Martine

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. Six years ago, Martine's life took a tragic turn when her family's home in the quiet village of Floxville was reduced to ashes in a devastating fire. Left homeless and alone, she wandered the streets in search of refuge and meaning. It was during this period of uncertainty that she first laid eyes on the cheerful Shurosh.
Shurosh, the 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 the skill to mend worn-out 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."

Though she is only twelve, Martine's spirit is unbreakable. She is a living testament to the idea that the most extraordinary journeys often begin with an ordinary step. Together with Shurosh, she continues to travel across Bridgeport County, aiming to see what lies beyond. Every two weeks, she delivers mushrooms from the Mushroom Grotto to the Crooked House in Bridgeport.
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.

Relationships

Martine

Apprentice (Important)

Towards Shurosh

5

Frank

---

Shurosh

Mentor (Important)

Towards Martine

5

Honest

---

History

Martine introduced Shurosh to the mushroom kingdom of Shroomeria, and Shurosh has shown her the fae realm of Mag Mell.

Martine

Friend (Important)

Towards Kurpitsa Kolokythi

4

Honest

---

Kurpitsa Kolokythi

Friend (Trivial)

Towards Martine

4

Honest

---

History

Kurpitsa has helped Martine with food and fresh clothing when Martine showed up in Bridgeport six years ago. Martine still visits Kurpitsa each time she is in Bridgeport. Kurpitsa knows something is up with Martine, but she didn't figure it out yet.

Bridgeport County

Open full size

Most southern part of Farenia.

Archetype

Peddler

Current Location

Bridgeport County

Species

Human

Age

12

Spouses

Siblings

Gender

female

Hair

brown

Height

130 cm

Weight

49 kg

Aligned Organization

The Backpacking Banterers

Related Historical Events

• 2860 PB
  Martine meets Shurosh
• 2859 PB
  Martine meets Kurpitsa
• 2859 PB
  Martine hides in the Floxville Grotto
• 2859 PB
  Martine's home burns down
• 2853 PB
  Birthday of Martine

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.
Mysterious Guardian: Martine is the guardian 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 is the heir of a potent fire elemental lineage. Her human "mother", Isalia, also a skilled witch, struck a deal with Martine's ancestors: to teach everything she knew to the child for a couple of years in exchange for fiery powers directly drawn from the realm of flames. To hide Martine's nature from prying eyes and safeguard their home from infernos, Isalia temporarily bound the elemental's fiery essence within the Ember Locket, concealing her true identity as a human. Ironically, Isalia's control over fire lapsed years later, tragically ending her life when flames engulfed her home.
The symbols etched onto Martine's wrist serve as a conduit to the Ember Locket. In recent times, the locket has been increasingly captivating Martine's attention as it warms to the touch, and the small crystalline window adorning its front emanates a more brilliant light. It's only a matter of a few months before the locket becomes unbearably hot and bursts, facilitating the reunion of Martine with her original form and elemental powers from the plane of fire. Shurosh would be devastated by losing Martine as companion on his travels. However, perhaps someone with the ability to decipher these intricate markings can fathom what is transpiring and offer assistance to Martine, allowing her to retain her current identity if she so desires.

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 introduces them to the city's customs and festivities, and they all become embroiled in the excitement and challenges of the grand celebration.
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'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.

Bridgeport Puzzle by Tillerz using MidJourney

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.
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 home and food. There she also found 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 to herself.

Shroomeria 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

Martine by Tillerz using MidJourney

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.