Nakalee Khabar

Between the rocks, the stream of life teeters on the edge.
Turning on its side, twirling, then twirling some more.
-- Nakalee Khabar

Nakalee Khabar is one of the most well-known bards of Calika, and she is renowned for her exceptional wordplay, singing, dancing, and instrument-playing abilities. When she performs at festivals, everyone in the audience is expecting her to make fun of the monarch or the local aristocracy. The people who were laughing the loudest subsequently find out that they were the ones who were ridiculed the most.
Her travels usually lead her into every corner of Calika, but she has also visited major cities and festivals in the neighbouring countries of Boranga, Shirki, and Trendelika.
The bard's performances include classic melodies and songs about current events or people, and she performs with the lute to accompany her vocals on stage. In her passionate dances, the tambourine is the instrument of choice for the performer. She adds a little spice to everything by using subtle magical effects.

by Tillerz

When Nakalee was seven years old and playing in the woods, she was intrigued by a dazzloncat, followed her and discovered an entrance to Mag Mell, the Realm of the Fae. Borin "Buck" Foodfollow spotted her, when she fell face-first from the portal right into a half-dry riverbed and tended her grazed hands and knees. Realizing this was a different place, bright Nakalee peppered him with questions which he answered patiently. Nakalee came back to the Realm almost every day and gained more knowledge about it and made friends with almost all its inhabitants.

Summer Court

The pixies of the Summer Court were drawn to Nakalee because she was always thinking of new ways to enhance the games they were playing and because she had the ability to make up tales about anybody and anything on the spot. They taught her how to sing and dance, as well as how to increase the quality and strength of her words, and how to enrich her presentation with small magical tricks. Nakalee was only fourteen when she could beat every pixie in a battle of words or singing competition.

Winter Court

Titania herself sent her in the direction of the fauns of the Winter Court, who had perfected the art of performing with musical instruments. During her stay, Nakalee learned to play a variety of instruments, including the lute and the tambourine. The fauns also taught her how to control the emotions of a listening audience or how to tease someone in such a manner that he did not know he was being mocked until long later after the performance was over. When she demonstrated that she could compete with the greatest faun musicians and make everyone cry or squirm with laughter, the court awarded her the lute and tambourine she had been practising with for the last couple of years. Both of these items are magical instruments.
Nakalee was obsessed with honing her performing talents, and she sought Ban's advice on how to learn all about riddles. Detrius and Granny Poxnose educated her in history and culture, while the three Smooches taught her all she needed to know about love and relationships.

Shadow Court

When Nakalee encountered the three musicians Yoshi, Naoki, and Banri in the southern part of Mag Mell, she was still dissatisfied with her own ability to perform. The three informed her about great skills and even exhibited some of them, but they were deafeningly silent about the price that would be paid in exchange for this knowledge. The bard could not hold back her desire to learn these talents, so she was brought deep into an area of Mag Mell that seemed to be corrupted and gloomy, with trees that were sick and dripping with a dark fluid, and where no birds could be heard singing. Nakalee spent her time reading through horrifying-looking books and performing rituals that left her fatigued and even caused her lose her sense of self. However, the power that the books gave was just too tempting to pass up. When she awoke one morning after many delirious nights, the three of them informed her that the task had been accomplished. Only now did the bard comprehend that she had been duped by the trickery of the Shadow Court and had entered into a bargain with the Spider Queen.

Laughter and tears can be found in the same place in this life.
Our lives sing us to sleep, but they also keep us wide awake.
In this existence, there is both brightness and gloom.
Wounds come and go in this life, but there is also a healing balm.
-- Nakalee Khabar

The rituals performed in the Shadow Court did more than merely provide Nakalee with new abilities. In reality, the Spider Queen bonded Nakalee to her and readied her to absorb her tainted seed. After training as a warlock, Nakalee has been awarded power by the Spider Queen herself, as her otherworldly patron. Aside from that, the Queen is now caring for Nakalee's tainted kid that seems to be entirely human but is really half spider. As a result of her close relationship with her mother, the kid drains Nakalee's knowledge and strength on a regular basis, weakening her and compelling her to use Life Siphon on her audience in order to avoid imminent death.

Due to this bond, Nakalee is also aware of the horrifying events taking place in the Shadow Court, and she is plagued by dreadful dreams as a result.

Nakalee tried to get help from her Fae friends, but she has not seen or talked with her friends in many years as a result of the Spider Queen's intervention. The Fae, on the other hand, believe that the poet has just abandoned them in order to pursue her dream of becoming a celebrity.

Rumours

"She is possessed by a demon." - half true: The permanent presence of her child and the Spider Queen in her mind can appear as a possession to others.

"I saw her once transform in a spider and run up a wall." - half true: no one has seen her doing it as she did not do it, but someone sensitive to magic had a glimpse at her capability of climbing up walls and got confused.

"I heard she got cursed and spreading bad luck where she goes." - half true: When casting Life Siphon, she brings harm to the people around her.

"She is trying to seduce all our men." - false

"She just appears outside a city and vanishes as quick, no one has ever seen her traveling inbetween." - false: Being a celebrity, everyone invites her to travel on their waggon or cart or lets her eat and rest in their house.

"Someone has seen her talk to a fae." - true: Indeed someone has seen Nakalee get in contact with a fae once, asking the fae for help. The fae never made it back to her people, though. The Spider Queen made sure of it.

Plot Hooks

Sweet child of mine - Nakalee is trying to find a way to get out of this deadly cycle, but she has not dared to talk to anyone about it yet. After a performance, she will collapse in front of the party when she couldn't get herself into using Life Syphon on the crowd. When the party helps her and is seriously worried about her, she will tell them about her condition and plead for help.
Killing the child she is connected to will not work, as the child will immediately pull all life from Nakalee to survive (we don't want this kind of thing to happen in our games anyway).

Ice Dagger

Oberon of the Winter Court possesses an Ice Dagger, which does minimal damage but freezes the stabbed person immediately until removed again. Hint about this from Ban for solving a riddle.

weapon, unique, Winter Court

Water from the Origin

The river northeast of the Summer Court begins at the Origin, a sacred place of the Fae. A vial of Origin Water right from the spring where it is purest will disentangle the interwoven spirits of Nakalee, her child, and the Spider Queen. Hint about this from Granny Poxnose for doing several chores for her in Mag Mell.

potion, rare, Summer Court

Possible encounters for this plot (5e: CR5 to CR8):

The Origin is protected by three Water Elementals (5e: CR5).

Oberon's dagger is protected by a Rime Worm (5e: CR6) in the north of the Winter Court.

Yoshi, Naoki, and Banri will step in the way when the party enters the Shadow Realm. Fighting them should be similar to a dance, with the black goo that covers many areas of the valley making the ground slippery, vines pulling the players around, and the three musicians spreading apart before meeting again, all to the twisted sounds of instruments and hummed melodies that are actually physically painful to hear.

Several other creatures of the Shadow Realm may attack on the way to the child, which can be found wandering around outside of the Spider Queen's castle.

Finale: While the disentanglement is happening (which takes about an hour), two Hungry Ghosts (5e: CR8) will emerge and need to get destroyed.

After a successful disentanglement, Nakalee is free from the connection to the child and also has no bond to the Spider Queen anymore, which makes her lose the related spells. She will also be unable to play the Spider Thread Lyre. After unfreezing the child, she will be disoriented for some minutes, but finally recognise her mother as such. The child also seems to be free from the Shadow Court's influence. Nakalee and her child, who is naming herself Orin, will leave together. If there is a need for the story to go on later: Orin may have a dark secret or the Spider Queen may want revenge.
In any case, the Spider Queen will not intervene, since she is preoccupied with other, more essential chores at the time.

Mag Mell - Realm of the Fae
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Mag Mell

Open full size

Realm of the Fae.

Map made by Tillerz using Gaea.

5e

Bard (6), Warlock (4)

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
9 (-1)	14 (+2)	8 (-1)	12 (+1)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)

DNDBeyond Sheet

WA sheet: Nakalee Khabar

Species

Human

Alignment

LG

Current Location

Calika

Ethnicity

Caliki

Year of Birth

2837 PB 28 Years old

Current Residence

Mag Mell

Gender

female

Eyes

brown

Hair

red

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

tanned

Height

165 cm

Weight

55 kg

Speech

Elegant and flowery, using many words she adopted from the fae.

Family

She was raised by her farmer parants Samesh and Bhavna in the southwest of Calika. She comes to see them a couple of times a year and gives them a portion of her earnings. She has three younger sisters, Ela, Saira, and Yashica.

A Cute Lute

While playng the lute, the performing person gains a bonus to charisma checks.

instrument, unique

Throbbing Tambourine

The sound of the tambourine pounding may change the heartbeat of anybody who is listening to it, changing their level of excitement or tranquillity, making it a useful tool for crowd control.

instrument, unique

Spider Thread Lyre

This lyre was built at the Shadow Court. Its arms are fashioned of satyr horns, and its strings are composed of spider silk, which are too sticky to be played by just anybody. Even though it looks and sounds like a standard lyre, it has a dismal tone to it when it is played. People may experience feelings of anxiety, fear, or even panic.

instrument, unique

Nakalee has learned some unique spells from the Fae.

Turning the Tide

The audience's mood is altered by this spell during a performance. It stacks up to three times on the same target and has a cooldown of 10 minutes before it can be used again. Within a few minutes of the performance ending, the magic wears off, a slight change of the mood may carry on for longer.

spell, enchantment, area effect, Winter Court

Life Siphon

The caster pulls energy from a crowd to add it to their own. Only by creating an exciting and hot situation, like as a stirring bard performance that has everyone dancing, is it possible to conceal the target's abrupt fatigue. A target that is already weakened has a chance to faint or even die. It is possible for a target to faint or even die if they are already in a weakened state.

spell, necromancy, area effect, Shadow Court

Inspired by my WorldEmber 2021 article Mag Mell and

Nakalee Khabar

10 Level (0/85000 XP for level-up) Entertainer Background human Race / Species / Heritage LG Alignment

Bard
Level 6
Hit Dice: 6/6
1d8-1 Class 1

Warlock
Level 4
Hit Dice: 4/4
1d-1 Class 2

Nakalee by Tillerz

---

STR
9

-1

DEX
14

+2

CON
8

-1

INT
12

+1

WIS
16

+3

CHA
18

+4

43
Hit Points

+2
Initiative (DEX)

12
Armor Class (AC)

+4
Prof. Bonus

30
Speed (walk/run/fly)

Spellcasting ...

+3 Attack mod

CON Ability

+-1 Abi Mod

11 Save DC

	+8	Expertise Bonus
	+4	Proficiency Bonus
	+2	Jack of all Trades

	+11	Strength
	+6	Dexterity
	-1	Constitution
	+1	Intelligence
	+3	Wisdom
	+8	Charisma

saving throws

	+6	Acrobatics	DEX
	+5	Animal Handling	WIS
	+3	Arcana	INT
	+1	Athletics	STR
	+6	Deception	CHA
	+9	History	INT
	+7	Insight	WIS
	+8	Intimidation	CHA
	+3	Investigation	INT

skills

	+5	Medicine	WIS
	+3	Nature	INT
	+5	Perception	WIS
	+12	Performance	CHA
	+6	Persuasion	CHA
	+3	Religion	INT
	+4	Sleight of Hand	DEX
	+4	Stealth	DEX
	+5	Survival	WIS

Skills

	Weapon / Attack	AB	Abi	Dmg	Dmg Type
	Sickle	-1	STR	1d4-1-1	slashing
		Simple, Light, 5ft

Attacks

Spell Book

Cantrips
NAME	AB	CAST	RNG	DUR	DMG	CMP	#
Dancing Lights	+8	1A	120 ft	conc./1 min		VSM
Eldritch Blast	+7	1A	120 ft	instant	1d10	VS
	Notes:	Two beams at 5th level, three beams at 11th level, and four beams at 17th level.
Friends	+7	1A	self	conc./1 min		SM
Infestation	+7	1A	30 ft		1d6	VSM
	Notes:	DC:CON, poison. The spell’s damage at each 5th level: 2d6 , 11th level: 3d6 , and 17th level: 4d6 .
Minor Illusion	+7	1A	30 ft	1 min		SM
Poison Spray	+7	1A	10 ft	inst.	1d12	VS
	Notes:	CON:16. This spell's damage at 5th level: 2d12 , 11th level: 3d12 , and 17th level: 4d12 .
Prestidigitation	+8	1A	10 ft	1 h		VS
Thunderclap	+8	1A	5 ft	inst.	1d6	S
	Notes:	DC:CON. This spell's damage at 5th level: 2d6 , 11th level: 3d6 , and 17th level: 4d6 .
Vicious Mockery	+7	1A	60 ft	inst.	1d4	V
	Notes:	DC:WIS. This spell's damage at 5th level: 2d4 , 11th level: 3d4 , and 17th level: 4d4 .
Level 1 Spells 4 slots
NAME	AB	CAST	RNG	DUR	DMG	CMP	#
Turning the Tide	+3	1 min	60 ft	10 min		VS
	Notes:	The audience's mood is altered by this spell during a performance. It stacks up to three times on the same target and has a cooldown of 10 minutes before it can be used again. Within a few minutes of the performance ending, the magic wears off, a slight change of the mood may carry on for longer.
Cause Fear	+7	1A	60 ft	1 min		V
	Notes:	DC:WIS. +1 target per level above 1.
Charm Person	+8	1A	30 ft	1 h		CS
	Notes:	DC:WIS. +1 target per level above 1.
Command	+8	1A	60 ft	1 rnd		V
	Notes:	DC:WIS
Comprehend Languages	+7	1A	self	1 h		VSM
Detect Magic	+7	1A	self	10 min		VS
Faerie Fire	+7	1A	60 ft	1 min		V
	Notes:	DC:DEX
Speak with Animals	+8	1A	self	10 min		CS
Level 2 Spells 5 slots
NAME	AB	CAST	RNG	DUR	DMG	CMP	#
Life Siphon	+7	instant	30 ft	instant	1d4	VS
	Notes:	The caster pulls energy from a crowd to add it to their own. Only by creating an exciting and hot situation, like as a stirring bard performance that has everyone dancing, is it possible to conceal the target's abrupt fatigue. A target that is already weakened has a chance to faint or even die. It is possible for a target to faint or even die if they are already in a weakened state.
Cause Fear	+7	1A	60 ft	1 min		V
	Notes:	DC:WIS. +1 target per level above 1.
Charm Person	+8	1A	30 ft	1 h		CS
	Notes:	DC:WIS. +1 target per level above 1.
Borrowed Knowledge	+8	1A	self	1 h		VSM
Calm Emotions	+8	1A	60 ft	1 min		VS
	Notes:	DC:CHA
Crown of Madness	+7	1A	120 ft	1 min		VS
	Notes:	DC:WIS
Detect Thoughts	+8	1A	self	1 min		VSM
	Notes:	DC:WIS
Enthrall	+8	1A	60 ft	1 min		VS
	Notes:	DC:WIS
Gift of Gab	+8	1R	self	inst.		VSMR
Misty Step	+8	1BA	self	inst.		V
Spider Climb	+7	1A	touch	1 h		VSM
Suggestion	+8	1A	30 ft	8 h		VM
	Notes:	DC:WIS
Level 3 Spells 3 slots
NAME	AB	CAST	RNG	DUR	DMG	CMP	#
Life Siphon	+7	instant	30 ft	instant	1d4 +	VS
	Notes:	The caster pulls energy from a crowd to add it to their own. Only by creating an exciting and hot situation, like as a stirring bard performance that has everyone dancing, is it possible to conceal the target's abrupt fatigue. A target that is already weakened has a chance to faint or even die. It is possible for a target to faint or even die if they are already in a weakened state.
Cause Fear	+7	1A	60 ft	1 min		V
	Notes:	DC:WIS. +1 target per level above 1.
Charm Person	+8	1A	30 ft	1 h		CS
	Notes:	DC:WIS. +1 target per level above 1.
Hypnotic Pattern	+8	1A	120 ft	conc./1 m		SM
	Notes:	DC:WIS
Motivational Speech	+8	1A	60 ft	1 h		V
	Notes:	5 temp. HP

Birdpipe
Lute
Tambourine
Sickle
Clothes, Costume, Disguise Kit
Waterskin

Equipment Copper: 0, Silver: 0, Electrum: 0, Gold: 0, Platinum: 0 Money

ARMOR
Light Armor
WEAPONS
Crossbow, Hand, Longsword, Rapier, Shortsword, Simple Weapons
TOOLS
Birdpipes, Disguise Kit, Lute, Pan Flute, Tantan
LANGUAGES
Common, Sylvan

Languages & Proficiencies

Whenever I come to a new place, I collect local rumors and spread gossip. I know a story relevant to almost every situation.
Ideals: Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good)
Bonds: My instrument is my most treasured possession, and it reminds me of someone I love. I will do anything to prove myself superior to everyone else.
Flaws: I once satirized a noble who still wants my head. It was a mistake that I will likely repeat.

Personality Traits

Feature: By Popular Demand

You can always find a place to perform, usually in an inn or tavern but possibly with a circus, at a theater, or even in a noble’s court. At such a place, you receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the establishment), as long as you perform each night. In addition, your performance makes you something of a local figure. When strangers recognize you in a town where you have performed, they typically take a liking to you.

Notes

™ & © Wizards of the Coast - D & D 5e Character Sheet v2.06, made by Tillerz - Updated: 2023-02-09
To print this sheet: Expand the spell book (if you have any entries there), then click "Print Sheet" at the top, select "Print to PDF" and format A3. Then print the resulting PDF to whichever format you need with "fit to page" selected.