Introduction; a NPC Guide
In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons, creating NPCs with rich backstories and emotional depth can elevate your campaign from ordinary to extraordinary. One such character is Dallan Ravenot, a human adventurer whose life is driven by vengeance and a search for his lost identity. In this NPC Guide, we will visit Dallan’s story of pain, resilience, and relentless pursuit of justice, making him a fascinating addition to any campaign. This post will delve into Dallan’s background, his stats, his unique traits, and how he can bring a powerful narrative element to your adventures.
Name: Dallan Ravenot
Role: Orc Hunter Adventurer
Background
Dallan Ravenot, a human in his early 30s, has forged his reputation as an exceptional orc hunter. His journey began with a traumatic experience that wiped away his past: awakening in an orc camp prison with no memory of his previous life. The brutal conditions and the scars of captivity have shaped Dallan’s existence, driving him to escape and dedicate his life to hunting orcs. His relentless pursuit of vengeance has earned him both renown and fear, as he operates with a grim resolve, carrying the nightmares of his past wherever he goes.
Why Dallan Was Created; NPC Guide
This NPC Guide for Dallan was created to embody the themes of vengeance, survival, and the search for identity. His character provides a stark contrast to more lighthearted or straightforward NPCs, offering players a complex figure who is both ally and enigma. Through Dallan, players can explore deep emotional narratives, face moral dilemmas, and engage in intense, action-packed quests. His presence in the campaign adds layers of intrigue and a relentless drive that propels the story forward.
Stats
- Race: Human
- Class: Ranger (Level 6)
- HP: 52
- AC: 16 (studded leather armor)
- Strength: 14
- Dexterity: 18
- Constitution: 14
- Intelligence: 12
- Wisdom: 16
- Charisma: 10
Saving Throws: Str +5, Dex +7
Skills: Perception +6, Survival +6, Stealth +7, Insight +6
Senses: Passive Perception 16
Languages: Common, Orc
Challenge: 2 (450 XP)
NPC Guide to Dallan’s Traits and Flaws
Traits:
- Resourceful: Dallan’s survival skills are unparalleled, making him a master of tracking and hunting.
- Determined: His resolve to destroy orcs and uncover his past drives him with relentless energy.
- Relentless: His knowledge of orc tactics and weaknesses makes him a formidable foe.
- Perceptive: Highly observant, Dallan rarely misses details that others overlook.
Flaws:
- Haunted: Dallan is plagued by the lost memories and traumatic experiences from the orc camp.
- Paranoid: His mistrust of others can lead to occasional bouts of paranoia and anger.
- Reckless: His singular focus on hunting orcs can make him reckless and unwilling to form deep connections with others.
Abilities and Actions
Favored Enemy: Orcs
Dallan has significant experience studying, tracking, hunting, and talking to orcs, granting him the following benefits:
- Advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to track orcs, as well as on Intelligence checks to recall information about them.
- +2 bonus to damage rolls with weapon attacks against orcs.
Natural Explorer: Forests and Mountains
Dallan is adept at living and traveling through forests and mountainous terrain, granting him various benefits such as:
- Difficult terrain doesn’t slow his group’s travel.
- He cannot become lost except by magical means.
- He remains alert to danger even when engaged in another activity.
- When traveling alone, he can move stealthily at a normal pace.
Spellcasting
Dallan is a 6th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following ranger spells prepared:
| Spell Level | Spell Name | Description |
| 1st Level (4 slots) | Hunter’s Mark | Choose a creature within range and mark it as your quarry, dealing extra damage. |
| Cure Wounds | Heals a creature for 1d8 + spellcasting ability modifier. | |
| Ensnaring Strike | Causes vines to sprout from the ground and ensnare a creature. | |
| Goodberry | Creates berries that provide nourishment and healing. | |
| 2nd Level (2 slots) | Pass without Trace | Provides a +10 bonus to Stealth checks for himself and allies. |
| Lesser Restoration | Cures one disease or condition such as blindness or paralysis. | |
| Spike Growth | Creates an area of difficult terrain with damaging spikes. |
Multiattack
Dallan can make two attacks with his Orc Slayer Longbow or two melee attacks with his dagger.
Orc Slayer Longbow
Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage, or 13 (1d8 + 7) against orcs.
Dagger
Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4 + 4) piercing damage.
NPC Guide to Dallan’s Tactics
Stealth and Ambush: Dallan uses his skills in stealth to ambush his enemies, often attacking from a distance with his longbow before closing in for the kill. He prefers to strike under the cover of night or from concealed positions in the forest.
Strategic Planning: Dallan carefully plans his attacks, using his knowledge of orc tactics to predict their movements and counter their strategies. He often sets traps or uses environmental hazards to his advantage.
Determined Pursuit: Once he has marked a target with Hunter’s Mark, Dallan is relentless in his pursuit, tracking his quarry across any terrain until they are defeated.
Quests Involving Dallan
Orc Infestation
Dallan needs the party’s help to raid and destroy a nearby orc camp that has been terrorizing local villages. The objective is to eliminate the orc threat and ensure the safety of the villagers. (See this link for a useful loot table for an orc camp)
Quest Hook: “There’s an orc camp nearby that’s been terrorizing local villages. I need someone to help me take them down. Are you up for the task?”
Dialogue:
- Player: “What can you tell us about the orc camp?”
- Dallan: “It’s heavily guarded, but they get sloppy at night. We need to strike then. I’ll lead the way.”
- Player: “Why do you need our help?”
- Dallan: “Even I can’t take on an entire camp alone. I need capable allies to cover my back.”
Missing Memories
Dallan seeks to recover his lost memories. He has heard of a reclusive shaman who can perform a ritual to restore his past. The party must find this shaman, traverse dangerous terrain, and gather rare ingredients for the ritual.
Quest Hook: “I’ve heard rumors of a shaman who can restore lost memories. If you can find him and bring me what he needs, I’ll make it worth your while.”
Dialogue:
- Player: “What do you remember about your past?”
- Dallan: “Nothing before the orc camp. Just flashes of pain and darkness. I need to know who I was.”
- Player: “Where can we find this shaman?”
- Dallan: “Last I heard, he was living in a secluded cave in the northern mountains. Be prepared for a tough journey.”
Bounty Hunt
Dallan is tracking a notorious orc warlord named Grob-Gal. He needs the party’s assistance in locating and defeating Grob-Gal to claim a substantial bounty and bring peace to the region.
Quest Hook: “A particularly brutal orc warlord has a hefty bounty on his head. Help me track him down, and we’ll split the reward.”
Dialogue:
- Player: “Who’s this orc warlord?”
- Dallan: “Grob-Gal, a vicious leader responsible for countless raids. Taking him down will save many lives.”
- Player: “What’s the bounty?”
- Dallan: “500 gold pieces. But for me, it’s not just about the money. It’s personal.”
Items Owned by Dallan
- Orc Slayer Longbow: A finely crafted longbow designed for hunting orcs. Effect: Grants a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls against orcs.
- Studded Leather Armor: Provides excellent protection while allowing for agility in combat.
- Survival Kit: Contains essential items for wilderness survival, including a flint, rope, healing herbs, and rations.
- Tracking Medallion: A magical medallion that aids in tracking orcs. Effect: Allows the wearer to sense the direction of the nearest orc within a mile radius.
- Dagger: A well-balanced dagger for close combat, often used as a last resort.
Important Information
Dallan Ravenot is a driven and capable adventurer whose expertise in hunting orcs makes him an invaluable ally. This NPC Guide is meant to show his tragic past and relentless pursuit of vengeance against orcs provide a compelling backstory that can be explored in various quests. Despite his rough exterior, Dallan’s dedication to justice and protection of the innocent reveals a deeper, more complex character. His presence can add depth and intrigue to any campaign, offering players a mix of action, mystery, and emotional engagement.
Creating a NPC Guide, like the one for Dallan Ravenot, not only enhances your campaign but also adds layers of emotional and narrative depth. His story, marked by trauma and resilience, provides a rich ground for adventures that challenge and captivate players. Use Dallan to weave intense and meaningful quests into your campaign, and watch as your world comes alive with compelling narratives and unforgettable characters
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