Belanna

ship’s illusionist

Belanna is a fascinating, tragic, and grotesque figure aboard the Devil’s Song, the slaver ship commanded by Prelos. Once a captive, she bartered her magical abilities for freedom, earning a precarious position of favor. Though technically free to leave, Belanna's fear of the outside world and her relative comfort aboard the ship bind her to this dark life.

"Captain Prelos saved my life. But make no mistake—I am here because I choose to be."

Belanna’s physical appearance is striking for all the wrong reasons. Massively overweight and cursed with terrible boils, she is a figure of both revulsion and pity. Her patchy, greasy hair frames a pockmarked face, with many of her boils open and oozing green or yellow pus.

• Body Type: Massively overweight, clumsy in movement.
• Facial Features: Covered in grotesque boils, which she falsely claims are the result of a curse.
• Clothing: Wears drab robes to conceal her frame and magical bracers of protection.
• Aura: Despite her physical deformities, she carries herself with a veneer of pride, relying on her illusion magic to mask her insecurities.

Personality

Belanna is a blend of cowardice, pragmatism, and warped pride. She has fully embraced her role aboard the Devil’s Song, finding a twisted sense of purpose in her magical servitude.

• Frightened Yet Content: She could leave the ship, but her fear of the outside world and her dependence on Prelos’ protection keep her tethered.
• Moral Compromise: Belanna has rationalized her complicity in the ship’s evil deeds, claiming she is a victim of circumstance.
• A Touch of Arrogance: Despite her physical flaws, she takes pride in her magical skills and enjoys feeling indispensable.

Background

Belanna’s story begins as a captured slave on the Devil’s Song, where her magical talents eventually saved her from a life of misery. By offering her services to Prelos, she elevated herself to a position of relative privilege.

• Capture: Taken by slavers during a raid, she was initially treated as cargo.
• Bargain for Freedom: Offered her magic in exchange for better treatment, impressing Prelos enough to be spared.
• Current Status: Enjoys a privileged position aboard the ship, where she is no longer considered a slave but remains deeply loyal out of fear.

Role Aboard the Devil’s Song

Belanna is the ship’s illusionist, using her talents to manipulate the ship’s enemies, create tactical advantages, and amuse the crew.

• Combat Support: Uses her illusions to confuse enemies and cover retreats.
• Entertainment: Creates dazzling displays to entertain or terrify the crew.
• Advisor: Though not a formal officer, her magical expertise gives her an unofficial advisory role.

"You may sneer at me now, but you'll be singing a different tune when my illusions turn your blade against your own throat."

Motivations and Relationships

Belanna’s motivations are largely self-serving, though she is not entirely devoid of loyalty.

• Prelos: Respects and fears him, seeing him as both her savior and master.
• The Crew: She is tolerated but not well-liked due to her grotesque appearance and aloof demeanor.
• Freedom: Theoretically free, but paralyzed by fear and complacency.

Tactics in Combat

Belanna avoids direct combat, relying on her spells and cunning to stay alive.

• Illusionist Tricks: Creates distractions and illusions to confuse opponents.
• Defensive Playstyle: Uses her bracers and fog spells to avoid danger.
• Support Role: Assists Prelos and the crew with tactical advantages rather than direct attacks.

Public Perception

To outsiders, Belanna is a pitiable figure—a grotesque woman trapped in a life of servitude. To the crew, she is a useful tool, tolerated for her magic but never truly accepted.

• Among Crew: Viewed as odd but indispensable.
• Among Enemies: Her illusions make her seem more powerful than she is.

DM-Only Section

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Secrets and Hooks

• Boil Rumors: The boils are not magical but could be used as a narrative red herring. Perhaps a curse could genuinely befall her if she ever betrays Prelos.
• Escape Potential: If the players gain her trust, Belanna could be swayed to leave the ship and become an ally.
• Inner Conflict: Deep down, she dreams of a better life but has no idea how to achieve it. This could be a thread for a redemption arc.

"Magic is a mistress far more reliable than freedom. Freedom comes with enemies; magic bends them to your will."

Belanna, Illusionist of the Devil’s Song

Medium humanoid (human), Neutral Evil

• Armor Class: 12 (Bracers of AC 8)
• Hit Points: 24 (4d8)
• Speed: 30 ft.
• STR 8 (-1) | DEX 16 (+3) | CON 8 (-1)| INT 15 (+2)| WIS 9 (-1)| CHA 7 (-2)
• Saving Throws: Int +4, Dex +5
• Skills: Arcana +4, Deception +2, Insight +1
• Senses: Passive Perception 9
• Languages: Common, Elvish

Abilities

Magic Resistance. Belanna has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.
Spellcasting. Belanna is a 4th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks). She has the following spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand
• 1st Level (4 slots): Change Self, Color Spray, Wall of Fog
• 2nd Level (3 slots): Fog Cloud, Improved Phantasmal Force

Actions

Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 - 1) bludgeoning damage.
Ring of Telekinesis (1/day). Belanna can telekinetically lift or manipulate objects weighing up to 50 lbs.

Equipment

• Bracers of AC 8
• Ring of Telekinesis (50 lbs. max)
• 22 gp, 83 ep, 60 sp
• Drab robes

Personality and Traits

• Cowardly Pragmatist: Belanna avoids direct combat whenever possible, relying on illusions and misdirection to escape or distract enemies.
• Manipulative: She uses her magic to curry favor with the crew, maintaining her privileged position aboard the Devil’s Song.
• Self-Delusion: Belanna claims her boils are the result of a curse, though they are simply natural.

Tactics

• Before Combat: Belanna will use Change Self to appear more intimidating or appealing, depending on the situation.
• During Combat: She prefers to cast Wall of Fog or Fog Cloud to obscure vision and make her escape. If cornered, she uses Improved Phantasmal Force to create terrifying illusions.
• After Combat: If the battle is lost, she will grovel and attempt to negotiate her survival.

Year of Birth

535 41 Years old

Sex

female

Hair

patchy, greasy hair

Items and Abilities

Belanna’s magical items and spells make her a valuable asset to the crew, despite her limited physical capabilities.

• Bracers of AC 8: Provides her with additional protection.
• Ring of Telekinesis: Allows her to move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Coins: 22 gp, 83 ep, 60 sp.

Spellbook

First-Level Spells

• Change Self: Alters her appearance, often used to disguise her boils.
• Color Spray: Stuns enemies with a dazzling array of lights.
• Wall of Fog: Creates obscuring fog for tactical retreats.

Second-Level Spells

• Fog Cloud: Similar to Wall of Fog, but larger in scale.
• Improved Phantasmal Force: Creates realistic illusions that can fool enemies into disastrous actions.