Gavlin

Backstory

Backstory

Expand Gavlin's Backstory

Born into a low-ranking lighteyes family of the 9th dahn within Highprince Aladar’s kingdom, Gavlin was expected to follow the traditional Alethi path of military service. From a young age, he was subjected to the rigorous training and cultural pressures that shaped Alethi men into warriors. However, Gavlin was never built for the battlefield. Physically slight and lacking the natural strength of his peers, he often found himself the target of ridicule and scorn. The training grounds were a source of constant humiliation, a stark reminder of his perceived inadequacies.

As he entered his late teens, the weight of these expectations became unbearable. Gavlin knew, deep in his heart, that the life of a soldier was not for him. He yearned for something more, something that engaged his mind rather than his body. Against the prevailing cultural tide, he made the bold decision to abandon the military and dedicate himself to academia. This choice was met with quiet relief and support from his parents, who saw his intelligence and recognized his unhappiness. His older brother, however, viewed Gavlin’s decision as an embarrassment to the family name and has since maintained a distant, often disdainful, relationship. His younger brother, a promising soldier, mirrors the older brother’s martial prowess, further highlighting Gavlin’s divergence.

Gavlin left Alethkar to pursue his studies in the renowned schools of Kharbranth, a city known for its intellectual pursuits and vibrant scholarly community. Here, he found his true calling. He immersed himself in the intricate world of Artifabrians, dedicating himself to understanding the fundamental principles of mechanics and the fascinating properties of spren. His university advisor quickly recognized Gavlin’s sharp intellect and insatiable curiosity, becoming a vital mentor and a source of encouragement. Through countless hours of study and hands-on experimentation, Gavlin developed extensive crafting expertise, his hands, once clumsy with a spear, now adept at manipulating delicate components and channeling Stormlight.

Now in his early twenties, Gavlin’s purpose is driven by an unyielding curiosity about how mechanical and fabrial items work. He is fascinated by the underlying principles that govern their function, always seeking to unravel their secrets. His greatest obstacle remains his self-doubt, a lingering shadow from the early ridicule he faced. This insecurity often pushes him to prove his worth, sometimes leading him to take on projects that might be beyond his current capabilities.

His most ambitious and conscious goal is the creation of a “universal translator” fabrial. This theoretical device would be capable of interpreting and replicating the subtle tones of various spren, offering unprecedented insight into their nature and, by extension, the very fabric of Investiture that permeates the Cosmere. For Gavlin, the success of this grand project would not only solidify his reputation as a renowned Artifabrian but also serve as the ultimate vindication against the doubts that have plagued him since childhood.

Gavlin Campaign Plot Points

Expand Gavlin's Campaign History & Achievements

• Party Artifabrian & Crafter:
  • Fabricated the majority of the party’s current gear.
  • Crafted Kael and Theren’s Whitespine armor, multiple custom fabrials, and shortbows.
• The Diagram & Truthwatcher Awakening:
  • Is Rilano’s mentee, but successfully rejected his recruitment attempts into The Diagram.
  • Swore the First Ideal of the Truthwatchers while denying Rilano and saving Ravan.
  • Bonded a mistspren named Glimmer-In-Doubt.
• Co-Captain of The Wind’s Favor:
  • Helped Theren steal the vessel and serves as its co-captain.
  • Instrumentally navigated the ship through a highstorm to bring the party safely to Kharbranth.
• The Research Lab:
  • Gifted an entire dedicated facility (“Gavlin’s Lab”) by Rilano as an apology for trying to force him against his morals.
• Veden Civil War:
  • Tangled in Jah Keved’s political strife while attempting to help Theren reclaim his Highprincedom title.
• The Coastal Heist at Klna:
  • Kidnapped by Captain Sebarial to cash in a “favor,” tasked with retrieving a perfect gemstone from the coastal city of Klna.
• Sja-anat’s Bargain:
  • Contacted by the Unmade, Sja-anat, to free one of her “children” from the perfect gemstone in Klna’s temple.
  • Offered lore regarding one of her sibling Unmade and the opportunity to “enlighten” Glimmer-in-Doubt in exchange for his help.
  • Gavlin accepted the offer to enlighten Glimmer-in-doubt and is now an enlightened Truthwatcher of the first ideal
• The Fire at the Button Thief’s:
  • Assisted Nucko the Button Thief in retrieving his marks pouch from a burning building.
  • Shrugged off intense heat, flames, and falling beams by continuously healing himself, walking out entirely unscathed.