Explore the lives of Jessamine and Remus Nightingale, Lucien Grey, and Emberlyn Valeheart: a bard, a locksmith, a sorcerer, and tavern keepers with secrets and ambitions in a shadowy world.
Published: July 7th, 2023
Written by: JL
Welcome back to our growing collection of NPCs.
In this issue, we're revisiting the Syndicate - a thieves guild run by the Blackwoods, looking to seize more power than ever before.
As always, I hope you enjoy using these NPCs as much as I enjoyed creating them.
JL
Jessamine Nightingale: A charismatic half-elf bard and tavern keeper, adept in weaving tales and brokering secrets.
Lucien Grey: A gnome rogue and locksmith, master of creating and cracking impregnable locks for The Syndicate.
Emberlyn Valeheart: A cunning half-elf sorcerer, skilled in smuggling and fire magic, seeking her destiny in ancient prophecies.
Remus Nightingale: A human fighter and tavern keeper, blending charm and information brokering to protect loved ones and resolve conflicts.
Jessamine Nightingale
Name: Jessamine Nightingale
Race: Half-Elf
Class:Bard
Background: Tavern Keeper
Description
Operating in the heart of the city, Jessamine Nightingale is the cherished co-proprietor of the renowned gathering spot (The Needle and Haystack) for drifters and dreamers alike. With her husband Remus by her side, she fuses the essence of charm and allure into every interaction, ensuring that no one leaves without a tale or without leaving one behind. A bard by trade and an information broker by calling, Jessamine uses her melodic voice not just for performing enrapturing ballads but also for weaving networks of clandestine communication throughout the Syndicate's ranks. It's rumored that her childhood friends, a patchwork collection of gifted individuals, laid the foundation for her extensive contacts which now serve her in this delicate dance of whispers and rumors.
Physical Appearance
Jessamine Nightingale stands as a striking figure amongst the tavern's patrons with her petite stature, intensified by her outstanding posture that resonates with an air of confidence. Her half-elven heritage graces her with high cheekbones and slightly pointed ears that peek through her lustrous black hair. Her rich, dark skin is an uncommon sight, capturing the dimly lit ambience of the tavern and complementing her gleaming emerald eyes, which seem to hold the secrets of the city within their depths.
Motivations
(Compulsion to Settle Scores): Jessamine Nightingale is compelled by an overwhelming obligation to settle a substantial debt. She leverages her exceptional talent for gathering intelligence as the means to repay this burden, often trading secrets for the forgiveness of her dues.
(Aspiration for Prosperity): Amidst the backdrop of the city's chaos, Jessamine Nightingale harbors a relentless aspiration to rise above her impoverished beginnings. She seizes every chance and faces any ordeal that might pave the way to a life of abundance and security.
Plot Hooks
(Infiltration of the Whispering Shadows): Jessamine Nightingale seeks the aid of adventurers to delve into the heart of a covert faction known as the Whispering Shadows, which has been sowing discord through deceitful tales.
(The Silence of the Songbirds): A troubling pattern has emerged as several of Jessamine's most trusted informants have vanished without a trace. With her network compromised, she implores a group of brave souls to unravel the mystery behind their disappearances, fearing that a darker plot may be at play.
(The Ballad of the Vanished Heir): The sudden disappearance of a local noble's heir has set the district abuzz with rumors and concern. Jessamine Nightingale, with her ties to both high society and the city's underbelly, enlists a party to find the missing heir, knowing that time is of the essence and the stakes are high for all involved.
Jessamine Nightingale
Medium Humanoid
Armor Class
13
Hit Points
45 (34-56)
Speed
30ft
STR
8 (-1)
DEX
11 (0)
CON
11 (0)
INT
8 (-1)
WIS
11 (0)
CHA
15 (2)
Saving Throws
+5 DEX, +5 CHA
Senses
Darkvision (60ft)
Languages
Common, Elvish
Challenge
2 (450 XP)
Ancestral Versatility (Trait):
Jessamine Nightingale, as a Half-Elf, can tap into her versatile heritage once per short rest to add 1d4 to any two skill checks of her choice.
Graceful Recovery (Reaction):
When Jessamine Nightingale is hit by an attack, she can use her reaction to gracefully gain a +2 bonus to AC until the start of her next turn, showcasing her elven agility.
Actions
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack:
+5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (2d6 + 2) piercing damage.
Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack:
+5 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Multiattack. Jessamine Nightingale makes two attacks, one with her shortsword and one with her light crossbow.:
Remus Nightingale
Name: Remus Nightingale
Race:Human
Class:Fighter
Background:Tavern Keeper
Description
As the proprietor of The Needle and Haystack, Remus Nightingale is a master at weaving a charismatic persona. His charming and flirtatious demeanor draws out secrets from lips that may have otherwise remained sealed, making him an invaluable asset to the Syndicate. With the support of his wife Jessamine, Remus balances the roles of a tavern keeper, information broker, and mediator. His early deeds, such as rescuing lost travellers, and his knack for storytelling, have rooted him deeply in both the local lore and the confidence of the community. His greatest talent lies in the subtle dance of negotiation, where he has averted many potential conflicts and preserved a tense peace—a skill that serves him well in both the tavern's gregarious environment and the shadowy networks of the Syndicate.
Physical Appearance
Remus Nightingale stands with an athletic build, suggesting a disciplined regimen that compliments his role as a fighter. His brown eyes, sharp and perceptive, miss little in the boisterous tavern he operates. His hair, a light grey, is kept shaggy. His fair skin, with its light and pink undertones, speaks of a life mostly spent indoors, engaging in conversation and intrigue rather than toiling under the sun.
Motivations
(Protecting Loved Ones): Remus is driven to protect his family and close friends from perceived threats or danger, and is willing to go to great lengths to ensure their safety, using his charm and network of contacts to gather information and resources for their protection.
(Overcoming a Challenge): Remus is driven by the need to overcome a personal challenge or limitation, proving to himself that he can achieve it, using his silver tongue and captivating tales to inspire himself and others to push beyond their limits.
Plot Hooks
(Veiled Deceit at the High Table): Within the city's political circles, whispers of a high-ranking official's deceitful schemes have reached Remus Nightingale's ears. Utilizing his extensive network of informants, Remus must discreetly gather incriminating evidence to expose the official's corruption without disrupting the delicate balance of power in the city.
(The Ballad of the Lost Companion): A distraught child approaches Remus Nightingale, seeking help to find their missing pet. Known for his kind heart and connections throughout the city, Remus agrees to aid in the search, calling upon his patrons and allies to reunite the child with their cherished animal companion.
(The Melody of the Vanished Relic): A sacred artifact has mysteriously vanished from the local temple, and the clergy seek Remus Nightingale's assistance. His reputation for solving enigmas makes him the ideal candidate to track down the lost item and restore it to its rightful place, all while composing a new tale of intrigue for his tavern's lore.
Once per encounter, Remus can use a bonus action to inspire an ally within 30 feet, granting them advantage on their next attack roll, skill check, or saving throw. This inspiring presence bolsters the ally's confidence and skill in a crucial moment.
Charming Melody (Action, 1/Encounter):
Remus can unleash a haunting melody as an action, compelling enemies within 30 feet to make a DC (12 + 1/2 CR) Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute. This captivating song leaves a lasting impression, swaying the emotions of those who hear it.
Actions
Multiattack. Remus makes two attacks:
one with his rapier and one with his crossbow.
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack:
+5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack:
+5 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.
Lucien Grey
Name: Lucien Grey
Race:Gnome
Class: Rogue
Background: Locksmith
Description
Lucien Grey, male gnome rogue and renowned locksmith, serves The Syndicate not only as an adept safe cracker but also as a creator of unyielding security solutions. His fingers, as adept at creating locks as they are at picking them, dance with a deft precision that belies his jovial demeanour. In his youth, Lucien gained notoriety for his impregnable locks, which were highly coveted by aristocrats and adventurers alike. With time, his expertise evolved; he ascended to design comprehensive systems to guard the clandestine hoards housed within The Syndicate's subterranean vaults. Despite his allegiance to the shadowy underbelly of society, Lucien carries himself with an almost scholarly air, often seen with a pensive frown as he contemplates his next mechanical marvel.
Physical Appearance
Lucien Grey is a slender gnome with a complexion reminiscent of softly scattered ash. He stands with an assured easiness, his black eyes reflecting an abyss of secrets known only to him. His chestnut hair, often tousled from hours of diligent work, frames his ashen face, which bears the serene focus of a master craftsman.
Motivations
(Seeking Retribution): Lucien is driven by the need to settle a past grievance with a rival or enemy, using every skill and resource at his disposal, fuelled by a desire to right a wrong from his past.
Plot Hooks
Marked for Death: Lucien Grey finds himself marked as a target by an assassin's guild, and he must uncover the reason behind this deadly contract before it's too late.
Family Legacy of Wealth: Lucien Grey's family possesses a mysterious heirloom that holds the key to a long-forgotten treasure. As he delves into his family's history, he uncovers a path to hidden riches and dangerous adversaries.
Seeking the Enchanted Lockpick: Lucien Grey comes into possession of a peculiar lockpick that opens any lock with ease. However, it soon becomes apparent that this magical tool is sought after by dark forces who will stop at nothing to claim it for their own sinister purposes.
Lucien Grey
Small Humanoid
Armor Class
13
Hit Points
65 (49-81)
Speed
25ft
STR
10 (0)
DEX
16 (3)
CON
11 (0)
INT
11 (0)
WIS
11 (0)
CHA
9 (-1)
Saving Throws
+5 DEX, +5 INT
Senses
Darkvision (60ft)
Languages
Common, Gnomish
Challenge
3 (700 XP)
Arcane Resistance (Trait):
Lucien Grey has honed his skills to resist magical effects, granting him advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Gnomish Jinx (Bonus Action):
Once per short rest, Lucien can choose a creature he can see within 30 feet and attempt to jinx it. The target must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 13). On a failed save, the target has disadvantage on its next attack roll or ability check.
Actions
Multiattack. Lucien Grey can make two attacks in one turn.:
Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack:
+5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.
Binding Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack:
+5 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage. On hit, the target must succeed on a DC 11 Strength saving throw or be restrained by the bolt, requiring an action to remove them.
Emberlyn Valeheart
Name: Emberlyn Valeheart
Race:Half-Elf
Class: Sorcerer
Background: Fence/Smuggler
Description
A fence and smuggler of The Syndicate with a penchant for fast horses and the flickering dance of fire magic, Elena Vega, or Emberlyn as she's known in more clandestine circles, is the epitome of cunning commerce and arcane acumen. A half-elf sorcerer whose childhood hands once covertly traded in rare magical artifacts, she gained a precocious insight into the shadowy domain of banned wares. As adolescence unfolded, she solidified her guise as a legitimate merchant, her store a paragon of the pristine while its underbelly buzzed with the covert exchange of illicit goods. The veil of respectability never slips, and thus, Emberlyn has woven herself into the societal tapestry as an esteemed provider of the rare and exotic. Now an adult, she has cultivated an aura of capability that draws adventurers and nobles to her secret services, her reputation burgeoning as one who can fulfill the unfulfillable - for the right price.
Her sorcery is threaded through every transaction - a whispered incantation to keep goods hidden, a subtle flare of the eyes to intimidate a haggling client. Yet there's a flicker of joy that dances in Emberlyn's expression when she holds reigns or conjures flame – these are the simple pleasures for this complex woman who thrills in the clandestine and revels in the mastery of her dual crafts.
Physical Appearance
Elena Vega, known as Emberlyn Valeheart, presents as a slender half-elf with startling teal eyes that seem to appraise you with a single glance. Her flaming red hair cascades freely over her fair shoulders, the light complexion graced with just a blush of pink, as if touched by the very fire she conjures. She moves with a grace that belies a latent energy akin to the prancing of the swift horses she adores.
Motivations
(Chasing the Flames of Fate): Emberlyn is driven by a profound conviction that her life is intertwined with an ancient prophecy. She tirelessly seeks to understand her destined role, believing that her mastery over fire magic and her clandestine dealings are but pieces of a larger cosmic puzzle she is meant to complete.
Plot Hooks
(Societal Prejudice): The party assists Emberlyn in navigating the challenges of her forbidden romance with a human noble, as they face societal prejudice and opposition from both their families.
(Ancient Bloodline): The party uncovers clues about Emberlyn's mysterious and powerful sorceress bloodline, leading them to ancient secrets and dangerous adversaries seeking to exploit her arcane ancestry.
(Unwanted Attention): Emberlyn experiences a sudden surge in power, unlocking new abilities and attracting unwanted attention from a clandestine organization seeking to control her newfound potential.
Emberlyn Valeheart
Medium Humanoid
Armor Class
14
Hit Points
84 (63-105)
Speed
30ft
STR
10 (0)
DEX
11 (0)
CON
11 (0)
INT
11 (0)
WIS
10 (0)
CHA
16 (3)
Saving Throws
+6 CON, +6 CHA
Senses
Darkvision (60ft)
Languages
Common, Elvish
Challenge
4 (1,100 XP)
Inner Fire (Special Ability, 1/Encounter):
Emberlyn can infuse her spells with elemental energy, dealing an additional 8 fire on her next spell attack. This infusion adds an extra kick to her spells, allowing her to harness the power of the elements to devastating effect.
Dimensional Shift (Special Ability, 1/Day):
Once per day, as a bonus action, Emberlyn can manipulate the range or area of one of her spells, doubling the range or increasing the area by 50%. This allows her to adapt her spells to different combat situations, catching her foes off guard with unexpected spell modifications.
Actions
Fire Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack:
+6 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d8 + 1) fire damage.
Fire Whip. Melee Spell Attack:
+6 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (3d8 + 1) fire damage.
Multiattack. Emberlyn can attack twice per turn.:
Artwork Credits: All artwork in this article was generated by me (JL) using MidJourney V5.2
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