Stroud would be a well spoken and charismatic influence on the party, likely driving the needlessly complicated plot (Don't deny it SE. It's your gimmick.) He would often provide critical or key information - but only at times it was immediately required. He would be a powerhouse with a high leveling curve encouraging players to use him - only to do a 180 towards the end, leave the party - snatching whatever plot specific object it was the party was seeking to avert some catastrophe just to cause it himself - and ending up as a three phase boss fight.... Where it would be revealed that he was only the penultimate boss paving the way for the final boss that you've never even seen or heard of. 
 (SQUARE!!!!)
 (SQUARE!!!!)
