#### **Basic Information** - **Name:** Marla Elisant (often simply "Marla" or "the Coinspinner") - **Race/Species:** Half-Elf - **Class/Profession:** Alchemist & Merchant - **Alignment/Morality:** Neutral Good - **Age:** 72 (appears mid-30s due to elven heritage) - **Gender & Pronouns:** Female (She/Her) - **Appearance:** Marla has long, braided auburn hair, piercing violet eyes, and an elegant yet practical demeanor. She wears scholarly robes with numerous pockets and belts lined with various potions and elixirs, always impeccably organized. #### **Personality & Traits** - **Personality Summary:** Marla is calm, insightful, and exceptionally practical. She balances her scholarly nature with keen business acumen, managing her operations with precise efficiency. Known for her fairness, she's respected by her peers yet remains approachable to the common folk. - **Strengths & Skills:** - **Alchemical Mastery** – Expert in potion-making, alchemy, and medicinal concoctions. - **Economic Strategist** – Skilled in trade negotiations, managing finances, and overseeing gambling enterprises. - **Social Intelligence** – Adept at reading people, leveraging this to facilitate trade and negotiations. - **Weaknesses & Flaws:** - **Cautious to a Fault** – Hesitant to take risks, sometimes missing opportunities. - **Perfectionist** – Can become overly critical and demanding of herself and others. - **Mannerisms & Speech Patterns:** - Speaks clearly and deliberately, often using alchemical metaphors. - Habitually fidgets with coins or potion bottles while talking. - Frequently uses the phrase "Balance is everything." #### **Background & Story Role** - **Backstory Summary:** Raised at the intersection of human trade and elven magic, Marla mastered alchemy while cultivating sharp business instincts. She established herself as a vital economic player in Rivermarch, particularly known for her control over gambling enterprises and sophisticated market manipulation, earning her nickname "the Coinspinner." - **Current Motivations:** - Securing economic stability and prosperity for Rivermarch. - Exploring alchemical advancements, particularly those beneficial to the community. - Seeking ancient elven formulas rumored to possess extraordinary economic or alchemical power. - **Connections & Relationships:** - [[Borion Nightshade]] – Valuable business associate and fellow scholar. - [[The Whisperer]] – Cautiously trades information, mindful of his manipulative reputation. - [[The Shadow Consortium]] – Occasional partnerships for mutual benefit in trade and information exchange. - **Factions or Allegiances:** - Rivermarch Council – Loyal and deeply invested in the city's economic health. - Independent business interests throughout Restov and the River Kingdoms. - **Notable Items or Equipment:** - **Elisant’s Elixir Belt** – Grants quick, intuitive access to potions and elixirs. - **Coinspinner’s Talisman** – An enchanted coin that subtly tips luck in her favor during business dealings and games of chance. #### **Additional Notes** - **Recurring Themes:** - The delicate balance between risk and reward. - Influence of commerce and economy on political power. - **Player/GM Notes:** - Marla values integrity but operates pragmatically. - She avoids conflict but stands firm when business interests are threatened. - Her gambling operations could be sources of rumors, intrigue, and potential adventure hooks.