✸ Tell us about any NPCs on your blog. Who are they to your muse? What do they contribute to your blog?
There are quite a few NPCs that pertain to the Parkhursts’ story. Some have gotten a lot of screen time, others have yet to be introduced, and there are a few who’ve undergone a few edits. The current target of my creative fixations is the siblings’ previous mentor and guardian. Referred to as “Master Reynolds” in previous works, this iteration of their alchemy teacher possesses a few darker notes. His new name is Simon Schultz.
About the Character:
The name was spoken with some measure of fear and hesitation among Kultiran. He was the man whose crippled form merited hushed, urgent whispers foretelling rumors as deep and dark as his shadow. It was said that by day, he was the alchemist possessed of a god’s hands, weaving miracles born of chemical ingenuity. And by night, he was the specter that lurked on the street corners, tempting souls with his bottles of toxins and poisons. The line between fact and fiction always remained vague. But above anything else, Simon Schultz was a man of business.
He wanted no apprentice and certainly no children. So, how two orphaned children came into his possession was the true mystery. Yet, he treated them with all the tender love and care he could muster. Which wasn’t saying a lot. But he tried his very best to provide a comfortable existence for his wards. Doubly so to ensure them a prosperous future in a city that was slowly descending into corruption.
Relationship w/ Max:
Schultz never humored either Parkhurst child calling him “Father”. He was their alchemy teacher first and their guardian second. Never their father. Though, his insistence never fully deterred either Max or Auggie.
Max learned most of her alchemical knowledge under Schultz. From the very basics of the Seven Stages to the intricacies of isomers and isotopes, he guided her by the hand. He was the fount of information from which Max greedily drank. And when she started to show promise, he introduced her to the business of narcotics. And under his wings, she took her first tentative steps into the criminal underworld.
Story Contribution:
Schultz helps to solidify some of Max’s tendencies and eccentricities. He’s also a nifty plot device that’ll come in handy for future stories. Most importantly, he’s the one who taught Max her craft. And that’s just kinda neat. I’m still noodling around with his concept, but I definitely see him having a soft spot for the Parkhurst siblings. He won’t admit it, but those are his kids in every way but blood.
And yes, his face claim is Jeremy Irons. Come at me.
Thanks so much the ask @amanonimity!
