Raed Lendin, like his sister Qess, hails from the illustrious dwarven hall of Brokken-tor, a place revered for its remarkable engineering and craftsmanship. Growing up, Raed was immersed in the intricate world of mechanics, where he learned the art of engineering at the feet of seasoned artisans. However, unlike his sister, who thrived in the collaborative spirit of their clan, Raed often found himself grumbling about the complexities of their craft and the incessant demands for perfection that surrounded him. While he mastered his skills, he did so with an edge of cynicism that colored his perspective on their profession.
When Raed and Qess decided to leave the tightly-knit community of Brokken-tor, they sought adventures in the bustling city of Alchester. For Raed, the move was less about exploration and more about escaping the expectations that had begun to weigh heavily on him. Although Alchester presented new opportunities, always one to complain, he maintained a consistent gruffness about the madness of city life, viewing it as chaotic and indifferent compared to the structured existence they had known.
Their luck changed when Atticus Drake, a prominent figure in the Society for the Progression of Science and Technology, invited them to join the organization. While Qess leaped at the chance to collaborate and innovate, Raed approached the offer with skepticism. The idea of working alongside others, especially in an environment where enthusiasm reigned, seemed tedious to him. Nevertheless, he recognized that the Society could provide valuable resources to further his engineering aspirations, and he reluctantly accepted the offer.
“You’re a hard man to find, Thornton,” the dwarf said, his voice a weary rumble of a halfhearted landslide.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Lendin,” I said, tipping my glass for another taste while I moved my other hand to the hilt of one of my long knives.
He looked around the room quizzically, especially at the windows and the brimming light outside. “Afternoon? I suppose it is, isn’t it?” He turned toward me and said, “So, you remember me.”
“Of course. I didn’t recognize you at Ridlin’s—nice bit of boxing, by the way—but I had no trouble identifying you alongside Ms. Goddard inside that warehouse. How’s your sister?”
“Qess is fine,” Raed said. “She’s smart enough to stick to our usual business for the Society and not get involved in Ms. Goddard’s ‘seedy ventures,’ as she calls them.
- THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE
Within the Society, Raed has become known for his expertise in combat engineering, but his grumpy demeanor often clashes with the more upbeat attitudes of his peers. He prefers solitary work, crafting advanced weaponry and defensive designs with meticulous precision, yet he often grumbles about the frivolity he perceives in his colleagues’ interactions. Raed finds little satisfaction in team projects, frequently rolling his eyes at the collaborative efforts of others and preferring to tackle challenges on his own terms.
Despite his reluctance to engage with people, Raed’s skills earned him a degree of respect within the Society. He remains unapologetically blunt and direct, offering constructive criticism that others sometimes find harsh. His technical knowledge is exceptional, and when a project requires practical expertise, his insights prove invaluable. However, Raed’s reluctance to help his colleagues, especially when they seek assistance or encouragement, often leaves him feeling isolated.
Over time, Raed struggled with a sense of discomfort regarding his relationship with Qess. Her boundless enthusiasm and willingness to help others sometimes highlight his own reluctance to connect. He often finds himself at odds with her optimistic outlook on life and eagerness to inspire those around them. While he admires her dedication, he can’t shake his grumpy disposition, viewing her positivity as somewhat naive.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Raed first appears in The Assassin's Blade (Assassin Without a Name Book One).
