What if I made a character that consisted solely of flaws?
Stink was greedy, selfish, arrogant, cowardly, miserly, rude, mean, never made friends, never said thanks, never gave a gift, was openly corrupt, stole from foes and allies, framed people for crimes they didn't commit, sold out allies to their enemies, beat up peasants, ransomed stolen goods for outrageous prices, didn't respect others but demanded respect for himself, and was overall just the worst person I could make him. He had no redeeming qualities. But, he was always smiling because - somehow - people liked him. It was baffling. What fun.
There's no specific catalyst for rolling Stink - sometimes it's just time to be done with a character. I had a quiet goal that if he ever reached 10 million gold it would be time to roll. And he did! So it seemed like the right time to abandon his responsibilities, blindside his fellow Andunorians, steal from them on the way out, and ditch the city for greener pastures.
- - -
Thank you to everyone who Stink interacted with during his time on Arelith. From a songbird in the navy to the city's resident showgob to Revelmaster of Greyport to Chief of the Worped Ones, Stink lived his life very publicly and put every part of himself on display...constantly. Hosting all of his events and seeing people having fun at them was a delight for me.
Particular thanks go to (and apologies if I miss ya):
- The Andunor Navy / Red Tower family, whom I had never planned to interact with but ended up being an instrumental part of Stink's early life. Jhaamdath, Jack, Tiffa, Suleyvan, Lilith, Rias, Nev - all of you have a bevy of unique character quirks, but the thing that bound us is that we were all always up for having fun. We simply did a lot of things, and that really fleshed out how Stink would operate throughout the rest of his life. Thanks for your time and for the many laughs.
- Greyport government(s): Kjara/Fara, Brynni, Norvog, Ulvorne, Senrae, Kasima. A couple different governments but fleeced by Stink just the same. It was fun to dance on the edge of being involved but really just trying to sap the treasury. Thanks for the interesting back-and-forth, and for supporting the Greyport street fights.
- The Worped Ones! To have the goblins of the city spring together and get up to shenanigans was wonderful. My only real regret with Stink is that he won't be around for more capers, but when it's time for a character to go it's best not to hold on. Gruk, Nobby, Ugrak, Raez, Rosmo, Nux, and all the rest of ya - keep gobbing on.
- Assorted mentions: Giselle, for our brief and too-few interactions that showcased just how good of a roleplayer you are and made me want to be better. DM Poppy, for your enthusiastic help with Stink's events - particularly Lord Aldahoon's Grand Ball. Chione, for letting a couple goblins be the Igor to your Frankenstein. The various surfacers each time Stink got himself captured; every imprisonment was fun and unique. And, finally, to everyone who haggled at a yardsale, battled in a street fight, participated in a game show, or attended a party - thank you for your enthusiasm! I hope I was able to make your days a bit more fun.
Stink might have said "Byez forever, slime-suckers!" but I'll be back after a break. Cheers until then.