Constable Derider Fanshen
Derider's genuine care for others, combined with her tireless efforts to improve the lives of Greyhawk’s most vulnerable citizens, makes her not just a leader, but a beacon of hope in the city.
Age: 43
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 152 lbs.
Appearance: A tall, attractive woman with honey-blonde hair that catches the light, bright gray eyes full of warmth and resolve, and tanned skin from a life of service both outdoors and in the city’s streets. Though she retired from adventuring years ago, she remains in excellent physical condition and appears younger than her true age.
The Compassionate Constable
Derider Fanshen is second-in-command to Captain-General Sental Nurev , playing a distinct and vital role within the Free City Watch. While Sental manages the broader administration and military functions, Derider focuses on justice, fairness, and the human side of law enforcement. She takes a personal interest in the struggles of Watchmen, ensuring that rank-and-file officers feel heard and supported.
Beyond her work within the Watch, Derider has a deep and abiding concern for the poor and disenfranchised of Greyhawk. She is known for personally intervening in cases where she believes justice is being misapplied, often advocating for leniency when harsh sentences fall on those without means to defend themselves. This has occasionally put her at odds with harsher members of the Oligarchy, but her voice carries considerable weight.
Despite her approachable demeanor, Derider is no fool. She is a keen judge of character and unwavering in her hatred of cruelty and malicious acts. She refuses to aid true criminals or evildoers, and when she does become angry, both the people and the Directing Oligarchy pay attention. As a twelfth-level cleric of Pelor, she rarely uses her magic for anything other than healing—but when she does, her wrath is formidable.
A Life of Service
Born to middle-class parents in Greyhawk, Derider showed an early passion for healing. As a child, she constantly brought home injured animals, much to her parents' exasperation. Recognizing her talent and devotion, the priests of Pelor took her in as an acolyte. Though she was deeply loved by her superiors, they were also relieved when she left to become an adventurer—her legendary clumsiness was a constant hazard in the temple, leading to countless broken artifacts and spilled potions.
As an adventurer, Derider traveled the length and breadth of Oerth, gaining experience, faith, and skill. However, her chronic bad luck with fragile objects never left her. After breaking a beaker of potions and a decanter of endless water within a day of each other, her companions gently suggested she retire.
Returning to Greyhawk, she found her calling as a healer in the Temple of Pelor . She swore an oath never to touch anything breakable (a condition insisted upon by the High Priest, a former classmate). Her work among the poor and sick brought her to the attention of the Directing Oligarchy, and when a city constable died under her care, she was offered the position herself.
A Beloved and Trusted Leader
As Constable, Derider is an influence for mercy and moderation within the city government. She is trusted not only for her fairness and sense of justice, but also because she is beloved by the people. The Directing Oligarchy knows that removing her would cause an uproar, as she has the loyalty of both the common folk and the Watch.
While she is a high-ranking official, she remains deeply connected to Greyhawk’s citizens. She often disappears into the Slum Quarter for days at a time, healing anyone in need, much as she did in her youth. The poor frequently leave petitions at her residence, requesting her help in matters of justice.
A Cleric of Pelor, First and Always
Despite her official role, Derider remains a devout cleric of Pelor. She maintains close ties with High Matriarch Sarana and is personally acquainted with nearly every cleric of Pelor in the city.
Though she has retired from adventuring, she still trains daily in armor and weapons. She keeps her adventuring gear in perfect condition and enjoys telling stories about her past exploits. Her favorite weapon is a Staff of Striking, which also functions as a +1 staff sling—a treasured souvenir from her adventuring days.
Encounters with Derider Fanshen
Player characters might interact with Derider Fanshen in several ways:
- As an ally, if they are working with the Directing Oligarchy or the Free City Watch.
- As an advocate, if they seek justice or leniency for someone caught in the system.
- As a healer, if they are wounded, sick, or in dire need.
- As an informant, if they have knowledge of corruption or injustices occurring in the city.
- As a guest at noble gatherings, where she is warmly welcomed—provided all breakables are secured before she arrives.
No matter how they encounter her, one thing is certain—Derider Fanshen is a force for good in Greyhawk, and those who cross her do so at their peril.
Constable of the Free City of Greyhawk and devoted cleric of Pelor
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