Maleny Rigsm / Ansley Grimm

Maleny Rigsm was born to Naomi, a red tiefling and Gormon, an elf. Gormon hid Naomi from the authorities of Covania during the outlawing after the Ashlem war, when Maleny was born the trio struggled to keep hidden, deciding a few weeks after Maleny turned 5 to send her away to safer lands and life, with limited supplies and two red candles infused with magic, but they didn't have enough funds for the entire family. Neither Gormon or Naomi ever learnt what came of Maleny, only receiving a letter months later saying she was with in enclave in Graycott.

Naomi died 14 years later when trying to undertake a plot to kill the King, accidentally uncovering herself. Gormon fearing his own life turned his wife into the authorities and received the standard bounty for doing so.

During Maleny's time in Graycott to afford food and shelter she started working for the Blacklist, a large collective of thieves, assassins, and spies. Working her way up the ranks but ultimately unable to reach any station of power she and Vaughan a slave wishing freedom gathered Dazran, Idris, and Dance to travel to Sunwood where she hoped to find her parents and join the Torment of Claws who maintained a strong control over the city closing down underground competitors.

During the travel she changed her name to Ansley Grimm to cover her connection to Blacklist and create a fresh start on her terms. Reaching Sunwood most of the escapees went their own ways but occasionally seeking each other's aid, except for Ansley and Vaughan who worked closely together for many years, as Ansley gathered, bought and sold intel for the Claws, Vaughan was often contracted to do work that Ansley wanted off the Claws' books or they weren't willing to dedicate resources too.

Ansley eventually found Gormon but never made contact having learnt of Naomi's fate prior, instead Ansley dedicated her spare time causing difficulties in his life, ruining his reputation, falsifying fees and arrests.

Just over a week after Blackfyre moved into their tavern they were visited by the ghost of Naomi seeking a member of the Torment of Claws that aided her in life, Naomi wishes revenge on her husband Gormon, Blackfyre contacted and confirmed with the Claws that they could handle the contract, approval was given.¹⁾ Raiding Gormon's home Blackfyre proceeded to loot and torture him before burning the home down. Returning to Naomi she thanks the group and directs them to her old stash of supplies as a reward, requesting that if it's still there to return the locket, remaining items are now theirs. Upon returning the locket Naomi opens it and wishes her daughter Maleny is safe.²⁾

Blackfyre later learnt in a meeting with Dance that Maleny is now known as Ansley.³⁾ Blackfyre then reaches out to Ansley through their contacts at the Torment of Claws and arrange a meeting, Ansley accepts and upon meeting Blackfyre demands how they found her past. Blackfyre reveals that the ghost of her mother approched them and they began their search for Maleny, leading them to Dance. Thanking Blackfyre she is open to work with the group and begins preparations to travel to Cros-Glas to meet an old 'friend'.⁴⁾

Candles of life, Ansley has two red candles linked to the souls of her parents and in turn her parents owned one linked to Maleny's soul (Currently in possession of Blackfyre).

Infernal Ring, She also wears a ring inscribed with infernal saying “The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long”, gifted to her from her mother as a parting gift that allows her to sacrifice hit dice to deal additional damage.

Mask of Disguise, While wearing this mask she can cast disguise self at will, without expending a spell slot.