Jasper Bauer
by AozBackground
Born into a poor peasant family, Jasper Bauer lived a life of hardship and simplicity on a small farm near the city of Glantri. From a young age, Jasper exhibited a keen interest in the arcane arts, often sneaking off to visit a nearby old wizard named Oswin who lived by the river to watch him cast a spell or two. He did chores for Oswin in his spare time. Jasper interest in the arcane did not go unnoticed, and at the age of 14, Jasper was offered a rare opportunity to attend the prestigious Great School of Magic in Glantri City.
Despite feeling out of place among the wealthier students who had access to expensive books and magical components, Jasper persevered, working tirelessly to master the basics of wizardry. After completing the first level of training, Jasper returned home, unable to afford further education. For the next 20 years, Jasper lived a very modest life, using the mending spell to repair tools for some food. Oswin passed away a few years ago and left Jasper his shack.
One fateful day, while foraging near the river, Jasper discovered a watertight scroll case containing a 4th-level spell: Summon Gorgon. After months of diligent study, Jasper successfully learned the spell, marking a turning point in his life.
When bandits threatened the nearby farmlands, Jasper summoned the gorgon, turning the attackers to stone. A passing merchant, captivated by the lifelike statues, offered 1,800 dc for all six pieces. Awestruck by the immense wealth, Jasper now faces a moral dilemma and a newfound opportunity for help the farmlands. He will never use the dc for himself.
Personality Traits
Jasper Bauer is a humble and hardworking individual with a strong sense of duty to his community. Despite his humble beginnings, he is driven by a desire to prove himself and to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him. Jasper is deeply curious about the arcane and possesses an insatiable thirst for knowledge, constantly seeking to expand his understanding of magic. He is resourceful, making the most out of limited resources, and has a knack for finding creative solutions to problems. Empathetic and deeply in tune with the struggles of others, Jasper often goes out of his way to offer help and support to those in need.
Ideals
Jasper believes that hard work and determination can overcome obstacles, embodying the ideal of perseverance. He is committed to using his newfound powers to protect those who cannot defend themselves, demonstrating his dedication to the ideal of protection. Jasper values justice and believes in fair treatment for all, regardless of their social standing. He also seeks to use his knowledge and power to lift up his community. Oswin’s Legacy: Feels a strong duty to honor Oswin’s memory by continuing his work and teachings.
Abilities
Spellcasting: Jasper can cast various spells, including the mending spell to repair tools and the locate object spell to help villagers find missing items. He also has a rare spell healing touch taught to him by the Seasonal Circle. A simple spell that heals a few point points but damages the wizard the same amount. Once per week he casts callistram's gondola and gives free rides into Glantri City. Along with a few druid spells he gained over the years druidcraft for helping seeds grow and goodberry.
Potion Crafting: Jasper can craft a quarter-strength healing potions, the process that takes twice as long as a normal potion of healing. He gathers ingredients from the surrounding fields and river, blending traditional herbalism with magical infusion. The Quarter potions of healing cures 1d2 hit points. He never charges for these potions.
Appearance and Clothing: Jasper wears a patchwork cloak and clothes, a testament to his humble background and the many trials he's endured. His old wore leather boots, which he has mended over 40 times, reflect his resourcefulness and determination to make do with what he has. Despite his ragged appearance, Jasper's eyes shine with the wisdom and knowledge he's gained over the years.
Resourcefulness: Jasper's inability to afford expensive supplies has led him to create his own paper, using natural materials and traditional methods. He keeps about 100 pages of lose papyrus for community usage.
Perception by Others: Other wizards may look down on Jasper, seeing him as a lesser mage due to his humble attire and lack of wealth. However, Jasper's true strength lies in his character, his connection to the land, and his unwavering dedication to helping others. His reputation within his village as a generous and skilled wizard far outweighs the judgment of more academic peers.
The Seasonal Circle
A Society of Wizards and Elves that Protect Glantri Farmlands
Meetings: The group meets four times a year, coinciding with the changing seasons. These gatherings are usually held in secret locations within the forests or fields, away from prying eyes.
Main Members
Oswin (Deceased): Jasper’s mentor who introduced him to the group. His wisdom and knowledge continue to influence the members.
Jasper Bauer: A good-natured wizard that wants the best for the community. 8th level wizard.
Thalia: A wise and elderly elf who has deep connections with nature and often guides the group with her knowledge of elven rituals. 15th level treekeeper
Merrick: A reclusive alchemist known for his expertise in potion-making and herbology. He provides valuable insights into crafting and concoctions. 10th level alchemist
Niamh: A skilled witch who uses her magic to protect the group’s secrecy and ensure their meetings remain hidden. 13th level witch
Caelum: A charismatic sorcerer with connections to powerful figures in Mystara. He is one of the movers and shakers within the group, unbeknownst to Jasper. 30th level wizard and has four other friend of similiar levels.
Lyra: A young and ambitious witch who seeks to learn from the group while also harboring ambitions of her own. Niamh is her aunt. 1st level witch
There are about two dozen more: 1st to 3rd level wizards, witches, elves and even a few druids (who only come once per year).
Hidden Influence
Unbeknownst to Jasper, Caelum, orchestrated the discovery of the Summon Gorgon scroll. Caelum recognized Jasper's potential and saw an opportunity to subtly guide his development and actions. By placing the scroll in a location where Jasper would find it, Caelum set in motion a series of events that would test and shape Jasper's abilities and character. He was also honoring his friend Oswin by helping Jasper, he never thought Jasper would sell the statues...that makes him laugh every time he thinks about it.
Jasper Bauer
Medium Human, Alignment: Neutral Good
Armor Class: 12, Hit Points: 44 (8d6+16), Speed: 30 ft.
STR: 10 (+0) | DEX: 14 (+2) | CON: 10 (+0) | INT: 17 (+3) | WIS: 12 (+1) | CHA: 11 (+0)
Saving Throws: INT +6, WIS +4 Skills: Arcana +6, History +6; Senses: Passive Perception 11
Proficiency Bonus: +3
Feats: Healer, Magic Initiate (Druid), and Tough
Spellcasting (Magic Initiate - Druid): Spells from feat are cast at 1st level. The spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks).
Cantrips (at will): druidcraft, gust
1st level (1 slots): goodberry
Spellcasting: The mage is an 8th-level spellcaster. The mage's spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). The mage has the following wizard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): create bonfire, mending, mage hand, prestidigitation
1st level (4 slots): exterminate, read languages/comprehend languages, read magic, swiftly devour the written word
2nd level (3 slots): call society, levitate, locate object
3rd level (3 slots): callistram's gondola, counterspell, healing touch restore 1d6 hit points but wizard loses the same amount
4th level (2 slots): dig, summon gorgon
Actions. Arcane Focus Quarterstaff: Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6) bludgeoning damage (one-handed) or 5 (1d8) bludgeoning damage (two-handed). Topple: If he hits a creature with this weapon, he can force the creature to make a constitution saving throw (DC 13). On a failed save, the creature becomes Prone.