Thorn the Mercenary is a bugbear with a reputation for brutality and cunning that belies his goblinoid heritage. Born into a war band that thrived on raiding and pillaging, Thorn quickly rose through the ranks due to his natural aptitude for ambush tactics and his sheer ferocity in combat. However, his ambitions were too large for the small-scale operations of his tribe. After a violent disagreement with his chieftain, Thorn struck out on his own, eventually finding his way to the Jungle Claw Tavern. Here, he discovered a new kind of warfare: the underworld. He became a mercenary, offering his skills to the highest bidder. His most recent contract has him guarding a hidden cave behind a waterfall, a task he relishes for the opportunities it provides to set deadly traps for would-be intruders.
In combat, Thorn is a master of the ambush, using his "Surprise Attack" trait to devastating effect. He prefers to lie in wait, using his exceptional Stealth skills to remain undetected until the perfect moment to strike. When he does, he aims to incapacitate or kill with his first blow, wielding his morningstar with brutal efficiency. If outnumbered or outmatched, Thorn isn't above retreating to fight another day; his survival instincts are strong, and he knows when to cut his losses. He's also not above using the environment to his advantage, whether that means pushing enemies off cliffs or into the roaring waterfall he guards.
Role-playing Thorn requires embracing his chaotic evil nature. He's not one for long conversations or negotiations; he's a creature of action, driven by a desire for bloodshed and loot. However, he's not mindlessly violent; he can be reasoned with if the price is right. He speaks in short, gruff sentences, often interjected with growls or snarls. His loyalty is to himself first and his current employer second, and he has no qualms about switching sides if a better offer comes along. Thorn worships Hruggek, the bugbear god of violence, and believes that every kill he makes in life will make him more worthy in the eyes of his deity. This gives him a sort of fatalistic courage; he's not afraid to die, but he's going to take as many down with him as he can.
In combat, Thorn is a master of the ambush, using his "Surprise Attack" trait to devastating effect. He prefers to lie in wait, using his exceptional Stealth skills to remain undetected until the perfect moment to strike. When he does, he aims to incapacitate or kill with his first blow, wielding his morningstar with brutal efficiency. If outnumbered or outmatched, Thorn isn't above retreating to fight another day; his survival instincts are strong, and he knows when to cut his losses. He's also not above using the environment to his advantage, whether that means pushing enemies off cliffs or into the roaring waterfall he guards.
Role-playing Thorn requires embracing his chaotic evil nature. He's not one for long conversations or negotiations; he's a creature of action, driven by a desire for bloodshed and loot. However, he's not mindlessly violent; he can be reasoned with if the price is right. He speaks in short, gruff sentences, often interjected with growls or snarls. His loyalty is to himself first and his current employer second, and he has no qualms about switching sides if a better offer comes along. Thorn worships Hruggek, the bugbear god of violence, and believes that every kill he makes in life will make him more worthy in the eyes of his deity. This gives him a sort of fatalistic courage; he's not afraid to die, but he's going to take as many down with him as he can.
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