Zeke

Background

Childhood

Born in Waterdeep, Zeke showed academic promise from a young age. His earliest memories are of playing with his older brother and twin sister in and around his family's manor in the North Ward. These memories are few and far between, however, and sometimes Zeke wonders if they are even real. The bulk of his childhood memories are of being raised in the Castle Ward. As a child, he was always fascinated with the tales and rumors surrounding Undermountain. A voracious reader, he spent his early days reading anything he could find in the Font of Knowledge. His quick wit, keen memory, and a budding arcane inclination soon caught the attention of a priest of Oghma, who took Zeke under his wing and began tutoring him. Zeke excelled at his studies and was admitted into a study program at the Font, where he spent a relatively happy youth studying and learning to harness his arcane abilities under the careful tutelage of the priests.

The Font

Zeke was eventually granted a trial teaching position at the Font when he turned 33. He proved a good instructor, but was too easily distracted by his students asking for stories of adventures past. The head priest and his staff determined Zeke lacked the 'real world experience' needed to be a full time instructor. "Zeke," the head priest told him, "you have the makings of a great scholar, but you dream about tales of glory and adventure and don't spend enough time in the real world. You need to go out and adventure some on your own, get it out of your system, and come back when you are ready to be a serious scholar."

Setting Off

Discouraged, Zeke set off on his own to gain the 'real world experience' he apparently lacked. Having to move out of his quarters at the Font, his first goal was to find a new residence. Ever thinking of adventure, and hoping it might lead to some 'real life experience', he went to see Durnan, the proprietor of the The Yawning Portal . He had been introduced to Durnan during his studies and knew him well enough that Durnan would always spare a moment or two, even on his busiest nights, to catch up with Zeke and trade new tales.
During his visit, he learned that Durnan had recently been trying, and for the most part failing, to write a series of short stories about his time as proprietor of the Yawning Portal. After a few drinks, the two struck up a plan that left them both quite satisfied. Durnan agreed to let Zeke have a room at the inn for as long as he needed. It was on the smaller side, but no worse than Zeke was used to at the Font. In return, Zeke agreed to interview Durnan, help him organize his thoughts, and write the first set of short stories. Zeke was especially thrilled because he had not only secured lodging, but now had a professional reason to talk about adventures with one of the greatest adventurers of Waterdeep.

Magic

Zeke is a talented arcane caster, being trained a Bard in the College of Lore (The Font). His spellcasting is grounded in his ability to use sound - his voice, a hum, a steady beat, or his instruments - to reach into the Weave, access its magic, and shape it to his will. During his training at the Font, he taught himself a trick - he is able to focus his arcane casting through writing instruments. He typically carries a fancy quill for this purpose, although he often carries a fountain pen as well. 

Casting Spells

Inspiration

• “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
• “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.”
• “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.”
• “Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.”
• “We know what we are, but know not what we may be."

Cantrips

Mage Hand - Verbal / Somatic -  Prestidigitation - Verbal / Somatic -  Vicious Mockery - Verbal - 

• “Mind your speech a little lest you should mar your fortunes.”
• “Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself.”
• “Golden lads and girls all must, as chimney-sweepers, come to dust.”
• “We are time’s subjects, and time bids be gone.”

1st Level

Disguise Self - Verbal / Somatic -  Dissonant Whispers - Verbal -  Faerie Fire - Verbal - “All that glitters is not gold.” Healing Word - Verbal -

2nd Level

Invisibility - Verbal / Somatic / Material -  Silence - Verbal / Somatic - “Men of few words are the best men.” Suggestion - Verbal / Material -  Zone of Truth - Verbal / Somatic - “Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honour, I lose myself.”

Personality Characteristics

Motivation

Learn as much as he can, amass books, tomes, rare scrolls and such, and gain 'real world experience'

Alignment

True Neutral

Gender

male

Eyes

Piercing Green

Hair

Short dark

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Light Tan

Height

6'1"

Weight

165 lbs