Sam, Sammy, the "Steam Shiv" (his agent pseudonym), Gnome (for the uncreative)
56 (early 20's in comparison to humans)
Male
Single
Chaotic Good
Small
The build and height of his diminutive frame are average for a male gnome. Regardless, the grip of his handshake is surprisingly firm. His facial features are neither handsome, nor particularly hideous. His eyes are amber. His hair, a bright bleached blonde, is a haphazard mess atop his head, standing on end in just about every direction imaginable. His facial hair, also blonde, consists of a waxed (and slightly upturned) mustache and a medium length beard. His clothing is always expensive and elegant, often trimmed with gold. When assuming the role of 'Steam Shiv' for covert operations, he is often garbed in black (with a hood and mask concealing his features). Nearly every one of his outfits has the emblem of Gnomeregan proudly displayed for all to see.
Primary: A keen tongue, a fat wallet, and a damn good lawyer / Secondary: Wickedly sharp, serrated blades and a penchant for slicing Achilles tendons (and necks, if he gets some sweet air on his flying leap)
Though he is physically pint-sized, Samwize's presence is larger than life. He will not be ignored or swept to the side by anyone, no matter how important (or tall) they think they are. Furthermore, anyone bringing gnome-hate to the table will be swiftly and systematically cut down to size (and probably publically embarrassed in the process). He is ruthless when dealing with racists.
He can be bright and energetic while expressing himself (when it is appropriate). However, if a situation requires serious and meticulous thought, he is more than willing to rise to the occasion. Chances are, you aren't going to see him clowning around like other 'wacky' gnomes. Pointless, silly antics are for cretins who serve to reinforce racial stereotypes.
Like many gnomes, Samwize has an affinity for tinkering. Engineering has been a hobby of his ever since he was a small child, fiddling with gears and cogs in back of the family bank while his parents conducted business. Today, he uses many devices of his own design as espionage tools while carrying out covert operations. This application of technology is primarily why his contacts in espionage coined his nickname, Steam Shiv.
(A list of his various inventions can be viewed on the History tab)
He is the Founder of the ACU (Azerothian Credit Union), a financial institution devoted to providing top-notch financial solutions (with competitive interest rates) to its associates. Some believe the ACU is merely a front for Mr. Gleamgold's shadier operations. Of course, these beliefs are nothing more than nasty lies created by dastardly villains to tarnish poor Mr. Gleamgold's sterling image. Obviously!
Individuals willing to sacrifice everything for Gnomeregan and its people
Fellow capitalists/entrepreneurs
He normally gets along pretty well with most people (though some may be offended by his brutal honesty and taunting sense of humor)
Troggs
Socialists/Communists (almost as bad as troggs)
Anyone that messes with his money (almost as good as dead)
Bigots
The Scourge and Burning Legion (of course)
A golden dragonhawk named Lumina and a corehound pup named Brutus
He also has a number of mechanical companions that he assembled and programmed himself
Mission
Banker / Gnomish Patriot / Spy
The Gleamgold family has always enjoyed the prosperity and luxury that wealth can bring. Samwize is no different. But if there is something he holds closer to his heart than money, it is a profound and unrequited love for Gnomeregan and its people.
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"What do I want more than anything in the world? A free Gnomeregan. Free from the grubby claws of those damn troggs. Free from the repercussions of Thermaplugg's folly. Free and returned to the bosom of Gnomekind. And you better believe I'm gonna watch it happen firsthand, friend. You mark my words...right here, right now."
-Samwize Gleamgold
Primary Goal: To play a hand in the total liberation of Gnomeregan and see it safely returned to the rule of High Tinker Gelbin Mekkatorque.
Secondary Goals: To advance his espionage training and further the success of the ACU (and his other business ventures).
Recently, Samwize has contemplated forming a group called the Gnomeregan Liberation Initiative. He envisions the Initiative as an assembly of likeminded individuals who (through carefully planned strategy and the application of technology) intend on reclaiming Gnomeregan and completely clearing it of radioactive contamination.
History
Gnomeregan
For generations, the Gleamgold family was a major player in Gnomeregan's financial world. The majority of Samwize's family members were involved in banking and/or investing at some point in their lives, accumulating a sizeable fortune. All of that changed with the trogg attack and subsequent irradiation of Gnomeregan. The casualties were significant and the Gleamgolds that managed to escape (Samwize included) were left with little to none of their former wealth.
For the next few years, Samwize was reduced to living on the streets of Ironforge and Kharanos, resorting to begging and thievery in order to survive. His more underhanded activities caught the eye of Hulfdan Blackbeard and his roguish comrades in Ironforge's Forlorn Cavern. They took Samwize under their wing, teaching him subterfuge, combat tactics, and other aspects of the shadowy arts. During that time, Samwize amassed a reasonable amount of money performing odd jobs for Blackbeard and his companions.
It wasn't too long until Samwize bid his farewells and moved to Stormwind to further his training and establish his own organization, the Azerothian Credit Union. His business dealings, both legitimate and not, have since brought him an impressive amount of success. Samwize has also served as a freelance spy for organizations such as SI:7 and Ravenholdt (as the elusive "Steam Shiv").Â
He has recently ventured into the realm of motivational speaking, providing inspirational one-on-one coaching to individuals who want to bring their businesses and other aspirations to a whole new level.
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(I will be using this field to describe the various devices that Samwize has invented.  Some of these devices have been created in-game using the Gryphonheart Items addon.)
TK-Nade ('Tea Kettle Grenade')
One of Sam's more notable inventions is a plum-sized mithril sphere that rapidly releases a large amount of scalding steam upon impact, acting as a rather painful smoke screen (for dramatic escapes that require minimal subtlety). Affixed to the grenade are four small metal tubes, resembling miniature pan pipes. They emit a cripplingly loud, high-pitched shriek as the steam is fired, serving to further incapacitate and confuse the grenade's victims.
ISS-Nade ('Innocuous Steam Screen Grenade')
This mithril sphere is almost identical to the TK-Nade in appearance, excluding the pipes. It releases steam at a much cooler temperature, only hindering visibility (without the additional effect of burning those caught in it). Ideal for situations where stealth us important, the steam is deployed silently without the piercing whistle of the TK-Nade.
Finding a balance between financing, motivational speaking, engineering, and spy work.
Quests
Quests are a special way to explore and develop your character. Here you will find roleplay-oriented quests that will require you answer questions about your character, obtain roleplay items, create a special connection, take a certain screenshot, etc. Quests are posted on a regular basis -- return to look for new quests! The more quests you do, the more "character points" you earn. Character points will open up more fields, tabs, quotas, and special features. (This is an experimental feature; expect it to change as feedback is received!) [To begin questing, login, click Edit Your Character Sheet, and choose Quests.]
Connections
This character has no current connections at this time.
Journal
This character doesn't have any entries yet.
This thick leather-bound book seems to serve multiple purposes.  The pages in the front appear to be Mr. Gleamgold's personal journal. The middle pages serve as a ledger of sorts, recording countless transactions and documenting a wide variety of fiscal information.  Oddly enough, the remainder of the book consists of blank, featureless pages...Â
...However, when viewed under ultraviolet light, the secret contents are revealed, scrawled in a glowing golden ink...
Gallery
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This Geek has yet to tag any images in the Geek Gallery.
Created On: 01/27/2010 05:06:03 Edited By Samwize On: 01/27/2010 05:06:57
I thought it was kinda funny when I overheard someone say, "Tell me he isn't roleplaying his bank alt..." in game.
The thing is, I am. I didn't expect it to happen, but something about the development of Sam's character has grown on me. My only question is: would he stop being my bank character if I started leveling him up?
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