Saviours of Harkenwold

Dougan is a large half-orc with gray-brown skin and protruding bottom-jaw tusks. His nose has clearly been repeatedly broken and badly set, and his face and body are scarred. His skin is leathery, and his hands are calloused, which makes him look all and all like he's tough enough to handle just about anything. But when he smiles, it's almost beatifically innocent and earnest, and his whole face lights up despite his looks. And, surprisingly, he has all his teeth.

Dougan is a man of few words and a short temper, but strong loyalties and a surprisingly intense protective instinct. He's been bullied and persecuted by human and orc alike, and it's made him tougher, but sensitive to teasing. He's just as quick to throw a punch in defense of his honor as he is to throw a punch in defense of anyone he sees as the bullied underdog or a victim. He doesn't like being teased about his half-orc heritage, his name, or the noble ideals he has about truly "civilized" humans--Harkenwolders, or Fallcresters.

He's a heavy drinker when he's caught up in strong negative emotions, but that only makes him a wilder, more intense fighter, rather than a sloppy drunk.

Daddy left home when I was three, didn't leave much to Ma and me, just this old waraxe and an empty bottle of booze. Now, I don't blame him cause he run and hid, but the meanest thing that he ever did was before he left, he went and named me "Dou"...
Dougan is a rarity among half-orcs: the child of an orcish mother and a human father. His mother was a furs trader for the Darkspear orc tribe of the Stonemarch, making money off of goat and mountain lion hides by selling them to merchants heading south to Winterhaven. One of these passing traders was a Harkenwold man named Caleb Dunharrow, who found himself irresistibly drawn to Granka Throckmarr. The two of them had a passionate fling that resulted in Dougan, who was raised in secret rendezvous sites throughout the Vale. They planned to eventually run away to Thunderspire or Fallcrest, where people might accept their...odd pairing. But Caleb Dunharrow lost faith at the last moment, though Granka never knew whether it was a fear of persecution or simply committment, and ran off, leaving nothing behind. Dougan's mother raised him among the Darkspear orcs, who never ceased to make fun of him for his human name and his insufficiently green skin. She would hold him close and tell him of his father's people in the Harkenwold, the noble humans who would embrace him and find him beautiful and free him from all the teasing. He learned to fight in that village, just to keep the bullies from beating him bloody for his looks.

When he was old enough, he fled his village and went to Winterhaven, his eyes bright and full of hope. They didn't accept him there, either. Half-orc was bad enough, but Half-orc with a human name, trying to put on airs of being civilized? That wasn't right, no sir. But barmen accepted good money for drinks, and good money for broken furniture, so when his temper flared up, he just fought whoever provoked him, paid for damages in some coins stripped off unconscious town drunks, and went on his way to the next town, slowly working his way towards his father's family in the Harkenwold. Maybe to try and find somewhere he'd be accepted. Or maybe just to confront his old man for what he'd done.

Well, I grew up quick and I grew up mean, my fist got hard and my wits got keen, and I'd roam from town to town to hide my shame.
But I made a vow to the moon and stars, that I'd search the honky-tonks and bars and get that man who gave me that awful name.

Dougan wants to find his father, or his father's family. He wants to find those legendary civilized humans who his mother told him about, because the other Vale-folk haven't exactly been welcoming. And if anything threatened his chances of meeting his father, he'd be first in line to stop them. Even if he's bound to punch his dad in the jaw, he'd kill anyone who'd try to take that opportunity from him by killing the old man.

And if he finds himself becoming more accepted or more well-liked because of his heroics, that would definitely be a reason to stick around.

statblock:Dougan Throckmarr

Dougan Throckmarr, Half-Orc Monk
Init +5 HP 31/31 Bloodied 15 Healing Surge 7 (0 used /9)
AC 20 Fort 16 Reflex 17 Will 15 Speed 6
Str 16 (+3) Con 14 (+2) Dex 18 (+4) Int 10 (0) Wis 13 (+1) Cha 8 (-1)

Std: MBA +9 vs AC, 1d8+4 damage. Monk Unarmed strike

Std: MBA,

Std/Mv: Five Storms At-Will Full Discipline, Implement, Psionic Standard Action Close burst 1 Target: Each enemy you can see in the burst Attack: +7 vs. Reflex Hit: 1d8 + 5 damage Level 21: 2d8 + Dexterity modifier damage. Five Storms [Movement Technique] You move like a whirlwind, spinning as you unleash an array of kicks and punches, which slam into your foes like a storm crashing onto the shore. At-Will Full Discipline, Psionic Move Action Personal Effect: You shift 2 squares.

Std/Mv: Five Storms,

Std/Mv: Dragon's Tail At-Will Full Discipline, Implement, Psionic Standard Action Melee touch Target: One creature Attack: +7 vs. Fortitude Hit: 1d6 + 5 damage, and you knock the target prone. Level 21: 2d6 + Dexterity modifier damage. Dragon's Tail [Movement Technique] Your hand lashes out like a dragon’s tail, and with the lightest touch unleashes power that knocks your foe to the ground. At-Will Full Discipline, Psionic Move Action Melee 1 Target: One ally or one prone enemy Effect: You swap places with the target.

Std/Mv: Dragon's Tail,

Std/Mv: Open the Gate of Battle Encounter Full Discipline, Implement, Psionic Standard Action Melee touch Target: One creature Attack: +7 vs. Reflex Hit: 2d10 + 5 damage. The target takes 1d10 extra damage if it was at full hit points when you hit it with this attack. Open the Gate of Battle [Movement Technique] Your sudden movement catches your foe unprepared, and you launch into your attack. Encounter Full Discipline, Psionic Move Action Personal Effect: You move your speed + 2. During this movement, you don’t provoke opportunity attacks from the first enemy you move away from.

Std/Mv: Open the Gate of Battle,

Std:Masterful Spiral Daily Force, Implement, Psionic, Stance Standard Action Close burst 2 Target: Each enemy in the burst Attack: +7 vs. Reflex Hit: 3d8 + 5 force damage. Miss: Half damage. Effect: You assume the spiral stance. Until the stance ends, your reach with melee touch attacks increases by 1.

Std:Masterful Spiral,

'II: Endure Pain' Daily Immediate Interrupt Personal Trigger: You are hit by an attack Effect: Until the end of your next turn, you gain resistance to all damage equal to 5 + your Constitution modifier. (7)

'II: Endure Pain',

'Std: Disrupting Advance' Encounter Martial, Weapon Standard Action Melee weapon Target: One creature Attack: +10 vs. AC Hit: 2d8 + 5 damage, and you push the target 2 squares. The target and each enemy adjacent to the target at the end of the push are slowed until the end of your next turn.

'Std: Disrupting Advance',

'Fr: Furious Assault' Encounter Free Action Personal Trigger: You hit an enemy with an attack. Effect: The attack deals 1[W] extra damage if it’s a weapon attack or 1d8 extra damage if it is not a weapon attack.

'Fr: Furious Assault',

'NA: Flurry of Blows' At-Will Psionic No Action Melee 1 Trigger: You hit with an attack during your turn Target: One creature Level 11: One or two creatures Level 21: Each enemy adjacent to you Effect: The target takes damage equal to 3 + your Strength modifier (6). If the target wasn’t targeted by the triggering attack, the damage increases by 2 [8] (4 at 11th level and 6 at 21st level). Special: You can use this power only once per round.

'NA: Flurry of Blows',

'Mi: Rain of Hammers Ki Focus' Implement: Ki focus Enhancement Bonus: attack rolls and damage rolls Critical: +1d6 damage per plus Property Whenever you reduce an enemy to 0 hit points or fewer, one enemy adjacent to you takes damage equal to 2 + this focus’s enhancement bonus damage. (3) Power Daily (Minor Action) Make an at-will attack against an enemy that you already hit with an attack during this turn.

'Mi: Rain of Hammers Ki Focus',

'NA: Flowform Armor' Armor: Cloth or leather Enhancement Bonus: AC Power (Augmentable) Encounter (No Action) Trigger: You're subjected to an effect that a save can end. Effect: You make a saving throw against the effect. Augment 1: You gain a bonus to the saving throw equal to the armor's enhancement bonus.

'NA: Flowform Armor',

'Mi:Cloak of Resistance' Neck Slot Enhancement Bonus: Fortitude, Reflex, and Will Power Daily (Minor Action) Gain resist 5 to all damage until the start of your next turn. Level 12: Resist 10 to all damage . Level 17: Resist 10 to all damage . Level 22: Resist 15 to all damage . Level 27: Resist 15 to all damage .

'Mi:Cloak of Resistance'
Notes

5: Bloodthread Armor
6: Iron Armbands of Power
7: Blurred Strike Ki Focus

Munir is the epitome of a dwarf. Stout and sometimes gruff he is essentially good hearted. Munir loves a decent keg of ale, his warhammer, Moradin, the warm fire of a hearth, dirty jokes, well-crafted anvils and being around close friends that he trusts - not necessarily in that order.

He is a decisive fellow and once he has made up his mind, he stands as indomitable as a mountain. Munir seeks to lead by example and thus he's always the first one in and the last one out when things get messy. It takes time to earn his trust but once you've got it - consider yourself extended family.

He has difficulties getting along with more "fickle" people - e.g. all those that tend to do not share is perspective regarding preserving things that should last and building things to last. Which is why he's sometimes impatient with humans (as they tend to take less of a long-term view) and outright angry with elves (who know that all things will eventually crumble). But if they show that they're good at heart, Munir is likely to forgive them their lack of proper appreciation for creation.

Munir was born at one of the small steadings that build Tor's Hold - one of the smallest gatherings of the free races in the Nentir Vale. Being as strong and as resilient as his father, Munir was raised to protect and defend his home from an early age due to the threat that the Toadwallow Caverns posed to the holdings. In peacetime though, Munir easily took the craft of his ancestors and excelled as a smith. However, his true calling only became apparent when he found a long lost book in his father's belongings. Brunin Foehammer had been an adventurer himself before he settled down in Harkenwold. The book contained writings of unknown arcane might - descriptions and explanations of the magic runes that hold the power of the Gods themselves.

While Brunin had never been able to do much with it - he had been a warrior through and through and believe in letting his axe speak the words of justice - Munir had immediately been taken with it. Every minute he could spare, Munir sat at the forge - at first reading, then crafting and then invoking the holy sigils, empowering his designs. Soon, it became apparent that Munir was not only a natural at the forge but had a gift at crafting the world itself in the way of the Dwarven Allfather - Moradin himself.
He was one of the God's Chosen, a Runepriest!

Having served his time, at some point his father's book could tell him no more. It was time for Munir to don his armor and set out on his own to find out what it truly meant to be a servant of Moradin but also in search of more knowledge regarding the words of power. So, he looked for companionship among those brave enough at Hakenwold to also seek their own path in the world and together they traveled to Hammerfast, the greatest settlement in the Nentir Vale in order to explore the dungeons and caverns deep beneath the Dwarven city. And there was lots to be found indeed. Long lost craftsmanship, armor and sword alike but also what he had hoped for - traces of the runes that were the true legacy of the Gods.

Munir would have probably stayed or even traveled further if it hadn't been for the terrible tales he and his companions had been been hearing time and again. Raiders, pillaging and burning all over Harkenwold.
His home! His friends! His family! It was no question that he had to return. And swiftly so!
He would not let Harkenwold sink into destruction and despair.

Harkenwold is Munir's home. He's grown up there, he has family in Tor's Hold and he has already fought to protect the place he loves - albeit on a smaller scale. While his search for truth and the power to create even stronger fortifications and wonders of stone and metal work with the power of the runes have lured him away from where he was born but deep within, Munir knows he'll always be of Harkenwold. When he once inscribes his own everlasting rune into the history books wants the world to know where Harkenwold is and that it is home to many fine dwarfs, some humans and halflings and perhaps even some agreeable elves. Anyhow, the world shall know that it's a place where heroes are born. And heroes defend the place where they belong!

Munir Foehammer, Dwarf Runepriest
Init +1 HP 33/33 Bloodied 16 Healing Surge 8 (0 used /10)
AC 20 Fort 16 Reflex 13 Will 14 Speed 5
Str 18 (+4) Con 16 (+3) Dex 10 (0) Int 10 (0) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 11 (0)
Melee Basic Std, Ranged Basic Std, Word of Dimnishment Std, Word of Shielding Std, Anvil of Battle Std , Rune of Mending Min, Rune of Endless Fire Std, Razor Shield IR, Icon of Victory Min
Notes
+5 saving throw vs. poison (Race)
Second wind = minor action (Race)
Hammer proficiency (Race + Class)
No speed reduction by armor (Race)
Can move 1 less when forced to move (Race)
Saving throw when forced to ground (Race)
Can enter rune states (Class)
Power option: Destruction rune (Class)
Power option: Protection rune (Class)
Rune of mending power (s. powers) (Class)
Protection rune: Adjacent allies can gain resist 2/all
Destruction rune: +1 attack against enemies next to me (Class)
Proficiency w/ maces (Class)
When bloodied +1 dmg (Feat)
+1 dmg w/ hammers (Feat)

Just a heads-up - I think my items for levels 2-4 would probably also change depending on whether and when we get those 5-7 items. If I can get hold of a level 7 hammer, I'd love to but obviously there' be no need for a level 4 hammer any longer.

So, without further ado, here's my wish list:

• Level 7: +2 Dwarven Armor (Drakescale Armor)
• Level 6: +2 Challenge-Seeking Weapon (Warhammer)
• Level 5: +1 Chainreach Weapon (Throwing Hammer)
• Level 4: +1 Disk of Energy Resistance
• Level 3: Flame Bracers

Valdred is a young man of medium height and a slightly stocky build, with piercing eyes of emerald green. His hair is long and shaggy, his beard heavy despite his tender years. He typically dresses in soft leathers of unrelieved black, and often dons a mask while going about his work. He is well known for the huge arbalest he carries, one of the mighty crossbows that the Valdreds of Marl have built their fortune on, but his prized possession is an odd cloak, said to be woven of shadows and spidersilk. The cloak has a disquieting effect of making its wearer seem vague and indistinct from a distance.

Valdred the Green is a curiosity to many, one of the few Valdreds who dwells among the regular folk. He seems likable enough, but somewhat strange--but the Valdreds have always been strange. He is fearless in a fight, or when scaling a sheer cliff, but tends to be shy and unassuming around people. He is too serious for his own good, without much of a sense of humor, often brooding silently over perceived slights. He has no duplicity in him, which takes many by surprise, coming as he does from a long line of brigands and shrewd dealers.

Valdred the Green, son of Valdred One-Eye, grandson of Valdred the Merciful. He is the youngest of his household, and the only one left unmarried. Unlike most of his kin, he has traveled extensively beyond the family holdings and is familiar with lands outside the Harkenwold. He makes a living as a thief-catcher, tracking outlaws and rustlers when there's a bounty to be had, and during quieter times acts as a forester for the Barony. Occasionally his work takes him as far as Hammerfast.

The Valdreds of Marl are too numerous to be counted--mainly because they keep to themselves and don't look kindly on strangers. Back in the old days, the Valdreds of Marl were famous as brigands and outlaws, but they left their dark ways behind them some time ago. Now they are merchants and artisans, crafting the finest crossbows to be found in many lands. The custom they bring has made Marl a prosperous town and encouraged its citizens to overlook their troublesome past and odd proclivities. The Valdreds of Marl are clannish and insular, but they get along with their neighbors as long as they are left alone.

Valdred is very worried about the rumors from Harkenwold. On the one hand, he's concerned for the safety of his family, the whole sprawling lot of them. On the other hand, he's worried that the Valdreds of Marl might be behind these rumors--after all, banditry is in his blood, and it wasn't so many generations ago that the Valdreds were the scourge of the 'wold. He's heading home, but he's unsure of what he's walking into, or which side he'll end up on if the Valdreds are the source of the unrest. His service to the Barony has taught him a few things, though, and when the blades are bared, there's a good chance he'll come out on the side of honor and right, no matter the personal cost.

Valdred, Human Hunter
Init +13 HP 29/29 Bloodied 14 Healing Surge 7 ( used /7)
AC 17 Fort 15 Reflex 20 Will 16 Speed 6
Str 12 (+1) Con 12 (+1) Dex 18 (+4) Int 10 (0) Wis 16 (+3) Cha 8 (-1)
Aimed Shot, Clever Shot, Rapid Shot, Heroic Effort, Disruptive Shot, Surprise Strike, Aspect of the Lurking Spider, Aspect of the Pouncing Lynx, Invigorating Stride
Notes

• Crossbow Expertise: You ignore partial cover and superior cover with weapon attacks you make with a crossbow.
• Superior Reflexes: Gain combat advantage against all enemies during your first turn in an encounter.

• Crossbow Hunter: If a crossbow you wield has the load minor property, you can instead reload it as a free action.
• Watchful Rest: When you take an extended rest, you and any allies also taking the rest do not take the -5 penalty to Perception checks for sleeping.
• Wilderness Tracker: During a short rest, you can make a Perception check (DC determined by the DM) to inspect the area around you. This area can be as large as 10 squares on a side. If your check succeeds, you determine the number and nature of the creatures that have moved through the area in the past 24 hours. You ascertain when and where they entered the area, as well as when and where they left.

Acrobatics +10, Arcana +1, Athletics +8, Bluff +0, Diplomacy +0, Dungeoneering +9, Endurance +2, Heal +4, History +1, Insight +4, Intimidate +0, Nature +9, Perception +11, Religion +1, Stealth +11, Streetwise +0, Thievery +5

[b]No Action:[/b] Valdred uses [ooc=Heroic Effort] Encounter Encounter
No Action Personal
Trigger: You miss with an attack or fail a saving throw.
Effect: You gain a +4 racial bonus to the attack roll or the saving throw. [/ooc]

[b]No Action:[/b] Valdred uses [ooc=Surprise Strike] Encounter Encounter
Encounter Martial
No Action Special
Trigger: When using a basic attack or an at-will weapon attack power, you hit an enemy that is granting combat advantage to you.
Effect: The enemy is dazed until the end of your next turn. [/ooc]

[b]Immediate Reaction:[/b] Valdred uses [ooc=Weave Through the Fray] Encounter Martial
Immediate Interrupt Personal
Trigger: An enemy moves adjacent to you
Effect: You can shift a number of squares equal to your Wisdom modifier. [/ooc]

[b]Minor Action:[/b] Valdred uses [ooc=Aspect of the Lurking Spider] At-Will Primal, Stance
Minor Action Personal
Effect: You assume a stance, the aspect of the lurking spider. Until the stance ends, you gain the following benefits.
* You gain a +2 power bonus to Stealth checks.
* You gain a +5 power bonus to Athletics checks made to climb.
* While you have combat advantage against an enemy, you gain a +2 power bonus to damage rolls against it.
Level 11: The bonus to damage rolls increases to +3.
Level 21: The bonus to damage rolls increases to +4. [/ooc]

[b]Minor Action:[/b] Valdred uses [ooc=Aspect of the Pouncing Lynx] At-Will Primal, Stance
Minor Action Personal
Effect: You assume a stance, the aspect of the pouncing lynx. Until the stance ends, you gain the following benefits.
* You gain a +4 power bonus to initiative checks.
* During your first turn in an encounter, you gain a +2 power bonus to attack rolls.
* You gain a power bonus to all defenses against opportunity attacks that you provoke by moving. The bonus equals your Wisdom modifier. [/ooc]

[b]Move Action:[/b] Valdred uses [ooc=Invigorating Stride] Encounter Healing, Martial
Move Action Personal
Effect: You shift a number of squares equal to your Wisdom modifier and must not end the shift adjacent to any enemy. You can use your second wind. [/ooc]

[b]Standard Action:[/b] Valdred attacks ZZZ with [ooc=Ranged Basic Attack] At-Will Martial
Standard Action Range 20/40
Attack: +12 vs. AC
Hit: 1d10+5 damage
With CA: +2 attack
[/ooc] [dice=Attack (AC)]1d20+12[/dice] [Damage]1d10+5[/dice]

[b]Standard Action:[/b] Valdred attacks ZZZ with [ooc=Aimed Shot] At-Will Martial
Standard Action Personal
Effect: You make a ranged basic attack with a weapon, ignoring the penalty to attack rolls imposed by partial cover and partial concealment. In addition, the penalty to attack rolls imposed by superior cover and total concealment is no worse than -2 for this attack.
[/ooc] [dice=Attack (AC)]1d20+12[/dice] [Damage]1d10+5[/dice]

[b]Standard Action:[/b] Valdred attacks ZZZ with [ooc=Clever Shot] At-Will Martial
Standard Action Personal
Effect: You make a ranged basic attack with a weapon. If the attack hits, the target is also subject to one of the following effects of your choice:
* You slide the target up to 2 squares.
* The target falls prone.
* The target is slowed (save ends).
[/ooc] [dice=Attack (AC)]1d20+12[/dice] [Damage]1d10+5[/dice]

[b]Standard Action:[/b] Valdred attacks ZZZ with [ooc=Rapid Shot] At-Will Martial
Standard Action Personal
Effect: You make a ranged basic attack with a weapon against each creature in or adjacent to a square within the attack’s range. You take a -2 penalty to the attack rolls.
[/ooc] [dice=Attack (AC)]1d20+12[/dice] [Damage]1d10+5[/dice]

[b]Standard Action:[/b] Valdred attacks ZZZ with [ooc=Disruptive Shot] Encounter Martial, Weapon
Standard Action Ranged weapon
Target: One creature
Attack: Dexterity vs. AC
Hit: 1[W] + Dexterity modifier damage, and you choose for the target to be either immobilized (save ends) or dazed (save ends).
Level 17: 2[W] + Dexterity modifier damage.
Level 27: 3[W] + Dexterity modifier damage.
Miss: Half damage, and the target is slowed until the end of your next turn.
[/ooc] [dice=Attack (AC)]1d20+11[/dice] [Damage]1d10+5[/dice] ZZZ is immobilized (save ends) or dazed (save ends).

Valdred, level 2
Human, Hunter
Archery Style: Crossbow Hunter
Ranger Wilderness Knacks: Wilderness Tracker
Ranger Wilderness Knacks: Watchful Rest
Human Power Selection: Heroic Effort
Background: Occupation - Bounty Hunter (+2 to Perception)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 12, Con 12, Dex 18, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 8.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 12, Con 12, Dex 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 8.


AC: 18 Fort: 15 Reflex: 20 Will: 16
HP: 29 Surges: 7 Surge Value: 7

TRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +10, Nature +9, Stealth +11, Dungeoneering +9, Athletics +8, Perception +11

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +1, Bluff, Diplomacy, Endurance +2, Heal +4, History +1, Insight +4, Intimidate, Religion +1, Streetwise, Thievery +5

FEATS
Human: Weapon Proficiency (Superior crossbow)
Level 1: Improved Initiative
Level 2: Superior Reflexes

POWERS
Hunter aspect of the wild 1: Aspect of the Lurking Spider
Hunter aspect of the wild 1: Aspect of the Pouncing Lynx
Level 2 Hunter Utility Power: Invigorating Stride

ITEMS
Cloak of Distortion +1, Sylvan Leather Armor +1, Eagle Eye Goggles (heroic tier), Magic Superior crossbow +1, Adventurer's Kit, Climber's Kit, Everburning Torch, Crossbow Bolts (160), Dagger (5)

7: Boltshard Superior Crossbow +2
6: Bracers of Archery
5:
4: Gauntlets of Blood
3: Sehanine's Mark of the Dark Moon
2: Acrobat Boots

Riven is physically impressive standing just over 6-feet tall with a well-muscled build. He wears his thick brown hair shoulder length with piercing green eyes. His skin is fair although his hands are rough and have seen may days of hard labor doing chores for Fineous. Beneath his heavy plate armor are the simple clothes of native of Albridge. His bastard sword is carefully sheathed in a tattered, old scabbard at his waist. Across his back is a warm, simple gray cloak intended more for comfort than show.

Despite the intense look of a deadly defender of Bahamut, there is a youthful fire behind those green eyes that looks for a better tomorrow for of the Harkenwold.

Despite his humble upbringing, Riven has always been a very driven and forceful personality. He often has strong opinions, although he is tolerant enough to listen to others points of view. He recognizes that his worldly experiences are limiting and that it sometimes is beneficial to listen to his elders (or so Fineous reminded him daily). He is a staunch enemy of evil and will pursue it relentlessly and without mercy. He sees his role to be a punisher of the wicked and Bahamut's shining sword to smite back the darkness. But despite all his bravado, he is impressionable and young and still trying to find what destiny awaits him.

Riven was the ward of Fineous Drake, a retired paladin of Bahamut who gave up his sword and shield long before the boy was born. His parents unknown, Fineous found the boy on the side of the road as a toddler. Owning a small plot of land in Albridge, Riven earned his keep around the house tending to the aging man. Finenous taught the boy the scriptures of Bahamut, along with a few other faithful in the community. When he was old enough, he learned how to use a sword although only to shut up the insistent young boy who's head was filled with fanciful tales of adventure and smiting evil villains.

He trained for a good number of years with the local men-at-arms, a cad name Denevar, who when sober, taught him every dirty trick in a fight. Despite his rough edges, the old paladin had an implicit trust with the man. He also was taught by Fineous' friend, Reithann, the druid from the nearby grove. It seemed the two of them knew each other from a long time past, although the druid was in far better condition despite her age. Reithann knew all the fighting drills well and was not shy about crossing her oaken staff with Riven's blade (a contest the old druid almost always won). The two would travel to the grove periodically, although not as often as the boy would like because Fineous was often too tired to make the short trip.

When he was old enough, Reithann would take him on her tours of the Harkenwold for reasons she kept to herself. Riven would meet any manner of persons during these week-long treks as the old druid seemed to be known throughout the area. The travels satisfied the teenage boy's wanderlust and still kept him close to home fearing for the failing health of his aging mentor. After returning from one of these trips, he came home to a gruesome sight. The front door of the house had been broken down and Denevar was there with his men. He forbid Riven to enter the house sparing him the terrible sight of his murdered adopted father. Overcome with grief, he demanded to know what happened. The truth was surprising to the young paladin, "They were looking for you. An unsavory lot were asking around town for you and that lead them here."

This reality hit him like a sledgehammer. Not understanding why this tradegy occured, but not wishing to inflict harm on any more of good citizens of Albridge, he sought to set out to the Hammerfast to lose himself in adventure and to live the tales of his great mentor. Denevar passed along to him the fallen paladin's sword and armor, and wished him well. The lack of purpose served him for a time, but he found his thoughts drifting back to the Harkenwold. And now with the rumors of banditry within the vale, it seems it was far more than time for him to return and serve the community that has served him so long. It is the will of Bahamut that he be given a second chance to show his worth, and he will prove himself worthy.

There are several reasons why Riven has strong ties to the Harkenwold:

• A memory of his mentor - Seeking to honor the memory of Fineous Drake and all the good he stood for, he cannot allow the Harkenwold to fall into darkness.
• Loyalty to Reithann - The aging woman was not only a teacher, but as close to a mother figure as he would ever remember.
• Loose "Friendship" with Denevar - Although the warrior was a horrible role model, a drunkard, a cad, and a dirty fighter, he did teach him how to win a battle. Thankfully Fineous and the scriptures of Bahamut taught him tolerance and honor, or he might have chosen another path.

Rivenalis Cambryn, Human Paladin
Init +1 HP 33+2/33 Bloodied 16 Healing Surge 12 (5 used /11)
AC 22 Fort 18 Reflex 16 Will 17 Speed 5
Str 18 (+4) Con 12 (+1) Dex 10 (0) Int 8 (-1) Wis 16 (+3) Cha 12 (+1)
Melee Basic Attack (Std), Ranged Basic Attack (Std), Holy Strike (Std), Valiant Strike (Std), Ardent Strike (Std), Divine Challenge (Min), Lay on Hands (2/3) (Min), Channel Divinity (Min), Divine Pursuit (Std), Takedown Strike (No Action), Blood of the Mighty (Std), Virtue (Min), Bastard Sword of Defense (Daily - II), Dwarven Plate Armor +1 (Daily - Free), CatStep Boots (Daily - Free)
Notes

• Swift Recovery: +3 bonus to healing surge value
  
• Mighty Challenge: Add Str modify to Divine Challenge damage
  
• Weapon Proficiency - Bastard Sword: Ability to wield a bastard sword
  

• Channel Divinity: Once per encounter you can invoke divine power, filling yourself with the might of Bahamut. You can use Divine Mettle and Divine Strength.
  
• Lay on Hands:
  
• Divine Sanction: You are able to mark a foe with specific powers. Until the mark ends, the target takes 4 (3 + 1 Cha) radiant damage the first time each round it makes an attack that doesn't include you as a target.
  

• Belt of Vigor: +1 to healing surge value
  
• Bastard Sword of Defense +1: DR 1
  
• Dwarven Plate Armor +1: +1 to Endurance
  
• Cat Step Boots: Half damage from falls and never land prone
  

Aliss takes after her human mother more than her elven father, being of good, solid Harkenwold stock and stockier than the long, lean forms of the elves. Her one point of vanity is her soft red hair, which she cleans and brushes whenever she has the opportunity, and does her best to keep from being set alight. She wears a heavy leather coat and apron bought from Harken's smith, and re-purposed to protect her from any errant uses of her power. Beneath it much of her skin is hidden by bandages that serve to cover up and protect the burns from that night in the Tower of Green Flame, which have still not entirely healed.

Aliss is basically good-natured, though the challenges of the past year have started to take their toll on her optimism. She finds herself growing angry much more easily as well, though she has not yet begun to suspect that this is a result of whatever influence gave her the mastery over the green fire. After being so close to her brother for so long she still hasn't quite mentally accepted dealing with people in his absence, and she'll still turn to the side to share an insult or joke but not find him there. She enjoys the freedom of being away from Harken and the sense of adventure that comes from meeting new people and seeing new places, and is trying to work out for herself just what her future holds.

Aliss was born to Annest Weaver of Harken and an elven father that she never met, has heard little of, and who in any case has not been seen in the village in nearly a score of years. After that rather brief romance, her mother settled down with Edwy, the cobbler of Harken and an altogether more reliable sort of man, and into a lasting marriage. Edwy and Annest had a son, Edwin, only a year-and-a-half younger than Aliss, and the two were inseparable growing up. The half-siblings caused far more than their fair share of mischief about town, with Edwin's ability to find his way into any locked place and knowledge of the town and surrounding woods well-complemented by Aliss' ability to talk her way out of the worst of any punishment that might come their way after any mischief was accomplished.

But the pair's charmed lifestyle came to an abrupt end a year ago. The two of them had always derided the other townsfolk for their fear of the Tower of Green Flame while secretly sharing in it, full of youthful braggadocio as they were. After all, wasn't it their town? Oh, the Baron might hold it, but they were sure that they'd seen more of it than he ever would. And so, after a few weeks talking themselves into it, they snuck into the tower one night to brave whatever the worst it could throw at them was. Only Annest came out again.

She doesn't remember anything after she and her brother went through the ancient doorway, having been discovered nearly catatonic back at their parents' house with her hands wrapped around a gnarled stave and covered in fresh burns. As soon as she awoke she ran back to the tower, only to find three dusty rooms and some abandoned birds' nests with no sign of her brother or whatever flames had caused her injury. Just emptiness and silence.

At first, she had the town's sympathy. Everyone knew of the siblings' penchant for getting into trouble but had been convinced of their general goodness, and surely neither of them had deserved the fate that had befallen them. But as time went on, there were some mean-spirited whispers about what Aliss might have done to live where her brother had not, whispers that said that her lack of memory was just a ruse. And her situation was not helped by some of the magic of the Tower of Green Flame clinging to her. Whenever she grew annoyed green fires flickered about her hands and her eyes, and she was annoyed and angry often, given the murmurings of the town and the way that the death of her brother gnawed at her. With effort, she was able to acquire some control over the fires she summoned, and so when a group passed by on the way to Hammerfast, it was easy to join them. Harken was no longer a home without her brother or the regard of the people she had known her whole life, who had raised her and who she looked up to, and having them turn their back on her caused her to do the same to them.

For all the fact that she blames the people of Harken for the way they treated her, she cares for them still, despite herself. If she has to deal with their fear and superstition to save them, then so be it. And perhaps returning to the vicinity of Harken will let her discover what exactly happened that day and what she received at such a high cost...

Aliss Weaver, Half-Elven Sorcerer (Elementalist), Infernal Prince
Init +2 HP 34/35 Bloodied 17 Healing Surge 8 (0 used /10)
AC 16 Fort 16 Reflex 13 Will 18 Speed 6
Str 10 (0) Con 18 (+4) Dex 12 (+1) Int 10 (0) Wis 10 (0) Cha 18 (+4)
MBA (Standard), RBA: Elemental Bolt (Standard), Ignition (Standard), Elemental Escalation (Fire) (Free), [1], Hellish Rebuke (Standard), Knack for Success (Minor), Hellfire Heart (None), Dragonflame Mantle (Interrupt), Viper Belt (None)
Notes -
Resist 5 fire, resist 5 poison
Low-light Vision, Group Diplomacy
Background: +2 Arcana
Empowered Crit: +1d10 extra damage on critical hit

L2: Eagle Eye Goggles
L3: Master's Wand of Hellish Rebuke
L4:
L5: Amulet of Life (Dragon 381)
L6: Burning Gauntlets (Adventurer's Vault)
L7:

Wik (a.k.a., "Quick-Wik") finds life much easier when she isn't noticed, so she dresses to try and blend in to whatever crowd in which she finds herself. In most of the towns around Harkenwold she dresses like a young Human street urchin: raggedy clothes, messy hair, dirty face. Of course, under the tattered clothes are hidden numerous pouches and pockets where Wik keeps the tools of her "trade".

Wik lives up to her peoples' reputation: friendly, cheerful, unconcerned with larger matters (politics, religion, etc.), and intensely curious. She has a short attention span, and is easily distracted by anything that promises to be more amusing than her current situation. Just as she dresses like a child to keep out of notice, so does she act the part, often putting on a show of being silly and playful, intentionally trying to appear non-threatening.

Quickly bored with her family's tribal life along the White River, Wik left (not entirely of her own choice) and has spent most of her life travelling from town to town, exploring the halls and houses of whatever place she happens to be in at that moment. Typically she would stow away with a larger caravan, staying hidden or pretending to be a child of one of the families within. When she arrived at the destination she would immediately start to look for a barn or storage building or other structure where she could set herself up a hidden cache, and from there she'd spend her days sneaking into every place that looked like it might present an amusing challenge.

A few times before Wik has been convinced to join a larger group of (adventurers? thieves? plunderers?) like-minded individuals to take on a challenge that was too great for her to try alone (the haunted crypt of a wealthy family, Dwarven-mined caves rumoured to contain long-lost treasures), but these collaborations were short-lived, often ending in bloodshed and betrayal within the group. So far this latest group seems like it could be different, but you never know...

Greatest Virtue
For all her thieving ways, Wik does not truly want to hurt anyone. She takes what she needs to survive, but never from anyone that doesn't seem to be able to handle the loss. Valuables stolen for her amusement usually end up being returned in an equally unexpected way; an heirloom medallion is discovered under the duke's hat, a jeweled necklace shows up around the neck of a loyal guard dog.

Greatest Weakness
Wik's learned paranoia and inability to trust anyone has kept her from forming the connections that would be so valuable in her nomadic life. Guilds that have welcomed her with open arms and safe homes are rejected for fear of betrayal, and true friends are abandoned before they could turn against her.

Story Hooks (optional)
Wik was exiled from the Reedfoot clan for nearly causing a war between two of the families over a "missing" heirloom suddenly appearing on the figurehead of the other boat.

For all her acts of independence, Wik still thinks of herself (though never admitted openly) as a proud member of the Reedfoot clan, and both loves and misses her home and family. She always believed that one day, after her adventuring days were over, she would return and be welcomed back to her home on the river.

Hearing stories of the violence taking place in Harkenwold, Wik is terrified for the safety of her people. Thankfully her companions also have personal reasons to return to Harkenwold, and they set out for home immediately.

Wik, Halfling Rogue (Scoundrel)
Init +6 HP 28/28 Bloodied 14 Healing Surge 7 (0 used /6)
AC 18 Fort 13 Reflex 18 Will 15 Speed 6
Str 12 (+1) Con 11 (0) Dex 19 (+4) Int 8 (-1) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 17 (+3)
Melee Basic Attack (Standard), Ranged Basic Attack (Standard),
Acrobatic Strike (Standard), Deft Strike (Standard),
Running Slash (Standard), Opening Move (Standard),
Duelist's Prowess (Minor), Duelist's Prowess Attack (II),
Fast Hands (Free), Second Chance (II), Feyleaf Vambraces
Notes

• +5 to saving throws against fear (Race)
• +2 AC vs Opportunity Attacks (Race)
• +CHA (+3) AC vs Opportunity Attacks (Class)
• At the start of every encounter, you have combat advantage against any creatures that have not yet acted in that encounter. (Class)
• Deal +2d6 extra damage (once per turn) to an enemy you hit while it was granting Combat Advantage to you. (Class)
• +2 AC when adjacent to two or more enemies larger than you. (Feat)

DND4E File Download

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Wik, level 2
Halfling, Rogue (Scoundrel)
Build: Trickster Rogue
Rogue Tactics Option: Artful Dodger
Rogue Option: Scoundrel Weapon Talent
Halfling - Banned (+2 to Bluff)
Theme: Guttersnipe

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 12, CON 11, DEX 18, INT 8, WIS 14, CHA 16

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 12, CON 11, DEX 16, INT 8, WIS 14, CHA 14


AC: 18 Fort: 13 Ref: 18 Will: 15
HP: 28 Surges: 6 Surge Value: 7

TRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +12, Bluff +11, Perception +8, Stealth +10, Streetwise +9, Thievery +12

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +0, Athletics +2, Diplomacy +4, Dungeoneering +3, Endurance +1, Heal +3, History +0, Insight +3, Intimidate +4, Nature +3, Religion +0

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Guttersnipe Attack: Running Slash
Halfling Racial Power: Second Chance
Rogue Attack 1: Acrobatic Strike
Rogue Attack 1: Deft Strike
Rogue Attack 1: Opening Move
Rogue Attack 1: Duelist's Prowess
Thievery Utility 2: Fast Hands

FEATS
Level 1: Lost in the Crowd
Level 2: Two-Weapon Fighting

ITEMS
Hidden Dagger +1 x1
Dagger x3
Leather Armor of Escape +1 x1
Necklace of Keys +1 x1
Adventurer's Kit
Climber's Kit
Thieves' Tools
Camouflaged Clothing
Crowbar
Disguise Kit
Footpads
Glass Cutter
Block, tackle, and winch
Crook-eye
Potion of Water Walking
Potion of Cure Light Wounds
Gambler's gear
Gambling cheats
Ball bearings
Caltrops
Hidden item compartment
Potion of Healing
Potion of Eladrin Shape
Feyleaf Vambraces
====== End ======

I've listed multiple items for each level, any of which I would be very happy to receive. If you would prefer I narrow it down to just one item per level, please let me know. I've tried to pick gear that suits the character and her background, instead of just the mechanically "optimal" choices.

Level 3:

• +1 Rhythm Parrying Dagger
• Catstep Boots

Level 4:

• Feyleaf Vambraces
• Wavestrider Boots
• Flaying Gloves
• Viper Belt
• Guardian's Whistle

Level 5:

• Bracers of Brachiation
• Boots of the Dryad
• Gloves of Agility
• Stag Helm
• Barbed Baldric
• Chime of Opening
• Bag of Holding

Level 6:

• +2 Gambler's Suit
• +2 Imposter's Armor
• Sandals of Precise Stepping
• Shoes of Water Walking
• Goblin Stompers
• Knifethrower's Gloves
• Crown of Doors
• Belt of Flanker's Bane

Level 7:

• +2 Goblin Totem Dagger
• +2 Shipboard Armor
• +2 Elusive Armor
• Bracers of Escape
• Boots of the Fencing Master
• Dual-Threat Gauntlets
• +2 Elven Cloak
• +2 Deep-Pocket Cloak

Gretta is a short woman with a solid build. She has dark hair, pale skin and piercing green eyes.

She is no longer young but not quite old. She was never beautiful but neither is she hideous or anything.

However, unless she works to hide it she is always accompanied by a somewhat off-putting sense. Things are cold or unexpectedly hot around her, sounds are muted or amplified, folks might feel as if they have ants on their skin, etc.. When she wants to be intimidating she can amplify this effect, but it also comes out whenever she isn't trying to suppress it.

Of course her familiar, Wart, is as ugly as you would expect. He's got a sack-like body and spindly arms and legs and almost no neck.

Gretta has been poorly used by life so far, she has lost a lot. She is not only a widow but lost both her children, one to illness and the other to a life of intolerant religiosity.

However she believes that her pacts with infernal forces have given her the power that she needs to take control of her situation.

She's well intentioned and wants to do good with the power that she has. But she isn't really sympathetic or nurturing. She doesn't put up with foolishness either.

Gretta the Whisperer lived alone on the edge of the Briar Hills, once every month like clockwork she made the treck into Easthill with herbs and produce from her garden. She has a sharp tongue and a quick temper. Rumors surround her and presage her coming. They say she has the evil eye, that a farmer who crossed her a few years ago had all his crops fail, that she can twist a man's mind with her infernal arts. They say that she talks to demons and turns invisible.

However, as quick as the locals are to blame her for their ill luck they all know that she has the sight. In these parts folk are in the habit of taking walks when they have serious decisions to make. Often business decisions are put on hold for both parties to 'consult the gardens'. The most portentous decisions are said to be 'for the hills'. It is said, in confidence, that more than one walk 'for the hills' has included a visit to the isolated farmhouse where Gretta resides. No one admits to relying on her Augury -- but just the same, many return from a walk in those same hills with a new perspective.

Gretta has few fast friends but one, the miller of Easthill, tells everyone he can that Gretta is a misunderstood lady, a widow who's lived through tough times. However, when the wine starts flowing this same miller tells a curious story. He says that one time he took her home in his cart, delivering some bit of furniture to her farmhouse, when they were attacked by beasts, bugbears -- two of them. The horses bolted, the miller lost control and Gretta was thrown from the wagon. When the horses had run out their spirits and the miller finally had them in hand he turned around and rushed back to where Gretta had fallen, fearing the worst after leaving a lady alone with such beasts. He found her sitting on a stone near the path, mending her dress. When questioned about the bugbears she said only that she'd "shooed them off".

No one knows why but Gretta house was found recently boarded up, weeds covering the garden. Some say that she's passed away but the miller has a letter that he says is in her hand, asking for him to look over the house for a while. Where she's gone no one seems to know.

Gretta has strong ties to the Harkenwold. She lives near Easthill and wants to see her community thrive.

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