Rowan/Backstory

* Is actually a baronet of a small piece of land in Wales. Might pull out his title where it is useful, but only then.
* Has social connections in London, and in a few other cities across England.
* He advertises himself as an amateur naturalist and historian... but beyond that public-facing description, he more specifically studies occult and magical things -- beasts, runes, arcane powers, ancient techniques and legends
* He's also a witch, though he doesn't use these powers publicly. You might have heard rumors that his family has historically also had similar abilities. He prefers to describe himself as an "alchemist" or "occultist" rather than a witch.
* Has a canvas-leather backpack which seems far bigger on the inside... you've seen him stow an impossible amount of books and outdoor gear in there
* When left to his own devices, Rowan travels around Britain and Ireland (and more recently, mainland Europe) to research magical creatures and history.

### Backstory

* **Name:** Sir John Rowan Shelley (baronet of Wickwood, goes by Rowan)
* **Class:** probably Bard 7/8, Warlock or Artificer 3/2.
* **Family:**
	+ Father is Sir John Shelley V, deceased
	+ Mother is Lady Wilhelmina Newnham, now "the Dowager Lady Shelley"
	+ Magical lineage is passed from mother to child, he has a younger sister Holly who could continue the line
	+ Wickwood, the Newnham family estate, is currently in Lady Shelley's care while Rowan studies and travels.

* Rowan is bookish, has an aptitude for languages, history, and naturalism
* Got a bit of magical training as a child from his mother, to help him control the latent abilities. He also went to boarding school in London, and when he graduated he returned home and continued his studies.
* He's learned from his mother, and the family library, that the family land is part of an ancient contract with someone of the Faerie -- they are bound to be stewards of that land, and received in return the ability to harness energy from the world. He's read of old family contacts who had similar abilities, but not usually as strong as theirs.
* Recent generations of the Wickwood baronets have not nurtured their gifts as much, due to the witchcraft scare.
* Rowan has been bolder, and devoted a lot of time over the years since graduating school to learning, experimenting, and growing stronger.
* While most previous members of the family pushed the bounds of their personal knowledge and abilities, Rowan wants to explore possibilities beyond their estate -- whether there is truth to the legends of other creatures and esoterica, and how it relates to the family gift.

### Involvement with the Syndicate

* Rowan likely read hints or accounts of their existence in the Wickwood library, but the Syndicate almost certainly has known about his family for a long time (I think we established that)
* They've maintained contact with most heirs of the family, they know the family's power.
	+ His mother, as I imagine her, might have done some work for them but only as favors owed, and not very far from home.
	+ She probably wouldn't say too much, I picture her as a very cryptic and reserved woman. Basically only teaching Rowan what she felt she had to.
* They might have reached out to him through some of his friends in London, or through an agent in one of the (2) naturalism/science societies that Rowan is part of.
* Rowan has been quite willing to take on Syndicate jobs for the chance that he will learn new things.