Ronin (Wicked Wilds)

Ronin

"This has nothing to do with me."

Player Name	Kade
Relatives	Unknown
Languages	Common, Infernal, Abyssal, and Celestial
Affiliations	Unknown
Aliases	N/A
Place of Birth	Unknown
Species	Variant Feral Tiefling
Gender	Male (He/They)
Height	5'1
Weight	125 lbs
Eye Color	White

Ronin is a Variant Feral Tielfing Sorcerer. An amnesiac who hides themself in the shadows, for fear of some unknown threat drawing closer. Keeping their head low has stalled the gaze of danger— but Ronin has decided it’s time for them to step into the light to learn who they truly want to be.

Physical Appearance

Ronin stands at about 5'1. They appears to be in their late teens/early twenties with short curly black hair, tawny brown skin peppered with dark scale-like freckles, runic tattoos kept under baggy clothes, and dusted fingers with black nails. They bear a large scar across their chest, akin to that of a stab wound. Ronin wears loose and dark clothing, but always seems to keep a black and gold scarf to grab onto. They carry around a belt that attaches to the back of their tail, holding a bag and a holstered knife.

Ronin repeats they're human— insistently so— but they don't quite fit that mold. They have slightly pointed ears, dusted with black scale-like marks, and uncannily white eyes. Gold constellation freckles dully illuminate their face. Their hands are dusted with scales and their nails are black and pointed. On top of that, underneath is mop of hair are two small sets of horns slowly growing out of his head; though only one set is particularly visible. They have two large bat-like wings that extend from their back, reflecting the night sky. And they have a long spiked tail as well. This long-winded list should hopefully clue you into the fact that they are most certainly not as human as they say they are.

Personality

With a bright smile, Ronin is remarkably friendly. They are mischievously playful and enjoy making new friends. To those they align themself with, Ronin is fiercely protective of; risking life and limb to keep their friends alive. Even though they lack basic knowledge of history, social structures, or even his own history, Ronin is strangely wise for their background. Their high charisma comes from not their ability to charm or deceive, but rather the self assurance Ronin has in themself. Ronin doesn't have all the answers about what they exactly are, but they don't need those answers to complete themself in any way, shape, or form. Instead, Ronin is here and knows what they care about. This is all the reassurance that they need. They are, however, constantly asking questions about the most basic of concepts, such as making bets, keeping watch, etc-- often taking the literal meaning of the phrase first.

Ronin has frequent headaches that seem to set on a more frustrated and short-tempered demeanor. They have in the past exhibited embarrassment and frustration over the nature of their origin when having to be honest with others about it. This results in playground lies to denote from the notion that they don't really understand the nature of the gifts they have and why it has to be a topic for others. They have since seemed to relax this notion that they need to have the answers. However, Ronin is still quite paranoid about others knowing the truth, leading to always peering over their shoulder for some unknown threat, triple checking doorways and halls when no one is looking, and locking all doors behind them. Though the threat may not arrive, Ronin doesn't want to take any chances to spoil the wonderful they have now.

History

When you sacrifice someone in the name of your god, they usually don’t get back up. This is not the case for Ronin, however.

Whoever "Acatl" was didn't particularly matter to the cult, their intent was still the same: To offer up a body for their god, a monstrous deity associated with stars. This unnamed unknown cult desired to give their god's unformed visage a vessel, with which they could praise and control. A being in mortal form, easily tamed. Acatl's mother joined their cult after being lured in by their community, and dragged her son along to meetings and gatherings. It wasn't long before she decided to move their permanently, leaving her life and tavern behind. It was said that Acatl got fed up after months of gaslighting and falsities and was imprisoned for attempting to desert, though these reports are unconfirmed. Eventually, the day came and Acatl's mother allowed her son to be one of the offerings for this ritual, after reasoning that his reward would far outweigh his penance. With a carved runes, singed brands, and a sharp stab, the ritual occurred by the edge of the community village. It was said that the soul of Acatl left, and something else entered in it's place. Though no one knows for sure. After all, there weren't many witnesses that survived.

After being supposedly sacrificed for this unstated deity of the stars, the sacrifice refused to die. There weren't many witnesses. Those who lived to tell the tale recall a monster attacking the fleeing cultists; a skeleton-like form with a starry visage and an obsidian knife lodged in their frame. Curling horns, a sharp maw, half broken shackles, and surrounded by eyes made of shadows. All of these reports varied in what exactly occurred that fateful night, but one detail was always the same: Carnage was what remained.

The cultists fled into the night. And that's when Ronin woke up. With no memory of who they used to be, what their purpose was, or even what “all that weird stuff back there” was, the entity calling themselves Ronin escaped into the night to define for themselves who and what they want to be. They have no memory of who or what they used to be, leaving a lot of unanswered questions about the nature abilities. However, their body still occasionally remembers; an echo of who used to have it. An occasional twitch, familiar movements, and muscles with memories. Though, Ronin's mind has none.

Game Time

Ronin joined the Tempest Brothers Expeditionary Company directly after the base was seized upon by bounty hunters. Encountering P'ash, Lambda, Wiggler, and Lux, they begin to make small talk. P'ash lightly question Ronin if he was involved with the Red Daggers cult. When Ronin expresses uncertainty, this seems to raise suspicious from Lambda. Lux proceeds to invite Lambda and Ronin to the Galik fight club she attends. When Lambda expresses concern, correctly assuming that Ronin is potentially a newly awakened being, Lambda expresses the sentiment that he 'cannot deal with another liability.' This seemed to hit Ronin hard, Determined to prove to Lambda that they were not a liability, with Wiggler tagging along, they make their way to the Galik fight club to prove themselves. Ronin was 1-hit KO'd.

A day or so later, Ronin encountered Wiggler again. Wiggler took notice that Ronin was continuing to eat food incorrectly, trying to eat an orange with the peal on. Using telepathy to communicate to Ronin, Wiggler was shocked when Ronin responded in return. This started a conversation between Ren, Wiggler, and Ronin-- all able to communicate with each other telepathically. Though Ronin seemed to be quite unaware as to how exactly they're able to do such a feat.

Mission 1: Blood, Sweat, and Gears

Ronin joined Ren, Chrysaor, Heli, Hummer, Richard Weedus on their first mission as they attended a Galik party. The goal was to persuade nobles and elite society members to financially support the Tempest Brothers. The party arrived and split up, quickly trying to socialize and meet new contacts. Ronin stood around nervously, before Ren coaxed them into introducing themselves to the nobles around. However, the party began notice that nobles they had spoken to before suddenly regarded them as cold and no longer interested. Finally, they were all called onto the stage to speak. However, as they approached, another figured joined. It appeared to be Lambda in their armor-- Ronin and the party knew that this couldn't be Lambda. It was his brother Iota, impersonating Lambda and wearing his armor. After a long battle, the party managed to defeat Iota. They recruited 7 additional warforged workers, before returning bringing the body of Iota back to Lambda. They are able to give Lambda back his armor, as well as hand over the memories and body of Iota to be buried. Lambda buries the body by themself to ensure no one can obtain it.

Mission 2: Make Galik Great Again

Ronin was called to the main lobby of the tavern along with Marion, Ren, Twilsby, 22, Heli, and Finny to speak with Shelmlock Dolmes about their next mission: To deal with the bounty placed onto the Tempest Brother's company members. Shelmlock Dolmes revealed that the bounty placed was done so by a member of the Hearthorne family, an ancient aristocratic Galik family with a long history of dipping their fingers into every aspect of the city. The party was given a pair of knives with runic markings along with a copy of the contract placed on their heads; Should they draw blood from the one who placed the bounty, the bounty will dispel and the copy of the contract will run blank. The party narrowed their search to Alistair Hearthorne and Jacqueline Hearthorne. The party split up with Group 1, with Ronin in tow, moving to check out Alistair; currently on the campaign trail for High Burgher of Galik. He is joined alongside his wife Leonore Hearthorne. Group 2 arranged to meet up and test the knife on Jacqueline to gain her trust. After a heated conversation, she revealed that she was not the one who placed the bounty at all. Jacqueline warned Group 2 about her brother, already knowing that something was 'rotten' within him before vanishing.

Group 1 arrived to the first debate on the trail. After Alistair's first debate, Ren pretended to want to dedicate themselves to the cause and work under Alistair. Ren hopped in their carriage, but was charmed into killing the party should he see them. Ren, however, was still holding onto one of the knives needed to break the contract. This left only one knife to chance between Alistair and his wife. The party make a gambit that it must be Leonore and not her husband. With only one shot, Twilsby uses catapult to fling the knife into the Leonore-- the magical dagger slashing into her thigh. The magical dagger instantly severed the bounty and released the contract. With their true intentions revealed, the Hearthornes begin to transform; their faces rotting like apples. Leonore and Alistair revealed themselves as Bride and Groom: the Leaders of the Fungal Cult. The party fought against them in their horrid fungal visage, including transformed fungal monstrosities that were once former members of the Lyreguard. The Bride and Groom managed to barely escape on the back of a gryffon. However, the party did learn that the two wore magical wedding rings that prevent one from dying if the other lives.

Ronin returned back to the Tavern covered in acid burns, but was overall fine. He proceeded to assist Heli with the creation of masks meant to protect against the fungus. Though Ronin was not particularly helpful, Heli did in fact make two masks.

Mission 3: Hell's Coming With Me

Ronin traveled to the first layer of hell to retrieve infernal gold for the Warden of the Wilds. The plan was to use the gold to weaponize a fungal cure against Demons. When the party met with Baron Samuel Boarhide, an archdevil servant of the Lord of Greed Mammon, he presented the party with a contract; a chunk of which was in the party couldn't read. Ronin, on the other hand, seemed to be able to read the infernal contract, deciphering legalese for the party. Though, no one seemed to correct them that the language they were reading wasn't common, leading them to believe the party couldn't read. Baron Boarhide agreed to trade infernal gold for stealing a legendary gun from the demonic outlaw, Sellena "Snake-Eyes." P'ash dueled Sellena, and the group broke out into an all out brawl. They were able to successfully bring the gun to the Baron and returning to the material plane with their rewards' weight in gold.

Ronin finally broke up with Rocky, chucking him into the first layer of hell. <3

Outside of the mission, Ronin returned home to discover that Lambda had turned traitor his last mission. This left Ronin utterly distraught. He spoke with Coryn and Otto, who were able to offer him some comfort. Coryn and Ronin seemed to form a connection. Afterwards, Coryn and Ronin went to the arena. They had a conversation about Ronin's knife, where he revealed that he discovered it stuck in his chest when he first awoke. This seemed to intrigue Coryn, but didn't pry when Ronin clammed up about the details. The two sparred and were able to connect more after beating the absolute hell out of each other, with Coryn allowing Ronin to practice his spells against him.

Mission 4: Unmasked

Therrin Flare, Ren Atherton, Black Jack, Spurs the Cowboy Cat and Ronin were gathered together and sent to hunt and retrieve the head of the mad Gnoll artificer Ripjaw, which had been stolen the criminal Jack of Hearts. The party managed to track the head down to a townhouse in Galik, owned by the Hearthorne family. On their way, they heard the terrible news that Alaister Hearthorne, also known as "the Groom" and one of the leaders of the fungal cult, was elected as the new High Burgher of Galik. After disposing of some guards at the townhouse, one of which Ronin had driven to the point of insanity with their telepathy and intimidation, the party encountered a wounded Jack of Hearts. Therrin, having briefly seen Jack enter the house, called in the Lyreguard on Jack, with Ronin instantly siding with Jack against the guard-- only for the guard and their griffon to be revealed as rotted. The party leapt into combat. When the guard struck Ronin however, Ronin used his newest ability on an infected Lyreguard. As the guard swiped into Ronin, Ronin let out an explosive blast of astral energy. This pushed the Lyreguard out of the 3rd story window.

Jack confessed to the party that they had been using Ripjaw's head to get info on the Groom's plans, with the hopes to assassinate the new High Burgher. Jack of Hearts proceeded to reveals themselves to actually be Jacqueline Hearthorne, sister of Alaister. Jacqueline reveals Alaister's plan to use his position to weaken Galik's defenses. Jack revealed to the party Mother's plan to use the lost city of Thelrya to ascend to godhood. With this information, the party quickly raced to the council building of Galik. When the group entered, they found the corpses of Council of Burghers along with Alaister and Lenore Hearthone, the Bride. The couple used their powers to alter Galik's laws through the city's ancient tome, dismantling it's arcane defenses. The party forced the Bride and Groom to flee through a teleportation circle before entering battle with Wren: a strange worm cultist assisting the Bride and Groom's plans. Wren's final act summoned forth their master, the Lord of the Beneath: An ancient squirming demigod. The Lord Beneath proceeded to transform into a massive worm-like monster, attempting to sink the underground. Ronin managed to retrieve the law-book and Spur's tax evasion abilities, found themselves able to reverse Alaister's changes to its laws. Then, as they followed the lorn beneath, they manage to stop the Lord's rampage by tricking it into slamming into the cavern walls and sink into the sea. While underground, they also managed to find secret rot-infected corpses buried in small groups; clearly set to allow for mother's control once her plan was enacted. The party quickly destroyed the corpses before escaping to the surface.

After this mission, Ronin ventured with Coryn to the Temple of Lathander. The two entered a room with a ceiling that stretched towards the sky, with a towering statue of Lathander atop a pedestal. In front, a small dais covered in small offerings to Lathander in front of his altar. Coryn spoke with Lathander and introduced Ronin to the god. When Ronin was told they could speak freely, they asked the god if Lathander knew Ronin. Lathander explained that they know all who walk in the light, and where aware of details Ronin knew not about themself. Lathander asked what Ronin sought out of life. Ronin revealed that they were content with not knowing themself, or seeking a greater purpose; rather they sought connection and family. The god followed by asking if it was belonging that they sought.

“I don’t know yet.” There’s a pause. “I don’t know if I’m missing something, or that I’m just like this. Like— I sometimes feel as if this body isn’t mine. It never feels familiar enough...And I’m okay with that. I guess it means I just don’t know— you know?”

When Lathander asked if Ronin wanted the answer though detailed that some things were beyond even his reach. Ronin said no to the answer, but asked for clarification, resulting in a vision from Lathander.

The light gets so bright until it is blinding, and then there is nothing, pure darkness stretching on forever. Stars twinkle in the far distance, yet nothing more. Everything shifts as the shape beyond the darkness moves, its shadow shifting to reveal to figures floating in the infinite expanse. One is a satyr with pale purple skin and dark purple hair. The second figure is more familiar, its you, it looks like you, but different, like you reflected in a mirror. Both of their eyes are blank and their cheeks are stained by black tears. The one that looks like you looks to you. "Why are you wearing my face?" You then return to reality and the light is gone.

Ronin left the temple shortly after, needing to take a walk and process what they saw, before returning back to the Tempest Brothers. They had a short conversation with Amaris, who seemed relatively concerned that the person in the vision could be their sister....but for why?

Mission 5: The Restoration of Thelrya

The first half of the mission involved tracking down wooden statues in the wild. Ronin was given the tracking device, and was able to fly above tree lines. During the various fights, the team encountered Dinosaurs. Ronin, having never seen a Dinosaur, insisted they were dragons. The team managed to destroy 3 statues before reuniting with the full team, taking a long rest to regain energy. During this long rest, Ronin confided in Coryn the vision he saw of a humanoid version of himself and the saddened purple satyr.

The second half of the mission had Ronin joining friends Coryn, Chrysaor, Leo, Karma, and the crew as they became official wedding crashers. The Bride and the Groom were intent on wedding, which would've allowed one part of the ritual to succeed. Ronin used their new Wand of Fireballs to fire off a massive blast as soon as the party objected. Flying up into the air, Ronin was able to keep the threats at bay by firing from above.

During the battle against the Bride and the Groom, Ronin watched as The Groom made a swift attack against Coryn. Ronin, having a strange sense for impending death, was keenly aware that something was wrong and quickly counter-spelled to stop the Groom in his tracks. This enraged the Bride and the Groom, with the Bride moving out of her way to blasting a spore-bomb directly next to Ronin's head. He was knocked unconscious for a moment before reviving thanks to a brownie.

The fight raged on. Ronin had his blink spells counter-spelled twice by the Bride who refused to let him get away. The bridesmaids were able to force polymorph'd him into a spore-ish wolf for a 'spell,' before Ronin was able to tear out of this form chest-buster style and continue fighting. He was then cornered by the Bride who continued to blast him with spores. The Bride was able to rip the fungal cure from Ronin's body, opening up his mind to manipulation. Mind controlling spores surrounded Ronin and Chrysaor, attempting to control their minds. Instead, Ronin toughed it out and fought alongside Coryn, tag-teaming around the bride, with the two fighting fearlessly. Both the Bride and the Groom were defeated, though not before the Bridge wed with Chrysaor. Chrysaor quickly filed for divorce, divorcing her soul from her body.

Languages

Ronin can speak Common, Infernal, Celestial, and Abyssal. He is not currently aware of any of these in character. He did, however, read infernal legalese during Mission 3.

Powers and Abilities

Variant Tiefling Abilities

• Resistant to Fire Damage
• Darkvision
  • Ronin can see in darkness (shades of gray) up to 60 ft.
• Variant: Winged
  • Ronin has a flying speed of 30 feet while he isn't wearing heavy armor. On his back are two bat-like wings with celestial sheen.

Sorcerer Abilities

• Metamagic
  • Heightened Spell
  • Quickened Spell

Subclass Abilities

• Psionic Spells
  • Calm Emotions
  • Detect Thoughts
• Telepathic Speech
  • As a bonus action, Ronin can choose one creature they can see within 30 ft. Ronin and the chosen creature can speak telepathically with each other while they are within 4 miles of each other. The telepathic connection lasts for [6] minutes.

Feat [4th Level]

• Gift of the Gem Dragon - "Made of Star Stuff"
  • Telekinetic Reprisal
    • When you take damage from a creature that is within 10 feet of you, you can use your reaction to emanate telekinetic energy. The creature that dealt damage to you must make a Strength saving throw (DC equals 8 + your proficiency bonus + the ability modifier of the score increased by this feat). On a failed save, the creature takes 2d8 force damage and is pushed up to 10 feet away from you. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and isn’t pushed. You can use this reaction a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. [2]

Spells

• Cantrips
  • Dancing Lights
  • Fire Bolt
  • Message
  • Mild Sliver
  • Minor Illusion
  • Poison Spray
• Level 1
  • Arms of Hadar
  • Burning Hands
  • Chaos Bolt
  • Chromatic Orb
  • Dissonant Whispers
  • Shield
• Level 2
  • Hold Person
• Level 3
  • Blink
    • Ronin has a very difficult time controlling this spell in particular,

Attacks and Weapons 

Ronin carries around a light crossbow and two daggers; one of which is embroidered with an oddly curved blade. The other knife is a blackened knife with a hilt made of a mandible bone.

• Wand of Fireballs
• Cloak of Protection
• Bracers of Defense

Relationships

Coryn

Coryn and Ronin first encountered each other after Ronin was informed about the death of Lambda. Coryn quickly became a comforting ally to the boy. The two sparred together, have accompanied each other on missions, and overall have a deep sense of care for one another. Ronin even toughed out his fear of churches to learn more about Coryn through his god. Ronin and Coryn have incredible synergy, able to protect each other and work off each other in combat. When Coryn was almost instantly killed by the rotted Groom during the wedding, Ronin instantly counterspelled, screaming out to protect his friend. Ronin considers Coryn to be his closest friend.

Lambda

Ronin has an odd sort of relationship with Lambda. The two didn't really seem to get along at first, with Lambda quickly clocking that Ronin was some sort of newly awakened. Ronin was embarrassed, taking great offense to being declared a liability. The two attended fight club together, where Ronin proceeded to get knocked out. However, during the party, Ronin seemed to take great offense that someone was impersonating Lambda, even if the two hadn't ever really gotten along. After bring the body of Lambda's brother Iota, Ronin seemed to get the idea that it brought Lambda a sense of ease. Afterward, the two seemed to get along much better. The two spoke last outside the tavern in the dead of night, when Ronin was outside getting some fresh air. Lambda then disappeared, turning traitor. Ronin is deeply hurt by this, citing that they had so much to prove to Lambda and that they looked up to him intensely. They seem to harbor conflicting feelings about Lambda.

Amelia

Amelia and Ronin now seem to get along. <3

Reference Images

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Full body reference of Ronin