Profile
Maline
Quick • Kind • Forgiving
"I know you want me to be afraid. I know you want me to love you."
Maline is a raccoon thief in Dear Wormwood, although some argue that she's not a very good one. They're notorious for getting distracted and being too nice, usually returning any stolen items if you just ask. She claims it's because she only likes to steal from those who don't need the things she's taking and believes wholeheartedly that this is a good thing. Maline will always look for the best in everyone, befriending even the worst of criminals if she thinks they have a good heart. Although she can be quite sensitive, they try to always keep a smile on their face and remain a beacon of hope for everyone.
Notes
- Maline once broke into Alia's house in an attempt to steal from her. Alia found them staring up at a tree in the house before promtly complimenting the decor and leaving with a smile. They did not take anything.
- She was born and raised in the Wasteland with no family to look after her, but people often took pity on her because she was cute. When she was around 6, she met Andrulian and their older cousin, and they've been best friends ever since. After their cousin passed, Maline and Andrulian sailed across the sea to Boreas together.
- Maline is the only character in the main Dear Wormwood storyline who will never be mad at the player character for their actions. They will always forgive you, whether or not you deserve it.
- Her time in the Wasteland has taught her many things. Because of it, she even has a personal relationship with some of the local gods.
Character
Likes
- Andrulian
- Gold (color)
- Gold (money)
- People
Dislikes
- Fighting
- Doubt
Moodboard
Pre-Dear Wormwood
Being born in the Wasteland gave Maline many advantages and disadvantages, but her case was a bit unique. The Wasteland is full of thieves, gangs, and criminals, with no laws or ruler to keep them civil. People live by their morals alone, and in a place where the land itself is selfish, those don't always hold up. Maline was lucky. Although they never knew their parents, they were a cute child and managed to get away with stealing scraps. She was raised as a thief because that's all she could be -- but she never took from anyone who needed it, and often helped those who could not help themselves. After meeting Andrulian and their cousin, the three teamed up: A thief and two conmen. It was the perfect plan, and it paid well. Andrulian's cousin passed long ago, but Andrulian and Maline took care of themselves just fine, looking out for each other every step of the way.
Main Story
The player first encounters Maline while journeying to Boreas, regardless of whether they left with Dawkin or stayed behind with Baron and Reina. She will either appear in the morning attempting to steal from them, or, if Dawkin is present, she will appear on the back of their cart and strike up a conversation. Either way, she will join the player on their journey unless they explicitly tell her not to (and even then, they'll be stubborn). Maline will provide the player with a new way of sneaking into the city by using a route she often takes, and when meeting Andrulian, it will be revealed that the two know each other, though no details are given. Maline will wait outside while the player is in the throne room.
DLC + Post-DLC
Though Maline is present in all four DLC routs (except possibly Eurus, depending on the character), she is most notable in the Notos DLC. Maline is quick to reach out to the player to make sure they're okay. They bring Andrulian along, of course, but it was ultimately her decision to come to Wormwood in search of them. Maline will do everything she can to lift their spirits. They will prove time and time again that no matter what they've done, no matter what anyone else might think, the player deserves love and is capable of loving back. In the end, she will provide them with access to a second chance, and she will continue to love them and smile through it, even if they choose to leave her behind.
Andrulian and Maline have known each other nearly their entire lives. They love each other dearly, and would die for each other at a moment's notice. No matter what, they're sticking together.
Maline loves Dawkin. She considers him close to family, and he does the same. She knows that if she ever needed anything, Dawkin would be there for them. Maline will always be the first to make excuses for him.
While these two don't technically know each other very well, Maline absolutely adores Alia. They think she's SO cool, and calls her a friend despite only meeting once. Though Alia seems... less than thrilled to see them at first, she quickly warms up to them and begins to trust her.
