Backstory for Shade
Shade Nightshade
Background:
Full Name: Rango Star (named by the Church of Pholtus)
Alias: Shade Nightshade, Shade the Shadow
Birthplace: Believed to be near the village of Tristor, though unsure due to lack of memory
Parents: Unknown (orphaned at a young age)
Siblings: None known
Shade’s race appears to be at least part Rhenee, a fact that has led to discrimination and mistrust from others. The Rhenee are often looked upon with suspicion, and this bias has forced Shade to rely even more on his wits and skills to survive.
Motivation and Backstory: Shade Nightshade, born Rango Star, believes he was born near the village of Tristor, though he has no memories to confirm this. He was raised in Rakervale by the Church of Pholtus, which named him Rango Star, as all orphans under their tutelage were given the surname "Star." Despite his upbringing in the church, the dogma and teachings failed to impress him. Surviving by his wits and nimble fingers, he mastered the arts of lockpicking and evading capture. Shade’s life in the streets taught him the value of stealth and precision. Despite his talents, he often felt the cold sting of society's disdain, pushing him further into the fringes.
Determined to find his place, Shade decided to use his skills to aid the Theocracy, hoping to gain acceptance and perhaps uncover clues about his lost family. His sharp mind and dexterous abilities make him a valuable asset in dangerous situations, and his loyalty to those he trusts is unwavering. Shade's journey is driven by a desire to prove his worth and discover the truth about his past, one lockpick at a time.
Character Traits:
Personality: Shade is quiet and observant, often assessing situations from the shadows before making a move. He has a dry sense of humor and a pragmatic approach to problems.
Appearance: Shade is lean and agile, with sharp features and piercing eyes that seem to notice every detail. His dark hair is usually kept short, and he wears simple, dark clothing that helps him blend into his surroundings.
Quirks: Shade has a habit of twirling a lockpick between his fingers when deep in thought. He often speaks in a low, measured tone, revealing little emotion.
Special Abilities:
Local Knowledge: Shade has a 30% chance of knowing something of substance about the inhabitants of Rakervale, given his frequent interactions and observations in the area. For all other cities in the Theocracy, he has a 10% chance of knowing relevant information.
Connections:
Allies: Shade occasionally collaborates with other rogues and outcasts, forming temporary alliances to achieve common goals.
Madame Liora Moonshadow
Madame Liora Moonshadow, head of the Rakervale Thievesguild - Madame Liora is a cunning and resourceful rogue, leading the secretive Thieves' Guild in Rakervale. Born in the city's underbelly, she climbed her way to the top through wit and guile. Liora maintains a delicate balance between criminal activities and keeping the peace with the town's authorities. She has a network of spies and informants, making her an invaluable source of information for those who can afford her services
Enemies: Corrupt officials and those who exploit the weak are frequent targets of Shade’s ire.
Goals: Shade aims to find clues about his lost family while proving his worth to the Theocracy. He also seeks to protect others who find themselves in situations similar to his own.
Combat Style: Shade prefers to strike from the shadows, using his agility and precision to incapacitate foes quickly. He relies on stealth and surprise, aiming to end conflicts before they truly begin. His weapon finesse allows him to make the most of his dexterity, turning even the smallest dagger into a deadly tool in his hands.
Shade Nightshade is a character driven by a mix of survival instincts and a yearning for belonging, making him a complex and intriguing figure in any campaign. His knowledge of Rakervale and other cities adds a layer of depth to his character, making him a valuable resource for information as well as a skilled rogue. The discrimination he faces due to his Rhenee heritage only strengthens his resolve to prove himself and find his place in the world. His disinterest in the teachings of Pholtus highlights his independence and desire to forge his own path.
