Edmund Winthrop
Curate
Amidst the lawlessness of Nulb , Curate Edmund Winthrop stands as an immovable rock of faith, duty-bound to the rigid doctrine of St. Cuthbert. Sent by Bishop Haufren to root out corruption, spread the word of the Cudgel, and keep watch for agents of darkness, he and his small band of missionaries attempt to push back against the tide of vice that threatens to consume the village. Though his mission seems doomed from the start, Winthrop persists, for to falter is to fail in the eyes of St. Cuthbert.
The Iron Missionary of Nulb
Personality
- Hard and Unforgiving: Winthrop has little patience for weakness or excuses. He believes in self-reliance, discipline, and order, and expects the same from his followers.
- Reluctant Mentor: Though tasked with leading young acolytes, he has little respect for their softness. He hopes the trials of Nulb will forge them into true believers—or see them broken.
- Brutally Pragmatic: Winthrop understands that preaching alone will not change Nulb. He has no qualms about bribing, intimidating, or dealing with criminals if it serves the greater good.
- Deeply Paranoid: He suspects Lady Nysera Krivaltis and her Iron Talons are watching him, waiting for a reason to strike. He rarely sleeps in the same place twice.
Mission and Motivations
Sent by the Church of St. Cuthbert
- Bishop Haufren has tasked Winthrop with spreading the word of St. Cuthbert in Nulb, despite knowing it is a den of vice and villainy.
- His true mission is to observe, report, and counteract the resurgence of the Temple of Elemental Evil.
- He has been given four men-at-arms to protect his mission, but they are mercenaries of questionable faith.
Struggles in Nulb
- The people of Nulb mock and ignore him, seeing him as an unwelcome preacher.
- Criminals and cultists have threatened him repeatedly, but he refuses to leave.
- Even his own students are beginning to question their purpose in such a cursed place.
The Future of His Mission
- He knows his mission will likely fail, but he refuses to return in disgrace.
- He believes St. Cuthbert has placed him in Nulb for a reason, even if it means his death.
- He dreams of a day when order is restored to the village, but suspects that day will never come.
The Missionary Acolytes
A group of three young Cudgels from the Church of St Cuthbert, sent to spread the word of St. Cuthbert and experience the hardships of the real world.
Edmund’s Opinion of Them
- He sees them as soft, naïve, and untested.
- He pushes them relentlessly, forcing them to adapt or fail.
- If they survive, they will be true followers of St. Cuthbert—if not, they were never worthy.
The Acolytes
- Brother Aldric – A devout and eager student, desperate to prove himself to Winthrop.
- Sister Marlena – A healer with a kind heart, struggling to accept the harsh reality of Nulb.
- Brother Tomas – Skeptical of Winthrop’s methods, but unwilling to abandon the mission.
The Men-at-Arms
Four mercenaries, hired by the Church of St Cuthbert to protect Winthrop and his students.
- Sir Gavrin – The only true believer, a grizzled knight who fights for faith.
- Harl the Pike – A bored sellsword, only here for the coin.
- Boris Blacktooth – A former bandit, pretending to be a righteous man.
- Ewan the Lame – A drunken archer, skilled but unreliable.
Winthrop’s View on Them
- He trusts none of them, but understands their necessity.
- He has told them he will kill them himself if they turn on him.
- He watches them carefully, waiting for signs of weakness or betrayal.
Relationships in Nulb
Nysera Krivaltis & The Iron Talons
- Lady Nysera Krivaltis sees Winthrop as a nuisance but not a threat—yet.
- The Iron Talons: The Men of the Baroness monitor him, but do not act, knowing removing him outright would draw unwanted attention.
- Winthrop suspects she is involved with the remnants of the Temple, but has no proof.
Otise the Smith
- One of the few people in Nulb who tolerates Winthrop.
- Otis repairs the missionary’s weapons without question but avoids speaking of politics or faith.
Boatman’s Tavern & The Market
- The merchants despise him, as he preaches against gambling, drinking, and vice.
- He has been attacked twice near the market, but refuses to stop visiting.
The Cultists of the Elder Elemental God
- Winthrop has heard rumors that cultists still lurk in Nulb.
- He believes that Nulb will fall to darkness again if the Church of St. Cuthbert does not intervene.
- He is looking for proof, but every time he gets close, his witnesses disappear.
Adventure Hooks
“The Cudgel’s Will”
- Winthrop offers the party a job: track down and eliminate a known cultist.
- The target is hiding in Nulb, but may be more powerful than expected.
“The Final Sermon”
- The Iron Talons have decided Winthrop is too much trouble.
- The party is caught in the crossfire as an ambush is prepared.
- Will they save Winthrop, or let the streets of Nulb claim another victim?
“Acolytes in Peril”
- One of Winthrop’s students is kidnapped by bandits.
- Winthrop is willing to pay, but would rather see justice done.
Conclusion
Curate Edmund Winthrop is a man out of place, a beacon of rigid order in a lawless village. He is doomed to failure, but he refuses to yield, standing defiant in the face of Nulb’s creeping darkness. Whether he becomes a martyr, a hero, or another forgotten corpse depends on those who cross his path.
“Faith is not found in comfort, nor in idleness. Faith is found in the toil of the righteous and the suffering of the unworthy.”
Curate Edmund Winthrop
Medium Humanoid (Human), Lawful Neutral
Armor Class 18 (Splint Armor, Shield)
Hit Points 27 (4d8+8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR 12 (+1) | DEX 9 (-1) | CON 16 (+3) | INT 9 (-1) | WIS 13 (+1) | CHA 14 (+2)
Saving Throws Wis +3, Con +5
Skills Insight +3, Religion +2, Persuasion +4
Senses Passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Celestial
Abilities
Faithful Endurance. Winthrop has advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed due to his unwavering faith.
Chauteaux Order Blessing. Once per day, he can cast Shillelagh on his club without expending a spell slot.
Spellcasting. Winthrop is a 4th-level spellcaster (Spell Save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks).
He has the following spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): Guidance, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy
1st level (4 slots): Bless, Protection from Evil and Good, Cure Wounds, Purify Food and Drink, Shillelagh
2nd level (3 slots): Hold Person, Know Alignment
Actions
Club (Shillelagh). Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+1) bludgeoning damage.
Equipment
- 33 gp, 12 ep, 49 sp, 16 cp
- Gillum Letter of Credit (up to 500 gp)
- Symbol of St. Cuthbert
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