The son of a travelling Varisian performer, Andrei Kovacs was the result of a brief tryst between his human mother and a passing elf, who he would never meet. Much of Kovacs early life would be spent on the road, constantly moving from one place to another in what was, more or less, a traveling circus. It was, perhaps, a somewhat unusual childhood, but a relatively happy one nonetheless. Kovacs became a part of the show himself, being somewhat decent at knife tricks and music. However, his real talents lay elsewhere. It was clear from a young age, that Kovacs had a strange affinity for magic and history, and the night sky itself filled him with power. He seemed to share a certain kinship with the strange and exotic animals kept by the circus, especially with a snowy white tiger from the north called Kilava. He would, during this time, strike up a close friendship with a fire eater named Adria.
Times were good, till they weren’t. One night, a series of mistakes made by a mildly drunk Adria resulted in a rather terrible fire. Kovacs, who had been tending to Kilava, survived, as did Adria, alas, many others perished in the blaze, including his family. In a fit of madness and rage, Kovacs found Adria, and butchered his old friend with his pair of Starknives. It was an act which he’d later struggle to justify to himself, and no matter where he went, he would find himself haunted by some remnant of Adria’s spirit.
Kovacs would travel on his own for a while, along with Kilava, getting by on the money brought in by his performances and healing skills. And, one day, he would arrive in the village of Heldren, hoping to perhaps earn a few coins on his way through.
In terms of personality, Andrei generally tries to act like the amiable, friendly sort of person he used to be. However, he has yet to forgive himself for the murder he committed all those years ago, and the haunt which has followed him ever since serves as an ever present reminder. He may not be the best sort of person, but, he tries to do good and aid those in need where he can.
