Marissia was born to Brodert Quink, Sandpoint’s local crack-pot and self-proclaimed ‘expert’ on Thassilonian history. She’s not sure who her mother is and her father never talks about it, but she does have an amulet that once belonged to her—a pair of intertwined birds, one gold and one silver, on a gold chain. Her Dad gave her a poor education—all focused on Thassilon and archaeology—not math, current events or, most importantly, reading
common. When she tried to interact with other children and adults she never got along with them—either because of her dad’s crazy reputation and antics, or because of something he taught her (or neglected to). She was teased often, and was an outsider.
When she was young she loved her dad and was insatiably curious. She found Thassilon fascinating. But, by her early teens she had grown embarrassed of her dad, his work, and her life in general. She demanded entry into a proper education at Turandarok Academy. After a year of ingratiating herself to other kids and parents, distancing herself from her dad and self-depreciating humour (and with the help of a few well-placed charm person spells), Marissia finally figured out how to fit in with her peers and be accepted in Sandpoint.
Even as a grown woman, Marissia rejects her dad and distances herself from his theories and work. She cares about people, and what they think, not dusty old tomes and ruins and junk left behind by dead people. She works as a teacher at Turandarok Academy, teaching literacy, math, history, basic wizardry and potions and, though her dad thinks she’s wasting her talents, she enjoys it very much. She refuses to teach Thassilonian history, despite her expertise.
Marissia works really hard to be normal and accepted. She is not flashy or materialistic. She’s part of the crowd, and has plenty of distant friends, but no close friends or soul mates. Despite her scholarly pursuits she’s not a bookwork or into research. She’s sociable, fit, healthy, and well-groomed. She worships Erastil, but respects the other gods in Sandpoint’s pantheon. She believe’s that faith is important, but it’s what we do that matter most. She doesn't proselytize, but does try to live by example. She puts her community first.
Marissia lives in a flat between Bishop Street and Prickleback Lane (placing her home near the theater, carpenter’s guild, Madame Mvashti’s and the grocery store). She is relatively close with Ilsoari Gandethus (her boss) and Hannah Velerin (the herbalist).
She has yet to realize she can’t please everyone, and her father’s not as crazy as everyone thinks…