Return to the Shady Dragon Inn (Abel Artone)
And away we go! Here we have Abel Artone. Let’s bring up his entry from the book and see what we’re dealing with:
Abel was in the expansive “Fighter” section of the book, but we’re going to rebrand him as a human bard. I like the idea of him being this squire-type bard, so eventually when he hits level 3, the School of Valor would be a great choice to make him more combat-oriented. But until then, he’s got great ability scores, and should be able to hold his own more than the average bard in combat. We’re going to play off that last sentence and give him a low Intelligence and an average Wisdom. The template we’re going to use for these is very reminiscent of the template you’d find in a 3.5 supplement for a sample character to a prestige class. That style of template works perfect for this, so have a look at young Abel here:
Abel Artone: Human bard 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +2; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13; Prof. bonus: +2; Atk +4 melee (1d10+2, longsword) or +4 ranged (1d4+2, dagger); SA spellcasting, bardic inspiration (d6); SQ By Popular Demand, Background (Entertainer); AL NG; SV Dex +4, Cha +5; Str 15, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 9, Wis 11, Cha 16.
Spellcasting: DC 13; +5 to hit with spell attacks; Spells known: cantrips: light, vicious mockery; 1st: bane, cure wounds, faerie fire, sleep.
Skills, Feats, Proficiencies and Languages: Acrobatics +4, Athletics +4, Insight +2, Performance +5, Persuasion +5; Drum, flute, horn, lute, disguise kit; Common, Elvish.
Possessions: Longsword, diplomat’s pack, lute, leather armor, dagger, horn, favor of an admirer, costume, belt pouch containing 15 gp.
Background: Ht. 5’7”; Wt. 154 lbs.; Personality: I get bitter if I’m not the center of attention. Ideal: The stories, legends and songs of the past must never be forgotten, for they teach us who we are. Bond: My instrument is my most treasure possession, and it reminds me of someone I love. Flaw: A scandal prevents me from ever going home again. That kind of trouble seems to follow me around.
And there we have it! A human bard perfect for all your humany and bardy needs.
Tomorrow we’ll look at Ariadne Beornsdottir. See you then!