Rise of the Runelords

Berinni is a stout, broad-shouldered man with pale skin that contrasts with his dark, slightly unkempt hair. His most distinguishing feature is his missing front tooth, which gives him a rough, thuggish grin even when he means well. His deep-set eyes are sharp and observant, often scanning a room with quiet intelligence, though most people overlook this due to his rugged, streetwise appearance. His hands are calloused, showing signs of manual labor or past scuffles, yet his fingers have the dexterity of a writer. He typically wears worn but functional clothing, favoring dark tunics and a heavy cloak, the kind that helps him blend into crowds rather than stand out. Despite his intimidating build, his posture betrays a thoughtful nature, as if he’s always analyzing, always thinking—even if the world only sees a common thug.

Berinni is intelligent, observant, and deeply self-conscious, though he hides it behind a rough, streetwise exterior. He speaks in a blunt, no-nonsense manner, but those who take the time to listen notice a sharp wit and a deep understanding of politics and society. He is naturally skeptical and cautious, never one to blindly trust authority or take things at face value, yet he harbors a quiet dreamer’s heart, longing to see his plays performed. Despite his rough look and gruff demeanor, he is not cruel or violent, preferring words over fists when given the choice. However, his fear of rejection holds him back. Though he critiques others’ work with confidence, when it comes to his own writing, he is plagued by doubt, afraid that others will see him as nothing more than a thug pretending to be a playwright.

Berinni grew up in the rougher parts of Magnimar, where survival often depended on strength and wit. Though he had the look and demeanor of a common thug, he always had a keen mind, spending his free time listening to political debates, reading books, and analyzing the city’s ever-changing landscape. Over time, he became known for his sharp commentaries on Magnimar’s politics, gaining a small but loyal following. However, his true passion lay in theater and storytelling. Inspired by the dramas he read and the performances he secretly attended, he began writing plays of his own. Though he dreams of submitting them to Cyrdak Drokkus at the Sandpoint Theater, he fears his background and lack of formal training will lead to rejection or ridicule. Now in Sandpoint, Berinni keeps his literary aspirations hidden, passing off as just another rough-looking local while secretly waiting for the courage—or the right opportunity—to see his work performed on stage.