The Magic Ring of the Adept Linguist, as described in Dungeons and Dragons homebrew content, is a silver ring with a jet black gemstone, engraved with two arrows pointing in opposite directions and the name “Elak.” This ring enables the wearer to understand four additional languages, chosen by the DM, which do not change upon removal and re-equipping. It contains a trapped soul that translates languages to the wearer but does not grant proficiency. The soul may be released, turning the ring into a regular piece of jewelry oai_citation:1,Ring of the Adept Linguist (5e Equipment) – D&D Wiki.
Category: Character Backstories
-
Race: Human
Class: Fighter
Level: 1
Background: EntertainerAppearance: Gulando Luna stands at an average height with an agile build, his dark hair swept back and eyes alight with the joy of a life lived for the moment. His attire blends the practical with the aesthetic, favoring tunics of deep blues and greens that allow for ease of movement both in combat and performance.
Personality: Gulando is a soul of two worlds—battle and music. He approaches life with a hearty zest, finding as much pleasure in the strum of his fiddle as in the clash of his sword. His laughter is infectious, and his demeanor charming, often disarming foes and allies alike with a quick joke or a tune.
Background: Born to a family of traveling musicians, Gulando’s life was always on the move, a constant adventure. He learned to play the fiddle from his mother, a renowned musician in her own right, while his father, a retired soldier, taught him the ways of the sword. This blend of arts and arms has made Gulando a unique presence wherever he goes, capable of captivating a tavern with his melodies or standing his ground in a skirmish.
Abilities and Traits:
- Combat Prowess: As a fighter, Gulando is trained in the use of swords, his preferred weapon being a longsword passed down through his family. He is adept at using his agility to outmaneuver opponents, though he is still learning to balance his martial prowess with his natural inclination for performance.
- Musical Talent: Gulando’s skill with the fiddle is well-known, and he can often be found playing in taverns or around campfires, using his music to inspire and uplift his companions. His performances can turn the tide of morale, bringing light to even the darkest of times.
- Charm: Gulando’s upbringing among entertainers has granted him a natural charm and ease with words, making him an effective communicator and negotiator.
Equipment:
- A family heirloom longsword, its hilt adorned with musical notes.
- A finely crafted fiddle, always within reach.
- Light armor, designed to not hinder movement, allowing him to swiftly transition between combat and performance.
Goals: Gulando seeks adventure, hoping to carve out a name for himself that resonates in the halls of heroes and the annals of music. He dreams of composing an epic that will be sung for ages, telling of the adventures and battles he has faced.
Allies and Companions: Though new to Bara’s Marauders, Gulando has quickly found camaraderie among them, drawn to their spirit of adventure and the promise of tales worth singing. His charm and talents have made him a valued member of the party, and he is eager to prove his mettle both on the battlefield and in the bonds of friendship.
Philosophy: Gulando lives by the belief that life, much like music, is a series of highs and lows, each note playing its part in the grand composition. He faces each day with the intent to add another verse to his epic, be it through swordplay or song.
-
In the ancient, whispering woods of the Eldergrove, where the trees tell tales of millennia, there lived a forest dwarf named Thora Nobleborn, a druid of the old ways. Born under the emerald canopy, Thora’s heart was as steadfast as the ancient oaks, and her spirit as wild as the untamed winds. Married to Anrin Battleborn, a warrior of renown among their people, Thora’s life was a harmonious blend of love, adventure, and deep communion with nature.
At 200 years old, Thora was considered young by the standards of her long-lived race, yet her wisdom and understanding of the natural world surpassed many of her elders. Her life was a testament to the druidic path, dedicated to preserving the balance of the natural order and protecting the sacred groves from those who would seek to harm them.
As a 5th level druid, Thora possessed a profound connection to the wilds, a bond that allowed her to channel the very essence of nature itself. Her abilities in shapeshifting were unparalleled among her kin, enabling her to transform into various forms, each serving a purpose guided by her heart’s intent.
Among her favored forms were those of friendly dogs, creatures that embodied the loyalty, joy, and companionship Thora valued deeply. These forms allowed her to interact with the woodland creatures and the inhabitants of nearby villages in a manner that brought comfort and happiness, reinforcing the bonds between the natural world and those who dwelled within it.
However, when the tranquility of her forest home was threatened, Thora’s demeanor would shift like the phases of the moon. In times of danger or when the need to protect her domain arose, she would call upon the form of a dire wolf, a formidable and majestic embodiment of the forest’s wrath. In this guise, she was a fierce protector, her howls echoing through the night as a warning to any who dared threaten the sanctity of her realm.
Thora’s life was a dance with the elements, a song of earth and leaf, wind and wolf. Her marriage to Anrin was a partnership of strength and wisdom, the warrior and the druid, united in their love for each other and their dedication to the land they called home. Together, they stood as guardians of the Eldergrove, a testament to the enduring power of nature and the unbreakable bonds forged in the heart of the forest.
Through her journey, Thora Battleborn remained a beacon of the druidic principles, a reminder of the deep, mystic connection that exists between all living things. Her legacy was one of harmony and resilience, a call to all who walk the druid’s path to remember their roots and stand as stewards of the natural world.
-
In the boundless expanses of the Elemental Plane of Air, amidst floating islands and cloud-tufted realms, Azurael emerged as a being of power, grace, and a deep sense of freedom. Born from the whirlwind, Azurael was a djinni of extraordinary ability and elegance, embodying the essence of the air itself—unseen, yet capable of nurturing life or unleashing devastating storms.
The Genesis of Azurael
Azurael’s story began in an era before the realms of mortals and elementals were clearly defined, during a time when the cosmos was a tapestry of creation still being woven. As a child of the air, Azurael was naturally gifted in the manipulation of the winds, the clouds, and the very breath of life. His domain was a majestic island floating amongst the clouds, a place of unparalleled beauty, with gardens that floated like mirages and pavilions as light as the breeze. Azurael’s palace was a wonder to behold, crafted from the essence of the sky itself, shimmering in the light of the elemental sun.
Ruler of the Airy Domain
As a ruler, Azurael was both just and compassionate. He understood the delicate balance of freedom and responsibility, ruling over his domain and its inhabitants with a light touch. The djinni under his command were not servants but willing participants in the preservation of their airy realm. Azurael’s court was a place of laughter and joy, where music and art flourished. He believed that beauty was to be shared and that the pleasures of life were to be indulged in fully.
The Guardian of Fate
Azurael held a profound belief in the concept of fate, viewing the roles of servitude and freedom as parts of a larger cosmic tapestry that each being played a part in. He saw servitude not as a chain but as a phase in the endless cycle of existence, where learning and growth occurred. This belief made him the most accepting of the djinni when it came to the matters of servitude. However, Azurael’s kindness was not weakness; he fiercely protected those under his care, and betrayal was met with a tempest’s wrath.
The Conflict with the Efreeti and the Dao
Azurael’s relations with the other genies, particularly the efreeti of fire and the dao of earth, were fraught with tension. The efreeti’s fiery arrogance and the dao’s stony coldness were antithetical to Azurael’s airy freedom. Conflicts, when they arose, were swift and fierce, with Azurael leading his kin in battles that raged like storms, reshaping the landscape of the Elemental Planes.
Azurael’s Legacy
Azurael’s story is one of freedom, beauty, and the intrinsic value of every being’s place within the fate’s weave. His legacy is carried on the winds that sweep across both the elemental and mortal realms, a reminder of the power of freedom and the strength that lies in compassion and understanding. To those who know of him, Azurael is not just a figure of power but a symbol of the endless possibilities that freedom brings and the beauty that exists in the balance of all things.
-
In the bustling city of Waterdeep, where the streets hum with the tales of heroes and the whispers of intrigue, the story of Savra Belabranta began. Daughter of Xalavador Caskbow, the renowned brewmaster and owner of the Gilded Griffon, Savra’s life was one of comfort and expectation. The Gilded Griffon was not just any tavern; it was a place where the ale flowed as freely as the stories of its patrons, a cornerstone of the community where nobles and adventurers alike would gather to share tales of their exploits.
Xalavador, a man of humble origins who rose through the ranks of Waterdeep’s artisans to carve out a name for himself, had always envisioned a different life for his daughter. He saw in Savra the potential to elevate the family’s legacy, to become a beacon of the Caskbow name. But Savra, with her youthful spirit and adventurous heart, yearned for a life beyond the tavern’s walls. She grew up on stories of ancient orders and heroic deeds, tales that stoked the fires of her imagination and set her soul ablaze with the desire for adventure.
Despite her father’s wishes, Savra’s dreams could not be contained. The allure of the unknown called to her, a siren song that whispered of a destiny far greater than the one laid out for her. It was during a fateful encounter with a mysterious traveler, a member of the Cult of the Howling Hatred, that Savra’s path took an irrevocable turn. Enthralled by the traveler’s tales of the power of air and the promise of ascending beyond the mortal coil, Savra made a decision that would change her life forever. She ran away, leaving behind the Gilded Griffon and the father who cherished her, to join the cult at Feathergale Spire.
Now, as a guard at the front gate of Feathergale, Savra stands watch, her youthful beauty and keen eyes a facade for the turmoil that churns within her. The ideals and promises that led her to abandon her old life have given way to the harsh realities of her new allegiance. Yet, her impressionable nature and the desire to belong have kept her tethered to the cult, even as doubts begin to cloud her heart.
Back in Waterdeep, Xalavador’s heart aches for the return of his daughter. The tavern, once a place of laughter and warmth, now echoes with the silent grief of a father who sees the empty chair at his table and is reminded of the absence of his child. He sends missives and envoys, pleading for Savra’s return, promising forgiveness and understanding. But the distance between them is more than miles; it is a chasm of beliefs and choices that cannot be easily bridged.
Savra Belabranta’s tale is one of a young woman caught between the dreams of youth and the weight of reality, a soul adrift on the winds of fate, searching for her place in a world torn between the light of her past and the shadows of her present. Her story is a testament to the journey of finding oneself, a reminder that the path back home is often the most challenging quest of all.
Character source: from hook in Princes of the Apocalypse.
-
Miraj Vizann’s story is as complex and layered as the earth he manipulates. Born an earth genasi in the vibrant yet tumultuous region of Calimshan, Miraj’s connection to the earth was evident from an early age. His affinity wasn’t limited to just the solid ground; he possessed a rare talent for melding earth and water, crafting mud with a finesse that earned him the moniker “mud sorcerer.” This unique blend of elemental powers set him apart, guiding him down a path of arcane study and alchemical exploration that few could match.
Miraj’s pursuit of perfection in his craft led him to the Cult of the Black Earth. Within this secretive organization, he found a purpose and a place where his talents could flourish. As the overseer of the cult’s tunneling operations, Miraj’s mastery over stone and mud became instrumental in shaping the cult’s subterranean domain. His innovations and magical prowess in manipulating the earth’s fabric have made him the most accomplished spellcaster among his peers. Yet, despite his formidable abilities, Miraj harbors no ambition for leadership within the cult. He recognizes the power and the iron grip Marlos Urnrayle, the medusa, holds over their followers and is content to focus on his experiments and the expansion of their underground empire.
However, Miraj’s experiments and the cult’s activities have not gone unnoticed. One of his most ruthless actions involved an attack on a caravan, where his magic and the might of the Black Earth left no survivors, save for one: Bara Dume. This incident marked Miraj as the primary focus of Bara Dume’s vengeance. Left for dead, Bara Dume survived, harboring a deep-seated grudge and a desire for retribution against Miraj and the cult he represents.
Miraj’s life is a testament to the power of the elements and the depth of his connection to the earth. Yet, it is also a story of conflict, both internal and external. His dedication to his craft and his role within the Cult of the Black Earth contrast sharply with the destruction he has wrought and the enemies he has made. As he continues to push the boundaries of his arcane abilities, Miraj must navigate the perilous terrain of cult politics, elemental magic, and the inevitable confrontation with those who seek to end his experiments and his life.
Character source: Princes of the apocalypse storyline.
-
Oreioth, the self-proclaimed “Lord of Lance Rock,” is a figure whose dark fascination with death has cast a long shadow over his path from a young noble of Baldur’s Gate to a feared necromancer. With a lean frame and a black beard that does little to hide the malice in his gaze, Oreioth’s presence is as unsettling as the aura of death that clings to him. From an early age, his cruel disposition set him apart from others; he found a macabre pleasure in the suffering of living creatures, experimenting with their lives in a twisted display of his dominance over life and death.
His wealthy family, desperate to redirect his morbid curiosity and undeniable intellect towards more socially acceptable pursuits, unwittingly sent him to apprentice under a necromancer. This decision would only serve to deepen Oreioth’s descent into the dark arts, providing him with the knowledge and skills to manipulate the dead. Once his mentor deemed him no longer useful, Oreioth was cast out to forge his own sinister path.
Wandering northward, Oreioth’s journey was marked by grave robbing and the exploitation of his dark magics to intimidate or outright rob those weaker than himself. His reprehensible actions saw him chased from every town he dared to enter, eventually driving him to seek solitude near Lance Rock. It was here, in an abandoned outlaw’s hideout, that Oreioth began his most ambitious and horrifying experiments yet, shunning the company of the living for the obedience of the dead.
Oreioth’s transformation into the Lord of Lance Rock signifies his complete surrender to megalomania. His kingdom, such as it is, is populated by zombies and skeletons, forced to bend to his will. The remnants of any social grace he once possessed have eroded away, leaving behind a man who barely recognizes his own name, consumed by visions of an undead empire with himself at its head. Oreioth’s dreams are of a realm where the living fear to tread, and the dead serve an eternal monarch whose throne is built upon the bones of those he once might have called peers.
Character source: D&D – Princes of the Apocalypse
-
Kaylessa Irkell, the heart and soul of The Swinging Sword inn, stands as a beacon of hospitality and resilience in the bustling town of Red Larch. At forty years of age, she embodies the spirit of both a nurturing matriarch and a savvy businesswoman, having taken the reins of the inn that has been in her family for generations. Her sturdy frame and pleasant demeanor are well-known among the townsfolk and travelers alike, welcoming all who seek refuge or respite within her walls with open arms and a warm smile.
Kaylessa’s journey to becoming the owner of The Swinging Sword was not without its trials. From a young age, she was steeped in the art of innkeeping, learning the trade from her parents and grandparents. She inherited not just the business, but the legacy of a place that has always been more than just an inn; it is a home, a gathering spot, and a crossroads of stories and secrets from across the lands. Under her careful stewardship, The Swinging Sword has flourished, becoming a cornerstone of the community in Red Larch.
Beyond her role as an innkeeper, Kaylessa is a pillar of the community, often finding herself at the center of town affairs. Her innate ability to listen and mediate has resolved many conflicts, earning her the respect and admiration of her fellow townspeople. She is fiercely protective of her family and those under her employ, including the stable master Iraun Thelder, whom she regards with a mix of maternal concern and professional respect.
Kaylessa’s life is filled with the stories of her guests, from weary travelers and daring adventurers to merchants and minstrels. She has an uncanny ability to remember faces and names, often recalling the preferences and tales of those who have passed through her doors. This connection to people has made The Swinging Sword a hub of information and networking, a place where alliances are formed, and quests are begun.
Despite the demands of her business, Kaylessa finds time to engage in the life of Red Larch beyond the inn’s walls. She participates in local festivals, supports other businesses, and contributes to community projects, embodying the ethos of mutual support and cooperation that she believes is the foundation of a thriving community.
In Kaylessa Irkell, one finds the warmth of a hearth, the strength of stone, and the wisdom of the ages. Her life and work at The Swinging Sword serve as a testament to the enduring power of hospitality and the deep bonds that form when people from all walks of life come together under one roof.
Character source: Princes of the Apocalypse D&D
-
Iraun Thelder’s story begins in the rugged lands far beyond the bustling streets of Red Larch, where the life of a mercenary is as much a calling as it is a means of survival. Born to a family of modest means, Iraun quickly learned that the world was vast, and its corners filled with both wonders and dangers. His youthful fascination with tales of adventure and valor led him down the path of the sword, and before long, he was a name known in some circles for his bravery and skill in battle.
However, the life of a mercenary is fraught with peril, and a fateful encounter left Iraun with a permanent reminder of his vulnerability—a lost eye, claimed by the slash of an enemy’s blade during a particularly harrowing contract. The injury was a turning point for him. It marked the end of his days on the battlefield and the beginning of a new chapter that eventually led him to the town of Red Larch.
Seeking a quieter life but still wishing to stay close to the world of travelers and tales of distant lands, Iraun found a place at The Swinging Sword, a reputable inn run by Kaylessa Irkell. Here, he assumed the role of stable master, caring for the horses and beasts of burden that belonged to the inn’s guests. His past life endowed him with a unique set of skills and a calm demeanor that proved invaluable in handling the animals, earning him respect and a place within the community.
Working for Kaylessa, Iraun found a semblance of the peace he had been seeking. The inn’s bustling environment provided him with enough adventure through the stories of others, and his role allowed him to contribute meaningfully to the establishment’s success. His knowledge of the roads, gained from his years as a mercenary, often served guests well, as he could advise on safe paths and warn of potential dangers.
Despite his rugged exterior and the intimidating presence of a battle-worn warrior, Iraun is known for his kindness and a surprisingly gentle touch with the animals he tends to.
His one-eyed gaze, often seen surveying the horizon or watching over the stables, hides a sinister secret behind his passive nature.
Character source: Princes of the Apocalypse D&D
Bara's Marauders 