Malfus Fairwind is the owner of the Last Coconut; the best, and only, tavern located in the village of Farshore
Growing up in the Shadowshore District of Sasserine, Malfus never really got a clear "right from wrong" upbringing. Sure, he meant well, but for some reason, he never had that ability to see things in black or white, right from wrong, or even good from evil.
Playing in the darkened streets and alleys of Shadowshore growing up, Malfus bore witness to many crimes being committed. It seemed odd that these criminals went (mostly) unpunished. How is it that they could be breaking laws without any consequence? Their power over the "law" was very intriguing to him. It would seem that there was an entire "underworld" organization that, working together, could run by their own set of laws. Doing a little bit of investigation and asking (perhaps too many) questions, Malfus learned of the guild known as the Lotus Dragons. He felt is was his destiny to become one of them. He began to focus on what some might consider more "thieving" talents.
Malfus began his training by sneaking around Sasserine in the night, trying to hone his "craft." It didn't come as easily for him as it seemed to come for some of the others, such as the the so-called "Shadowshore Boys." Still, Malfus was determined to become a first-rate thief. He began to study the art of picking locks; tried to understand how to set up and dismantle traps; and began to learn how to gather information for sale. While the Shadowshore Boys seemed to just pick up on these things naturally, Malfus always struggled.
During one attempted second-story job, Malfus and his accomplice Sebastian were under pressure as some local guardsmen were patrolling the area. As Sebastian was frustratingly working at bypassing the lock, Malfus started nervously humming a little tune.
"What's that?" Sebastian asked.
"Hmm….what? The humming? Oh, sorry, I'll stop," Malfus responded.
"No, don't," Sebastian encouraged. "Somehow, it's helping me concentrate…I think I've almost got this."
"Uh…um, ok," Malfus resumed humming the little tune.
"It's no good…this thing is jammed shut. I need something to smack it with, to try and jar it loose," Sebastain looked to Malfus for help.
Malfus began to fumble through his backpack to find something suitable. He pulled out some extra clothes, some blank parchment, a coconut…
"There! That'll do," Sebastian seemed excited as he reached for the hard fruit.
"Wait, that's the last coconut," Malfus's love for the tasty treat was overriding his sense of urgency.
<WHACK>
"Hey, why'd you stop humming?" Sebastian requested the calming tune again.
"Oh, right," Malfus resumed.
<WHACK>
This time the lock gave way. Malfus smiled, feeling that he somehow helped get by the lock. He knew better, however. Surely, it was Sebastian's skill. Still, it felt good…maybe even right…to have helped.
As time went on, Malfus's skills changed. He began to notice the power of working with others. Instead of focusing on doing things by one's self, working together with others Malfus how the power to greatly enhance others' abilities. It was only a matter of time before the Lotus Dragon Guild would take notice of his abilities.
That time came sooner than Malfus had thought. Sebastian's skills had grown and he was able joined the ranks of the Lotus Dragons. Sebastian did not forget about Malfus, when the guild came calling ot recruit him, too.
Malfus was brought before a fiery red-headed woman named Rowyn. She insisted that he go through some rigorous testing to see if he was worthy of wearing their mark. The testing, however, was measured individually. Malfus' skills would not be sufficient. When it became apparent to him that he would not be allowed to leave, Malfus' began to panic. Deep inside, his very soul seemed to be muttering, "I wish I could just disappear!"
And then it happened…
Somehow, someway, he realized that he had turned completely invisible. Not wanting to waste this great moment of fortune, Malfus fled the guildhall and returned home. Perhaps the Lotus Dragons were not his destiny afterall…
Approaching his parents full of dread, Malfus was stopped short before he could speak.
"My boy, we've got some great news," his father spoke. "We're going on a vacation! Verik and Larissa Vanderboren have asked us to join them on a trip. We'll be sailing for quite a while to some uncharted areas. They would like us to help map out their destination."
Malfus was floored. Just when he thought that destiny had betrayed him…perhaps it was now saving his hide.
"Sounds…great! When can we…er, I mean do we…leave?" Malfus inquired.
"Well, we're glad you're excited," his father responded. "Soon, my boy. Soon."
During the ensuing months, Malfus continued to hone his skills while sailing. Singing, humming, and playing his lute…this music seemed to stir something magical within him. He soon discovered that he had new abilities, and could continue to work even more effectively with others. Upon arriving in Farshore, he set up a little pub. Thinking back upon some of his finer times in Sasserine, he put up the sign on the front of the little hut with the name scrawled across it…
AS OWNER OF THE LAST COCONUT
Malfus's little pub grew in popularity as Farshore became settled. It soon became the most popular tavern in town. It afforded Malfus many opportunities to hear stories from other travelers. His parents would one day travel into the island's mainland with their mapping supplies, never to be heard from again.
Perhaps destiny would have Malfus forever tending to The Last Coconut. It sure seemed that way, until a group of adventurers from Sasserine arrived…it would seem that destiny was now directing Malfus to work with them.
RPG Stats
Male human bard 10
CN Medium humanoid
Init +6; Senses Listen +0, Spot +0
Languages Common, Dwarven, Elven
AC 16 touch 12, flat-footed 14
Hp 41 (10 HD)
Fort +5, Ref +9, Will +7
Spd 30 ft. (6 squares)
Melee mwk rapier +8/+3 (1d6; 18-20/x2)
Ranged +1 Fire Composite Longbow +10/+5 [1d8+1(+d6 fire); 20/x3]
Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft.
Base Atk +7; Grp +7
Combat Gear Lesser Bracers of Archery, Holy Water Flask, Tanglefoot Bag, Alchemist’s Fire
Bard Spells Known (CL 10th, +9 ranged touch)
4th (1/day) Dimension Door, Hold Monster
3rd (3/day) Cure Serious Wounds, Dispel Magic, Glibness, Haste
2nd (4/day) Cat’s Grace, Invisibility, Silence, Tongues
1st (4/day) Charm Person, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Secret Doors, Grease
0th (3/day) Detect Magic, Light, Lullaby, Mage Hand, Message, Open/Close
Abilities Str 10, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 18
Feats Improved Initiative, Martial Weapon Prof. (Longbow – from bracers), Nimble Fingers, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quick Draw
Skills Bluff +12, Diplomacy +14, Disable Device +12, Knowledge (arcane) +7, Knowledge (history) +7, Knowledge (local) +7, Open Lock +12, Perform (Lute) +17, Profession (Bartender) +5, Search +8, Sense Motive +9, Spellcraft +9, Tumble +9, Use Magic Device +17
Possessions combat gear plus +1 Fire Composite Longbow, Mithral Chain Shirt, Mwk Rapier, Mwk Whip, Handy Haversack, Bottle of Air, Chime of Opening, Deck of Illusions (1/2 used), Mwk Thief’s Tools, Mwk Lute, Magnifying Glass, Disguise Kit, Merchant’s Scale, Courtier’s Outfit, Smokestick, Sunrod, Bedroll, Fishing Equipment, Silk Rope (50 ft), Hammock, Flask
