Soren Valkala
Soren Valkala
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Soren Valkala was born a small child of a poor family in Vallaki. His parents struggled to keep their family together, but his father died from an infection to a work injury he received before Soren's 4th birthday. His mother didn't last much longer, contracting pneumonia and dying the following winter. His older sister Ylena took care of him from then on to the best of her abilities for the next several years.
His childhood was rather confusing for him, and he felt different from others (even though he couldn't pinpoint why). His dreams would show him glimpses of other peoples' lives. His eyes would glow a steely-blue color when his emotions grew strong and he found he could communicate through thoughts. His family discouraged him from revealing this to others and helped him conceal it when they could, as such strange characteristics could draw unwanted attention to oneself.
Shortly before his 8th birthday, in the early hours of the morning, Soren woke up from a troubled sleep when he sees his sister leaving their shack with the unmistakable figure of Strahd von Zarovich. Frozen with fear and confusion, he does nothing but watch as they disappear into the darkness. By time he gets his thoughts together and rushes after them, they are gone.
He tries to see help from the townsfolk, but no one believes him. He is punished and spurned for even thinking such things and is labelled as a pariah by the town and its baron. Anyone who may have previously helped him and his family cut ties, leaving him to survive on the streets.
He holds onto the hope that his sister still alive and is convinced she is held captive in Castle Ravenloft, but deep down inside he knows that she is probably dead or worse. This desire to find her one day is what helps him keep on living. He continues to live in the shadows, swearing to take revenge on Strahd and stopping him so others don't have to suffer a similar experience. Unfortunately, he cannot do this alone, and finding anyone who believes him (not to mention would be willing to do anything about it) is near impossible.
Education
None
Employment
None
Accomplishments & Achievements
None
Failures & Embarrassments
Yes
Mental Trauma
Yes