Earl Butterfield

Overview
As one of the senior wizards of the Easthill Mages' Tower, Earl knows his way around magic. His knowledge and unnatural affinity for (and limitation to) fire-based magic, coupled with his calm and laid-back demeanor, have afforded him a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle in Easthill.

While he is typically a polite and modest man of simple pleasures, he is less open to working with unfamiliar people (especially non-humans) or in uncomfortable situations. As his ignorance and prejudices came to light, he frequently found himself at odds with one or more party members. Eventually, through recognizing their struggles and relating them to his own dark secrets, he has since made peace with most of the party.

His logical approach to both combat and diplomacy have proven valuable, although he is susceptible to emotional (and magical) outbursts when he is pushed too far.

He played a key part in the rescue operation on Low Talon, somehow causing an entire camp of kobolds as well as a large dragon-like creature to be swallowed up in a blaze of magic. It appears to have taken a massive toll on him, but it is unclear what, if any, lasting effect this will have.

Appearance
Earl is of average human build, and despite his age, his frequent fishing excursions have kept him healthy enough to travel with little issue... [incomplete]

First Encounters
Earl met the party upon his return to Easthill, having taken a few days off to go fishing outside the town. The party was waiting for him, as they were told he might be able to tell them something about the mysterious orb they had stolen from the Nimble Nine's hideout.

On 25 Erastus, 500 AC they met at the Mages' Tower, and after some initial frustrations, were subjected to an unprecedented magical event as Earl focused his energies into the orb. This burst of magical energy from the orb appeared to connect Earl and the party (everyone except Zoe) with a blue stream of light, and strange images flashed through Earl's mind.

Curiously, a strange visitor appeared immediately following this experience, offering cryptic insight into the nature of the orb but ultimately giving rise to even more questions. Earl initiated a short altercation that was quickly defused, and the stranger departed awkwardly despite the party's suspicions that the stranger knew far more than he was letting on.

Charles (Animal Companion)
The hawk Charles appears to have a strong, unspoken bond with Earl. He often seems more eager to vocalize Earl's disapproval or frustration than Earl himself, but rarely acts out beyond an angry squawk. Those who commune with Charles are often surprised to find themselves on the receiving end of some rather aggressive rebukes, but for all his snark, Charles' pride ensures he always does what is asked of him, provided that it is within his ability and doesn't threaten his life.