Rowan was born in the bustling trade city of Waterdown, where she quickly learned that the streets were both her playground and her survival ground. She grew up in the shadow of the city’s thriving marketplace, raised by a community of street performers and petty thieves. Her bright red hair made her stand out, but it was her nimble fingers and quick wit that truly set her apart.
As a child, Rowan discovered her talent for thievery, picking pockets with a skill that belied her years. She was soon running with a gang of street urchins, learning the art of the steal under the tutelage of the city’s most notorious thieves. Yet, amidst the thrill of the heist, Rowan harbored a secret love for music and storytelling.
Her turning point came one fateful night during a high-stakes heist in the mansion of a wealthy merchant. In her escape, Rowan stumbled into a private music room, where she found herself transfixed by a lute. On impulse, she took the instrument along with her stolen loot. That lute became her companion, and over time, Rowan taught herself to play, her music echoing the rhythms of the streets she knew so well.
Realizing that her talents could earn her more than just stolen coin, Rowan began performing in taverns and on street corners, her fiery hair and captivating music drawing crowds. She became known as the “Red Hand,” her songs often recounting tales of mischievous deeds and narrow escapes, much to the delight of her audience.
However, old habits die hard. Rowan continued to ply her trade as a pickpocket, now using her performances as a cover. Her dual life as a bard and thief became her trademark, and she walked a fine line between fame and infamy.