Tarian Draelor

(a.k.a. Dashblade)

Tarian "Dashblade" Draelor is an enigmatic figure residing at the Laughing Moon Inn in the village of Ostverk. This shadowy yet charismatic ranger-fighter straddles the line between ruthless mercenary and loyal ally. As a potential recruit for adventuring parties, he offers unparalleled skill with his twin blades, a keen eye for danger, and an unyielding hatred for goblinkind.

Overview of Tarian "Dashblade" Draelor

• Height & Build: Tarian stands at an athletic 5'11", his lean but muscular frame betraying a life of hardship and battle.
• Distinctive Features: He sports dark brown, shoulder-length hair, a sly grin that hints at his cunning nature, and piercing, storm-gray eyes that seem to measure everyone they meet.
• Clothing and Gear: Dressed in a blackened chain shirt and a weathered leather cloak, Tarian blends into the shadows with ease. His weapons, two battle-worn short swords, remain sheathed at his hips, and a longbow is slung across his back. A scar across his left cheek adds to his aura of danger.

Role at the Laughing Moon Inn

Tarian is a regular fixture at the 9. The Laughing Moon Inn, often found seated in a dimly lit corner nursing a tankard of ale. He trades stories of adventure with other patrons, occasionally offering his services for a price. Despite his sharp tongue, he is a trustworthy source of local lore and an adept dungeon guide.

Background and History

Origins in the Gnarley Forest

Tarian hails from a remote settlement deep within the Gnarley Forest, where he learned the ways of survival and combat from a young age. His village was overrun by goblins, leaving him orphaned and instilling in him a lifelong hatred for goblinkind.

Life as a Mercenary

After the fall of his village, Tarian wandered the Viscounty of Verbobonc, honing his skills as a ranger and mercenary. His reputation for completing dangerous contracts earned him the nickname "Dashblade," a moniker derived from his lethal efficiency and the jet-black hilts of his short swords.

"Why fight fair when you can fight smart? I prefer to do both."

Personality and Motivation

Personality Traits

• Charismatic and Sly: Tarian’s wit and charm make him an engaging storyteller, though his sharp tongue can occasionally land him in trouble.
• Wary but Loyal: While slow to trust, once he commits to a cause, Tarian becomes a dependable and resourceful ally.
• Fearless Yet Restless: He is driven by an unquenchable wanderlust, rarely staying in one place for long.

"Rules? I prefer guidelines... and I ignore those too."

Motivations

• Vengeance: Tarian seeks every opportunity to eradicate goblinkind, viewing them as the ultimate scourge of the Gnarley Forest.
• Exploration: His insatiable curiosity drives him to explore forgotten ruins, hidden dungeons, and untamed wilds.
• Self-Preservation: Above all, Tarian values survival and will act pragmatically when necessary to ensure it.

"I’ve seen dark corners of dungeons you wouldn’t dare whisper about. And guess what? I came out richer."

Relationships at the Laughing Moon Inn

• Glarian (Innkeeper): Tarian shares a mutual respect with Glarian, often exchanging tales of adventure and danger over drinks.
• Baris Stone (Captain of the Guard): Tarian’s skill as a ranger has earned him Feath’s grudging respect, though their interactions are often tinged with tension.
• Local Patrons: Tarian is well-known among the inn’s regulars, who admire his bravery and skill while remaining wary of his mercurial nature.

Abilities and Skills

• Proficiencies: Exceptional with short swords, longbow, and stealth.
• Tracking: Highly skilled at tracking creatures, especially goblins and other humanoids.
• Dungeon Expertise: Adept at navigating and surviving in hostile environments, including dungeons and wilderness.
• Stealth: Tarian’s blackened chain shirt and natural agility make him a master of moving unseen.

"Goblins are vermin, and I’m just the exterminator."

Secret DM Information

Show spoiler

Hooks for Dungeon Masters

• Local Guide: Tarian offers his services to adventurers looking to explore the Gnarley Forest or investigate rumors of goblin activity.
• Goblin Slayer: His expertise in hunting goblins makes him a valuable ally for quests involving these creatures.
• Mercenary for Hire: Tarian can be hired as a party member, though his steep fees may require negotiation or persuasion.

Secret DM Information

• Hidden Past: Unbeknownst to most, Tarian’s hatred of goblinkind stems from a deeply buried guilt over his failure to protect his village.
• Personal Agenda: While Tarian appears loyal to the party, he may pursue his own objectives, such as avenging his village or uncovering secrets tied to the Gnarley Forest.
• Dangerous Reputation: Tarian’s past as a mercenary has earned him enemies, some of whom may seek revenge or disrupt the party’s plans.
• Potential Betrayal: If offered enough gold or a chance to eliminate a high-value goblin target, Tarian might momentarily put his own interests above those of the party.

Adventure Hooks Involving Tarian

• The Goblin Trail: Tarian guides the party on a perilous hunt through the Gnarley Forest to root out a goblin warband threatening Ostverk.
• Lost Relic: A local noble hires the party and Tarian to recover an ancient artifact hidden in the ruins of a forgotten temple.
• Personal Vendetta: Tarian’s vendetta against a notorious goblin warlord aligns with the party’s goals, but his thirst for vengeance may cloud his judgment.
• Darker Past: The party uncovers evidence linking Tarian to a dubious mercenary contract that conflicts with their mission.

Final Thoughts

Tarian "Dashblade" Draelor is a dynamic and multi-faceted NPC who adds intrigue, tension, and versatility to any campaign. His complex history, formidable skills, and morally gray nature make him a compelling ally—or potential antagonist—for adventuring parties in the World of Greyhawk. Integrating him into the campaign allows DMs to explore rich narrative opportunities while challenging players to navigate the nuanced relationships and motivations he brings to the table.

"If there's a quicker way to solve a problem, you'll find me halfway through it before you even start."

Tarian "Dashblade" Draelor

Fighter 2/Ranger 2

• Armor Class: 14 (blackened chain shirt)
• Hit Points: 16 (2d8)
• Speed: 30 ft.
• Weapons:
• Shortsword: +3 to hit, 1d6+1 damage
• Longbow: +2 to hit, 1d8 damage
• Dagger: +2 to hit, 1d4 damage
• Skills:
• Performance +4
• Survival +5
• Perception +4

Alignment

Chaotic Neutral

Current Location

9. The Laughing Moon Inn

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Flannae Flan

Year of Birth

547 29 Years old

Sex

male

Hair

dark brown

Height

5'9"