Wiltenholm, Osclow

Name: Osclow Wiltenholm
Title(s): Os, Mr. Funny-hat, Spoony bard
Home/Location: The Viridale Druid's Glade
Birthplace: Navil
Age: 25
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Deity: The Gods of Knowledge (Deneir and Oghma in particular)
Alignment: Chaotic Good

History-
Childhood:
Osclow Wiltenholm is the only son of former adventurer Issen and his wife Ladeira. He was born in Navil, a small town to the southeast of Neverwinter. As a young child, Osclow was a bit of a lone wolf, preferring books to people and usually seeking out quiet places to read. He may have been a book-delving loner for the rest of his life had it not been for his childhood friends Parm, Lilia, and Esmee. As he grew older, Osclow eventually began to follow the path of the bard and developed a more social and charismatic approach to life, though still never losing his love for books, particularly accounts told by adventurers.

Love:
In time Osclow’s feelings for Lilia began to develop into something more than just friendship. He became truly aware of this ironically after Parm openly confessed his own love to Lilia. Not wishing to step between Lilia and a man whom he believed to be more deserving of her, Osclow kept his true feelings secret. About a year after they were wed, Parm and Lilia had a baby girl whom they named Tia, in honor of Lilia’s grandmother. Though a loving father and husband at first, Parm slowly began to lose himself to his work within the militia, alcohol, and fits of paranoia. Often he would get drunk and make false remarks about his wife taking “interest” in others within Navil. Though he never struck Lilia or Tia, his distancing behavior and verbal abuse created a gap between him and his family. Through thick and thin, Osclow was always there. Tia was always the biggest fan of Osclow’s music and he loved the spunky girl as if she was his own daughter, constantly telling her stories of adventurer tales and great palaces where nobles lived. Like Osclow, Tia had developed a fondness for books and once told him how she dreamed of one day living in a grand palace, like the one’s told in his stories, where she could read and explore all her days.

Tragedy and an oath:
One tragic day, Parm discovered Osclow and Lilia atop Bluewatch Cliff, a common meeting place for the three and Esmee. Though they were merely talking, Parm was too deeply under the influence of alcohol to listen to reason. He accused Osclow of backstabbing him and Lilia of being unfaithful. After bringing Osclow to his back with a vicious right hook, Lilia stood before Parm trying even harder to explain that they were doing nothing wrong. Parm refused to listen still, and took a rough hold of Lilia’s shoulders hurling insult after insult upon her. Lilia slapped him, and in his drunken daze, he swayed right off the edge of the cliff, taking Lilia with him. Osclow attempted to save Lilia, but managed only to grasp at her sleeve and one last glance of fear and sorrow in the eyes of the woman he loved before the fabric tore free and she fell to her death. Osclow mourned for over a month. Though he managed to retain his cheerful demeanor in time, deep down he still blames himself for the tragedy that took place upon Bluewatch Cliff. Whether it be through the confession of his true feelings to Lilia or a better attempt to talk Parm away from his drinking problem, in his own eyes Osclow believes his inaction was the cause of death for Tia’s parents. The only way Osclow saw to redeem himself was to devote his life to Tia and to never settle for merely standing aside for matters concerning those he cared about.

“Tia…You shall have your palace some day”

This was the promise he made to his now-adopted daughter one night as she slept. Thus began Osclow’s adventuring career, while Tia waits behind in the loving care of her aunt Esmee. In time, Osclow came to realize however that all his daughter truly wished for was a loving family and for the bard to be the loving father he always was. Even after coming to call Sundren his second home, Osclow has never forgotten about his beloved daughter and is determined to turn the valley into the kind of place he can raise her, while simultaneously hoping to become a better man on the road to his goal.

Reasons for coming to Sundren:
Osclow had been working as a sellsword and entertainer-for-hire along the Sword Coast about 3 months before he first met Fenton during the investigation of a supposedly unknown ruin. Though the two worked well together in discovering an old artifact, Fenton was concerned about a dispute on the rise as to who gets to keep the artifact itself. Surprisingly to Fenton, Osclow’s very first offer was to sell it and split the gold 50-50. Not once did he opt for a greater cut or try to backstab Fenton, even when he was “baited” with several opportunities. In time, the two became good friends and business partners working along the Sword Coast and Waterdeep. Their business in the City of Splendors came to a grinding halt after Fenton seduced a young noblewoman by the name of Jaseima Quinalt, only to disappear from her bed the morning after. Jaseima had connections to rather unscrupulous individuals, whom she ordered to capture Fenton and Osclow, after doing what they could to ruin their good name with frequent customers and potential clients. Now constantly losing coin and ducking law enforcements after being framed for stealing from a church of Tyr, Osclow and Fenton had no choice but to venture elsewhere for profit. Various rumors spoke of a city-state to the north with opportunities to be had. This land was called Sundren. Quickly and quietly, Osclow and Fenton snuck away with the gold they had remaining. Little was heard from Jaseima after she learned of Fenton’s disappearance, however rumors state that she has not forgotten or forgiven Fenton or the man who helped him escape.

Family History-
The Witenholm family is said to be able to trace it's origins several hundred years back, and would be able to do so further if not for a tragic incident that caused the loss of much of their records (and the creation of one of the more important rules of their family). The earliest known Wiltenholm is generally agreed to have been Rufaris Wiltenholm, who was a skilled arcane swordsman and adventurer. Some older records exist in the hands of the eldest members of the family, who claim that they do not wish to let the rest of the family see them until they are complete. This will help prevent the further spread of wild tales and exaggerations that the Wiltenholms are already partially prone to regarding their own history. Much of the Wiltenholm family history is linked together with the Larkmeadow family, comprised mostly of elves. Both families have records of their bloodlines often working side by side in numerous occasions for various goals.

The Wiltenholm family contains a fair amount of bardic spellsongsters and sorcerers. In time, the family has found unique ways to draw upon many peculiar powers typically through the use of special inks and glyph markings either on their skin or an article of clothing. It is not entirely known where the power in the Wiltenholm bloodline originated, but this has not stopped the family from making claims ranging from Gold Dragons to Archfey. Given the habits of the family, likely none of these claims are true.

The Gods of Knowledge are the predominent faith among the Wiltenholms. Following other gods is not prohibited as long as the rules of the family are followed and the god is not an enemy of the Gods of Knowledge. Deneir is the most revered overall of the Gods of Knowledge, with Oghma and Milil being very close seconds (Oghma is typically followed by the Wiltenholms less willing to 'screw around' with their own history and just get the facts).

One of the most well-known bits of lore spread among the family is the existance of a force known as the Silver Threads of Fate, thin translucent silver threads that appear on certain indviduals. So far, the Wiltenholm family has only speculated and theorized what this is precisely. Some say it is a mark of fate placed by the gods. Some say it may even be a force greater than the gods and is merely guided by their hand much as Mystra guides the Weave. Whatever the belief, all Wiltholms believe the existance of the Threads to be of great importance ever since the documentation of several individuals that possess the Threads (known as Threadbearers to the family) completing grand tasks all over Faerun.

Family Rules-
I.- The orders of the Jointed One are absolute. II.- Never shall services or coin of the family be given to divine orders which the Gods of Knowledge deem foes: Bane, Talos, Myrkul, Bhaal, Mask, and Cyric. III.- It is the duty of all within the family, other than the Jointed One or any appointed Bloodnote Scribes, to aid any and all Electus. Their orders are to be followed and their fates are to be realized. IV.- It is the duty of all within the family to aid any and all Threadbearers offically recognized by the Jointed One. V.- No marriages between the Wiltenholm family and the Larkmeadow family shall be recognized without the approval of the Jointed One or an appointed Bloodnote Scribe.

Character-
Osclow is rarely without a whimsical smile, smirk, or at least a friendly nod to those he meets. He is kind-hearted, charismatic, and a quick thinker. At times he seems to lack concentration or focus, though the balance as to how much of this is real and how much is for show is difficult to tell at times. He has a somewhat odd outlook on life, commonly referring to events taking place in the land and in people's lives to be "chapters" of a grand "story".

Faction(s): Through reasons most are unaware of, Osclow is in service to the Sundren Legion, a position he seems not particularly thrilled about.

Significant Relationships:

• Tia: The name of Osclow's adopted daughter who is on her way to Sundren to live with her awaiting family. The reason for Osclow's life of adventure from the very beginning, her happiness is more important to him than his own life.

• Esmee Vindel: A childhood friend of Osclow and aunt to Tia. Through messages delivered by her raven familiar, Heska, she keeps in contact with Osclow and Fenton. After having helped raised Tia for so long, Osclow has no intentions of separating the two with the making of the Viridale Forest their new home.

• Fenton Tellens: Osclow's best friend, whom is also the reason for the two coming to Sundren. Much of Fenton's past is a mystery that either Osclow is unwilling to tell, or simply does not know. Their relationship has continued to become rather strained with Osclow's determination to turn Sundren into a place to raise his family and Fenton's deep dislike for the valley. Though most of Osclow's friends and allies see Fenton as a shady, untrusting sort, Osclow has never forgotten their friendship.

• Annaleen Hanssen: A beautiful, young, high-spirited druid of Sundren under the service of Chauntea and Silvanus. At first merely good friends, she and Osclow came to see something more of one another, fell in love, eventually married, and had two children. They now work together toward a dream of having their own home within the Viridale Forest and making Sundren the kind of land where they can raise their family. Annie often finds herself the voice of reason for Osclow's occasional reckless 'woolheaded' behavior.

• Ivy & Ida Wiltenholm: Twin girls born of Osclow and Annie. After being abducted and then rescued, they are now kept safe and happy in the Viridale Druid's Glade. Given the busy schedule of their parents, they are occasionally watched by other druids.

• Maia Nanethiel: A kind-hearted, yet strong willed elven ranger whom Osclow has become somewhat close to. The two get along remarkably well and the moon elf has become not only one of the must trustworthy individuals in the bard's eyes but also one of the most worthy to reveal sides of himself he does not show to many. Much to the annoyance of the two of them, it seems many have begun speculations that the two are getting far too 'close' to be just friends. This may account for them being seen together less often as of late.

• Hano Fetten: A knight of Torm who has done a great deal for the land of Sundren. In him Osclow sees not only a good friend but a potential hero to fill numerous tales of wonderment and good triumphing over evil. Along with Fenton, he is one of two people Osclow calls 'brother'. Once one of the Threadbearers, Osclow can no longer see the threads, even occasionally. He believes this is either due to his lack of ability or the possibility that Hano's time as a Threadbearer has passed. After the fall of Balthasar, Hano has rarely been seen, and is often busy handling matters in and out of the Sundren. Osclow keeps in touch with him from time to time.

• Peridan Twilight: Osclow's partner in the Legion as well as his commanding officer. Peridan is a straightforward kind of man with an odd sense of humor. Despite their different views regarding the proper place of law and order, Osclow and Peridan could hardly be more in agreement regarding the need to protect the people and prosperity of Sundren and have saved each other's life in battle countless times. They get upon remarkably well, despite Peridan's unwaivering loyalty to his duty and Osclow's common shirking of such.

• Sol Sunderkin: (coming soon)

• Lauan Tissle: A high-ranking Thayan Knight and former lover to Osclow. After their intimate relationship fell apart, the two became rather fierce enemies. Luckily, their conflict has rarely escalated beyond the point of verbal mudslinging. While this sometimes proves to be comedic, it has done little to improve the level of maturity of the bard and thayan knight in the eyes of many of their friends and allies.

• Tamryn Jorandur: A powerful follower of the Triumvirate, wife to Hano, and good friend of Osclow's. When he worked as an informant to the Triumvirate, most of the information Osclow provided went either to her or Hano. Though never actually seeing the Threads upon her, Osclow is convinced she was once a Threadbearer. Much like Hano, Tamryn nowadays finds herself busy in matters beyond just Sundren itself.

• Cybil Gelley: A radiant young woman touched by the power of Ilmater. A close friend, Os finds himself often protective of this noble warrior for reasons he himself seems unaware of. Ironically, she can take care of herself better than Osclow can. One of the two captains of the Corp de Grace of Sestra, Cybil works hard to help Setra recover from the war with the Siltherscale. Osclow aids in whatever manner he can, mostly providing his insight as a Loremaster or working as one of Cybil's informants, though she does not always seem to like the bard's chaotic ways.

• Cirion Reliun: A knight of Sune attempting to overcome numerous obstacles in his life. Though he would perhaps never admit it, Os sees much of himself in Cirion, and is sympathetic for much he tries to overcome. Recently, he has been trying to teach Cirion the finer arts of spellsong techniques passed down within his own family. With Cirion already being remarkably talented in the ways of spellsong, Os is convinced he could be the key to a theory that his family's arts can be used by those not bearing their bloodline. Cirion is the second of the two captains in charge of the Corp de Grace in Sestra and another whom often employs Os as an informant. Much like Cybil, Cirion strives hard to help Sestra restore, and perhaps surpass, the glory it once held.

• Yashia Jadysvarion: Undead hunter, tracker, and devout servant to the people of Sundren and the ways of good and decency, few people have gained as much respect from Osclow as Yashia. Attracted to her devotion and strong spirit, the bard once entertained a romantic pursuit of her. This stopped even quicker than it began though, as the bard opted to instead always aid her in her more serious tasks defending the valley. Despite their friendship, Yashia seems uneasy at Osclow's willingness to use deception and trickery for what he sees as the greater good.

• Eira Skald: (Coming soon)

• Evananda: (Coming soon)

• Aerick: A favored one of Oghma, who Osclow is determined to help reach his destiny, as is the duty of the Wiltenholm family. Uneasy at Osclow unrelenting determination and the fact that he reminds him of the monks that sheltered and coddled him as a child, Aerick often finds himself somewhat irritated by Osclow's actions. Unlike Osclow, Aerick does not seem to think there is anything particularly special about him. Osclow often deems him "Electus", a term used commonly by the Wiltenholm family for favored ones of the Gods of Knowledge.

• Ahriman: (Coming soon)

• Baragorn: (Coming soon)

• Kathryn Blake: A powerful sorceress and former resident of Sundren, the length of Osclow and Kathryn's relationship is unknown by most. However, while in Sundren he seemed extremely protective of her, as much a servant as he was a friend, never questioning her orders and even willing to die for her. Osclow is either lying when he says he did not understand this behavior, or something else was afoot. Kathryn's reasons for leaving Sundren are believed to be entirely selfish, yet Osclow insists there are other reasons. Strangely enough, he does not seem willing to elaborate further than that. The bard has let slip occasionally that Kathryn is currently studying in Candlekeep.

• Etria: An elven smith and artificer with near unrivaled ability in her craft. The two seem to get along remarkably well, constantly joking about this and that one moment then slipping into deep philosophical discussions the next. She is the creator of Osclow's favored weapon, the Stormsinger, a powerful adamantine blade covered in runes similar to those upon Osclow's gloves. It is said when the blade is swung by the bard, storms erupt and deep sounds like a rumbling percussion instrument can be heard. Currently visiting other lands, Etria has not been seen in some time. It is said she and Osclow are trying to arrange some kind of communication method like he utilizes with Esmee.

• Elusa: A friend to Osclow and follower of Selune who has undergone a strange alteration, splitting into various personalities. Having been trusted with the secrecy and execution of the ritual that was supposed to save Elusa and failed, Osclow feels somewhat responsible for her current condition. Often he adopts a guilty look in her presence even after she was said to be cured. A former lover to Peridan, Osclow schemes on a way to get the two back together again. However, as of late, Elusa has laid somewhat low which has made such things difficult.

• Professor Gryff: One of the head professors of Sundren University and perhaps the busiest man in Sundren. His knowledge of alchemy is second to none, but he seems unwilling to help just anyone. Osclow is one of the few that can coax him away from his busy schedule, but even he fails more often than not and even when he CAN pull him away, he can only do so briefly. Regardless, Osclow speaks about him with nothing but praise and as a fellow follower of Deneir often fetches the professor rare goods and material for his research.

• Professor Renwald Teion: Osclow's teacher from Navil, whom he often addresses as "Master". A researcher of ancient lore and a master of arcane and divine powers, it never seemed to occur to Osclow how strange it is that a man of such power and knowledge would reside in his small hometown. Osclow seems rather convinced that he is Teion's 'star pupil' but this has yet to be confirmed.

• Jointed One Narisold Wiltenholm: The eldest member of the Wiltenholm family. An immensely powerful sorcerer who Osclow speaks little of... even to his own wife and most trusted friends.

Miscellaneous Information:

• Osclow is a talented crafter of marionettes. It is said he has made a puppet with the likeness of many individuals within Sundren, including Hano, Fenton, Yashia, Tamryn, The Keeper, and the late Kemnebi. These puppets are occasionally used in Osclow's street performances.