About Kiirok the Sneak"Trapmaking isn't just a security measure! It's an art!" Crunch:
Kiirok the Sneak
Male Kobold Rogue/1 (Snare Setter) LN Small Humanoid (Reptilian) Deity: Sarenrae Homeland: Osirion Age: 16 Init +3; Perception +7, Darkvision 60'
--------------------
Background:
"Gather round, hatchlings, and let old Tarnuk tell you a story. Our tribe is special, you know - in ages past, we used to be famous for our traps! Pharaohs and royals from far and wide would seek out your ancestors for their brilliant cunning. Why do you think so many tombs have all those traps? Who do you think made the first ones? Why kobolds, of course! And no tribe was as great at their creation as the Sandstriders. One day, hatchlings, you'll see, we will create for kings again."
Kiirok and his clutch mates were lulled to sleep regularly with such majestic tales of their tribe's history. The kobold often fell asleep dreaming of becoming a great Royal Trapmaker for some mighty pharaoh or revered family. He dreamed of being sought out for his prized designs and ingenious works. He dreamed of being important. Whether the tales about the Sandstrider tribe's history is true or not, one thing is undeniable about them - they are resilient, tenacious and hard-working. Kiirok's tribe calls the desert dunes their homes, though they hide safely underground to avoid the sun's harsh rays. For Kiirok and his kind, trapmaking was not simply a pastime or way of defending their snarl - it was a craft, one that every little hatchling aspired to as soon as they could comprehend the subject. Those in the tribe who were gifted at the subject were elevated and admired by their peers, constantly engaging in attempts to create a more lethal and brilliant trap than their rivals. But for Kiirok, the prospect was never quite so easy. Certainly, he knew how to avoid them, but creating them was something he struggled with. Yet, as with any Sandstrider, he persisted at the task, as not doing so would condemn him to the lowly position of a miner. Kiirok did all in his power to help him grasp the concepts of trapmaking - from duplicating the contraptions his peers made to pestering Trapmaster Tarnuk to go over the intricacies of the craft with him. But, for some reason, either a lack of confidence or not wrapping his mind around the task, or simply poor luck, Kiirok continued to fail in his efforts. Just as he was ready to resign himself to a pitiable career as a mine flunky, Trapmaster Tarnuk, perhaps feeling a rare moment of sympathy, suggested that if Kiirok yearned to become a trap builder so desperately, then perhaps he should seek out the secrets of their ancient ancestors. The old kobold couldn't be sure, but he suspected that buried somewhere in the tombs of Osirion, weathered manuscripts, detailed plans and exhaustive instructions might have been left behind by his old relatives, and if nothing else, perhaps Kiirok would find inspiration in seeing firsthand the traps designed by the ancient masters of the art. Nervous, but fiercely determined, Kiirok collected his meager possessions and decided to set out in search of these ancient works. It wouldn't be easy, or safe - perhaps he could convince a small band of adventurers to bring him along in their exploits in exchange for his knowledge of trap detection and disarming? But Kiirok refused to be denied his dream. He would learn from those who invented the art - his ancient forefathers - and become a world class trap maker. He would become important. Personality:
Although Kiirok struggles with creating his own original trap designs, the kobold is in fact quite brilliant, displaying a promising mind for mechanics and construction. He simply lacks an imagination when it comes to developing his own constructions, which he sees as necessary to be successful in his work. Sadly, his troubles with grasping his craft of choice, trapmaking, have left him with a supreme sense of self-doubt, causing him to see every project as a potential failure. Kiirok is easily his own worst critic, cussing under his breath and berating himself when he makes a mistake and dwelling on the error long after it has ceased being relevant. Yet despite his belief that he will most likely fail whatever he sets his mind to, he pushes ahead in spite of such thoughts, knowing that simply giving up will undeniably guarantee a failure; at least when he tries, he has a chance of success.
Kiirok displays very little in common with the popular image of kobolds, beyond being obsessed with traps and engineering. Although somewhat skittish and quiet, he never really has any malice towards other races, though he will develop grudges against those who slight him unjustly. Kiirok is more interested in uncovering the history of his tribe, hoping that the next delve into a ruined tomb will reveal some clue to the secrets of his supposedly famous ancestors. Doing so requires the aid of others, as he knows full well that he is not much of a combatant. When faced with a challenge, Kiirok adheres to a popular motto of the Sandstriders: "The best kind of fight is one you don't have to fight at all". If he can, he keeps foes at bay and arranges a barrage of traps to deter those who would approach him, before launching crossbow bolts at enemies from afar in the hopes of either driving them off or taunting them into his contraptions. Kiirok would hardly call himself brave, but he knows that to keep going, he needs companions; if he can, he will do all in his power to draw the attention of foes while his allies regroup. Although Kiirok is fond of shiny and valuable objects (he has a particular love of sapphires, believing they compliment his iridescent blue scales), he considers information a far greater prize, as each piece potentially puts him one step closer to finding the supposed lost archives of his ancient kin. Kiirok knows that his mission is a dangerous one, and finds little reason to develop too close a friendship with those in his party (who knows when something will finally do one of them in). However, those who not only prove themselves to be resilient, but friendly and warm towards him will find that he is remarkably easy to talk to, ever willing to listen to your troubles, and relentlessly dedicated to keeping his "tribe mates" safe and healthy. |
