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.

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 waits for him back in Navil. To Osclow, Tia's happiness is more important 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.

• 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 Osclow himself is unwilling to tell. 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.

• 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, and eventually married. 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 behavior.

• Maia Nanethiel: A kind-hearted, yet strong willed elven ranger who has become rather close to Osclow. 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.

• 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'. In many a ways, the bard is envious of Hano's ability to do so much good without occasionally dipping his hands into 'questionable' sources and methods.

• Peridan Twilight: Osclow's partner in the Legion, most likely to become his commanding officer in time given his stern devotion and Osclow's lack of such. 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 get along remarkably well and possess a great respect for one another.

• 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 and friend to Osclow. Though he posseses no official rank within the Triumvirate Temple, Osclow follows Tamyrn's orders throughly and often finds himself in silent awe of the power she and Hano wield.

• 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. A few times, he has referred to her much like a sister. Lately, certain events have led to the god-touched devotee to be strained, easily worn out, and doubtful of her ability to continue in the manner she once was. This seems to upset Osclow a great deal.

• 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.

• 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 considered a romantic pursuit of her, but instead opted to 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.

• 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. 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.

• 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.

• 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, but is no less determined to find a way to repair her consciousness.

• 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 can only pull him away for a brief time to gain his aid. Regardless, Osclow speaks about him with nothing but praise.

• 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.

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.