Roderick Bristlecone
Roderick Bristlecone (a.k.a. Roddie)
A self-taught Artificer that acquried a love for building and desiging from his father and eventually found a grounding in magic from the teachings instilled in him by the cult that his family is a part of.
Physical Description
General Physical Condition
A mixture of his heritage, Roderick's body shares the innate height of both his parents species while maintaining a mixture between the broad and powerful bodies of the orcs and the slim and dexterous nature of the elves. Years of assisting his father in his craft has left him with a compact musculature.
Body Features
While usually covered by clothing or armour, his torso carries a wide varaity of scars from past experiments and smaller work-related injuries. One large clean scar runs the length of his spine.
Facial Features
A full beard and blue eyes alongside his pointed ears inherited from his father.
Physical quirks
Prosthetic left leg.
Special abilities
Too many hours with plans and writing has left him the ability to twirl a pen between his fingers subconciously.
Apparel & Accessories
Casual clothes: Preference for loose shirts and workers pants to allow for freedom of movement and comfort.
Armour: Preference for heavy metallic armour, though he has designs of infusing it with magic, he has simply yet to figure out how.
Mental characteristics
Education
Basic education allowing him to read and write in any language he knows.
Higher education within the art of crafting, years of interest in any form of putting things together and taking them apart has left Roderick with steady and dexterous hands.
Employment
Since departing Rexxentrum he has technically remained unemployed outside of whatever small odd jobs he does on the road to feed and house himself.
Mental Trauma
After surving the ordeal which led to his leg getting removed, Roderick has had a crippling fear of any type of darkness that he cannot see through via the gifts of his heritage.
Intellectual Characteristics
Despite maybe having the answer to a given question, Roderick always seems oddly against sharing it unless prompted.
Social
Family Ties
Mother: Yevelda Bristlecone
Father: Theren Bristlecone
Two elven older sisters via his father from before he had departed the elven kingdoms. Has met neither, but been assured by his father that both are alive and doing well, though for reasons undisclosed refuse to visit.
Three half-human siblings from his father's previous marriage, a sister and two brothers. All three have since passed and whilst their respective legacies live on, Theren has remarked that outside visiting the graves of his former family, he doesn't keep much tabs on them outside knowing they're alive.
Religious Views
Born and raised into a cult, Roddie's view of religion and the gods are aligned with those of the cult known as "the Children of the Raven Mother."
He respects all gods and believes each deserves worship in some shape or form, yet he will only ever claim true loyalty to the Raven Mother. As such, he would never scowl at anyone for their belief, as long as they respect his in turn.
Social Aptitude
While Roderick's lack of social grace has always confounded his parents, it was something they learnt to live with and work on. To those who do not know him, Roddie seems brash and direct, with a touch of uncaring to him. But in time, those that wish to get closer to him quickly learn that underneath all the misunderstandings, Roddie does tend to try and make a genuine effort to be "better."
Mannerisms
When in unfamiliar situations, will tend to look at those around him to "imitate" what should be considered the "proper" social reaction.
Hobbies & Pets
Likes to cut small wooden sculptures in his downtime. Tends to leave his little creations in whatever place he happens to be when he completes them.
A half-orc half-elf born to an elven father and orc mother. Raised in Rexxentrum and eventually decided to seek out the wider world to perfect his craft and fulfill his dream.
View Character Profile
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Age
29
Birthplace
Rexxentrum
Children
Current Residence
Rexxentrum
Gender
Male
Eyes
Blue
Hair
Black
Skin Tone/Pigmentation
Light green
Height
6ft 5in
Weight
195 lb
23/02/2023 Session 56
Having passed through the Wayun Gates, the Empyrean Company began their trip towards the port city of Nicodranus. Along the way plans began taking shape as to where the Caravan wished to settle, and how they wished to do so. They wished to settle somewhere for themselves, within distance to trade and to hunt to make their own way in life. Per the suggestion of Theia and after some general overlooking of a map, the best area was decided to be somewhere north of Port Zoon, yet south of Feolinn.
The Caravan arrived at Nicodranus and plans were made to take a three day resting period for everyone to decompress and begin to acclimate to the Clovis Concord as a whole. A meeting spot was arranged, and everyone was told that any who wished to start making their own way from here, were welcome to do so. The Northwood company seems to have chosen to remain with the Caravan, with Jeremiah admitting to enjoying the feeling of having someone to look after again, it reminding him of the better days of the Brand.
The Empyrean company split as they entered Nicodranus. Ceonwulf, Jakuki, Theia and Roderick made their way to the Sanctuary of the Twelve alongside Kilani. Theia went to the Statue of Sarenrae and got her holy symbol restored to its rightful appearance. Jakuki and Kilani went and spoke to the person Kilani had been sent to meet with, and was then informed that they were scheduled to leave for Vasselheim the following day aboard and airship. Kilani requested of Jakuki that the two share dinner before she departs, to which he agreed.
Ceonwulf gave a silent prayer to Pelor as well as donated some gold to the church. Roderick decided to add some candles and provide an offering to the altar of the Raven Queen and was granted a second visit from the Silent whom seemed to approve of both his offering, and choice in added decoration to the altar.
Ongar and 2K made their way to visit the the Golden Fox, where 2K inquired as to the information trader named Wind and seemingly left a message for the man should he make his way to Nicodranus sometime in the future.
A battle of Goblins and Fire
7th of Misuthar - 836 PD
I was granted company shortly after completing my meal. A young human woman who seemed remarkably uncomfortable with either her own presence here, or mine. She made vague attempts at conversation, but before I had managed to formulate a proper response, we were interrupted as the barmaid arrived, bringing with her yet another new attendant for our table.
A tortle, quite remarkably.
He introduced himself as Ongar Shimmershel. He was injured it seemed, prior to his arrival in the inn. Though not in any truly dangerous way it seems, as he was quite capable of taking care of his own injury.
The two rather rumbustious dwarves that had been engaged in quite the hefty drinking contest arrived at our table with loud greetings and amusement. They ordered a round of the inns “good beer” whatever such a notion might mean. All beer seems to taste beyond foul and were it not for liberal use of a minor bit of magic, I could probably never drink the cheap swill.
They introduced themselves as Jakuki Obsidian and Ceonwulf Firebeard. The louder of the two claimed royal heritage, though I shall perhaps reserve judgement on the notion. The beer arrived promptly and as was nearly habitual to me by now, I weaved a minor cantrip of Prestidigitation in the air and tapped the glass, giving the beer a much stronger, and preferable, flavour.
The young human, Theia, seemed quite captivated by the minor bit of magic. She then proceeded to imitate both my gesture and wording and quite surprising caused an illusion of smoke to erupt from her drink. Her magic seemed completely new to her.
She repeated the attempt and managed to replicate my own act and flavoured her beer to her taste.
Two more beers were placed at the table for the dwarves. I admit to believing I had merely missed the two placing another order, but the non-loud one, Jakuki, seemed to find the source of his drinks and grinned while waving over his alcohol benefactor.
An elf, quite pale, stepped up to the table and proceeded to yank a chair out from underneath some poor guy who fell to the laughter of his friends. She gave a quick introduction, Gwen, before taking her stolen seat.
Ongar revealed that he is a Wizard and had even studied under Telemachus of the Cerberus Assembly. Quite the honour, I am led to believe. Though word of his passing hadn’t ever made its way to me, it would seem that Jakuki had learned of the event. Ongar seemed highly uncomfortable with the subject and decided to give a show of his own brand of magic.
By utilizing the Sending spell on the barmaid.
While practical, it seemed to have spooked the woman. Theia, in a remarkable show of verbal mastery, calmed her quickly and the incident was forgotten. It was but mere moments later that we heard the screaming.
Jakuki rose from the table almost instantly and I heard him muttering something about “men with sticks” before he proceeded to the door, Ceonwulf on his heels. Theia was clearly unaccustomed to such events unfolding and looked to Ongar for advice.
His advice was sound. Stay with a group. I hoisted my shield upon my arm and stood to follow the dwarves.
They led us to the western side of the city, where an orange glow was illuminating the night sky. Houses were burning and screams were tearing the air apart.
Ceonwulf rushed towards a boarded up well and began the process of ripping it open. I rushed to follow but a woman screaming about her child halted my steps. I saw the little lad inside the building, surrounded by flames.
My legs had carried me before my brain had allowed it. I watched the flames and waited for my moment and rushed through. Though he was scared, the little one showed bravery in accepting my hand as I hoisted him up in my arm and covered him with my shield.
Through the heat I felt a small rush of chilled wind and I caught sight of Ongar with his staff outstretched, an icy glow surrounding it. Seeing the opening he had given me, I rushed through the flames and out the house. The woman grabbed the child from me and proceeded her emotional meltdown in the middle of a burning street. Thankfully a single shout of alarm got them moving to safer areas.
The well had been breached and water was being gathered by citizens. I saw Jakuki pull a man from underneath a burning piece of debris which Gwen held up. I had run to the side of Theia and taken in the sight of those that had managed to get to this little safe zone and were receiving medical care as best as could be asked.
One woman was already badly burnt, I sat at her side and asked Theia to watch as I used what limited knowledge of healing magic I had.
Jakuki came carrying his charge and revealed the goblin arrow embedded in his leg. Theia took off to the centre and yelled for people to prepare to flee in case of the goblins being sighted. I had barely finished helping the woman take a small drink when I heard Theia shout for everyone to drop their buckets and run. I saw Gwen pull her bow and knock an arrow. I rose and grabbed the hilt of my sword in preparation of what was about to happen.
Three goblins rushed from deeper within the district. Gwen, Ceonwulf and Theia were beset by one each and I can only imagine it was the sheer shock of their charge which resulted in all three suffering quite grievous injuries.
I rushed in behind Jakuki. He swung heavily against the goblin attacking Ceonwulf, providing ample distraction for his fellow dwarf to recover from the blow he had received. I had dedicated my focus to the goblin attacking Theia, and over the sound of the raging fire, I heard the sound of Gwen, driving her short-sword through the neck of one of our adversaries.
A lance of freezing magic arced over our heads and slammed into a goblin, covering it in a thin sheen of frost courtesy of Ongar. I heard Theia mutter something to herself, and reach out with a hand towards the goblin, magic arcing from her fingertips. But just as she was about to make contact, it seemed as if her focused lapsed and the magic swung wildly, causing her to recoil and miss her target.
Though that provided ample opportunity for me. I brought my sword back and drove it forwards into the stomach of the goblin, though the wound wasn’t immediately fatal, it would serve to slow it.
Jakuki and Ceonwulf moved as one, with Jakuki’s war-hammer making contact with the back of their goblin, sending it hurtling into the path of Ceonwulfs spear, which pierced clean through its skull.
I was preparing to take a second swing at the remaining goblin when rapid footfalls were heard, I turned my head towards the new arrivals to determine friend or foe, a costly mistake. I roared in pain and fury as the goblin blade sunk into my side and felt a familiar rage creep into my vision, though it did not take control.
I saw Gwen draw a dagger and hurl it at one of the newly arrived bastards while rushing to acquire some cover. The dagger had a good path, but insufficient power in the throw and fell just short of the goblin’s feet.
Ongar had now closed the distance between us and him and his staff glowed with a chilled blue as a more focused burst of frost flew and slammed into the goblin between me and Theia. The thing froze over and toppled, shattering into pieces.
I did not see what happened behind me following, all I saw was the burst of radiant light that descended from the heavens and only barely missed one of the goblin archers. That was quickly followed by an arrow bursting through the air, though the slippery little bastard dodged out of the way at the last moment.
I heard Jakuki’s roar of challenge and joined him in his charge of the two goblin archers. He arrived there first and with a mighty swing of his war-hammer, completely crushed the skull of one of the goblins into its chest.
My half-step deficit allowed the last remaining goblin to drop his bow in a scream of rage as he drew a sword and charged at Jakuki, swinging wildly and only managing to land a small scratch. The incoherent screeching and swinging caused my own attack to miss.
Then, everything seemed to happen within a moment. A lance of frost scraped the scalp of the goblin, shortly followed by a javelin crashing down between its legs and the sky boomed as another burst of radiant power struck the ground behind it.
The goblin screeched in a mixture of apoplectic rage and deep terror as it took one final wild swing at Jakuki and used the dwarfs dodge to create an opening for itself to dash towards freedom.
It faltered in its step when Jakuki righted himself without issue and drew one of the axes on his belt, cocked his arm back and sunk an axe into its back.
That small stagger was all it took though. A much clearer burst of radiance descended from the heavens and struck the goblin head on. When it faded, all there was left was a goblin corpse, scorched white by the fury of the divine.
With the immediate danger taken care of, I growled sharply as I yanked out the arrow shaft from my side. A quite murmur I used what little focus I had left to cast another healing spell on the injury. I heard Theia call to me that I had to teach her that spell. I grunted as I spied Gwen leaning against a building, applying pressure to her injury.
I had intended to instruct Theia in the healing of her injury, but Ceonwulf beat us both to her, his hands aglow with gentle light. When he stepped back, Gwen’s injury had closed and become bearable. Satisfied that, for now, we were all carrying ourselves, we proceeded with assisting in the fire control efforts.
Nearly half an hour later, and what little fire remained to be extinguished was being handled by the townsfolk. We all gathered around the well and began catching our breath. I explained to Theia as best I could about how my own magic works and how I call upon it. She seemed to recall the name of a potential god from which she may draw her power, Sarenrae. I can’t recall specifics about this particular god, it certainly isn’t on the approved list. But enough whispers have reached my ears that I will make an educated guess and accept her placement among the divine.
She performed the spell on Ceonwulf, though by her own admittance she nearly failed. Her first foray into this type of magic showed promise though. I cannot claim to be a judge on magical talent, but Theia seems as if she will either embrace these newfound abilities and flourish or grow fearful of them and abandon them.
A voice interrupted us and we were greeted with the sight of a Captain of the Crownsguard whom had come to investigate the fire and attack by the goblins. Reseigh, he introduced himself as Reseigh. We were thanked for our assistance in the fire and the attack.
Not long after that meeting did Ceonwulf and Theia begin to administer help to those who might need it. I set about returning to the Lying Bear to acquire a room for myself, Theia, and Ongar. Gwen and the dwarves two already had rooms.
It was sometime during our dinner and celebration of the success of our survival that we were once more joined by Reseigh. He doffed his cloak in a show that he was not talking to us solely as a Captain of the Crownsguard any longer. He supplied a round of drinks and told us disturbing news about the attacks and how they have been increasing over the last few months.
Unfortunately, the Crownsguard, and the Brand, have been busy towards the East with the Dynasty making moves that has many concerned in the capital.
Finally he spoke of a nobleman, Thomas Edemah, whom had been the victim of a thief during the attacks. Whatever by goblins or opportunists I cannot say, though from the words of Reseigh, goblins are the likely culprit. He offered the job to us, unofficially, as he was in need of capable fighters to go and retrieve this stolen item. He would not part with the information about what exactly had been taken, but he did tell us to go see Thomas ourselves and get the details from him.
He left enough coin to pay for another couple of rounds before he departed and left us all to our thoughts with the promise that if we wished to take on this job, he’d be here in the morning.
There was minor discussion around the table about whatever people wished to partake in this pursuit or not, and generally it seemed we were all curious enough to accept. I rose to head to my room, though Theia asked me to at least finish my tankard before leaving. I turned back around and with a familiar minor bit of magic applied to the brew, I downed the tankard and left.
I cannot say if it had been her attempt at requesting that I remain and partake in social activity, or perhaps simply if she didn’t wish for me to waste the brew that the captain had paid for. It matters little in the end.
I shall seek quiet and sleep soon, but a bout of inspiration has struck me. Perhaps I may have a way to ensure that in the future, a blow such as the one the goblin dealt me will be much more difficult to perform.
Arrival in Odessloe
7th of Misuthar - 836 PD
My departure from Rexxentrum was much contested. Mother was against me leaving on my own yet again. I do not blame her. The last time I had left on my own had not ended well. Thankfully, father stepped in and was on my side in the matter. He understands my need to travel, this longing I feel in my heart.
Though he has warned me greatly of the dangers that I may face and politely requested I return to them without any further parts missing. A typical joke of his.
I chose Odessloe as my first stop on this new trip, deciding that perhaps going in the direct opposite direction from my previous trip might prove beneficial.
The journey was tiring but uneventful. I had come across a small party of merchants and their guards whom accepted my company, however little I provide of it. Though I spoke little with my momentary traveling companions, I did overhear the occasional conversation around me. There had been an increase in the attacks around these parts, though this road had yet to become a target.
Something to note and remember.
I separated from the small caravan with a word of thanks for the company. Odessloe was as much a bustling city as I had been led to believe. Though it makes plenty sense. Mother often speaks of how the toughest wood from this region makes for the best palisades, though her rumbling of the difficulty in acquiring it has increased in the years.
Their provision of lumber and fish to Rexxentrum is honourable work. Though I admit some level of bemusement of their superstitious nature.
My initial search of the city for a blacksmith proved both fruitful and disappointing. Though the smith residing here is of fine skill and knowledge, I can yet tell that he isn’t what I seek. I paid him for a decent shield which he had recently completed and suited my momentary needs.
It was not long following that I realised I had yet to eat. While I had some field rations in my pack courtesy of the Righteous Brand, they were for emergency use and I found this inn called The Lying Bear. The barmaid was kind and even allowed me a table for myself in the corner, on the small promise that I allowed others to be seated here as needed.
She accepted my order for a bowl of stew and left. I shall rest for tonight and tomorrow decide upon which city I shall seek out next. Though for tonight I shall enjoy this atmosphere, it feels almost as rowdy as the barracks of the Brand. It feels almost like home.