Thalindra Ebonheart

Thalindra Ebonhart, the Chief Mage of The Tainted, is a brilliant and pragmatic spellcaster who oversees the organization’s magical operations. From crafting protective wards to managing the acquisition and use of magical artifacts, Thalindra ensures that The Tainted wields magic as a powerful tool in its operations. A respected professor at the Arcane Institute of Widton, she expertly balances her double life as an academic and a high-ranking member of Widton’s most feared criminal syndicate.
Despite her ties to The Tainted, Thalindra maintains an approachable and warm persona. She is well-known in the magical community for her knowledge, her ability to "fix" cursed items, and her humor, which she shares over drinks with her former classmates. However, beneath her scholarly charm lies a sharp mind that is unafraid to use magic for ruthless efficiency when the situation demands it.

Responsibilities

As Chief Mage, Thalindra’s role is essential to the success and survival of The Tainted. Her responsibilities include:
Artifact Management

• Thalindra oversees the acquisition, maintenance, and utilization of magical artifacts, ensuring The Tainted has access to powerful tools and weapons.
• She personally evaluates all magical items brought to her, often repurposing "failed" school projects or even cursed artifacts for practical use.

Protective Wards

• She is responsible for the enchantment and warding of The Tainted’s headquarters and safehouses, creating barriers that shield against scrying, intrusions, and magical detection.
• Her wards are famously intricate, said to trap anyone foolish enough to attempt infiltration.

Magical Operations

• Thalindra advises Cyrus Thorne and the inner council on all matters of magic, offering insights into the arcane aspects of their plans.
• She coordinates magical support for missions, such as disguises, teleportation, or offensive spells, ensuring smooth execution.

Background

Academic Excellence
Thalindra is a respected professor at the Arcane Institute of Widton, where she teaches courses on enchantments and magical artifacts. Her position grants her access to valuable magical resources and information, which she uses to further the goals of The Tainted. Her colleagues and students know her as a brilliant but unconventional teacher, often incorporating humor and hands-on experimentation in her lessons.

The Tavern Circle
Outside of her academic and criminal duties, Thalindra regularly meets with a group of mage friends from her school days. These casual gatherings at a local tavern provide her with an outlet for relaxation and a way to maintain her network in Widton’s magical community.

Side Business: Magic Item Sales

In addition to her official responsibilities, Thalindra sells magical items from a small shop near the Arcane Institute. Her inventory includes enchanted trinkets, potions, and even "failed projects" from students or her own experiments. While some items are genuinely useful, others come with peculiar quirks or unintended effects, often to hilarious—or disastrous—results.

Personality

Thalindra’s personality strikes a balance between approachable academic and calculating mage. She is witty, friendly, and patient with those who show genuine curiosity or competence, but she has little tolerance for arrogance or incompetence.

Role in The Tainted

Thalindra is both a practical and tactical asset to The Tainted. Her enchantments, magical knowledge, and access to the Arcane Institute give the organization a significant edge over rivals and enemies.

Notable Contributions

The Ward of Shadows: Thalindra created the protective wards surrounding The Tainted’s main headquarters, making it one of the safest locations in Widton.
Artifact Restoration: She has restored and repurposed several powerful magical items for the organization, including a Ring of Invisibility and a Staff of Fireballs.
Magical Support: During a high-profile assassination mission, Thalindra’s use of teleportation magic allowed The Tainted’s mercenaries to escape unscathed, cementing her reputation as a key player in the organization.

Reputation

Among The Tainted: Thalindra is seen as approachable but intimidating; many operatives come to her for help with cursed items or magical advice but tread carefully, knowing that she doesn’t tolerate time-wasters.
In the Arcane Institute: She is respected for her brilliance, though her eccentric teaching style makes her a divisive figure among her peers.
To the Public: Thalindra is known as a skilled enchanter and teacher, with a small but loyal customer base for her magical items. Few suspect her ties to The Tainted.