Mariana Goldfinch
Baroness Mariana Goldfinch
Mariana Goldfinch is the baroness of Salt Lake and a former member of the adventuring party, the Breadwinners. She currently is the head of the Tazmikillers, a dragon slaying company.
For their blustering, Gabe was crippled and Mariana was left with horrific lightning scars, though neither was killed due to Akadi's personal intervention. Seeing their daughter as too reckless, she was sent to Tumbleton to study at Gregory Tumbleton University.
In 1493, Mariana formed the Tazmikillers, a dragon slaying company named after the copper dragon that had assisted her so many times in the past. The company has gained fame for its effectiveness and infamy for its leader's occasional lack of tact.
Personal History
Early Life
Mariana was born in 1472, the only child of Artus and Enya Goldfinch, grew up in Salt Lake, a small vassal settlement of Amphail. While young, she developed a close personal bond with her older cousin, Gabriel. When Mariana was 18, in 1490, Salt Lake underwent a horrific drought. Attempting to take matters into her own hands, Mariana and Gabe sought out a temple of Akadi nearby and attempted to force Akadi’s Wrath into reversing the drought.For their blustering, Gabe was crippled and Mariana was left with horrific lightning scars, though neither was killed due to Akadi's personal intervention. Seeing their daughter as too reckless, she was sent to Tumbleton to study at Gregory Tumbleton University.
Early Adventuring Days
That same year, Mariana met fellow classmates Legolass, Malachor, and Amber when the four saved Eyleth Veral from Cult of the Dragon. After one year of study abroad, Mariana returned to Tumbleton in 1491 with her companions to find the small town under attack by the Cult of the Dragon. She helped fight back against the cult, but suffered grievous wounds when challenging the half-dragon Cyanwrath in a duel. Following the cult to their nearby hideout, Mariana assisted in rescuing Ser Vich from his restraints. She was then recruited, alongside her three classmates, into assisting Ser Vich rally the forces of the Sword Coast. While taking a stop in Elturel to meet with Onthar Frume, Mariana met Jessabelle Leonin for the first time, in what would become a lasting friendship. She assisted Leonin in getting Baldur's Gate to join the burgeoning anti-Dragon Cult Alliance. During her time in Baldur's Gate, Amber tragically died while the group attempted to infiltrate Lysara the Grin's gang. Mariana later assisted Order of the Gauntlet member Eilidh in stopping Lysara, leading to the former's recruitment. During the Baldur's Gate Uprising, Mariana joined her friends in stopping Alexander Rake and personally dealt the final blow to the councilman. It was during this uprising that Legolass's sword, Bastion, regained sentience. During a break on Stormbreak Island, Mariana met Akhros and Ava, the latter of whom would become a personal friend and drinking companion. In 1492, Mariana and her companions traveled to Salt Lake, where they ended the Siege of Salt Lake. Mariana forced the abdication of her father, taking the title of Baroness for herself, though she passed day-to-day responsibility to her cousin Gabriel. The Siege of Salt Lake also served as the official formation of the group, The Breadwinners.The Breadwinners
Mariana joined the rest of the Breadwinners, alongside Agent Viné Seraph of Force Grey, in infiltrating the Cult of the Dragon's base within the Mere of Dead Men. This excursion resulted in her gaining the Gauntlet of the Black Dragon, found in the long hidden Tomb of Yssondreneth which fused to her right arm. The Breadwinners had a run in with the Reverse Funnel System adventuring group in Silverymoon during their mission to steal the Book of Draconic Rituals. After this last mission, Mariana and the Breadwinners were given full authority to act on behalf of the newly formed Council of Waterdeep. At their direction, the group engaged in many missions. In addition, the The Breadwinners were joined by the bard Esme, whom the party met as Mariana's one-time lover. Mariana and the Breadwinners fought and slayed the white dragon Arauthator in his lair on Oyaviggaton. They captured Varram the Blue, one of the Cult of the Dragon's Wyrmspeakers and slayed the Green Wyrmspeaker Neronvain and his dragon Chuth in theMisty Forest. In late 1492, Mariana assisted the Breadwinners in negotiating with the Metallic Dragon Council. To secure their alliance, the Breadwinners recovered the Staff of Shadowfell Sundering, which had been stolen from the copper dragon Tazmikella, from the ruins of Ken Asari. This action persuaded Tazmikella to teach Mariana how to control the Black Gauntlet she wore. Mariana joined the Breadwinners in clearing out Xonthal's Tower, the future home of her companion Ava, in the failed mission to recover the Helm of the Red Dragon. She would also participate in the successful negotiations with the Red Wizards in Thay. During the Battle of Hardbuckler, Mariana participated in the attack on the new Green Wyrmspeaker, Amara, in the failed attempt to neutralize her during the Battle of Hardbuckler. During the Battle at the Well of Dragons, Mariana and the Breadwinners spearheaded the infiltration of the Well itself, slaying Don Rel and subsequently Bastion, who had been accumulating power during the war and absorbed all the souls at the Well of Dragons.Life After the War
Following the Great Dragon War, Mariana settled in Waterdeep, reluctant in to take up the responsibility of ruling Salt Lake. Through her training with Tazmikella, Mariana was able to unattune to the Gauntlet of the Black Dragon, and she handed it over to the metallic dragons.In 1493, Mariana formed the Tazmikillers, a dragon slaying company named after the copper dragon that had assisted her so many times in the past. The company has gained fame for its effectiveness and infamy for its leader's occasional lack of tact.
Mental characteristics
Education
Mariana was granted all the opportunities a country noble's daughter could expect. However, her education was often lacking due to her insistence on skipping lessons or her lack of attention. This attitude carried over into her studies in Tumbleton.
Where Mariana excelled was her study of combat. Through training and practical experience, Mariana is considered to be unparalleled in the Sword Coast in pole-arm combat.
Where Mariana excelled was her study of combat. Through training and practical experience, Mariana is considered to be unparalleled in the Sword Coast in pole-arm combat.
Employment
From 1491 to 1492, Mariana served as a member of The Breadwinners adventuring company. As a Breadwinner, she also gained authority to act on behalf of the Council of Waterdeep when it had formed to combat the threat of the Cult of the Dragon.
In 1492, she gained the Barony of Salt Lake. However, she has yet to take up any meaningful role in governing the town, instead choosing to let her cousin Gabriel lead.
In 1493, Mariana formed the Tazmikillers dragon slaying company, which she presently owns and operates.
In 1492, she gained the Barony of Salt Lake. However, she has yet to take up any meaningful role in governing the town, instead choosing to let her cousin Gabriel lead.
In 1493, Mariana formed the Tazmikillers dragon slaying company, which she presently owns and operates.
Accomplishments & Achievements
As a member of The Breadwinners, Mariana's accomplishments are numerous. She is heralded as a hero of Baldur's Gate for her role in the Baldur's Gate Uprising. She holds similar status in Waterdeep for her efforts assisting the Council of Waterdeep.
In addition, her exploits during the Great Dragon War have made her a near household name across the Sword Coast, her efforts serving as an inspiration for many young women that feel constrained by their obligations.
Her relationship with the copper dragon Tazmikella is unique for a Human, the dragon both respecting Mariana's power and commitment, even when she scolds the human for her recklessness.
Failures & Embarrassments
Due to the circumstances surrounding the Siege of Salt Lake, Mariana has never reconciled with her father Artus, for causing the drought, nor her mother Enya for continuing to support her father.
Perhaps Mariana's greatest failure was the death of her fellow classmate and friend, Amber , in 1492, where she died during the group's operation to infiltrate the lair of Lysara the Grind.
Perhaps Mariana's greatest failure was the death of her fellow classmate and friend, Amber , in 1492, where she died during the group's operation to infiltrate the lair of Lysara the Grind.
Social
Contacts & Relations
Mariana's relations with the other former Breadwinners varies significantly, as befitting a group that was put together in such a ragtag fashion.
Mariana still regularly sees and drinks with Ava when the latter visits Waterdeep. The two are often joined by both Eilidh and Esme, whom Mariana has not attempted to pursue another tryst with.
Though living in the same city, Malachor and Mariana typically only see one another during tournaments, where their rivalry has become legendary. Mariana especially tends to play up their disagreements for the fans.
Mariana has not seen Legolass for some time. The secrets she kept eventually grew to be too much for Mariana, and Legolass has spent the last couple of years low profile. Likewise, Mariana hasn't seen Akhros much either. She wouldn't mind talking with him again, but the tiefling's distant nature prevented the two from ever forming a strong bond.
Mariana maintains a strong correspondence with Jessabelle Leonin, the older adventurer viewing Mariana as a protege of sorts.
Family Ties
Mariana's relationship with her parents, Artus and Enya has been strained since the Siege of Salt Lake. Her strongest familial connection is with her cousin and best friend Gabe, who currently is running Salt Lake in her absence.
Alignment
Chaotic Good
Current Location
Species
Date of Birth
3rd of Nightal
Year of Birth
1472 CR
26 Years old
Birthplace
Children
Current Residence
Waterdeep
Gender
Female
Eyes
Dark Brown
Hair
Long, black
Height
5'11"
Aligned Organization
Other Affiliations
Ruled Locations
Comments