he excelled in his coursework, achieving top ranks in many of his classes. Although it was early in his learning, he was seemingly destined for the highest honors and even thought of as a potential prospect to join the ranks of the professors upon graduation. It was not to be, however, when tragedy struck.

Ellismus's friend and rival at the academy was murdered a victim of sabotage in one of his experiments and partially melted from an acidic explosion. Even more, Ellismus stood accused, some fisherman having witnessed him undermining the protection of certain wards to be used by the deceased. Although Ellismus had only just left a professor friend and mentor on the other side of campus, he was not in the clear. Even when the only witness died (after telling the truth to his mentor) and Ellismus was cleared, the headmaster Toff still forced him to withdraw from the Acadamae "for the good of the school" and to keep its reputation intact.

Although he still had some direction from his old mentor, Ellismus was forced to complete his magical education on his own, ending with him following a more elemental path than what would typically be taught in the school and one that allowed him to avoid the horrifying energy that slew his classmate. He was also left wondering why Gaedrin Lamm had him framed. He knew better than to confront the man now, but perhaps he would figure something out after he had honed his abilities through proper experience.
GMMichael wrote:

Goal - Find out why the crime lord wanted to frame him for murder. Was it to have him arrested, or merely have him removed from the school? What was the motive behind that? How many others has this man caused to suffer?
- Completely clear his name and thus be fully accepted by the other wizards of the school (aside from his friend and mentor).

Writing Sample: Ellismus sat alone at the table, sipping his wine. Well that was fun..., he thought recalling the group of Acadamae students noticing him and avoiding him with disdain. I can't even lose myself in the revelry of the parade without 'that' coming back to haunt me.

He sighed unhappily and drained the last of his wine. He demurred when the serving girl came over to refill his cup. "Thank you, my dear, but I think that is all the fun I can have for now," he said standing and leaving a generous tip on the table for her. At least my old friend will see me. I have some more ideas about Lamm to bounce off of him. Not that I seem to be getting anywhere with it. I suppose I can count myself as one with the proper authorities in this...

Backstory- Jarrin Fayne grew up in one of the nomadic Varisian groups that all place see from time to time. His parents were performers and Jarrin soon became fascinated with the art of fortune-telling (or as is father put it, "Guessing the futures of people you never met before and never plan to see again.")

Jarrin quickly became very successful though his father took most of te profit from his act. Eventually Jarrin decided he had outgrown the travelling caravan shows and eloped with his sweetheart, Vissa, and made his own path. Word of his "powers" spread over time and eventually led him to settle down in the city of Korvosa, performing his craft for parties, nobles, and even honed his "psychic" abilities for local law enforcement from time to time.

Things were going well in the confidence games Fayne was playing. He soon had a nice home and was comfortably supporting his wife and newborn daughter, Eleeva. He was generally respected by the common folk but always had a suspicious eye cast upon him by those who had sharper minds than the simpletons that were easily deceived. The more the masses were amazed by his predictions the more cocky and overconfident he became. His readings were more like shows, using his psychic/fortune-telling "powers" to make bold, brash statements about anymore he desired, in particular the beacon of hope of the people, “Black Jack”, expecting that no backlash would come to him due to the popularity of the underground hero (or that what he said might actually prove to be true).

One day, Jarrin was asked to help with locating the famous criminal Gaedran Lamm. Jarrin agreed and put on quite the show, gallantly claiming that Lamm and his associates were living on borrowed time. Fayne assured the masses that justice would soon be at hand and prosperity would return to their fair city as a result, filling the building once more. Foolishly he boasted that this future had been shown to him time and time again. Since Jarrin felt his standing in society was enough to protect him he was naive enough to think that his words would never fall on the ears of these villains, so what was the harm? For all he knew Lamm had escaped and left the town for good.

Evidently harm found its way to Fayne. His home was looted and then burned to the ground with disregard to anyone that may have been inside. Jarrin was at a high-society function working his craft for the nobility that evening and had no idea of what had happened while he was away. Returning later that night, he found that not only his home was in ruins but also his life, as two small burnt corpses had been brought out of the rubble. Clearly his words had been heard and this was the vicious response.

Jerrin was devastated, he might be a con-man but he was as good as any home-loving man would be to his family. He was sure Gaedran Lamm did not approve of Jarrin’s forecast of the villain’s fate. Jarrin took to grieving over his wife and daughter full time, neglecting anything else for months. People in Korvosa felt his pain but they also knew that he had likely brought down this upon himself, perhaps even a message from the gods. Eventually Jerrin spent most of his nights in drink and self-pity, losing any faith he ever had in said gods, and his life spiraled downward fast.

Slowly over time Jarrin found that vengeance was growing stronger than the grief. That strength soon had Jarrin dedicate the rest of his life into finding a way, any way, to bring Gaedran Lamm to justice for all of his crimes, including the murder of his family, whether he had that proof or not. Jarrin had also grown to love this city, another reason that he had made up such stories was to give the people who looked up to him any hope that things would get better, no matter who was ruling the city.

But how Fayne would be able to locate a man that no one was able to pin down was still a mystery. Perhaps to track down the myth named Black Jack? Discover if there were any secrets within The Hellknights or the Korvosan Guard. Was evil truly even higher than that, for the youg Queen Ileosa surely seems to crave the power of ruling the city.

Whatever that case might be somebody had to determine the truth and help rescue this once fine city from the burdens of its dire conditions. Surely a man with the talents of Jarrin Fayne could find himself to be valuable in times like these. But as this day drew up him, he had to wonder if his current investigation on trying to find Gaedran Lamm would ever bear fruit.

Goal- The quest for vengence, assuming the background I have constructed is acceptable. Being able to help with a greater cause while seeking said vengence.

Writing Sample: Come now, Nivik, you'd had to have heard about what happened yesterday. Men with Sczarni connections don't fall out of windows and onto their own daggers everyday like Harrin did. Jarrin watches the man in front of him with a keen eye.

Honest, I haven't heard anything! And 'specially nothing about Lamm being involved 'n anythin' lately. I'd tell ya, ya know I would. Nivik is not the trustworthy type but Fayne has one over on him and does mostly trust his intel. I know you want Lamm pretty bad but not everythin' that happens 'round here is cuz of him. You know that!

Jarrin Fayne spies his informant once more. Perhaps you are right. But we can't be too sure. Keep your eyes and ears open for me, alright? I'd ask the Guard but they don't always seem willing to tell me everything they know. Nivik gives a quick smirk and chuckles. You give them too much credit, ya know that, right? Fayne looks back at him with a smile, Maybe I give you too much credit also. Right?

Backstory- Piotr is the only child of Aldrin (human) and Kina half-elf). His father left home early on when Piotr was only 12. He’s a ranger who sought to leave the city and his mother behind for the south of Brevoy. Piotr’s mother is a local soothsayer and harrower, given to hallucinogenic concoctions that drove his father away.

On his mother’s side, there is Uncle Menaleb, a teacher at the Academae who took Piotr in and brought him to the school to study Transmutation. The uncle is a professor of herbalism and potions – and most likely the source of Piotr’s mother’s supply of hallucinogenics. That part remains a mystery since it would be inappropriate for him to interact with someone living in the Shingles. Piotr, for his part, remains at the Acadaemae, staying with his uncle when not in dormitory.

During a visit home, Piotr found several letters that his father had sent but his mother had hidden. Apparently, he had a half brother now, but while living with a new family, Piotr’s father still inquired after the welfare of his son. At least from a distance. All this time, Piotr thought his father was dead and his mother did nothing to correct the notion.

Angry and despondent, Piotr returned to school and fell in with one of his classmates, Jeek Paolus – or Jeek the Cheek as he was called on campus. Thru this friend, Piotr developed a taste for alcohol. The other impact the Cheek had on Piotr was integration into a group of rabble rousers. This last point became important when on a visit home he found that his life had spiraled around this central feeling of abandonment.

Still prone to drinking, still lazy in some of his areas of study, Piotr’s friend Jeek taught him the way of the dagger and offered the young wizard a way out. Perhaps a chance at a life of meaning and accountability. Perhaps he could find out why in one of the letters his father had hinted at a darker reason for his departure from the city. Not just the near lunatic ravings of his wife (Piotr’s mother), but something else…

Piotr is dark, given his past who wouldn’t be, but he’s got a small sense of hope deep within his core that he usually tries to tamp down with liquor. He can be loyal, but it takes a lot to earn his full trust.

Goal- Piotr wants more than anything to not be his mother. Maybe that’s why he gravitated towards the Transmutation School of magic. It means that he wants a life of significance, maybe something his friend Jeek can point him towards. Then, once he’s able to stand on his own feet, he can seek out his father and learn why he’d left his son behind.

Writing Sample: Piotr walked his fingers along the sticky table top like a five-legged spider. Moonlight only twitched his tail to and fro ignoring his master’s little game. Of course, his master was 5 deep into his cups at this point. The noise and explosions from outside had descended upon the tavern they were in, drinks and curses and spittle and laughter all louder than the fireworks.

The young wizard didn’t care. He barely even heard them. What was there to celebrate after all? Were they not going to be just as poor - if not poorer - tomorrow morning as they were today? He chuckled and finished off his pint and waved for another. Uncle Mendaleb had been generous in giving him a few extra coins...coins for both himself and his friend Jeek who was sitting next to him at the table.

“Fools,” Jeek muttered over a ring of pipe smoke.

Piotr was briefly fascinated with the rings his friend was puffing. But he hissed with surprise as Moonlight scratched at his hand to bring him back to the present. “Oww, you feral curse!”

Moonlight, coat as black as the evening and eyes as golden as the coins passing back and forth in the tavern, only hissed back at him and commenced grooming himself.

“Nasty familiar,” Jeek commented. “Told you to choose a wand...”

Piotr ignored him and reached out to pat the black feline. “He keeps me in line, Jeek. That’s all...” He waved more emphatically for the barmaid to refill his drink.

“Take it easy, Piotr, he’ll be here soon.”

“Fah, I’m celebrating All Fools Day. When this mysterious man of yours arrives, perhaps I’ll sober up when I see his ragged face.”

Backstory- Loupe lived in Kaer Maga till he was 12, in an Ardoc controlled area. He grew up seeing all his male role models keeping the law. He was too young to see the truth behind the Ardoc 'mafia' and actually believes the story they claim.
Hook: Anyone who knows the Ardocs in Kaer Maga might know Loupe
Hook: Loupe thinks he has a duty to his city

Loupe's family (mum, dad and sister) moved to Korvosa when he was 12. His sister was 4, and just starting to demonstrate an incredible aptitude for magic. They actually moved to property outside Korvosa, but Loupe's father frequently went inside. Loupe knows his father had a disagreement, and then hid his family name.
Hook: What did Loupe's father do to hide the family name?
Hook: obvious reason to run is teaching a daughter magic - but possibly another reason?
Hook: Country characters who might have been the only children in the area around the property

Loupe starts going to the Academy. He does well. Now he is living inside the city the lawlessness really starts to grate on him. He feels he should reveal himself as an Ardoc and try to help people. He obeys his father though.
Hook: early event where Loupe intercedes and is punished?
Hook: Loupse sees something awful but stays quiet

Loupe is 19. He and his sister (11) start working together to create a story of an Ardoc cleaning up the city and hurting/killing criminals. They mostly use spells that trick people.
Hook: someone is tricked, but suspects something

On one of these expeditions Loupe's sister is kidnapped.
Hook: Loupe is looking for his sister - this is the trait I was looking at taking.

Loupe can't find her, runs home, confesses all to his father, who shouts at him. Father then heads out (with constructs) to find sister. He never returns.
Hook: anyone who knows what happened to father, or constructs

Loupe, desperate to find out what happened transfers to a school he has always despised and ridiculed (Divination). This costs him most of his friends inside the Academy and makes him nothing but enemies.
Hook: If there is someone else Academy trained, could have seen Loupse leave.

Loupe looks for his sister (using scrying power), takes over the family business (metalwork and sculpture) as best he can, and after a while bitterly starts very very carefully trying to rekindle the story of the Ardoc - mostly using Disguise Self. He now knows he must keep his identity a secret, and desperately needs people to help him.
Hook: Loupe has done work for someone?
Hook: Seeing something he shouldn't?

Goal- Trying to duplicate the Ardoc family in Korvosa, including setting up a family. Reconciled with original branch? Or hostile?
I see setting up the family as (unless this is a very, very loooooong campaign IC) recruiting people who feel likewise to make a difference.

Writing Sample Ardocs forge the law, Loupe my uncle Grey used to tell me. He was a golem-crafter like all Ardocs, but he was also a thief-catcher. He had a bunch of sayings like that People are like raw steel - you have to use just the right amount of force to shape and not break or my favourite The loupe that sees the heart of men is what they do in the dark. But the thing that he taught me that I'm depending on now is this: It's the flaw that cracks the crystal, but thinking they've won that cracks the thief

And that's how I'm sitting here in a tiny little roadside stall in the Gold Markets where I've been pretending - and trying not to - sell my statuettes of famous Korovosans as overpriced collectibles. I just sold both my Black Jack figurines through gritted teeth for a price that should have got me laughed at, but it isn't going to come near paying the fee this shack is costing me. I've been waiting for the parade to pass by me for three hours, and now that it's a hundred feet up the road my familiar has just decided to go to sleep.

"Look" I whispered "I'm sorry you're bored and hungry... but this is the first celebration like this since she was taken where the high nobles are coming within range. Maybe someone will come by who smells like her. I bonded you for your smell - find her scent and I promise I'll give you a week off and a mouse every day!" Bribing my familiar - I should have gotten a rat.

Backstory- Mibliblin's parents died of the greasepox when he was just entering preadolescence. He was taken under the wing of Felvin Sweetcane, a candy maker who let him sleep on his floor when he saw how poorly suited Mibliblin was to life on the streets. Mibliblin would help out -- everything from making new confections to sweeping the floor -- but Felvin was barely making ends meet himself and could only do so much for the young, distractable gnome with a thirst to learn. With no money to his name, Mibliblin had no prospects to get into the good schools or affording the entrance fees for an apprenticeship. He tried to apprentice anyway with any alchemical shop he could find but was turned away repeatedly. Just as he was at his lowest, leaving the latest shop to reject him, Gaedren (or one of his agents?) walked up behind him. Mibliblin was elated when he was offered a chance to work and learn, and threw himself into his work with abandon...and without really asking any questions. He found he had a true knack for alchemy, and that brewing potions, experimenting, and discovering new extracts made him happier than he’d ever been.

Of course he wondered why they had to break down their lab in hurry from time to time, and move elsewhere...but honestly his mind kept returning to the next all-consuming puzzle: How could he make a fire bomb burn longer? How could he get a batch of the stuff his boss always wanted to cook faster? He was mostly happy to have interesting tasks placed in front of him, and he welcomed the praise he got for his efforts.

That all changed when he came back to his old neighborhood one day, saw another orphan he’d lost touch with strung out on shiver...and recognized the smell for the first time. He realized that that was what he’d found a faster, more reliable way to cook up. Suddenly, the potions -- and drugs -- he’d been cooking up were more than just an interesting challenge. He was responsible for this, and he needed out!

hook: His shiver-cooking boss has surely put two-and-two together when Mibliblin disappeared, and he's not happy. Mibliblin is keeping an eye over his shoulder to see if he's being followed by then (to conscript back into cooking, or just for revenge).
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Goals:
* Is his recipe to make (what he now knows is shiver) still out there? Gaedren always had several labs. Mibliblin never new how many or exactly where. His boss might have shared his notes with the others. He wants to make sure that his recipe is destroyed, and not sold or distributed to other drug makers.
* He still very much wants to find an alchemist to apprentice to, and a lab to work in, to accelerate his studies...but this time he’ll ask a few more questions.
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Writing Sample: He went back to the lab that night, stole any supplies he could carry, smashed the rest, and disappeared. He’s still easily distracted by new puzzles and mental challenges, but he’s had a harsh awakening to the real world implications of his work...and now he’s driven to right the wrongs he’s helped to commit. He knows he’s not enough by himself, but somehow he’ll find a way to do more than trash one shiver lab. He’ll find a way to bring down Gaedren.

Back Story- To Do No Harm. Four simple words, whose meaning when taken individually are insignificant. When taken together, they are a phrase used by the healers to submit themselves to an oath to help their fellow beings, be they commoner or noble, child hood friend or enemy. Often times, the line between healing and harming blurs, especially by those who seek to abuse those of this oath.

A middle child of a moderately well to do family, Ezekial Somrivatram was a brilliant student at the Andoren Alchemical Society as well as occasional visitor to the Almas University. An accomplished alchemist and budding doctor, Ezekial was part of a fraternity the two universities shared, one that sponsored safaris, hunts, and expeditions to various parts of the world. Seeking to expand his knowledge as well as his skills as a field doctor.

It was during these trips that he came to a simple solution; as an alchemist and a doctor, his job was the most boring at times and the most intense. As such, he took to cooking while on these expeditions, reasoning that if he wasn't being used for his medical skills, he might as well be useful for his culinary. In addition, Ezekial is studying the use of the crossbow. While not a great shot, he has worked on extractions that will help his skills nonetheless. As time went on, he also became an invited guest to several academic parties, trading stories on the expeditions he was part of, and the stories of his medical experiences in the field.

After two years and several expeditions, Ezekial felt that he saw it all. Despite his young age, he has mended bones, healed scraps, cleaned infections, removed barbs, arrows, and spears from fellow adventurers, and seen the after affects of several diseases. With such field experience, he was on the verge of becoming a rising star in the alchemical and medical science world. But nothing prepared him for betrayal and political intrigue

Goals- Find his sister's charge before the boy gets himself injured or killed. Become the best doctor while helping people live better.

Writing Sample: Ezekial stood outside the room, finished helping the cleric heal his sister. As usual, she'll be alright, but her charge had ran off with the gang that attacked them. Spoiled brat, Ezekial thinks as he goes over his sister's injuries one more time. You ran off with that gang. If you hadn't, my sister wouldn't have been distracted.

Though a few people saw him attack his sister and beaten her, none stopped him. Only after he left did they help her, sending for a cleric and Ezekial when she regained consciousness. From the witnesses, Ezekial learned the name. Gaedran Lamm.

Reflecting on the man's reputation, Ezekial let out a sigh. Kid is in trouble. His parents aren't thrilled with him gone on his own. Need to find him before my sister gets released. Standing up, Ezekial made his way out the small clinic into the parade going on outside. I need to find that kid before he gets into more trouble.

Backstory- Half-orc, half-Shoanti and full outcast. There is a good-hearted couple in Old Korsova that takes in strays. Korr was just one of them. But, the boy had a silver-tongue and innate understanding of where other folk stood. As he's' grown, he's looked to make good and payback what the kindly and now older couple had done for him and his "siblings". With a positive outlook, Korr includes Korsova in the story of his survival.

Goal- Inspired by Black Jack, Korr wishes to create his own network/gang/unit/company or individuals who defend the good in Korsova but who are not afraid to deal with the city's underbelly.

Writing Sample: Darkness falls. My eyes adjusting is one of the few perks to being a half-breed. I will stay apart and watch. The time to act has not come, not alone... I must find others. Alone, I will surely fail.

And, now the King missing on this public occasion. What could it mean? The crowds revel seemingly unaware their numbers thin. People are missing, gone. But to where? What's happening to my dear Korsova?

I cannot seem to find Lamm, but maybe I can find someone who can. I can build a net then cast it and drag that devil in. I will use what my da calls "charisma"... I'll bring them together.

But that tragedy was not the only one to happen to Demitri. On the girl's 8th birthday, he took his daughter out to the market to buy her a gift. He took his eyes off her for a moment to haggle with a merchant. A moment which was enough for the cur known as Gaedren to abduct her.

The young guardsman used all the resources at his disposal, but it was for naught. No one wanted to get involved as they saw the futility in the situation. No one could catch Lamm, he was like a wraith who could appear anywhere and leave just as quickly. Demitri was so filled with rage he quit the guard. If the cowards weren't willing to help, he'd use his own means.

Goal- Well the obvious character goal is that he wants to find his daughter and to stop Lamm, ideally bringing him to justice for his crimes. But besides that, he feels he doesn't have a purpose in life which makes him doubt every decision he makes. But he has a strong sense of duty and responsibility so he definitely wants to help Korvosa.

Writing Sample- Demitri sat there in his cups, drinking his sorrow away like any other night. People celebrating around him for the new Sable Company. "Another useless organization. There are curs like Lamm running around and people want to party. Maybe if the king and queen weren't so busy worrying about their image, they might do something about it. Or maybe they just don't care." He thinks to himself as he sips his drink. His dour thoughts drowning out the loud revelry.

Backstory-Calder was the result of an ill-fated rape outside Korvosa. A small group of travelers where ambushed by a vicious band of Orcs, slaying everyone but the women. Alas, Calder's mother could not live with the shame - and after Calder was born, she committed suicide.

The orcish child was placed in a basket outside an orphanage, only to be claimed by Gaedren Lamm.

After years of service for Gaedren, Calder grew up resenting most people. Everyone treated him either with disgust or cruelty, earning him many foul nicknames. Gaedren never gave him a surname, as he stated many times over: "Common filth have common names, pig."

Eventually, Calder found a holy symbol of Pharasma, and snuck away from his "chores" to attend services at her temple. Gaedren found out and nearly beat Calder to death with the very same symbol. For some odd reason, the adolescent half-orc survived - crawling his way to the temple. It would seem like Pharasma had blessed the boy - when one of the older (and perhaps kinder) priests found him - and gave him sanctuary within.

Goal- At his core, Calder only wants to be respected. He has led a harsh life, where only the priests he grew up with ever treated him well. His orcish blood demands respect - but his human blood boils stronger, and as such; he believes that he must earn it some way.

Calder yearns for lands to his name.

Writing Sample: More people than one would expect today. A young Half-Orc sits nimble over a chair, working on his crossbow bolts as he usually did. He could not afford to rent his own shop just yet, but perhaps in time - he would be able to get something more noteworthy than the weathered stand he was using.

"Quiver of bolts, please - and make sure you get the feathers properly fastened this time, brute! The last batch you sold me where almost useless, cost me a boar!"

The bolts hadn't cost the nobleman his boar, it was the faulty craftsmanship of his crossbow and the lack of skill in using one that had. But, Calder knew he could not lose one of the few customers he had. At times, he wondered if the only reason these noblemen came to him for their bolts where to treat him badly and blow off some steam. He did not mind to much anymore, Pharasma had a purpose for him - and for now, he needed coin to get his hands around Gaedren's throat.

Backstory- Ashimar has been born and raised in Korvosa. She was ridiculed and bullied growing up for her small frame and retreated into the company of books. Her mentor, one of arbiters of Korvosa, instilled in her a passion for justice. She wants to prove she can be just as good as any soldier knocking down doors searching for evil-doers. What better way to show her worth than to ferret out the location of one of the most reviled criminals in the region.
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Goal- Ashimar suffers from a minor inferiority complex. Above all, she wants to prove her worth to the ones she keeps company with - whether it be her colleagues or her superiors.
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Writing Sample: Ashimar backs up against the stone hearth as yet another brawl breaks out in the seedy tavern. Some people just want to watch the world burn. I must be losing my mind to come to a place like this!

She ducks just in time to avoid a mug filled with ale as it smashes into the wall behind her. Is it always like this? She manages to stammer out at the serving girl. The girl chuckles at Ashimar's naivety. This fresh-faced idealist doesn't realize she is in one of the rougher sections of Korvosa - not a regular here by any means.
Oh no sweetie. Usually they're much MUCH worse. Now what can I get ya?

Backstory- He still remembers the last thing his mother said to him. "We can make a home here. This will be your city." My City He thought, My City.

That was before she got murdered.

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This is my City, and I know all of it. All of its rhythms, its heartbeat; I see it all - and there is something Evil there, like a cancer eating at the bones and wasting it away. I cannot see quite what it is, but I will not rest until I have hunted out this Evil. That is my mission, my purpose; my calling.

Goal- That is her ring. Definitely HER ring. I wish I could purchase it. WE have so little left of our parents; It would make a wonderful gift to Efelyn for her wedding.

If only I could have enough money to buy her the ring AND provide a dowry. Soon we will need to consider suitors for her hand; it would be good to see her well provided for and happy.
GMMichael wrote:

Writing Sample: Marnos paused on the rooftop, instinctively going still. Below him the sound of drunken revelry abounded, but it was all part of the rhythm of the city. They just want to forget, he thought, just one night when they can pretend there is no pain. Some of us can never forget. He extended his senses, searching for the anomoly, the sound out of place, the movement where there should be none.
There, he thought turning slowly so as not to give his position away.We will hunt well tonight and he began the painstaking process of stalking his prey.