Belgin
Senior Gnarley Ranger
The Noble Guardian of the Lake Verge
Belgin, often called “Belgin the Grim”, is one of the most distinguished and enigmatic figures among the Gnarley Rangers. Unlike his peers, he carries himself with the bearing of a knight, clad in a scarlet cloak and rich green surcoat over his mail hauberk, standing in stark contrast to the rugged, stealthy garb of his fellow rangers. A man of dignity, diplomacy, and steel, he understands that to protect the Gnarley Forest, one must forge alliances as well as wield a blade. His influence stretches beyond the woodland, as his contacts in Dyvers, Greyhawk, and Furyondy allow him to maneuver in the realms of politics as well as the battlefield.
“Knighthood is not a title. It is a bearing, a duty. A ranger must wear many mantles to protect what they love.”
Appearance and Demeanor
Belgin is a very tall and imposing man, his once-golden hair streaked with grey, giving him a look of stern nobility. His broad-shouldered frame is clad not in the camouflage of his ranger brethren but in knightly attire, reflecting both his station and personal philosophy. He carries a sword, dagger, hunting knife, and a longbow, preferring the discipline of mounted combat over the guerrilla tactics favored by other rangers. His grim, serious demeanor has earned him both respect and criticism, as he strives to balance his ranger duties with the political realities of the region.
Roleplaying Hints
- Always dignified and serious, but never discourteous.
- Prefers diplomacy over brute force, but will not hesitate to act decisively.
- Believes political maneuvering is as vital as battlefield prowess.
- Has little patience for aimless arguments or reckless action.
- Known for his cold, calculating approach but is not without warmth for those he trusts.
Background and History
Belgin was born into a family of gentleman farmers along the Lake Verge, where the waters of the Nyr Dyv meet the Dyversian woodlands. His upbringing granted him an appreciation for both the city and the wild, a perspective that would shape his future as a ranger and political player.
In his younger years, Belgin adventured widely, traveling the western shores of the Nyr Dyv, forging bonds in Dyvers, Greyhawk, and Furyondy. His natural charisma and noble bearing won him allies among merchants, soldiers, and aristocrats alike, giving him a network of contacts unmatched by any other Gnarley Ranger.
By 574 CY, he returned to Dyvers, Free Lands of with wealth and renown, intending to build a stronghold, marry, and secure his future. He did just that, founding a keep on the southeastern Dyversian edge of the Gnarley Forest, a region known as the Lake Verge. While his castle remains under construction, it is already a symbol of his growing influence.
- Born into a landowning family on the Lake Verge, raised among both farmers and woodsmen.
- Traveled extensively, forming alliances in Dyvers, Greyhawk, and Furyondy.
- Became a Gnarley Ranger in 574 CY, seeking to balance civilization and the wild.
- Built a stronghold on the southeastern Dyversian woodlands, still under construction.
- Married Nelba, daughter of the Dyversian New Gentry, expanding his political reach.
The Senior Ranger of the Lake Verge
As Senior Ranger of the Lake Verge, Belgin oversees one of the most contested and politically sensitive regions of the Gnarley Forest. His leadership focuses not just on combat but also diplomacy, working to protect the forest while maintaining relations with Dyvers and other outside forces.
Area of Protection
- The southeastern Dyversian Gnarley Forest, a contested zone between rangers, nobles, and expanding settlements.
- The Nyr Dyv shoreline, monitoring pirates, smugglers, and Iuzian agents.
- The borderlands between Dyvers and the Gnarley, where hunters, loggers, and settlers clash with the wild.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Political Diplomat: Acts as the liaison between the Gnarley Rangers and Dyversian authorities.
- Military Organizer: Commands a mounted ranger force, excelling in cavalry tactics.
- Forest Guardian: Prevents unsanctioned logging, hunting, and land seizures.
- Strategic Planner: Advises Annika Silverwood, often acting as her representative in negotiations.
- Pirate and Smuggler Hunter: Monitors the Nyr Dyv for illegal activity.
“You cannot stop the tide of civilization, but you can guide its course before it drowns you.”
Personality and Motivations
Belgin is driven by a deep sense of responsibility, but unlike other rangers, he sees compromise, diplomacy, and structure as the best ways to preserve the Gnarley Forest. His grim, calculated demeanor often clashes with the more rugged and independent-minded rangers, but he remains steadfast in his belief that the Gnarley must be defended on more than just the battlefield.
Driving Motivations
- Protecting the Gnarley Forest, but through compromise, not conflict.
- Strengthening ties between the Rangers and Dyvers, ensuring mutual benefit.
- Building a lasting stronghold, securing a future for rangers, settlers, and the wild.
- Ensuring his political network grows, providing long-term stability to the region.
Relationships and Alliances
Fellow Rangers
- Annika Silverwood – His Ranger Knight and greatest supporter, entrusting him with political negotiations.
- Owain Lynwood Terfellan – Sees Owain as too subtle and patient, preferring a more direct approach.
- Barda Tharrow – Respects her strength and leadership, but considers her too unwilling to compromise.
Allies and Political Contacts
- Nelba, his wife – Connected to Dyversian merchant nobility, expanding his influence.
- Morthandry, his druidic ally – His wife’s aunt, a pragmatic druid who supports his vision of cooperation.
- Dyversian Nobles and Merchants – Frequently rubs elbows with the elite, seeking beneficial alliances.
- Furyondian and Greyhawk Officials – Uses his old adventuring connections to secure outside support.
“If the elves wish to remain aloof, let them. The wolves and brigands do not care for their treaties.”
The Future and Looming Dangers
Political Challenges
- Faces opposition within the Rangers, who distrust his connections to nobility.
- Seeks to balance Dyversian expansion with forest preservation, a nearly impossible task.
- Believes the rangers lack political awareness, striving to fill that void despite resentment.
External Threats
- Pirate activity on the Nyr Dyv threatens Lake Verge villages and river settlements.
- Iuz spies and Bandit Kingdom raiders use Dyvers’ ports to infiltrate the region.
- Tensions with local druids and elves, who see his diplomacy as too accommodating to civilization.
Conclusion
Belgin the Grim is a man of contrasts—a ranger who dresses as a knight, a diplomat in a world of hunters, a protector of nature who negotiates with its enemies. While many of his brethren distrust his methods, his influence cannot be denied. Whether his approach will save the Gnarley Forest or doom it to slow conquest remains to be seen.
“Blades and arrows may hold the line for a day, but alliances and strategy will hold it for a lifetime.”
Belgin, Senior Gnarley Ranger of the Lake Verge
Medium Humanoid (Human), Neutral Good
Ranger (Beast Master) 14
Armor Class 22 (Mail Shirt +3, Light Wood Shield +2, Ring of Protection +1)
Hit Points 85 (14d10+28)
Speed 30 ft.
Abilities
STR 16 (+3) | DEX 13 (+1) | CON 16 (+3) | INT 13 (+1) | WIS 14 (+2) | CHA 17 (+3)
Saving Throws
STR +7, DEX +5, CON +7, WIS +6
Skills
Animal Handling +9, Athletics +8, Diplomacy +9, Insight +7, Nature +7, Perception +7 (Advantage in forests), Persuasion +9, Stealth +7 (Advantage in forests), Survival +10 (Adv. in tracking)
Senses
Passive Perception 17
Languages
Common, Druidic, Gnarley Ranger Code
Favored Enemies
Goblinoids & Giants (+4), Gnolls (+2) – Advantage on Survival checks to track and recall lore
Ranger Features
- Natural Explorer (Forest & Lake Verge): Advantage on initiative, ignore difficult terrain, double proficiency for certain checks.
- Fighting Style (Two-Weapon Fighting): Adds ability modifier to off-hand attack.
- Spellcasting (Ranger, Caster Level 7): 1st (3/day) – Longstrider, Animal Messenger; 2nd (3/day) – Cat’s Grace, Cure Wounds, Protection from Energy; 3rd (1/day) – Neutralize Poison
- Primeval Awareness: Detect presence of aberrations, celestials, dragons, elementals, fey, fiends, and undead within 1 mile.
- Beast Companion (Coursain, Light Warhorse): A battle-trained steed, capable of aiding in mounted combat.
Actions
Multiattack. Belgin makes two melee or ranged weapon attacks.
Longsword +1. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8+4 slashing.
Mighty Longbow +1. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 1d8+3 piercing.
Two-Weapon Fighting. Belgin makes one longsword attack and one shield bash (1d3+1 bludgeoning).
Bonus Actions
Hunter’s Mark. Belgin marks a target, gaining extra 1d6 damage on weapon attacks against it.
Swift Tracker. Belgin can use a bonus action to track a creature he has seen within the last minute.
Reactions
Defensive Parry. When hit by a melee attack, Belgin can raise his shield, increasing AC by +2 against the attack.
Equipment & Magic Items
- Longsword +1, Mighty Longbow +1 (20 masterwork arrows)
- Mail Shirt +3, Light Wood Shield +2, Ring of Protection +1
- Reversible Cloak of Charisma +2 (Enhances diplomatic and leadership skills)
- Ring of Iron Will (Advantage on Wisdom saving throws)
- Potion of Cure Wounds (x2), Healer’s Kit, Antitoxin
Lair & Treasure
Belgin has a hidden stash of 6 moonstones (40 gp each), 9 large pieces of amber (22 gp each), and 16 carnelians (12 gp each) buried under a tree near his homestead, two miles north of Ketter’s Hearth.
Followers and Retainers
Belgin commands a diverse group of followers, drawn primarily from the local woodsmen, warriors, and skilled craftsmen of the region. Most are humans, but his ranks also include half-elven and sylvan elf scouts, as well as hill dwarf stonemasons who aid in the construction of his stronghold.
Followers by Rank
1st Rank – The Core of His Domain (115 Total)
- 28 Rangers – Skilled scouts and foresters, including 18 local woodsmen who admire Belgin.
- 10 Fighters – Trained cavalry, forming his mounted patrols.
- 36 Warriors – Militia and armsmen, including 14 sturdy local woodsmen.
- 30 Commoners – Woodsfolk and villagers living in his domain.
- 3 Aristocrats – Local gentry who see Belgin as a political ally.
- 5 Experts – Olkan, his castle smith, and four hill dwarf masons.
- 3 Adepts – Local wise women and spiritual guides.
2nd Rank – Veteran Retainers (7 Total)
- 1 Ranger & 1 Fighter – Battle-hardened veterans.
- 2 Warriors – Less talented but experienced soldiers.
- 3 Commoners – Homestead elders who advise on local affairs.
3rd Rank – Command Support (5 Total)
- 1 Fighter (Sergeant) – Commands troops in Belgin’s absence.
- 2 Warriors (Sergeants) – Experienced militia leaders.
- 2 Commoners – Elders responsible for community governance.
4th Rank – Elite Officers and Specialists (3 Total)
- Lieutenant Andruil (Ranger 2 / Fighter 2) – A Sylvan Elf envoy and second-in-command, Age 144.
- Sergeant Weith (Warrior 4) – A seasoned officer, Age 38.
- Iandon (Warrior 2 / Expert 2) – His seneschal and trusted advisor, Age 58.
5th Rank – Noble and Skilled Advisors (2 Total)
- Lady Jayn (Bard 5) – His wife and spiritual guide in the Old Faith, Age 39.
- Boldo (Expert 3 / Warrior 2) – A Hill Dwarf overseeing the keep’s construction, Age 129.
6th Rank – Military Commander (1 Total)
- Captain Jaever (Fighter 4 / Ranger 2) – His cousin and military leader, Age 40.
Comments