◉ Elben "Blue" Questgiver
"Blue?" The barkeep asked the greying man with the blue pointy hat. "Yes, that is what friends and well-meaning folk call me by." Answered the greying man.
"I take it because of your choice in wardrobe, then?" The barkeep assumed. "That would be a safe assumption, good man." The man replied with an earnest smile.
"And am I to assume that you are a wizard?" The barkeep pried. "Why, that is an astute conclusion. Pray tell, how did you reach it?" The man playfully responded.
"The pointy hat, the long flowing robe, and that gnarled staff set against the bar all remind me of wizards. If any man were to ask me what a wizard looks like, I would point in your direction and say: Him! That's a wizard if I e'er saw one." The barkeep made a jolly display.
The wizard replied before taking another sip from his tankard. "Quite."
◉ Appearance
Elben has the classic look of a wizard about him. The pointy hat, long flowing robe, a stately beard, and a gnarled staff decorated (or empowered) by a stone in the tip. All blue (except for the beard). Hence his nickname 'the Blue Wizard of the Coast Way'. Elben's hair is dark but greying and his complexion is fair, safe for a few wrinkles owing to his advanced years. On his feet he wears comfortable looking slippers, his hands are gloved in white satin, and his fingers decorated with numerous silver rings. His face is often set in a stern and serious expression. Though it is quick to make way for a pleasant smile if greeted cordially.
◉ Possessions
The Blue Wizard's hat is wide-brimmed, floppy, and has a pointy end for a crown. It looks comfortable though, and according to Elben it is both cool on a summer's day and warm in a winter's storm. A thin silver chain is bound around it, holding in place a blue gemstone that radiates a soft blue light. The blue fabric of the hat looks to have been replaced several times and in several places. The stitches have been done expertly and with care, likely at Lucky Aello's in Baldur's Gate.
Elben often holds a long gnarled walking cain carved from blackthorn. It ends in a shape that can be described as resembling an index-finger and thumb, holding a blue opal stone. The staff is hard as a shillelagh and said to possess magical powers.
A much coveted possession is Elben's spell book. It shows its age as the cover it was bound in has long since given up the ghost. It is a mere collection of pages held together with twine. Without a hard cover, it folds easily and the wizard seems to carry it comfortably within the confines of his robe.
Another much treasured trinket is Elben’s wooden pipe. It is rather plain looking, lacking intricate carvings and fancy decorations. When asked why he enjoys his pipe so much, Elben would respond that it sits just right in his hand. Like a pair of shoes that have been broken in.
◉ Personality
Initially often seen as grim and dour, Elben can come across as a bit distant. Arrogant even. But those that treat him with respect and courtesy will quickly find an agreeable personality behind the haughty facade. He can be prone to displays of kindness and generousity, in which he may give out gifts or rewards for services rendered. When preoccupied with some sort of research or other business, Elben is known to give out small tasks or 'quests' to budding adventurers in exchange for some sort of tutelage, gold, protective wards, or the rare trinket. He can also often be found travelling along the Coast Way or the Lion's Way, as his favourite destinations to frequent are Candlekeep and Baldur's Gate. When on the road, he will do what he can to keep the way safe for others, dealing with bandits and dangerous beasts.
◉ Background
Not much is known about Elben's early years. He never seems to speak of them, and whenever the subject comes up he is quick to speak of something else, or end the conversation in its entirety. He seems willing to talk about his profession and current business to an extent, and shows a willingness to teach and share arcane knowledge with others. As a result, Elben is known to have taken on apprentices in the past. His travels often take him to Candlekeep or Baldur's Gate, where he resides at the local inns. Though he does not seem to originally hail from either of these places. Despite being called 'the Blue Wizard', he also seems to have a knack for healing magic, as displayed during the siege of Baldur's Gate in 1352.
◉ Goals
-To give out tasks and quests to budding adventurers (saving him the trouble) and rewarding them accordingly
-To aid travellers along the roads and protect them
-To take on apprentices and tutor them
-Elben may apsire to found a School of Wizardry
◉ Plothooks
-Elben may wish to become involved in events dealing with arcane knowledge and research
