The Duck Whisperer

Introduction

Gorruk, most commonly known as The Duck Whisperer, is a captivating Half-Glaciarc bard whose storytelling and life-sized duck puppets have mesmerized audiences across the land. His towering presence, with skin the color of ice and eyes as cold as glaciers, would suggest a figure of icy dread. Yet, Gorruk is anything but terrifying. A man of rare warmth and humor, he uses his formidable talents to enchant, bringing forth whimsy and wonder through his puppetry in a mesmerizing blend of magic and grace.

A Bard's Journey

Born in Aeldor, a small refuge village nestled within the unforgiving northern reaches of the Kingdom of Zolirak, Gorruk’s story began in tragedy. His mother, an elven woman loved by her village, faced hardship after a brutal encounter with a Glaciarc raider. Though deeply affected, she chose to keep the child growing within her. Gorruk’s father never cared for his existence; he left no trace of himself other than the darkness that lingered in the wake of his violence.

As a child born of such a painful union, Gorruk was feared, his very existence linked to the terror that the Glaciarcs embodied. Half-Glaciarcs are born when these monstrous beings mate with other races, often through violence. As a result, their offspring are feared as harbingers of the terror their fathers instill. Gorruk, with his pale blue skin, piercing eyes, and towering stature, carried the unmistakable signs of his Glaciarc parentage. And though he inherited none of their savagery, he lived a life defined by the fear and hatred others had for what he was: a living reminder of the monsters who had sown terror across the land.

In Aeldor, Gorruk was raised among other orphans, children who had also been abandoned or left to fend for themselves in the harsh, cold mountains. The villagers of Aeldor expected Gorruk to grow into a warrior, to use his strength and size to defend the village from the predatory forces of the north. Yet, despite the relentless pressure to conform and fight, Gorruk chose a different path. He had no desire to take up arms; instead, he dreamed of creating worlds, of telling stories through music and magic. Puppet theater, where he could perform in the shadows, was his chosen form of expression. It was a way to make his presence known, to speak and share the depths of his heart, all while remaining unseen.

Despite the hardships, Gorruk remained steadfast in his pursuit of his dreams, finding solace in his unique ability to breathe life into his creations. He learned to use his innate magic to animate life-sized puppets, imbuing them with personality and life. It was with these puppets that Gorruk found his voice, performing tales of joy, humor, and wisdom, captivating audiences with his art.

The Duck Whisperer

Gorruk’s performance name, The Duck Whisperer, stems from his unparalleled ability to bring life to his troupe of life-sized duck puppets. These enchanting figures are far more than mere toys. They are the heart of his performances, animated with precision and grace. Gorruk’s magic allows him to manipulate their movements from behind the curtain, making it seem as though the ducks themselves are speaking and acting.

Though Gorruk’s towering form might intimidate some, he is, in truth, a figure of gentle grace. His performances are marked by an air of subtlety and intimacy, as though the audience is witnessing something personal and profound. The name Duck Whisperer captures the essence of Gorruk’s bond with his puppets, as if he truly communicates with them, guiding their every move with the gentle touch of a master.

But Why Ducks?

Gorruk’s choice to center his performances around ducks stems from his deep connection to these creatures from his childhood. Growing up in the harsh environment of Aeldor, Gorruk found solace in the company of ducks that lived near the village’s only freshwater spring. While the other children trained for combat and hard work, Gorruk spent time watching these creatures- how they moved, how they communicated, and how they effortlessly navigated between land, water, and air.

Moreover, Gorruk found the way ducks communicate and their humorous, sometimes clumsy antics to be a reflection of the world around him. They were both graceful and comedic, serious and playful, traits Gorruk felt mirrored his own internal struggle between following the village’s expectations and his own dreams. By bringing ducks to life on stage, Gorruk could express both the humor and the deeper lessons he wished to convey.

The Cast of Duck Puppets

Gorruk’s life-sized duck puppets are the heart of his performances, each one a unique character imbued with personality and charm. These ducks represent various aspects of life, from bravery to innocence, providing both humor and depth to Gorruk’s shows. While he had created many throught the years, there are some that are always present as the key members of his troupe.

Quacko the Brave

"Destiny quacks for no duck! Onward, to glory!"

— Quacko the Brave

Quacko is the self-proclaimed hero of the troupe, a duck with delusions of grandeur and a knack for causing chaos. He charges headfirst into danger without a second thought, leaving a trail of mayhem in his wake. His bravado is matched only by his utter lack of coordination. But no matter how messy things get, Quacko’s bravery is unwavering (even if it’s often misplaced). Gorruk brings Quacko to life with exaggerated, flamboyant movements that leave the audience laughing and cheering for this bumbling, yet undeniably charming, hero.

Puddle the Clueless

"Wait... are we running toward danger or away from it? I always mix those up!"

— Puddle the Clueless

Puddle is a small, excitable duckling with boundless optimism and a knack for getting completely lost- both figuratively and literally. His high-pitched voice and unintentional confusion create endless comedic moments as he tries (and fails) to make sense of the world around him. Whether he’s running toward danger or away from it, Puddle’s enthusiasm is infectious, even if he’s always a step behind the action. His naive charm and endless energy bring a refreshing lightness to Gorruk’s performances, offering a perfect contrast to the more serious characters.

Lady Quackerton

"A touch of grace, a dash of wit, and an utter refusal to waddle like a commoner."

— Lady Quackerton

Lady Quackerton is the elegant, ever-graceful presence of the troupe. With a posture so poised it could cut glass and a wit as sharp as her feathers, she effortlessly elevates the chaos around her. While the other ducks run amok, she’s often seen raising an eyebrow and delivering scathing commentary, offering a dose of refinement that’s as classy as it is hilarious. She’s the perfect blend of sophistication and sass, always a step above the madness.

Grandpa Gramps

"Back in my day, we didn’t have breadcrumbs handed to us! We fought for ‘em! In the snow!"

— Grandpa Gramps

Gramps is a grumpy, battle-worn duck who’s seen it all- and complains about most of it. With his slow, deliberate waddle and stories that seem to go on forever, he provides the perfect contrast to the high-energy antics of the troupe. His wisdom might be long-winded and filled with complaints about “the good ol' days,” but somehow, his gruff humor steals the show, leaving the audience both laughing and questioning life’s most trivial details.

"I... I don’t mind speaking, it’s just that... my ducks are always better with quords!"

— Gorruk, the Duck Whisperer

Alignment

Neutral Good

Current Status

Traveling Bard

Species

Half-Glaciarcs

Age

32

Date of Birth

03 Oneiria 928 ADA

Circumstances of Birth

Unwanted

Birthplace

Aeldor

Pronouns

He/him

Sex

Male

Gender

Man

Presentation

Typically dressed casually, Gorruk prefers to blend in. He is quite shy and has a nervous habit when speaking to strangers, constantly twisting his beard in anxious motion.

Eyes

Blue

Hair

Long, blond and braided

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale Blue

Height

2.20 m

Weight

130 kg

Belief/Deity

Lilyore

Sexual Orientation

Bisexual

The Duck Whisperer’s Grand Spring Tour

Come one, come all! The Duck Whisperer, brings his legendary puppet theater to cities across the realms this spring. Witness magic, laughter, and the wisdom of ducks in many different unforgettable performance!

The Tragedy of King Quackers

Thandor, 14 Oneria

A kingdom of ducks, a tragic hero, and a whole lot of quacking pride- watch as King Quackers’ reign takes a slippery turn.

The Knight and the Egg

Mithralis, 22 Oneria

Quacko the Brave is entrusted with guarding a sacred egg. His courage will be tested, his honor questioned, and his patience stretched beyond reason.

The Duck of Port Vengeance

Port Vengeance, 02 Nazaris

Lady Quackerton is the enigmatic Captain Plume, a noble-duck-turned-pirate who seeks justice for her most precious stolen treasure.

Puddle and the Magic Puddle

Aeloria, 16 Nazaris

A small duck with a big dream embarks on a quest to find the wisest bird in the land. What he finds, however, is quack-worthy magic!

The Feathered Philosopher

Elaris, 18 Sadoria

Gramps the Old Duck imparts life’s greatest wisdom: how to complain properly, where to find the best breadcrumbs, and why everything was better in the old days.

The Clockwork Quackery

Seastone, 24 Sadoria

Steam, gears, and mechanical mallards- can the puppet troupe outwit an inventor’s grandest folly? Sparks will fly and gears will turn, while the fate of breakfast crumbs everywhere hangs in the balance!

Come for the magic, stay for the quacks, and leave with a heart a little lighter than before.

Performance Style

Gorruk’s performances are a unique blend of theater, magic, and storytelling. When the lights dim, the audience is plunged into shadows, where Gorruk’s magic takes over. The life-sized ducks spring to life, moving across the stage as though they are real, their voices synchronized with every movement. Behind the scenes, Gorruk guides them with subtle gestures and a whispered word, breathing life into his creations in a way that feels both magical and intimate.

His performances are filled with laughter, drama, and moments of introspection. The characters, though playful and humorous, often impart valuable lessons about life, friendship, resilience, and kindness. Through his puppets, Gorruk shares his belief that everyone, no matter their origins or struggles, has a unique place in the world.