Elian Ashcroft
Half-Elf • Scout • Neutral Good
Age: 93
Gender: Male
Languages: Common, Elvish, Dwarvish, Draconic, Primordial
Occupation: Historian
Location: ancient ruins • excavation camps • archives or libraries
Adventure Hooks: seeks escorts for an archaeological expedition • requests help translating ancient inscriptions • hires adventurers to recover a long-lost relic before treasure hunters do
Appearance.
Elian is a slender half-elf with shoulder-length chestnut hair tied loosely behind his neck and thoughtful hazel eyes that seem to linger on every detail. His well-traveled clothes are reinforced with leather patches, and countless pockets hold journals, charcoal sticks, brushes, and measuring tools. Around his neck hangs a weathered brass compass that has long since lost its magnetic purpose but remains one of his most treasured possessions.
Personality.
Curious to a fault, Elian approaches every ruin with the excitement of someone opening a long-forgotten story. He has a habit of muttering observations to himself while sketching symbols or architecture and often becomes so engrossed in his work that he forgets the passage of time. Though highly knowledgeable, he is quick to admit when he does not know something and eagerly welcomes differing theories.
Backstory.
Rather than studying history from behind a desk, Elian devoted his life to uncovering it firsthand. He has spent decades traveling between forgotten temples, abandoned fortresses, and buried settlements, documenting what remains before time or treasure hunters erase it forever. While many collectors seek relics for their value, Elian believes the stories surrounding them are the true treasure.
Motivations.
Elian hopes to compile the most comprehensive record of forgotten civilizations ever assembled, preserving their history for future generations. He also dreams of discovering a ruin untouched by looters, where history can be studied exactly as it was left behind.
Flaws.
His curiosity often outweighs his caution, leading him to investigate things that wiser people would leave alone. Elian also has difficulty abandoning a mystery, even when doing so would clearly be the safer choice.
Secrets.
He secretly buys obviously fake relics from street vendors because he enjoys hearing the wildly exaggerated stories that come with them. Every evening, he writes a brief journal entry beginning with one thing that surprised him that day, believing curiosity should never fade with age.