Dorkan Ironsong

Level 1 Mountain Dwarf Dwarf Bard (College of Valor)

STR
14 (+2)
DEX
12 (+1)
CON
16 (+3)
INT
10
WIS
11
CHA
16 (+3)

Defense

Armor Class 14 (Light Armor)
Hit Points 10 (1d8+2 +2)
Speed 25 ft.

Proficiencies & Skills

Saving Throws strength, charisma
Skills Stealth +1, Athletics +2, Deception +3, Acrobatics +1, Persuasion +3, Performance +5, Sleight of hand +1

Character Information

Dorkan Ironsong, a Mountain Dwarf Bard of the College of Valor, is a vibrant character with a profound passion for music and storytelling. Carrying a remarkable six-foot rune-etched war-gong, he stands as a beacon of hope in the adventuring world. Symbolic of strength and creativity, this unique instrument has allowed him to transform the dynamics of battle, offering buffs and tactical advantages to his comrades. Raised amidst the rugged mountains, Dorkan has deep respect for his ancestry. He is emboldened by tales from his forebears, though he grapples with shadows of the past, overcoming self-doubt that threatens to define him. With a sharp wit and charming demeanor, he inspires comrades and has a knack for rallying allies against overwhelming odds. Despite a rivalry with Karrak Grimjaw, who continuously challenges his performance and reputation, Dorkan’s free spirit keeps him from stagnation. His heartfelt goal is to unite bards across the land, weaving music and camaraderie into the fabric of adventure. In seeking his own place and learning to balance the burdens of ancestry, he strikes a path with mischief and determination, all while squandering mere shadows of egotism for the greater good.

The Echo of the Mountain

Dorkan hears tales of an ancient dwarven war-gong hidden within an abandoned mine. Retrieving it would not only bolster his own performance but also respect his ancestors. Uncovering its history might reveal old alliances or rivalries that could affect his own future endeavors. Along the way, Dorkan must navigate past remnants of the mine's past, encountering lingering spirits of dwarves who once wielded the gong. The journey for the gong is symbolic of Dorkan’s own struggle for identity and purpose and may lead him into the heart of a rival clan's territory.

Current Stage

Enter the abandoned mine, laden with traps and echoes of the past. Choose to either stealthily scout ahead or lead with bravado, each choice altering the encounters that follow.

Choice

Stealthily scout the mine's first chamber.

Dorkan uncovers hidden traps and overhears a spirit revealing the mine's history. However, it costs him time, allowing rivals to catch up.
Alternative

Charge into the mine like a true dwarf.

Dorkan triggers traps, resulting in damage and alerting nearby foes. However, they respect his bravery, perhaps leading to unexpected alliances.
Mechanical Rewards
  • New spell options tied to the ancient war-gong's power
  • Gain a permanent boost of +1 to Initiative while wielding a war-gong.
Narrative Rewards
  • Ancient dwarven spirit becomes a guide or ally.
  • Political ties with a rival clan may open doors or close them.

Harmonies in Battle

Dorkan is challenged to participate in a bardic contest where he must compose songs that inspire fellow adventurers in combat. This tournament not only tests Dorkan's musical talent but challenges his tactical understanding of the battlefield. Throughout the journey, he’ll face rival performers and must balance his self-confidence against humility. Would he risk everything to save a fellow contestant who may be covertly sabotaging the event? The prize? A magical instrument that amplifies his Bardic abilities.

Current Stage

Faced with a rivalry or a chance to boost a friend's potential, Dorkan must choose whom to help during a critical moment in the contest.

Choice

Use his performance abilities to sabotage the rival.

Though Dorkan wins favor among judges, it stains his name in bardic circles and could spark blood feuds among performers.
Alternative

Support a struggling performer secretly sabotaged.

This earns Dorkan the gratitude of many up and coming bards, earning allies and reputation despite losing the competition.
Mechanical Rewards
  • Unlock a new spell related to audience engagement during combat.
  • Permanent advantage on performances in critical combat situations.
Narrative Rewards
  • Gained the favor of influential bard faction leaders.
  • A connection to a powerful artifact with history.

Rescue at High Rock

When word reaches Dorkan that an old friend is in peril after a landslide at High Rock, he must mobilize his companions and gather resources to descend into the treacherous cliffs. This would test both his bardic abilities and his newfound fighting skills. The journey will expose Dorkan to different cultures of Wayfarers residing in gorges and their impact on the surrounding nature.

Current Stage

Dorkan must decide whether to mobilize a large group for the rescue or rely on a small party to stay stealthy in an otherwise chaotic region.

Choice

Gather a large group to rescue everyone.

This results in a chaotic, noisy rescue attempt that could lead to multiple dangers, but the friendship bonds grow tighter.
Alternative

Take a small, stealth party to sneak around.

While they manage to be stealthy, delays caused by injuries and morale losses in the small squad could minimize the effectiveness of their rescue.
Mechanical Rewards
  • Gain a temporary spell boost during the rescue mission.
  • Becoming inspired might unlock a new combat rhythm granting additional buffs.
Narrative Rewards
  • Strengthening ties with old allies and building new ones from varied cultures.
  • A potential questline leading to uncovering deeper connections to the land.

Major Decision

Context

Dorkan must decide whether to reveal his true ancestry and connect with his dwarven roots, a theme centered around his bardic identity.

Choice Made

Reveal his ancestry to gain clarity, accepting his history without shame.

Impact

This reveals deeper narrative potential that ties his music to his heritage, enhancing bard abilities.

Major Decision

Context

Faced with a potential upset in the contest, Dorkan must choose between his rival and a newcomer.

Choice Made

Support the newcomer in a moment of vulnerability.

Impact

Deepen alliances and reveal Dorkan's true character, potentially earning a new magical boon.

Major Decision

Context

Dorkan encounters shadowy figures at High Rock responsible for the landslide.

Choice Made

Challenge them or seek peaceful resolution.

Impact

Deciding to confront them strengthens his position; resolving peacefully gains respect as a bard.

Transformative Moment

Trigger

Discovering the ancient war-gong in the mine during 'The Echo of the Mountain.'

Transformation

Unlocks deeper combat rhythms in his performances.

Mechanical Changes

Bardic Inspiration

Allow more party-wide benefits based on performance types.

Increases Dorkan's strategic potential in battles.

Transformative Moment

Trigger

Supporting the underdog in the contest at 'Harmonies in Battle.'

Transformation

Realizes the true value of unity over competition.

Mechanical Changes

Performance skills

Gain advantage on aiding others' performances.

Amends Dorkan's ambition into generous camaraderie.

Transformative Moment

Trigger

Successfully rescuing his friend at High Rock.

Transformation

Grows into a true leader, no longer just a performer but a guardian.

Mechanical Changes

Party tactics

Unlock alternate movement during combat round after the event.

Embodies the role of an inspiring leader.

Ally: Branik Oakenshield

Relationship Childhood Friend
Influence 4/10
Loyalty 5/10

Shared History

Branik and Dorkan grew up together in the same dwarven village. They spent many nights beside campfires crafting music and stories that they would one day share with the world. Through thick and thin, they always trusted each other, drawing on each other's strengths when courage was needed. Their friendship was put to the test when they at last pursued their dreams, each battling their destinies in different ways.

Potential Breaking Points

  • If Dorkan keeps secrets about his past from Branik.
  • If he continues to rank his ego over Branik’s potential.

Enemy: Karrak Grimjaw

Threat Level 5/10
Conflict Type Rival Bard

Personal Stakes

Karrak constantly challenges Dorkan's competence and charisma, spreading rumors that diminish his reputation among bards. Karrak harbors a long-grudge against Dorkan for outshining him at a contest long ago—one Karrak was sure he had in the bag. This personal rivalry goes beyond talent as it threatens Dorkan's growth, igniting doubt in his own prowess.

Possible Resolutions

  • Dorkan can publicly challenge Karrak to a contest and win, affirming his strength and reputation.
  • Confronting Karrak in private to negotiate peace could help establish a truce that benefits both.

Faction: The Elysian Minstrels

Standing 3/10
Influence Moderate

Obligations

  • Participate in contests
  • Uphold the reputation of bards

Benefits

  • Access to bardic circles
  • Sharing of knowledge and songs

Unresolved Plots

  • The prophecy of the 'Gong of the Ancestors' foretells a dark time, weaving Dorkan's fate with that of his tribe's survival.
  • Rumors circulate that Karrak has obtained a forbidden weapon—a powerful instrument that can control the minds of audiences, turning their performances against rival bards.
  • The mysterious patron seems to know more about Dorkan's ancestry than he does, seeking to exploit it for their gain.
  • The Elysian Minstrels are at risk of being overshadowed by an aggressive bard faction, and pressure mounts on Dorkan to take a stand.
  • An ancient song surfacing through dreams hints at directions leading towards Dorkan's heritage and ancient ruins tied to bardic power.

Secrets

  • Dorkan once sabotaged Karrak during a contest, an act he deeply regrets and hides from his allies.
  • His family name was once tied to treachery among dwarves, something he's fought to distance himself from.
  • An ancient relic of a bard lies hidden among his belongings, granting powers he has yet to tap into.

Fears

  • The fear of failing to connect with his dwarven roots, losing his sense of identity.
  • Fear of never overcoming Karrak's shadow, remaining forever in his rival's wake.
  • Anxiety about losing his friends in battle due to his decisions, knowing they depend on him.

Aspirations

  • To compose the greatest bardic piece that brings together dwarves and other races.
  • To rediscover and reclaim his family's worth and honor within the dwarven society.
  • To establish a guild of bards that rotates roles in inspiring performances across towns—united in solidarity.

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