Charles Goodman

[*Darkrob]

What can be said about Charles? Some would say heÂ’s a good person, that heÂ’s considerate, compassionate and humorous. Others might call him a little selfish or self absorbedÂ… maybe even a touch greedy. Then a few might even refer to him as an opportunistic gold digger with no morals.

In many waysÂ… all would be telling the truth.

Charles is the son of a wealthy merchant from some nameless Prime World. He was raised amongst the rich and obsessive, enjoying the fine things in life. Unfortunately for him, and he still curses this day, his father had something wrong with himÂ… something that was twisted and perverted to CharlesÂ… His father hadÂ… ethics.

When Charles turned eighteen, he was forced to find his own way in the world. He was forced to leave the ivory nest. So… a day before he was to be “officially” sent out into the world, Charles stole what he could from his father and made for the nearest seaport. He wasn’t going empty handed!

Over the next two years he wandered his Prime and wasted a good portion of his coin on excessive enjoyment. But like all things uncontrolled… they come to an end. It wasn’t long after that he figured he had to have a plan. He needed an out and it wasn’t long before he found one. During a long gambling spree he had won a most unique prize. It looked like a large bird, a Sparrow… but it was supposed to operate like some sort of ship. It had been referred to as a “SpellJammer”. Small, capable of holding 2 or 3 people and a little bit of Cargo… but it was in piss poor shape.

It took most of the rest of his coin but he did manage to get it to workÂ… but it only worked for a short time. He had managed to get it airborne via the helm, traverse the heavens and make it to a city called Trade Gate. After thatÂ… the thing broke down and he hasnÂ’t been able to fix it since. He has since stored it in a warehouse in the city and simply pays the rent for the space to store it.

A couple of years later, after making deals and learning some tricks of the trade in Trade Gate, he has made his way to Sigil.

Things are looking up. HeÂ’s found a few associates and has made a few plans.

Time to lay the groundwork for something bigÂ…

[*Darkrob]

Charles’ Journal – Arrival in Sigil

Well the trip from Tradegate was quiet and uneventful but I am finally in Sigil. The city is like I have imagined it. Huge, busy, full of lifeÂ… and full of rich opportunities. I have been here only a week or so and have already begun to settle in. A small apartmentÂ… too small if you ask meÂ… and a tab at the local tavern. I have met a few contactsÂ… some worth the time to nurture.

One worth note is the local Indep “goto”… He goes by the name Hildmor. Seems like a solid fellow with many contacts and connections. Owns a few properties and generates a fair amount of income. Seems like a good idea to hitch my wagon to some of his projects.

Another new associate is Rain. HeÂ’s a bit of a mystery but holds loads of potential for what I want to accomplish. With his connections and my resourcesÂ… I see big things coming from this agreement.

NowÂ… I need to concentrate on getting the old girl back in service. Having her stored in some cold warehouse is only costing me money. I need to get it in operational order to really start making money.

Hopefully my next few meetings will solve that problemÂ…

[*Darkrob]

Charles' Journal - Chance Meeting

I've always prided myself as a gambler, one who relies on luck... and again I am reminded why.

Just this evening I met the most interesting woman. Almost kin... if it wasn't for the tail and all... although she does wear it well.

Her name is Kari and she has become a new partner in my newly forming enterprise. It seems she thinks highly of my plan to gain wealth and is not afraid to take the necessary steps to achieve it. She has already aided with information on where I might be able to repair the Sparrow and some other valuable tidbits. She seems bright enough to be able to pilot it across our more... dangerous routes to deliver what needs to be delivered. I think her skill will be welcomed and necessary.

I truly look forward to her skills and her zest for profitable adventure!

[*Darkrob]

Charles removed the canvas cover that was draped over the odd looking vessel. It looked like a bird with its wings pointed forward. It even had windows where its eyes were and a beak. You could certainly tell why it was called a Sparrow. It was about 30 feel long and about 6 feet wide, not including the wings. The wing tips had been removed and one could tell that some sort of weapon, probably magic missile rods, had once been anchored there.

The ship had seen better days. Even in the dim light of the warehouse you could tell it was beaten up. Patches and holes, peeling paint and faded symbols of some fleetÂ… Presumably it was once used as an armed scouting craft. Even one of its feet had been broken off and hastily reattached with wire.

When he had won the vessel a few years back while gambling; it workedÂ… but just barely. It had both a helm and a mussel furnace and he had managed to fly it to Tradegate. After thatÂ… it had quit. It hadnÂ’t flown since.

He ran his hand along the hull as he looked it over. He saw a great potential for this craft. In working order it was fast and agileÂ… more so than most Spell Jammers but it only had a tiny cargo holdÂ… maybe a ton max capacity. He wouldnÂ’t need more than that for most of the work he had planned for it. Anything heavier would be shipped by other methods.

So far he had managed to hook two more partners. They would help him coordinate deals, find suppliers and pilot the Sparrow on their respective jobs. It was all starting to come togetherÂ… but first thing was firstÂ… Repairs and modifications.

[*Darkrob]

Charles observed the work that was being done on the Sparrow. It had started to look like it would one day take flight. The talons had been repaired and it now stood on two sturdy feet. Holes had been expertly patched up and damage had been repaired. A new coat of paint was being applied and the interior was being made as comfortable as the small quarters would allow. Although the room inside was no more than a couple of closets worthÂ… it might as well be comfortable enough to allow extended journeys in.

The Invisibility Orb he had ordered was in place and hooked up to the Magic missile generator in the center of the shipÂ… although he still hadnÂ’t managed to find suitable replacements for the two Magic missile rods that were currently missing from the wings. He was going to have to get Kari on that right awayÂ… certainly she must have connections.

Everything was looking upÂ… nowÂ… to find someone who can actually repair the helm and furnaceÂ…