NPC Party: The Scarlet Vagabonds

Volthius

Volthius

— 3 min read
NPC Party: The Scarlet Vagabonds

The Scarlet Vagabonds are a well-rounded adventuring band whose dynamic personalities and conflicting motivations make them intriguing allies—or formidable rivals—for the players' party. Valdrik the Ironheart leads with a strong moral compass and a desire for justice, often clashing with Kelsan Quickfingers, whose selfish pursuits could lead to risky decisions that jeopardize group cohesion. Edrina of the Veil and Saria Moonpetal provide a potent combination of arcane might and finesse, though their philosophical differences about the nature of magic could create subtle tensions. Brother Joram serves as the party's spiritual anchor, advocating for righteousness while quietly harboring doubts about Kelsan's chaotic tendencies.

Depending on the scenario, the Scarlet Vagabonds might cross paths with the players in a dungeon delve, seeking the same artifact or treasure, and their conflicting goals could lead to tense negotiations, sabotage, or outright combat. Conversely, they could be willing collaborators, especially if the players align with Valdrik and Joram's lawful ideals—or if they can offer Kelsan a more lucrative deal. Their balanced skill set allows them to mirror and challenge the players' capabilities, creating opportunities for intense rivalries, moral dilemmas, and unexpected alliances.

Valdrik the Ironheart

  • Class: Fighter Level 2
  • Alignment: Lawful
  • Proficiencies: Weapon Focus (swords and daggers), Alertness
  • Motivation: Prove his honor and establish a martial order
  • STR 16 (+2)
  • DEX 11 (+0)
  • CON 14 (+1)
  • INT 10 (+0)
  • WIS 13 (+1)
  • CHA 12 (+0)

Combat Stats:

  • HP: 12
  • AC: 6 (Chain [5] + shield [+1])
  • Attack Throw: 9+
  • Damage: Short sword 1d+2
  • Cleave: 2
  • Saving Throws:
    • Paralysis: 12+
    • Death: 13+
    • Blast: 14+
    • Implements: 15+
    • Spells: 16+

Edrina of the Veil

  • Class: Mage Level 2
  • Alignment: Neutral
  • Proficiencies: Magical Engineering, Knowledge (Arcane History)
  • Motivation: Seek ancient knowledge to prevent abuse of magic
  • STR 8 (-1)
  • DEX 12 (+0)
  • CON 10 (+0)
  • INT 17 (+2)
  • WIS 13 (+1)
  • CHA 11 (+0)

Combat Stats:

  • HP: 5
  • AC: 0 (no armor, unmodified)
  • Attack Throw: 10+
  • Damage: Dagger or staff (1d4)
  • Spells/day: 2 × 1st level
  • Repertoire: Beguile Humanoid, Slumber
  • Saving Throws:
    • Paralysis: 13+
    • Death: 13+
    • Blast: 15+
    • Implements: 11+
    • Spells: 12+

Kelsan Quickfingers

  • Class: Thief Level 2
  • Alignment: Chaotic
  • Proficiencies: Skulking, Eavesdropping
  • Motivation: Wealth and notoriety
  • STR 10 (+0)
  • DEX 17 (+2)
  • CON 12 (+0)
  • INT 11 (+0)
  • WIS 9 (+0)
  • CHA 13 (+1)

Combat Stats:

  • HP: 7
  • AC: 4 (Leather [2] + DEX +2)
  • Attack Throw: 10+
  • Damage: Short sword 1d6
  • Backstab: +4 to hit, +1 damage die
  • Thief Skills:
    • Climbing: 5+
    • Hiding: 18+
    • Listening: 13+
    • Lockpicking: 17+
    • Pickpocketing: 16+
    • Searching: 17+
    • Sneaking: 16+
    • Trapbreaking: 17+
  • Saving Throws:
    • Paralysis: 13+
    • Death: 13+
    • Blast: 13+
    • Implements: 14+
    • Spells: 15+

Saria Moonpetal

  • Class: Elven Spellsword Level 2
  • Alignment: Neutral
  • Proficiencies: Combat Reflexes, Quiet Magic
  • Motivation: Restore her honor and find a noble cause
  • STR 13 (+1)
  • DEX 14 (+1)
  • CON 12 (+0)
  • INT 14 (+1)
  • WIS 10 (+0)
  • CHA 13 (+1)

Combat Stats:

  • HP: 8
  • AC: 6 (Elven chain [5] + DEX +1)
  • Attack Throw: 10+
  • Damage: Short sword 1d6+1 or longbow 1d6+1
  • Spells/day: 2 × 1st level
  • Repertoire: Illumination, Blinding Flash
  • Saving Throws:
    • Paralysis: 11+
    • Death: 13+
    • Blast: 14+
    • Implements: 15+
    • Spells: 15+

Brother Joram

  • Class: Crusader Level 2
  • Alignment: Lawful
  • Proficiencies: Healing, Theology
  • Motivation: Spread his faith and protect the downtrodden
  • STR 11 (+0)
  • DEX 10 (+0)
  • CON 13 (+1)
  • INT 10 (+0)
  • WIS 16 (+2)
  • CHA 14 (+1)

Combat Stats:

  • HP: 8
  • AC: 6 (Chain [5] + shield [+1])
  • Attack Throw: 10+
  • Damage: Mace 1d6
  • Spells/day: 2 × 1st level (choose from full repertoire; likely Cure Light Injury, Holy Circle)
  • Class Power: Rebuke undead
  • Saving Throws:
    • Paralysis: 13+
    • Death: 10+
    • Blast: 16+
    • Implements: 13+
    • Spells: 15+

Party Dynamics

  • Valdrik and Brother Joram bond over their shared lawful values.
  • Edrina and Saria respect each other’s magic but debate philosophical differences.
  • Kelsan’s antics often amuse Edrina but frustrate Valdrik, who struggles to keep him in line.

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