Fouk Shadim
Fouk Shadim
The River's Transformation
The partnership with Thronn Zamda developed slowly, built on mutual respect for each other's pragmatic approach to survival. Despite Fouk's tendency toward self-preservation, Thronn has become their first true ally since leaving Bianda-Tul. Their bond deepened through the trials of jungle survival and was forged in blood during the massacre at Vo-Len. The acquisition of Velasha's Emberclaw Toolkit, gifted by Kurgan, marked a turning point in Fouk's evolution from street thief to instrument of political necessity. The magical implement's ability to transform into any artisan's tool proved invaluable during their work at the inspection point, where precision torture required implements that conventional thieves' tools could never provide. Their faith in the God of Death stems from early experiences in Umbrafell, where they learned that death is the only truly fair dealer in life's game. This belief system has deepened through recent Events, particularly their participation in the ritual killings that marked their transformation from survivor to executioner. The systematic nature of their work at Vo-Len felt like offering proper tribute to their dark patron.The Voyage to Power
Aboard the Rustleech, Fouk's understanding of narcotics and alchemical processes earned respect from Captain Malista Tinmaw and her crew. Their expertise proved valuable in understanding the experimental Deezle fuel that powered the vessel's engines and the various toxic substances that plagued the River Vo's polluted waters. The revelation of Kurgan's true mission—retrieving the Obsidian Fang from the Whispering Depths for Sythara, the Witch of Nepos—resonated with Fouk's understanding of ancient powers and forbidden knowledge. Their background with The Shadim guild provided context for the complex magical undertakings that lay ahead. During the voyage's final stretch, as Kurgan and the crew prepared them for the challenges of Grizburg, Fouk's talents crystallized into something greater. Their elevation to Runescriber reflected not just technical skill but an understanding of how arcane formulae could be weaponized through careful application and precise timing.
The Ascension
The recent acquisition of power has transformed Fouk from skilled operative to Runescriber—one who weaves arcane formulae with deadly precision. Their understanding of both criminal enterprises and ancient magics positions them uniquely to navigate the challenges ahead, though they remain wary of any path that claims to be predetermined. Their stated goal—to become the greatest thief who ever lived—has evolved through contact with cosmic forces. Perhaps their true theft will be from destiny, stealing their own fate from the gods who would write it for them. The massacre at Vo-Len proved they possess the will to take what they desire, regardless of the moral cost. Their evolving understanding of The Shadim's true nature—not just as a thieves' guild but as keepers of ancient teleportation magic and otherworldly powers—has shifted their worldview. The stories they heard as a child in Bianda-Tul about shadow creatures and mystical powers now resonate with new meaning as they approach Grizburg's industrial nightmare. The political machinations among the nine river houses mirror the complex power dynamics they left behind in Bianda-Tul, though with far greater stakes. Their experience navigating such treacherous waters serves them well as they help their allies manage these dangerous relationships while pursuing access to the Whispering Depths.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
Small and thin,
Body Features
Burn scars
Facial Features
A burn-scarred face with glazed, bloodshot eyes, and decayed, rotten teeth
Identifying Characteristics
Burn scars
Physical quirks
An unsettling smile and laugh
Special abilities
Extreme dexterity, expertise in arson and drug manufacturing,
Apparel & Accessories
Wears a dark cloak, usually concealing his face in shadows
Specialized Equipment
Alchemy, Assassination
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Teased and ostracized during childhood, due to his general ugliness and lack of gender identity, Fouk developed an interest in poison, arson, thievery, and murder. Fouk was an orphan, rumoured to be part halfling. He was raised in the streets and relied on burglary and pickpocketing to survive. Fouk became addicted to opium, and developed a keen interest in narcotics, poisons, and arson. He is an aspiring master assassin, and delights in commiting thievery and murder, especially for hire. Fouk joined a street-gang of the thief/assasin guild "The Shadim" at a young age. This is why Fouk is known by the title "Fouk Shadim". Although Fouk has many associates and mentors in this group, Fouk has no personal relationships to speak of, and only follows the secretive code of the group because he will be killed promptly if he does not. Due to his affiliation with the Shadim, Fouk is familiar with a network of contraband dealers, stolen goods fences, and spy and assassination operatives and liaisons. Following the survival of a shipwreck in Nolavar, he found employment working for the Tavern owner and power broker Kurgan, and teamed up with the half-orc ranger Thronn Zambda, who had been cast out of the Orc Bloodvlaw Clan. As Fouk gained experience and became a professional assassin, his drug addiction began to increase to a debilitating degree. The magic dagger of Peake he discovered in the jungles of Nolavor gave him a glimpse of the arcane, and he became increasingly interested in magic and alchemy. Fouk decided to undertake a serious study of the art and science of Arcane alchemy, in order to have control over his own chemical dependencies and the ability to create new strange drugs, chemicals and poisons. A lifelong interest in fire and arson also played a role in his new obsession. Finding himself in the grip of an increasing addiction to Mummy Dust, Fouk became devoted to understanding the nature of it, that he might produce his own supply. As a lifelong tinkerer and experimenter, he quickly became infatuated with learning the secrets of alchemy magic, and set out to make a reputation for himself in the criminal underworld.
Gender Identity
Gender neutral, but uses male pronouns
Sexuality
Asexual, uses sex for subversion. Previously engaged in prostitution for money as a destitute orphan
Education
The Shadim Thieves Guild (Thievery, Assassination)
Alchemy/Arson/Poison/Drug Manufacturing (Self Taught, Assisted by the Spirit of Peake)
Employment
Kurgan, The Shadim
Accomplishments & Achievements
Expertise in thievery and assassination techniques,
Successful as an alchemist experimenter, arsonist, and drug manufacturer
Failures & Embarrassments
micro penis, physical weakness
Mental Trauma
Fouk has led a difficult life in terrible conditions, and has experienced practically every form of abuse when growing up among the street urchins. When he was taken in by the Shadim, his will and morality were corrupted completely, and he no longer has any sort of moral compass
Intellectual Characteristics
Fouk is quite intelligent in a streetwise, practical sense, and has a knack for invention of mechanical devices, as well as a natural affinity for chemical science
Morality & Philosophy
Self-centered, drug addicted. Will assist comrades to further his own ends, but puts little value on the lives of others. Fouk has no conscience about performing evil deeds to further his own objectives
Taboos
drug use, arson, criminal-minded
Personality Characteristics
Motivation
Drug addiction, revenge on society for its cruelty
Savvies & Ineptitudes
Savvy: Assasination, Alchemy
Inept: Interpersonal relationships, Physical Strength
Likes & Dislikes
Fire, Drugs - Likes
Goody Two Shoes - Dislikes
Virtues & Personality perks
Proud of expertise in the arts of assassination and alchemy
Vices & Personality flaws
Drug abuse, Criminal Behavior, Psychopathy
Personality Quirks
Burn Scars, erratic behavior
Hygiene
Poor
A thief, assassin, arsonist, and drug addict. Half-halfling, transgender, Fouk is an opium addict and career criminal. An orphan trained in burglary, murder, and smuggling by a criminal organization known as "The Shadim"
View Character Profile"I can be whoever I need to be, or no one at all!"
"My shadow is my best friend!"
"Stabbing someone in neck and burning their house down takes me to my happy place!"
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