Spring has arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, like it or not, so that means warmer, weirder weather and no small share of pollen. Do you do seasonal-themed events in your D&D game?
If your game needs some springtime flair, consider these four NPCs below!
Shrike
Shrike is an air genasi of short stature and quick footing. Her skin is blue like a clear sky, and she wears her long hair pinned back so it’s clear of her face. Naturally possessing the adventuring spirit, she is searching for her missing mentor with her rapier at her side.
Personality Traits
I’m confident in my own abilities, and do what I can do instill confidence in others.
I’ll settle for nothing less than perfection.
Ideal
Creativity. The world is in need of new ideas and bold action.
Bond
I’m searching for my mentor who disappeared sometime last year.
Flaw
I have trouble keeping my true feelings hidden. My sharp tongue lands me in trouble.
Shrike may be found…
…taking a quick adventuring job to fund her journeys.
…showing off her rapier skills in front of a crowd.
…searching for her mentor in the place she was last seen.
You could use the Basic Rules noble stat block (CR 1/8) or the Volo’s Guide to Monsters swashbuckler stat block (CR 3) for Shrike. Her alignment is chaotic good. If you’d like to make her more powerful, you could give her levels in fighter (battlemaster subclass) or rogue (swashbuckler subclass).
Marshall the Almiraj
This rabbit-like, halfling-sized creature seems to be able to speak, oddly enough. He insists that he is under a hag’s curse and would really rather be restored to his original form. Maybe a remove curse could do the trick?
Personality Traits
I use polysyllabic words that convey the impression of great erudition.
I will not suffer to be picked up or otherwise lifted off the ground. I will retain my dignity!
Ideal
Knowledge. The path to power and self-improvement is through knowledge.
Bond
I must lift this curse so that I can return to my work.
Flaw
During my research, I got on the wrong side of a hag, hence my current condition. It is a mistake I am likely to repeat.
Marshall may be found…
…seeking help in town, attracting a good deal of attention.
…being captured by bandits, who want to make some quick coin from him.
…searching in the forest for the items that will end his curse. The hag said something about some brightly-colored, hidden orbs…
Marshall uses the almiraj stat block (CR 0) from Tomb of Annihilation, except his Intelligence is 12 (+1), and he can speak Common. His alignment is lawful neutral. Should Marshall be restored to his original form, you could use the Basic Rules mage stat block (CR 6) for him.
Sorrel Caryo
Sorrel Caryo is a spring eladrin with a cheerful, quiet demeanor. He is tall with golden skin and hair like flower petals. Wherever he goes, a few birds seem to follow.
Personality Traits
I approach everything with enthusiasm, even the most mundane chores.
I feel far more comfortable around animals than people.
Ideal
Nature. The wilds should be protected from the encroachment of “civilization.”
Bond
An injury to the unspoiled wilderness of my home is an injury to me.
Flaw
Anything worth doing is worth doing again and again.
Sorrel Caryo may be found…
…protecting his home, a forest filled with sunlit glades.
…searching for an animal that has been captured by poachers.
…traveling in search of a rare plant rumored to have magical properties.
You could use the Basic Rules druid stat block (CR 2) or the Volo’s Guide to Monsters archdruid stat block (CR 12) for Sorrel Caryo, adding in his abilities as a spring eladrin. Alternatively, you could use the Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes spring eladrin stat block (CR 10). His alignment is chaotic neutral.
Dell Brightpetal
Dell Brightpetal is a doughty halfling with short hair. She prefers practical clothing, and she is meticulous about keeping her armor and equipment in flawless condition. Dell is a paladin with the power of the ancients behind her, and she’s ready to do some spring cleaning.
Personality Traits
I have a strong sense of fair play and always try to find the most equitable solution to arguments.
I take great pains to keep myself and my surroundings orderly.
Ideal
Destiny. Nothing and no one can steer me away from my higher calling.
Bond
I protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Flaw
I have trouble trusting my allies.
Dell Brightpetal may be found…
…in the thick of battle, fighting off an incursion of monsters.
…volunteering to help clean and organize a local temple.
…investigating rumors of corruption in the leadership of the area.
Dell Brightpetal is a lawful good oath of the ancients paladin. She wears plate armor and wields a longsword. The Basic Rules knight stat block (CR 3) would do in a pinch if you swapped out the greatsword for the longsword.
Thanks for reading!
Did you find this post helpful, or did you prefer the stat blocks from last winter’s NPC post? Let me know what you think!
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