Maureen

Maureen, wife of Captain Redond of the Sister Mercy , is the heart and anchor of the pirate ship’s tightly-knit family crew. Once a striking beauty in her youth, time and hardship have etched lines of wisdom and resolve across her face. Her role as the emotional and moral compass of her family and crew contrasts sharply with the dark deeds of piracy and devotion to Orcus that surround her. Though she remains loyal to her husband, her growing concerns about his recent choices may lead her down a dangerous path of defiance if her family’s integrity is threatened.

Physical Description

Maureen’s appearance tells the story of a life well-lived but marked by time and toil.

• Facial Features: Wrinkled and scarred by age, but her expressive eyes still radiate intelligence and warmth.
• Build: Slender but sturdy, with the wiry strength of someone used to hard work.
• Clothing: Practical, seafaring attire with occasional touches of elegance, like a scarf or brooch, that hint at her once-lavish tastes.
• Jewelry: Always wears the golden ring of wishes gifted by Redond upon their marriage.

Personality

Maureen is a calm and pragmatic woman, unafraid to speak her mind when needed.

• Strength of Character: Despite the chaos aboard the Sister Mercy, Maureen is the glue that holds the family together.
• Empathy: She deeply loves her family, showing compassion even to crew members outside her bloodline.
• Moral Compass: Maureen is not blind to the evils of piracy but justifies her actions as necessary for survival.
• Protectiveness: Fiercely protective of her children and ready to defy even Redond if his actions jeopardize them.

"You three are my greatest treasures. Not the gold, not the ship—it's you that makes this life worth living."

Background

Maureen's life has been shaped by love, loss, and the brutal realities of the rivers and seas.

• Early Life: Born into a modest merchant family, Maureen was drawn to Redond's charisma and ambitions.
• Life Aboard the Sister Mercy: Transitioning from merchant’s daughter to pirate matron was a difficult but fulfilling journey for Maureen.
• Family First: Maureen views her children, Mallandamus, Senyig, and Barbary, as her greatest accomplishments.

"Loyalty to one’s family doesn’t mean blindness. I see more than you think."

Motivations

Maureen’s ultimate loyalty lies with her children and the preservation of her family’s unity.

• Protecting Her Children: Maureen would sacrifice anything to keep Mallandamus, Senyig, and Barbary safe.
• Opposing Redond’s Recklessness: She senses Redond’s growing darkness and will act if his decisions threaten their family.
• Holding Onto Love: Despite her concerns, Maureen holds out hope that she and Redond can recapture the love they once shared.

"You three are my greatest treasures. Not the gold, not the ship—it's you that makes this life worth living."

Relationships

• Redond (Husband): Maureen admires Redond’s leadership but grows increasingly uneasy with his descent into Orcus worship.
• Her love for him is unwavering, but if Redond sacrifices their eldest son for power, Maureen will turn against him.
• Mallandamus (Eldest Son): Maureen dotes on Mallandamus, whom she sees as a reflection of Redond’s younger, more noble self.
• She would be devastated by any harm to him and is the only person who can temper his fiery temper.
• Senyig (Second Son): Maureen views Senyig’s cunning as both a strength and a danger, fearing he will lose himself to darkness.
• Barbary (Daughter): As the family’s priestess of Orcus, Barbary causes Maureen quiet grief. She loves her daughter but struggles to reconcile her devotion to evil.
• The Crew of the Sister Mercy: The crew respects Maureen as the ship’s moral compass, often seeking her wisdom.
• Maureen acts as a surrogate mother to younger crew members, maintaining unity aboard the ship.

Conversation with Barbary: "You speak of death as though it’s something to worship, but it’s the living who need you, my daughter. Can’t you see that?"

DM-Only Section

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Secret Objectives

• Countering Redond: Maureen will work covertly against Redond if his actions threaten their family, seeking allies among the crew or even the adventurers.
• The Wish: Maureen’s last wish is reserved for an act of desperation, such as saving her children or preventing Redond’s betrayal.
• Potential Plot Hooks
• A Mother’s Plea: Maureen may secretly approach adventurers to stop Redond if his deal with Orcus becomes known.
• The Wish Gambit: The adventurers could convince Maureen to use her ring for their cause, but only if they gain her trust.
• Family Divide: Maureen’s defiance of Redond could create a schism aboard the Sister Mercy, splitting loyalties among the crew.

DM Notes

Maureen’s inner conflict adds depth to the crew’s dynamics and provides opportunities for morally complex decisions. Her actions could serve as a catalyst for a larger mutiny aboard the Sister Mercy or lead to a redemption arc for Redond. Maureen is more than just the captain’s wife; she is the beating heart of the Sister Mercy, a character whose love and strength could shape the fate of her family and the crew.

Items of Note

• Ring of Wishes: A golden ring given to her by Redond upon their marriage. Only one wish remains, and Maureen guards it fiercely.
• Hidden Resources: Keeps 50 gp, 50 ep, and 50 sp hidden away as an emergency fund for her children.
• Key Facts for Dungeon Masters
• Role Aboard the Sister Mercy: Maureen serves as the ship’s healer and advisor, tempering Redond’s more impulsive decisions.
• Conflict Potential: If Maureen learns of Redond’s deal with Orcus that sacrifices Mallandamus, she will secretly plot to overthrow him.
• Ring of Wishes: The remaining wish on the ring could play a pivotal role in saving or dooming the crew, depending on when Maureen decides to use it.

"We endure because we must, because there is no other way. But remember—no treasure is worth more than the lives we share on this ship."

Maureen wife of Captain Redond

Human, Neutral Good

• Armor Class: 10
• Hit Points: 5 (1d8)
• Speed: 30 ft.
• S 10 I 18 W 18 D 12 Ch 17
• Saving Throws: Wisdom +4, Intelligence +4
• Skills: Insight +6, Persuasion +5, Medicine +4
• Senses: Passive Perception 14
• Languages: Common

Abilities

Supportive Presence: Maureen’s calming demeanor gives allies within 10 feet a +1 bonus to Wisdom saving throws.
Mother’s Wisdom (1/Day): Maureen can provide guidance to an ally within 30 feet, granting them advantage on a single skill check, saving throw, or attack roll.
Resilient Spirit: Maureen has advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed.

Actions

Dagger: Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) piercing damage.

Equipment

• Dagger
• 50 gp, 50 ep, 50 sp

Traits

• Wise and Perceptive: Maureen’s high intelligence and wisdom allow her to notice small details and understand complex situations.
• Pillar of the Crew: Though not a fighter, Maureen is a moral compass and emotional anchor for the crew of the Sister Mercy. She is deeply protective of her family and will act against Redond if his dark ambitions endanger them.
• Calm Under Pressure: Maureen maintains her composure in chaotic situations, ensuring her advice and observations remain invaluable.

Alignment

Neutral Good

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Year of Birth

536 40 Years old

Sex

female

Eyes

green expressive

Hair

Long flowing grey

Height

5'6"

Aligned Organization

Sister Mercy