Alber Guldenstern
Alber Guildenstern is a shadow within the darker corners of Verbobonc, a name whispered in the backrooms of taverns, in hushed exchanges between criminals, and in the desperate prayers of those who have crossed him. A man of plain features, small stature, and unassuming presence, Alber has made anonymity his most powerful weapon. He is never seen, never heard, yet always succeeds.
Arriving in Verbobonc City from Dyvers, Free Lands of seven years ago, he established himself as a freelance operative for the city’s criminal underworld, selling his services to those with coin. But unlike common thugs or mercenaries, Alber is a professional—his work is precise, his reputation unblemished, and his fees exorbitant. Now, he serves Lakash Quallad, a merchant and secret agent of the Temple of Elemental Evil, using his skills to sow chaos and dissent within the Viscounty.
Appearance & Demeanor
Physical Description
- Small and forgettable: Standing just below average height, Alber is the type of man whose face fades from memory the moment you look away.
- Plain features: Neither ugly nor handsome, his expression is perpetually neutral, making it difficult to read his thoughts.
- Dark, practical clothing: Always dressed in muted tones of brown and grey, designed to blend into a crowd and disappear.
- Soft, deliberate movements: Every step is measured, every gesture controlled—Alber wastes no motion.
Personality
- Coldly professional: Alber never acts on impulse and never kills without purpose. He does only what is required by his contract.
- Detached and pragmatic: He has no personal loyalties and sees the world as a web of contracts, debts, and obligations.
- Speaks only when necessary: Alber believes words are as dangerous as weapons, and uses them sparingly.
- Favors efficiency over cruelty: He is not sadistic, but not merciful either. The job gets done, nothing more, nothing less.
"Violence is a tool. I prefer not to use it. But make no mistake—it is a tool I know well."
Background & History
Origins in Dyvers
- Alber's early life is a mystery, even among those who employ him.
- He likely honed his craft in Dyvers, a city rife with thieves’ guilds, political intrigue, and assassins for hire.
- Some suspect he was once a failed noble, others believe he was a common street rat who learned to survive.
Arrival in Verbobonc
- Seven years ago, Alber appeared in Verbobonc, taking high-risk, high-paying contracts for local thieves' guilds and corrupt merchants.
- He quickly gained a reputation for precision and discretion, making him one of the most sought-after fixers in the city.
- Unlike other criminals, he has no known allies or crew—Alber works alone.
Motivations & Methods
Why He Works for Lakash Quallad
- Lakash Quallad, a noble-turned-merchant with ties to the Temple of Elemental Evil, has hired Alber to spread discord within Verbobonc.
- Alber sees Lakash as a means to an end, an employer willing to pay handsomely for his unique skills.
- Unlike other criminals, Lakash thinks long-term, which suits Alber’s calculated approach to his work.
His Work in Verbobonc
- Political destabilization: Alber discreetly blackmails officials, sabotages trade deals, and spreads misinformation to weaken Verbobonc’s leadership.
- Eliminating threats: Those who pose a danger to Lakash’s plans often disappear—Alber ensures their deaths appear accidental or untraceable.
- Fomenting unrest: He subtly pushes rival factions into conflict, ensuring that Verbobonc’s thieves’ guilds, merchants, and nobles remain divided.
His Code
- "The job is the job." Alber takes no unnecessary risks and does only what he is paid for.
- "I am not your friend, nor your enemy." Alber remains emotionally detached, seeing his work as pure business.
- "I do not leave loose ends." He ensures there are no witnesses, no evidence, no betrayals.
Relationships & Factions
Lakash Quallad – The Mastermind Employer (Employer & Potential Rival)
- Alber is one of Lakash’s most valuable assets, used for high-level manipulation and covert operations.
- Though he respects Lakash’s intelligence, Alber trusts him no more than necessary.
- He suspects that Lakash is using him as a disposable asset—a mistake Lakash will only make once.
"You have grand ambitions, Lakash. That’s good. Just remember—ambition makes men reckless."
The Thieves' Guilds of Verbobonc (Both Clients & Enemies)
- The various thieves' guilds and criminal factions in Verbobonc either admire or fear Alber.
- Many would love to employ him, but none can control him.
- Some suspect he is working against them, but can never prove it.
"A guild is only as strong as the weakest thief. You should hope I never find yours."
The Council of Lords of Verbobonc (Unwitting Victims)
- Through Lakash’s schemes, Alber is slowly eroding the stability of the Viscounty, ensuring leaders remain suspicious and divided.
- Several lords and merchants have fallen to scandal and misfortune, unaware that Alber was the true hand behind their ruin.
- If the Council ever discovers his existence, every spy, bounty hunter, and assassin in Verbobonc will be after him.
Adventure Hooks & Encounters
The Invisible Hand (Mystery & Investigation Hook)
- The adventurers stumble upon a political scandal or assassination, with no clear evidence of the perpetrator.
- Clues lead them to whispers of a faceless killer, but tracking him is nearly impossible.
A Contract on the Players (Thriller & Chase Hook)
- Lakash Quallad orders Alber to eliminate the party after they interfere in his schemes.
- The players must evade a hunter who leaves no trace, or turn the tables on the assassin.
Turning Alber Against Lakash (Intrigue & Negotiation Hook)
- If the players can prove Lakash is planning to betray him, they may be able to turn Alber against his employer.
- But what price will he ask in exchange for his aid?
Conclusion
Alber Guildenstern is a ghost in the underworld of Verbobonc, a man whose name is never spoken except in whispers. He exists between the shadows, a professional fixer, assassin, and manipulator, tied to Lakash Quallad’s grand designs yet beholden to none.
To those who cross his path, one truth remains certain:
If Alber Guildenstern wants you dead, you’ll never see it coming.
"You won’t find Alber Guildenstern. If you do, it’s because he wanted you to."
Alber Guildenstern
(Medium Humanoid, Human, Assassin level 9, Neutral Evil)
AC 15 (Leather Armor, Defensive Tactics)
HP 49 (9d8+9)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 18 (+4) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 13 (+1) |
Saving Throws Dex +7, Int +5
Skills Stealth +9, Deception +6, Insight +5, Perception +6, Sleight of Hand +7, Investigation +5
Senses Passive Perception 16
Languages Common, Thieves’ Cant
Abilities
Elusive Operative. Alber can’t be sneak attacked while he is not incapacitated.
Never Seen, Never Heard. If Alber is in dim light or darkness, he can take the Hide action as a bonus action, even when observed.
Assassin’s Precision. On his first turn in combat, Alber has advantage on attack rolls against surprised creatures and scores a critical hit on a 19 or 20.
Actions
Multiattack. Alber makes two melee attacks.
Dagger (Melee or Ranged). +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d4+4) piercing damage.
Poisoned Blade. A target hit by Alber’s dagger must make a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or take 7 (2d6) poison damage and be poisoned for 1 minute.
Bonus Actions
Cunning Action. Alber can Dash, Disengage, or Hide as a bonus action.
Reactions
Evasive Step. When hit by an attack, Alber can use his reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll.
Equipment:
+1 Leather Coat of Resistance, +1 Dagger of Venom
Potion invisibility
Potion Cure Wounds
4 Vials of Poison type IV
1 Vial of Poison type V
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