Wilfaerd Richeye

> "Underestimate him at your own peril. I made that mistake once and paid a hefty price for it. He is more cunning than you know."
>
> Peren Siannodel

**Wilfaerd** is a former lockpicker and petty criminal who served the Honest Men of Baldurn. However when his fiancé, Nivi Silverkin, is kidnapped by his uncle, Nalverin Aldalinde, he leaves the town and follows his greater calling. He later joins the Thwan’dan’wear of Bah’Jia and serves as a field agent. He fought against Tiamat during the Dread Queen’s Return and managed to escape The Last Stand. After the Fall of the Material Realm he set up the Munthrekzil with the help of Lonlo and became their defacto leader.

## **Appearance & Character**

Wilfaerd displays both his drow and human ancestry. The left side of his face is a faded purple colour, that isn’t noticeable from afar. He has mismatched eyes; one red and one silver. Wil has a slender build. Many women consider him attractive, embodying the stereotype of the drow. He has silver hair, which he regularly slicks back and ties into a small knot. He is extremely dexterous and nimble, excelling as a pickpocket and a lock picker. He is renowned in his discipline; having famously broken into the impenetrable Shepherd’s Vault. After losing his left arm in some gnoll caves in 994, he sported a bionic arm he affectionately named ‘Handvas’, after the aged healer Manvas.

Wilfaerd is considered immature by many others, he has a tendency to act impulsively and irrationally. Despite not being well-read or traditionally clever; Wilfaerd became infamous for his cunning nature and was often underestimated by his foe. During his younger years Wilfaerd had a thirst for adventure, but eventually mellowed out in his old age. Furthermore, in his youth, Wilfaerd often shied away from leadership and commitment which again he rose to in later life.

## **History**

He was raised by Horavel Richeye and Venrie Aldalinde in the room above the *Blackbar Inn* in Pennbury. His parents worked as the Landlord and lady of the tavern in the rural village. It was a quiet life, Pennbury attracted very few visitors of travellers, so most of the custom at the *Blackbar Inn* were regulars from the village.

In 981 it all changed, when Nalverin Aldalinde and several of his companions came to Pennbury searching for Venrie and Wilfaerd. During the encounter Wilfaerd set fire to the *Blackbar Inn*, in a burst of wild magic, accidentally killing his mother in the process. Horavel managed to escape with Wilfaerd as the blaze raged on, evading Nalverin. Wil was so traumatised from this incident that he can barely remember that fateful evening, all he can remember is the face of his uncle and the heat of the fire.

From there Horavel and Wilfaerd travelled from town-to-town failing to settle anywhere for long. Wherever they went Wilfaerd always managed to get into trouble. In Cheyrdoon he was caught kissing the President’s daughter of the same age and henceforth run out of town by the guards. Whilst travelling with a vendor’s train, Wilfaerd stole a pair of diamond earrings leading to the merchants hiring mercenaries to find the culprit. Once Wil confessed to his father that it was him, Horavel spent all their money on two horses and snuck off in the middle of the night.

Wil met one of his closest friends, Acqo Silentscales, travelling with a nomadic tribe in the marshlands, near the border with the Apherol Deserts. Wil looks back fondly of his time with the nomads; Acqo and Wilfaerd became inseparable during this time. Both had been deemed outcasts due to their race and bonded over this. The nomads themselves paid little attention to the lizardfolk and half-drow amongst their ranks. Wilfaerd and Acqo turned to a life of mischief, sneaking among the camps and playing pranks upon various nomads. In time their mischief turned to thievery as they competed as to who could steal the most valuable possessions of the tribe. Tensions rose within the tribe as more and more valuables within the tribe went missing. Horavel had known Wilfaerd well (too well for Wilfaerd’s liking) and immediately suspected his son of such crimes. After confronting his son, Wilfaerd confessed and showed him the vast collection Acqo and himself had buried in a chest beneath the marshes. Once again Horavel prepared for a stealthy exit, however his suspicious activity was noticed by some of the nomads. They questioned him, searched his goods and found Acqo and Wil’s chest with their precious belongings within and began to beat him bloody. Wilfaerd tried his best to defend his father, but was beaten up too by the elder nomads. Acqo however saved the day surprising the assailants, killing the nomads in front of Wil and Horavel’s eyes. She managed to lead their escape north, whilst Wil and Horavel recovered from their injuries.

The trio ended up in Baldurn, a backward town without any government or known leader, a hive of scum and villainy. There Wilfaerd and Acqo returned to their thieving ways and achieved great success in the southern market. It wasn’t long before Wilfaerd was groomed by Shaena Mistletoe of the Honest Men and recruited to their ranks, alongside Acqo. Through this connection Horavel was recruited as a bartender at the *Copper Stallion*. Whilst training and operating for the Honest Men, Wilfaerd discovered his natural expertise for lock picking which he embraced passionately.

During his time at Baldurn Wilfaerd began to form a relation with fellow thief and member of the Honest Men, Nivi Silverkin. The pair’s relation initially started as purely sexual, however both began to catch feelings for the other. Wilfaerd suppressed these feeling for some time.

## ***Seeds of Promise***

Wilfaerd and Acqo steal the painting *Firehair’s Field* from the art collector Milosh under instruction from Tog'rr. The following day Wilfaerd attempts to purchase a Ring of Feather Falling as a gift for Nivi. Whilst bartering with Hippo he meets an old friend, a dwarf named Ulster. The two became friends during Ulster’s previous business with the Honest Men of Baldurn. They catch up over breakfast with Digbo, Manvas and Swift at the strangely busy *Copper Stallion*.

Wilfaerd catches back up with Shaena at the absurdly quiet Copper Stallion. Shaena tasks him to escort the Dwarven businessman, known as The Wanderer to a long table meeting. He travels across town to the famed brothel, Midnight’s Miracle, owned by The Wanderer. He is escorted to The Wanderer by his assistant Vita, not before being harassed by The Wanderer’s personal bodyguards Philippe and Chotto. The Wanderer and Wilfaerd do not get on, upon their first meeting they throw insults and meaningless threats at the other, however eventually The Wanderer agrees to accompany Wilfaerd to the Long Table meeting at the *Copper Stallion*.

Operation Wolfpack is detailed and planned in front of the main leaders of the campaign. Tog’rr informs Wilfaerd that under Zerik’s command Wilfaerd will be a part of the team that assault the Shepherd’s Vault. He is tasked with breaking into the vault, which has never previously been broken into. The Wanderer begins to mock his new found rival, beginning to sing ballads written about how impenetrable the vault is. His laughter dims however when Tog’rr mentions that The Wanderer will be joining the assault as he is the only person within Operation Wolfpack who has visited the vault, so he is there to navigate the team around the stronghold. Wilfaerd returns the mocking back on The Wanderer who is very unsettled by the thought of attacking the Vault. Wilfaerd is also shocked and aghast at the revelation of Tog’rr’s alliance with Stedd, Lord of the River.

> **Nivi**I want to own a little tavern, like your parents used to. Live in a village that no one visits. Have three of our little children running about in the cellar. That is the life I want. Not this. Not here. Not spending my years killing and robbing, having to look over my shoulder all the time.**Wilfaerd**Maybe one day Nivi. But we're still young. We can chase that dream once we've made our fortune.**Nivi**I won't ask you to give up this life Wilfaerd. I would never ask that of you. It is WHO you are. But I'm not like that. I don't want to, but I hope you understand.**Wilfaerd**Understand what? What are you saying?**Nivi**I'm going to live my dream Wil. And you should live yours. I'm leaving after Operation Wolfpack. Leaving Baldurn. So I guess this is goodbye Wil.— Nivi and Wilfaerd's date at The Ballgown

Wil takes Nivi on a date to The Ballgown, the finest restaurant in Baldurn. Nivi attempts to break up with him; revealing that she yearns to settle down for a quiet life. In response Wilfaerd proposes to her, claiming that after Operation Wolfpack they will leave Baldurn and buy their own tavern in a small village like she wants. Nivi is shocked and overjoyed, she excitedly accepts his proposal. However in truth Wilfaerd means to talk Nivi round. He has no desire to leave the Honest Men or Baldurn anytime soon.

Wilfaerd was stationed under the command of Zerik during their assault of Shepherd’s Vault. Amongst the raiding party were Ulster, Swift, The Wanderer, Philippe and Chotto and various other mercenaries and members of the Honest Men. The assault is a bloody and brutal one as the Honest Men manage to rush the heavily guarded stronghold. Zerik is gravely wounded by a stone golem guarding the vault door, however Ulster manages to cut the golem to pieces. Wilfaerd pleads for Digbo to be spared, after he finds the smuggler defending the vaults under the employment of the Silent Shepherds. With Zerik indisposed many turn to Wilfaerd as the defacto leader of the unit; Wil therefore allows Digbo to scurry away. After much difficulty Wilfaerd manages to pick the complicated door into the Vault. The victory is the Honest Men’s as they secure the riches of the Silent Shepherds all thanks to Wil.

Wilfaerd celebrates the victory and gains many plaudits for his part in Operation Wolfpack. Whilst celebrating Wil is sought out by Salazar, another member of the Honest Men, who Wil knew as a colleague and friend of Nivi’s. Salazar brings dire news; he informed Wilfaerd that Nivi had been kidnapped with a letter left addressed as well as Nivi’s engagement Ring of Feather Falling.

Wilfaerd is enraged and begins to make preparations for Nivi’s rescue. Tog’rr demands that any member of the Honest Men wishing to join Wilfaerd upon his quest must pay a hefty absence fee. Wilfaerd and Tog’rr argue over this, but Tog’rr doesn’t budge on her stance. Wil’s loyal friends Shaena and Acqo pay their absence fee, as does Salazar (close friend of Nivi). Ulster and Swift also agree to accompany Wilfaerd on his journey. Wil struggles to rouse any more support on his quest for Nivi, many fearing the reputation of the Niphilim and proving unwilling to pay for their own absence fee.

As all hope looked lost and Wilfaerd was planning to set out with just Shaena, Acqo, Salazar, Swift and Ulster; a surprise saviour turned up to aid Wil. The Wanderer and a collection of mercenaries (that he dubbed Nivi's Knights) arrived at the gates of Baldurn. Wil was both shocked and suspicious of The Wanderer’s involvement, but thankful for the support.

There initial progress to the Sørr Mountains was slow. The two caravans that The Wanderer bought with him were heavy and well-stocked; the dwarf also insisted on stopping at every inn, tavern, village and settlement they came across. Wilfaerd grew very frustrated by their leisurely pace. After several hiccups with Nivi's Knight's along their journey Wilfaerd's temper shortened. One night when they settled down for the night; The Wanderer’s bards were playing a little too loud and his whores were screaming a little too exuberantly for Wilfaerd’s liking. He stormed into The Wanderer’s tent and dragged him outside, whilst he was half-naked. He struck the dwarf as well as his herbalist, Juice, in rage; lecturing The Wanderer on why they were adventuring to the Sørr Mountains and the need to rescue Nivi. Eventually Philippe and Chotto left their own female entertainment to protect their master, Acqo and Shaena came to Wil’s defence and it nearly came to combat between the two factions. Ulster intervened, standing as a middle man between the two. Wilfaerd saw this as a slight, assuming Ulster would’ve stood by his side given their past relationship and Ulster’s dislike for his fellow dwarf.

Later on when two of Nivi's Knights snuck off with The Wanderer’s gold, he sent search parties after them. Whilst the search parties were off hunting the thieves, Wilfaerd and Acqo snuck into The Wanderer’s caravan and stole and then buried the rest of The Wanderer’s hallucinogens and recreational drugs in an attempt to speed up their travels. After returning with the heads of the thieves and his stolen gold; The Wanderer fumed at the loss of his drugs and cursed the thieves for stealing them more than his gold!

Upon the road they came across a fallen caravan, an apparent battle had taken place with blood and half-eaten bodies scattered around. The sole survivor, a young girl, by the name of Gail told the story of a gnoll attack and cried in fear that they would ransack her village, Mottsfield a mile off the road. Wil implored the group to continue on to the Sørr Mountains, however the others wished to assist Gail and help save her village, and the loudest amongst those advocates were The Wanderer and Ulster (the most unlikely of comrades). It was here where the group split; Wilfaerd, Acqo and Salazar headed directly for the mountains whilst the rest of the party headed to save the village. Wil felt particularly betrayed by Shaena, who decided to join The Wanderer’s troupe in saving the village. After a couple of days of sulking along further on Salazar manages to convince Wil to turn back and help the others.

When Wil, Acqo and Salazar eventually catch up with their comrades, they are deep in a gnoll lair. Wilfaerd manages to save The Wanderer from impending death from a nearby Gnoll upon re-joining. Then when travelling down various tunnels Wil attempts to search a chest, this chest however turns out to be a mimic and bites Wil’s left arm. Ulster dutifully cleaves Wil’s trapped arm clean off when instructed to do so by the lock picker.

Whilst staying the night with the villagers of Mottsfield, during a celebration for the heroes of the village, the group make amends with eachother. The unlikely mediator in this was Ulster who drunkenly revealed a lot of his history as a member of the Phoenix Corp, whilst Wilfaerd shared his memories of the fire in Pennbury. The Wanderer agreed to leave his caravans and camp followers in Mottsfield and bring only his hired swords with him; the group would agree to travel lightly from here on in.

By the time they reached the Sørr Mountains they numbered only 13; Wilfaerd, Shaena, Acqo, Salazar, Ulster, Swift, The Wanderer, Philippe, Chotto, Colter, Garin, Morag and The Locus. They came across a group of goblin corpses in a cave as they searched for the Niphilim caves, the only survivor was a strange goblin going by the name of Dil. Dil lead the group to a nearby cave where he told them of drow activity. He managed to trick Wilfaerd and steal Nivi’s engagement ring under the false pretense of testing how deep a rockface went, however he disappeared into the shadows never to return.

When trying to enter this suspected Niphilim cave the group are apprehended by a group of drow and duergar. However to Wilfaerd’s relief they were not Niphilim warriors, but under the command of Xanaphia, the matron of Elyndryn. After some questioning from Xanaphia it became apparent she had a mutual enmity for the Niphilim. She informed Wilfaerd’s party that there are many drow caves in the Sørr Mountains and not even she knows where their main base of operations are. She does however point out a small Niphilim presence within Elyndryn who Xanaphia is more than happy for the group to rid Elyndryn of.

And so with the assistance of Xanaphia, Wilfaerd and his party infiltrated the Niphilim temple within Elyndryn. The ensuing fight resulted in the death of The Locus and Salazar suffered a serious injury, however Wilfaerd and co. managed to defeat the priestesses of Kiaransalee, leaving their leader alive for questioning. When she spoke however, she spoke with the voice of Nalverin; mocking and taunting his nephew and also revealing the location, Tr’aenssviv, the Niphilim cave where Nivi was being kept.

Along their way to Tr'aenssviv, Wilfaerd and his companions came across a member of the Niphilim, Heian, who was escorting a group of prisoners back to base. Wilfaerd and his entourage attack Heian’s patrol and release his three elven prisoners: Fleur, Lo’Rel and Auruliam. The Wanderer counselled that the prisoners should be executed on the spot. Wilfaerd however insists on releasing them, which turns out to be a master stroke. Fleur and Lo’Rel turn out to be incredibly well versed with the comings and goings of the Niphilim. Lo’Rel is able to take on the disguise as Heian which helps the group enter Tr’aenssviv. And Auruliam proves to be gifted with the arcane.

> "The Niphilim have put them in chains for a reason. Because they're dangerous. Best we slit their throats and be done with it!"
>
> The Wanderer

Wil’s party find a hideout within Tr’aenssviv in an abandoned warehouse not too far from the deeper caves. Fleur set up her own office in the warehouse and began to plan out the group's espionage and sabotage. Fleur organised the successful attacks on; Tebryn Zolond, commander of the Niphilim infantry, sacking the armoury and burning the food stores. It did not take long for word of "Heian’s" out-of-character attack to spread within Tr’aenssviv and soon the city was on high alert. Wilfaerd grew to respect Fleur greatly and Fleur in turn acknowledged Wilfaerd's talents. Fleur revealed that herself and Lo'Rel are in fact agents of the Thwan'dan'wear in Bah'Jia and that someone like Wil would fit in within their ranks.

Whilst Wil and Lo’Rel were collecting intel at the market (whilst disguised as drow) the warehouse was attacked by a drow search party. When the two returned to the warehouse they found it completely trashed, with three Niphilim corpses and Morag’s body cluttering up the nearby streets. Wil and Lo'Rel investigated where their companions may now be and heard whispers of prisoners being taken to the town hall. After sneaking into the town hall they discovered their kidnapped friends: Acqo, Shaena, Swift, Salazar, Fleur, Philippe, Garin and Auruliam had all been taken into Xanaphia custody and were drinking wine with her. However it is revealed that the whereabouts of The Wanderer, Ulster, Colter and the still injured Chotto are still unknown from after the attack on the wherehouse. Xanaphia has been summoned by the Yathrinshee to answer for the deaths of the Priestesses in Elyndryn. Within a few hours The Wanderer and Colter arrive at the town hall, claiming to have been hiding in alleyways after the attack.

With Xanaphia’s blessing, Fleur concocts a plan to take down the Niphilim. Lo'Rel will pose as Xanaphia and meet with the Yathrinshee at the town hall (a distraction to keep the powerful mages away from Nalverin’s enclave), in the meantime Wilfaerd, The Wanderer, Philippe, Colter, Swift, Acqo, Shaena and Garin will attempt to sneak into Nalverin’s enclave and afterwards Xanaphia will assemble her army with the assistance of Fleur and Auruliam and attack the enclave.

After two days of planning operation began as planned. However at the entrance to the enclave the group were spotted, sparking an early attack from Xanaphia’s army. Thanks to the fire magic of Auruliam, who burned and melted the stone compound, she was able to force an entrance. Whilst the fighting continued around them, Wilfaerd and his stealth party rushed through the gap in the wall. Once inside chaos erupted, as the battle between Xanaphia’s army and the Niphilim waged at the entrance of the conclave. Wilfaerd and Acqo were separated down the tunnels and came across a grand hallway. Within the room was a strange looking sentient construct (a quadrone) calling himself Beta-037 who was protecting a specific pedestal in the centre. On the pedestal was an magical dagger. While Wil conversed with Beta-037, Acqo snuck behind him and stole the dagger and they left without Beta-037 realising the dagger had gone missing.

Luckily the group reunited in the Niphilim dungeons; inside was a duergar and the injured Chotto. Philippe rushed towards his cousin, overwhelmed with emotion, and within the calamity Wilfaerd was subdued by Colter, who snuck him down a secret passage with The Wanderer close behind him. The Wanderer revealed to Wilfaerd that he’d changed allegiance and found common cause with Nalverin. Wilfaerd is escorted, by The Wanderer and Colter, to a great hall where Nalverin, Nivi, The High Priestess, a collection of other Priestesses of Yathrinshee and most worringly an undead silver dragolich. Nalverin and Wilfaerd argue for some time. Wilfaerd curses Nalverin for killing his mother and hating Wilfaerd purely because of his race as a half-drow. Nalverin mocks and taunts Wilfaerd, revealing that it was in fact Wilfaerd who started the fire that killed Venrie. He also reveals that his reason for pursuing Wil are not in fact due to his mixed heritage, but due to the fact he needs to use Wilfaerd as a blood sacrifice to achieve Lichdom. Nalverin names his terms; if Wilfaerd agrees to sacrifice himself willingly, Nivi will go free. However if Wilfaerd will not cooperate both Nivi and Wil will be tortured until Wilfaerd submits to the blood sacrifice. Wilfaerd agrees to the deal.

Wilfaerd is bought to the Temple of Kiaransalee where the rituals take place under the command of the High Priestess. Nivi is restored to sound mind as she watches on helplessly. As Wilfaerd’s fate looks doomed a few of his companions disrupt the ceremony. Ulster leaps out of the shadows to slice down several Priestesses, whilst Garin and Swift lose arrows from the ramparts and Salazar casts a fog cloud to mask his allies. Wilfaerd takes this opportunity to grab Nivi and dash away, however Nalverin also grabs hold of Nivi and begins casting a spell of some sort… However he is interrupted as Acqo stabs him in the achilles with her short sword (made of bone). Battle rages on amongst this as the great dragolich begins to swoop down, Auruliam fires magic up towards it, seeming to halt the beast’s progress. Wilfaerd and Nivi dash towards the source of Salazar and Auruliam’s magic, hoping it is a place of safety. As Wilfaerd looks back, he witnesses Acqo disintegrate within Nalverin’s grasp his evil cackle radiating throughout the enclave. Once reaching Auruliam Wilfaerd prepares to make his final stand against his uncle. He is however pleasantly surprised when the foggy darkness of the Niphilim disappears and a bright land of strange and vibrant colours appears in its place. Auruliam plane shifted the group to the Feywild.

Wilfaerd, Nivi, Shaena, Ulster, Swift, Salazar and Auruliam ended up in the Feywild. Wilfaerd decides that when Auruliam is fit enough to transport the group back to the material realm Nivi and he should take Horavel and leave Baldurn, since Nalverin knows they are there. Ulster suggests they head to Castiel so he can continue his research at their great library. And so it was agreed. The group travelled were plan shifted back outside the walls of Baldurn. Wilfaerd and Shaena snuck into the town and Wil collected Horavel. Shaena and Wilfaerd had an emotional goodbye, they both agreed that Shaena would spread the tale that Wilfaerd died within that the Niphilim Caves. And so Wilfaerd, Nivi, Ulster, Swift, Salazar and Horavel headed south to Castiel.

## ***A Doubt Of Purpose***

Wilfaerd arrives at the walls of Castiel after a long journey from Baldurn. At the gates they are issued with identification papers and forced to pay an entrance fee into the city. Wilfaerd gives the name Carlton Picker for the state’s records. Wil, Nivi and Horavel take up residence in the annex of the villa that Swift purchases in Castiel.

Wilfaerd makes contact with Seven after pick-pocketing in the market. Wil keeps his new working relationship with Seven secret from Nivi, who has started working as a barmaid at the *Jolly Mailer* and wishes for the both of them to live a new life away from crime.