Raulzig Turfoodle was born for adventure. Or at least, that's what he's been telling everyone around him for the last 50 years or so. Not that many were inclined to believe him.
The only child of a high-ranking wizard and a renowned actress, Raulzig was raised under extreme care, and has never left the city of Absalom in his life. One of his father's friends was a retired adventurer, and as a child, Raulzig was enthralled by the tales of his colorful past. Sometimes, he would even sneak away with Raulzig and play 'hunt the monster' with him. After his mother learnt of these exploits, though, she didn't talk with father for a week and the friend has never set foot in their house again.
Raulzig did not stop dreaming of adventuring, however, and he spent all his time reading books which featured ancient tombs, damsels in distress, dastardly villains, and daring adventurers with whips.
When Raulzig was of age, mother insisted he joins the Absalom Academy of Fine Arts. At first, Raulzig hated the classes, but with time he grew to love exclusively one of the Arts: history. He even founded a "Club of Historical Re-enactment", where he and his fellow students practiced historical fencing moves and researched ancient spells.
After graduation, he remained in the academy as an assistant professor of archaeology. Suddenly he realized that having an academic title opens up a whole world of new possibilities, when he was contacted by the Pathfinder Society as a research consultant for the upcoming expedition to Katapesh. Raulzig could not let this chance go, and he used all his charisma and connections (also, some gifts of unknown value may or may not have been involved) to get included in the expedition roster.
He spent all his earnings on getting the essential explorer's gear: a cork helmet, a whip, and a crossbow. When he stood before the Venture-Captain with his full equipment, Venture-Captain sighed and gave him a small intricate object - the wayfinder. With that, Raulzig was told, he would always know where north is. He didn't fully understand why he'd need it, since to the north of Katapesh lied Absalom, and Raulzig would much rather know where to go forward, rather than where to return back. Still, he thanked the Venture-Captain and promised to repay him as soon as he returns with all the ancient treasure he is about to plunder.
Long into the journey to join Garavel's expedition to Kelmarane, he couldn't stop wondering what the Venture-Captain's expression actually meant. Eventually he settled on it being a sign of envy.
