Founded in 1821 by religious settlers from the Eastern States, Redemption was originally comprised of three houses and a church. As such, many of the laws that were first placed on the city's books reflected the moral views of those original inhabitants. Many of these laws have been overturned in the nearly four decades since the early days of the town, the result of the changing views of an increasingly larger and larger population.

The church, however, remains influential in Redemption's politics, the local pastor holding a directorial seat on the City Council. As such, some of those original religious laws remain. Sorcery, for example, is expressly banned within the city limits. Considered an unpredictable art practiced solely by savages this is easily enforced, as magick is viewed with considerable disdain in polite society.

Harder to prevent are the constantly relocating houses of pleasure (or sin, as Pastor Williks would prefer) that crop up on the outskirts of town. The good Pastor Williks spends many a Sunday morning railing against the evils that can be found within the walls of these brothels. Men, he proclaims, must fight against the temptation offered by the devil in the cathouses of hell where the basest of desires can be indulged in any form imaginable. Monday mornings generally bring a significantly increased attendance at the numerous houses of ill repute.

Williks' second favorite target is the evil represented by the "allure of the wager". Organized gambling is explicitly forbidden by law. While no one dreams of prosecuting a friendly bet or game of cards at the local tavern, the construction of premises designed specifically for gambling is considered a serious crime within Redemption, much to the Pastor's satisfaction.

This, of course, guarantees the existence of a thriving ring of underground gambling and booking agencies. And, none of the casinos scattered throughout the city are as well-known, well-equipped or renowned as Breeze's.

Hailing from overseas, rumors abound as to the true origins of the diminutive squirrel. If asked, however, he will happily inform you that he hails from England, having immigrated several years ago in search of fortune and adventure, drawn by the romance of the Frontier and finally settling in Redemption.

He is considerably more tight-lipped as to the source of the wealth he used to establish his illicit gambling house or to hollow out the elaborate sub-basements that are used to house it. It is well-known, though, that he is most likely the richest inhabitant of the city, surpassing even the Otter brothers' financial resources, and the source of considerabel friction between the brothers and the squirrel.

His full name is largely unknown, preferring to be called simply Breeze (or Mr. Breeze when engaged in more serious business endeavours). Among friends, he jokingly refers to himself as the "Gentleman Outlaw" and it is a nickname which has stuck to some degree. He is an outlaw by technicality only, however, as his "secret" house of gambling is both the most poorly kept secret in the county and also the most tolerated illegal business.

Ostensibly, Breeze runs an Inn and Tavern called Acorn's. This legitimate business does a fair amount of trade, but does not come close to providing enough income to allow him to remain in operation. His true livelihood comes from the rooms located behind and in the caverns beneath the tavern.

An enormous area has been hollowed out, housing gambling tables and machines to rival any of those seen in the larger casinos in Europe. Back rooms off the main casino are reserved for high rollers and secretive games of cards and, it is rumored, darker games of chance. It is said that one can bet on anything at Breeze's, be it the outcome of a roll of the dice or even life or death.

The most serious stories tell of an even more secret opium den that is operated in a sub-level beneath the casino. This is considered highly unlikely, however, as Breeze himself has spoken out vociferously against the use of recreational drugs. This stance has given him a uniquely favorable relationship with Pastor Williks (perhaps the only resident of Redemption who remains ignorant of Breeze's true business), who views the squirrel as a kindred soul in raising his voice against the evils of chemically induced sin.

Indeed, there are few who think poorly of Breeze. His contacts within the underworld of Redemption are innumerable. His ability to remain neutral is a mystery, but has garnered him the respect of all his peers. Indeed, Breeze's is viewed as something bordering on sacred ground to the most violently rival gangs. Stories of meetings between gang leaders occuring in the secret back rooms of the casino are the subject of much gossip.

His fair and friendly demeanor, combined with his strict policies both to allow no weapons into the gambling house and to serve only the best liquor has also attracted the patronage of much of the societal elite of Redemption. As such, he has avoided the occasional investigations of the Sherriff's department into illegal gambling within the city limits. Indeed, the mayor is often heard informing his aides in poorly disguised code: "I'll be spending the evening at Acorn's if anything comes up."

Truth be told, there is a darker side to the squirrel. Breeze's kind demeanor is only partly responsible for the respect granted him. There are always those who would test the mettle of a kind man (especially in Redemption). Those who have tried to do so with Breeze have come out regretting the attempt. Of course, the sheer volume of gold and paper notes that passes through his hands both forces and allows Breeze to employ most of the well trained "heavies" in town. There is also much security to be found on the floor of the casino itself.

The true source of the fearful respect which is given to him, however, are the rumors which abound as to his dabbling in sorcery. It is often said that when Breeze smiles at you, you should watch his eyes and, if they be cold... run.

There have only been three known instances of men who ever crossed him. Two of the men made direct threats against his life, one of them going so far as to attempt to bomb the upper levels of Acorn's. Both men disappeared without a trace. No signs of struggle or foul play were found at their residences, so no official suspicion was ever cast upon Breeze.

The third man, Armand Kettleby, an ermine from Boston, Massachusetts was a compulsive gambler. Rumor has it that he wagered a large amount of his finances against Ryan Liberty's chances to survive transporting DeathFox to prison at Holden City. When Ryan returned successful, Kettleby laughed off the wager, explaining that he had been joking before informing Breeze of exactly what he could do with his marker.

Three days later, Kettleby raced into the center of Redemption at sunset in a state of undress, fleeing Parliament House (a bordello at the edge of town) and clutching his pants to him to cover his privates, not having bothered even to attach his suspenders in his wide-eyed screaming fear.

The ermine made a beeline for the Sherriff's Office, ranting and begging the Sherriff to lock him up for his own safety, telling a fantastic tale of a rabbit with an unhinged jaw that could breathe fire. The Sherriff was only too happy to comply as Kettleby was well known to hit the rum bottle hard and often.

In the morning, however, needing the space for more violent criminals, the Sherriff released Kettleby with a warning against public drunkenness. Kettleby, seemingly beside himself with fear, ran for the safety of his home and was not seen for days.

By the next week, Armand had sold his home along with all of his possessions, repaid Breeze every penny that was owed from his wager and, lacking enough remaining funds to pay for a ticket on the railway or stagecoach, set off on foot for Boston, never to be seen in Redemption again.

Thus far, there has never been a fourth man willing to get on the wrong side of Breeze.

Fursona of Breeze is copyright to and wholly owned by  Breeze

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A very early attempt at drawing my good friend  Breeze I have never really liked how I have drawn him. Just can't seem to get him to look just right....

I think one of my favorite parts of this drawing is the snake playing cards in the background. How exactly does a snake play cards, anyway? lol...