Brace

July 30, 2023

half-orc in platemail with yellow accents, round shield strapped to handless right arm, ring hanging from necklace, 2 handaxes hanging on belt, embossed arms on breastplate

Medium humanoid (half-orc), Neutral Good
Cisgender, he/him

Armor Class 18
Hit Points 59
Speed 30 ft.

Strength	Dexterity	Constitution	Intelligence	Wisdom	Charisma
15 (+2)	10 (+0)	16 (+3)	10 (+0)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)

Saving Throws Animal Handling +4, Insight +4, Medicine +4, Perception +4, Persuasion +4, Religion +3
Skills Insight +4, Intimidation +3, Medicine +4, Persuasion +3, Stealth +0 (D)
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Elvish, Halfling, Orc
Challenge 7 (2.900 XP)

Spellcasting. Brace is a 7^th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following cleric spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Guidance, Mending, Sacred Flame, Spare the Dying
1^st level (4 slots): Bless, Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Purify Food and Drink
2^nd level (3 slots): Calm Emotions, Lesser Restoration, Prayer of Healing, Spiritual Weapon
3^rd level (3 slots): Beacon of Hope, Create Food and Water, Protection from Energy, Revivify
4^th level (1 slot): Banishment, Death Ward, Divination, Guardian of Faith

Better Together. Brace can strengthen his friends by each other’s presence. As an action, he chooses a number of willing creatures within 30 feet of him (this can include himself) equal to his proficiency bonus and creates a magical connection among them. The connection lasts for 10 minutes or until he uses this feature again. While any connected creature is within 30 feet of him, he can grant that creature temporary hit points equal to 1d4 + his proficiency bonus for the duration as long as they stay within range. He can use this ability a number of times equal to his proficiency bonus, and he regains all expended uses when finishing a long rest.

Channel Divinity. Brace can channel divine energy two times per rest.

Channel Divinity: Bond of Friendship. Brace can use his Channel Divinity to bolster the confidence of his allies. As an action, he presents his holy symbol and chooses a number of willing creatures within 30 feet of him (this can include himself) up to his cleric level. While they remain within range, they have resistance to psychic damage and a bonus equal to his proficiency bonus on all saving throws against being frightened or charmed or on saving throws required by uncomfortable emotions such as Amplified Emotions or Baseless Emotions. The effect lasts for 1 minute or until he is incapacitated or dies.

Channel Divinity: Through Thick and Thin. Starting at 6th level, Brace’s Better Together ability also gives each affected creature advantage on one Constitution or Wisdom saving throw of its choice while under the effects of this ability, and it also restores one hit die to each affected creature.

Channel Divinity: Turn Undead. As an action, Brace presents his holy symbol and speaks a prayer censuring the undead. Each undead that can see or hear him within 30 feet of him must make a Wisdom saving throw. If the creature fails its saving throw, it is turned for 1 minute or until it takes any damage. When an undead fails its saving throw against his Turn Undead ability, the creature is instantly destroyed if its challenge rating is at or below 1/2.

Relentless Endurance. Once per long rest, when Brace is reduced to zero hit points but not killed, he can drop to 1 hit point instead.

Actions

Handaxe. Melee Attack: +6 to hit, 20 (60) ft., single opponent. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

Traits

Baseless Emotion (Worthlessness) [IE 2]: Brace feels persistent self-doubt about his abilities and value as a person. Comparing himself to others activates this feeling. He takes a −2 penalty to initiative rolls.

Humanoid Agnosia (Face) [IE 2]: Brace is unable to recognize humanoid faces or distinguish them from others. As a result, he has disadvantage and a penalty of −2 to on rolls to distinguish even the most basic of details regarding recognizing or remembering a humanoid’s facial features. He’s learned to focus on the other features to recognize individuals, which gives him a +2 to Intelligence checks to remember someone or know about a specific subject such as hairstyles or jewelry.

Intrusive Thoughts [IE 2]: Brace struggles with intrusive thoughts about his own self-worth, especially related to his sense of masculinity and being worthy of love. He has a −2 penalty to saving throws against being frightened.

Missing (Right Hand) [IE 1]: Brace has a –1 penalty on Strength (Athletics) checks that require two hands, such as climbing. In mounted combat, whenever he attacks or takes damage, he needs to succeed on a DC 8 Dexterity check or fall off his mount.

Assistive Devices

Leather Strap. Used to hold Brace’s shield to his forearm. He may use a bonus action to don or doff it.

Ring of Dispel Doubt
Wondrous Item, common

This brass ring features a clasp that resembles a comforting hand being placed on a shoulder. When worn, the Ring pulses with a gentle, reassuring warmth whenever you experience Intrusive Thoughts, giving you +2 on all saving throws against Intrusive Thoughts or magic effects that affect how you see yourself, such as Vicious Mockery. The ring helps you to ground and center yourself and focus on what matters to you. It reminds you of whatever you find calming, helping you to pull yourself out of, or cope with, troubling thoughts and moods and avoid maladaptive coping strategies.

Background

Brace was born and raised in an orc clan with strict gender roles and expectations that he struggled to meet. From a young age, he knew that once he was old enough, the clan expected him to marry and start his own family, and become a great warrior. As Brace grew, he found that he did not feel romantic or sexual attraction towards anyone, regardless of their gender. This led to much doubt and worry that he would not be able to marry. Due to the physical difference of his right hand, he feared that he would not become a great warrior; he could not wield a greataxe, an important rite of passage in his Ooc clan.

Nevertheless, without role models offering a different way of being, Brace forced himself to live up to his clan’s ideal of manhood. He began picking fights, treating others badly, and pushing himself beyond his limits to perform his clan’s version of masculinity. As hard as he tried, it never felt right, and Brace’s sense of self-worth diminished. He became plagued with intrusive thoughts about his fears of inadequacy. Adding to this, Brace struggled to recognize the faces of those around him, which led to unintentional arguments due to his clan’s limited understanding of differences in perception. Brace was on the verge of becoming an outcast when a band of traveling adventurers passed through his clan’s village.

Among the group was a follower of the Way of Warmth, a religious body dedicated to love, including friendship. Brace joined the band of adventurers and found acceptance, as well as mentors who guided him towards a more balanced way of being with his own masculinity. Eventually Brace became a cleric of the Way of Warmth and focused on channeling potent healing magic. He also became a warrior, successfully wielding not only handaxes but also a shield strapped to his right forearm for protection. Through all of this, Brace was able to become a kind and supportive person, and even found love for himself with a partner who was accepting of him.

Brace eventually left adventuring and settled down in a small rural town with his partner and found family. Together, they continue to protect it to this day. Brace also serves as the town’s healer.

Personality

Brace is a friendly and welcoming half-orc that speaks with a loud voice and has a booming laugh. He is happy to meet new people and swap stories — and hugs — with them. He is known to be supportive of friends and strangers alike, and has helped more than one band of adventurers seek shelter or complete a quest. He gives advice and helps people build connections to others as a means of self-discovery, similar to what occurred for him. However, Brace still finds himself at a loss when someone seeks romantic advice, and so sends them along to others who are better suited for the job. In his spare time, Brace has taken up cooking, and when someone stays with him and his partner, he makes large meals. He puts lots of love and enthusiasm into this practice even if it doesn’t always come out the way he planned.

Plot Hooks

The party needs a healer who is willing to travel with them for a short period of time.
The party is in a small town without an inn, and they need a place to stay.
The party needs advice on how to grow or overcome a challenge.

Jaydrey Forewood

July 30, 2023

fem halfling with cleft palate in tan dress, green satchel, holding up flowers

Small humanoid (halfling), Lawful Good
Cisgender, she/her

Armor Class 15 (Draconic Resilience)
Hit Points 38
Speed 25 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	15 (+2)	13 (+1)	10 (+0)	8 (−1)	17 (+3)

Saving Throws Constitution +4, Charisma +6
Skills Arcana +3, Medicine +2, Nature +3, Persuasion +6
Senses passive Perception 9
Languages Celestial, Common, Draconic, Halfling, Halfling Sign
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Spellcasting. Jaydrey is a 6th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). Jaydrey has the following Sorcerer spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Light, Mage Hand, Message, Minor Illusion, Ray of Frost
1st level (4 slots): Magic Missile, Shield, Sleep, Thunderwave
2nd level (3 slots): Alter Self
3rd level (3 slots): Haste, Lightning Bolt

Dragon Ancestor (Silver). Whenever Jaydrey makes a Charisma check when interacting with dragons, her proficiency bonus is doubled if it applies to the check.

Font of Magic. Jaydrey has 6 sorcery points that she regains when she finishes a long rest. She can use her sorcery points to gain additional spell slots or sacrifice spell slots to gain additional sorcery points as a bonus action.

Elemental Affinity (Cold). When Jaydrey casts a spell that deals cold damage, she can add +3 to one damage roll of that spell. At the same time, she can spend 1 sorcery point to gain resistance to that damage type for 1 hour.

Quickened Spell. When Jaydrey casts a spell that has a casting time of 1 action, she can spend 2 sorcery points to change the casting time to 1 bonus action for this casting.

Subtle Spell. When Jaydrey casts a spell, she can spend 1 sorcery point to cast it without any somatic or verbal components.

Lucky. When Jaydrey rolls a 1 on the d20 for an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, she can reroll the die. She must use the new roll.

Halfling Nimbleness. The halfling can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than her own.

Naturally Stealthy. Jaydrey can attempt to hide even when she is obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than herself.

Actions

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Traits

Face Cleft [IE 3]. Jaydrey has a split in her skin and skull on the front of her face that begins at her upper jaw and moves upward, halfway through her nose.

Consequently, when people who don’t know her see her, they usually only see her face. This gives her +3 to Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) checks but −3 to disguise checks or Dexterity (Stealth) checks to blend into a crowd, as well as a −3 penalty on Charisma (Persuasion) checks due to many people’s discomfort around those with unexpected appearances.
Jaydrey experiences a penalty of −3 on Constitution saving throws against face- and ear-related diseases and poisons, and an additional −3 on Charisma (Deception) checks involving speech. Jaydrey needs to take three times as long to eat meals to avoid choking and requires a full round to quaff a potion.

Background

Jaydrey’s home village has a reputation for the variety of herbs they grow. Her parents traveled and sold those herbs throughout the region. On one such trip, they arrived at a village that had been stricken by a plague. When the Forewood family heard the village’s plight, they stayed to revitalize the weak and soothe the dying with medicinal herbs. In the process, they also contracted the illness. As Jaydrey’s parents lay dying, she was determined to help them, but their supplies were depleted. She knew of a more effective herb that grew in the nearby mountain range and so she set out, trying to regulate her own fever by staying close to the cold mountain springs. As Jaydrey stumbled through the rocky wasteland, she fell on a rock and gashed her arm. Already exhausted, she couldn’t focus enough to bind the wound properly and soon lost consciousness.

She awoke in a mountain chalet that was decorated with beautiful antiques. Beside her lay a coil of silver tubing and other medical equipment; her arm was bandaged and her fever nearly gone. A silver-haired woman brought her a cup of tea and bread with apple butter. In the days that followed, her host explained that she found Jaydrey in the river valley and brought her home, giving her a blood transfusion to restore her strength–but it would be weeks of recovery before Jaydrey noticed how truly strong she had become. As she passed her time reading tomes of history and arcana that filled the chalet library, they awakened her senses, and silver scales began appearing on her skin. She soon learned that her host was a silver dragon. When she received the draconic blood that saved her life, the dragon’s magic began flowing through her, binding her to the primal forces of land and sky. Her host taught her how to harness that magic until she was ready to leave her mountain sanctuary.

Jaydrey returned to the fallen village and spent months transforming the lifeless ruin into a memorial herb garden, replacing despair with healing, then returned to her home village to continue the family business. She follows her parents’ example of compassion when encountering those in need.

Personality

Jaydrey emanates compassion. When she meets someone new, she immediately introduces herself, looks the person over, compliments something they’re wearing or carrying, and then asks about it in order to learn more about them and show interest and care. Most of her conversations center on questions she asks of others out of sincere interest.

Plot Hooks

A blight has been ravaging nearby crops, but there’s something unnatural about it. Jaydrey asks the party to help investigate.
A nearby village is facing a plague, and Jaydrey knows of a rare herb to treat it. She asks the party to help her retrieve it.
A red dragon (or frost giant) is threatening Jaydrey’s silver-haired benefactor, and Jaydrey is looking for those who can help fight off the threat.

Ollie Dragao

July 30, 2023

halfling bard with dragon ears, Down syndrome, beating drum with mallets with lute on his back

Small humanoid (Lightfoot Halfling/Dragonborn (Copper)), Lawful Good
Cisgender, he/him

Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
Hit Points 23
Speed 20 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)	8 (−1)	12 (+1)	18 (+4)

Saving Throws Dexterity +4, Charisma +6

Skills Acrobatics +4, Animal Handling +5, Deception +8, Perception +3, Performance +6, Persuasion +6, Sleight of Hand +4, Stealth +4

Senses passive Perception 13

Languages Common, Common Sign, Draconic, Halfling

Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

Spellcasting. Ollie is a 4th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). Ollie has the following bard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): Charm Person, Cure Wounds, Hideous Laughter, Unseen Servant
2nd level (3 slots): Calm Emotions, Invisibility, Suggestion

Bardic Inspiration (4/long rest). As a bonus action, a creature (other than Ollie) within 60 ft. that can hear him gains an inspiration die (1d6). For 10 minutes, the creature can add it to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw. This can be added after seeing the roll, but before knowing the outcome.

Brave. Ollie has advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

Cutting Words. As a reaction, when a creature (that’s not immune to being charmed) Ollie can see within 60 ft. makes an attack roll, ability check, or damage roll, Ollie can expend one use of Bardic Inspiration. Roll the die, and subtract the result from the creature’s roll. Ollie can do so after the roll, but before knowing the result.

Halfling Nimbleness. Ollie can move through the space of any creature that is a size larger than his.

Jack of All Trades. Ollie can add half his proficiency bonus, rounded down (+1), to any ability check he makes that doesn’t already include it.

Lucky. When Ollie rolls a 1 on the d20 for an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, he can reroll the die and must use the new roll.

Naturally Stealthy. Ollie can attempt to hide even when he is obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than him.

Song of Rest. If Ollie or any friendly creatures who can hear his performance regain hit points at the end of the short rest by spending one or more Hit Dice, each of those creatures regains an extra 1d6 hit points.

Actions

Breath Weapon (1/short rest). Ollie exhales acid in a 15-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 7 Dexterity saving throw, taking 5 (2d4) acid damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

Traits

Diverse Face Shape [IE 2]. Ollie’s face draws immediate attention. This gives him +2 to Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) checks but −2 to disguise checks or Dexterity (Stealth) checks to blend into a crowd. He has a +2 bonus on Charisma (Persuasion) checks.

Intellectual Disability [IE 2]. Ollie learns skills more slowly than others. When he gains experience points, he gains 40% less than usual or, when not using XP, when gaining a level, he needs an additional 2d20 days to gain the bonus. He also has a −2 penalty on all Intelligence ability checks.

Leg Weakness [IE 1]. Ollie’s legs get weak due to his muscle tone. This reduces his movement speed by 25 percent without assistance. Consider the Strength attribute to be 3 less for all Strength checks involving leg strength. Every round spent standing requires a successful DC 9 Constitution check, the DC increasing by +1 each round. Failure results in Ollie immediately needing to sit or be prone.

Reduced Airways [IE 2]. Ollie has a −2 penalty on all saving throws against gas-based poison attacks. Travel in a low-oxygen area like mountains increases the IE by 1 at 10,000 feet and 2 at 15,000 feet Because he’s used to assessing his physical capacity and finding creative solutions to perform physical tasks, once per long rest Ollie can choose to roll a Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution check or saving throw with advantage.

Assistive Devices

Heroic Lute
Wondrous item, rare
This lute is the size of a ukulele, and has a long leather strap for carrying. The leather is dyed in 2-inch squares of dark colors—blue, black, green, and red—with silver inlays and decoration.

While playing the lute for 1 minute, can choose up to 5 creatures including yourself that can hear it. Each target’s hit point maximum and current hit points increase by 5 for the duration. Each target also gains 5 additional temporary hit points and is immune to being frightened for the duration. This property can’t be used again until the next dawn.

Service Dog

Tazz

Medium beast (Mastiff/Staffordshire), unaligned

Armor Class 14
Hit Points 23
Speed 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
15 (+2)	14 (+2)	13 (+1)	3 (−4)	12 (+1)	7 (−2)

Saving Throws Str +4, Con +3

Skills Athletics +6, Intimidation +0, Perception +3

Senses passive Perception 13

Languages —

Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

Bolster. Starting at 1st level, Tazz can provide Ollie support and stability when he needs it most. As a bonus action, Tazz may give Ollie advantage on Strength and Constitution saving throws or ability checks that would knock him prone. Tazz can use this feature a number of times equal to the mastiff’s Strength modifier (minimum of 1) and regain all expended uses at the end of a long rest.

Keen Hearing and Smell. The mastiff has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on hearing or smell.

On The Job. Beginning at 1st level, Tazz has become trained to resist all forms of distraction, both magical and non-magical. They are immune to being charmed and cannot be controlled by spells such as Dominate Animal, Command, Polymorph, or similar magic.

Plant. Tazz has trained to plant their feet to resist being pushed or pulled against their will. Beginning at 3rd level, they gain the following benefits:

Increase their Strength score by 1, to a maximum of 20.
Gain advantage on Athletics (Strength) checks.

Soul-Bonded. Starting at 1st level, Ollie and Tazz became bonded. Their partnership with each other is the key to becoming successful adventurers. Tazz gains the following benefits:

Their hit points are equal to Ollie’s. They have separate hit point pools, but when Ollie gains a level, Tazz’s hit points increase to mirror his own.
Ollie’s proficiency bonus is added to Tazz’s AC, attack, and damage rolls, as well as any saving throws and skills they are proficient in.
Tazz uses Ollie’s initiative while in combat but takes their own actions, bonus actions, and reactions separate from his.

Actions

Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Background

Jovial and quick on his feet, Ollie is known in his community as much for his kindness and compassion as his noticeable appearance. Taller than his halfling kin, and with shimmering and fin-like ears that he inherited from his dragonborn grandmother, Ollie sticks out in a crowd — but it’s in a crowd that he’s usually found, usually with a lady on one arm and a drink in the other. It’s often the same drink all night, as he’s too busy talking, laughing, and drumming with his ever-present mallets to drink.

If Ollie isn’t laughing, he’s singing and dancing to nearly any musical form imaginable, but he’ll also stop to clean up after himself and his friends if he sees them leave behind a mess, even if they’re not quite finished. This also makes him popular with barkeeps.

The tune changes when he sees pain or oppression, and woe to those who would cause tears instead of laughter. Ollie will stop at nothing to bring the sparkle back to eyes and hearts alike.

Plot Hooks

Unusual monsters have appeared near the town and are attacking farms in the area. Ollie has fought some of them off, but he can’t be everywhere at once. He sends the party to another farm that also needs help; they must work together to find the source.
When the party runs into trouble in an inn or similar establishment, or after an encounter with significant property damage, Ollie steps in to calm everyone down and prevent a brawl.
Ollie learns about a local noble who’s persecuting one or more villagers. Since Ollie is well-known in town, he can’t investigate as easily without being noticed. He asks the party to gather evidence

Rivaan Linxakasendalor

July 30, 2023

Figure of Blue dragonborn with dwarfism sitting on a sack in a wheeled sled aiming a shortbow, 2 javelins in sled

Medium humanoid (blue dragonborn), Lawful Neutral

Cisgender, she/her

Armor Class 16 (scale mail)
Hit Points 53
Speed 5 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

15 (+2) 16 (+3) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 15 (+2) 9 (−1)

Skills Investigation +3, Nature +3, Survival +5
Damage Resistances lightning
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Draconic, Minotaur, Sylvan
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)

Spellcasting. Rivaan is a 7th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). Rivaan has the following ranger spells prepared:
1st level (4 slots): Hunter’s Mark, Snare
2nd level (3 slots): Animal Messenger, Lesser Restoration, Spike Growth

Escape the Horde. Opportunity attacks against Rivaan are made with disadvantage.

Favored Enemy: Beasts, Monstrosities. Rivaan has advantage on Survival checks to track her favored enemies, as well as on Intelligence checks to recall information about them.

Fighting Style: Archery. Rivaan gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls she makes with ranged weapons.

Horde Breaker. Once on each of her turns when she makes a weapon attack, Rivaan can make another attack with the same weapon against a different creature that is within 5 ft. of the original target and within range of her weapon.

Natural Explorer: Arctic, Grassland. Rivaan has a favored terrain type. Her proficiency bonus is doubled for proficient skills when she makes an Intelligence or Wisdom check related to it. While traveling for an hour or more in her chosen terrain: difficult terrain doesn’t slow her group’s travel; her group can’t become lost except by magical means; she remains alert to danger even when she is engaged in another activity; she can move stealthily at a normal pace (while alone); she finds twice as much food while foraging; and while tracking creatures, she learns the exact number, sizes, and how long ago they passed through the area.

Primeval Awareness. As an action, Rivaan can expend one ranger spell slot (1 minute per level of spell slot) to sense whether any aberrations, celestials, dragons, elementals, fey, fiends, or undead are present within 1 mile of her (or within up to 6 miles if she is in her favored terrain). This feature doesn’t reveal the creatures’ location or number.

Traits

Altered Growth [IE 4]. Rivaan’s bones grew less than normal. Her height is 40 percent less than the typical minimum for her ancestry.

Disproportionate Growth (Arms & Hands, Legs & Feet) [IE 2]. Rivaan’s limbs are 40% smaller than their typical proportion for her ancestry. This smaller stature allows her to hide more easily, giving her a +2 bonus on Dexterity (Stealth) checks.
Arms & Hands. Rivaan can’t use 2-handed weapons effectively. Because she has less leverage, she has a −2 penalty on contested Strength checks.
Legs & Feet. Rivaan’s movement speed is reduced by 10 feet. She also has a −2 penalty on Dexterity saving throws to balance.

Finger Difference (Shape Diversity). Rivaan’s thumbs bend backwards. She has a −1 penalty on melee weapon attack rolls and Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) checks.

Back Stiffness [Triggered, IE 2]. Long walks or other forms of leg exertion cause Rivaan pain in her lower back. Anytime she attempts a Strength (Athletics) check or walks for more than an hour, she needs to make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw. On a failure, she gains one level of exhaustion until she takes a short rest.

Actions

Extra Attack. Rivaan can attack twice whenever she takes the Attack action on her turn.

Breath Weapon. As an action once per short rest, Rivaan exhales lightning in a 5 by 30 ft. line (Dexterity DC 12, half damage on success) for 10 (3d6) lightning damage.

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5/+8 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.

Javelin. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4/+7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Assistive Devices

Wheelsled
AC: 12, HP: 20

Rivaan uses a sled for mobility. As a bonus action, she can pull a lever that lowers wheels below the rails as needed. She uses her javelins like ski poles to move and turn, enabling her to pivot quickly even on the slickest ice. The wheelsled increases her movement to 30 ft. and adds 50 percent to her Dash movement unless on rough terrain, but many actions, such as jumping, are impossible while sitting in it.

Forearm Crutches

When her wheelsled is inconvenient, Rivaan uses a pair of forearm crutches. These allow her to walk longer distances without triggering back stiffness, but don’t affect her movement rate.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
15 (+2)	16 (+3)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)	15 (+2)	9 (−1)

Background

Rivaan was born in an arctic gold-mining village. Her mother worked for the mining company as an engineer, and her father worked in the mines until the mining brought the attention of a remorhaz, which attacked the miners and devoured them. Rivaan vowed to find the creature that killed her father and avenge him.

Rivaan was born with Diastrophic Dysplasia, which affects her bone growth and makes walking very difficult, so she uses a wheelsled, designed by her mother, to get where she needs to go. Her mother also designed an adaptive shortbow to allow Rivaan to hold it securely with her differently-shaped fingers. Rivaan spends her days hunting for meat to feed her family and sell in the village. She is often seen careening down the snowy hills on her wheelsled, her bow expertly aimed at a caribou, and she is always watching for the telltale signs of a remorhaz.

Personality

Rivaan is generally friendly, enjoys the company of her townsfolk, and helps those in need, but her first and final loyalty is to her mother and the hunt for the remorhaz. More than once, signs of a remorhaz have caused her to disappear into the arctic wilderness for weeks, only to return disappointed.

Plot Hooks

A frost giant is rumored to have some remorhaz eggs. Rivaan asks for the party’s help to destroy the eggs without the giant endangering her village in retaliation.
The party runs into trouble in the arctic, and Rivaan slides in to rescue them.
The party needs a guide to help them navigate the wilderness, and Rivaan is willing to help for a fee.

Zilji Larka

July 30, 2023

Gnome with shortened arms, 2 fingers on right hand; 3 fingers on left hand. Wearing pink & gray clothing, tan backpack, green wide-brimmed hat with attached small tools

Small humanoid (rock gnome), Lawful Good
Cisgender, he/him

Armor Class 9 (12 with mage armor)
Hit Points 20
Speed 25 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	8 (−1)	13 (+1)	17 (+3)	14 (+2)	13 (+1)

Saving Throws Intelligence +5, Wisdom +4
Skills Arcana +5, History +5, Investigation +5, Persuasion +3
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Dwarvish, Gnomish, Goblin
Challenge 2 (450 XP)

Spellcasting. Zilji is a 2nd-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). Zilji has the following wizard spells prepared:

Cantrips (at will): Fire Bolt, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation
1st level (3 slots): Burning Hands, Hideous Laughter, Mage Armor

Arcane Recovery. Once per day when Zilji finishes a short rest, he can choose expended spell slots to recover up to a combined level of 1.

Artificer’s Lore. Zilji doubles his proficiency bonus to History checks related to magic items, alchemical objects, or technological devices.

Evocation Savant. The gold and time Zilji must spend to copy an evocation spell into his spellbook is halved.

Gnome Cunning. The gnome has advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.

Sculpt Spells. When Zilji casts an evocation spell that affects other creatures that he can see, he can choose a number of them equal to 1 + the spell’s level. The chosen creatures automatically succeed on their saving throws against the spell, and they take no damage if they would normally take half damage on a successful save.

Tinker. Zilji is proficient with tinker’s tools and can use them to construct tiny clockwork devices.

Traits

Finger Difference (Missing Fingers). Zilji has 3 fingers and a thumb on his right hand, and 2 fingers on his left. When performing an action with his hands, he has a −1 penalty with his right hand and a −2 penalty with his left. He has adapted his spells’ somatic components to work within his physical range and usually uses Mage Hand to write and assist with other tasks as needed, although he has no problem using his hands for basic tasks such as grooming and eating.

Missing Arms (Partial Forearms) [IE 1]. Zilji has a partial forearm on both sides. He is unable to use 2-handed weapons without a prosthesis. He has a −1 penalty on Strength (Athletics) checks that require two hands, such as climbing. In mounted combat, whenever he attacks or takes damage, he needs to succeed on a DC 8 Dexterity saving throw or fall off his mount.

Actions

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) piercing damage.

Fire Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d10 + 3) fire damage.

Background

Zilji’s family owned a business that repaired farming gadgets. Zilji struggled with some of the more intricate parts but was determined to help his community, so he sought out a local wizard and began apprenticing under them. Zilji found himself quite adept at magic and understanding how it functions, enabling him to easily adapt the somatic components of spells to his physical abilities. Now, he uses his magic to help his community as needed, even occasionally assisting his parents with repairs using Mage Hand.

Personality

Zilji is lighthearted and helpful, quick to jump in wherever he sees a need, usually with a joke. He enjoys playing pranks on people who underestimate him and uses humor to challenge people’s expectations of him and others with disabilities.

Plot Hooks

The characters are traveling near the gnomish village when chaos erupts; a clockwork creature is rampaging through it! Zilji calls for the party to come and help.
Zilji went to visit his teacher several months ago and isn’t usually gone this long. His family is concerned and asks the party to go find him. Before they reach the wizard’s tower, they learn that Zilji got sidetracked and went to help someone in need. The party finds someone with general knowledge of the situation, but all they can do is direct the characters to the path where Zilji was last seen.
Zilji’s teacher has sent him on an errand to find a rare item, but it’s currently in the possession of a goblinoid horde. He asks for the party’s help finding the exact location of the item and recovering it.

Orrelius

July 30, 2023

Medium humanoid (human), Lawful Good
Cisgender male, he/him

Armor Class 15 (blue dragon scale mail)
Hit Points 116
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	13 (+1)	15 (+2)	9 (−1)	11 (+0)	18 (+4)

Skills Athletics +9, Insight +5, Medicine +5, Religion +4
Damage Resistances lightning (when wearing armor)
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages Celestial, Common, Draconic, Elvish
Challenge 14 (11,500 XP)

Spellcasting. Orrelius is a 14th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit with spell attacks). Orrelius has the following paladin spells prepared:
1st level (4 slots): Protection from Evil and Good, Sanctuary
2nd level (3 slots): Lesser Restoration, Zone of Truth
3rd level (3 slots): Beacon of Hope, Remove Curse
4th level (1 slots): Freedom of Movement, Guardian of Faith

Aura of Courage. While Orrelius is conscious, he and friendly creatures within 10 ft. can’t be frightened.

Aura of Devotion. While Orrelius is conscious, he and friendly creatures within 10 ft. can’t be charmed.

Aura of Protection. While Orrelius is conscious, he grants all friendly creatures (including himself) within 10 ft. a +4 bonus to all saving throws.

Channel Divinity. Orrelius’s oath allows him to channel divine energy to fuel magical effects. When he uses his Channel Divinity, he chooses which option to use. He must then finish a short or long rest to use his Channel Divinity again. Some Channel Divinity effects require saving throws (DC 17).

Channel Divinity: Sacred Weapon. As an action, Orrelius can imbue a weapon with positive energy. For 1 minute, the weapon is considered magical, adds +4 to Orrelius’ attack rolls, and the weapon emits bright light for 20 ft. and dim light for 20 ft beyond that. Orrelius can end the effect either as part of any other action, if he is no longer holding the weapon, or if he falls unconscious.

Channel Divinity: Turn the Unholy. As an action, Orrelius can censure (mark with his holy symbol) fiends and undead. Each fiend or undead that can perceive him within 30 ft. must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 17). On failure, the fiend or undead is turned for 1 minute or until it takes damage.

Cleansing Touch. Orrelius can use his action to end one spell on himself or on one willing creature that he touches, up to 4 times per long rest.

Divine Sense. As an action, Orrelius can detect good and evil. Until the end of his next turn, he can sense anything affected by the hallow spell or know the location of any celestial, fiend, undead within 60 ft. that is not behind total cover. Orrelius can use this feature 5 times per long rest.

Improved Divine Smite. When Orrelius hits with a melee weapon attack, he can expend one spell slot to deal 3d8 extra radiant damage to the target plus 1d8 for each spell level higher than 1st (max 5d8) and plus 1d8 against undead or fiends (max 6d8 total).

Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting. Orrelius can reroll a 1 or 2 on damage dice with melee weapons wielded with two hands.

Lay on Hands Pool. Orrelius has a pool of healing power that can restore 70 HP per long rest. As an action, he can touch a creature to restore any number of HP remaining in the pool, or 5 HP to either cure a disease or neutralize a poison affecting the creature.

Actions

Multiattack. Orrelius can attack twice, instead of once, whenever he takes the Attack action on his turn.

Greatsword, +2. Melee Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 13 (2d6 + 6) slashing damage.

Staff of Healing. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage, or 8 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage if used with two hands.
This staff has 10 charges. While holding it, you can use an action to expend 1 or more of its charges to cast one of the following spells from it, using your spell save DC and spellcasting ability modifier: Cure Wounds (1 charge per spell level, up to 4th), Lesser Restoration (2 charges), or Mass Cure Wounds (5 charges). The staff regains 1d6 + 4 expended charges daily at dawn. If you expend the last charge, roll a d20. On a 1, the staff vanishes in a flash of light, lost forever.

Traits

Blindness [IE 4, Chronic]. Orrelius’s vision is absent completely, and he has learned to navigate the world with no reliance on his eyes, depending on other senses instead. Because he has grown accustomed to this condition, he has a −4 on sight-related attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws, including ranged combat beyond 10 ft., but a +4 bonus when using other senses to compensate, not because they’ve become stronger, but because he’s learned to use them more effectively.
Orrelius does not have disadvantage to hit invisible creatures.

Background

In his early years, Orrelius, with the help of household servants, barely escaped a dragon raid on his ancestral homeland, but during his escape, cinders burned his eyes and permanently eliminated his vision. He spent many years training to adapt.

Due to the traumatic loss of his family and friends, Orrelius swore to fight evil in all its forms, and took the Oath of Devotion with an order of paladins who assisted in his training. Through his adaptive techniques, he has been able to productively battle evil and aid to preserve the good in the world. Orrelius hopes to one day soon track down those responsible for the destruction of his family and their holdings.

Personality

Orrelius is fun-loving, loyal to his friends, and devoted to his faith. His drive for perfection motivates and frustrates him at the same time, leading to unwarranted criticism of himself and his allies. Because of the skills he learned in order to navigate the world and vanquish evil independently while blind, he has grown accustomed to acting on his trained impulses but sometimes forgets to include his companions in his plans, which can put them in danger.

Orrelius’s enjoyment of life extends to female companionship, which can distract him and cause him to neglect personal security. He is haunted by the memory of revealing to one woman information that led to a party member’s death, and while he learned from his mistake, he’s still vulnerable to temptation.

Plot Hooks

The party has a run-in with a dragon and finds themselves trapped. Orrelius appears, applies healing, and joins in the fray as they take another stab at it.
Rumors of a fire-breathing dragon have spread across the countryside, and Orrelius is looking for valiant warriors willing to test their mettle against the creature. The creature turns out to be a chimera.
Orrelius has just returned from a rescue mission in the mountains, his wagon hauling three traumatized villagers and a wyvern head. He reports that the wyvern had a nest on a high ledge that was out of his reach, and he wants someone to go destroy the nest before the eggs hatch.

Veritas Cadell

July 30, 2023

A tiefling with a puzzle cube in one hand and a bone crutch in the other, toes turned inward

Medium humanoid (tiefling), Chaotic Good
Nonbinary, it/its

Armor Class 14 (leather armor)
Hit Points 27
Speed 18 ft.

Strength	Dexterity	Constitution	Intelligence	Wisdom	Charisma
10 (+0)	16 (+3)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)

Saving Throws Dexterity +5, Intelligence +4
Skills Arcana +4, History +6, Insight +4, Investigation +6, Perception +4, Stealth +5
Damage Resistances fire
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Elvish, Infernal, Thieves’ Cant
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)

Expertise. Veritas has expertise with thieves’ tools, giving it a +7 to all related ability checks, which it especially enjoys using to disarm traps.

Cunning Action. Veritas can take a bonus action on each of its turns to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.

Fast Hands. Veritas can use the bonus action granted by its Cunning Action to make a Sleight of Hand check, use its thieves’ tools to disarm a trap or open a lock, or take the Use an Object action.

Infernal Legacy. Veritas’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 10, +2 to hit with spell attacks). Veritas has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Thaumaturgy
1st level (1 slots): Hellish Rebuke

Second-Story Work. Climbing no longer costs Veritas extra movement, and when it makes a running jump, the distance it covers increases by +3 feet.

Sneak Attack. Once per turn, Veritas can deal an extra 2d6 damage to one creature it hits with an attack with a finesse or ranged weapon if Veritas has advantage on the attack roll. Veritas doesn’t need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 ft. of it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and Veritas doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.

Traits

Muscle Control & Gait Difference [IE 3]. Veritas has Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy and walks with a “scissor gait” (knees and thighs pressed together or crossing each other) due to inability to control its leg muscles with precision. Its movement speed is reduced by 20 percent × (IE), and it has a −3 penalty on all Dexterity (Acrobatics) and Strength (Athletics) checks and saving throws involving legs. Veritas uses forearm crutches to reduce the IE by 1.

Actions

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.

Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Background

While Veritas was born to a welcoming family, its community didn’t share those values. Not long after Veritas’s birth, the stigma of its infernal ancestry led to community members abducting it to be “purified” by the local clergy. Because no ritual can heal a non-existent curse or ailment, it instead led to a series of seizures that permanently changed Veritas’s body.

After rescuing their baby, Veritas’s parents fled. While they met many welcoming individuals on their travels, Veritas’s family wandered far and long before finding a community that would at least treat them with indifference.

Veritas learned about the cultures and histories of those that the family encountered, even though the interest wasn’t mutual. This broad education led to a fascination with diverse groups of people. As Veritas learned to navigate the world with curiosity and deft use of its forearm canes, its family found friends among a team of archaeologists who hired Veritas to assist them to manage supplies. As Veritas observed the team at work, its expressed interest in histories and cultures — along with its keen eye for traps and fine details in the ancient ruins — earned Veritas the respect of the team. It became a full-fledged partner and has worked with them ever since, gathering funding through research and aiding adventuring parties in (literally) unlocking the secrets of the past.

Personality

Veritas is confident in its abilities and skills, which can sometimes give others the impression that it’s being stubborn or domineering. In reality, this comes from years of experience and seeing others get hurt or fail in their goals due to ignorant or careless mistakes. Veritas has a deep reverence for ancient civilizations and wants their artifacts explored in the pursuit of knowledge, but only with respect for their creators.

Since Veritas spends more time among those who have been dead for eons than in present social circles, it may not always follow social norms, instead observing social conventions that only the oldest elves may have encountered.

Veritas’s confidence with traps can lead to a friendly deviousness; it may pretend that a disarming attempt failed, or even allow someone to get temporarily trapped, but Veritas never intentionally hurts anyone. It will do so playfully with its friends and allies, teaching them to be alert and demonstrating tricks of the trade to help them avoid trouble when it’s not around. Those who would misjudge it for its infernal heritage may find Veritas playing into their fears, trapping them and terrifying them until it can no longer keep up the ruse and then releasing them amid raucous laughter. Those who would underestimate it because of its disability will likely find themselves caught in a most elaborate trap. At that point, Veritas will give the captive audience a lecture about the ancient civilization that originated the design — and only release them once the lesson is finished.

Plot Hooks

The party needs to find or explore a dungeon or ruins, and Veritas can help them.
The party finds a relic or runes, and they need someone to determine their meaning.
The party finds themselves the victims of a trap in a ruin or dungeon that Veritas was investigating and is soon rescued when it hears them.

Dread

July 30, 2023

tiefling with a raven on one horn, wearing a brown cloak and holding a white staff with a red tip

Medium humanoid (tiefling), Neutral Good
Nonbinary, she/they

Armor Class 10 (leather armor)
Hit Points 39
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	8 (−1)	13 (+1)	11 (+0)	15 (+2)	18 (+4)

Saving Throws Wisdom +5, Charisma +7
Skills Arcana +3, History +3
Damage Resistances fire
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Infernal
Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Spellcasting (2 slots). Dread is a 6th-level spellcaster. Their spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). Dread has the following warlock spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Eldritch Blast, Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Thaumaturgy
1st level (at will): Mage Armor
1st level (once/long rest): Bane
2nd level: (each once/long rest): Darkness, Hellish Rebuke
3rd level: Darkness, Dispel Magic, Enthrall, Fear, Find Familiar, Protection from Evil and Good, Spider Climb, Vampiric Touch

Dark One’s Blessing. When Dread reduces a hostile creature to 0 HP, the tiefling gains 10 temporary HP.

Dark One’s Own Luck. Once per short rest, when Dread makes an ability check or a saving throw, they can use this feature to add a d10 to their roll. They can do so after seeing the roll but before the effects occur.

Gaze of Two Minds. Dread touches a willing humanoid and perceives through the humanoid’s senses until the end of Dread’s next turn (with an action to maintain on following turns) . The humanoid is blinded and deafened to their own surroundings.

Traits

Blindness [IE 4]. Dread’s vision is absent completely; they have learned to navigate the world without reliance on their eyes, depending on other senses instead. Because they have grown accustomed to this condition, Dread has a −4 on sight-related attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws including ranged combat beyond 10 ft., but a +4 bonus when using other senses to compensate, not because they’ve become stronger, but because they’ve learned to use them more effectively. In addition:
Dread does not have disadvantage to hit invisible creatures.
Dread is proficient in the use of a stylus for tactile reading and writing.

Disinhibited Social Engagement [IE 3]. Dread has trouble understanding the nuances of relationships, such as the difference between “friend” and “friendly”. As a child, they were overly trusting of people they didn’t know and at the same time had trouble forming stable or meaningful bonds with others. As a result, Dread experienced multiple betrayals and now holds all people at an emotional distance, even though they long for connection. This gives them a −3 penalty on all Wisdom (Insight) and Charisma (Deception) checks and saving throws against being charmed.

Actions

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4 + 1) piercing damage.

Handaxe. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) slashing damage.

Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage, or 5 (1d8 + 1) bludgeoning damage if used with two hands.

Background

Dread was born in a noble human house. At birth, their mother loved them regardless of their unexpected appearance, but their father rejected them and insisted Dread be eliminated. Dread’s mother gave her beloved child to her handmaiden, who took the child to a local farmer, who passed the child to a traveling merchant. In their first year, Dread moved from home to home, each of their foster parents caring for them but unable to give them a forever family until a vigneron (winemaking) couple in a distant country finally adopted them. Over time, the tiefling chose the name “Dread,” after the reaction their appearance caused, embracing the irony of people’s reaction based solely on their vision.

Dread loved their family and worked hard in the vineyard, learning to assess the health and maturity of the grapes by touch and smell. On the other hand, they found their relationship with their parents strained, both desperately clinging to and pushing them away. As Dread tried navigating relationships with other children in the countryside, they often found themself betrayed by those they believed to be friends.

Dread decided to trust nobody, not even their parents, and set out on their own, hiring themself out to farms but never staying long, always looking for companionship but unable to discern true friends.

Eventually, they met a person they believed to be a fellow tiefling who offered them the promise of true companionship and power to protect Dread from those who would betray them. Though wary, Dread accepted the offer for what they wanted most, and learned too late that the tiefling was a devil. They did finally gain a trusted companion — their raven familiar, Void — and the warlock abilities to protect themself, but their difficulties with relationships remain.

Personality

Dread listens more than they talk, but if asked to commit to anything, they begin talking, asking many often-redundant questions before agreeing. Dread keeps to themself and prefers to work alone but will help those in need if Dread perceives an opportunity to help.

Dread uses Void’s Perception or Gaze of Two Minds when needing to see something, but they find vision disorienting and uncomfortable, so they only use it when necessary.

Plot Hooks

Dread is investigating rumors of a fiend sighting to determine the truth, and suspects the party’s involvement based on circumstantial evidence. The party must find the truth to clear their names.
Dread is trying to find their birth family and uncover their origins. They enlist the adventurers to follow a lead while Dread investigates another.
A local farm has been attacked, and Dread is rushing to investigate and help if possible. Dread encounters the party on the way, notices the adventuring gear, and insists that the party help.

Precision

July 30, 2023

tiefling pulling a hand crossbow with his tail, crossbow mounted on his thigh, hands and arms constricted

Medium humanoid (tiefling), Chaotic Neutral
Cisgender, he/him

Armor Class 16
Hit Points 87
Speed 50 ft.

STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

12 (+1) 19 (+4) 14 (+2) 11 (+0) 15 (+2) 10 (+0)

Skills Acrobatics +8, Athletics +5, Insight +6, Religion +4
Damage Resistances fire
Damage Immunities poison; disease
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Gnomish, Goblin, Infernal
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)

Traits

Muscle Control [IE 4]. Precision's arms and hand muscles don't always act the way he wishes. The muscles are permanently contracted, and allow him only slight fine motor control. Precision’s IE serves as a guideline for specific effects and, generally, a −4 penalty on all Strength checks and saving throws and attacks. Precision has learned to use his feet for unarmed attack rolls and can use his tail to draw and load his hand crossbow.

At the same time, the extra balance and exertion required tires him, so every time Precision attempts a Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check, he must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or reduce his movement by 5 until taking a short rest.

Abilities

Infernal Legacy. Precision's innate spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). He can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
At will: Thaumaturgy
1/day each: Hellish Rebuke, Darkness

Ki. Precision can spend Ki Points to fuel ki features. He has 12 points per short rest, and his Ki save DC is 14.

Patient Defense. Precision can spend 1 ki point to take the Dodge action as a bonus action on his turn.

Step of the Wind. Precision can spend 1 ki point to take the Disengage or Dash action as a bonus action on his turn, and his jump distance is doubled for the turn.

Stunning Strike. When Precision hits with a melee weapon attack, he can spend 1 ki point to make the target stunned until the end of Precision's next turn if he fails a Constitution saving throw (DC 14).

Evasion. When Precision is subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, he instead takes no damage if he succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if he fails.

Open Foot Technique. Whenever Precision hits with one of his Flurry of Blows attacks, he can impose one of the following effects on that target: fall prone if it fails a Dexterity saving throw (DC 14), get pushed up to 15 ft. if it fails a Strength saving throw (DC 14), or it can't take a reaction until the end of Precision's next turn.

Stillness of Mind. Precision can use an action to end one effect on himself that is causing him to be charmed or frightened.

Unarmored Movement Improvement. Precision can move along vertical surfaces and across liquids on his turn without falling during the move.

Wholeness of Body. Once per long rest as an action, Precision can regain 36 HP.

Tranquility. At the end of a long rest, Precision gains the effect of a Sanctuary spell (DC 14) that lasts until the start of his next long rest (unless it ends as normal).

Actions

Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.

Flurry of Blows. After he takes the Attack action on his turn, Precision can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.

Hand Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.

Unarmed Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage. When Precision uses the Attack action on his turn, he can make one unarmed strike as a bonus action. Unarmed strikes count as magical for the purpose of overcoming resistance and immunity.

Extra Attack. Precision can attack twice, instead of once, whenever he takes the Attack action on his turn.

Reactions

Deflect Missiles. Precision can use his reaction to deflect or catch the missile with his toes when he is hit by a ranged weapon attack. When he does so, the damage he takes from the attack is reduced by 1d10 + 16. If he reduces damage to 0 and has a free foot, he can spend 1 ki point to make a ranged attack with the same missile (as with a monk weapon) with range 20/60.

Slow Fall. Precision can use his reaction when he falls to reduce any falling damage he takes by 60.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	19 (+4)	14 (+2)	11 (+0)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)

Background

Precision’s parentage is unknown, as he was found as an infant on the steps of a monastery. The monks sought an adoptive home for him, but the local villages had no home for a tiefling with cerebral palsy. But Precision never missed what he never knew, and he loves the 22 monks who raised him and taught him the Way of the Open Fist, which he adapted to follow using his feet and tail.

As a young adult, he had a vivid dream about other tiefling children being taken by devils, and he believed it to be a sign. Not knowing whether the dream referred to literal devils recruiting tieflings into their army or to the hellish situations many tieflings endure, he dedicated himself to finding other tieflings and helping them choose their own future—a future of hope.

As he travels, he watches for and keeps track of people who seem kind and accepting, who might be willing to foster or adopt an abandoned disabled or tiefling child.

Personality

Many people don’t take Precision seriously, seeing his contracted arms and the way his muscles tend to tilt his head, and underestimate him as a result. He also tends to see humor in most situations in life, and is quick to laugh at irony or add a joke to bring a grin to any encounter. But when he sees someone in distress, especially a child, a tiefling, or anyone being mistreated, his smile disappears as he springs into action, typically leading with the hand crossbow strapped to his leg as he closes any distance, followed by a series of devastating kicks.

Plot Hooks

Precision asks the party to help him find a kidnapping victim.
Rumors are reporting that a portal to the hells has opened, and devils are abducting tieflings. Precision is investigating the rumors and invites the party to assist him.
The party finds an abandoned tiefling child along the road. If they rescue them, they will eventually encounter Precision, who will help them find a suitable home.

Eilwynn Ilaras

July 30, 2023

Fem elf in green dress, sitting on rock, holding leafy staff, a ghostly wolf behind.

Medium humanoid (high elf), Lawful Good
Cisgender, she/her

Armor Class 13 (leather armor)
Hit Points 17
Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
8 (−1)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	14 (+2)	15 (+2)	10 (+0)

Saving Throws Intelligence +4, Wisdom +4
Skills Animal Handling +4, Investigation +4, Nature +4, Perception +4, Survival +4
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Druidic, Elvish, Giant, Gnomish, Sylvan
Challenge 2 (450 XP)

Spellcasting. Eilwynn is a 2nd-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). Eilwynn has the following druid spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Create Bonfire, Druidcraft, Shillelagh
1st level (4 slots): Cure Wounds, Entangle, Fog Cloud, Thunderwave

Fey Ancestry. Eilwynn has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can’t put her to sleep.

Mage Hand. Eilwynn can cast the Mage Hand cantrip at will. Her spellcasting ability for this cantrip is Intelligence.

Natural Recovery. Once per long rest during a short rest, Eilwynn chooses expended spell slots to recover. The spell slots can have a combined level of up to 1.

Trance. Eilwynn doesn’t need to sleep, but instead meditates semiconsciously for 4 hours a day. While meditating, she can dream after a fashion; such dreams are mental exercises that have become reflexive through years of practice. After resting in this way, she gains the same benefit that a human does from 8 hours of sleep.

Wild Shape. As an action, Eilwynn can magically assume the shape of a beast that she has seen before twice per short rest. She can stay in beast shape for 1 hour before reverting to her normal form (or as a bonus action earlier or if she falls unconscious, drops to 0 hit points, or dies). Eilwynn prefers to Wild Shape into a wolf.

Traits

Baseless Emotion (Panic/Nervousness, Worrying) [IE 2, Periodic].
Panic/Nervousness. Eilwynn has an overwhelming feeling of panic. All spellcasting and ability checks require that she either succeed on a Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration or make the subsequent check with a −(IE) penalty, and tasks that normally require a Constitution saving throw are made with a −(IE) penalty.

Worrying. Eilwynn has an overwhelming fear of the future, both near and distant. She has a −(IE) penalty on saving throws against the frightened condition and a −(IE) penalty on Charisma (Persuasion) checks as her own doubt makes her less convincing to others.

Eilwynn’s traits fluctuate. At the end of each trait’s duration, the trait gradually disappears over 1d100 hours.

The penalty to saving throws against the frightened condition is always present.

Eilwynn can reduce the IE to 1 by using a short rest to use her staff with breathing and grounding exercises or by succeeding on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw after 1d10 minutes in Wild Shape, repeating the attempt on failure every 1d10 minutes until succeeding.

Actions

Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) slashing damage.

Shillelagh. Melee Spell Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) piercing damage.

Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d6 − 1) bludgeoning damage, or 3 (1d8 − 1) bludgeoning damage if used with two hands.

Background

In Eilwynn’s village, every young elf spends time adventuring as a rite of passage to expand their perception of the world and to learn to defend themselves and their village against any threat. Eilwynn grew up listening to the stories of those who had set out before her and mourned those who didn’t return. She gets anxious when people leave and is relieved when they get back, she knows everyone currently away, and remembers what she heard about each quest.

Her time has come, and she’s spent her life training with the druids in preparation. She feels as ready as her anxiety will let her. Some in the village have told her that she should take exemption from adventuring because of her anxiety, but she’s determined to prove her competence, both to the village and to herself.

Personality

Eilwynn cares about everyone she meets. Sympathy and empathy motivate her, and she’s known for helping those in trouble. She is trusting to a fault and worries about everyone, even when there is nothing that she can possibly do to help.

Plot Hooks

The party is trapped or lost in the woods. A wolf approaches them and helps them out of the trap or guides them to a path, and then transforms back to elf shape. It is Eilwynn, eager to help. She offers to serve as a guide.
Local ranchers have been complaining about wolves eating their sheep and have called for large-scale hunting. Eilwynn has been listening to the stories and doesn’t believe the accounts reflect typical wolf behavior. She asks the party to help her protect the local wolf packs and find the truth.
One of Eilwynn’s peers recently died in a quest, and their parents left to investigate. Eilwynn is worried that the parents are looking for revenge more than information and will do something drastic. She asks the party to help her follow them and prevent tragedy.