Mr. Shadow
Mr. Shadow
The reclusive Mr. Shadow is a permanent guest at Lola Carly's Comfy Kitchen. He lives in the private Datu Hut on the tail of Kuya Buwaya. However, he comes out on Karaoke Night to sing with Lola Carly and everyone loves his voice! When he sings "Unforgiven ∞" you can hear his bass all the way across the Pit!
You better believe that I'm at the Kitchen for Karaoke Night every week! I'd never miss it and Mr. Shadow is one of my favorite singers! We've had a few drinks over the years, but I can't seem to remember what we talk about! All I know is that the first time I met him, I immediately went into a berserker rage! Fortunately, Lola Carly snapped me out of it and we've been good ever since!
The mysterious Mr. Shadow lives in the "Datu Hut" at Lola's Comfy Kitchen. He loves bibingka and fruity drinks with umbrellas in them. He never eats balut. He is friendly when approached, but never seeks anyone out except for Lola Carly. No one who has had a conversation with him can remember what they talked about.
He loves Karaoke Night which is held in the evening of every Shadow. His bass can be heard across the entirety of the Pit and the Zone. When he sings all the spirits settle down to listen.
What I've felt, what I've known
Sick and tired, I stand alone
Could you be there, because I'm the one who waits for you
Or are you unforgiven too?
He and Lola Carly finish every Karaoke Night with a duet to bring down the house. After the applause has died away, Mr. Shadow returns to his hut and the spirits are released from their trance.
Here's an extra on how to run Mr. Shadow from one of my one-shots!
Meeting Mr. Shadow
On the patio you see a dark figure drinking from a hollowed out pineapple with an umbrella in it. He wears shadows like a cloak and looking at him too long makes your eyes water. You feel like he's actually hundreds of feet, if not miles, tall and appears to be mortal sized through some trick of forced perspective.
As the party approaches, red eyes glow at them from underneath his hood. "I have been waiting for you. This prison, my beloved home is under assault and I have seen that only you can help."
He draws in a massive breath. "But I remain myself. I cannot give what has not been earned. My knowledge must be claimed in Karaoke Kombat!"
Mr. Shadow is an excellent singer, specializing in soulful ballads to take advantage of his seismically deep voice. He loves songs like: "Do Be Cruel", "Wound", "Unforgiven ∞", "Always Gonna Give You Up", and "Ol' Gator River."
"Defeating" him in Karaoke Kombat requires a Performance skill challenge. Whereupon he will answer any of the players' questions. Suggested methods for the skill challenge are: single skill checks, a group average check, or beating a DC on 3 out of 5 attempts. Ask for the players to roleplay here and modify or adjust based on how much fun you're having!
He knows everything that the DM knows. (Yes. He knows that too.) Mr. Shadow is actually more interested in a good showing and will reward results as follows:
Karaoke Kombat Results
- Under 7: Ejects the party from the Kitchen and they all take 1d6 psychic damage. They meet Bunso Tuko immediately afterwards.
- 8-12: "A valiant effort!" Answers one question and then ignores them.
- 13-18: Excellent singing! Answers two questions and gives them a common magic item.
- 19-24: A battle for the ages! Well done! Answers three questions and gives them an uncommon magic item.
- 25+: I have met my equal! Answers all questions and gives them a rare magic item.
Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull
What an intriguing character. So curious about him.
Chris L
He's the Kitchen's friendly neighborhood great old one!
Check out my Planning For WorldEmber 2023 article. Also check out my challenge winning article on Ghost Boy.