Dr Jardlon Riverside's page

Outcast Elven Bandit, turned Alchemist, turned Assassin, turned Academic.
Theme: You do not easily cheat death
Theme: Who are you?
Theme: An Honest man stays bought
Theme: What strange bedfellows commerce makes
Inspirations: Joseph Banks, Riddick, Dr Moreau.

Jardlon was born into a group of outcast and half-blood elven Bandits living in the Stolen Lands.
When a local "King" killed his family, he swore vengeance.
He discovered that his lineage rendered him an outcast among elves, so 'humanised' his name into River's-Side and joined human society.
Worked his way through a number of jobs until he could join a university, where he studied alchemy.
Used his elven patience, alchemical knowledge and bandit skills to assassinate the people who had killed his family. While his first assassinations were personal, he proved to be quite good at it and went professional.
Needing a cover to explain his travel, he studied biology, zoology, pharmacology and medicine and wrote some books as Dr Jardlon Riverside.
Was very successful - started becoming a manufacturer and middleman for other assassins. Unfortunately a very successful assassin/paladin of Abadar eventually caught him
(would love for this to be another PC)
He was executed for his crimes.
Pre Mortem he cut a deal with the temple to Raise him from the dead after he died.
Post Mortem they did, but not without complication. It feels like not all of him came back. Worse, sometimes it feels like something else did.
The Temple will report him if he breaks the law, and they look in on him a lot, so he's having some trouble making his extortionate monthly payments.
As a man with skills in zoology, biology, pharmacology, medicine, engineering, cartography, wilderness survival, archery and pyrotechnics he is an excellent fit for this mission. His skills as an assassin are really just a distraction.

"No father, I have not asked you here to hear confession. I have asked you here to propose a business proposition."

"Yes, I am aware that the Law has found me guilty of Murder, and the sale of Poison, and that I am to be executed in three days time."

"Yes, father, I am also aware that the church of Abadar is sworn to uphold a lawful execution. I would not even ask you to consider interfering. The state has determined that in exchange for the lives I have taken my own life is to be taken. When I am executed my debt to society will be paid, and all will be well in Abadar's eyes. Is that not correct?"

"Excellent - The business I propose is for after that event. I would like the church to raise me from the dead. I understand the fee for such a service is... sharp."

"That is very sharp Father."

"Yes, well I suppose you are right, it is a seller's market. Very well, obviously I will need to borrow funds in order to..."

"Very kind, Father, and such a reasonable interest rate, too."

"Collateral? The state has confiscated much of what I own, but for all my flaws and vices I have never broken my word. I will swear to pay you back or die in the attempt."

"Why the prosecution did an excellent job of proving my trustworthiness. Look at my criminal record! My commitment to business! Tens of thousands of gold crowns have crossed my ledger. Several contracts - all fulfilled to the letter. I have fostered a small industry in poison making. Innovated a way to cut down the cost of Black Adder poison with my new farming techniques. Trained apprentices to carry on my legacy in other cities. Why I am a veritable pillar of the community, Father! How can my willingness and ability to pay be called into question?"