For as long as he can remember, Corvin has grown up on the streets of Karosgrad, the capital city of the Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. When he was but a small child, he was left on the doorstep of a steelsmith, left by a parent he never knew. His childhood was hard and full of strife, as the steelsmith was a terrible man, who cared little for the wellbeing of this street rat who begged for food. The only reason he kept Corvin was as an errand boy, helping the old man with his craft. The dark alleyways of a large city are no place for a young boy, and the trauma formed a crack in Corvin's mental fortitude. This only served to further agitate the steelsmith, who one day in an act of alcohol-induced rage, struck Corvin with a red-hot steel blade, slicing his face. Now sporting a physical scar that matched his mental scars, Corvin longed for a better life. Ashamed by the injury he fashioned himself a steel mask, and hid his insecurities behind a smooth tongue and mischievous ploys.
But now a unique opportunity has revealed itself. The old man has finally died, suffering from a poorly-timed heart attack, leaving Corvin free to pursue his own path. Will he continue the old man's business, crafting and forging steel? Or will he fulfill his dream of travelling the world, and exploring new lands? Or perhaps he could track down his family history, and learn the truth of where he came from. Whatever he will decide, he must remember to keep a level head and avoid getting into trouble, and to not let his injuries hold him back, both physical and mental.
Stepping off the merchant's boat, Corvin looks in awe at this fortified city. Karosgrad had its walls too, of course, but these walls appear nearly twice as high, built from tough gray stone and granite. The bazaar in front of him is just as grand as the wall. Tents of every shape and color hug the the port, filled with all sorts of good and collectables. A cacophony of smells and noises and sights nearly overwhelms Corvin, but a quick focused breathing calms his mind.
"Welcome!" A gentleman stands before Corvin, having pushed through the crowd departing the boat to speak to him. "What brings you to this lovely city? Adventure? Wealth? Or some grand aspirations to elevate your place in society?” Adorned with a suit equally as colorful as the tents, he very nearly blends in. Corvin is surprised by the gentleman's forwardness. He had only just arrived at this new city, eagerly hoping for some new adventure or possibility to appear, and already he was being approached by the interesting figure.
"Hello there, good sir," Corvin replies, bowing in a customary greeting. "I am a humble steelsmith, seeking new opportunities wherever I can find them. I was told by a fellow merchant that this city is in need of steel products, and I am here to provide these products."
The man laughs. "Wonderful! I can see by the mask you wear that you are proficient in metalworking. Come, let me show you around the bazaar. Perhaps our interests align more closely than you realize."
As the man leads him through the bazaar, Corvin unconsciously adjusts his mask. All these people make him nervous, but such interactions cannot be avoided. Whatever the gentleman thinks he can give him, Corvin will be sure to explore all this city has to offer.
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