Our new campaign is centered in Waterdeep (Dragon Heist) so it's more of an urban setting. Since I was very close to death 3 times last session I thougt I'd better start thinking about my next character.
I came up with what I think is an interesting character. Here's Arthur Derringford:
Arthur Derringford was born to a human mother (Jean Derringford) and an elf father (Thranduil Dualen). His mother was a well-to-do merchant from Cormyr and his father a court functionary from Silverymoon. They met when Thranduil was at a diplomatic mission to Cormyr and his conception wasn't really planned.
His father didn't marry his mother since he was high born and didn't want to jeopardize his future with marriage to a human. He didn't want to turn her out either so he made sure to send her money to help her raise their child.
His mother didn't want the added complication of a child either (especially as an unmarried woman). As soon as Arthur was old enough (7 years old) she sent him off to Silverymoon to live with his father.
Arthur grew up never really feeling like he belonged anywhere. He knew his mother loved him but always vaguely felt she was ashamed of him. He knew his father loved him but he felt he loved his career and position more.
Arthur, now called Ellenion by his father, got into various trouble with some gangs in Silverymoon in a weird attempt to get his father's attention.
His father did pay attention and got his son into a private school and then got him work at court as a trade attaché.
Arthur was thrilled. He finally felt he belonged and that he was doing something important and worthwhile. He threw himself into his work and became quite good at it. He mastered several languages as well as the smooth talking skills needed to negotiate trade concessions.
He felt his life was really turning around until he happened to hear some other people at court talking about 'the half elf' and he knew he was still not fully accepted.
He decided to strike out on his own to try and do something big enough and important enough to maybe get himself a title of his own and earn his parents' respect.
Appearance: Arthur Derringford (Ellenion Dualen) is of average height for a half-elf. He's lean with slightly wavy black hair. His ears are only slightly pointed (you have to really pay attention to see it) and his face is naturally smooth.
In Sylverymoon he adopted the court fashion and his elven ancestry, keeping his hair pulled back and his ears visible.
Out in the world his hair is loose, covering his ears, and he usually goes by Arthur rather than Ellenion. He wears common clothes but has his fine court clothes with him. To gain entry into bureaucracies or courts he'll probably use his elven name since functionaries will recognize the name from his time in the Silverymoon court.
Feel free to drop Arthur anywhere in your world. I hope some version of him does earn his parents' respect and love.
On a completly different matter, for those following - I got the contract. I talked it over with my accountant and it's not good enough on its own. On my accountant's advice I'm now seeking to work half-time at the office and add the freelance gig to it.
It compeletly depends on the good will of my emplyers, one they have not really been forthcoming with so far.
At worst - nothing changes. At best - I'll be working one and a half jobs as well as studying for the next year.
We'll see how it goes :)
Have a great week and keep your imaginary worlds alive.