Background

Ferris Harrogate was born in Waterdeep to a family of respected metal artisans whose work earned them modest mercantile wealth. Their success afforded him an excellent general education and one as an artificer in his later years, along with a comfortable upbringing, ranked somewhere between the lesser nobility and the wealthier common people. His family was respected, and in Waterdeep's cosmopolitan atmosphere, being a Tiefling was not as terrible as elsewhere.

He expected a life of quiet study, but still had a rebellious streak, one that was brought out when he met his now ex-wife, Setral. She was a thief who stole from corrupt nobles to assist the disenfranchised, and he fell in love with her passion. Ferris assisted covertly from the shadows, lending his connections and talents to her advantage. In time they married and built a family, adopting two children Setral rescued from difficult circumstances: first a tiefling boy named Teitel, then a human girl named Lue. With a family and his responsibilities in his research mounting, he wanted to settle down, unwilling to risk the comfortable life they built. Setral continued without him. Setral's identity was eventually uncovered, and the scandal swept Fenris down with her. That caused a cascade of misfortune; while never convicted, his research opportunities disappeared and his reputation was soiled. He accepted work in the Glassfang Syndicate, wanting to provide for his children back in the city and continue working on his projects.