Clinton Smythe (aka: Janos Mulman)
| OOC | |
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Shamelessly ripped off the formatting from Donny cuz I liked it. Decided to try and log in a couple mornings each week before work... Since a lot has changed since I played I am starting at level 1 with no muled gear to get the experience from new low level areas. Anyone interested is free to join me on my journey, will most likely be in game a couple days each week between the hours of 6am and 8am Eastern time (10am-noon GMT) and maybe sometimes on weekends or evening (rare). | |
| In short | |
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TBD / working on it! | |
| Appearance | |
| Race: | Human |
| Age: | mid 30's |
| Height: | 6'2" |
| Weight: | 215 Lbs. |
| Eyes: | Green |
| Hair: | Black, some grey starting to appear |
| Skin-tone: | rough, calloused and scarred |
| General health: | In very good shape, with a powerful physique |
| Personality | |
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Quiet, brooding and generally unwilling to discuss his history or anything personal. However, when he speaks it tends to be with knowledge and experience. Usually only discusses strategy, risks, and potential rewards related to battle or similar pursuits. | |
| Deity: | Garagos and Beshaba |
| Initial Alignment: | Neutral Evil (mercenary/selfish) |
| Profession: | Ex-Soldier, Mercenary for hire |
| Base Class: | Rogue / Fighter |
| Hobbies: | TBD / Working on it |
| Languages: | Common, WIP |
| Weapon of choice: | Katana |
| Background | |
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Born Mulmaster, 1324 DR. Given name Janos Mulman, the bastard son of one of the Blades of Mulmaster (or so his mother, a chambermaid told him). Early life Born and raised in Mulmaster, he never knew his father, only that his mother told him it was one of the Blades (the rulers of Mulmaster). Even without knowing who his father was, Janos constantly worked to make himself be noticed...perhaps to gain the attention of a father who either did not know or did not care about his existence. In 1340 (age 16) Janos joined the armed forces as a scout and over the next 14 years he would serve with distinction moving up through the ranks to eventually become the Commander of a scouting party responsible for keeping an eye to the west (both on land and sea). Trouble on the Moonsea In the year 1354 DR Janos was in the field with his unit scouting the surrounding lands. They had crossed several stretches of the Moonsea, stopping in other towns such as Thentia where they were when rumor of a large Zhent fleet reached their ears. After further investigation they confirmed the rumors and made for Mulmaster as quickly as possible. However, during their journey treachery was afoot. Several of his men, being Zhent spies acted to stop the small scouting team from returning to Mulmaster. Several attempts at sabotage (torn rigging, ripped sails, oars and other supplies destroyed or thrown overboard, etc) made the existence of enemies apparent, and without evidence of the culprit(s) mistrust threatened to have the unit fall in to violence based upon fear and assumptions without any evidence. Attempting to solve the issue, the Captain of the ship and Janos decided to ensure that a team of 3 guards was left on duty every night. For two days, this appeared to resolve the problems, but there was still the concern of the traitors identity. On the third night the point became moot, two of the three guards assigned were Zhents, allowing them to quickly slay the third guard quietly. The rest of their cell was ready and they proceeded to begin moving through the cabin, assassinating the crew and military personnel in their sleep. Janos, meeting with Captain of the ship at the time and discussing their heading, how far ahead of the Zhent fleet they may be and the likelihood of being able to get to Mulmaster in time to warn the fleet jumped to his feet when he heard a loud scream. Quick to action, he and the captain armed themselves and went out to see what caused the commotion. They reached the crew quarters and found mayhem. A half dozen crew with bloody blades were in pitched battle with 3 remaining crew members armed with simple clubs. Janos began approaching to help the remaining crew when he felt the Captain looming. Turning just in time to avoid a fatal thrust of the captains rapier, he was stabbed in the left shoulder rather than the heart. He defended himself, but quickly realized he was outmatched by the captain. Knowing he would soon be facing more enemies he took flight up to the deck. He had no idea where he could go, but noticed that one of the life boats was being lowered because of the creaking of the pulley and movement of the ropes. He had no idea who was on the boat, but he knew he wouldn't survive if he stayed on the ship. Making a running leap he hit the water right beside the boat and was almost instantly hauled up to the side with a dagger at his throat. It was Stellios, 2nd in command of his Scouting Unit. Recognizing his captain he pulled Janos quickly in to the boat and they both began rowing for all they were worth. They were still in arrow shot when the lights of the ship showed them a view of the captain and 6 men staring toward where they continued rowing. A few haphazard bolts and arrows were fired, but the darkness protected them from view. Decisions. . . Desertion "We have to get back to Mulmaster, we have to warn them or the fleet will be caught unawares!" Stellios was rowing for all he was worth, but after a half night of rowing and the night they'd both had prior, they were both near the limits of their vitality. "Even with only a half dozen crew, the good Captain Rhaelis will arrive long before us. They will tell a story of our murder of the rest of the crew. If we go back to Mulmaster, we will be branded traitors and hanged or worse." Janos, also rowing for what little worth he had left was fairing far worse, thanks to the wound in his shoulder. They had stopped briefly a few candlemarks after they lost sight of Captain Rhaelis' ship so that his shoulder could be cleaned and dressed. The wound was superficial, but was still causing him a great deal of pain and the bleeding had never stopped thanks to the constant motion required to row. Stellios sighed "But if we don't go back to Mulmaster, doesn't that make us traitors?" "Yes, it does" Janos responded matter-of-factly. "Won't they come after us? The Blades have never been ones to allow such treachery to go unpunished and if they are caught unaware, this is likely to be something they will want to have a scapegoat for." Janos thought for a moment, then grunted at Stellios "Then we better get a head start, aye?" They turned their skiff North, away from Mulmaster and toward Hulsburg. The price They agreed to stay in Hulsburg for a week. While there they took on assumed names of Janyck and Stanyck, brothers from Thentia who'd met with disaster on the sea. Using what little coin they had, they acquired fresh clothing, travel and hunting supplies and paid to have "Janyck's" wound healed. After the fourth day they changed plans and left quickly with their gear... Rumor reached the city of a huge battle between the Zhent and Mulmaster fleet. Word was the fleet of Mulmaster was decimated, completely wiped out. While vague, there was also talk of some kind of treason involved. The two knew they had little time to get away from the Moonsea before the Blades sent out Bounty Hunters seeking them. Thus it was that the two companions headed north in to the Galena Mountains and then east through southern Vaasa along Dead Man's Walk. Careful to avoid people as often as possible, they risked a stop in Durmshall to resupply before heading back to in to the mountains and continuing their flight east, trying to put distance between themselves and the Moonsea region. By the time they reached Trailsend, they believed luck was with them and they had evaded any bounty hunters sent out by the Blades of Mulmaster. Tired of hard tack, but lacking the funds to purchase more luxuriant fare the two signed on as Caravan guards headed in to Narfell along the Long Road. The plan was to stay with the caravan on it's long journey east all the way to Narthoud, but as with seemingly everything about their lives over the past weeks, plans had to be reassessed. Desertion (again. . .) The two stayed with the caravan through many stops along the Long Road, but it was in Ormpur that Beshaba sent them more ill luck. The caravan was stopped for a few days to repair wagons, sell and purchase goods and resupply and they were taking their rest at an inn with some of the other guards. It was in this inn where they were enjoying lunch when one of their compatriots walked in with three armed men wearing the uniforms of Mulmaster. The one appearing to be the leader met eyes with Janos and immediately headed to their table. He made a show of slowly pulling a chair out at their table, careful to ensure his cloak wouldn't snag upon the chair, and then folded his hands and stare at each of the men in turn. "Janos Mulman, Stellios Bertynne. . . You know why I am here, your return to Mulmaster is required." Janos paused as he attempted to get a read on this apparent Bounty Hunter and it was Stellios who spoke first "You got the wrong men, sir! We're just a couple of caravan guards!" Janos sighed as the man pulled out two folded pieces of parchment and and slid them across the table, the men's likenesses were done quite well, the artist who drew them was very skilled. "Now what say you are the chances that two men looking just like the two of you are not the ones we seek, ey?" Janos scowled "We'll not be going anywhere with you. You've no authority hereabouts, and this inn is full of seasoned caravan guards and mercenaries, many of whom we're acquainted. You'll not be taking us this day." The man smiled "No. . . perhaps not, but it'll go easier for you to come quietly." Stellios frowned "We were betrayed! That captain Rhaellis is a Zhent spy, him and the others that reported to the Blades, they're the ones you should be chasing!" The mans smile remained and he shook his head in feigned sadness "and yet here is where I'm sent. You will come with me now or later, the decision is yours, but later will be far less comfortable for you." Both men stared quietly after the man as he walked back out, his two guards following on his heels. From The Long Road to The Golden Way The men left Ormpur under cover of darkness, stealing extra furs, blankets and more dreaded hard tack and making their way south, through the dreaded tundra plains off the roads and hoping to avoid detection. Having heard stories from others in their caravan about the dangerous Nar tribes and ancient haunted ruins full of magical traps the two carefully avoided such places. They were ill equipped to deal with wraiths or worse and neither had much understanding of magic. Luck was with them and the weather was relatively mild for the region, allowing them to make good time and with care taken to leave no tracks or trace of their passing they appeared to have once again lost their pursuers. They skirted the Dunwood, known by some as Rawlinswood and continued making their way south to Kront, where they secured passage crossing the Lake of Tears (Lake Ashane) and entering in to Rashemen at the city of Mulsantir on the southeast shores of the lake. In Mulsantir they both took on new names once again. Janos became "Clinton Smythe" and Stellios "James Carpenter" and once again they set about to seek opportunities to refill their coin pouches and keep moving, still feeling the breath of their pursuers on their necks. It was nearing the end of summer and they had been on the run for almost two full seasons. They eventually secured passage as guards with a smuggler heading south to the Thayan city of Surthay and then on to the Gorge of Gauros, to the Keep of Gauros and on down the same named river to Denzar. Trading the cottons and woods of Mulsantir's environs for the valuable minerals within the Gorge and the Sunrise Mountains. The captain, being Rashemi, the Captain of the ship had obviously studied his smuggling craft well and the ship had little issues trading in every port. Looking back, those few weeks aboard the ship on their journey to Denzir were a peaceful respite much needed after half a year of desperate running, sometimes riding from town to town in their flight from Mulmaster. So it was that, fairly well rested, they stayed not overlong in Denzir, but they were at a loss where to go next. Being outsiders to Thay, the companions worried over the few tales they'd heard of Daggertooth Pass and Chur Gathos, the ominous fortress guarding the pass. However, they did not consider it an option to backtrack or travel west, deeper in to Thay. In the end, it was a fortnight before they again were given a respite from Beshaba's gaze, when chance had them in a seedy tavern where several Rock Gnome's were accosted by local thugs. "James" chanced to receive a stray blow from one of these ne'er-do-wells and, losing his temper slew the man. The ensuing melee resulted in two dead and several gravely injured men of Thay (regardless of their standing as criminals). As a thank you for their assistance (the companions weren't going to argue how the Gnomes saw it) the group of gnomish smugglers agreed to take the two with them on their journey east. Bypassing the desolate fortress of Chur Gathos turned out to be quite easy with the Gnomes. Some of their group appeared to be somewhat accomplished in illusion magics, making it rather easy for the small band to bypass potential trouble and make their way through the pass, which thankfully this year was clear enough to navigate. Oddly, not more than a day after they had cleared the pass, the traveling gnomes bid the companions farewell and sent them on their way. No explanation was given and the road only went in one direction, but with no discussion for it, the two headed along the road to Beacon Cairn and a return to Rashemi territory. Beacon Cairn was a desolate place, mostly ruins with a small Rashemi garrison and a small population. It became quickly clear that there was little trade passing through the area, so the companions pooled their silver and few gold to purchase riding horses and supplies, moving on quickly to Dubriev and then to Almorel. In both places the two became awestruck by the many strange sights they saw and foods available within the inns. So it was, near the end of the year, 1354 DR that the two found work joining one of the grand caravans that would make the long journey along the Golden Way in the hopes of trading many of the goods of Faerun for the rich spices, silk and other exotic goods of the exotic lands of Kara-Tur. The Golden Way and the Hordelands When the day came to depart, Clinton and James packed their gear, headed to the departure point and were awestruck. The Caravan was indeed grand and they had to control their expressions so as to avoid looking green in front of their new comrade's. Taking a few moments to compose themselves, they found the Caravan Master and then their posts among the wagons, of which there were more than two dozen! It was like a mobile village, complete with guards, drivers, porters and various other laborers to go along with representatives of several merchant houses. Having met at dawn it was still a couple hours of preparation before the troupe was underway. The first leg of the journey was the easiest and shortest. Not more than a fortnight journey took them to the trading post set up by the Dwarves of Siremun. The caravan camped here for two days while the Porters ensured water and food stores were completely full, Merchants traded some of their goods and acquired rare resources from the Dwarves including gems, ore and the rare volcanic rock known as 'Skystone' which both Clinton and James were fascinated by, each acquiring a small keepsake token in exchange for a few silvers. Once they got back underway the companions suffered a great disappointment. "The Golden Way" it turned out was just an endless desert wasteland, the 'road' only identified by a series of way-stones, the next stone just barely visible as the caravan passed the last. Clinton and James were in for a long, sightless journey from one oasis to the next. Traveling from way-stone to way-stone, they went a fortnight or more between Oases, but being well planned and well led, the Caravan never ran short of water. The more difficult concern was the freezing temperatures, especially at night. Measures had to be taken to keep the desert ponies warm with blankets and extra feed. Fires had to be spared only for preparing meals and when necessary melting frozen water stores since their was no foliage to be found and the caravan didn't spare space to bring along enough for warmth. Everyone of course had furs and plenty of blankets, which kept them alive, but still miserable. In speaking with veteran members of the troupe, Clinton and James learned that there was good reason to travel through the frigid temperatures since in the Spring and Fall, the dangerous winds wrought terrible storms upon the desert. In summer, the heat could be deadly and, while you can always put more furs and blankets to good use, there was little to be done about braving sand storms and temperatures that even the stout desert ponies could die from. As it was, winter would only last a couple of more months so there was a chance they'd not make it through the Quoya before Spring, and the potential for storms that at best would cause delays, at worst could damage wagons or trade goods, kill caravan members or the ponies dragging their wagons or perhaps most dangerous, cause way-stones to be covered in sand, bringing risk that they could lose their way. So it was that they pushed through, unmolested by the barbarians in the area perhaps due to the brutal temperatures or sheer dumb luck. WIP Why he came to the Sword Coast WIP Short and long term goals/plot hooks - Avoid any potential detection of any bounty hunters that may be searching for him from his homeland. - Make his fortune - Live in luxury and at ease, somewhere with plenty of amenities, maybe Amn... Somewhere he can be anonymous, but still have all the trappings of the rich. In character description Favors lighter metal armors, will likely start out wearing Breastplate or Chainmail or Chain shirt. Shaves about once per week so may be anywhere from clean shaven to a near full beard. Bears a visible scar just outside his right eye as well as across his left cheek and his nose appears to have been broken at least once and not set exactly right. Overall he would be handsome to some, but with marred features earned by a man who's made his living by war. | |
Work in Progress