Gideon Fenn, known as “The Sandshadow,” is the enigmatic guardian and guide of the Last Oasis Inn. Once a renowned Seeker, Gideon is a weathered figure, with salt-and-pepper hair, a rugged beard, and a lean but strong frame that shows the toll of a life spent in the unforgiving desert. His piercing gray eyes, shadowed and intense, reveal both the haunted memories of old dangers and a deep well of wisdom. Now retired from his adventuring days, he serves as both a protector and mentor to the countless adventurers who pass through the Inn, sharing his knowledge of the desert’s hidden paths, shifting dunes, and lurking dangers.
By Gideon’s side, often seen moving with surprising silence and care, is Mok Groa, his long-time friend and former adventuring companion. Mok is a mute half-giant who towers over nearly everyone in the tent city, a presence as sturdy and grounded as the rocks beneath the sand. While Mok never speaks, his expressive eyes and easy smile communicate volumes, and his bond with Gideon runs deep. The two share a unique, almost brotherly connection built on years of shared danger and mutual respect, and they communicate through subtle gestures, a raised eyebrow, or a knowing look. Adventurers who have tried to challenge Mok have swiftly learned he’s as formidable as he is silent, wielding a massive club that looks like it was carved from an ancient tree.
Gideon’s role as the Inn’s guide is invaluable; he’s often stationed at the entrance, a quiet sentinel assessing newcomers with a watchful gaze. Known for his dry humor and cryptic advice, he doesn’t waste time on needless explanations, nudging adventurers toward self-reliance and self-discovery instead. While he’ll give advice on routes and supplies, he’s quick to remind seekers that the desert only reveals its secrets to those who are humble—or those who pay the price.
A key part of his mystique lies in his weapon, a short, double-edged saber he calls “Scorpion’s Bite”, a relic he found deep in the desert and refuses to part with. The blade, etched with strange symbols of the Old Kingdom, adds to his reputation, and some claim it’s enchanted to protect him from harm. He rarely speaks of his past, yet rumors swirl of the fabled “Sandshadow” who once slipped through dangerous ruins unseen, retrieving relics even other Seekers wouldn’t dare touch.
Though Gideon has retired from his days as an official member, he maintains close ties with the Seeker’s Pact, often serving as a quiet advisor or even recommending promising adventurers. The presence of Mok Groa by his side is both a comfort and a warning; the two are as close as kin, and their shared history has forged an unbreakable bond. Mok’s silent strength complements Gideon’s quiet wisdom, making them an imposing pair who ensure the safety and order of the Inn. Together, they create a powerful sense of security for adventurers, lending an air of quiet authority and ancient knowledge to the Last Oasis.