Jinabi, Forest Gnome Druid of the Lands

[Ensou]

 

Name, Class: Jinabi, Druid of the Commune Militia

Character Concept: Walking toolbox to empower his team against wilderness or adventuring challenges, and enduring battlefield controller for his companions.

Lineage, Background, Planned-Subclass: Forest Gnome, Outlander, Circle of the Lands

 

Overview

Gameplay Vision: 

The caravan premise makes for a rich opportunity to finally dive meaningfully into utility spells that are hardly used in many campaigns, and of all the spellcasters the druid is the most versatile in environmental assistance. Going to far flung places still gives me a sense of magic and discovery, and for me sometimes the more enjoyable parts of a novel. It may be boring compared to the epic fights between good and evil or saving the world, but I do enjoy games that let me tap into some elements of adventuring and exploring. I look forward to being able to qualify in your selection and contribute to the overall play experience of 'Phandelver and Further'.

 

Character Playstyle: 

I find great satisfaction in filling in the gaps of groups, especially when it is understandable other teammates usually provide reliable character builds for fights, conversations and medical attention. This is not because I wish I can play those roles, but rather that I much prefer being a reliable utility-based character that create opportunities for these other roles to shine. I tend to pick healing spells as secondary medic, utility spells for adventuring problem-solving and information-gathering, and area spells that combine some measure of damage but more towards interesting effects that control the battlefield.

Jinabi is essentially meant to be a force multiplier from the background, supporting the collective goals with a wide range of spells from his toolbox.

 

 

Narrative Background

Description: 

Jinabi is minimalist in his attire, relying on using natural material to sew and maintain his work clothes. He wields a wooden shield that has weathered many encounters alongside him, and a herb pouch for his collections which he uses for field medicine. Being trained as a druid, he relies more on his natural spells to confront challenges than outright coat of arms.

 

Premise:

Jinabi, having grown up in Neverwinter Wood in a commune, spent more years on the road to learn of the world, every so often stepping into cities for supplies and knowledge. A distance relative of a dwarven neighbor in his commune tipped him about an interesting caravan opening in his city of Neverwinter, something which might garner interest in the wandering gnome.

 

Backstory: 

Jinabi and his commune prosper by living close to nature, lodging in large tree trunks and tunneling around massive buttresses to form the interconnected homes among the gnome, halfling and occasional dwarven settlers. Fairies, elves and firbolgs live on the outskirts of the commune, exchanging the use of their spells and collected herbs for the commune's produce and tools. Tabaxi traders trek effortlessly through the thick undergrowth to sell their wares, while owlin couriers keep the commune abreast of affairs beyond their grove. Harengon families sometimes take temporary refuge in the commune during litter season to ensure their kittens' safety and warmly welcomed, while their parents contribute fierce defense of the borders of the commune in a land known by the elves as Llewyrrwood.

 

On the rare chance, lizardfolk or hobgoblin clans may pass through the area, with select members of the commune meeting them and at times escorting them after tending to their weapons and camping provisions. The myriad groups and complex functions ensure a healthy commune, though requiring some structure to organize their respective needs and talents.

 

The most impactful however, are the regular incursions by violent tribes of neighboring species which keep the commune on its toes, needing to remain vigilant and firm in its protection of its hard-earned harvests and crafted tools that are the lifeblood of the inhabitants. A host of foes, be it kobold, goblin, orcs or even ogres may turn their greedy eyes on the thriving commune and threaten its people. Most clashes drive off the intruders with few casualties, as the commune itself is primarily defensive with little temperament to take lives.

 

Should a member of the commune contribute greatly to its health and participate in finding suitable successors to replace them, those like Jinabi are given the privilege to step down from their roles and ask of something. It is common for some of them, living nearly all their lives in the commune and its foresty neighborhood, to seek out new lands and explore the world beyond the warrens and canopies. For Jinabi, it was a growing wish at the later seasons, which the elders permit. His leaving was bittersweet, but such is the cycle of growth.

 

Writing Sample

'Gundren?'

'Aye', the dwarf counts the bundle of herbs from a pouch Jinabi passed him over the counter. Diphon runs a specialty goods store in Neverwinter, and always welcoming of the forest gnome's hauls through mystical forests and glades. 'I swear, I don't know how you managed to keep them fresh.'

Jinabi smiles, 'Sometimes the pixies help, when you ask nicely enough.'

Diphon slaps his counter. 'Hah, pixies, ever frolicking, the lot of them. You can give them an established foundry and they'll still run it into the ground.'

The gnome passes another pouch, this more fragrant than the last. 'Flowers from the High Forest.'

'You aren't gonna tell me which part, are ye?'

Jinabi smiles again. 'Keeping fey secrets is as valuable as coinage.'

'Hmmph.' The dwarf unfurls the pouch, his rough hands surprisingly gentle as he appraises the stock. 'I could have sworn you just flew over there for a picking.'

The gnome laughs. 'I may be a druid, but even druids start from the bottom. Turning animal form is not something an apprentice knows offhand.'

'How's yer master?'

'She's probably passing through Evermoors by now.'

Diphon looks over his appraisal monocle. 'Troll country.'

'You know how she is.'

'Hmmph.' The dwarf transfers the flowers into a casing that glows soft with preservation magic. 'Anyways, you remember Gundren Rockseeker. You took an escort work for him awhile back.'

'I think I do?'

'Well, he remembers you. Told me to mention this to you when you pop over again. He's found something, and he knows you're always a shoe in for the new and mysterious.'

Jinabi looks out the store window, watching the inhabitants pass by on their daily routines. 'Gundren, yes. A dwarf of business, much like yourself.'

'You put too much stock in the idea all dwarves only want to work in the forge.'

'Sometimes druids are prejudiced too.' The gnome laughs. 'Where's he heading this time?'

'Phandalin.'

Jinabi rubs his chin. 'Near Tsordvudd.'

'I'm impressed you even know my tongue's name for the Kryptgarden Forest. Elara might be there too. Your friend will be glad to see you, though she's probably looking a little older, being human. Here.' Diphon puts a few currencies into a bag and gives it to Jinabi. 'Always good doing business with yea.'

'Dusk Circle druids. Stopped by their home a few seasons back.' The gnome pockets the money and shakes the dwarf's hand. 'Did Gundren say where I can find him?'

'He sure did.' The dwarf walks Jinabi to the entrance and opens it for him. The waft of baked bread, salty air and yammer of cityfolk washes over the duo, stark contrast to the muted quiet of the store. 'You'll find him in the Old Lantern. You know where it is?'

'I'll figure it out.' Jinabi gestures farewell to the dwarf. 'If I can't even find an inn, I have no business taking up Gundren's offer.'

The forest gnome walks off in the wake of dwarven laughter among the throng of the bustling port city.

 

 

Character Build

[Customized Origin] Guerilla Survivors

 

Jinabi and his commune prosper by living close to nature, lodging in large tree trunks and tunneling around massive buttresses to form the interconnected homes among the gnome, halfling and occasional dwarven settlers. Regular incursions by violent tribes of neighboring species keep the commune on its toes, needing to remain vigilant and firm in its protection of its hard-earned harvests and crafted tools that are the lifeblood of the inhabitants.

 

• Ability Score Increase. Jinabi has increased Wisdom score of 2 and Dexterity score of 1. Constant clashes with intruders to his community made defenders rely on their experience with natural terrain to offset the larger numbers, and moving through dense foliage and branches became a necessary means of outwitting armed and powerful raiders out to plunder their homes.
• Size. Forest Gnomes are especially small to maneuver through tree roots, tunnels and escape paths through the foliage. Their size is small, between 2 and 3 feet tall and weigh around 20 and 25 pounds. 
• Speed. Jinabi has a walking speed of 25 feet, and he has a climbing speed of 15 feet. Moving through branches and crawling through midheight vines protected the scouts and defenders of his community.

• Forest Night Defense. Accustomed to life underground and aboveground, Jinabi has superior vision in dark and dim conditions. He can see in dim light within 60 feet of him as if it were bright light, and in darkness as if it were dim light. He can't discern color in darkness, only shades of gray.
• Gnome Cunning. Jinabi's community often rely on guerilla tactics to deal with overwhelming might and magic. Jinabi has advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saves against magic.

• Natural Illusionist. Jinabi and most of his kin chose to focus on the more grounded means of traps and scouting to defend their commune, and over the generations lost the knowledge and access to the Minor Illusion cantrip. They are no longer able to use it.

• Natural Armor. Jinabi has tough hide on joints and areas of his body where he scrapes the most through terrain and when dealing with intruders. Sheer willpower at times help him persist through hiding long periods observing movements of monsters during their migrations, or overcome environmental challenges of the forest which even the tough intruders waver from. When he isn't wearing armor, his base AC is 13 + his Wisdom modifier. He can use his natural armor to determine his AC if the armor he wears would leave him with a lower AC. A shield’s benefits apply as normal while he uses his natural armor.

• Speak with Small Beasts. Through sound and gestures, Jinabi may communicate simple ideas with Small or smaller beasts. He often gleans vital scouting and patrol knowledge from helpful woodland critters.
• Languages. Jinabi can read, speak, and write Common and Gnomish. He can speak conversational Sylvan.

 

Commune Militia [Outlander Background]

Skill Proficiencies: Stealth, Survival
Tool Proficiencies: Jinabi is trained in medicinal pouches for quick aid to injuries.
Languages: Jinabi cannot speak or write the various languages of monster species that raid his commune, but can understand rudimentary snatches of their conversations.
Equipment: A wooden shield carved from a communal tree, a medicine bag, and a herbal pouch.

Wanderer

Jinabi has an excellent memory for maps and geography, and he can always recall the general layout of terrain, settlements, and other features around him. In addition, he can find food and fresh water for himself and up to five other people each day, provided that the land offers berries, small game, water, and so forth.

 

[Potential Druid Spell List]

Spells are intended to provide adventuring aid, or high area of control during encounters.

Cantrips: Druidcraft. Mending. Mold Earth. Shape Water. Thorn Whip.

1st Level: Goodberry. Purify Food and Drink. Healing Word. Entangle. Created or Destroy Water. Detect Poison and Disease.

2nd Level: Beast Sense. Locate Object. Locate Animals or Plants. Healing Spirit. Heat Metal. Pass Without Trace. Spike Growth. Flaming Sphere.

3rd Level: Plant Growth. Summon Fey. Revivify. Aura of Vitality. Tidal Wave. Dispel Magic. Call Lightning. Sleet Storm.

 

[Requested Gear]
Nature's Mantle (uncommon attunement)
Sentinel Shield (uncommon)
Boots of Elvenkind (uncommon)

 

 

Edited October 4, 2023 by Ensou (see edit history)

[Ensou]

 

Ability Distribution

Strength 12

Dexterity 13+1

Constitution 14

Intelligence 12

Wisdom 18+2

Charisma 9

Edited October 4, 2023 by Ensou (see edit history)

[Ensou]

I apologize if I missed it in your writings, GM @The Eyeball Kid, but I was curious where The Old Lantern is. Is it in Neverwinter city?

[The Eyeball Kid]

Yes, it's in Neverwinter, down by the docks. It's essentially an old warehouse converted to a tavern.

[Ensou]

14 minutes ago, The Eyeball Kid said:

Yes, it's in Neverwinter, down by the docks. It's essentially an old warehouse converted to a tavern.

 

Oh great, I will adjust my writing sample to reflect that better then. The application is ready for your review, GM. And thank you for getting back so promptly.

[The Eyeball Kid]

Thanks for the app, everything looks good.

I think Jinabi might know of Elara Thistlebrook, a human apothecary and herbalist out of Phandalin who has had some dealings with the commune in the past, looking for rare herbs.

[Ensou]

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to assess it.

 

I'll add Elara into the writing sample as well, unless you meant that this is a hook which you decide if you will use during the adventure itself?

[The Eyeball Kid]

You can add her to the writing sample if you want. She's someone Jinabi could look up in Phandalin if he wishes.

[Ensou]

2 hours ago, The Eyeball Kid said:

You can add her to the writing sample if you want. She's someone Jinabi could look up in Phandalin if he wishes.

 

I have included her name, adds some depth to the relationships. Thank you for the hook, GM.

I have also listed 3 requested gear to start Jinabi with, will those be fine?

[The Eyeball Kid]

Oh, I took that as items you were hoping to pick up somewhere along the line. No, I'm sorry, I'm not starting folks out with magic items. Those are all rather outside the means of a starting first level character.

[The Eyeball Kid]

Or did you mean the stuff under your background? That's fine....

[Ensou]

20 minutes ago, The Eyeball Kid said:

Or did you mean the stuff under your background? That's fine....

 

Yes, this. Thank you, because the original Outlander had more items and quite a bit of money, but I wanted Jinabi to be a bit more broke, both because of his wandering lifestyle and also why he will want to take this work.