@Liseran Thistle What if he stumbled onto the main plot without even realizing it regarding the hidden road? Shoot, that's good. Guess I know how I'd rope him into the main plot if I were writing this in a book.
@Mistress Dizzy Wish I could help you there, I can help you find good African American portraits that fit the time period and setting if you still need them. Aside from that my only advice maybe create a town that would make sense for your character's background, maybe someplace steeped in magic or has a school for it. The GM did mention he left cities blank for that very reason.