So, with NO PRIOR KNOWLEDGE of the other player's characters/races/classes or missions/quests…
I came up with Kaivok Jharrlym.
Born into the Highshield clan, Kaivok's kin have a generational history as deep surveyors, making initial scouting digs and using their training and talent to locate the purest and most lucrative of veins. Their family name enjoys recognition and respect among all Janderhoff dwarfs; the Jharrlym family name dominates the long list of coveted, "Vanguard Pick," titles; awarded once every hundred years to the surveying scout that has the most consistent history of locating the richest veins of metal or gems in that hundred years.
Through his own surveying and study, Kaivok has become convinced that there are recognizable geological processes at work in the mountains south of Korvosa near the Nidal border, and rich veins of mithral (and more) are yet to be found therein.
Kaivok submitted a proposition to the Janderhoff Council, requesting an expedition and sponsorship. It took two years for the Council to get around to denying the request. Conservative in the extreme, the Council claimed the reason was the proposed sites proximity to Nidal. If unwanted attention was attracted by the mining expedition, the shadowfolk of Nidal may mount an incursion that could threaten Korvosa, with whom Janderhoff enjoys excellent trade relations; it would not due to upset Korvosa and have that come back to being Janderhoff's fault, even unintentionally.
Confident in his formulas and findings, and keen to prove himself, Kaivok decided to strike out independently and stake the claim personally. Being from a family of high station, he took this plan to his elders first, who advised him that above board, they all MUST respect the Council's decision.
Though Kaivok would receive no sponsorship or public backing from the Highshield Clan to keep up appearances – clandestinely they still bestowed gifts, Korvosan contact information and helpful advise.
Kaivok documented through an official statement with the Council his intention to strike out independent of Janderhoff, absolving them of any official blowback that may occur from this endeavor, he can expect no assistance or help officially.
Kaivok headed to Korvosa, intending to raise enough capital in the city to properly finance his intentions. Using contacts given to him by his elders, Kaivok studied to meet the licensing requirements to do business in Korvosa, then cast his net wide offering his services. Focusing on above and below-ground surveying/cartography and engineering consultation.
Over the last year, Kaivok discovered the mountainous land in question is not owned by some lord or consortium on file in Korvosa, so is ripe for occupation and claim. Sporadic consultations, appointments, delays and jobs have prevented him from mounting an expedition just yet, but soon he will scout the area personally and gauge what he has heard against what he sees for himself. In the meantime, he still prods travelers for information…
's barbarian army.
