PIP "SQUALL" NIMBLEFINGERS
Islanders of Shimmering IslesDock Rat / Informant / Thief
"Information's like fish—best sold fresh, and it starts stinking fast.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Docks, Port Aquamarine
- Civilization
- Islanders of Shimmering Isles
Appearance
• Physical: Small and wiry with the quick movements of a frightened bird. Their skin is nut-brown from constant outdoor life, and their black hair is cut unevenly—self-trimmed with a knife. Large, watchful eyes miss nothing. • Clothing: Wears cast-off clothing in layers—an oversized sailor's shirt, patched trousers, a vest with hidden pockets. Everything smells faintly of fish and salt. • Distinguishing Marks: A burn scar on their left forearm from a cooking fire; permanently dirty fingernails; a rope bracelet given by their mother
Relationships
- Family - No known family; considers Old Mara who runs the soup kitchen the closest thing to a mother
- Allies - Other dock children who form a loose network, a corrupt harbor guard named Tull, Jax the cartographer (who pays for information)
- Rivals - Other informants, the Dockside Gang who demand protection money, any adult who underestimates them
Personality
- Traits: Street-smart and cynical, deeply loyal to their small circle, terrified of the water despite living on docks, surprisingly well-read
- Mannerisms: Constantly looks over their shoulder; speaks in quick bursts; hoards food
- Voice: High and rapid, with an odd formality when using words learned from books
Backstory
Pip's mother was a dockside prostitute who disappeared when they were eight. They've survived on the streets ever since, running messages for sailors, stealing from drunk merchants, and selling information to anyone who pays. A traveling scholar once taught them to read in exchange for errands, opening a world of possibilities.
Daily Life
Pip's days begin before dawn, scavenging the docks for dropped coins and lost items. They spend afternoons running errands and gathering information, evenings selling what they've learned to the highest bidder. Nights are spent in a hidden nook beneath the pier, reading stolen books by candlelight.
Secret
Pip witnessed a murder committed by a powerful merchant and has been blackmailing them ever since. They're terrified of the situation escalating but don't know how to escape it.
Story Hooks
- 1 Pip has information about a smuggling operation but needs protection from the criminals they've been blackmailing
- 2 They've found a genuine treasure map in a drunk sailor's pocket and need help recovering it—offering a share
Narrative Value
Pip provides street-level information, access to the criminal underworld, and quests involving dockside intrigue; serves as a potential apprentice or ward for compassionate characters. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════