Skrethin Paolis

Personal History

Skrethin Paolis grew up on the outskirts of Umcebo, in a dimly lit, sprawling library maintained by a distant relative who was a devout scholar of Deneir. This upbringing fostered his love for rare antiquities and knowledge, setting him on the path to becoming a renowned acquirer of ancient treasures.
While most bugbears of his lineage found purpose in strength and intimidation, Skrethin veered into the intellectual realm, captivated by history’s mysteries and the potential of ancient artifacts. He dedicated himself to the teachings of Deneir, seeking to preserve the truths of the past and uncover the forgotten secrets of civilizations lost to time.
Despite his reclusive nature, Skrethin's name is whispered in academic and adventuring circles as the one to approach for rare, genuine artifacts. He established profitable yet tenuous relationships with the dwarves of Grundrimm, whose mining efforts frequently unearth relics that appeal to his meticulous tastes. However, his dealings with them are often strained by mutual distrust.

Physical Descriptions

Appearance & Attire

Skrethin is a wiry bugbear with a gaunt, almost skeletal frame. His thin layer of coarse black fur clings close to his body, appearing patchy in the harsh light he avoids. His striking green eyes glint with both intelligence and suspicion, always scanning his surroundings.
A snubbed nose and slick black hair, tied back into a neat bun, give him an air of academic precision. He wears long, flowing robes of muted black and deep green, embroidered subtly with symbols of Deneir. Beneath the robes, he keeps an assortment of satchels and compartments for tools, scrolls, and small relics. His hands, though thin and clawed, are surprisingly delicate, hinting at his scholarly pursuits rather than physical labor.

Concealed Items

A small, enchanted lockbox containing his most treasured find: a glowing shard of an ancient Aragite mural.

A masterfully concealed dagger engraved with Deneir’s symbol, for emergencies.

A tiny vial of luminescent ink used for inscriptions and hidden writings.

What do they sound like

Skrethin speaks in a low, raspy voice, each word carefully enunciated, as if measured for precision and impact. His tone is clipped and businesslike, reflecting his disdain for idle chatter. When reciting scripture or academic text, his voice takes on a melodic, almost reverent quality.

Social

Motivations

To preserve the truth of the past by recovering and safeguarding rare antiquities.

To deepen his knowledge of ancient civilizations, particularly the Aragites.

To maintain a network of profitable trade routes with Grundrimm and other excavation sites.

To advance his standing within the scholarly community while ensuring his findings remain exclusive to those he deems worthy.

Personality Traits

Pragmatic and analytical, Skrethin values logic over emotion.

Reclusive, he prefers the company of books and artifacts to people.

Wary and meticulous, he distrusts most individuals, especially those who approach him for his knowledge or possessions.

Deeply devout, his actions and decisions are often guided by his faith in Deneir.

Flaws

His mistrust of others often leads to strained relationships and missed opportunities for collaboration.

He is so protective of his treasures that he sometimes places their safety above his own well-being.

His reclusiveness isolates him, leaving him vulnerable to betrayal from those he chooses to trust.

A stubborn perfectionist, he struggles to delegate tasks or accept help.

Ideals

Knowledge is the most valuable treasure of all and must be preserved at any cost.

Faith in Deneir provides clarity and guidance in a chaotic world.

Artifacts are not merely items of value but fragments of history deserving respect and protection.

Current Location

Umcebo

Belief/Deity

Deneir, god of writing