NPCs from the cover of the Karameikos Gazetteer
by Andrew TheisenI've decided to start fleshing out the NPCs on the covers of the Gazetteers. In any case, these NPCs were generated using the 3.5 PHB, DMG, MM, and the "Complete" series books- some may or may not use other materials, but if so, I'll note which.
To start with, then, let me introduce one of the more prominent NPCs on the cover of Gaz1: The Grand Duchy of Karameikos:
Decius Arrenius Adjutor
Missionary
History: Decius was born in 972, to a wealthy Kerendan family in the Empire of Thyatis. Coming from a strong religious tradition, Decius forswore his inheritance and took vows with the Church of Thyatis when he was 15. Rather than follow the devout teachings of the clergy, however, he chose instead to follow the more militant traditions of the paladin. In this stead, he embarked upon holy endeavours across the mainland of Thyatis.
Upon first hearing stories of crimes perpetrated against Thyatian settlers in the barbaric land of Traladara to the west, Decius decided to pursue a new holy mission. He would travel the lands of Traladara- renamed Karameikos under its new Thyatian ruler- fight against injustices committed against Thyatians, and spread the word of the Church of Thyatis to gain new converts among the Traladaran natives.
Personality: Decius is a dedicated man, almost to the point of obsession. He firmly believes he is doing the good work of the Immortals in bringing the tenets of the Church of Thyatis to Karameikos. Even as he combats the evils of the land- undead, lycanthropes, and the like- he tries to combat the superstitious beliefs of the Traladaran people, lauding the Immortal patrons of the Church of Thyatis in their stead. He strongly dislikes members of the Order of the Griffon, feeling that they only protect the Thyatian members of the Church of Karameikos- a splinter sect of his own church- when they should be protecting the rights of all Thyatians in the land.
Appearance: Decius is of average height for a Thyatian- 5' 11"- with a lean build. He has dark brown hair, blue eyes, and goes clean shaven. When on a mission, he wears his armour and full helm, and a purple tabard with red trim. His mount, Celeris, is a rare brown coated Kerendan warhorse with a white mane.
DMing Notes: Decius may be encountered in any inns across the land, as he refuses to take lodging in any Church of Karameikos. He can be a powerful ally to adventurers, though a very single-minded one. His strong pro-Thyatian and religious sentiments may also bring him into conflict with Traladaran characters.
Combat Notes: Male human paladin 6; CR 6; Medium humanoid; HD 6d10+6; hp 53; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +6; Grp +7; Atk +8 melee (1d8+2/x3, lance +1) or +8 melee (1d8/19-20, silvered masterwork longsword); Full Atk +8/+3 melee (1d8+2/x3, lance +1) or +8/+3 melee (1d8/19-20, silvered masterwork longsword); SA smite evil 2/day, turn undead 5/day; SQ aura of courage, aura of good, detect evil, divine grace, divine health, lay on hands, remove disease 1/week, special mount; AL LG; SV Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +5; Str 12, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 15. *Statistics are age adjusted and include a +1 level bonus to Charisma.
Skills and Feats: Concentration +5, Diplomacy +8, Handle Animal +6, Heal +5, Knowledge (nobility) +5, Knowledge (religion) +9, Ride +4, Sense Motive +8; Divine Cleansing, Divine Resistance, Mounted Combat, Negotiator.
Paladin Spells Prepared (1; save DC 11 + spell level): 1st- bless.
Possessions: Half-plate +1, heavy steel shield, lance +1, potion of cure light wounds (x4), potion of shield of faith (x2), silvered masterwork longsword.
Celeris: Medium Kerendan warhorse; CR -; Large magical beast; HD 7d8+28; hp 66; Init +3; Spd 70 ft.; AC 23, touch 12, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +5; Grp +12; Atk +10 melee (1d4+4, hoof); Full Atk +10/+10 melee (1d4+4, 2 hooves) and +5 melee (1d3+2, bite); Space/Reach 10 ft./5 ft.; SQ improved evasion, low-light vision, scent, share spells, share saves; AL N; SV Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +4; Str 19, Dex 17, Con 19, Int 6, Wis 15, Cha 9.
Skills and Feats: Balance +4, Jump +9, Listen +4, Spot +4; Endurance, Run, Weapon Focus (hoof).
Possessions: Studded leather barding.
The Rusalka (Roxana Nastase)
Partisan
History: The Rusalka, in traditional Traladaran lore, is a river spirit that lures men to their doom by her entrancing song. To locals in the region of Luln, however, the Rusalka is a folk hero- a warrior maiden who draws bandits and shock troops of the hated Black Eagle Baron to their deaths. At times she taunts them from a distance, drawing them on horseback into ambushes set by local townsfolk. Other times, she wades into melee, challenging the leaders of enemy bands to one-on-one combat, breaking the morale of their troops when they meet their inevitable doom. The Black Eagle would pay good money to learn the identity of this masked woman. Community loyalty has so far kept her safe, but Ludwig von Hendriks periodically increases the reward...
The Rusalka's true name is Roxana Nastase, the daughter of a tanner near Luln. Her homestead was raided by a band of goblinoids when she was barely fifteen. Her father crippled, her home ransacked, Roxana joined with a local militia seeking vengeance. With reinforcements from Luln, the goblins were routed, and Roxana returned home to take over the family business. She was never quite able to give up the fight against the Black Eagle's tyranny, and so she adopted the guise of the Rusalka. Together with other locals, she continues to help homesteaders who are victimised in the region of Luln.
Personality: The Rusalka is a fiery crusader against injustices committed by evil forces in the western part of Karameikos, particularly around the Luln region. She does not understand why the Duke turns a blind eye to the depredations of his cousin in Fort Doom. She works closely with local militias to try and minimise the damage wrought by the forces of the Black Eagle, von Hendriks.
As Roxana, she is somewhat demure, even shy at first. Once she opens up around strangers, her passionate devotion to justice shines clearly through. She dotes on her father, and handles her business very well, considering her extracurricular activities.
Appearance: The Rusalka is of average height, but with a lean, strong build. Her black hair is thick and curly, and unfettered. She dresses in black leathers, high riding boots, and a chainmail mask that covers her face from the eyes down. The Rusalka is also fond of wearing jewellery and other precious articles that she has taken from her foes.
In her life as Roxana, she could not look more different. She dresses plainly, usually in a skirt, blouse, and smock, often dirty from a day's work. Her hair is plaited and worn in a ponytail, and she wears no makeup.
DMing Notes: The Rusalka can be a strong ally for the PCs. She would certainly welcome assistance against her foes in the Luln region, and the opportunity to learn new combat tactics from skilled warriors. Alternatively, the PCs could meet Roxana while at the market, and strike up a friendship or romance. Imagine their surprise to learn that she is a strong warrior in her own right- or their embarrassment if the Rusalka has to rescue them from the clutches of the Black Eagle!
Combat Notes: Female human fighter 3/commoner 1; CR 3; Medium humanoid; HD 3d10+3 plus 1d4+1; hp 28; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 12, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk +6 melee (1d8+2/19-20, longsword); Full Atk +6 melee (1d8+2/19-20, longsword); AL NG; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +1; Str 14, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 11, Cha 14. *Statistics are age adjusted and include a +1 level bonus to Strength.
Skills/Feats: Craft (leatherworking) +4, Handle Animal +6, Intimidate +6, Profession (cook) +4, Profession (tanner) +8, Ride +5; Animal Affinity, Force of Personality, Goad, Skill Focus (tanner), Weapon Focus (longsword).
Possessions: Bracers of armour +1, heavy steel shield +1, leather armour +1, longsword.