Let's start posting some character concepts:
I want to make a character who is different than Locke, so I came up with the following rough idea for a character. I'll probably change him.
Horatio Brandison - human artificer who wishes to make a machine to harness the power of magic in positive ways. He's optimistic and hopeful that magic can be used for good instead of corruption. In his spare time, he makes simple machines to benefit people in his community, but his secret project is his magic machine. Of course, he must do this work in secret or he will be killed. It should be noted that Horatio has no desire for power or to upset the balance of the city-states. Horatio merely wishes to benefit the people.
Vezzt Kryzik - thri-kreen druid. She and Horatio are in a loving and monogomous relationship. She was attracted to Horatio because of his desire to regrow the land.