Building the Heroes of Phandalin Pt. 3 - Grimfang Whisperwind
In the previous post we built the Elora Songseeker the Half-Elf Bard. So again we can hopefully apply some of the things we learned to creating the third member of the party that the AI suggested who is:
Grimfang, the Wood Elf Ranger (Hunter): Grimfang is a silent tracker, at home in the wilderness. His keen senses and archery skills make him a deadly ranged combatant. He has a loyal wolf companion named Whisper who aids him in battle and scouting.
Ok so right off the bat I can see an issue with this… First it indicates Grimfang has an ally of a wolf. Rangers can’t get an animal companion until third level and then only if they opt for the Beastmaster path. However this one is opting for the Hunter path so perhaps the AI doesn’t understand the Ranger class as well as the Bard or the Cleric classes..
But let’s see how it goes.
I am creating a Wood Elf Ranger to take on the Lost Mines of Phandelver with the name Grimfang, please pick a good last name for him.
Here are a couple of last name options for your Wood Elf Ranger Grimfang, considering the character's name and the setting of the Lost Mines of Phandelver:
Nature-Themed:
Grimfang Oakshield: This option emphasizes Grimfang's connection to the forest and his defensive prowess. "Oakshield" suggests strength and resilience, qualities valuable for a ranger.
Grimfang Whisperwind: This name evokes Grimfang's stealth and agility. "Whisperwind" implies a quiet, swift movement often associated with rangers.
Lost Mines Themed:
Grimfang Moondrop: "Moondrop" could be a reference to a specific location within the Lost Mines, a valuable gem found there, or a time of night Grimfang is particularly skilled in. It adds a bit of mystery and ties the name to the adventure.
Grimfang Forgehammer: A more unusual choice, "Forgehammer" could hint at Grimfang having a past connection to dwarven craftsmanship or a specific tool he uses in the mines. It creates a bit of intrigue about his background.
Considering the first name "Grimfang," perhaps a contrasting or balancing last name would be interesting
Grimfang Swiftfeather: This combines Grimfang's fierceness with the lightness and speed of a feather. It suggests a ranger who is both deadly and agile.
Grimfang Songseeker: This name implies a more philosophical or sentimental side to Grimfang. Perhaps he uses songs or music to connect with nature.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific personality and backstory you have in mind for Grimfang.
Ok so we still aren’t at a point where it will simply provide a last name.. Again I’ll have to have it pick from the ones it provided.
Please pick one between Songseeker, Swiftfeather, Forgehammer, Moondrop, Whisperwind, Oakshield.
I will go with Grimfang Whisperwind.
Here's why:
Thematically fitting: "Whisperwind" evokes the stealth and agility of a Wood Elf Ranger, perfectly complementing "Grimfang".
Fits the Lost Mines setting: While not directly referencing the mines, "Whisperwind" still feels like a name that could belong in a fantasy adventure setting.
Easy to pronounce and remember: It rolls off the tongue well and is easy to recall for both yourself and other players.
That being said, any of the options you listed would be great choices for your character. I hope this helps!
What three ranger skills should I start off with? Choose three from Animal Handling, Athletics, Insight, Investigation, Nature, Perception, Stealth, and Survival.
So this time I decided to narrow down the choices of selectable skills. This actually helped to reduce the clutter on the response of how each skill could benefit the character.
For a Wood Elf Ranger in the Lost Mines of Phandelver, here are the top 3 Ranger skills to consider:
Perception: This is a critical skill for any adventurer, but especially for a ranger. With your high Dexterity modifier (likely your highest ability score) and proficiency in Perception, you'll be the party's eyes and ears. You'll be the first to spot hidden dangers, traps, and ambushes in the wilderness and dungeons of the Lost Mines.
Stealth: Another essential skill for a Wood Elf Ranger. With your natural proficiency in Stealth thanks to your race, combined with your class proficiency, you'll be a master of moving silently through the undergrowth and sneaking past enemies. This will be incredibly useful for scouting ahead, flanking enemies in combat, and potentially even avoiding fights altogether.
Survival: The Lost Mines involve venturing into the wilderness and potentially facing harsh conditions. With proficiency in Survival, you'll be able to find food and water, navigate by the stars, and potentially even avoid getting lost. This skill becomes even more important considering your Wood Elf's inherent connection to nature.
Honorable Mention:
Nature: While not as crucial as the top 3, Nature is a valuable skill for a ranger, especially in the Lost Mines which have a lot to do with forgotten dwarven history and the surrounding ecology. Knowing about local plants, animals, and even folklore of the region could be helpful in various situations.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your character concept and the specific campaign you're playing. However, the three listed above provide a solid foundation for a Wood Elf Ranger in the Lost Mines of Phandelver.
Perception is already granted via Wood Elf Keen senses feature, so Stealth and Survival as well as nature. So it looks like we are getting an outdoorsman who is capable in the wilds and will leave the investigative parts of the game to the other members of the party.
Please pick a favored enemy for Grimfang Whisperwind.
Here are two favored enemy options for Grimfang Whisperwind, considering his name and the Lost Mines of Phandelver setting:
Undead: Undead are a prevalent enemy type in the Lost Mines, particularly in the latter half of the adventure. Grimfang's proficiency in tracking and knowledge of these creatures could come in handy when facing the decaying denizens of the mines.
Monstrosities: While not as dominant as undead, there's a healthy mix of monstrous creatures in the Lost Mines, from giant spiders and trolls to aberrations like oozes. Favoring monstrosities offers Grimfang a broader advantage across the adventure.
Considering Grimfang's name, "Whisperwind," there's an argument for a favored enemy that emphasizes stealth or agility.
**Humanoids (if your DM allows it): **Lost Mines features several humanoid enemies like bandits, goblins, and orcs. If your DM allows the "Humanoid" favored enemy option, it would be a thematically fitting choice for Grimfang, who excels at silent movement and tracking.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your playstyle and what kind of advantage you want for Grimfang.
So again we have to narrow it down..
Choose a type of favored enemy, Undead, Monstrosities or two types of humanoids.
I will go with Monstrosities as Grimfang Whisperwind's favored enemy.
Here's the reasoning:
Versatility: Monstrosities offer a broader benefit throughout the Lost Mines of Phandelver campaign. You'll encounter various monstrous creatures, from giant spiders and trolls to oozes, providing consistent use of your favored enemy bonus.
Damage and Tracking: The +2 damage bonus to attacks and the advantage on Wisdom (Nature) checks for tracking are valuable in combat and exploration situations.
Thematic Fit: While not a perfect fit for the name "Whisperwind," there's still a connection. Many monstrosities, like giant spiders and wolves, rely heavily on stealth and agility, which aligns with Grimfang's name.
However, the other options are still strong contenders:
Undead: If you know the campaign heavily leans towards undead encounters later on, this could be a more strategic choice.
Humanoids (if allowed): This option thematically aligns well with Grimfang's name and skillset, focusing on stealth and outsmarting humanoid enemies prevalent throughout the campaign.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your playstyle and what kind of advantage you want for Grimfang. But considering the overall campaign and the versatility it offers, Monstrosities is a solid pick.
What additional Language should Grimfang know related to monstrosities?
Given Grimfang Whisperwind is a Wood Elf Ranger specializing in Monstrosities, here are two interesting language options to consider that tie into this expertise:
Sylvan: This is the language of all Fey creatures, including many monstrous fey like Hags, Spriggans, and even some particularly mischievous creatures like Gremlins. While not all monstrosities are Fey, some monstrous creatures have connections to the Feywild, and understanding Sylvan could provide valuable insights into their behavior and motivations. Additionally, as a Wood Elf, Sylvan is a thematically fitting choice for Grimfang.
Undercommon: This is a common language used by various creatures dwelling underground, including Drow, Duergar, and Kuo-toa. While not all monstrosities live underground, some of the monstrous threats Grimfang might encounter in the Lost Mines (like trolls and certain types of oozes) could have connections to these Underdark denizens. Undercommon knowledge could be useful for deciphering messages, understanding overheard conversations, or even bargaining with these creatures if the situation arises.
Here's a quick breakdown of the pro's and con's for each option:
Sylvan:
Pros: Thematically fitting for a Wood Elf, potentially useful for Fey-touched monstrosities, might offer insights into their behavior and motivations.
Cons: Not as broadly applicable to all monstrosities, might be less useful depending on the specific campaign.
Undercommon:
Pros: More broadly applicable to various monstrous creatures Grimfang might encounter in the Lost Mines, potentially useful for deciphering messages or bargaining.
Cons: Less thematically fitting for a Wood Elf, might not be helpful for all encounters with monstrosities.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the campaign setting and the kind of monstrosities you expect to encounter. If the campaign leans heavily towards Feywild influences or encounters with creatures like Hags, Sylvan might be more valuable. On the other hand, if the Lost Mines delve into the Underdark or involve encounters with Drow or Duergar, Undercommon could be more useful.
Please pick between undercomon and sylvan
I will go with Sylvan as Grimfang Whisperwind's additional language.
Here's why:
Thematic Fit: For a Wood Elf Ranger who spends a lot of time in the forest, Sylvan is a more natural choice. It connects him to the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it, including some types of monstrosities.
Fey-touched Monstrosities: While not all monstrosities are Fey, there's a chance Grimfang might encounter creatures with connections to the Feywild in the Lost Mines campaign. Knowing Sylvan could provide valuable insights into their behavior and motivations.
Exploration and Discovery: Understanding Sylvan could be helpful for deciphering ancient texts, forgotten messages, or even overheard Fey conversations related to monstrosities. This adds an interesting layer to Grimfang's exploration and potential for uncovering secrets.
While Undercommon offers some benefits, especially in the Underdark setting, Sylvan provides a more unique edge for a Wood Elf Ranger specializing in Monstrosities. It allows for exploration of the Feywild connection and potential hidden knowledge related to these creatures.
Of course, the final decision is yours. If the campaign leans heavily towards encounters with Underdark denizens, Undercommon might be more strategically valuable. But considering the Wood Elf heritage and focus on Monstrosities, Sylvan offers a compelling thematic and potentially strategic advantage.
Please pick a type of terrain to be favored by Grimfang.
Given Grimfang Whisperwind is a Wood Elf Ranger, here are two options for his favored terrain that tie into his character concept:
Forest: This is the classic choice for a Wood Elf. Forests are Grimfang's natural habitat, granting him significant advantages in navigating the terrain, hiding from enemies, and potentially even tracking prey.
Hills: This choice offers a bit more variety. Hills can be found near forests, and proficiency in this terrain would allow Grimfang to excel in scouting from high vantage points, maneuvering through uneven ground during combat, and potentially even using the terrain to his advantage in ambushes.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits for each option:
Forest:
Pros: Thematic fit for a Wood Elf, grants advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to track creatures, doubles proficiency bonus on Wisdom (Perception) and Dexterity (Stealth) checks. These are all very beneficial for a Ranger.
Cons: Less versatile than Hills, might not be as relevant in every situation throughout the campaign.
Hills:
Pros: More broadly applicable across various terrains, grants advantage on Athletics checks made to climb hills, doubles proficiency bonus on Wisdom (Perception) checks while in Hills. These can be situationally useful.
Cons: Less thematically fitting for a Wood Elf compared to a Forest.
Considering the campaign and his name, "Forest" might be the most evocative choice.
The Lost Mines of Phandelver features forests prominently, so Grimfang's expertise in this terrain would be highly relevant. Additionally, the focus on stealth and tracking provided by the Forest benefits aligns well with his name, "Whisperwind".
However, Hills offer some tactical advantages, especially if the campaign ventures beyond forested areas.
Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you want a more thematic fit or a more versatile option.
Please assign the stats using the standard array method for Grimfang
Here are Grimfang Whisperwind's stats using the standard array method (assuming Dexterity is your most important ability score for a Wood Elf Ranger):
Strength: 10 (+0 modifier)
Dexterity: 16 (+3 modifier) (Highest score)
Constitution: 14 (+2 modifier)
Intelligence: 12 (+1 modifier)
Wisdom: 13 (+1 modifier)
Charisma: 8 (-1 modifier)
This spread prioritizes Dexterity for your martial prowess and ranged attacks as a Ranger. Constitution provides a good amount of health for frontline combat. Wisdom is important for several Ranger spells and abilities, and Intelligence and Charisma are less crucial but can still be useful for specific situations.
You can assign these scores to the specific abilities (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma) however you see fit for your character concept. This is just a recommended starting point based on a typical Wood Elf Ranger build.
Please choose a background for Grimfang Whisperwind.
Considering Grimfang Whisperwind's Wood Elf heritage, Ranger class, and the "Whisperwind" part of his name, here are two interesting background options:
Outlander: This is a classic choice for Rangers. Grimfang could have spent his life living off the land in the forests, honing his survival skills, tracking abilities, and knowledge of the natural world. This background complements both his Wood Elf heritage and his proficiency in skills like Athletics, Nature, and Survival.
Folk Hero: This background adds a more heroic element to Grimfang's story. Perhaps he's a local legend among the Wood Elves, known for his bravery and skill in protecting his people from monstrous threats. This background provides proficiency in Animal Handling and Persuasion, which could be useful for interacting with both animals and other humanoids. Additionally, the "Folk Hero" feature allows you to choose a favored enemy type (which ties in nicely with your choice of Monstrosities) and have a reputation that precedes you, potentially granting advantage on Charisma checks to influence people within your area of renown.
Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons for each option:
Outlander:
Pros: Thematically fitting for a Wood Elf Ranger, provides proficiency in useful skills for survival and tracking.
Cons: Less emphasis on heroic deeds compared to Folk Hero.
Folk Hero:
Pros: Adds a heroic element to Grimfang's backstory, provides some social interaction skills, grants a favored enemy and a reputation feature.
Cons: Less focused on pure wilderness survival compared to Outlander.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the kind of story you want to tell with Grimfang.
If you want a more traditional Ranger who's deeply connected to the forest, Outlander is a strong pick.
If you want Grimfang to have a more heroic past and some social influence, Folk Hero is a great option.
Remember, you can also customize these backgrounds to fit your specific vision for Grimfang.
Please pick either Outlander or FolkHero.
I will go with Folk Hero as Grimfang Whisperwind's background.
Here's why:
Heroic Element: "Folk Hero" adds a layer of heroism to Grimfang's story, making him a local legend among the Wood Elves known for his bravery and monster-slaying prowess. This aligns well with the potential dangers of the Lost Mines campaign.
Social Interaction: Folk Hero provides proficiency in Animal Handling and Persuasion, which can be useful for interacting with both the loyal companions Grimfang might encounter and the various people he'll meet in his travels.
Favored Enemy and Reputation: The "Folk Hero" feature perfectly complements the choice of Monstrosities as a favored enemy type. Additionally, the reputation feature allows Grimfang to potentially influence others within his area of renown, which could be helpful in gathering information or gaining assistance.
While Outlander is certainly a thematically fitting choice for a Wood Elf Ranger, Folk Hero offers a more unique twist with its emphasis on heroism and social interaction. It allows you to explore Grimfang's past exploits and how he earned his local legend status.
Of course, the final decision is yours. But considering the campaign setting and the name "Whisperwind," Folk Hero offers a compelling blend of wilderness prowess and a touch of heroism for your Wood Elf Ranger.
Please select a skill proficiency and a tool proficiency.
Since you've chosen the Folk Hero background, Grimfang already has proficiency in two skills (Animal Handling and Persuasion) and one tool proficiency (one type of artisan's tools).
However, as a Ranger, you get to choose an additional skill proficiency from the Ranger skill list. Here are a couple of options that complement both the Folk Hero background and the Wood Elf Ranger class:
Athletics: This skill is always useful for a Ranger, especially for grappling, climbing, and jumping during combat or exploration.
Investigation: This skill can be helpful for uncovering clues, deciphering messages, and solving puzzles in dungeons and other environments you might encounter in the Lost Mines campaign.
Considering Grimfang's potential role as a local hero and someone who might encounter mysteries related to monstrosities, Investigation might be a more thematically fitting choice.
As for tool proficiency, Folk Hero grants proficiency in one type of artisan's tools. Here are a couple of options that could be interesting for Grimfang:
Woodcarver's tools: This is a classic choice for a Wood Elf, allowing Grimfang to create simple wooden objects or even personalize his own equipment.
Leatherworker's tools: This could be useful for repairing his own armor or crafting basic leather goods during his travels.
Considering Grimfang's connection to nature and the potential need for basic repairs or crafting, Woodcarver's tools might be a more thematically fitting choice.
Ultimately, the best choices depend on your vision for Grimfang and what skills and tools you think would be most useful for him in the Lost Mines campaign.
Again it needs us to narrow it down to a smaller list, but it did know what we are leaning to and is trying to avoid redundant choices.
Please pick either athletics or investigation and either woodcarver's tools or leatherworker's tools.
I will pick Investigation for the additional Ranger skill proficiency and Woodcarver's tools for the tool proficiency.
Here's the reasoning:
Investigation: As a Folk Hero with a reputation for dealing with monstrosities, Grimfang might encounter situations where he needs to investigate strange occurrences, decipher clues left behind by these creatures, or even solve puzzles related to them. Proficiency in Investigation would be a valuable asset in such situations.
Woodcarver's tools: This choice aligns well with Grimfang's Wood Elf heritage and his potential connection to nature. Being proficient in woodcarver's tools allows him to create simple wooden objects, personalize his equipment (perhaps with nature-themed carvings), or even craft rudimentary tools or weapons if necessary.
This combination provides a good balance between social interaction and investigation skills, along with a thematic tool proficiency that reflects Grimfang's Wood Elf background. But remember, the final decision is yours!
Please select the alignment, faith and lifestyle for Grimfang Whisperwind.
Here are some alignment, faith, and lifestyle options for Grimfang Whisperwind, the Wood Elf Ranger with the Folk Hero background:
Alignment:
Neutral Good: This aligns well with the Folk Hero background, where Grimfang protects his people and the natural world from monstrous threats. He strives for the greater good but may not always follow a strict code of conduct.
Chaotic Good: This option emphasizes Grimfang's connection to the wild and his potential for unorthodox methods. He fights for what he believes in but might operate outside the law or established norms if necessary.
Faith:
Nature Deity: Considering Grimfang's Wood Elf heritage and connection to the forest, a deity associated with nature would be a fitting choice. Examples include Silvanus (god of nature and wild places) or Melora (goddess of the hunt and the wild).
Ancestral Veneration: Wood Elves often revere their ancestors. Grimfang might believe in the spirits of his ancestors who guide and protect him, especially when venturing into dangerous territories.
Lifestyle:
Wanderer: As a Folk Hero, Grimfang might travel from place to place, offering his skills and expertise to those in need. This lifestyle allows him to encounter new threats and continue his heroic deeds.
Sentinel: This lifestyle aligns with Grimfang's potential role as a protector of his people and the forest. He would have a more established base within the forest, venturing out to patrol and deal with any dangers that arise.
Here's a cohesive combination based on the above options:
Alignment: Neutral Good
Faith: Nature Deity (e.g., Silvanus)
Lifestyle: Wanderer
This combination paints a picture of Grimfang Whisperwind, the Wood Elf Ranger who is a protector of nature and his people. He is driven by a sense of justice and a deep connection to the natural world. While he might have a base within the forest, he travels from place to place, using his skills and reputation as a Folk Hero to combat monstrous threats and defend those in need.
Remember, these are just suggestions! Feel free to mix and match these options or come up with your own unique combination to create the perfect backstory and personality for Grimfang Whisperwind.
Please describe Grimfang Whisperwind’s hair, eyes, skin, height and weight.
Here's a description of Grimfang Whisperwind's physical appearance that incorporates his Wood Elf heritage and complements the choices we've made so far for his background and personality:
Hair: Long and straight, the color of deep forest brown. It might be kept in a simple braid or loose depending on the situation, but always kept neat and well-maintained.
Eyes: A vibrant green, reflecting the verdant foliage of his forest home. These keen eyes hold an intensity honed by years of tracking prey and navigating the wilderness. A hint of mischief or amusement might sometimes sparkle in their depths, hinting at his adventurous spirit.
Skin: Copper-toned, reflecting his Wood Elf heritage. Years spent outdoors have given him a healthy tan, but his skin isn't weathered or rough. It retains a youthful smoothness that speaks of his connection to nature.
Height: 5'8" (173 cm) - This is a typical height for a Wood Elf, allowing him to be agile and blend in with the forest canopy while still maintaining a commanding presence.
Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg) - Lean and muscular, Grimfang's build reflects his life as a Ranger. He's strong enough to handle his equipment and wield his bow with deadly accuracy, but also light on his feet for silent movement through the woods.
Age: Apparent Early 20s (Actual Age Around 200 Years) - Wood Elves mature slower than humans and have lifespans that can reach several centuries. While Grimfang might appear youthful and vigorous, his actual age is likely around 200 years old. This grants him experience and wisdom beyond his apparent years, honed through his life as a protector of the forest and a local hero.
Additional details:
Grimfang might have a faint marking or tattoo of a nature symbol (e.g., a leaf, a stag's antlers) on his arm or chest, signifying his connection to the forest and his faith in a nature deity.
His clothes are likely practical for his lifestyle, made from leather or cured hides, with muted tones that blend in with the forest environment. He might have a cloak or animal pelt for warmth during colder nights.
He keeps his equipment well-maintained, his weapons polished and his armor in good repair. He takes pride in his tools and understands their importance for his survival and his role as a protector.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own personal touches to Grimfang's appearance to make him truly your own!
Well that is that.. One more PC to go and we can start the game!
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