Trusted companions, powerful entities, and reliable friends who have provided crucial assistance to the party throughout their adventures.
Toonlock - Fae Fox Spirit#
First Appearance: Interlude I - “The Convent of Bloody Orchids” (contacted party in dreams)
Race: Fae Fox Spirit/Archfey
Profession: Realm Guardian, Cosmic Balancer, Dimensional Anchor
Affiliations: The Feywild, His pocket dimension realm, Balance-focused cosmic entities
Physical Description: Fox-like fae being with powerful magical abilities whose realm serves as a nexus for planar travel. His domain contains elaborate facilities including testing chambers, recreational areas, and the astral tree portal system.
Background and Cosmic Role: Toonlock represents the principle of cosmic balance through controlled chaos and motion, opposing the rigid order imposed by entities like Eldora and Crowley. His realm served as a sanctuary and testing ground until Crowley’s invasion forced him into defensive operations.
Session Appearances:
- Interlude I-III: Contacted party through dreams after Crowley invaded his realm using stolen totem
- Interlude VI: Completed dangerous ritual to sever realm from astral tree with party’s assistance
- Interlude VII: Provided casino vacation as reward and recovery time
- Multiple interludes: His realm serves as base, training ground, and portal hub for party adventures
The Three Trials System: Toonlock tested the party through three major challenges to prove their worthiness as champions:
- The Masquerade Challenge: Required collecting specific masks and performing theatrical roles
- The Convent Mission: Retrieving priest’s stole from vampire-infested monastery
- The Hollow Quest: Obtaining mystical dagger from dangerous swamp location
Relationships with Player Characters:
- The Party (Collective): Chose them as champions after observing their potential and moral flexibility
- Individual Assessment: Provided personalized trials testing each member’s unique strengths
- Helisanna : Particularly interested in her supernatural musical abilities and patron connections
- Red : Appreciated his healing nature and protective instincts toward others
Connections to Other NPCs:
- Crowley: Primary antagonist who cheated to steal Toonlock’s totem and invaded his realm
- Joel: Mysterious gunslinger ally who assists in realm defense operations
- Sol (Dragon): Connected to the cosmic trial system Toonlock employs for hero testing
- Marcus (Chronomancer): His portal technology helped facilitate party transport to trials
- Velz’eth: Fellow balance-focused entity opposing Crowley and Eldora’s order-based tyranny
Powers and Abilities:
- Realm Control: Complete authority over his pocket dimension including environmental manipulation
- Dream Communication: Can contact mortals across dimensions through sleep
- Portal Magic: Creates doorways between realms and facilitates planar travel
- Cosmic Awareness: Understanding of multiversal threats and balance requirements
- Champion Selection: Ability to identify and empower worthy heroes for cosmic missions
- Reality Anchoring: His realm serves as stable point amid dimensional chaos
The Crowley Conflict:
- Ancient Totem: Crowley stole fox-shaped artifact that provided direct access to Toonlock’s realm
- Systematic Invasion: Crowley used the totem to bring armies of chaotic creatures into the sanctuary
- Defensive Operations: Forced to recruit mortal champions to help repel the invasion
- Severance Ritual: Required party’s assistance to cut realm’s connection to astral tree
- Strategic Victory: Successfully escaped Crowley’s assault while maintaining realm integrity
Rewards and Recognition: Granted party the Fey-Touched feat as recognition of their service, providing:
- Fox Tattoos: Marking them as his champions with shoulder blade designs
- Ability Enhancement: +1 to Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma
- Misty Step: Daily teleportation ability
- Spell Access: Additional divination or enchantment spells
Current Status: Successfully severed from astral tree and protected from Crowley’s direct assault, continues operating as dimensional sanctuary and champion coordination center.
Eleanor - Hedge Mage Matriarch#
First Appearance: Session 8 - “Caravan Nights”
Race: Halfling
Profession: Hedge Mage, Coven Leader, Environmental Healer, Portal Specialist
Affiliations: Eleanor’s Wandering Coven, Nature preservation networks, Druidic circles
Physical Description: Practical halfling woman with deep understanding of natural magic, carries ancient family amulet with world-shaping power. Her approach combines traditional hedge magic with inherited cosmic abilities.
Background and Magical Lineage: Eleanor leads a wandering coven dedicated to environmental restoration and magical balance. Her family lineage includes portal-closing abilities that have been passed down through generations, making her uniquely qualified to handle dimensional threats.
Session Appearances:
- Session 8: First meeting with caravan, contracts party for Hearth Seed mission and blight cleansing
- Session 12: Provides crucial assistance in shrine cleansing and devil portal closing
- Session 13: Successfully closes shrine portal using ancestral amulet, provides portal-closing device to Red
- Session 15: Her amulet becomes crucial tool for party’s future dimensional rift encounters
Environmental Restoration Mission:
- The Blight Investigation: Commissioned party to investigate supernatural corruption affecting regional ecosystem
- Hearth Seed Delivery: Required planting magical seed at corrupted druidic altar
- Root Cause Analysis: Traced environmental damage to infernal portal contamination
- Ecosystem Recovery: Her intervention restored natural balance after party eliminated devils
Relationships with Player Characters:
- Red (Thurnok): Entrusted him with family’s portal-closing amulet, recognizing his divine connection and protective nature
- The Party (Collective): Professional relationship based on environmental contract work
- Frankie: Performed complex curse-breaking ritual to cure his lycanthropy
- Jasper : Benefited from her lycanthropy expertise during werewolf encounters
Connections to Other NPCs:
- Frankie the Werewolf: Primary beneficiary of her curse-breaking abilities
- Forest Devils: Opponents during shrine cleansing operations
- Local Druids: Professional connections through environmental restoration network
- Caravan Communities: Provides magical services to traveling groups
Magical Specializations:
- Environmental Restoration: Healing corrupted landscapes and ecosystems
- Portal Magic: Inherited family ability to close dimensional rifts and seal breaches
- Curse Breaking: Complex ritual magic for removing supernatural afflictions
- Plant Communication: Deep connection with natural world and growing things
- Coven Leadership: Coordinates multiple magic users for large-scale environmental work
The Portal-Closing Amulet: Ancient family heirloom with specific powers:
- Dimensional Sealing: Can permanently close portals and rifts between realms
- Infernal Resistance: Specifically effective against diabolic and demonic intrusions
- Inherited Magic: Requires attunement but provides powerful protective abilities
- Single Use Limitations: Each portal closing requires significant magical investment
- Strategic Value: Essential tool for party’s ongoing fights against dimensional threats
Lycanthropy Cure Options: Offered Frankie three choices for dealing with his werewolf curse:
- Complete Healing: Total removal of lycanthropy with loss of all supernatural abilities
- Controlled Lycanthropy: Maintain powers but risk losing control during rare celestial events
- Status Quo: Keep current condition without modification
Coven Operations:
- Wandering Network: Mobile magical support responding to environmental emergencies
- Specialized Knowledge: Collective expertise in curse-breaking, portal magic, and restoration
- Community Service: Provides magical aid to settlements affected by supernatural threats
- Training Programs: Likely involved in educating new hedge mages and environmental specialists
Current Status: Continues traveling with coven responding to magical environmental emergencies, available for consultation on dimensional threats and curse-breaking needs.
Roscoe - The Eccentric Intelligence Broker#
First Appearance: Session 10 - “The Red
Scare”
Race: Warforged (extensively self-modified)
Profession: Information Broker, Master Distiller, Underground Network Coordinator
Affiliations: Milstrom underground, Former military (possibly Peaceforged unit), SHIELD connection
Physical Description: Warforged who used wish magic to create digestive system allowing alcohol consumption, represents unique fusion of mechanical precision with organic indulgence. Often appears intoxicated but maintains sharp intelligence.
Background and Military History: Likely former member of Peaceforged unit with psychic hive-mind connection to entity called SHIELD. His current eccentric behavior may result from severed military connections or voluntary personality modification to escape regimented existence.
Session Appearances:
- Session 10: First encounter trading information for alcohol, reveals Red Lennon’s true diabolic nature
- Session 11: Provides Red ’s true identity through Marion Cross’s journal, conducts Everclear ceremony
- Session 13: Continues information services and philosophical guidance
- Session 23: Reunites with party, maintains connections with Jasper through beer deliveries
- Winter Solstice Special: Established friendship with Jasper who delivers beer supplies
The Identity Revelation Ceremony: Orchestrated elaborate drinking ritual using magically potent Everclear to reveal Red ’s true heritage:
- Psychological Testing: Used telepathic message to assess Red ’s trust in companions
- Social Pressure: Required all party members to drink his specially crafted alcohol
- Sacred Truth: Provided Marion Cross’s journal only after trust-building ceremony
- Emotional Impact: Created moment of vulnerability and honesty among party members
Relationships with Player Characters:
- Red (Thurnok): Revealed his true identity as Prince Thurnok Skyhammer through mother’s journal
- Jasper : Close personal friend who regularly delivers beer to Roscoe’s tavern operations
- The Party (Collective): Primary intelligence source and philosophical guide for supernatural threats
- Bru : Shares appreciation for unusual alcoholic beverages and technical innovation
- Silas : Recognizes his criminal expertise and provides underground network connections
Connections to Other NPCs:
- Marion Cross: Preserved her journal containing Red ’s true heritage and family history
- Red Lennon: Provided crucial intelligence about diabolic political infiltration
- Milstrom Citizens: Serves as community information hub and social gathering point
- Underground Networks: Maintains connections with various resistance and criminal organizations
Information Services and Specializations:
- Intelligence Gathering: Extensive knowledge of local politics, supernatural threats, and hidden agendas
- Tunnel Systems: Expert knowledge of underground passages and secret routes
- Historical Context: Provides background information crucial for understanding current threats
- Network Coordination: Connects different groups and individuals for mutual benefit
- Philosophical Guidance: Offers wisdom about identity, truth, and personal relationships
Alcohol and Social Engineering:
- Master Distiller: Creates “Roscoe’s Everclear” - magically potent potato alcohol
- Social Rituals: Uses drinking ceremonies to build trust and encourage honesty
- Cultural Analysis: Understands how alcohol affects different species and personalities
- Truth Serum Effects: His special formulations may have mild magical properties
- Community Building: Tavern operations serve as social hub for information exchange
Technical Modifications:
- Digestive System: Self-installed through wish magic, allowing food and alcohol consumption
- Sensory Enhancement: Maintains warforged precision while experiencing organic pleasures
- Personality Integration: Successfully merged mechanical efficiency with emotional expression
- Memory Systems: Retains extensive historical and personal information
- Network Connectivity: May maintain psychic connections despite apparent independence
Underground Tunnel Expertise:
- Historical Knowledge: Understands original construction and purpose of tunnel systems
- Access Points: Knows multiple entry and exit locations throughout region
- Security Awareness: Provides intelligence about who controls different tunnel sections
- Escape Routes: Essential for party’s ability to avoid hostile forces
- Smuggling Networks: Connections with various underground transportation operations
Current Role and Status: Continues operating as Milstrom’s primary information broker while maintaining beer delivery friendship with Jasper , serves as party’s most reliable source for intelligence about supernatural and political threats.
Victor - The Resistance Technician#
First Appearance: Session 7 - “Escape Highforge”
Race: Human
Profession: Resistance Fighter, Explosives Expert, Underground Coordinator
Affiliations: Twilight Company, High Forge Underground Resistance, Anti-Iron Claws operations
Physical Description: Described with “Despicable Me-inspired” appearance combining comic relief elements with genuine technical competence. Operates from hidden laboratory using advanced equipment.
Background and Resistance Operations: Former Twilight Company member who remained in High Forge after dragon attack to coordinate underground resistance against Iron Claws occupation. Represents dedication to community defense over personal safety.
Session Appearances:
- Session 7: First encountered during High Forge evacuation, assists with tunnel maps and emergency supplies
- Session 10: Referenced as Twilight Company contact with extensive information networks
- Session 24: Radio contact reveals current resistance operations and requests party assistance
The High Forge Underground War:
- Laboratory Operations: Maintains hidden facility for explosives manufacturing and resistance coordination
- Target Selection: Plans attacks on Iron Claws-controlled church and nightclub facilities
- Recruitment Networks: Coordinates with various anti-occupation groups
- Intelligence Gathering: Monitors Iron Claws activities and reports to external allies
- Supply Lines: Manages procurement of explosives materials and resistance equipment
Relationships with Player Characters:
- Bru : Shares technical interests and recognizes his voice through radio transmission
- The Party (Collective): Former Twilight Company allies who provided tunnel maps during evacuation
- Silas : Appreciates his criminal expertise and strategic thinking
- Red : Worked with him during emergency evacuation operations
Connections to Other NPCs:
- Mira: Current partner in resistance operations, handles communications
- Helja Ungart: Primary target of resistance activities
- Iron Claws Gang: Opponents controlling High Forge under dragon authority
- Twilight Company Leadership: Maintains contact with Cyrus, Rekha, and Vector
Technical Expertise and Equipment:
- Explosives Manufacturing: Creates bombs and demolition charges for resistance operations
- Communications: Maintains radio equipment for coordinating resistance activities
- Laboratory Management: Operates hidden facility with advanced technical capabilities
- Weapon Development: Designed unique items like the piranha gun
- Security Systems: Understands High Forge infrastructure and defensive capabilities
The Radio Contact Mission: Recent communication revealed current situation:
- Sulfur Procurement: Needs explosive-making materials for expanded operations
- Target Planning: Church and nightclub represent Iron Claws power centers
- Alliance Offer: Proposes helping party with advanced schematics in exchange for assistance
- Tunnel Access: Can provide covert entry to High Forge through old underground systems
- Intelligence Sharing: Offers current information about Iron Claws operations and dragon activities
Resistance Strategy and Goals:
- Guerrilla Warfare: Uses hit-and-run tactics against superior forces
- Infrastructure Disruption: Targets Iron Claws economic and social control points
- Community Support: Maintains civilian morale through successful resistance operations
- External Coordination: Seeks alliance with party and other anti-occupation forces
- Long-term Liberation: Works toward eventual freedom from criminal and dragon control
Equipment and Resources:
- Piranha Gun: Unique weapon design representing his innovative approach
- Explosives Stock: Significant cache of bombs and demolition materials
- Radio Equipment: Advanced communication systems for resistance coordination
- Technical Documents: Access to High Forge infrastructure and security information
- Safe Houses: Multiple hidden locations for resistance operations
Current Status: Operating active resistance from hidden High Forge laboratory, seeking party alliance for expanded anti-Iron Claws operations while providing intelligence about occupation conditions.
Joel - The Cosmic Gunslinger#
First Appearance: Interlude VI - “The Final Ritual”
Race: Human (with supernatural properties)
Profession: Wandering Gunslinger, Cosmic Enforcer, Justice Manifestation
Affiliations: None (Independent agent of cosmic justice)
Physical Description: Classic cowboy appearance with hat and gun who manifests at crucial moments. Emerges from apparently fatal situations with casual confidence and supernatural timing.
Background and Mysterious Nature: Joel represents intersection between mortal heroism and cosmic justice, appearing when situations require intervention beyond normal capabilities. His exact nature remains unclear - possibly spirit, cosmic entity, or something between life and death.
Session Appearances:
- Interlude VI: Dramatically explodes out of caterpillar creature’s stomach during Toonlock’s realm defense
- Multiple references: Provides “autographed headshots” suggesting ongoing career
Supernatural Manifestation:
- Death Resistance: Survives being consumed by massive creature, emerging unharmed
- Perfect Timing: Appears exactly when needed for maximum dramatic impact
- Combat Exhaustion: Shows effects of extensive fighting despite supernatural resilience
- Casual Confidence: Maintains calm demeanor even in impossible situations
Combat Abilities:
- Expert Gunslinger: Demonstrates exceptional marksmanship and quick-draw abilities
- Supernatural Endurance: Fights continuously without normal human limitations
- Strategic Awareness: Understands complex battlefield situations and timing
- Equipment Mastery: Classic cowboy gear enhanced with supernatural properties
- Heroic Presence: Inspires confidence and provides morale boost to allies
Relationships with Player Characters:
- The Party (Collective): Provides crucial assistance during Toonlock’s realm defense
- Toonlock: Serves as ally and defender of realm during Crowley’s invasion
- Individual Recognition: Gives each party member autographed headshots as “rewards”
Connections to Cosmic Events:
- Toonlock’s Defense: Participated in realm protection against Crowley’s forces
- Justice Manifestation: Appears when cosmic balance requires intervention
- Dimensional Awareness: Understands multiversal threats and supernatural conflicts
- Heroic Networks: Possibly connected to other cosmic justice entities
Equipment and Abilities:
- Supernatural Firearms: Guns capable of affecting cosmic entities and supernatural threats
- Classic Cowboy Gear: Traditional appearance concealing advanced capabilities
- Dimensional Travel: Ability to appear across different realms and situations
- Combat Experience: Extensive knowledge of fighting supernatural enemies
- Strategic Intelligence: Understanding of complex cosmic conflicts and strategies
The Autographed Headshots: Provides each party member with signed photographs of himself:
- Professional Quality: Suggests established career and public recognition
- Personal Touch: Individual signatures for each party member
- Mysterious Purpose: Unclear whether joke, genuine reward, or something more significant
- Collector Value: May represent connection to cosmic gunslinger networks
Current Status and Role:
- Independent Operator: Works without formal affiliations or organizational constraints
- Crisis Response: Appears when situations require supernatural intervention
- Justice Focus: Specifically manifests when innocent people need protection
- Cosmic Awareness: Understands broader implications of party’s adventures
- Potential Future Ally: May return when cosmic threats require his specific expertise
Significance: Represents hope that cosmic justice exists beyond formal divine or political structures, shows that heroism can transcend normal limitations when properly motivated.
Caspian - Winter Court Diplomat#
First Appearance: Winter Solstice Special (Session 18)
Race: Water Genasi
Profession: Royal Assistant, Winter Court Diplomat, Seasonal Magic Coordinator
Affiliations: The Winter King’s Court, Seasonal magic networks, Holiday preservation
Physical Description: Professional appearance with blue suit and crystal studs designed for winter weather, contrasts sharply with Negacast’s inappropriate attire. Maintains dignity befitting royal court position.
Background and Court Position: Serves as primary assistant and representative for the Winter King, handling diplomatic missions and seasonal magic coordination across multiple realms. Her position requires both magical expertise and political sophistication.
Session Appearances:
- Winter Solstice Special: Arrives to reverse Negacast’s corruption and restore proper celebration
- Interlude VI: Captured by Crowley while traveling, suggesting ongoing plot significance
- Referenced throughout: Known for winter magic expertise and holiday coordination
Winter Magic Specializations:
- Corruption Reversal: Ability to undo magical corruption and restore proper seasonal balance
- Holiday Restoration: Specialized magic for repairing damaged celebrations and traditions
- Crystal Prison: Combat magic for restraining enemies and supernatural threats
- Weather Control: Manipulation of winter conditions and seasonal phenomena
- Healing Magic: Restoration abilities for both people and corrupted environments
Relationships with Player Characters:
- The Party (Collective): Grateful for their defense of winter solstice celebration
- Red : His Dispel Magic proved crucial for her ability to intervene against Negacast
- Olivia : Appreciated her protective instincts toward community traditions
- Elspeth : Provided autographed book as reward for engineering expertise
Connections to Other NPCs:
- The Winter King: Primary employer and source of authority for winter magic operations
- Negacast: Impersonated by corrupted entity, suggesting personal vendetta or targeted attack
- Crowley: Captured by him, indicating she’s become part of his larger schemes
- Seasonal Courts: Diplomatic connections across various seasonal and elemental courts
Professional Responsibilities:
- Seasonal Coordination: Ensures proper winter celebrations across multiple realms
- Diplomatic Missions: Represents Winter King’s interests in inter-court negotiations
- Magic Administration: Oversees distribution and use of winter magic resources
- Crisis Response: Handles emergencies threatening seasonal balance and holiday traditions
- Cultural Preservation: Protects traditional celebrations from corruption and destruction
The Negacast Incident:
- Identity Theft: Sophisticated impersonation required intimate knowledge of her appearance and mannerisms
- Protective Wards: Negacast used sigils specifically designed to prevent her intervention
- Corruption Magic: Systematic attack on winter solstice required her specialized expertise to reverse
- Community Impact: Her successful intervention saved entire village celebration
- Personal Implications: Attack suggests she’s become target for entities opposing winter court
Powers and Authority:
- Royal Authority: Speaks and acts with Winter King’s backing
- Seasonal Magic Mastery: High-level caster specializing in winter and holiday magic
- Diplomatic Immunity: Protected status when conducting official court business
- Crisis Authorization: Empowered to take decisive action during seasonal emergencies
- Resource Access: Can draw on Winter King’s magical and political resources
Current Danger - Crowley’s Capture:
- Void Imprisonment: Trapped in starless void while attempting to travel on north wind
- Strategic Target: Crowley’s interest suggests her importance to larger cosmic schemes
- Rescue Priority: Party may need to mount rescue mission for crucial ally
- Intelligence Value: Her knowledge of seasonal courts makes her valuable prisoner
- Leverage Potential: Crowley may use her capture to manipulate Winter King or seasonal courts
Gifts and Recognition: Provided rewards recognizing party’s heroic actions:
- Crystal Figurines: Beautiful magical items for all party members
- Autographed Novel: Personalized gift for Elspeth showing attention to individual interests
- Healing Services: Restored all injured villagers after Negacast’s defeat
- Corruption Reversal: Fixed all damaged gifts and celebration elements
Current Status: Captured by Crowley and held in unknown location, represents ongoing rescue mission and potential ally for future winter-related threats or seasonal court diplomacy.
Sol - The Starlight Dragon#
First Appearance: Session 20 - “Trials of the W****M Hole”
Race: Ancient Dragon (Cosmic/Celestial variety)
Profession: Trial Guardian, Cosmic Judge, Astral Tree Protector
Affiliations: Ancient Draconic Orders, Cosmic trial systems, Universal balance
Physical Description: Magnificent dragon with scales that radiate starlight like shards of the night sky, creating dappled celestial glow. Can shapeshift into elderly Goliath form while maintaining same distinctive voice.
Background and Cosmic Role: Ancient dragon responsible for testing heroes and protecting access to astral tree portal network. Represents intersection between draconic wisdom and cosmic responsibility, ensuring only worthy individuals gain access to universal travel.
Session Appearances:
- Session 20: Guardian of constellation trials leading to astral tree portal access
- Session 21: Provides guidance and reveals cosmic threats facing universe
- Referenced in trials: His testing system ensures proper preparation for cosmic-level challenges
The Trial System: Designed comprehensive testing protocol for potential cosmic heroes:
- Pressure Plate Puzzle: Tests problem-solving and teamwork abilities
- Constellation Chamber: Requires knowledge of cosmic patterns and cooperation
- Personal Riddle: “What burns in your heart?” - examines true motivations
- Portal Access: Grants entry to astral tree network only after successful completion
Relationships with Player Characters:
- Red (Thurnok): Approved his answer about protecting others, recognized genuine heroic nature
- The Party (Collective): Tested their worthiness and granted access to cosmic travel network
- Individual Assessment: Evaluated each member’s contribution to group success
- Ongoing Guidance: Continues providing advice about cosmic threats and preparedness
Ancient Draconic Wisdom:
- Cosmic Awareness: Understanding of universal threats and multiversal balance
- Hero Recognition: Ability to identify individuals capable of cosmic-level heroism
- Portal Network Knowledge: Expert understanding of astral tree travel system
- Trial Design: Creates appropriate challenges for testing different heroic qualities
- Strategic Patience: Willing to wait centuries or millennia for right heroes to appear
Powers and Abilities:
- Draconic Majesty: Ancient dragon with full range of traditional draconic abilities
- Starlight Scales: Unique appearance suggesting celestial or cosmic connections
- Shapeshifting: Can assume Goliath form while maintaining personality and voice
- Cosmic Magic: Access to spells and abilities beyond normal draconic repertoire
- Portal Creation: Can open passages to astral tree and other cosmic locations
- Legendary Resistance: Ancient dragon defenses against magical and physical threats
The Shapeshifting Mystery:
- Elderly Goliath Form: Appears as hunchbacked figure with cane and raggedy clothes
- Voice Consistency: Maintains same distinctive speech patterns across forms
- Playful Deception: Pretends to be “different person” named Sol when questioned
- Purpose Unclear: May be testing party’s perception or maintaining multiple identities
- Character Trait: Shows sense of humor despite cosmic responsibilities
Cosmic Perspective and Warnings:
- Universal Threats: Aware of entities like Crowley, Eldora, and cosmic dragons
- Hero Development: Suggests party needs more training before “saving the world”
- Portal Network: Provides access to multiple realms for training and adventures
- Strategic Guidance: Offers advice about preparing for cosmic-level conflicts
- Reality Assessment: Understands scale of threats facing universal order
The Astral Tree Connection:
- Guardian Role: Protects access to universal portal network
- Ancient Responsibility: Long-term commitment to testing and training heroes
- Cosmic Balance: Ensures portal network serves forces of good rather than evil
- Training Opportunities: Provides access to realms suitable for hero development
- Network Coordination: May communicate with other guardians across universe
Current Status: Continues guarding astral tree portal system while providing guidance to party about cosmic threats, represents ongoing ally for universal-scale adventures and training opportunities.
Frankie - The Reformed Predator#
First Appearance: Session 12 - “Out of the frying pan, into the Fire”
Race: Human (formerly Werewolf)
Profession: Tracker, Guide, Wilderness Survival Expert
Affiliations: None (Independent), Formerly wolf pack leader
Physical Description: Human who retains enhanced senses and instincts from lycanthropy experience, understands both human civilization and wilderness survival.
Background and Lycanthropy Experience: Former werewolf who led pack of wolves driven to attack human settlements due to devil corruption of their forest territory. Represented moral complexity of supernatural creatures forced into conflict by external circumstances.
Session Appearances:
- Session 12: Primary encounter during wolf pack negotiations and devil combat assistance
- Session 13: Present during Eleanor’s lycanthropy cure ritual
- Referenced subsequently: Grateful ally with unique supernatural experience
The Wolf Pack Leadership:
- Reluctant Predator: Disturbed by necessity of eating humans for pack survival
- Environmental Victim: Pack forced into conflict by devil corruption of hunting grounds
- Pack Coordination: Led intelligent wolves in organized survival strategies
- Moral Struggle: Maintained human conscience despite supernatural compulsions
- Strategic Thinking: Capable of complex planning and negotiation despite bestial form
Relationships with Player Characters:
- Silas : Established telepathic communication and negotiated initial alliance
- Red (Thurnok): Received crucial healing during first encounter, establishing trust
- The Party (Collective): Deep gratitude creates unshakeable loyalty and respect
- Eleanor: Beneficiary of her curse-breaking expertise and magical healing
Connections to Other NPCs:
- Devil Forces: Former victims of their environmental corruption
- Wolf Pack: Former pack members who may have been affected by his cure
- Forest Ecosystem: Represents recovery of natural balance after devil elimination
- Eleanor’s Coven: Connection to broader network of curse-breaking specialists
Enhanced Abilities from Lycanthropy Experience:
- Superior Tracking: Retains enhanced senses for following trails and detecting threats
- Wilderness Survival: Expert knowledge of forest survival and natural dangers
- Supernatural Insight: Understanding of cursed creatures and supernatural threats
- Pack Mentality: Natural leadership abilities and group coordination skills
- Predator Awareness: Ability to think like dangerous creatures and anticipate their actions
The Lycanthropy Cure Decision: Eleanor offered three options, party chose complete healing:
- Full Healing: Complete removal of lycanthropy (chosen option)
- Controlled Lycanthropy: Maintain powers with rare loss of control risk
- Status Quo: Keep current condition without modification
Devil Combat Assistance:
- Critical Damage: Delivered devastating attacks against brute devil
- Tactical Coordination: Worked effectively with party during complex battle
- Personal Courage: Fought despite being knocked unconscious and reverting to human form
- Strategic Value: His participation proved crucial for party’s victory
- Alliance Proof: Demonstrated trustworthiness through combat cooperation
Post-Cure Status and Abilities:
- Human Form: Permanently restored to normal human appearance and abilities
- Enhanced Expertise: Retains knowledge and experience from lycanthropy period
- Supernatural Resistance: Possible resistance to future curses due to cure experience
- Wilderness Guide: Invaluable for parties traveling through dangerous natural areas
- Monster Hunter: Understanding of supernatural creatures makes him excellent ally
Ongoing Loyalty and Availability:
- Unshakeable Gratitude: Will assist party whenever possible due to cure and acceptance
- Local Knowledge: Expert understanding of regional supernatural threats
- Network Connections: Possible links to other reformed supernatural creatures
- Moral Compass: Represents redemption and possibility of change for cursed beings
- Future Alliance: Available for wilderness adventures or supernatural investigations
Current Status: Cured of lycanthropy but retains expertise and loyalty, serves as valuable ally for wilderness travel and supernatural threat assessment while representing successful redemption story.
Companion Creatures and Familiars#
Kevin - Bru ’s Loyal Homunculus#
First Appearance: Session 1 - “Dinner and Nightcap”
Race: Homunculus (Artificial Construct)
Profession: Minion, Assistant, Sacrifice Volunteer
Affiliations: Bru
, “Bru
’s Army”
Physical Description: Small artificial creature created by Bru ’s artificer abilities, demonstrates loyalty despite frequent dangerous assignments.
Personality and Behavior:
- Perpetual Panic: Often runs around screaming during chaotic situations
- Loyal Service: Follows Bru ’s commands regardless of personal danger
- Sacrifice Willingness: Volunteers for dangerous tasks including bomb defusal
- Comic Relief: Provides humor through dramatic reactions to situations
Notable Achievements:
- Bomb Defusal Attempt: Heroically tried to defuse pit bomb during racing event
- Combat Support: Assists during battles through distraction and minor combat abilities
- Reconnaissance: Provides scouting and information gathering services
- Emotional Support: Represents Bru ’s capacity for creating loyal companions
BoxBox - Elspeth ’s Steel Defender#
First Appearance: Session 1 - “Dinner and Nightcap”
Race: Steel Defender (Magical Construct)
Profession: Combat Companion, Technical Assistant
Affiliations: Elspeth
Cooper, Racing support
Abilities and Services:
- Combat Effectiveness: Reliable damage dealer and tactical support
- Technical Assistance: Helps with Elspeth ’s engineering and racing projects
- Loyalty: Unwavering dedication to Elspeth ’s safety and success
- Versatility: Adapts to various roles including combat, racing, and exploration
Rescue History: Has been captured and rescued multiple times, demonstrating Elspeth ’s protective nature toward her creation.
Bob the Ram (B-A-A-A-A-B) - Olivia ’s Fey Mount#
First Appearance: Session 14 - “Ascending Grimvar’s Spine”
Race: Fey Ram
Profession: Mount, Romantic Lead
Affiliations: Olivia
Cooper, Bessie the Lightning Ewe
Romantic Achievement: Successfully wooed Bessie the Lightning Ewe, resulting in creation of “more perfect goat” offspring that replaced Old Myrtle as village oracle.
Services:
- Mount Combat: Provides Olivia with enhanced mobility and tactical options
- Fey Step Access: Enables Olivia ’s teleportation abilities through fey connection
- Comic Relief: Romantic subplot with magical sheep provides entertainment
- Transportation: Reliable mount for difficult terrain and emergency situations
Crimson the Cardinal - Bru ’s Memorial Familiar#
First Appearance: Session 22 - “The Red
’s Last Flight”
Race: Mechanical Cardinal (Construct)
Profession: Familiar, Memorial Symbol
Affiliations: Bru
, Memory of Red
Special Characteristics:
- Jetpack Flight: Artificial propulsion instead of natural bird flight
- Memorial Purpose: Created as tribute to Red ’s memory and sacrifice
- Technical Innovation: Represents Bru ’s emotional response through engineering
- Symbolic Value: Maintains connection to lost party member
Bru’s Army - The Magical Creature Collective#
Formation: Sessions 14-21
Leadership: Felonias “Bru
” Bru
Members: Three dimensional-shifting lambs, Gus the cliff-climber, Jeffrey as “upper middle management”
Magical Abilities:
- Dimensional Shifting: Three lambs can transport beings to other planes temporarily
- Cliff Climbing: Gus provides access to otherwise unreachable locations
- Military Organization: Bru attempts to train them in formation fighting
- Chaos Factor: Their magical abilities often create unpredictable situations
Current Status: Continue following Bru as loyal magical creature army, provide both combat support and comic relief through their chaotic magical abilities and Bru ’s military leadership attempts.