The Enforcer Wizard

Kadesh sat at the back table of the restaurant, his eyes on the room as his boss ate. Kadesh was a mountain of a man, corded with muscle, a heavy dagger at his belt. Just his presence ensured there was plenty of space accorded their corner, and most people didn't so much as glance their way.

When the young man leaning on a walking stick entered the room, the bodyguard didn't notice at first. By the time he drew close, though, Kadesh was on full alert. True, while the man was skinny, and he moved slowly, there was something in his eyes that alerted Kadesh to a threat. They were hard in a way the hulking guard didn't care for.

"Move," Kadesh said, standing. He folded his arms over his chest, emphasizing how big it was. He jutted his chin outward, gesturing for the newcomer to turn around.

The slender man didn't even break stride. He spoke a single word, and pointed at Kadesh. Shadows enveloped him, the cold darkness sapping strength from his limbs. Kadesh stumbled, reaching for his dagger with numbed fingers. The man spoke another word, and touched Kadesh on the shoulder. His bronzed skin went pale, and his veins went black. His eyes rolled into his head, and he fell to the floor. He wasn't breathing.

Dalvoro Costca stared in horror at the man, as did every other patron in the room. The man leaned on his walking stick, and offered the ganglord a sepulchral smile.

"Vencarlo Malfeshna sends his regards," the young man said, his voice far deeper than it should have been. "He expects you for lunch tomorrow to discuss your misunderstanding."

Dalvoro nodded, his mouth slack and his eyes wide. The young man nodded, then turned. No one moved to stop him. No one spoke. They had all heard the stories of the Blackthorn... but this was somehow worse than any tale that could be told about the man the city's most feared syndicate kept in its back pocket for occasions when a message needed to be sent.

Not All Wizards Are Scholars

When we think of wizards in fantasy RPGs, we typically think of professors, academics, and scholars. Those who study magic, and who learn from tomes of accumulated knowledge, are the closest thing these settings tend to have to scientists. However, while there are plenty of wizards who attempt to study the intricacies of the cosmos, to make contact with outer beings, or to advance the understanding of the arcane arts, not everyone who masters magic seeks such lofty purposes.

And sometimes those who understand the intricacies of magic will turn it toward particularly base needs. When that happens you end up with a wizard who's little better than a leg breaker.

How they got to this point is up to you. For example, was your evoker trained as a living piece of artillery for the kingdom's last war, but now that it's won they've been dismissed from service and need a new paymaster? Does your necromancer have guild dues and student debt to pay, so they allowed themselves to be put on a syndicate's payroll? Is your illusionist sick of putting up with fakery and falsity, so they use their magic to live the high life by working for the mob? Was your diviner trying to get out of the "family" business, only to find themselves roped back in as a signature figure in the gang's operations?

While you could apply this character setup to sorcerers, clerics, and other spellcasters, it's here in Unusual Character Concepts because working for organized crime isn't typically a role with associate with wizards. However, historically, there's always at least one smart guy in the room... and wizards have just as much reason as anybody else to kiss the ring.

Or, in time, to become the head of the family.

Recommended Reading

If this is a concept you want to try out, but you're looking for a little more fodder for your character's backstory, check out the following supplements!

- 100 Gangs For Your Urban Campaigns: If you're looking for a unique organization to lend your talents to, this supplement has you covered!

- 100 Random Bandits To Meet: Whether you need allies, friends, family, or just professional acquaintances, the bandits in here can all act as interesting jumping off points for adding to your story.

- 100 Fantasy Guilds: Maybe you don't call it a gang. Perhaps you work, "on behalf of the unions," as some folks say. If so, several of the guilds in this collection would make for interesting paymasters.

Looking For Even More Content?

That's all for this installment of my Unusual Character Concepts series! Hopefully this one gave you something to chew over, whether you're a player, or a game master.

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