There was never any question regarding the occupational trade Krick would adopt. His true father, a con-man and notorious thief from Watershire, was one of the greatest rogues of the last fifty years. Morved Ghound was so good in fact, that Krick's mother claimed she never actually knew him--mistaking him in disguise for her actual lover. His step-father, a renowned scoundrel in the merchant and low districts of Delerion, could rob a man of his week’s booty and a woman of her dignity faster than most men could lose a game of dice. Krick inherited quick hands, a sharp tongue, and a penchant for nosing out trouble from his dear old step-dad. He lacked, however, the over-abundance of arrogance and the reputation for appearing on the “most wanted” signs on merchant doors--a character flaw in the eyes of old-timers who had lived to see retirement. Recker Tandy was a man of legend, and Krick was happy enough just to be in the shadow of greatness. Of course his step-father was hanged for a capital crime (officially the theft of a nobleman’s family heirlooms, though most agreed it was the illicit affair with the lady of the manor that sealed his fate), proving that sometimes being in the sun led to a bad burn--rope burn in this case. Krick enjoyed the shade, but ultimately couldn't be swayed from such a life. It was, after all, in his blood.
Unlike his step-father, Krick has kept a fairly low profile in Delerion, something that has worked much to his advantage. Never one to target the larger, more obvious jobs, Krick has made a career out of more opportune occasions that hold less payoff but ensure a longer life. His network of contacts is well-extended throughout the city, and Krick is known to be a man of his word, despite the unsavory life he leads. A thief, counterfeiter, liar, charmer, drunk, mercenary and scoundrel, Krick would have made the old man proud, had he lived long enough to see his son in action.
Hired five years ago for a recovery mission into Delerion’s inner “Core,” Krick found himself entering a world of darkness and deceit unlike anything before encountered in the city’s seedy underworld. Awakened to a sinister veil pulled over the denizens of the city, Krick discovered the truth of countless disappearances and abductions. Something evil dwelt within the rotted core of Delerion and preyed on those who knew no better. It was a shocking answer to an untold number of questions and lingering mysteries, and Krick vowed to help keep would-be victims far and away from this nest of nightwalkers.
These days Krick finds comfort in his trustworthy alliances, eager to shed more light on Delerion’s coveted secrets, while at the same time keep a low enough profile to remain overlooked by unwanted eyes.
-T
www.toddvanhooser.com
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