"Scam before stealing, steal before lying, lie before begging, beg before running, run before fighting, fight before submitting, submit before (may the stars forbid) actually working for a living."

The lives of sneak-thieves and con-artists are composed of deceptively simple principles, usually uncomplicated by politics or religion. Most are just trying to survive by feigning expertise in all manner of unlikely talents. Janus Portent has the distinction of being a charlatan in more of these than most in his "profession". His fascination with the stars, shared by most humans, has led to something unexpected... power.

One clearly does not make such power obvious to others for a variety of reasons. It is actually better to be frowned upon by sheperds and wardens who condemn the practices of common divination... one must be careful not actually become useful to them.

"The connection of the stars to the Earth and its denizens is very real... and very powerful. We fell from them long ago, and if you know how to listen... they speak."

Furtive hands, tarot cards, lock-picks, a sharp blade -- and most importantly -- a silver tongue are the tools of the trade. Though none of these things may make him particularly extraordinary, Janus' common "scoundrelry" does not betray his true talent: the knowledge of the stars. His one genuine trade is in seeing the connections between the mysterious firmament and the material world.

All that said, there is some advice for travelers: When you see a dark-haired man with the air of a wandering mystic, a gold tooth and wide grin on his face perched behind a barrel that has "Portent's Portents" painted on the side... better to take another street.