 About Cade RavenhillCade Ravenhill, Human Criminal Bard/1
Attacks:
Quarter Staff: 1d20+4, 1d6+2 Bludgeoning Damage, versitile (1d8) Dagger: 1d20+4, 1d4+2 Piercing Damage, Finesse, Light, (Thrown [20/60]) Sling: 1d20+4, 1d4+2 Bludgeoning Damage, (Range [30/120]), i Proficiencies:
Saving Throws: Dexterity (+4), Charisma (+5) Skills: Investigation (+2), Stealth (+4), Persuasion (+5), Performance (+5), Deception (+5), Perception (+1) Weapons: All Simple Weapons, Hand Crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords Armor: Light Armor Tools: Playing card Set, Thieves Tools, Lute, Flute, Fiddle Languages: Common, Dwarven special" Jack of all trades[add half of your proficiency bonus to skills you are not trained in] Spellcasting:
Spellcasting Bonus: +5 Spellcasting DC: 13 Spell Slots: 2/2 Cantrips Known: Light, Vicious Mockery 1st-Level Spells Known: Heroism, Cure Wounds, Faerie Fire, Thunder Wave, Dissonant Whispers Prepared Spells: Cure Wounds, Heroism Other Class, Race and Background Features:
Class Features: SPELL CASTING (You can cast Bard spells and have learned to untangle and reshape the fabric of reality in harmony with your wishes and music [PHB pg52-53]) BARDIC INSPIRATION(You can inspire others through stirring words or music (1d6, 3/day reset on long rest)[PHB pg53-54]) JACK OF ALL TRADES (Starting at 2nd level, you can add half your proficiency bonus, rounded down, to any ability check you make that doesn't already include your proficiency bonus.)[PHB pg 54] SONG OF REST Beginning at 2nd level, you can use soothing music or oration to help revitalize your wounded allies during a short rest. If you or any friendly creature who can hear your performance regain hit points at the end of the short rest, each of those creatures regains an extra 1d6 hit points [PHB pg 54]. Race Features:
Inventory:
Total Inventory Slots: Unencumbered: Strength (14) x 1.5 (Round Down) = 21 max. Encumbered: Strength (14) x 3 (Round Down) = 42 max. Heavily Encumbered: Strength (14) x 4.5 (Round Down) = 63 max. Slots Used: 22
Coins & Gems: 1 Slots Used
Armor Slots: 3 Slots Used
Weapon Slots: 3 Slots Used
Readied Item Slots: 4 Slots Used
Stored Item Slots: 11 Slots Used
Background:
Criminal You are an experienced criminal with a history of breaking the law. You have spent a lot of time among other criminals and still have contacts within the criminal underworld. You’re far closer than most people to the world of murder, theft, and violence that pervades the underbelly of civilization, and you have survived up to this point by flouting the rules and regulations of society. Criminal Specialty: Smuggler
Personal Characteristics:
Alignment: Neutral Personality: The first thing Cade does when he enters the Inn of the Dripping Dagger (or any Inn for that matter) is scan the room noting the faces and marks the exits, he always likes to have a way out. Some might say he was paranoid but in his line of work, and considering the events of the past few days, it pays to be careful. As it is early morning there are only two people in the place; the inn keeper who is sitting at the bar and a man standing behind the bar, a swarthy man of average build with a receding hairline, that he did not recognize. ‘Cade, what in the name of Hades are you doing here’ the familiar Innkeeper bellows, ‘I heard you got yeself pinched the other night.' Cade approaches and takes a seat at the bar next to the Innkeeper and answers, ‘don’t believe everything you hear.’ 'I heard the pup mucked up big time’ the swarthy figure behind the bar chimed in. ‘Pay him no mind Cade,' the innkeeper interjects and motions toward the man behind the bar, ‘this is Yohn the day time bartender.’ ‘Good day,” Cade nods as he smiles in the bartender’s direction and extends his hand to shake. The bartender turns his head and spits into a brass spittoon, ignoring Cades hand, as he continues to wipe off the bar with the grimy rag in his hand. ‘I’ll not be shaking your hand,' retorts the bartender, 'I’ve heard all about you Cade the Cad. Incorrigible gambler, philanderer, and drunkard, it looks like your arrogance finally did you in the other night.’ He spits again. ‘You forgot slothful and I have a tendency to talk with my mouthful. Also, technically, I’ am more of a womanizer than a philanderer,’ he grins at the bartender. ‘And smartass,’ the bartender retorts. ‘True, True,’ Cade chuckles.' And continues, ‘Now friend, I’ll be the first to admit that there is a fine line between arrogance and self-confidence and that sometimes I cross that line. The same line exists between hot and cold, or right and wrong, or up and down. What I’m trying to say is that sometimes the line ain’t so clear to me. So occasionally I make what other might label a bad decision. But I say what’s wrong with enjoying a good laugh, a clever joke, a strong drink, a willing wench, a game of chance, or a relaxing smoke? Some would label these as bad vices or excesses, but to me they add savor to our lives.’ “And full of crap,’ adds the bartender, 'I heard what happened to Nad.’ “Well, that was unfortunate business. Unlucky for him, but a lucky turn for me. And let’s be honest friend, Nad will handle the rigors of prison much better than I would. I’m afraid I'd be a bit too popular with the inmates, so to speak. Moreover, the guards would probably lose their meager paychecks gambling with me and start beating their wives. So as you can see the way it worked out is better for everyone’ Cade concludes and begins to hum a slow melancholy tune. The Innkeeper faces the bartender and chimes in, ‘Now most people would conclude that Cade Ravenhill is a cad and they may very well be right. However, if they paid attention they would find that there is more to him lurking below the surface. The Cade most of us know is gregarious, perhaps a bit slow to trust, but good natured and sees everyone as a potential friend. Understandably, he might be the first person you would think of if you wanted to go out carousing. Nevertheless, he would be the first person to buy you a drink the next morning to help you get over the hangover. He has a story for every occasion and he believes everyone has a story waiting to be told. He is a fierce defender of his friends but everyone else is expendable and cares little about what others think. It's not that he doesn't care about others but he believes that his well-being takes priority over theirs. Oh, and most importantly for you, he has a tendency to hum when he is angry.’ Appearance: Cade Ravenhill gazed at his reflection in the mirror, while he was getting dressed in his room at the Inn of the Dripping Daggerr. He smiled at his likeness, it was a smile that would make a mother hide her daughters, a banker clutch his coin purse a little tighter, or cause a widow to blush. Cade mused that while he was not yet 25 years old the reflection looking back at him seemed, not only older, but more competent or experienced then his years. He stood a little over 6 feet tall and was well muscled like a race horse, broad in the shoulders and narrow at the waist, and he carried himself with an air of confidence and the swagger of a veteran. As Cade continued looking at his reflection he noticed his eyes, they are same color of the sky right before a storm, but it is more than their color that draws his attention, his gaze appears knowing and penetrating. His eyes are set in a well-proportioned and lightly tanned face which is framed by slicked dark flowing hair, the color of a raven’s wing, with a mustache, a small goatee, and long sideburns that extend to his chin. Cade proudly considered his mustache, it was thick and well groomed and once a dwarf had complemented him on it. He chose the right outfit he concluded as he looked at the road stained leathers he normally wore piled in a heap on the floor. He reminisced, was it only a few short hours ago that he decided to leave Waterdeep? What a sight he must of have been after hastily preparing to leave, hoping to catch a caravan heading north out of Waterdeep. He pictured in his mind himself hustling down the road in his traveling boots and wearing his leathers so worn they looked grey, around his waist he wore a thick sturdy belt with an assortment of pouches attached to it, with a dagger sheathed at either hip. As always, his lute was strapped across his back and his staff was in his hands. He must have cut a fine figure indeed as he rushed for the comfort of the inn. Cade shakes his head and focuses his attention back on the task at hand, pulling his dark blue jacket on over his starched white shirt. When he is done dressing, he approvingly looks at his reflection again. He thought, enough admiring yourself, you are acting like a maiden going to her first ball. Cade grabs his Lute and heads down to the common room. “Time to make some money” he whispers to his reflection in a rich full baritone. Portraits: Cade Ideal People: I'm loyal to my friends, not to any ideals, and everyone else can take a trip down the river Styx for all I care. (Neutral) Bond Someone I loved died because of I mistake I made. That will never happen again. Flaw An Innocent person is in prison for a crime that I committed. I'm okay with that. Trinket A fragment of a beautiful song, written as musical notes on two pieces of parchment.
Back Story:
Cade sat in the common room of the Inn of the Dripping Dagger, right off the Long Road in the city of Waterdeep, staring into his ale, trying to find the right words for his mother’s melody but, as usual, the words continued to escape him as they had for the last few days. It was a puzzle he was still working on. As he sat there he reflected on how he wound up in this situation dulling his pain with cheap ale as he reminisced about his life. His earliest memories are of music, the tone, pitch, and melody of his mother’s rich and vibrant voice lifted in song. But for him music was much more than a harmonious verse, music was alive, thick sensual, and intoxicating. Music was a mystical force that touched his soul to its very core, a thing of beauty. It wasn’t until he was about eight years old that he realized most people did not understand music in this way. It was true that most people enjoyed music, but they got the same enjoyment from watching a horse race or partaking of a fine meal. No for him music was pure joy and it was like a language that communicated with his very essence. Fortunately, his mother had the same understanding of music, and wound up being Cade’s mentor in developing his gift. Cade was born and raised in the Sea Ward of Waterdeep by his parents Angus and Selli. His father, Angus, was the Captain of the Merchant vessel Serenity which traversed up and down the Sword Coast. He was known from Baldurs Gate to Luskan and all ports in-between as a shrewed bargainer and a man of his word. He remembers his father as a large man, with an even larger laugh, quiet and contemplative, and always restless on land. Selli his mother was… well she was magical. No matter the circumstances it seemed that she was always smiling, or humming or singing. It seemed as if she was always in a good mood. She possessed a gifted ear for music, writing her own songs as well as playing several different instruments. But most of all she enjoyed life and found joy even in the common drudgery of everyday life. They were an affluent family and enjoyed the cosmopolitan lifestyle offered by the City of Splendors. Originally, Cade was to apprentice with his father and eventually take over his vessel. Suffice to say that after one voyage it became clear Cade was not meant to be a sailor. He was too much of a free spirit and life aboard the ship chaffed at him. Sailors were always scrubbing, hoisting, battening, and belaying. When he would rather be up in the crow’s nest imaging he was a Griffon Rider as the wind rushed through his hair. With his lack aptitude and interest his parents decided that instead of becoming a sailor he was to train as a bard with his mother. Apparently, prior to marriage, his mother had been a bard and adventure of some renown, but that was a lifetime ago as she said. So his training began in earnest and he learned how to use music to change reality. He flourished under his mother’s tutelage and grew in ability and skill. Not only were there lessons about music and magic but there were lessons on body language, diplomacy, etiquette, audiences, and numerous other subjects. He learned the stories of the Knights of Myth Dranor, Mithral Hall, Drizzit, Elminster and too many heroes and lands to name. There were Dwarven Epics, and Elven Ballads as well as treatise on human behavior. He learned to recite entire poems, discourses, and plays from memory. The lessons he enjoyed the most were the daily sparring sessions. It was here where he learned to use the dagger and the staff, most importantly how to not smash your fingers while wielding a staff. You see fingers are very important to playing an instrument and bruised or busted fingers make it a very impractical task. Looking back, he would say that his time spent studying under his mother’s skillful hand was the most enjoyable part of his life. Their lives changed when his father’s ship failed to return on time from his most recent voyage. They patiently waited and held out hope for his return. A few weeks turned into a few months and their hope dwindled. The reality of the situation finally sunk in, that his father was never coming back. With debts mounting and creditors calling Cade and his mother were left to their own devices. Mother eagerly went back to work performing at various Inns throughout Waterdeep, singing for her supper so to speak. Cade’s mother was a born entertainer and her services were in high demand. For the next few years they enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle and Cade started applying the lessons he learned in the classroom to practical applications in the field, as his mother put it. This was his mother’s way of saying that he could to perform in taverns with her. Taverns! What alive, colorful, and vibrant places. Taverns were a place to forget about your troubles, a place to share a joke or a smoke, and there was always music to lift your spirits. Cade took to the lifestyle like a fish to the water, taverns became a home away from home for him. When he wasn’t performing he could usually be found in some tavern with a drink, some cards, or a wench in his hands, or all three at once. Cards wound up giving him the most trouble and his debts began to mount. It should be no surprise that, with his talents and mounting debts, Cade was approached by a tavern owner and was given an offer to good to be true. If Cade would help smuggle a wagon full of wine barrels into the city he could earn some extra coin. It sounded easy enough so Cade took the offer. It turned out he had a knack for smuggling and he enjoyed the rush of pulling off an operation. Over the next couple of years he had all sorts of misadventures; running, scamming, hiding, and outwitting the authorities. His mother cautioned him against this activity but he countered her argument by pointing out that she took side jobs selling information and that was just as risky if not more so. His mother was right it was risky. Not every job was a success, but every job had a fall guy and it wasn’t going to be him. Usually, the fall guy was an unsuspecting teamster who didn’t know about the contraband. The latest to take the blame for him was a man called Nad who was still sitting in Waterdeep's prison. Cade shrugged this off as the price of doing business and, to be honest, these teamsters would have a better time of it in prison then he would. In spite of these occasional hiccups Cade’s operations continued to flourish. Unfortunately, Cade could never seem to get ahead of his debts and was forced to take on riskier jobs. Well the inevitable happened and he got caught trying to smuggle a wagon load of Brandy that didn’t have the proper excise stamp. The timing of his arrest couldn’t have been worse either as he was supposed to help his mother when this job was over. Cade thought it was odd, because she never asked for help, come to think of it she seemed a little out of sorts lately, and he shrugged it off, maybe she was coming down with something. Right now he had bigger things to worry about like an extended prison sentence. As a result of this misadventure he spent the next four days in a cell lamenting his foolishness. To his surprise he was released on the fifth day because, as it was explained to him, the evidence was lost and without the evidence there could be no crime, he took that to mean that some watchmen’s pockets just got heavier from selling the brandy. His first stop after being released was his favorite watering-hole, to get some liquid courage to face the berating from his mother. His elation at being released was short lived as when returned home he discovered his house had been ransacked. As for his mother he found out that no one had seen her since he was arrested. After chasing down a couple of leads and talking to his contacts he discovered the grisly truth. His mother had been murdered the same night he had been arrested. The Watch was calling it a robbery but in his hart he knew better and knew that when she needed him most he had let her down. The next couple of days were a blur as Cade spent most of the time in his cups trying to dull the pain. He took some solace in the fact that he was able to sing at her graveside. Who could of done this to her, who was she meeting, what information was she trying to sell? Too many questions and not enough answers. Looking for clues he went through her effects. To his surprise he found two pages of sheet music, the beginnings of a beautiful song, his mother had been working on. Cade started looking into the circumstances surrounding his mother’s death. However, shortly after he started his enquirers he got a note from one of his contacts warning him that his life was in danger and he should lie low for a time. While there was still many unanswered questions surrounding his mother's death he knew he could not help find his mother’s killers if he too was dead. He made a decision on the spot and packed his belongings, as well as his mothers incomplete song, and started to head for the Inn of the Dripping Dagger hoping to find a Caravan heading north with hopes of completing his mothers song during his adventures. While he hurried for the Inn a thought occurred to him. What if his mother’s song wasn’t a song after all? But rather a code to point his way towards her killers, her voice crying out for revenge from the grave. It was something to consider and he promised himself that he would look into this angle when he had a chance Faction:
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