CHARACTER NAME: Mab Winthrop
- Tell us a little about yourself.
First of all, I really don’t like my last name, so let’s pretend it doesn’t exist from this point forward. Now, let’s get to the real information such as I’m a vampire and a highly skilled burglar. My partner and I used to run one of the most infamous crime gangs on the continent until the Great Cataclysm hit, the idiot got sucked into the ground, and the mortals declared war on my entire species. So, I’ve been more of an assassin and spy for one of the nobles since heists are a little too dangerous now. I still swipe things that my targets won’t have any use for after I kill them, so I get my kicks that way. Now that Clyde, he’s the idiot and partner, is back, I’m hoping to return to my roots. I mean, he’s stronger and more powerful than ever with more of an interest in fighting than stealing, but I’m sure I can smack some sense into him.
- Do you have a moral code? If so what might it be?
You might think I don’t because I’m a thief and a vampire, but I do. Basically, you don’t betray your friends and family. Top predator or not, mortals still outnumber us, so we have to depend on each other to survive. You prove to be a traitor and I’ll make sure you don’t get a chance to stab anyone else in the back. I kind of have a soft spot for kids too, but most vampires do. I mean, you need the little ones to grow into adults in order for there to be future meals. Not sure if that’s morality or agriculture.
- Would you kill for those you love?
I would and have done that on several occasions. Not only for those I like, but those I’m okay with too. Not a big fan of killing on command though, but it’s the only way I can make a living these days.
- Would you die for those you love?
I’d prefer not to, but I won’t say it’s never an option. Being a vampire, I can regenerate a lot of injuries, so the chance of dying isn’t as high as it is with mortals. Still, I guess I would take a beheading for certain people if I knew they would go on to do great things. You know, the idea isn’t really sitting well with me, so I think it would be a spur of moment decision that I’d regret with my final breath.
- Is your world populated by different races? How do they get along?
I come from Windemere, which is a world of magic and many races. We have elves, dwarves, halflings, calicos, and a long menu . . . list . . . No, I’ll stick with menu of entrees for my kind. As a whole, most of the races get along with a few forced onto the outskirts of society like the chaos elves and ogres. Vampires don’t get along well with the rest of the world, but that might be changing with the Dawn Fangs turning up. W . . . They can live among mortals and don’t have to kill when they feed, so maybe the hunting and hatred will chance.
- Tell us about your family?
Considering I’m a couple centuries old, my only blood relation is my younger brother. Titus is a vampire too and he’s in charge of the Vengeance Hounds. They acted as the mercenary side of the gang while Clyde and I did our thief stuff. My baby brother is a decent swordsman and is huge, so he tends to simply overpower whatever he’s fighting. The rest of my family would be the gang because we look out for each other. I know I can depend on them when I’m in trouble and I return the favour whenever I’m called upon. Not many of us are left since this war started though. There’s my brother, his two friends, Decker who is more of a partial member, and someone who I refuse to say by name. I guess every family has that black sheep you want to beat with their own femurs. She knows what she did.
- What is your greatest skill/asset?
Definitely my ability to sneak around and breaking into things. I know that’s rather general, but I’ve always had a natural talent for getting into places that I shouldn’t be. That’s basically how I got turned. The gang depends on me to be the best burglar in the world, so I’ve made sure my stealth skills are honed to perfection. In my opinion, this is a better way to be instead of using brute force. If you can’t be seen or caught then you can get away with anything.
- What is your greatest weakness (we won’t tell)?
Thanks for keeping this a secret, but I have to admit that my greatest weakness might be pretty well known. It’s not that I have a temper since I can remain calm in the face of a lot of frustration. The problem is that once I blow, I have a lot of trouble coming back down. I tend to hold grudges, especially towards those I feel have betrayed me. Titus and Decker tell me that I need to learn forgiveness since eternity is too long a time to be holding onto hate and anger. Not that they know what they’re talking about since some things can’t be undone with a simple apology.
- How would you describe yourself?
I’m a dedicated friend and a highly talented thief who is always willing to share her blood with a hungry ally. Sure, you don’t want to make me an enemy because I’ll either rob you blind or gut you depending on what you did. I’m rather easy-going though, so there’s nothing to worry about for the most part.
- How do you think others see you?
That entirely depends on who you ask. Most of the gang sees me as they should, which is the second-in-command and a dependable presence. There are a few that mistake my honesty and carefree attitude with rudeness, but I don’t deal with nobles enough to care about that. I will admit that there are some who would call me a stubborn, impatient, angry female dog, but they earned my wrath. I have no illusions about having enemies. Is it illusion or allusion? I always get those mixed up.
- Do you believe you will be successful in your quest?
To claim every shiny object in Windemere? I’m going to do my best, but there are new ones being found every day. Thank the gods I have eternity. Although, I might need to change my hiding habits. I misplaced a few of my stashes, which is why the others keep calling me a vampiric squirrel. If you’re talking about winning this war with the Duragians then we’ll definitely come out on top. Clyde is back and stronger than ever. The two of us together never fail.
- Tell us about your greatest achievement
That’s a tough one. As odd as it sounds, I’d have to say it was making my hydra-skin jacket, which is my prized possession. It works a little like armour, but I’m very proud of how I got the pieces. Hydras are pretty nasty even for vampires because they can spew acidic gas and spit poison. They might not kill my kind, but it takes a long time to heal melted skin and purge those toxins. I spent weeks sneaking into lairs and snatching scales when the hydras were distracted by other prey. That still wasn’t as hard as learning how to make clothing without using magic. Wasn’t easy since the seamstress I was talking to kept asking for Placid blood. Those things are practically extinct, so I ended up mixing saltwater with elf blood by the end of our deal. She never figured it out even after she got really sick, which she totally deserved. Anyway, all of that hard work helped me get this one-of-a-kind jacket that I refuse to part with.
For the author
Books in which this character appears:
Legends of Windemere: The Mercenary Prince
Links, short author bio…
Bio:
Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn’t working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. Truthfully, his tales of adventure are much more interesting than his real life, so skip the bio and dive into the action.
Name/Race/Species/Age etc:
Library of Erana 