What is your full name? Do you have a nickname (if so, who calls you this)?
Radhan Mishra, but my wife calls me Ravi. I would slug anyone else who tried to call me anything other than Goodman Mishra.
Where were you born?
Born and raised in the village of Adasari, on the banks of the River Uttseema. It's a nice place, but not as nice as it used to be. A lot has been lost over the years.
Who were your parents?
My parents died a long time ago. I don't like to think about them. They were rich when I was a kid, but they lost everything and died as paupers. I'm not going to be like that, though. I know how to work hard and, more importantly, work smart.
Do you have any siblings? If you do, what are/were they like?
I had a younger brother, but he went away downriver to find work and I haven't heard from him in thirty years.
Where do you live now, and with whom?
I run the village inn, The Sorrowing Raven, with my wife, Sisue. It's a living, although sometimes I hate all the noise and the people being around all the time. Sometimes it seems like the entire village has nothing better to do than spend all night at our inn, drinking and making a mess. The inn was built about 50 years ago by Sisue's grandfather, and it's styled after the old waystations implemented by Antil-ti-Arzhang. The stable and servant lodgings are out in the yard, while the guest rooms and kitchen are in the inner courtyard. It's a comfortable place, but there's always improvements to be made.
How would you describe your childhood?
Carefree. I was the most petted child in the richest family in the area. Mother sent me to the adept school, and Father had a shipping business. But when I was about thirteen my family lost everything, and then I had to grow up fast. I found work wherever I could get it: fishing, ferrying goods downriver, sweeping the street, mucking out latrines. I even did some smuggling from over the Bui-taran border. I'm not ashamed of it--I did what I had to. The inn is hard work, but at least it's clean and honest. To keep Sisue safe and fed, I would do worse.
Describe your spouse in some rough strokes.
Sisues is a kind and gentle soul, but she's good with the business side of the inn. She got that from her father, who was smart enough to make money even while the rest of the village was failing. Unfortunately, opportunities are thin on the ground these days, and the inn isn't making much money. I know she is used to wearing fine clothes and having lots of servants to do the work, but she never complains. I'm proud of her for that.
On what occasions do you lie?
I have no problem lying to protect someone I love, or to punish someone I hate.
Do you have a motto?
When I was kid I loved the old motto of my family, "In truth are all things set free." But now I'm a grown man I can see that it's obviously nonsense. My motto now is "Lies can protect you and yours."
What does your voice sound like?
Like my father, I have a strong baritone singing. voice. I'm usually asked to sing at festivals and other events.
What are your religious views?
I used to pray to the five gods, like everyone else, but now I don't pray to anyone. Why pray to gods that aren't listening, if they even exist? Loving gods wouldn't allow the suffering in the world. If they exist, they must be evil and wouldn't do any good for anyone, anyway. The only way to survive in this world is to keep your head down, work hard, and look after yourself and your people.
What are your political views?
The government here in Thinavaru is a mess ever since young Antil-ti-Arif and his queen were assassinated. The regent isn't doing his job, and Antil-ti-Roshan is still too young to take the throne. Luckily this leaves gaps for smart people to take advantage of.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child I always wanted to be a fisherman and be on a boat. Once I actually worked on a fishing boat, I realized it was backbreaking, thankless work.
Do you believe in the existence of soul mates?
Mother believed Father was her soul mate, and look what happened to them. When I was looking for a wife, I was looking for someone with money and a living to support us. I have grown to love Sisue, however, and if there was such a thing as a soul mate, she would be the closest thing I have to one.
What do you measure success in?
How well you can provide for your loved ones. If they are hungry, then you have failed them.
Do you want a family?
Sisue wanted children, but we were never able to have any. In a way I'm relieved, because I worry I would disappoint my children the way Father disappointed me. She has plenty of extended family to inherit once we die.
What is your best memory so far?
Every day when I came home from school my mother would have a delicious lunch waiting. There was usually white rice, a red chili meat stew, fresh flatbread, and yogurt dressing. Whenever I smell goat curry I remember her smile.
What is your worst memory so far? Why is it so powerful and lasting?
Watching my mother beg for work after Father killed himself. She was a proud woman, but she was forced into degradation because of my father's business failures. I swore I would never let Sisue down as my mother was let down.
Do you trust anyone to protect you?
I've spent decades getting myself into a position where I don't need anyone to protect me anymore. Every person should be sufficient unto themselves, without relying on someone to support them.
Who is the person you despise the most, why?
Apart from Father, the person I despise most is Sisue's cousin who got pregnant by a Bui-taran mercenary, then ran off and left the kids with us. Leaving others to deal with your mistakes is a coward's trick. Sisue wanted to raise the twins as our own children, but I don't want any half-caste Bui-taran calling me Father. The stables are good enough for them.
Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?
I don't go out of my way to argue with anyone, but I can stand up for myself. There are a lot of idiots in this village who think they can lip off to me, and they always learn their lesson.
Do you like interacting with large groups of people?
I don't like groups of people, or loud noises, or making small talk. I let Sisue deal with all of that. There are often parties or dances in the inn courtyard, and I usually find something to do in the stable or kitchen until they're over.
Do you care what others think of you?
No. Anyone who wants to judge me can go straight to Hel.
What are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?
I like taking care of the inn and the animals. We only have a milk cow ourselves and the chickens, but we board animals for villagers or traders passing through. They are quiet and don't expect me to talk.
If you are cleaning among your things, what is easy for you to throw out? What do you have difficulty parting with?
I can throw anything away. If it's not directly supporting my needs, then it needs to go. The only thing I would never throw away is Mother's wedding necklace. I bought it back from the pawn shop once I had enough money, and I keep it in my chest with my good clothes.
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