The Guide
Name- Gunvald
Patronage- Masters and aprenticies, guide to those seeking purpose
Symbol- An arrowless Bow
Description- An older man, clad in a dark green rangers clock witha bow but now arrows. A kind but sad face, long grey beard and sunken skin, but eyes that glow with inteligence and life.
History-
A Talon of Renown:
- Gunvald's name became synonymous with excellence within the ranks of the Talons, an order of renowned monster hunters. Emerging from the northern Bear Talons, his reputation as one of the most accomplished and celebrated members spanned the realms. His unwavering dedication and unparalleled expertise elevated him to a league of his own.
- When the sinister witch Tasha seized control of a small town, Gunvald was entrusted with the daunting task of ending her reign. Their encounters unfolded in a dance of combat and passion, their paths intertwining through battles and romantic entanglements. The dichotomy of their relationship added complexity to their struggles, each encounter a clash of wills fueled by a potent blend of conflict and desire.
- Gunvald's life was marked by two apprentices who would shape his destiny. Eric, a promising yet arrogant young Talon, was his first student. Consumed by a thirst for vengeance after a mage killed his sister, Eric's descent into darkness led him astray. Gunvald's second apprentice, Sol, was marked by destiny to become a force of change and inspiration.
- Sol, the young and determined apprentice, found herself under Gunvald's tutelage. He became both mentor and guide, nurturing her skills and honing her potential. As she rose to prominence, Gunvald stood by her side during pivotal moments, including thwarting Eric's attempts to overthrow the ruling class, and battling the forces of Levistus during the harrowing Second Demonic Invasion.
- In the climactic confrontation against Levistus, Gunvald's unwavering determination led him to make the ultimate sacrifice. He fell in the final battle, his legacy forever etched in the annals of heroism. However, the Dragon of Diamonds recognized his noble spirit and the intricate balance he had upheld throughout his life.
- Bestowed with divine status, Gunvald ascended to become The Guide, a celestial figure revered as the patron of masters and apprentices alike. His role extended beyond the mortal realm as he guided wayward souls seeking purpose, ferrying them toward various deities, both good and evil, ensuring the delicate balance that sustains the cosmos.
Relic of Gunvald: The Bow Without Arrows
"The mark of a great guide is not in the arrow that strikes true—but in the hand that never had to fire."
Wondrous Item (Bow-shaped Focus), Legendary → Artifact
Requires attunement by a Ranger, Cleric, Monk, or Warlock (of Gunvald).
This ancient bow bears no string and never looses a physical arrow. Instead, it hums with spiritual resonance, producing bolts of pure intent when drawn—sometimes shaped by the wielder’s hope, fear, or memory. Its carved limbs are adorned with faded names—some crossed out, others glowing softly.
Initial Form: The Guide’s Bow (Level 10–13)
Stat Bonuses:
- +2 to attack and damage rolls made with this weapon.
- You gain a bonus proficiency in either Insight or Survival.
- You can cast spells through the bow as if it were a spellcasting focus.
- While attuned, you do not provoke opportunity attacks when moving toward an ally who is below half hit points.
Daily Spells (1/day each):
- Enhance Ability (Wisdom or Charisma only)
- Aid
- Speak with Dead
- Misty Step
- Calm Emotions
Features:
- Pathfinder’s Pulse:
When you take the Help action, you may also move up to 15 feet without provoking attacks of opportunity and grant the target 1d6 temporary hit points. - Drawn but Never Fired (1/short rest):
As a reaction when a creature within 30 feet is hit by an attack or fails a saving throw, you may "draw" the bow but not release it—redirecting the fate. The creature gains advantage on the next save or attack roll before the end of its next turn. If they succeed, you regain 1d6 HP. - Silent Direction:
When you finish a short or long rest, choose one ally. They gain a Guidance-like boon: once during the next day, they can add a d4 to any roll. They know it came from you, even if you are not present.
Awakened Form: (Level 17–20)
(When fully awakened, the bow glows softly when held by those questioning their purpose or burdened with impossible choices. It whispers possible futures with every draw.)
Stat Bonuses:
- +3 to attack and damage rolls. Attacks deal radiant or psychic damage (your choice per shot).
- You are immune to being frightened and have resistance to psychic damage.
- Allies within 10 feet of you have advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed.
Additional Daily Spells (1/day each, added to your known spell list):
- Find the Path
- Greater Restoration
- Legend Lore
- Commune
- Sanctuary
Upgraded Features:
- Waymarker (1/long rest):
As an action, choose a direction or goal (“The right path,” “The safest route,” “My destiny,” etc.). You and up to six creatures of your choice are guided as if under Find the Path for 1 hour. You may ignore difficult terrain and cannot become lost. - Final Lesson (1/week):
When a creature you have made a personal connection with drops to 0 HP or makes a death saving throw, you may transfer your thoughts to them for a moment as a bonus action. They regain 1d10+ your Wis modifier HP and stand up, inspired by your voice or memory.
Awakening Trigger:
The Bow awakens when the wielder helps someone find a purpose not through victory or violence, but through quiet guidance, sacrifice, or clarity—especially when the outcome is uncertain or the cost is personal.
