Appearance

Physical Description

Thin but wiry, Balgus makes up for his lack of brute strength with a level of grace and dexterity uncharacteristic of a typical dwarf.

Body Features

Balgus sports thick calluses on the bottoms of his feet -- the direct result of his stubborn refusal to wear shoes.

Identifying Characteristics

Balgus bears the mark of the Branvarr prominently upon his brow. Few alive remember its significance, for he is the last of their number.

Apparel & Accessories

Black robes from the underdark, simple hand wrappings, and a rarely-seen silver pendant in the shape of Enarael the Lifewright.

Mentality

Personal history

Balgus' clan, the Branvarr, were once hated and feared by dwarves far and wide. Masters of concealment and assassination, they sold their services to the highest bidder in the intricate dance of his peoples' political intrigue. They offered a special service: not only could one pay to have his or her political rivals removed from play, one could also specify the nature of their demise. Most of their contracts were carried out quietly, played off almost as terrible accidents. The ones that forged their reputation were the ones purchased by the particularly sadistic: gruesome beyond words and often involving pre-specified levels of bystander casualties, it was these scenes that came first to mind when mention of the Branvarr was made.

Balgus was very young when the Branvarr finally aroused the wrath of a noble more than their match. Their clan-holt was destroyed, each of them slaughtered in defense of it, save for the youngest of their number. Young Balgus was an adventurous lad for a dwarf of 14, often wont to sneak away from the clan-holt to wander the countryside against his parents' wishes. Upon returning from his last jaunt, he found his clan's doom already come to fruition.

Distraught, he sat there in the ashes of his world and slowly began to starve. It was a passing monk of Enarael the Lifewright -- Ragnir -- who took pity on the ash-covered youth and saved his life. The itinerant monk took Balgus under his wing and taught him the ways of his goddess. Despite Enarael's philosophy's stark contrast to that of the Branvarr, or perhaps because of it, Balgus took to Ragnir's teachings with zeal.

Balgus spent 75 years traveling with Ragnir, learning the ways of the Lifewright. He learned to perform acts of acrobatic prowess on the streets of human cities to earn coin, to mix herbal remedies to heal the sick and wounded, and the value of sentient life and good-hearted charity. This happy period of Balgus' life was not to last, however. While on an isolated road, Balgus and Ragnir were accosted by a group of brigands. Incensed by Ragnir's offer of food and coin, they slew him in the road. Balgus does not remember what happened after that, only that he soon found himself standing over the corpses of seven dead brigands and the accusing, blank stare of a dead master who had tried in vain to teach him not to kill.

Accomplishments & Achievements

Parkour.

Failures & Embarrassments

Every failure to live up to the teachings of Ragnir. Also sometimes parkour.

Mental Trauma

Balgus is terrified of sobriety. With sobriety comes painful memories that he would rather keep buried.

Intellectual Characteristics

Balgus plays a decent lyre when he's drunk enough.

Morality & Philosophy

A kind word an an offer of honest booze is never wasted. A peaceful solution to any situation can often be found if one is willing to look hard enough.

person.sexuality

Gay

person.gender_identity

Male

Taboos

Every life is unique and sacred. The taking of life diminishes the taker.

Known Languages

Common, Dwarvish

Personality

Motivation

Balgus yearns to live up to the teachings of Ragnir and atone for his failures before the Lifewright.

Quotes & Catchphrases

"I've got you lad!" "Parkour!" "Would you like a drink?" "Have a lend of my sack, lad!"

Likes & Dislikes

Balgus is incredibly fond of alcohol. His favorite is one that is available and capable of making him forget his past.

Vices & Personality flaws

Though the alcohol makes his day to day life more bearable, it stands directly in the way of his path back to the Lifewright's good graces.

Social

Birthplace

Tormyrkr