Duncan was my husband's character, a reluctant mage of power and a cheerful old man. My husband is obsessed with mages as a main character in a book who isn't a bad guy and had fallen in love with Jim Butcher's Dresden Files at the time I started my campaign. (If you have not read Butcher's Dresden Files run out and get it now! They are awesome.) But he wanted a unique character so an unassuming old man who was once a farmer as his mage we started off into the wilds of adventure.
Duncan is the son of a farmer, Theodore, and his wife Ellen. The second youngest of ten children, Duncan probably didn't pick up as much farming knowledge as he should have, finding his nose often pressed in a book when he could. By the time he married he knew more about mixing potions and the world about him then he did about planting seeds and it showed. He was barely able to grow enough to feed him and his wife, Audry, let alone trade. On top of that problem, his barns kept inexplicably burning down. After a few years, and many barns later, Duncan realized he was calling upon the magic of the weave subconsciously and bringing forth magical fire when he grew upset (which was not often). After a few years of marriage his wife had enough poverty and burning barns and left Duncan for a more prosperous neighbor. He continued to tend the farm for several decades when a Master Mage found him and told him he should train in Bloodhelm to control the magic. The story starts with him heading back to Bloodhelm after giving his farm to his nephew, Theodore the Third.
Duncan is human, forty nine years of age, about 5 foot 3 inches and around 124 pounds. He is a typical middle aged man, stooped slightly, a bit on the underfed side, but not sickly looking. His face is round and grandfatherly like with low set cheek bones. He is tan from working out in the fields. He is going bald, with thinning white hair. His eyes are green and large.
Duncan wears dun colored breeches and shirt, utilitarian leather belt which holds lots of pouches and weathered cloak which has many patches. His boots are short and lace up. It is clearly peasant in origin, but the outfit gives him a dignified look. He doesn't tout his power by showing off. He also has a plain looking staff which he needs to cast his magic, but uses it from time to time to make him look more vulnerable.
His speaking style is that of grandfather, full of wisdom, though he may wander on occasion. He does not swear unless he is truly upset (so flames usually follow). His voice is steady, but quiet and thoughtful.
He is a very calming, reassuring presence. People feel at ease with him because of his age. He doesn't become agitated easily and is definitely hard to anger.
Duncan's largest prejudice is against those who would harm the weak. But he is trust worthy, easy to get along with and a good, solid thinker. His worse quality would be his bad farming practices. His largest weakness is children. He always carries treats for them no matter where he goes, since he never had children of his own.
He loves to whittle and makes small toys for children.
Duncan is my mage of power, power that is needed later on in the series and is used horribly by the Gods. But he is also the father figure for the whole party, especially doting on Kenna who he grows to consider his own child. He is also key to an important magical discovery which drives the first book. Though unassuming at first he is key to my story.
Tomorrow: Duncan's Farm
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