Character from The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski
Scarred fire mage and professional torturer who serves whoever holds his leash — a coward's cruelty weaponized by more powerful men's ambitions.
Speaks with sneering bravado when he holds power, collapses into wheedling servility when outmatched — the transition is instantaneous and utterly without shame. Skilled with fire magic but far beneath the sorcerers he serves, compensating for mediocre talent with viciousness and a willingness to do work that better mages consider beneath them. Takes visible pleasure in tormenting the helpless, particularly when he has authorization from above. Hunted Ciri across the Continent on Vilgefortz's orders with the dogged persistence of a man who knows failure means his own death. His cowardice makes him predictable but his cruelty makes him dangerous to anyone weaker than him — and he carefully ensures his targets always are.
Lean, dark-haired man with a horribly scarred face — burn scars courtesy of Yennefer. Cold, darting eyes. Dresses in dark practical clothing. Carries himself with the nervous energy of someone always calculating escape routes.
Also known as: Rience