About Jory HaltineJory Haltine
Background:
“High. Low. High. Right. Right. High.” With each call, the pristine clash of steel against steel rang out across the training yard. Jory’s sparring partner pulled up suddenly. “You’ve improved. Not bad. Not bad at all for a little man.” “All the better to kneecap you.” Jory took a playful swipe low at his partner’s legs. The partner danced away gracefully and made no move to respond. “Eh? We finished already?” His partner raised his chin, indicating something behind Jory. Jory turned. Mehelobit, one of the provost’s servants, was hovering about. “Yes, what is it?” “Master Haltine, Master Gulbis wishes your presence, at once.” With an sigh, Jory sheathed his prized Aldori dueling sword. Glancing back at his sparring partner, he asked “Same time tomorrow?” “I’ll be here.” “And trials in a month.” His partner’s lips made a thin line. “Hmmm. We’ll see.” ------------ Jory entered the chamber of Albor Gulbis, chief factor in Restov of the swordlords of Rostland, with the expectation of receiving his next assignment. He settled his light Halfling’s frame heavily into one of the plush chair dotting the chamber. “What is it this time, Gulbis? A body in the river? Two arguing prostitutes clawed each other up? Perhaps a missing dog?” Gulbis’s neutral smile turned sour. “Oh, are we wasting your precious skills again on my lord’s vital business? Perhaps you’d care not to bungle this assignment like the last, or the city’s slate of lost pets will indeed be the next thing on your plate…” Jory sat up. “Gulbis, you know my information was good. I had Arkov tracked to the warehouse where those shipments were coming in. If….” Gulbis held up his large hand. “Now, now. My lord is a forgiving man. He understands the rare circumstances of that case, and he values the work you’ve done in aid of his house in the past, even if I do not. He has even seen fit to draw up a new assignment for you. Against my better judgment and sage council, in fact. Its importance to my lord’s house and all of Rostland itself cannot be understated. And when have you known me to exaggerate?” “Often, and at great length.” “Well, in this case I am deadly serious. In truth, I'll miss you during your time away..." "Wait, away? Out of the city? My work is here--" "Ah, here is Mehelobit now. Yes – right there on the floor is fine.” A travel pack, apparently stuffed to overflowing, thudded to the floor next to Jory. “Eh?” Gulbis's smile was positively radiant. “I’ve taken the liberty of having your bag packed for you…” --------------------
Jory Haltine works as a “fixer” for one of the swordlords of Restov – someone who can get things done in city circles both legal and illicit. He has a unique set of skills that have made him one of the top freelance investigators of the city, when he is not on retainer to his noble patron. Growing up as part of the band of halflings that travel seasonally through the region, one year as a young man, he took a liking to city life and made Restov his home. He has not only used his keen mind and easy way with people to serve his masters, however. Upon his move to the city he took it upon himself to agitate for a slot at one of the top Aldori swordsmanship schools in the country. Halfling students are a rarity however, and those without sponsors even more so. Years of independent study and the pratice us of his martial skills in Restov’s back streets gained for him sufficient competency that, when the swordlord took him into informal service, he was granted a provisional fellowship at the school. He is eager for formal admittance (administered by trial, of course), which he believes will come soon. Jory is a valued servant of the swordlord, and has been recommended (over the objections of one of the swordlord’s chief factors in the city, Master Gulbis, with whom Jory has a friendly rivalry) as part of Rostland’s mission to the Stolen Lands. A capable investigator, interrogator, and negotiator, Jory brings to the expedition skills with blade and bow, and a smattering of magic as well. Personality::
Jory is a skilled orator, and as befits such a skill, is always ready to jump into a conversation and direct it to his ends. As an investigator, of course, he controls this impulse as needed, and can take on whatever personality is demanded by the exchange. Among his friends, among which he counts some high-level noble retainers and noted Aldori duelists, he is playful and snarky. When working, however, he is deadly serious and focused on a task until completion. Appearance::
Possessing a defiantly average Halfing build, which allows Jory to melt into crowds easily, Jory's hair and beard is prematurely white, granting him a gravitas beyond his healthy middle age. His green eyes can charm or threaten. His years of sword training have shaped his body to be lithe and quick. LOOT::
2183 gp, 138 sp 16 cp 285gp MW Light Crossbow
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