Rom Khavernus
(a.k.a. Hollow Jack)
Rom Khavernus is Zelt’s right-hand enchanter, a battle-mage with a sharp tongue and sharper mind. A product of Dyvers’ New Gentry, he was born to privilege but now thrives in the underworld, carving a name for himself in the Circle of Shadows. While other wizards bury themselves in dusty tomes, Rom embraces the thrill of combat, the dance of diplomacy, and the allure of power. His magical skills are formidable, but it’s his charisma, wit, and ruthlessness that make him a rising star.
Among the Crimson Reapers, the men whisper a nickname behind his back—"Hollow Jack," a mocking yet fearful title that suggests his deals and promises are as empty as his conscience.
"I may not be the strongest mage you’ll meet, but I guarantee I’ll be the last one you cross."
Description
Rom Khavernus is a strikingly handsome Oeridian, always impeccably dressed in fine leathers and velvets, the very image of a noble turned scoundrel. His well-groomed beard and meticulously styled hair set him apart from the rougher elements of the Circle. Rings, pendants, and jeweled clasps adorn him—not just for vanity, but because each is enchanted in some way. Despite his refined appearance, he’s no soft noble; his lean, athletic build suggests a man accustomed to both training and real combat. His weapons—a rapier, dagger, and quarterstaff—are all exquisitely made, their craftsmanship betraying both wealth and experience.
"I don’t need to kill you. I just need to convince you that breathing is optional."
Personality & Motivations
Rom is charming, clever, and utterly self-assured. A gifted conversationalist, he is equally at ease negotiating a contract, seducing a noblewoman, or incinerating an enemy with a fireball. While he enjoys the finer things in life—wine, music, the company of intriguing people—he has a pragmatic ruthlessness that makes him dangerous. To him, loyalty is transactional, and survival is about keeping the right people happy while staying one step ahead of the blade.
Rom’s ultimate goal? Power. Influence. Freedom. He’s tired of playing second fiddle to Dyvers’ elites. If Zelt offers him a path to something greater, he’ll follow—for now. But Rom is always watching, always calculating. He respects Zelt, even admires him, but he is not above replacing him should the time come.
Role in the Circle of Shadows
Rom is not just another mage—he is a battlefield sorcerer, enchanter, and alchemist who wields both spells and politics with equal finesse. His primary duties include:
- Zelt’s Mouthpiece: Rom is often the public face of the Circle, smoothing over disputes, striking deals, and keeping the organization’s interests protected in Dyvers’ upper echelons.
- Battlefield Mage: Unlike most wizards, Rom fights in the thick of battle, weaving destruction with fireballs, lightning bolts, and conjured blades.
- Crafter of Wonders: Rom is skilled in alchemy and magical item crafting, specializing in wands, scrolls, and potions that keep the Circle armed and dangerous.
- The Circle’s “Whip” – When the underlings get too ambitious or sloppy, it’s Rom who delivers the warnings, the punishments, or the final blows.
Relationships & Alliances
Zelt the Bat (Master of the Circle of Shadows)
- Mentor, Patron, and Possible Rival – Rom owes Zelt everything, from his magical training to his place in the Circle. But loyalty only lasts as long as opportunity.
- Rom handles Zelt’s diplomatic affairs, often sweet-talking the nobility while Zelt pulls the strings from the shadows.
"Zelt saved my life once. That means he gets one favor. He’s lucky I still owe him."
Serenda the Ice Witch (Fellow Mage, Rival & Ally)
- The only wizard in the Circle who rivals Rom’s talents—and they both know it.
- Their relationship is a mix of friendly competition, mutual respect, and unresolved tension.
Felix Fahnor (Enforcer, Hitman, and Unsettling Presence)
- Rom provides magic and strategy, Felix provides violence and efficiency. Together, they’re a deadly team.
- They respect each other, but Rom keeps a wary eye on Felix—assassins have a way of removing obstacles.
Maldrith the Hexed (Priest of Orcus, Circle Occultist)
- Rom doesn’t trust necromancers, but Maldrith is useful.
- He ensures Maldrith doesn’t overstep, knowing that dead men should stay dead—unless their souls are worth something.
Nysera Krivaltis (Crime Lord of Nulb, Wildcard Ally)
- Nysera sees Rom as a useful intermediary between Dyvers and Nulb.
- They’ve shared drinks, schemes, and maybe even a bed—but neither truly trusts the other.
Adventure Hooks
- A Sorcerer’s Gambit: Rom approaches the adventurers, offering them a job on behalf of the Circle. But is it a test—or a trap?
- The Circle’s Coup: Zelt is missing. Rom sees an opportunity. Will he take control of the Circle, or will others stand in his way?
- A Duel of Magic & Wits: A noble wizard has slighted Rom. Now, he’s hunting for spellcasters to help him settle the score.
- The Mage’s Vault: Rom has discovered a lost vault of magical artifacts and needs a few expendable bodies to retrieve its treasures.
Final Thoughts
Rom Khavernus is a spell-wielding rogue in noble’s clothing, a man caught between his aristocratic past and his criminal present. He is not a mindless killer nor a power-hungry sorcerer—he is a pragmatic survivor, always watching, always scheming. Whether as a formidable ally, a dangerous rival, or a potential betrayer, Rom adds depth, intrigue, and danger to any campaign.
After all, magic is power—and power is everything.
"You think because I wear velvet and drink fine wine that I’m soft? Let’s see if you still think that after I set you on fire."
"Magic is not about wisdom. It’s about power. And power is about knowing when to use it—and when to let others think they have it."
Rom Khavernus
(Human Wizard 5, Battle-Mage & Enforcer)
AC: 17 (Mage Armor, Dex) | HP: 28 (5d6+5) | Speed: 30 ft.
STR 14 DEX 17** CON 15** INT 17** WIS 13** CHA 12
Saves: Int +6, Wis +4
Skills: Arcana +9, Spellcraft +12, Alchemy +9, Bluff +6, Sense Motive +6, Stealth +7
Feats: Brew Potion, Craft Wand, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Scribe Scroll
Languages: Common, Rhopan, Elven, Gnomish
Spellcasting: (Save DC 13 + Spell Level)
Cantrips (at will): Detect Magic, Electric Jolt, Mage Hand, Prestidigitation
1st (4/day): Mage Armor, Magic Missile (x2), Expeditious Retreat
2nd (3/day): Levitate, Mirror Image, Scorching Ray
3rd (1/day): Lightning Bolt
Notable Gear: Wand of Magic Missiles (41 charges), Wand of Fireballs (32 charges), Light Crossbow +2, Scrolls of Dispel Magic (x2), Scroll of Haste, Potions of Blur, Bull’s Strength, Invisibility
Abilities:
- Battlefield Mage: Prefers combat at mid-range, using spells and crossbow before closing in.
- Master of Wands: Keeps multiple wands for quick, decisive magic attacks.
- Illusionist & Duelist: Uses Mirror Image & Levitate for evasive maneuvers in battle.
- Familiar (Mortiartus, Raven): Offers aerial scouting and sarcastic commentary.
Abilities & Equipment
Rom is not just a spellcaster—he is a battlefield wizard, blending magic, agility, and wit to devastating effect.
- Arcane Duelist: Rom wields a rapier alongside his spells, blending blade and sorcery for a unique combat style.
- Master of Wands: Carries multiple enchanted wands, each crafted by his own hand.
- Illusion & Enchantment Specialist: Uses disguises, glamours, and mind tricks to turn the odds in his favor.
- Raven Familiar (Mortiartus): An intelligent and sarcastic companion, Mortiartus provides reconnaissance and unwanted commentary.
Signature Magic Items:
- Rapier of the Unseen Blade: A magical sword that becomes invisible mid-fight.
- Ring of the Veil: Grants limited invisibility and protection from divination.
"There’s no such thing as a fair fight. If you find yourself in one, you’ve already lost."
Comments