Gortuck

Gortuck, Sheriff of Caer Shadowfast

CG Male Half-Orc

Rogue 3/Master Inquisitive 4/Spellthief 1

Quote: You are soooo smart...and they are soooo dumb.

This wily Half-Orc orphan grew up in the slums of Sharn, quickly learning to use the preconceptions of others to his advantage. Observant and intelligent, he relied on his wits to survive, either out-talking any threats or pretending to be too dumb to take responsibility.

In his teenage years, he was able to wander the streets of Sharn proper, marvelling at the towers, soarsleds, and other sights taken for granted there but rarely seen in the poor districts. It was here that he tripped over a book, worn with age and slightly damp. A tale about the exploits of the world famous Master Inquisitive Sherlock Holmes.

Gortuck marvelled at this man, someone so brilliant that he could solve nigh impossible cases with clues almost imperceptible to the normal man, and with minimal, or even non-existent, use of force. Gortuck read and reread the book till the binding fell to pieces, knowing that that's who he wanted to be.

In time, he was able to earn his way into a place in the Sharn City Watch. His natural brilliance was both a blessing and a curse, earning him respect from many colleagues but resentment from others. His efforts also made him tremendously popular with the citizenry, even with the Watch's reputation for corruption. He turned down several offers from government officials to join the Dark Lanterns, believing he could do more good outside the crown's direct influence.

In time, he began unraveling a huge ring of bribery and money laundering extending throughout the Watch, the Dragonmarked Houses within the city, and even the civilian government. Despite avoiding both attempts on his life and trumped up charges, he never the less found all his efforts to bring the crimes to light for judgement stymed. Eventually, he was forced out of the Watch, and worked as a P.I. for some time throughout Breland.

Though he still strives to emulate his hero, he has long since learned that their worlds simply do not work the same, and is not above knocking someone around to get the job done. Upon meeting Ryan (now revealed as Ethan), he found a kindred (but older and thus more experienced) soul and has hopes of learning more from him in the future.

As a side note, he and Lindsey can often be found deep in conversation, as her years of study have left her with a vast repository of knowledge which he is eager to embrace. His relationship with her has given him insight into the workings of the Arcane, and he has begin learning the ways of the Spellthief in addition to his other skills.

Hints for role playing: If Sherlock Holmes and Sheriff Black Bart (Blazing Saddles) had a child, it'd probably be something like Gortuck.

Shadows over Cyre