Esmerelda “Esme” Trusan

Esmerelda was born to Venasia, the sole heir of the Trusan family of traders from Baldur’s Gate. Venia, like her mother before her, was the “weather witch” for the Emerald Nereid, the flagship brig of the small Trusan merchant fleet, so when her parents reacted poorly to the infant half-orc, the strong-willed sorceress declared she would raise her daughter on her own.

Esme grew up on the Nereid, at home on the waves among people who accepted her exactly as she was. On land, she came to expect the sneers and cold looks from the people who couldn’t see past the olive hue of her skin or the small tusks protruding from her lower jaw. At sea, all that mattered to her crew was her tirelessness, her cheerful disposition, and her ability to fill the sails with magical wind. As she grew more practiced, she would occasionally spend time on one of the other two ships that sailed alongside: a heavier cargo brig, the Ruby Sirine, and their smaller gunship escort, the Sapphire Triton.

After Esme turned sixteen, her grandmother sent a letter to Venia, begging the pair to meet her at the Blade and Stars in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate, an inn known for three things: excellent food, ruby cordials, and a half-orc proprietress. It was the third feature that convinced Venia and Esme that perhaps the Trusan matriarch was softening toward her eldest grandchild, so they agreed to the rendezvous.

Magdalena Trusan’s revelations at that meeting shocked the younger women profoundly, and though they argued about their course, ultimately it was agreed: Venia would return to her duties aboard the Nereid, Magda would return to steering the family business, and Esme would discover how to lift the family’s curse.

Traits

“I enjoy letting people underestimate me because of what they assume of my heritage. I thrive on good music, hearty food, and great company.”

Ideals

“I work hard aboard ships because I enjoy it, and I’ll never tire of a life at sea.”

Bonds

“My crew is my family and I’ll protect them to my last breath.”

Flaws

“I greatly dislike confined spaces: give me the open seas!”

“I Know a Guy”

Esme grew up aboard the Emerald Nereid and considers the long-time crew her family. The Trusan fleet sails as far north as Neverwinter and as far south as Calimport before wintering in Baldur’s Gate.

Friends & Enemies

The Trusan family pays tribute at the temple of Umberlee just as many merchant fleet owners do, but they don’t pay nearly as much as other fleets of similar size. The Umberlant clergy have come to treat Trusan supplicants with disdain, and occasionally have even turned them away entirely.