Nickolai Marin

by **Nickolai Marin** on July 28th, 2014, 12:33 am

Contents

Character Theme

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by **Nickolai Marin** on July 28th, 2014, 5:12 am

General Information

Birth Name: Nickolai Marin
Alias: Alexander Hornigold
Birth Date: 10th Spring, 490 AV
Birth Place: Zeltiva
Location: Kenash

Employment Information

Occupation: Thief
Employer: Adelaide Sitai
Duties: In the chaotic realm of Mizahar, survival is a constant struggle. Within the relatively safe confines of a city, an individual stands a chance against the merciless wilderness and the malevolent creatures that call it home. However, even with this sliver of hope, there are those who are less fortunate than others. In a sense, the cataclysmic war of the deities reset the known world; yet society would eventually repair itself in the form of social classes. Unfortunately, Nickolai found himself at one of the lower rungs of the metaphorical ladder and had to do what was necessary to survive. What began as the swiping of food in order to stave off starvation soon grew to the pilfering of coin. The desire to survive transitioned into the definition of avarice.

Now, Nickolai preys upon those whose pockets are deep and whose bellies are fat. He has spent years cultivating his craft and has no qualms about robbing anyone blind. As a thief, Nickolai's duty is simple: steal anything of value, hand it off to a fence, and pocket the resulting coin.

by **Nickolai Marin** on July 28th, 2014, 5:58 am

Physical Information

Age: 24
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 176 lbs

Injuries & Scars

Freeborn BrandAcquired on the 35th day of Summer, in the year 514 AV, this injury denotes Nickolai's status as a Freeborn within Kenash. It will be bandaged/covered until healed on the 63rd day of Summer, 514 AV. After that point, it will be clearly visible through a hole cut into Nickolai's left glove, specifically for the purpose of exposing the brand; as per the city's laws.

Appearance

Due to the nature of his occupation, it is a rarity to witness the full identity of Nickolai Marin. However, to those few who have seen his face, they are met with unremarkable features. He is a man of approximately average height and is characterized by an athletic build; cultivated during years of manual labor at Zeltiva's docks. Although the manner that he grooms his hair fluctuates depending upon potential "jobs", Nickolai prefers to allow his brown hair to freely cascade to his shoulders. On another note, his eyes (a gift from his mother) are a vibrant blue. Furthermore, Nickolai prefers to keep himself clean shaven; although the occasional stubble may be seen during times of immense travel. At present, there are no distinguishing marks or scars that would set him apart from the average individual...He is, quite simply, an unremarkable, easily forgettable, face.
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by **Nickolai Marin** on July 28th, 2014, 6:32 am

Personality

...It is often stated that an individual is the by-product of their environment...

And for Nickolai Marin, these words are absolutely true. Throughout his lifetime, he has endured a host of tribulations that resulted in the man whom gladly prowls the shadows. As a child, countless days and nights of hunger drove Nickolai to steal. He envied and despised the wealthy, for they lived without a shred of worry or care. What's more, he then grew to lack faith in the favor of the Gods; for his prayers for relief continuously went unanswered. As time went on, Nickolai's larceny grew from beyond swiping the essentials for survival to preying upon those who were wealthier than he. In fact, he was driven by a burning desire to see the wealthy...humbled. Upon entering into adulthood, Nickolai thrived upon his desire and focused his efforts upon the rich and privileged.

Though he is far from being above robbing the average individual blind.

On the surface, however, the inner workings and thoughts of the young larcenist very seldom shine through. This is due to the fact that Nickolai has adopted a metaphorical mask that is worn at all times. Interactions reveal a well-spoken individual who is not a stranger to proper etiquette; both being traits that he had picked up during his time at the University. Under his guise, Nickolai is never cruel nor cold...and can even smile and jest with the wealthy he so despises. However, when the mask slides off there is a cold, calculating individual who perpetually seeks weaknesses to exploit and locks to pick.

Beliefs

Although Nickolai was never, truly, a spiritual individual; he did at one point possess faith in the deities commonly worshiped in Zeltiva. Due to the fact that his hometown was a thriving port city, the majority of his family made their livings in the sailor or dockhand professions. As such, their collective piety was devoted to the lords of sea and sky: Laviku and Zulrav respectively. However, as the hardships began to become noticeable in his life, Nickolai's personal piety began to wane; for he saw that praying for calm seas and skies did not stop his belly from rumbling. As time moved ever forward, even this small shred of belief faded into oblivion with the death of Leon Fortuna. The anger and grief caused by this turbulent event caused Nickolai to abandon the small sum of faith he had in the local gods; but never once was he foolish enough to curse them or otherwise attempt to move against them. Instead, he simply chose to live his life, from that moment, reliant upon the strength and work of his own hands.
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by **Nickolai Marin** on July 28th, 2014, 7:54 am

The Closest Bonds

Cecilia

Name: Cecilia Ambrose
Relationship: Bondmate/Lover
First Memory: A Stubborn Thief
Details: Out of the few people who have grown close to Nickolai over the years, there is only one who has laid claim to his heart. Cecilia has been standing by his side since the days of their childhood, and over time their bond grew into a passion that has filled both their lives with bliss. The thing that Nickolai cherishes the most about their bond is the fact that Cecilia is simultaneously his lover and his best friend. As a whole, Cecilia is pillar of strength that Nickolai leans upon in times of weakness; and is the joy of his heart each and every day.

Shalita

Name: Shalita Farlay
Relationship: Childhood Friend
First Memory: A Past Reminder
Details: There have been very few within Nickolai's life who could look past his poverty; and Shalita was amongst the first. During the days of their childhood, they became fast friends despite the differences in wealth. Day after day, they would run and play throughout the streets of Zeltiva and remained close as they grew. However, Nickolai's criminal activities of the present saw him leave Zeltiva shortly before Shalita's untimely demise. Fate would see the two friends reunited in Kenash, albeit with Shalita in the form of a ghost. Regardless of this fact, the friendship between the two has literally transcended death and remains strong to this day.

Relatives

Annalisa

Name: Annalisa Marin
Relationship: Cousin
First Memory: Pending
Details: The relationship between Nickolai and Annalisa Marin can be described as typical for members of an extended family. Being that they are cousins, their sole interactions took place primarily during family gatherings and the occasional passing by within Zeltiva. Though not overly close, the two are not exceptionally distant; as Nickolai remembers his cousin with fondness in the present. However, the cards of life would see the two walk completely different paths; and if they were to meet in the present, it would be a miracle if one recognized the other.

Pending

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Acquaintances

Pending

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Pending

Curabitur nec nunc sit amet sapien interdum gravida non et ipsum. Nullam ac convallis tellus. Ut erat eros, tristique at sagittis et, pellentesque nec massa. Sed et tempus augue. Praesent sit amet mauris lobortis, vehicula dolor eget, condimentum justo. Etiam mattis faucibus nibh a auctor. Sed in urna dapibus, vestibulum felis eu, condimentum nunc. Duis vulputate congue laoreet. Aliquam non gravida nibh, id volutpat arcu. Vivamus a mauris non nisi pulvinar iaculis et ut metus. Curabitur nec nunc sit amet sapien interdum gravida. Curabitur nec nunc sit amet sapien interdum gravida non et ipsum. Nullam ac convallis tellus. Ut erat eros, tristique at sagittis et, pellentesque nec massa. Sed et tempus augue. Praesent sit amet mauris lobortis, vehicula dolor eget, condimentum justo. Etiam mattis faucibus nibh a auctor. Sed in urna dapibus, vestibulum felis eu, condimentum nunc. Duis vulputate congue laoreet. Aliquam non gravida nibh, id volutpat arcu. Vivamus a mauris non nisi pulvinar iaculis et ut metus. Curabitur nec nunc sit amet sapien interdum gravida.

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by **Nickolai Marin** on July 28th, 2014, 8:05 am

History

'Twas during one of the first days of Spring that Nickolai Marin entered the world; and from that moment forward, his hardships began. Born at the literal bottom of the social classes, the youngling was soon no stranger to the pangs of hunger. Growing up was incredibly difficult; for Nickolai was the runt of several siblings and there simply was not enough food to grow around. This drove him to begin swiping food from the neighborhood market at an early age: not out of a desire to be mischievous...but in order to survive. Of course, for a youngling practically starving, Nickolai could not help but notice just how easy the lives of the wealthy were. Whilst he could only make off with a few apples, they bought armfuls. Whilst he devoured his meals down to crumbs, they left meat on bones.

It was during this time of stepping into the realm of petty theft that Nickolai ventured into Zeltiva's East Street and met a pair that would change his life forever. The first was Cecilia Ambrose, a Kelvic of similar age who then became Nickolai's only friend. The second was an individual with quite the colored past. Known as "Leon Hornigold", this grumpy and grizzled man was the spark which lit the inferno of distaste that Nickolai felt towards the wealthy. After a fateful encounter, where Nickolai bore witness to Leon's robbing a man blind through magic and sleight-of-hand, the young man pleaded for guidance. Unsurprisingly, he was rebuffed...but with the persistence of months, Leon ultimately relented (if nothing more than to have the boy shut up). Lessons began in the form of basic prowling and pickpocketing, followed by clinging to the shadows. (And of course, Leon took a large share of whatever Nickolai managed to steal.)

However, Leon eventually developed a slight relationship with his young "protege" and began to open up...ever so slightly. He shared with him the tale of his past days in Ravok; how he was an instructor for a "black cult" and how he abandoned them at great risk. Leon even divulged how he had to live a life of squalor, as opposed to using his immense talents to enjoy luxuries; for that could potentially expose where he was now hiding. During this time, Nickolai came to look up to Leon as if he were a second father; and also enjoyed a full belly and an even fuller coin purse. Leon even went so far as to mentor the young Nickolai in more than just larceny, going so far as to educate him into the art of Shielding. However, all good things eventually come to an end...and this held true for Nickolai's mentor. One fateful evening, during a routine "heist" of a traveler's room at the inn, they were caught in the act.

And the victim recognized Leon.

Although the duo made their escape, Hell came crashing down upon their heads months later. A handful of men appeared in Zeltiva and scoured the streets, looking for the aging Larcenist. Ultimately, Leon and Nickolai were cornered; and the old man surrendered himself in order to give the young man an opportunity to escape. In the seconds before confronting his pursuers, Leon gave his student one final piece of advice: "if in trouble, seek out Benjamin". Seizing this moment, Nickolai ran for his life; but stayed close enough to hear the altercation...and the demise of his mentor. The men accused him of being a traitor to their savior, Rhysol, and executed him on the spot; before promptly leaving what was left of Leon to rot in the alley. When the coast was clear, Nickolai stood before his mentor's body in shock...before fleeing into the night. The event had left him so terrified that he then took a portion of his ill-gotten mizas and enrolled in University; just to get himself off the streets.

However, as time passed, Nickolai began to cope with Leon's death...and also began to develop an immense hatred. First and foremost, his distaste of the wealthy grew into fullblown hatred; simply because of the emotional typhoon that raged within him. Yet, most importantly, he began to loathe the gods themselves. It was the so-called cult of Rhysol that took one of the most important people in his life away, and instead of blaming that one deity, he blamed them all. From that point forward, Nickolai turned his back upon the gods (but was not stupid enough to make a public display or life mission out of it). As the wound left by his mentor continued to heal, Nickolai ultimately decided to honor him by developing his alias as a homage to him: Alexander Hornigold.

What's more, he ultimately dropped out of the University and began to prowl the streets once more. There, he broke. He entered. He stole everything that remotely shined. One home at a time, he took out his frustrations upon the wealthy, attempting to humble them night after night. However, as the old saying goes: "What one does in the dark will surely come to the light." On one evening in particular, whilst being careless, Nickolai was caught in the act and managed to escape. Through sheer luck, he managed to evade capture and kept his identity a mystery...but with the inevitability of an investigation, the time came to move on. As such, he mustered together the whole of his life savings, purchased a horse, and set out alongside the next merchant caravan. His itinerary was initially Sunberth: home of all thieves, where he hoped to encounter this elusive "Benjamin".

Upon arriving in the chaotic city, the young man began to seek out this individual: making inquiries to every tavern he ventured into. Eventually, word reached Benjamin's ears and he decided to see who exactly was seeking him out. The nighttime confrontation revealed a surprising fact: that Benjamin was none other than Leon's estranged sibling; who then "happily" took in the young thief after hearing of his brother's passing. For a time, Nickolai was satisfied to live and steal with the sibling of his mentor, but he felt as though he had abandoned the only friend he ever knew back in Zeltiva. This spurned Nickolai to hop onto the next caravan home, where he promptly convinced Cecilia to follow him. From there, they ventured north to Ravok, before eventually making their way south once again.

When it was all said and done, he made his way along the Kabrin Road, ultimately ending up in Kenash. There, he has decided to lay down new roots and resume the prowling of shadows.
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by **Nickolai Marin** on July 28th, 2014, 8:10 am

Possessions

Clothing

	Simple Coat*Starting Package	A simple, black "shawl" coat seemingly composed of linen. It is soft to the touch, provides adequate warmth, and offers a modest sum of protection against the elements.
	Simple Shirt*Starting Package	A light, gray shirt composed of linen. It is thick enough to ward off a slight chill; but thin enough not to be uncomfortably warm.
	Simple Pants*Starting Package	A pair of unremarkable, dark pants. Despite travel, they are decent enough to wear around town.
	Simple Belt*Starting Package	A black belt. Nothing more, nothing less.
	Simple Boots*Starting Package	A pair of boots that have traveled several miles; and will see many more before Nickolai is done with them.
	Simple Undergarments*Starting Package	Consisting of the trio of essentials, these are worn underneath the main attire and are quite comfortable.
	Leather Gloves	A pair of dark, leather gloves. The left is noticeably marred with a hole cut intentionally to reveal its owner's Freeborn brand.

Equipment

	Hood	A black, lightweight hood worn in order to obscure the owner's identity.
	Mask	This seemingly simple piece of leather is worn over the face, leaving only the eyes exposed. It is comfortable to a point and is easily pulled up and down. Once tied, it seldom falls out of place.
	Thieves' Tools	This contains all the vital items necessary for the art of larceny. Currently contains: Skeleton Keys (2), Lockpicks & Pries (9; Originally 10. One was damaged beyond use here.), a Long-Nosed Clamp, a Small Hand Saw, a Small Hammer, and a Wedge.
	Weapon Harness	This belt-like apparatus contains numerous slots for the storage of several, small arms.
	Scabbard (Dagger)	An unremarkable scabbard specifically purchased to house Nickolai's heirloom, Avarice.
	Throwing Daggers	This set of daggers are noticeably smaller than the typical dagger and are intended to be thrown. Due to the size and weight difference, these daggers can be thrown across greater distances; but are practically useless in close-quarters engagements. (Total: 5)

Loot

	Copper Earring	A single, copper earring that is missing its partner. (Approximate Value: 1 cm; Obtained here.)
	Copper Pendant	A pendant wrought of copper and fitted with a jade stone. (Approximate Value: 75 cm; Obtained here.)

Miscellaneous

	Belt Pouch	A pouch worn upon Nickolai's belt; most commonly filled with mizas.
	Backpack*Starting Package	A simple, "messenger-style" backpack which houses an assortment of Nickolai's belongings.
	Flint & Steel*Starting Package	A piece of flint paired with a steel "striker". Used for creating fire.
	Eating Knife*Starting Package	A simple knife whose role lies in eating a meal. It is unfit for use in combat.
	Comb (Wood)*Starting Package	A wooden comb, used for basic grooming.
	Brush (Wood)*Starting Package	A wooden brush, used for basic grooming.
	Razor*Starting Package	A simple razor, used for taming the unruly forest that is Nickolai's facial hair.
	Soap*Starting Package]	A bar of unscented soap, used for basic hygeine.
	Waterskin*Starting Package	A simple and common means of transporting cool, drinkable water for later usage.

Heirloom

Avarice is the name bestowed upon the dagger currently wielded by Nickolai Marin. Originally, the weapon belonged to his mentor: Leon Hornigold, who utilized it during his days within the Ebonstryfe. However, upon his untimely demise, Avarice was recovered by Nickolai and has yet to leave his side. Wrought from Cold Iron, the dagger is of a higher quality than those that are forged from typical iron. Furthermore, Avarice is perpetually cold to the touch; even when exposed to the light of the sun. Despite these impressive characteristics, it appears as a simple dagger aesthetically-speaking; but holds phenomenal, sentimental value for Nickolai. As a whole, it is worth a "mere" six, gold-rimmed mizas...but is more valuable than all the gold in the world to its owner.
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by **Nickolai Marin** on July 28th, 2014, 8:14 am

Skills

Core

Image	Skill	Experience	Proficiency	Breakdown
	Larceny	34/100	Competent	+15Racial Bonus, +11Starting Points, +4, +1, +1, +2
	Planning	1/100	Novice	+1
	Stealth	32/100	Competent	+24Starting Points, +3, +2, +2, +1

Arcane

Image	Skill	Experience	Total	Proficiency
	Shielding	6/100	Novice	+5Starting Points, +1

Combat

Image	Skill	Experience	Total	Proficiency
	Weapon: Dagger	5/100	Novice	+5Starting Points

Mental

Image	Skill	Experience	Total	Proficiency
	Intelligence	1/100	Novice	+1
	Observation	15/100	Novice	+3, +4, +5, +3

Physical

Image	Skill	Experience	Total	Proficiency
	Acrobatics	7/100	Novice	+5Starting Points, +2
	Climbing	1/100	Novice	+1

Social

Image	Skill	Experience	Total	Proficiency
	Persuasion	3/100	Novice	+3
	Rhetoric	3/100	Novice	+3
	Seduction	1/100	Novice	+1
	Socialization	5/100	Novice	+2, +3

Languages

Common (Fluent/Native)
Kontinese (Poor)

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by **Nickolai Marin** on August 5th, 2014, 7:18 am

Key Lores

Promise to Shalita
Thrill of the Heist
Addiction: Stealing
Secrets: We All Have Them
Symenestra: Rapist Scum
The Dangers of Overgiving
Vendetta Against the Wealthy
Shalita's Death: Anger at the Gods
My Real Name Could Jeopardize My Anonymity

Occupational/Core Lores :

Arcane Lores :

Personal Lores :

Geographical Lores :

Miscellaneous Lores :

Total: 37
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by **Nickolai Marin** on August 28th, 2014, 6:14 pm

Ledger

Purchase	Cost	Total
Starting Package	+100 gm	100 gm
Leather Gloves	-10 sm	99 gm
Belt Pouch	-1 gm	98 gm
Scabbard (Dagger)	-2 gm	96 gm
Headware (Hood)	-5 sm	91 gm, 5 sm
Mask	-3 sm	91 gm, 2 sm
Thieves' Tools	-30 gm	61 gm, 2 sm
Throwing Daggers (5)	-5 gm	56 gm, 2 sm
Weapon Harness	-5 gm	51 gm, 2 sm
Loot	+5 gm, 2 sm, 1 cm	56 gm, 4 sm, 1 cm
Summer Income	+273 gm	329 gm, 4 sm, 1 cm
Seasonal Expenses	-135 gm	194 gm, 4 sm, 1 cm
Loot	+6 gm, 2 cm	200 gm, 4 sm, 3 cm
Property Sale (Terraces)	+500 gm	700 gm, 4 sm, 3 cm
Caravan Fare	-80 gm	620 gm, 4 sm, 3 cm
Travel Rations	-40 gm	580 gm, 4 sm, 3 cm

Housing

Having sold his Kenash Villa in order to fund his return voyage to Zeltiva, Nickolai's housing arrangements will be officially settled upon arrival.
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