Clink

Born to a nest of four brothers and sisters in a small, tightly-knit Kenku colony in Maseed, Clink spent much time around the joint laboratory from which his species was created. His parents, being created Kenkus, would often visit the lab to check in. Unlike his more athletic siblings, Clink showed an aptitude for books at an early age, and was encouraged by role models at the lab to take up studies of arcana and alchemy.

As a young adult, Clink assisted several researchers at the lab with archaeological digs and other field research, gaining experience in the widespread application of his studies as well as traveling and seeing other parts of the islands. One of the primary arcanists was focused on recovering magical dye recipes from ancient cultures, which sparked Clink’s interest in potions. After a great deal of persuasion from advocates at the lab and demonstration of his own skills, he was allowed to join the School of Alchemical Artifice. Despite discouragement from mean-spirited instructors and fellow students, he managed to pass his classes and find satisfaction in his work.

However, he would not come into his own as an artificer until he discovered that he could be a merchant as well. While a taboo around discussing the monetary value of magic pervaded the lab, Clink met new people as an adult who opened his mind to the lucrative possibilities selling magic offered. He set up a business, and while he never produced any significant new discoveries or research, he found success through sheer quantity and speed. Forcing himself to make low-level magical items on a regular basis helped him hone his skills.

Clink’s major achievement as an artificer was the homunculus Hiss, a mechanical, reptilian trunk with legs and wings which breathes steam from a dragon-like head. This steam is a byproduct of the internal system which produces the salves. Hiss also contains some storage space for Clink’s numerous belongings.

As his career progressed, a small community of Kenku intellectuals rose up. These Kenku, while morally grey still, did not care for being part of the criminal element of the city. They met to collaborate and support each other, and several friendly rivalries arose as the group grew. While Kenku still found it difficult to enter labs in different cities, the idea of a “Kenku intellectual” was starting to become normalized in Khepriot society.

During this time Clink met a female Kenku with whom he had two children, though the relationship was very short-lived as both were too immersed in their work. The children were largely raised by both sets of their grandparents. Clink’s parents had retired from their former careers of being a bookie and a courier and had time to look after them. Both children are now fully grown; one works as a spy for a gang and the other is a florist.

After amassing an impressive collection of belongings and a considerable repertoire of arcane skills, Clink became restless. He took up underground dueling to regain some of the thrill from his youth and started dabbling in battle magic, finding ways to sell it as well. But he was still nostalgic for the trips he took as a research assistant. When the opportunity to venture out of the islands to discover a new source of magical energy came up, he immediately decided he had to apply to all the opportunities possible. Even if the chances of them accepting a Kenku as part of their team were slim, he would regret it forever if he never put his name in.

A reputation for consistency and reliability helped Clink earn a spot on one of the expedition teams, led by his colleague from Anima Arcanic, an automation specialist by the name of Professor Oriana Van Laes.

While he feels somewhat of a need to prove himself to the others, he is also old and experienced enough to be confident in his skills. His personal goal is not just to discover things which could enhance the items he sells and his wealth, but also to raise the reputation of Kenku among inhabitants of the islands.

He is worried about the possibility of death or injury, because this is a journey into the unknown, whereas all his previous experiences with danger meant medical care was readily available. And while he has tried to brush up on his fighting as much as possible, he is reluctant to get into combat with unknown people or creatures. But the desire to see his goals through and the need for intellectual stimulation ultimately override these fears.

On an interpersonal basis, Clink is reasonably friendly and skilled at interacting with different types of people, as he grew up in an environment which fostered collaboration and contained not just elite academics but also other working class Kenku. While there are awkward spots in conversation due to his mimicking talking style, he manages. However, having seen how cutthroat academics can be, he is also wary of trusting too easily. Clink gets along best with those who are straightforward and focused on completing a job or negotiation.

Unused to having to care about anyone but himself, Clink can be selfish, materially and emotionally. While he has many acquaintances through his work and community, he has few, if any, he would consider true friends. He is usually interested primarily in his work and own objectives, and while he will help out an ally when he deems it necessary, he would rather save his own skin.

As an artificer, Clink honed his persistence and ability and to focus on hard work and has the stamina to see difficult tasks through, though the Kenku are a playful sort overall, and if he pushes himself hard he will be sure to take a well-deserved break.

Professor Oriana Van Laes - Clink’s colleague from Anima Arcanic with whom he has worked before. A gnome with shoulder-length blonde hair and pointed features who tends to wear a heavy coat even when it is warm and always seems to be fiddling with something. She is perpetually stern, and her work ethic continues to shine even as her work is often passed over for grants and accolades. Automation is her specialty.

Drop - One of Clink’s intellectual Kenku colleagues with whom he has a friendly rivalry due to their similar backgrounds and interest in selling magic.

Cruncher - The mother of Clink’s children. While they remain on reasonably friendly terms, both are too immersed in their work and personal pursuits to maintain much of a relationship beyond what is required for their children.

Sizzler - One of Clink’s children, a male Kenku who works as a spy for a street gang. Clink feels faint disapproval over his career choice but understands that many Kenku have fallen into a life of crime due to their second class status in society and it was perhaps unavoidable.

Snip - The other of Clink’s children, a female Kenku who works as a florist. She has a close relationship with her grandparents, and Clink has a soft spot for her despite taking on a “aloof but nice enough uncle” type of role in her life.

Roller - Clink’s father, a retired bookie. He was one of the original Kenku created by the researchers. While he and Clink are not particularly close, Roller is proud of his son.

Croakie - Clink’s mother, a retired courier, and also a created Kenku. She focused more on Clink’s siblings because he was a quiet child, immersed in his books and therefore not getting into trouble, but she too is proud of Clink even if she doesn’t quite understand him.

Snapper - Clink’s younger sister, who works on the fishing boats.

Clacker - Clink’s older brother, who works as an under-the-table security guard.

Whap - Clink’s oldest brother, a chef.