Droste was born in the year 4700 in the city of Riddleport to Roer and Heilzemé Vaassen. The couple own a manufacturing business in the Free Coin district that produces goods and tools used by the entertainment professions (especially gambling houses) that are prevalent in the quarter. While profitable, their shop is a front for the other services they offer, which involves “guard work” (mostly handled by Roer) and “redistribution of wealth” (mostly handled by Heilzemé). The Thieves Guild pays regular visits.

Both Droste and his older sister, Etienne, have been trained in all aspects of the family business. But while Etienne embraces following in their parents’ footsteps, Droste has other interests and other plans.

Droste has always been fascinated with Riddleport’s Cyphergate, which has developed into a keen interest in the Thassilonian empire and especially with the ruins scattered about Varisia. He was especially intrigued by the (relatively) recent exploits of a group of adventurer’s that had thwarted the return of the rune-lord Karzoug. When he found a copy of a journal that was purportedly written by a member of that team, he bought it, despite it being written in Shoanti, a language he could not at the time read.

A year ago Droste journeyed with his friend Fan Laarsted to see several Thassilonian ruins described in “The Journal”, starting in Sandpoint and working their way up to the Storval Stairs. He returned with Fan as far as Roderic’s Cove more than six months ago.

Since arriving in town Droste has worked as a guard for traders, merchants and travelers seeking extra protection on their way through the Churlwood, and has made numerous trips as far north as Riddleport (spending just enough time with his family so they don’t send someone out looking for him) and as far south as Magnimar.

This work is sporadic, and when not traveling he keeps his skills honed by volunteering under Captain Freson at the guard house.

He remains in Roderic’s Cove because he is fascinated with the Circle and the possibility of it being a Thassilonian ruin. He can be found at odd hours in the Circle poking about the paving stones — sometimes even laying down (to the amusement of passersby) to get a closer look.