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Marko SteelknifeFrodo was a city of thieves. The old govenor was weak and the guild plied it's trade openly in the streets. When Prince Ratheric the Fifth was sent to restore order in the city, he found the guard lacking. The best were away to the south, fighting the Midga for Gornath's insatiable hunger for more territory. The rest were ill trained for street fighting or worse - openly corrupt. Deciding that this was a war of it's own, Prince Ratheric decided to employ appropriate tactics and he hired a mercenary company to end the guild once and for all. They were led by a ruthless giant of a man who introduced himself as Mark the Knife. Marko Steelknife is one of the most imfamous villains on Quindia. His name is known and feared throughout the realm - and a few more besides. He has been everything from a common brigand to a general in the army of the Shining Emperor. He and his partner, the equally imfamous Tardos Mors, began their careers together in the streets of Karthis, seat of power for the Kingdom of Hatchea (note - Hatchea is on another continent to the northwest, along with the Shining Empire. Neither will be discussed in great detail on this site... one thing at a time). They spent years causing general mayhem in Hatchea and the surrounding lands, but eventually settled into careers of professional mercenaries - causing mayhem for one king against another pays better than brigandry. After a series of successful campaigns, the pair ended up as regular officers in the service of the Emperor and Marko Steelknife rose to command an entire legion. Marko excelled at the art of warfare, but when one rises to the rank of general, one must contend with politicians and that proved to be a far more dangerous arena. After a failed assassination attempt (foiled by Tardo), Marko Steelknife learned the identity of the man who ordered the attack and slew him on the steps of the Imperial palace... unfortunately, the man was also a relative of the Emperor. Marko Steelknife and Tardos Mors found themselves outlaws again. They eluded capture and eventually found their way to Quindia. |
Full Image Marko Steelknife currently leads a mercenary band under the alias of Mark the Knife and resides in Modria, where his soldiers keep order in the city of Frodo. He is a sinister, towering figure with a powerful build and long, raven black hair. He bears the scars of numerous campaigns and and few have the strength of will to meet his gaze. As Mark the Knife, he normally wears battered leather armor and carries a long sword and dagger. When expecting a fight, however, he will be armored in a finely crafted suit of Chainmail +3 and carrying his enchanted great axe, Widowmaker. In addition to these items, he always wears a Ring of Alignment Disguise and Boots of Speed. Mark the Knife rarely needs to personally handle patrol or enforcement duties these days, and will usually be found at the palace or barracks. His lieutenant, chief assassin, and lover, Natasha, runs the day to day operation of the mercenary unit. His other cohorts, a stimulant-laden elf known as Flakey and a hulking brute called Kong, hold the ranks of sergeants and sometimes lead patrols if the mission warrents. The current whereabouts of his long time partner, Tardos Mors, are unknown... |
Marko Steelknife, Human (Galacian) Fighter 6/Rogue 2/Blackguard 6 Skills: Climb +7, Concentration +5, Craft (Poisonmaking) +5, Disguise +7, Gather Information +5, Hide +6, Intimidate +17, Knowledge (Religion) +8, Knowledge (The Planes) +4, Move Silently +2, Ride +11, Sense Motive +4, Spot +5. Feats: Armor Proficiency (Heavy), Armor Proficiency (Light), Armor Proficiency (Medium), Cleave, Expert Tactician, Great Cleave, Improved Critical (Greataxe), Improved Initiative, Improved Unarmed Strike, Iron Will, Martial Weapon Proficiency, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Sunder, Weapon Focus (Greataxe) . Spells: Blackguard: (0/2/2/1) See the DMG for spell list. Created and played by Robert Harrison, copyright © 1982. |
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