NE male half-elf wizard (illusionist) 5

A travelling show magician, feted for his charm and tricks, Thadrim hides a dark secret.

Background

Thadrim was born and raised in a whorehouse by a mother who never wanted him and saw him as nothing more than a slave. No sooner could he dress himself than he was forced to run errands, do chores and serve his mother’s fellow whores.

His mother taught him to read and write to further his usefulness; eventually, however, this was the key to his freedom. Thadrim’s mother had him steal small amounts of coin and the odd trinket from customers, but he kept any books he found for himself, eventually building up a small library. In the ruckus surrounding the untimely, embarrassing death of the celebrated local magicker Kardur the Shining, he stole what was to become his most treasured possession. Fascinated by the smell and the feel of the night-blue leather binding and the mysterious runes covering the spellbook’s pages, the half-elf stole enough money to buy rudimentary training in the Art.

His mother didn’t learned his secret until his 17th year. While drunk she tried to beat him; without thinking, he hurled conjured acid into her face—leaving her horrifically scarred. In the ensuing chaos, Thadrim stole his mother’s coin-stash and fled town.

Wandering aimlessly, Thadrim worked initially as a conjurer and trickster whose shows earned him board and lodgings at dozens of inns. During this time he met Lady Mink, a cutthroat, burglar and former whore—and the pair forged an unlikely alliance. For several years now, they have worked together. The lovers are driven by only one thing: the pursuit of wealth. Generally, Lady Mink pickpockets gormless audiences at Thadrim’s shows or steals from their rooms. However, the pair is certainly not above murder, if the prize is tempting (or easy) enough to secure.

Personality

Thadrim is a handsome and charming man. He is the consummate flirt and flatterer. Behind this front, however, he is a man with little self-worth who desires only coin to further his arcane studies. He has no respect for women and views Lady Mink as a short-term business partner. This truth would destroy her as the cold-hearted thief loves Thadrim.

Mannerisms

A showman, Thadrim makes expansive arm gestures when talking and speaks with a deep, baritone voice.

Distinguishing Features

Thadrim dresses to impress and wears many gold rings. His back bears several faded scars from his mother’s many beatings.

Hooks

The characters most likely encounter Thadrim as he puts on a show in the tavern. They may fall foul of Lady Mink’s nimble fingers or awake to discover a treasured possession gone. Alternatively, they may be hired to investigate a similar theft or the murder of an important tavern patron.

Want More?

This is an extract from Campaign Codex #5: Lesser Villains which is available in 5e, OSR and Pathfinder 1 editions.

Lesser Villain: Thadrim Nytriluath