Burton Jackson
Info
Name: Burton Jackson
Race: Human
Class: Bard/Fighter
Alignment: Neutral Good
Backstory
Burton Jackson was born in the peaceful village of Candlekeep, nestled along the Sword Coast. From a young age, Burton exhibited unusual endurance and agility, traits that set him apart from his peers. His parents, humble artisans, were proud of their son but worried about his future in a village where such talents were rarely needed.
Call to Adventure
One fateful night, a band of marauding orcs descended upon Candlekeep, seeking to plunder its modest wealth. Burton, only 15 at the time, tried to defend his home with nothing but a broom. Despite his bravery, he was overpowered and left for dead. When he awoke, he found his village in ruins and his parents among the fallen. The trauma of that night scared Burton’s heart, fueling a burning desire for vengeance and justice.
Recruitment
As Burton wandered the countryside, lost and grieving, he encountered an eccentric traveler named Altharion Veylen. It was Veylen who recognized Burton’s latent potential and convinced him to enroll into the prestigious Warden’s Order of Research and Mysteries (WORM) Academy, a renowned institution for training gifted adventurers. During his time at the academy, Burton honed his skills in combat, strategy, and survival. His instructors were impressed by his determination and raw talent, and he quickly rose through the ranks.
Bonding Event / The Impossible Climb
There was a part of the Academy that was off-limits: The Spire of Forgotten Names—supposedly full of records on failed students, vanished apprentices, and worse. Naturally, Burton thought that sounded awesome. “Place like that’s gotta be full of secrets. Forbidden history. Maybe a few vengeful spirits. So. When are we breaking in?” Zel rolled her eyes but didn’t say no. She’d handle the climbing and breaking in; Burton could read to his heart’s content. It took three nights of planning, two hours of climbing, and one very close call when a brick gave way. Zel slipped—only to be caught by Burton’s iron grip. “Whoa there, Slick. You fall, I gotta explain it to Altharion, and that guy already thinks I’m a pain in the ass.” She huffed a laugh. “You are a pain in the ass.” “Yeah, yeah. Just climb.”
They never made it inside. The second Zel’s lockpick clicked, the door swung open to reveal Altharion himself, arms crossed, already disappointed. No yelling, just an escort back down. Later, as they nursed bruises and bruised egos, Burton tossed Zel a book—"Rope Work and Reckless Climbing: A Guide to Not Falling to Your Death" by Zen Silverkin. She arched a brow. “Seriously?” “Hey, if you’re gonna keep climbing dangerous things, at least learn to do it right.” She smirked, tucking it into her coat. “And if you’re gonna keep getting caught with me, you might wanna learn how to run faster.” Burton sighed dramatically. “See, this is why I work alone.” “Sure you do.” They never talked about that near fall again. But from that night on, Zel knew—if she slipped, Burton would be there to catch her. And he’d make a smart-ass comment about it every time.
Departure from the Academy
Burton’s time at the academy was not without its challenges. He often clashed with the headmaster, Altharion Veylen, over the academy’s strict adherence to rules and protocols.
Burton believed that true strength came from the heart and that sometimes, rules needed to be bent to achieve justice. Master Veylen, however, was a staunch traditionalist who valued discipline above all else.
The breaking point came during a mission where Burton and his fellow students were sent to deal with a bandit threat. The group learned that the bandits were simple villagers driven to desperation by a corrupt noble. Against Master Veylen’ s orders, Burton chose to let the villagers free instead of taking them into custody. This act of defiance led to a heated confrontation with Master Veylen upon his return.
The Disagreement
Master Veylen accused Burton of insubordination and endangering the mission. Burton argued that the extenuating situation required understanding and compassion, not blind obedience.
The disagreement escalated, and Burton, feeling betrayed and disillusioned, decided to leave the academy. He vowed to forge his own path, guided by his own sense of justice and the memory of his fallen village.
Before Altharion's Death
Now, Burton stands as a formidable fighter, driven by the memory of his lost village and the desire to protect others from suffering the same fate. With his trusty sword and unyielding spirit, he embarks on quests to rid the world of evil, always striving to honor the legacy of Candlekeep and the family he lost. His departure from the academy has only strengthened his resolve to fight for what he believes is right, even if it means standing alone.
After removing the Cult of Vecna from Neverwinter
The Healing Journey of Mr. Jackson After the defeat of the cult of Vecna and justice served for their slain headmaster, Burton found himself at a crossroads. The victory had been hard-fought, and the loss of their headmaster still weighed heavily on his heart. Burton embarked on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
Burton returned to his old stomping grounds, the bustling town of Baldur’s Gate, where he sought solace among the familiar faces and comforting routines. He spent his days walking the cobblestone streets, reconnecting with old friends and sharing tales of his adventures. The town, with its lively market and warm taverns, became his sanctuary, a place where he could reflect on the battles fought and the lives lost.
During his time in Baldur’s Gate, Burton dedicated himself to the community. He helped rebuild homes damaged by recent conflicts, trained the town's militia, and offered his protection to those in need. His bond with the townsfolk strengthened, and he found peace in the simple act of serving others.
In the evenings, Burton practiced his combat skills, honing his abilities with unwavering determination. He knew that the world was still fraught with danger, and he wanted to be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. His sword swung true, and with each strike, he felt his confidence returning.
As the weeks passed, Burton began to feel a renewed sense of purpose. He realized that his journey was not just about healing himself but also about preparing to protect others. He started training a group of young fighters, passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation. Watching them grow and learn filled him with hope and pride.
After several weeks, Burton felt a change. He was no longer the weary fighter burdened by loss but a beacon of strength and resilience. His heart was lighter, his spirit rejuvenated, and he was ready to face whatever adventures awaited him and his companions.