Description

Personality

Personality:
Shrewd and calculating with a gift for business and a silver tongue to match, Malik could charm the scales off of a snake. He is experienced in the power games that come with life in the court, having spent most of his life there. Cynical and quick to change his colours, Malik cares only for the bottom line and will not hesitate to manipulate, betray and even kill if it were to grant him even a small advantage in his dealings. Rarely seen without his entourage of dedicated followers and lackeys, Malik tends to keep to himself, unapproachable and aloof. However from this position he covertly pulls the strings of a great many of the aristocrat’s, always keeping abreast of the goings on within the court.

Goals and aspirations:
To maintain his position within the court and obtain a complete monopoly over the market.
To acquire ever more money. It seems no amount of gold is enough to sate Malik’s lust for wealth.

Fears:
Malik’s fears are simple. As with most men he fears death, however above all else he fears a loss of his place within the aristocracy and the inevitable fall into obscurity that would elicit. His fearful reputation means everything to him and he will strive to retain it at any cost. Also, having grown fat on the proceeds of his business he fears losing his wealth and being reduced to poverty.

Likes:
As with his fears, Malik’s likes are easy to understand, being the classical vices of man. He has a great love of fine women, food, clothes and wine, surrounding himself with luxury daily. However he is not so simple that he will be easily tempted into hasty or foolish action with simple gifts. It takes much to gain his trust or confuse him.

Dislikes:
Malik has only disdain for the under classes and the uneducated, seeing himself as a man of great intellect. He also despises being looked down upon, and will quickly avenge himself on any who seek to ridicule him or cause him to lose face. He also has contempt for ‘new money’, being those whose family have only recently entered into the aristocracy.
Other Notes: None

Equipment

Notable skills/abilities:
Wide network of allies and connections in all walks of life.
Knowledgeable about poisons and medicines.

Other Notes:
None

History

Biography:
Malik was born to a moderately wealthy family within Valania. When his father, a lesser noble within the court died Malik inherited the man’s estate and quickly set about turning the family shipping business into a thriving empire of trade and soon became a fixture within the court due to his extravagant manner and boisterous behaviour. He is currently head of the merchant’s guild within Valania, a position that ensures his place within the hierarchy of the aristocracy. It is unknown as to whether he came about such a position by his abilities as a merchant or by more sinister methods.