> [!infobox|wikipedia] > # Gemma Finegold > [![[Gemma_Finegold_small.png|cover hsmall]]](Gemma_Finegold.png) > ###### Basic Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Type | NPC | > ###### Character Information > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Creature Type | Humanoid | > Species | Human | > Gender | Female > Pronouns | She/Her | > Age | 24 | > Languages | Common<br>Dwarvish | > Place | [[Silverdeep]] | > Connections | [[The Finegolds]]<br>[[The Bloody Nails]] | > Profession | Merchant | > ###### Status > Attribute | Details | > ---|---| > Status | Alive | Gemma is a key member of [[The Finegolds]], an independent and well-regarded group of merchants operating in [[Valtorra]]. Though her father, [[Harland Finegold]], served as the group's ostensible leader, it was Gemma who managed the books, oversaw logistics, and devised financial strategies, honing her skills under Harland’s rigorous tutelage since childhood. When her father was killed by [[Seraphina]] in the [[Farhaven Forest]], she naturally stepped into the leadership role of the group without question. Her path crossed with [[The Bloody Nails]] just outside of [[Darmouth]], where she found them stranded after a shipwreck. With a characteristic blend of resourcefulness and generosity, she offered her assistance in helping them reach the city. This proved to be a very key meeting, as she was currently tasked with a mission to retrieve vital information to be used for an assault on the Imperial project [[Skyreach]], which as fates had decided was the very location [[The Bloody Nails]] were being shipped to as prisoners before escaping. ## Description #### Appearance Gemma is a young human woman in her early 20s, standing at an average height with a slim and agile build. Her long, bright red hair, vibrant and fiery in hue, is typically tied back into a practical ponytail while traveling, keeping it out of her way. Her sharp green eyes, alive with intelligence and curiosity, often seem to be assessing the world around her with a discerning gaze. Unlike her father’s more ostentatious attire, Gemma opts for practical clothing suited to her lifestyle. She favours earthy tones of brown and green, which complement her striking eyes and hint at her grounded nature. A light dusting of freckles dances across her nose and cheeks, adding a touch of youthful charm to her otherwise focused and capable demeanour. #### Personality Gemma’s personality is a blend of resilience, sharpness, and a touch of sorrow. On most days, she carries a cheerful demeanour, often smiling and quick with a witty remark. However, the loss of both her parents has left a melancholy undertone to her mood, and those close to her can sense the grief lingering beneath her bright exterior. Her sharp mind and perceptive nature make her adept at cutting through lies and spotting deception, a skill honed through years of handling merchant negotiations and strategies. She has a deep fondness for [[The Bloody Nails]], as their actions saved both her life and the lives of her friends. Having travelled together for weeks, she feels a strong bond with them and trusts them implicitly, often showing warmth and gratitude in their interactions. When it comes to [[The Valtorran Empire|The Empire]], however, Gemma’s usual light-heartedness disappears entirely. She harbours a deep and burning hatred for , blaming them for the deaths of her parents and the suffering inflicted on countless others. Any mention of [[The Valtorran Empire|The Empire]] is guaranteed to stir a rare but intense anger in her, revealing the depths of her pain and her desire for justice—or perhaps vengeance. ## Biography #### Background Gemma was born in the year 2475 in the city of [[Silverdeep]]. Her family led a modest but fulfilling life as merchants, trading goods with the nearby [[Dwarven]] cities and always returning to their beloved home. For the first nine years of her life, Gemma’s days were marked by warmth and routine—until tragedy shattered her world. One fateful day, her mother tried to protect a thief who had stolen a loaf of bread. In an act of merciless authority, both her mother and the thief were executed publicly by the [[The Valtorran Empire|Empire]], leaving Gemma and her father devastated. The aftermath changed them both forever. Her father, [[Harland Finegold|Harland]], lost his passion for work, becoming increasingly distant and spending more time trying to guide Gemma to becoming who she is today. Gemma, however, channelled her grief and anger into a burning hatred for the Empire, vowing to oppose them and aid anyone crushed under their oppressive rule. In recent years, Gemma has made a name for herself within [[The Finegolds]]. While her father remained the figurehead, it was Gemma’s sharp mind that kept their merchant operations thriving. Her most notable achievement came when she met [[Barak Stormrider]] while transporting goods for [[The Mawbreakers]]. The two struck up a close friendship, and Barak confided in her his plans to dismantle the Imperial project [[Skyreach]]. Recognizing her unique skills, Barak enlisted her help. As a merchant, Gemma’s legitimate status allowed her to move freely between cities with minimal suspicion, and her expertise in concealing contraband proved invaluable. Her latest mission was to retrieve [[Skyreach]] blueprints from [[The Order of Ravens]] in [[Darmouth]]. While en route, she encountered [[The Bloody Nails]], who had recently escaped captivity after a shipwreck. Seeing their plight, Gemma offered her aid, helping them reach the city safely—a meeting that would soon prove vital to her mission. Currently, Gemma continues her travels with [[The Finegolds]], grappling with the profound loss of her father and her growing responsibilities. Despite her grief, she remains fiercely dedicated to her cause: aiding rebellion and undermining [[The Valtorran Empire|The Empire]] at every turn. Her ultimate goal is to see [[The Valtorran Empire|The Empire]] toppled and ensure no one else suffers the same fate her family endured. ### Campaign: [[The Bloody Nails]] #### [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Sessions/Session 01/Synopsis]] - [ ] Why did they appear in this session - [ ] What did they do - [ ] How did they interact with the players ## Trivia - Gemma was the first friendly NPC [[The Bloody Nails]] met - On a whim during [[Campaigns/The Bloody Nails/Sessions/Session 01/Synopsis]], [[Riv]] decided to use a Scottish accent for Gemma, as she grew up in [[Silverdeep]] around many [[Dwarven|Dwarves]]. She was never intended to be a long term character, but instead ended up being a long term friend of the party and so [[Riv]] had to practice Scottish accents in order to keep it going.