Tanka Barbearian

Tanka Barbearian (Pronounced bar-BEAR-ian), was a Mountain Dwarf from Atmora. As an adult, Tanka traveled around the region with his tribe, moving from place to place, though usually staying within sight of The Teeth. Tanka eventually noticed the presence of increased numbers of dark creatures and joined a hunt in Krysset dedicated to wiping out the source of these monsters. After being tricked into Barovia, Tanka joined the Saviours of Barovia as a part-time member, and brought about the downfall of Strahd Von Zarovich in the region. Post Barovia, Tanka found himself alongside fellow dwarf Norgold Dragonsbane and worked as the Prime Gatekeeper of Northcross Temple.

Background

Early Years

In AoR 345 Tanka was born to a nomadic tribe of Mountain Dwarves that had settled the rocky lowlands to the east of The Teeth. His younger years of life were spent learning how to survive the tribe's difficult way of life, traveling north and south across the plateaus of Atmora. Because of the location, Tanka became quite familiar with the rugged creatures that populate the area, most specifically; dragons. Though Tanka's dream to master and tame one of these creatures was never realized in his youth, his study of them would later prove invaluable, as he would one day meet one of these creatures in battle.
As he aged, Tanka was expected to select a totem of strength, a sacred custom among dwarves of his tribe. Because of his ferocity in battle and his proven survival skills among the craggy cliffs and sparse forests of the Krysset Pass, Tanka selected, and was awarded; the Bear Totem. This meant Tanka would be expected to serve as a protector of the tribe, fending off danger from wherever it may appear. He was now known as Tanka Barbearian. Because of this appointment, it was Tanka that first noticed and acted on the growing number of dark creatures appearing in The Teeth, the Eastcrag Highlands and the Krysset Pass. In AoR 597, for the first time ever, Tanka left the company of his tribe, heading towards the human settlement of Krysset to find answers about the creatures now threatening his tribe's existence.

Entering Barovia

In Krysset, Tanka soon came across a promising lead. A group of humans, elves and even another dwarf, banding together to uncover the source of these dark creatures, most specifically; werewolves. They were brought together by a member of the The Uhara Sanctum, a man named Vindril. Together they traveled towards the Pinetrost Woods to what seemed to be the epicenter of these occurrences.
As they drew closer to the source, Tanka located and followed the tracks of what seemed to be a pack of wolves, though they were of unusual size. This struck the hunting party as an oddity, and they followed the tracks to a clearing deep within the trees of the Pinetrost. It was here that the wolves ambushed Tanka and the group. Though thankfully not werewolves, this was a pack of massive, white Dire Wolves, and they quickly surrounded the party, forcing a retreat even from Tanka. It was then that Vindril enacted his plan, leading the party to, and trapping within, a strange house, standing alone in the forest. This was Death House, a portal into a land known as Barovia.

Vallaki

Once in Barovia, the former hunting group found themselves contesting the will of an ancient Higher Vampire named Strahd Von Zarovich. To escape Barovia itself, Strahd needed to die, meaning this became the prime objective of the group.
During the groups travels, they came across the city of Vallaki. It was in this town that Tanka made his biggest impact, committing acts on both sides of the law. Within the first day of arrival in Vallaki, Tanka and the group visited the marketplace, one of the busiest districts of the city. Here, Tanka visited a general store located within a giant warehouse. The amount of supplies within was staggering to Tanka, whom immidently made plans with the Rogue of the group; Tylus Symshade. Together at night, they would raid the shop and steal whatever they could. The rest of the group was vehemently against this, though they didn't dare try to convince Tanka otherwise. Together with Tylus, the pair of would-be thieves located the house of the shop owner, and intended to steal the key.
Unfortunately, the robbery was botched, and ended with Tanka murdering the shopkeeper in front of his family. Though Tanka and Tylus escaped, it was not without witnesses to the crime. The next day, the city guard began searching for a wanted dwarf, and Tanka was forced to lie low within the Blue Water Inn, while the rest of the group conducted activity within the city. Later, Tanka attempted to leave the city with the group, as they headed towards Old Bonegrinder. He was spotted at the gate by the attending guards. Luckily the group was able to fool the soldiers, mostly due to the illusion magic of Shamruuc and the disguise kit from Tylus.
Sometime later, after the disappearance of the Sacred Bones of Saint Andral. Strahd Von Zarovich himself attacked the church in Vallaki, killing Father Lucian Petrovich and demonstrating his power as the Master of Barovia. Strahd called his mount, an undead drake named Argynvost, sending Tanka into combat with a dragon for the first time, albeit a dead dragon. Together with Colborn Sergeant, Tanka seemingly defeated the beast, though the battle was cut short. In exchange for the survival of Vallaki, the group was forced to give up Ireena, a woman they had sworn to protect from the vampire.
From that point on, Tanka mostly stayed within the confines of Vallaki, even while his allies conducted missions outside of the city. Tanka dedicated his time to setting up a shop within the now-closed general store. He named it "Tanka's Trinkets" and attempted to sell the stolen goods out of the store front. Though the store was completely illegitimate, Tanka enjoyed very limited success while here. Luckily the city guards left the dwarf to his own devices, perhaps out of fear or because they had more pressing matters to deal with, such as the overthrow of Baron Vargas Vallakovich.

Ravenloft and the Defeat of Strahd Von Zarovich

Now ready for battle, The Saviours of Barovia made their way towards Ravenloft. Tanka once again joined the group, eager to test his mettle against the Scourge of Barovia himself and his still living dragon. The group had been invited to Strahd's wedding to Ireena; the reincarnated Tatyana. When entering Ravenloft, Tanka nearly started the fighting at the front door as he refused to turn over his weapons to Rahadin; Strahd's right hand man. Tanka's allies pleaded with him to follow Rahadin's request, and the dwarf finally relented, though he was quite upset with the prospect of being unarmed.
During the final confrontation with Strahd, Tanka battled with Argynvost, Strahd, and the traitor Tylus. Together with Shamruuc, Tanka defeated Argynvost and immediately turned his attention to Tylus, who had picked the dwarf as a primary target. In the end, the Saviours of Barovia were victorious, slaying Strahd in his coffin. Though Tanka wished to kill Tylus after the battle, he stayed his blade at the behest of Sarge and Ezmerelda d'Avenir, who incorrectly guessed that Tylus had been under a magical charm from Strahd. Tanka reluctantly released Tylus, though he promised to kill him if ever he saw his face again. As Strahd had been defeated, the group was finally able to leave Barovia. Tanka left with the rest of the party, traveling into The Teeth once more, seeking his tribe or perhaps a dragon to ride.

Northcross Temple

At some point after the events of AoR 597 and before the The Death Curse of AoR 606, Tanka joined Norgold Dragonsbane at Northcross Temple in the frigid north of Atmora. While here, Tanka served the temple as Prime Gatekeeper, an assignment given to him by Norgold, who knew well of Tanka's bravery and ferocity in battle. While in this position Tanka was responsible for the security and protection of Northcross and all non-humans within.
Though Tanka spent the majority of his recent history at Northcross Temple, many speak of his solo adventures during his time away. Though it has never been confirmed, many residents of Atmora's outlying villages believe they have spotted a dwarf riding upon a great dragon of The Teeth.

Basic Information

Race: Mountain Dwarf, Male
Ethnicity: Atmoran
Occupation: Adventurer, Prime Gatekeeper of Northcross Temple, Dragonrider (Rumored)
Other Names/Titles: Barbearian, Dragonslayer
Home: Atmora
Status: Alive

Dates

Born: AoR 545
Death: Not Available