"I grew up in the Guildhall, it's all I've really known" Alric says, his face drawn and downcast. He fiddles with one of his tools, removing a bit of gunk from the end. "When I was little, my mother died. Nothing terribly tragic, just sickness, but I never found out what was wrong with her. After that my father moved us out of our home... well I guess it was more of a shack... and into a rented room at the Guildhall." Alric's eyes brighten and his face becomes more open, "There was always so much to do, so much to learn, and for the first time in my life, people showed me how to find the answers to any question I had. As long as I looked hard enough, found the right books, asked the right people, the answers were waiting for me. New tools to be made and used to build new toys, every contraption had it's unique quirks of construction and implementation. I still remember the first time I worked out the compressed spring engine of my favorite clockwork toy." He begins speaking rapidly and with more fervor, "How if I decreased the volume of the casing the increased pressure generated against the coil of the spring directly translated to an increased power of the wheels. But then I had to consider the ratio of power to weight, because too much power used with too light a toy would just cause the wheels to spin and controlling the..." He pauses now, quickly shaking his head as though coming out of a trance, "Sorry... where was I..." "When I first discovered magic, for a while nothing else in the world mattered to me. I studied SO HARD for what seemed like an eternity before I could even cause the tip of my wand to light up. I still like casting that to remind myself of the beginnings and what is possible." he says, briefly pausing to cast light on the tip of his wand and admire the brilliant blue light he produced. Extinguishing the light, he continues. "The Guild always supported my magical training. I think they knew that having a magically inclined Tinker could produce wonders the likes of which had never been dreamed! I... I honestly owe them everything." He slows now, his eyes looking far into the past with a wistful tinge. "They raised me as much as my father did. Geric, Thulgor, Master Robern, they helped me become who I am, and gave me what I needed to become the Wizard I am today. I never even told them why I was leaving. I was researching new magics and I came across hints of... well... magical artifacts used for crafting, but they work on their own! Like clockwork toys that can make more of themselves! I don't know if they really exist, but I have to find out." Alric continues with a look of resolve on his face, "And that's why I had to leave. They let me go, and it was hard leaving, but I knew I had to go, and I think they knew that I need to find myself beyond Beywich. I will, and I'll come back and make sure everyone in my Guild is cared for, the same way they cared for me." He stops now, his resolved composure fading into sheepishness as he looks to his companions. "Sorry if I rambled." he says quietly. Personality traits Curiosity: I always want to know how things work and what makes people tick. Ideals Everyone should be free to pursue his or her own livelihood Bonds I owe my guild a great debt for forging me into the person I am today Flaw I am never satisfied with what I have - I always want more Inspired by Wes, here's a little about Landon!: I'm a backend System Engineer for a large Healthcare Software company based out of Kansas City, but I live in Phoenix, AZ. I like to read, write, and game. I play all types of games, from computer, to board, to card and tabletop. I also like to travel and volunteer at conventions. I'll be working at PAX in Seattle in about a week and a half, and I work for Phoenix Comicon from January through the end of May when we actually hold the event. I can't wait to have exciting adventures with all of you.