You guys still taking Apps? I'm thinking of a Gunslinger Desperado or Outlaw on the run sort of character come in to Blackfinger to lay low before starting a fresh spree of crime.
You guys still taking Apps? I'm thinking of a Gunslinger Desperado or Outlaw on the run sort of character come in to Blackfinger to lay low before starting a fresh spree of crime.
Sorry dude, with the number of characters already coming in, I have to put the RP on full. You're welcome to keep an eye on the rp in case we have folks that need to drop, I might open the rp again.
@Verdaux since you were one of the first on the interest check, I'll let you submit a cs. But bring your A game! Wow me!
“'Sola Nobilitas Virtus.' Those words are more true now than ever.”
N A M E
Marcus Emanuel Hamilton
ALIAS
"English", at least to the locals
GENDER
Gentleman
SKILLS
Diplomacy: Seemingly adept at the nuances of courtesy and etiquette when it suits him, Marcus knows how to walk the walk and talk the talk. While it might only serve to agitate a ruffian on the street, it's been an invaluable asset when dealing with people in positions of power.
Pluck: Both an asset and a flaw, in his youth Marcus threw himself into many fights when the wiser choice would have been flight. This has been tempered somewhat by his age, but no man (or woman) could say with any honesty that he lacked courage. Almost to the extent of recklessness.
Swordsmanship: His years on the high seas were filled with many engagements as he tells it, almost all of them beginning with the words; "Damn the guns, we're boarding!". Whether engaging Germans in the North Sea, or Moroccan privateers outside of Gibraltar, Marcus brought as many as he could into hand-to-hand combat. While he wields both sword and gun in combat, he very much favors the blade, the latter only being used when opportunity or necessity favors it.
Captain?: While unfamiliar with the waterways of America or the operation of steam ships, Marcus is one of the most able navigators of the Atlantic(According to him), and peerless if leading the crew of a sailing ship(Also according to him). More importantly though, it has given him a wide breadth of experience in dealing with, and fighting against, various peoples who have managed to recover from the Blackout. Knowledge that has kept him fed since arriving in Blackfinger.
Southpaw Slinger: Marcus doesn't choose between using his sword or his gun, he uses both in tandem. As it isn't his primary weapon, not even his years of combat experience can allow him to compete on equal terms with the lifelong gunslingers that have sprung up in the remains of America, but to underestimate his abilities as merely average would be a fatal mistake. It is a weapon of opportunity, but opportunity is something he's become quite skilled at creating.
PERSONALITY
To a man and power of influence, Marcus is every bit the proper nobleman. Courteous, respectful, and demanding of equal respect. To a merchant heading overseas in a Zeppelin, Marcus is every bit the seasoned adventurer, world wise and able to part with his expertise for a price. For most other people: He's really not much more than a common man, fond of a drink and a joke- if a bit prone to grim moods as his youth continues to leave him. He is the type to pursue a goal wholeheartedly if one is in his mind, but for now he has none. So he drinks, and he tells stories, and earns coin to drink some more. Perhaps not to the point of being a drunkard, but that future doesn't seem far off.
HISTORY
Rumor has it that Marcus Hamilton dropped into Blackfinger one day on a German Zeppelin. In spite of the fact that German Zeppelins were exceedingly rare (Though one was in the area around the time he showed up), that they never carried anything other than Germans, and nobody could recall seeing a Brit since before the Blackout. Still, the novelty of his arrival quickly gave way to more pressing issues like survival- and after a couple weeks "English" was just part of the local scenery.
For the most part, he spends his days talking to merchants and drinking. While rarely drunk, when he does go over his limit he'll regale anybody that can stand to listen to him with tales of fighting pirates across the Atlantic, and a grand Royal Navy that had yet to reach the Americas, but would surely arrive any week. How much of it was true was anybody's guess, but people were used to storytellers after the Blackout, they were one of the best sources of entertainment.
Oddly though, the stories are suspiciously lacking in regards to the missing section of his left hand (Ring and pinkie fingers included), and the watch he always wears around his neck, tucked into the pocket of his shirt. Merchants seem to pay his bar tab and lodging, although he never seems to actually trade anything with them. Overall, he's a curiosity, but curiosities take a backseat to survival for most in the New World.
INVENTORY
A cavalry saber, which upon closer inspection reveals a slight pattern on the blade.
An antique 6-round-chamber double action revolver
A watch that is always on his person. The initials VW are etched into the front, while in the back is a more crudely carved symbol:
REASON FOR VISITING
There's no one reason, just an attempt to make a life for himself in a new country.
RELATIONS
Any friends and family he may have are (likely) on another continent, and he remains tight lipped even when drunk.
All right, we'll call this a first draft in case it's crap.
Let me know if that color is causing eye strain for any of you, I'll make it a little lighter if so.
Almost done with my CS only only to realize that this is full. Damn, would've enjoyed this RP. Didn't realize it was first-come, first-served.
You’re still good to apply, actually! Essentially anybody who expressed interest before Drew made his [admittedly half-drunk] application reviews are open to still apply and potentially participate. I’m especially curious to what you have in mind, so I recommend completing the CS and seeing what we think before resigning!
Feet of The Hare Daga is an extraordinarily fast runner. For a man who rejects all technology -- such as guns -- this comes in handy pretty often. Aside from his sheer speed, Daga is one of the most in-shape long distance runners you're likely to meet this side of the Mississippi Delta's remnants, and a skilled climber.
Hide of The Toad Daga spends his days either gathering food or standing in the desert watching the patterns of sand falling out of his hands. All eccentricities aside, this demonstrates an individual with either an unnatural constitution or willpower, or in Daga's case, both. Aside from his ability to take a beating, this manifests itself in his uncomplaining attitude towards being caught in the elements, be it scorching heat or freezing rain.
Eye of The Crow Among the Wandering Tribe, the occupation of a newborn babe is decided by The Great Spirit, who usually decides on Hunter for boys and Berry Picker for girls. When Daga was brought to the tent of the elders, the elders were told by The Great Spirit that Daga would be their tribe's next Shaman. As such, he was raised in the wilderness by the Shaman before him, and taught the skills of his people's mystics, which is referred to as "Spirit Sight"; Looking into a realm that is not ours.
PERSONALITY
Daga is odd, but not as odd as he seems. Many of his "strange ways" are the cultural norm for a shaman -- Sleeping outside, eating only sparse vegetation, and intensely meditating to see the future. He is the odd one out in nearly every situation, and as a result he tends to keep the lowest possible profile for a man wearing a hyena pelt, keeping to as few words as possible. Aside from the jokes others have at the strangeness of his ways, there is a visible shellshocked weariness to his face some quickly pick up on. He always seems as if he is only half-listening and half-aware, as if one ear is here and the other listens to the spirits. Aside from the additional distance this creates between himself and others, his language barrier presents another wall -- His knowledge of the English language is downright primitive, compared to the only shabby knowledge of his people's linguistics. This is another reason he tends to keep his words short.
HISTORY
Daga was born Encoqoja of the Wandering Tribe, where he remained for a year before being sent to live with the shaman Skyturtle. Ironically, his first name meant "Favored Son". Raised in the wilderness by a seasoned druid, Daga's early life involved foregoing a formal education, social interaction, and the close family dynamic of the Wandering Tribe in favor of spiritual training. When compared to the odds of achieving normalcy he was dealt, Daga seems almost ordinary. His teacher, for example, wore a dried gourd on his penis, mud all over his body, and a live turtle strapped to his back. Comparatively, Daga eats with his hands, listens to animals, and talks to trees. Some men in Blackfinger do stranger.
After being trained to his master's extent and going on a spiritual rite of passage where he earned his true name, Daga'oxeraqu, or Bloodfoot, he was allowed to leave the safety of his master's familiar cave into the world. In the tradition of his people, he is a wandering medicine man sworn to aid the wandering tribesmen he comes across in the form of blessings, vision guiding, and exorcisms. His travels have most recently lead him to Blackfinger in search of his stolen cactus seeds.
INVENTORY
Healing Staff A wooden stave with a few feathers and a small piece of deerskin stretched in the crook of two small branches. Daga claims it heals sicknesses.
REASON FOR VISITING
Retrieving stolen goods from a local bandit.
RELATIONS
The only person, teacher, or friend Daga has ever known, and arguably the only person who knows his real name. How sad. Aside from being a crazy desert hobo, Skyturtle's not up to much these days, but I didn't want to leave this section blank. Ho hum.
@Gowi Oh, I see. It's mostly a character who is in charge of a small posse that usually participates in organized crime around the town. One of the reasons why I asked about the prizefights is mainly due to the fact that it's where they generate the most income apart from loansharking, gambling, etc before laundering that money through their legitimate businesses.
Hey folks, just a head's up. I'll get the first IC post up and running soon. Those who haven't submitted your character sheets; don't worry. I'll still look over the sheets of folks who still need to submit.
Since we have such a huge cast though, I have to make a little bit of an ultimatum. I need these CS's sent in for me and Gowi to look at no later than Wednesday this week. After Wednesday, until (and if) we have several people drop from the story, I won't accept any CS's, nepotism or not.
EDIT: And the intro is out! Just to clarify for those who might balk at the length; i'm not expecting people to post 5 word document pages worth of writing every time. If your length is around the length of ONE of the POVs; we're kosher. And some times we'll all struggle for that when things get more actiony and there's less chance for character introspection. I just wanted to establish the world, some of the major characters and some events going on as we enter the first act of this story.
Mr. Finkerton, Mike Finkerton, El Buscador Gabacho, El Chico Fuerte.
GENDER
Male
AGE
33
HEIGHT
5'11"
SKILLS
Speaks Spanish
Functionally literate: Finkerton can be capable of reading though not very easily. Barely managing to read or write, Finkerton is only as educated as a man could teach himself in such a time as this one despite his sophisticated appearance and speech.
Bareknuckle Fighter: Grew up fighting before being formerly trained by Bareknuckle boxing welterweight champion Gerardo Hernandez, Mr. Finkerton is a trained fighter. Though his training, Mr. Finkerton has only made it to the amateur field, winning small prizefights in the shadows of real professionals.
Decent sharpshooter: Finkerton is widely known for his abilities to use a revolver, though most stories have been through tales of exaggeration due to his need to be popularized for his business. In reality, his "abilities" do not match the tales of grandeur as other legends.
Boss: Whatever he says, happens. Mr. Finkerton is a self-made man with connections and he'll do almost anything he could to make sure he gets a decent cut of both the action and power. He practically dominates the criminal underworld in Blackfinger, though no where else.
PERSONALITY
There is no doubt of course that Mr. Finkerton is an intelligent man however little education he might have has certainly not defined his abilities to make himself into the man he is today. Often capable of exchanging interesting and cunning conversations, Finkerton is renown for being a rather savvy man though this is a mark of any good businessman. Atop from being a decent conversationalist, the man is also very discreet and blunt, especially when conducting business as he is often doing anything he can to get to the point should anyone do business with him though is also a man known for keeping to himself.
Despite this, Finkerton doesn't mind to let loose out of boredom, residing his recreational prowess in entertainment which mostly involved humor or picking a new fights among the men. Though having a light-side, many do best not to cross him, for there lies a beast waiting to awaken deep within his core and thus the reason for his high position among low-life criminal scum. Many would be wise to follow his orders if one were to be employed in the illegal businesses by such a man, or face the consequences of the many men who were buried six feet under the ground or fed to the pigs. Despite being feared by many, Finkerton is a liked man however, often showing signs of courteousness though mostly only doing so out of opportunity though most don't seem to mind. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth could describe is behavior, often having the urge to get even with both his foes and amiable friends.
HISTORY
Born in an unknown, desolate area in what was once known as Mexico, Miguel Rolando Santos de Barragán Finkerton was born from the sweat of a hardworking mother and a drunk, business man who he did not have the fortune of meeting. Many who grew up without fathers during a time of deep deprivation could easily be assumed to have a father who left the family after wedlock, though this was not the case for the child. Carl Finkerton, his father, had been robbed of his riches by a greedy younger brother, Benjamin Finkerton, who sought the chance of dethroning the heir to the aristocratic business owned by his forefathers though by doing so by killing the man born right-wise to the business and leaving his wife on the run to the south whereupon the child was conceived. Despite this predisposition, his mother, Brynn Finkerton had high hopes for the child despite being homeless. It was where they would retreat and reside to a border-town near the south that they would have to call home.
Having barely known Spanish, a language she would learn as she grew accustomed to this bordertown, Brynn found it easily to communicate as both languages were spoken in this area. They adopted the name Barragán in order to hide their identity in their new home. The mother would spend time working while being taken care of by other adult women in the neighborhood around them took care of the children. Life would be good for the meanwhile, as the young Mr. Finkerton grew up almost the same way any child in a Steamtown would grow up in. There were fond memories of friendship and adolescence, all much the same normal life of almost any child. Though there were still many obstacles to overcome for this family on the run and none of it would be as close as when the mother found herself stricken with an illness she never experienced in her life. It was at the age of ten, where Brynn told the full story of the son's family legacy though before tragically succumbing to her illness of consumption.
Miguel was then left an orphan, at the lowest levels of society, or what was left of it. Left to fend for himself, and with whatever luck brought him, could lift him out of this life of severity. Though as much as he fought to stay living in a harsh world, Miguel honed his survival by seeking job opportunities, working as a paper boy, courier, and countless other jobs to feed whatever family he had left. Mr. Finkerton had the fortune of being adopted by a friend of his mothers and grew up with Esteban Rodriguez and Jorge Arias who he considered brothers in his eyes. Without any other direction their lives, the boys had no other choice but to work which is where their opportunistic mentality had derived from as they then escalated into their own business of selling stolen items, though this is only the start.
Growing up as a white boy especially made Finkerton stand out predominately and though there were often residents with the same attributes, Miguel Finkerton was still an uncommon boy. It was his silver tongue that got the young man away from violent discourse by other children as well as his close relationship with his two close friends, Esteban Rodriguez and Jorge Arias who often helped defend one another at a moment's notice. All three boys became notorious for causing trouble as the years past, often taking part in petty crime in the community who involved themselves with mostly stealing. Though none of it would escalate until one truly dark moment in Finkerton's career.
Finkerton killed his first man at the age of twelve, a priest who sodomized him and other children with a pistol he found in the man's closest and thus would end his small reign of terror. It was in that moment where the young man's blood boiled, eager to avenging his father. There in that moment arose a new man: the hitman that would later claim the lives of over 200 men. Though he had yet to be the man he is today, Finkerton would later get away from his crime, leaving no trace of the once prolific priest that could lead to him. In the meanwhile, the young man would later take up boxing classes and was taught by Gerardo Hernandez, a well known prizefighter in the south though wouldn't achieve a boxing career no more than an amateur despite his nickname "El Chico Fuerte" who had 136 amateur fights with only 5 defeats and 3 draws.
A few years passed in his teenage-hood and Finkerton's friends had already accustomed themselves to becoming a gang of misfits, often making their money from petty stealing and loan-sharking from others their age. It was in that moment afterwards where their job of criminality would be full-time. Finkerton at the time, considered it apart of his conditioning in order to help avenge his father and all of those years, he hardened himself though never again took another life, saving it for the man who killed Carl Finkerton. At the age of 19, the young man had accumulated so much money, that he had no idea what to do with it until coming up with an idea to legitimizing his businesses through legal ones, often buying property and becoming a landlord who would rent property and as both businesses grew, so did his power. He was not however an illustrious businessman with a large sum of money as you'd expect, being a local gangster had its benefits, though often carried out with the most discretion if one were wise enough to survive in such a business. As most businesses did that were outside the law, Finkerton knew precaution was key and thus never truly expanded his industry any more than more than a town at a time.
At the age of 21 however, the businesses were relocated to the north, where the man could crawl all the more closer to the aging Benjamin Finkerton, the man who killed his father and with all of those years north, he was able to track the man down. Surprisingly however, Benjamin had little to no titles for he had bankrupted and plummeted the family's inheritance and had rendered the family name utterly nameless among proprietors as he realized the man he was going to kill had a business that was just as dried and dead as his father was. Nonetheless, he made the effort to kill the man, which he found living alone, a drunk-ridden mess, with a family that had long forgotten about him, assuming their were any left. Many could pity such a man, though Miguel Finkerton sought to end his life for killing his father. Though afterwards, he couldn't feel anything after killing the man - his hands and feet were numb, his body cold and empty; not quite the feeling he had expected for avenging his father. When he arrived, the small house the man was forced to live in was barren, the wood eroded and aged as if it were ancient. A desolate sight for a desolate man, living in the confines of shame. The man had sinned, this was true though was punished through a life of disappointing weak leadership.
It was later that, realizing that was nothing else to be gained, Finkerton resorted to keeping his own business living and prosperous. He had no need to gain the fortune that was destined to him (had there been any left) for he had made his own and that for him the young businessman considered a true gem during the whole ordeal. Finkerton had adjusted himself comfortably up north, spending a few years in a town where he would start several other businesses, both legitimate and otherwise. One of which, a business that would later help flow a high income of both popularity and revenue was prize-fighting, an illegal practice depending on which area one was in. Thanks to his bareknuckle boxing training, Finkerton thought he could get a piece of the action and became a promoter of the sport, training young men to be great champions like Gerardo Hernandez.
Though illegal in most areas, the festivity was watched by all even by lawmen. It was during this planning that the businessman was reunited with old time friend Gerardo Hernandez who at the time introduced Finkerton to his star pupil, destined to be great. His name was Alan Brucci, a young man who would later have a record of 52-3-7. Unfortunately, the great bareknuckle champion would pass from old age, leaving Alan Brucci under his wing and at the time the man was no champion for he had still been at his 21st bout, though with greatness, would take time. As the fighting progressed, more and more fans began to surround themselves around the young star which also generated the sum of money that was predicted of the young champion. All the meanwhile, Finkerton's business grew and later he would own two renowned bars infamously known for their fine liquor and service: Finkerton's Bar and Restaurant.
When the time was right, Finkerton decided moving to another location. His reasons were mostly unknown, but those who knew him best realized that it was all for one reason alone: boredom. As a man which such prowess of being a man with a dishonest career, could only handle power so long. Finkerton never wanted to expand his underground businesses and rather relocated them according to a city or town and chose to by a code: Never expand dangerous business. This was location he chose was Blackfinger, a town he knew very little of, though with time, would he know to become acquainted with the area, eliminating competition before owning the monopoly of the organized crime industry there and in just a few months.
Today, Finkerton is well-known in town, though not as much of a criminal but as a business-owner which is how he likes to keep it. His silver tongue and mannerisms are often noted by many apart from his intelligent and sly conversations one would have with him at his new bar in Blackfinger. Any man who crosses the path of criminality in the area however, knows all too well about the stories of Mr. Finkerton, and all know too well not to cross paths with such a man. It was to no surprise that he became the most feared man in town, though no one was ever good enough hold him to legal conviction.
INVENTORY
When in town:
A five inch stag knife, he usually carries no matter what, no exceptions.
A Backpack, filled with an extra pair of clothing and a hammock for sleeping.
BUSINESSES
As most organized crime conducted themselves, the Finkerton posse affiliate themselves with murder, gambling, drug dealing, loan sharking, and most importantly, prize fighting, a mostly illegal (depending on what town their in) blood-sport they seem to generate the most revenue from. Mr. Finkerton considers himself a promoter, often getting fights for his prized underground bareknucle prize-fighter, Alan Brucci, a man with a impressive record of 52-3-7 as he gathers an ever-growing fan base.
There are now three Finkerton Bar's across this world, all three renown for their high quality service to customers in the towns they are located in though only one of these locations is where the small posse of gangsters would conduct their illegal businesses, the new one being located in Blackfinger.
REASON FOR VISITING
Business. Finkerton has lived in Blackfinger for a few months now upon buying a lot in the town of Blackfinger where the team could expand their legal businesses and relocate their illegitimate ones to the area given that the crime rate in the town was both low and unorganized, an advantage for these gangsters. As the finishing touches were added to the bar just a few weeks after construction, the businesses had finally opened, being a center source of entertainment for the town as a host of musicians, comedians, and entertainers would occupy the bar as well as the drunkards who came in after them.
RELATIONS
The lovely, beautiful wife of Mr. Finkerton, a business woman with almost the same mindset as Mr. Finkerton, though abstains from any violence necessary. She enjoys working with the company accountant, Wilson Harrow and Franklin Harris, often discussing any ways to further expedite their revenue. Amanda is not a spoiled woman, often she has a tendency of being a cheap, often alternating to buying less expensive clothing. Many would say that Mr. Finkerton does not deserve such a woman as he often neglects such attributes though nonetheless she remains a faithful partner even if he does not.
Mr. Finkerton's right hand man, more of a bodyguard than anything else and more than a brother than anyone Miguel can say about anyone else in his life. Standing at 6'3", Jorge is quite a menacing man which is also complemented by his sharp facial features including his long hook nose and bushy eye bows. He is a dark, copper-skinned man as most Mexicans in the south tend to be, though has light blue eyes. Many consider Jorge to be his muscle-man more than a regular business partner, given he is the largest of all men, both height and waist-wise though is not as bright as Finkerton's other man, Wilson Harrow.
Wilson Harrow is the type of man Mr. Finkerton would've become had he not had been penniless and on the run. An educated man, raised in a privileged lifestyle and brought up at the University, Wilson had the luxury of living under the wing of protection against the outside world, though despite this had yielded a man of humility than spotlessness. Though affiliated with his rough gang of misfits, Wilson is an honest man and stands more of an accountant and financier to his business than another hired gun, ready to whatever it was necessary to help the business than to do dirty work at a moment's notice. He currently stands as the company's lawyer due to his understanding of law and public speech.
Unlike the latter, Franklin is another hired gun, though it's his amiable appearance that makes him appropriate for the company's position in public relations. As Wilson is often busy managing the businesses earnings, Franklin is often the mitigater during times of aggression and is considered more of a diplomat more than lawyer. Though that doesn't mean he doesn't get his hands dirty when businesses is going to be conducted. A good sharpshooter, muscleman, and smooth-talker, Franklin would probably be the second-in-line to Mr. Finkerton's business.
A good friend of Mr. Finkerton and Jorge Arias growing up who now serves as one of the hired gunmen. He is known for being an excellent shot and serves as a valuable asset to the group.
Another childhood friend of Mr. Finkerton, though was not apart of his group until later in his life and was considered the baby brother of the group and therefore, not to be taken seriously. Though being a younger, Carlos had proven himself worthy of being a decent bodyguard and hired gun. The man isn't considerably dumb either and can easily help assisting Wilson Harrow on regards to fiances. Carlos usually helps maintain order in the bar, being both a bouncer and a cashier/bartender when Mr. Finkerton is not around. Like Harrow and Harris, Carlos is a convincing man, able to persuade others into buying whatever he can sell at hand.
With a professional bare-knuckle boxing career of 52-3-7 with 47 wins by knockout, it's hard to say that Alan Brucci isn't a hardened man. Born into the cesspool of poverty of a large city outside the ruins of a once great American Empire, Alan was a fighter, born to do things with his fist as well as talk his way out of fights well beyond his reach. Like Finkerton, Alan Brucci was trained by Gerardo Hernandez, the great boxing welterweight champion though continued his amateur career to professional-hood. In his 21st bout, the great Gerardo Hernandez died, leaving the company at the hands of Mr. Finkerton who took his opportunity to train eager young man to be champion prizefighters, one of them was Alan, who was the star pupil. Alan mostly spends time training when he isn't helping with Mr. Finkerton's businesses with his fists.
@Blubaron45 Jesus Christ, is everyone bringing their a-game this week?
Okay, the profile bits: excellently written. I'd prefer the scout rifle or any kind of fantastic equivalent over a carbine this early in the story. Seeing the crime boss/businessman character is going to be very interesting, especially with some events that will occur during Act I. I wonder exactly what's going to become of Mr. Finkerton and his associates with certain events go town.
So I'm definitely down to accept the character; between what Gowi and I have looked at from your writing style and your details in your sheet, you're an awesome asset to the story. My only fear is power creep, because Finkerton has a ton of power compared to the other player characters. From sheer numbers due to his association to his weapon loadout. That's the only thing that has me nervous accepting the character.
Well, if he's too overpowered gun-wise (which I was kinda afraid what would happen) maybe I could cut down a little on the weapons and if he's also too-acquainted with having a deep prowess over the criminal underworld, I could tone it down a bit as well. Finkerton is an decent shot though nothing really close to being remarkable as you'd expect which is why he keeps his hired guns close. So he's definitely no Wild Bill Hickok and usually relies on his wits and connections in order to get himself out of trouble.
Well, if he's too overpowered gun-wise (which I was kinda afraid what would happen) maybe I could cut down a little on the weapons and if he's also too-acquainted with having a deep prowess over the criminal underworld, I could tone it down a bit as well. Finkerton is an decent shot though nothing really close to being remarkable as you'd expect which is why he keeps his hired guns close. So he's definitely no Wild Bill Hickok and usually relies on his wits and connections in order to get himself out of trouble.
That works great! Gowi and I were talkin' about how he seems like a perfect secondary antagonist throughout Act 1. All that might change in Act 2, but I won't spoil anything! ;D