Barsook

*"The roar of the crowd, all eyes on ya, that rush of winning a bout. There's nothing like it."*

## About Barsook

Barsook is a dwarvish pit fighter who has built a name for himself in the fighting rings across Niqamui. The Badger of Ballads uses an odd but entertaining fighting style that crowds grow enthralled by, all the while playing scales and riffs on *Bassviet* a reinforced long necked string instrument that is also his weapon of choice in the arenas.

### Appearence

Barsook has a wild mane of muddy red hair, very broad and distinctive eyebrows, and wears his friendly mutton chops with pride. Barsook doesn't mind that he's on the shorter side of four feet, the self confidence he's earned in the ring makes him feel ten feet tall most days. And while his physique might imply an athlete who has let themselves go a bit it would be foolish to think he is out of shape. While Barsook does have a bit of a gut underneath that padding is slabs of muscle. While out around town Barsook will wear an ankle length black and white robe secured by a sash. Once it's showtime however he sports a pair of black and white shorts and little else, showing off his scars and tattoos, and painting his face to look like a rabid crimson badger. It's all part of the show that he loves to perform.

### Personality

Barsook has a larger than life personality both on and off the ring. He is bombastic and will make himself known when entering a room if he can. Despite this show of bravado Barsook is a bit of a softie at heart. He truly enjoys the work that he does but in the end he does it for his family, arcane academies for his adopted daughter aren't cheap and Barsook wants to give her the future he couldn't have. If he allows himself to relax Barsook will often pass the time by improvising a new composition and letting his hands work along *Bassviet*. If he had one flaw it's that if called out Barsook cannot let himself back down, he believes his own hype as much as the crowds.

### Personal History

Barsook was always short, even among dwarves. Combined with his love for music many other children in his clan turned their attention to Barsok when they wanted to bully or tease someone. Resolving not to be the victim Barsook pushed himself to become strong, and then taught himself to fight. Soon the other children in the clan stopped their ridicule when they realized broken noses and bruises weren't worth a laugh. Seeking his fortune abroad Barsook began traveling from town to town playing in taverns and inns to earn enough coin to move on. While his songs were recieved well enough what really excited the patrons of these businesses was seeing Barsook fight belligerent tavern goers who thought they could pick on the small dwarf or harass other patrons just wanting to have a good time, and what surprised Barsook most of all was that he also seemed to enjoy these moments. Seeking to combine his old love of performance and his new admiration for fighting he began entering fighting pits and adopted the *Badger of Ballads* persona in the rings. Nearly a century later he has become a headline act.

## Family

### Jubilhein

Jubilhein is Barsook's younger sister by about 30 years. A talented abjurationist and professor at Dillantar's Arcane Academy she worries that her big brother will one day get in a fight that he may not be able to walk away from. Regardless they have a good relationship and are always happy to see one another.

### Claire

Barsook's adopted daughter. A human with a knack for magic she has recently been admitted to Dillantar's Arcane Academy. While they may not be blood Barsook has known Claire since she was only five and he raised her as if she were his own child after falling for her mother.

### Beatrice

Or 'Mrs. Badger Ballad' as he likes to call her sometimes. She has a heart of gold but a temper like a tempest if someone crosses her family. She loves Barsook for many reasons but being able to make her laugh regularly is the one she cites the most. Barsook fell in love with her smile.

## DM Advice

*Voice Traits*: Loud, Boisterous, Cheerful. Imagine Steve Irwin and a 90s WWE superstar were put into a four foot and change bundle of energy.

*Mannerisms:* He tries to find enjoyment in anything he does, lives large and loud. Tries to share the excitement and energy with those around him. As stated above just think 90s wrestling superstar and you are on the right track.