Introduction
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, the right non-player character (NPC) can bring an adventure to life, adding layers of intrigue and excitement to any campaign. Enter Smoke, a mysterious tabaxi rogue whose skills and background make him an unforgettable character for your players. Whether as an ally or an adversary, Smoke brings a rich, multifaceted presence to your game.
In this post, we will delve into Smoke’s detailed character profile, complete with my own experience with Smoke, Smoke’s dialogue, and a comprehensive stat block. We’ll also explore quests related to Smoke, his motivations, and how he can seamlessly integrate into any campaign setting.
Meet Smoke: The All-Black Tabaxi Rogue
Smoke is an all-black tabaxi rogue, sleek and silent as the night. His fur, a deep, shadowy black, helps him blend seamlessly into the darkness, making him a master of stealth and an exceptional thief. Born in a bustling, crime-ridden city, Smoke learned the art of thievery at a young age, honing his skills to survive and thrive in a world where trust is scarce, and danger is always lurking.
Personal Experience with the Tabaxi Rogue
The Midnight Heist (From my Chronicles of Foxcroft campaign)
One of the most memorable tales of Smoke’s exploits is the midnight heist of the Governor’s mansion. Under the cover of darkness, Smoke slipped past the guards, disabled intricate traps, and made off with a priceless artifact without leaving a trace. His prowess left even the most seasoned thieves in awe.
Dialogue: A Glimpse into Smoke’s Mind
“I don’t steal for the thrill or the gold,” Smoke murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper as he adjusted his hood. “I do it because in this world, you either take what you need or you get left with nothing. And I’ve never been one to settle for nothing.”
Smoke’s Backstory
Smoke’s life began in the shadows of a sprawling, crime-ridden city. Abandoned as a kitten, he quickly learned to fend for himself, surviving on the streets by any means necessary. As he grew, so did his reputation. Smoke became known as a master thief, his agility and cunning unmatched. He joined a guild of thieves, where he honed his skills further, becoming a trusted, if elusive, member of the underworld.
Despite his rough exterior, Smoke has a code of honor. He steals primarily from those who hoard wealth and power, redistributing his gains to those in need. This complex morality often puts him at odds with other criminals and law enforcers alike, making his life a constant dance on the edge of a blade.
Wants and Needs
Wants:
- Freedom: Smoke values his independence above all else. He avoids long-term alliances that might bind him.
- Respect: More than wealth, Smoke seeks recognition for his skills and cunning.
- Challenge: Smoke thrives on the thrill of a difficult heist, always seeking bigger and more dangerous targets.
Needs:
- Survival: At his core, Smoke’s primary drive is to survive in a harsh world.
- Belonging: Despite his loner tendencies, Smoke craves a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Redemption: Smoke harbors a desire to atone for his past misdeeds, though he would never admit it openly.
Items Smoke Typically Carries
- Rapier: A finely crafted weapon, always kept in pristine condition.
- Shortbow and Quiver of Arrows: Essential for silent takedowns from a distance.
- Thieves’ Tools: A set of lockpicks and other tools, worn but meticulously maintained.
- Cloak of Shadows: A magical cloak that grants advantage on Stealth checks while in dim light or darkness.
- Bag of Holding: A small, nondescript bag that holds far more than it seems, filled with various stolen goods, coins, and useful items.
- Potion of Invisibility: A single-use potion that allows Smoke to vanish from sight in desperate situations.
Smoke’s Stat Block
For Tabaxi Rogues, reference the tabaxi and rogue details from the (DandD WikiDOT) if you have further racial or class questions.
Basic Information
- Name: Smoke
- Race: Tabaxi
- Class: Rogue
- Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
- Background: Criminal/Spy
Stats
- Armor Class: 15 (Leather Armor + Dexterity)
- Hit Points: 55 (10d8+10)
- Speed: 30 ft., climb 20 ft.
Abilities
- Strength: 10 (+0)
- Dexterity: 18 (+4)
- Constitution: 12 (+1)
- Intelligence: 14 (+2)
- Wisdom: 12 (+1)
- Charisma: 16 (+3)
Skills
- Acrobatics: +8
- Deception: +7
- Insight: +5
- Investigation: +6
- Perception: +5
- Sleight of Hand: +8
- Stealth: +10
Saving Throws
- Dexterity: +8
- Intelligence: +6
Traits
- Darkvision: 60 ft.
- Feline Agility: When Smoke moves on his turn in combat, he can double his speed until the end of the turn. Once he uses this trait, he can’t use it again until he moves 0 feet on one of his turns.
- Cat’s Claws: Because of his claws, Smoke has a climbing speed of 20 feet. In addition, his claws are natural weapons, which he can use to make unarmed strikes. If he hits with them, he deals slashing damage equal to 1d4 + his Strength modifier.
Actions
- Multiattack: Smoke makes two attacks with his Rapier.
- Rapier: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
- Shortbow: Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, range 80/320 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) piercing damage.
- Sneak Attack: Once per turn, Smoke can deal an extra 14 (4d6) damage to one creature he hits with an attack if he has advantage on the attack roll, or if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn’t incapacitated, and he doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.
- Cunning Action: On each of his turns, Smoke can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Tactics
Smoke relies on stealth and agility to outmaneuver his opponents. He uses his surroundings to his advantage, often striking from the shadows before retreating to safety. In combat, he prefers to use his Rapier and shortbow, aiming to incapacitate enemies quickly and quietly.
Quests Involving the Smoke
Tabaxi Rogue as an Ally
Quest: The Stolen Relic Smoke approaches the party with a proposition: a powerful artifact has been stolen from a secret guild, and he needs their help to retrieve it. The party must navigate a series of traps and adversaries, relying on Smoke’s expertise in stealth and thievery to succeed.
Quest: The Missing Heir A noble’s heir has gone missing, and Smoke believes he knows where to find them. The party must infiltrate a heavily guarded estate, using Smoke’s knowledge of the city’s criminal underworld to locate and rescue the heir.
Tabaxi Rogue as an Enemy
Quest: The Elusive Thief Smoke has stolen a valuable item from the party, and they must track him down across the city. This chase will test their investigative skills and force them to outthink a master thief.
Quest: The Rogue’s Gambit Smoke is planning a major heist that could destabilize the region. The party must uncover his plans and stop him before it’s too late, all while navigating a web of deception and danger.
Conclusion
Smoke, the all-black tabaxi rogue, is a character brimming with potential for any Dungeons & Dragons campaign. His skills, backstory, and motivations make him a compelling NPC, whether as a trusted ally or a cunning adversary. By incorporating Smoke into your game, you introduce a new layer of depth and excitement, challenging your players and enriching your storytelling.
Need more information?
Unable to locate the answers you’re seeking?
