Thoe Shellbinder
NereidsBookbinder
"A book is not paper and ink. It is knowledge made tangible, thought preserved across time.""
Identity
- Residence
- The Book Quarter, Nereidum
- Civilization
- Nereids
Appearance
• Physical: Small and precise with dexterous fingers stained with ink and glue. Her eyes are sharp, noticing details others miss. • Clothing: Wears practical work clothes covered in bookbinding materials, with tools always at hand. • Distinguishing Marks: Her hands bear calluses and glue stains; wears a pendant made from her first bound book.
Relationships
- Family - Her family has been bookbinders for generations; she has children who have chosen other paths.
- Allies - Librarians who depend on her work; scholars who value her craft; collectors who commission fine bindings.
- Rivals - Mass producers of cheap bindings; customers who don't appreciate craftsmanship; digital alternatives.
Personality
- Traits: Patient, meticulous, deeply respectful of books, surprisingly well-read
- Mannerisms: Handles books with reverence; speaks about binding techniques obsessively; repairs damaged books she encounters.
- Voice: Soft and precise, with a tendency to get excited when discussing bookbinding.
Backstory
Thoe has been binding books for forty years, learning the craft from her mother and grandmother. She's bound volumes for scholars, nobles, and libraries across Nereidum. She considers every book a sacred trust.
Daily Life
Thoe spends her days in her workshop, binding new books and repairing old ones. She consults with clients and teaches apprentices the dying art of traditional bookbinding.
Story Hooks
- 1 Thoe needs help retrieving rare binding materials from a dangerous location.
Narrative Value
Source of bookbinding services; quest giver for material retrieval; keeper of traditional crafts. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════