Gustave (GOO-stayv), often shortened to Gus, was born in coastal village near a region of Blighted Wastes. After his parents died in a plague, he was adopted into a large family of fisherfolk. As an adolescent, he hung around the docks, picking up stories and colorful language from the sailors and travelers there, occasionally making up his own. Something kept drawing him to the wilderness and the region around the Blight.

When a group of scholars and adventurers visited the region to explore the Blight, Gustave was one of several hired to help as porters. The scholars began training him in writing, and he even picked up a bit of arcane knowledge.

When Gustave and his sister had the opportunity to return to a larger town with the scholars, Gustave studied further. He was restless, though. Several events coincided that led to another trip, this time to Karsov. The wilderness called to him, he reunited with a childhood acquaintance, Zaleria Farryn, and a ship was about to sail for Karsov. Gustave talked Zaleria into taking that ship and seeing what good they could do in that frontier barony.

Now, Gustave seeks to learn about the area, its people, and perhaps discover what is calling to him from the wilds.

Young Gustave is just over 6 feet tall with shoulder-length, reddish-blonde hair. He has the sides of his head shaved, and he has a full, bushy beard. From a distance, he looks imposing with his big, physical build, chainmail, shield, and warhammer. Closer up, he smiles, laughs a lot, and, judging from the instruments he carries, likes to play music. He openly worships and venerates Illus and Andaia.