Bramble the Thornheart
MystaransCurse Breaker and Prophecy Cleanser
"Every curse was created by someone who thought their pain justified causing more. I exist to prove them wrong.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Cleansing House in the Old Quarter
- Civilization
- Mystarans
Appearance
• Physical: Bramble is covered in protective scars from his dangerous work. His hands are calloused from handling cursed objects, and his eyes have a haunted look from seeing too much suffering. He's built like a fighter despite being a scholar. • Clothing: He wears reinforced clothing covered in protective wards. His tool belt contains instruments for detecting and breaking curses. He never removes his protective gloves in public. • Distinguishing Marks: His skin has protective tattoos that glow when near cursed objects. He has a permanent limp from a curse that couldn't be fully removed.
Relationships
- Family - His sister in her curse-coma; estranged parents who blame him for not saving her sooner
- Allies - Other curse breakers; victims he's saved who remain grateful
- Rivals - Curse creators; those who profit from cursed objects
Personality
- Traits: Grim but compassionate, exhausted by his work, surprisingly gentle with victims, driven by guilt
- Mannerisms: Checks for curses constantly, touches his protective tattoos when anxious, becomes angry at those who create curses
- Voice: Rough and tired, with occasional flashes of warmth
Backstory
Bramble was a scholar studying curses when his sister fell victim to a prophecy curse he couldn't break. He dedicated his life to learning curse-breaking to prevent others from suffering as she did. He's become one of the best curse breakers in Mystara, though the work has taken a heavy toll on his body and spirit.
Daily Life
He receives victims of curses and prophecies gone wrong, working to free them from magical afflictions. He maintains the Cleansing House's wards and trains apprentices in protective magic. His evenings are spent researching new curse-breaking techniques and trying to find a way to save his sister, who is still alive but trapped in a curse-coma.
Secret
Bramble has discovered that his sister's curse is actually a prophecy in disguise, showing a future she's trying to prevent, and breaking it might cause the very disaster she's working to stop.
Story Hooks
- 1 Bramble needs help retrieving an ingredient for a curse-breaking ritual from a dangerous location
- 2 He's discovered a curse-making operation and needs help shutting it down
Narrative Value
Bramble provides curse-breaking services while embodying themes of sacrifice, guilt, and redemption. His sister's situation creates ongoing emotional stakes and moral dilemmas. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════