Martine Character in Alana | World Anvil

Martine

WFRP4e
Work in progress!
ORC License
Slightly NSFW!
Martine, the intrepid twelve-year-old girl with tousled brown locks, warm brown eyes, and a sun-kissed complexion, embodies the very essence of adventure. Her journey with Shurosh, the pint-sized peddler, began in the most unexpected of ways, a story she fondly recounts when asked. Six years prior, Martine's life took a tragic turn when her family's home in the quiet village of Floxville was reduced to smouldering ruins in a devastating fire. Left orphaned and adrift, she wandered the streets in search of solace and purpose. It was amidst this period of uncertainty that she encountered the cheerful Shurosh, a gnome merchant with a knack for selling the extraordinary, had arrived in Floxville that fateful day. His arrival brought a whirlwind of curiosity and excitement to the small village, but Martine was different. She saw in Shurosh not just a peddler of wares but a kindred spirit, a wanderer of the world who understood the ache in her heart.  
Bridgeport by Tillerz using MidJourney
  From the moment she spotted Shurosh's vibrant green beret cap and watched him deftly navigate the crowded streets, Martine was captivated. She approached him tentatively, her eyes filled with the innocence of youth and the weight of her recent tragedy. Unfazed by her presence, Shurosh went about his business, setting up his makeshift stall with a casual grace that seemed almost magical.  
Martine by Tillerz using MidJourney
When Martine gathered the courage to speak to him, she didn't beg for charity or pity; instead, she offered something much more precious — her unyielding curiosity. She asked questions about the wares on display, the stories behind them, and the distant lands from which they hailed. Her curiosity was like a key to Shurosh's heart, and he soon found himself answering her questions with genuine enthusiasm.  
As the day waned and the sun dipped below the horizon, Shurosh packed up his portable stall and prepared to leave Floxville. It was then that Martine, with a determination that belied her tender age, declared her intention to follow him on his journey. At first, Shurosh tried to dissuade her, believing that the girl would soon lose interest or find a safer path. He even attempted to slip away under the cover of night, but to his surprise, Martine was there, waiting for him the next morning, her eyes filled with unwavering resolve.
 
Over the years, Martine has become an indispensable companion to Shurosh. She has honed her natural talents for salesmanship under his guidance, learning the art of storytelling and the magic of persuasion. Her presence has added a youthful exuberance to Shurosh's peddling endeavours, and her boundless curiosity has led them on countless adventures and discoveries. Martine possesses a deft hand for repairing worn footwear and garments. She also has a knack for crafting sturdy straw hats and skillfully woven baskets.  
"Martine, the Mender of Soles and Seams!"   "From rags to riches, thanks to Martine's stitches."   "A basket for every need, a hat for every head."   "Martine: The Thread Wizard of the Town."   "In her hands, even the oldest clothes find new stories."
 
Martine, though barely into her twelfth year, possesses a spirit that defies her age - a testament to the resilience of youth and the boundless potential within. Alongside her mentor and companion, Shurosh, she traverses the expanse of Bridgeport County with an insatiable thirst for discovery. Every fortnight, Martine undertakes the journey from the hidden Mushroom Grotto to the well-known inn called Crooked House the heart of Bridgeport, bearing with her a bounty of mushrooms harvested from the depths of the cave and pocketing a decent amount of coin.   Shurosh and Martine plan to embark on an expedition to Hoppsala, the bustling rabbitfolk metropolis, and Paddlewick, the lively city of the duckfolk, later this year. Their mission: to discover exciting new trade opportunities and source unique goods for their business.

Mental characteristics

Education

Guided by Isalia's wisdom and her own keen intuition, Martine has delved into the mystical secrets of witchcraft at young age. From whispered incantations of spellcasting to the brewing of potent potions, Martine has embraced the art of witchcraft with a fervent passion, eager to unlock the mysteries that lie within.   Yet, alongside the formal teachings of her mentor, Martine has also gleaned insights from the world around her, absorbing the subtle nuances of nature's magic through observation and intuition. From the gentle whisper of the wind to the vibrant hues of the natural world, Martine has drawn inspiration from the beauty and wonder that surrounds her, incorporating these elements into her own unique practice of witchcraft.

Relationships

Martine

Apprentice (Important)

Towards Shurosh

5

Frank


Shurosh

Mentor (Important)

Towards Martine

5

Honest


History

Martine led Shurosh into the enchanting depths of Shroomeria, a kingdom where mushrooms reign supreme, while Shurosh, in turn, guided her through the ethereal landscapes of Mag Mell, the mystical realm of the fae.

Martine

Friend (Important)

Towards Kurpitsa Kolokythi

4

Honest


Kurpitsa Kolokythi

Friend (Trivial)

Towards Martine

4

Honest


History

Kurpitsa extended a helping hand to Martine when she arrived in Bridgeport six years ago, providing her with food and fresh clothing. Martine continues to visit Kurpitsa whenever she is in Bridgeport, fostering a bond between them. While Kurpitsa senses that there's something more to Martine, she hasn't quite unraveled the mystery yet.

Bridgeport County
Most southern part of Farenia.
 
Archetype
Peddler
Current Location
Species
Age
12
Spouses
Siblings
Children
Gender
female
Hair
brown
Height
130 cm
Weight
36 kg
Aligned Organization
Mentor
Shurosh
 
Shurosh by Tillerz using MidJourney
This is GM information
The Amber Locket by Tillerz using MidJourney
Talented Artisan: In addition to her salesmanship skills, Martine possesses a natural talent for crafting and creating unique items, even more than Shurosh. She often surprises him with her inventive creations, which occasionally find their way into his eclectic collection.   The Amber Locket: Martine is in possession of a peculiar and ancient artefact that she got from her mother: the "Amber Locket". Its purpose remains a mystery to her, but her mother's words promised that its secrets would be revealed at the right time.   The Mark: Martine carries some mysterious markings on her wrist, intricate symbols that may hold the key to unravelling the truth about her past.


BEHIND THE SCENES
Martine by Tillerz using MidJourney
Martine, though outwardly appearing as an ordinary human child, harbours a lineage as fiery as the blazing sun itself - a legacy traced back to the elemental realm of fire. Entrusted to the care of Isalia, a formidable witch, Martine's upbringing was cloaked in secrecy and steeped in an unconventional pact. In exchange for insights into the elemental realm, Isalia agreed to mentor Martine in the ways of humanity and the mysteries of witchcraft.   Bound within the Ember Locket, Martine's true essence lay dormant, concealed from prying eyes by intricate runes etched upon her skin - a silent reminder to her dual nature. Over the passing years, the locket has begun to stir, its crystalline facade aglow with an inner warmth that grows more pronounced with each passing day. Unbeknownst to Martine, the impending rupture of the locket heralds a cataclysmic reunion with her elemental origins - a fate that threatens to irrevocably alter the course of her destiny.   As the Ember Locket nears its threshold, a delicate balance is threatening to tip. Shurosh, ever the steadfast companion, stands at the precipice of an uncertain future, his bond with Martine teetering on the brink of a dramatic and heartbreaking transformation. A glimmer of hope remains - a chance for an adventurous spirit to comprehend the cryptic symbols decorating Martine's wrist and her link to the locket, and give her a route ahead that protects her human facade while embracing the fiery power that lays latent inside.  

Plot Hooks

Bridgeport's Grand Festival: The adventurers arrive in Bridgeport just in time for the Festival of the Rusty Pipe. For some coppers, Martine offers to be their guide and introduces them to the city's customs and festivities, and they all become embroiled in the excitement and challenges of the grand celebration. Martine might also appear on other occasions, offering repair services or trying to sell some of her wares.   Row, Row, Row the Boat: Shurosh and Martine are looking for a way to get to Paddlewick, by foot is impossible because of Wild Lands between Bridgeport and Paddlewick. But someone with a boat might be able to help them reach the settlement.  
Bridgeport Puzzle by Tillerz using MidJourney
  Bridgeport's Ancient Enigma: Martine knows of an ancient puzzle hidden within the city that has perplexed people for decades. The adventurers could join forces with her to solve the puzzle, potentially leading to a valuable discovery or hidden treasure.
Guardians of the City: Martine has accidentally uncovered evidence of a plot to undermine the city's defenses but no one is even listening to her. The adventurers might be the right ones to find out what is going on and help safeguard Bridgeport from impending danger.  
Shroomeria by Tillerz using MidJourney
  The Mushroom Kingdom: Martine knows all about the Mushroom Grotto (a secretive cave even the Crooked House in Bridgeport gets their mushrooms from). After the fire destroyed her home and killed her parents, the grotto was the place where she found a temporary stay and food. There she also discovered the mushroom people and their kingdom, Shroomeria, hidden underneath the burried ruins of a long lost civilization. She may be able to guide curious individuals inside the Mushroom Kingdom without drawing attention.


Cover image: Martine by Tillerz using MidJourney
Character Portrait image: Martine by Tillerz using MidJourney

Martine

HUMANOID NPC TRADER UNIQUE
Martine, the intrepid twelve-year-old girl with wild brown hair, brown eyes and a sun-kissed tan, embodies the very spirit of adventure. Her journey with Shurosh, the pint-sized peddler, began in the most unexpected of ways, a story she fondly recounts when asked.
Characteristics
STR CON SIZ INT POW DEX CHA
13 10 9 14 12 14 15
2d6+6 3d6 1d6+6 3d6 3d6 4d6 2d6+3
Move Hit Points
10 26
Damage Modifier Armor
+1d4 none
Combat
Attacks: Punch 30%, Kick 45%

In case of danger, Martine will punch and kick the attacker and then run, possibly dropping her heavy baggage somewhere unseen (high grass, into an empty barrel around the corner, whatever is available), trying to retrieve it later.
Skills
Animal Handling 35%, Fast Talk 45%, Language: Farenian 30%, Perform: Orate: 35%, Craft: Stitching 45%, Craft: Shoemaking 25%, Fine Manipulation: 45%, Knowledge: Animal Lore 20%, Knowledge: Natural World 25%, Knowledge: Fae 25%, Insight 25%, Listen 30%, Sense 40%, Spot 35%, Track 30%, Jump 25%, Dodge 55%
Powers
Martine is immune to fire.
Belongings
backpack, several smaller leather bags, stitching tools, shoemaker's tools, knife, Amber Locket, lots of little things to sell like hairbrushes, clothes pins, etc.

Comments

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Sep 10, 2023 12:04 by A

Interesting character with a fascinating backstory to them (I read the spoiler for I had to know...). Especially how she carried on after the tragedy and the relationship she developed with her gnome friend/guardian thus also furthering herself. I can't think of anything more one needs to know about her or how to further her character for you have presented her very well.   One minor note: under "Mysterious Guardian", is it supposed to be revealed instead of reveated?

Worldkeymaster, also known as A of Worldkeymaster.
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Sep 10, 2023 14:53 by Tillerz

Thank you! And this is probably a typo. :P

Feb 3, 2024 17:36 by Chris L

I think Martine is great and the amount of work you did on her is amazing. I look forward to seeing how she affects your world going forward!


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