Who's Who: Wedgaer Ironhand [NPC]

Wedgaer Ironhand is an only child who comes from a long line of paladins and clerics. His father, Erfbaer Smallwhisper, is famous among the kingdoms of gnomes for his deeds in battle against the forces of Anaekah, the goddess of Evil and Darkness during the Time of Unrest. Erfbaer is also infamous among the gnomes for his traitorous actions during the Time of Regrowth shortly thereafter.

Both of Wedgaer’s parents are now deceased. His mother, Dalseg, died by her own hand, shamed by the actions of her husband. The revelations of his misdeeds came as a complete surprise, the shock driving her deep into madness and eventually a crudely fashioned noose. His father, Erfbaer, was challenged to a duel by his brother-in-law after Dalseg’s death. Blinded and near-crippled by grief, Erfbaer was not up to the challenge and proved to be a poor match for his late wife’s angered brother.

Needless to say, Wedgaer was and is extremely embarrassed by his parents: his father’s treason and his mother’s madness. After their death, Wedgaer was taken in by one of his father’s comrades-in-arms, a paladin named Flan Wildgold. Flan taught Wedgaer about the Code of the Paladin and began his instruction in the worship of Oridon, the God of Science and Victory. Wedgaer has since grown into a staunch defender of the faith, brooking no insult to his God. He has also made it his life’s goal to stamp out every last worshiper and shrine to Anaekah. Vengeance for his family’s dishonor will, he vows, one day be his.

He has already had several encounters with Anaekah’s followers. One particular skirmish went extraordinarily badly. Although Wedgaer survived the fight, several of his fellow paladins fell to the dark magic wielded by Moglaun, the Warpshroud of Kel-engog. Wedgaer was one of only a handful of survivors; they escaped, but grossly embarrassed Moglaun in the process. The Warpshroad of Kel-engog has pledged to hunt down and destroy all of the survivors of the conflict, including Wedgaer.

Wedgaer is still a young gnome at 52 years of age. He stands 3'5" and is slender. He has piercing blue eyes and flaming red hair; he is considered extremely attractive among gnome-folk, and some human folk as well. His wardrobe is understated–for a gnome. This means, of course, that he still stands out among humans, dwarves, and elves. Early in his combat training under Flan, Wedgaer suffered the loss of two of his fingers on his left hand. Flan contracted with a local dwarven craftsman who fashioned replacement fingers out of metal. The fingers fasten to his hand with a series of straps and are non-functional. Wedgaer took this opportunity to ceremonially sever ties with his family and history by changing his surname from “Smallwhisper” to “Ironhand.”

Pride is his greatest weakness and stems from the embarrassment he feels about his parents’ shortcomings, real or perceived. As such, he is particularly vulnerable to compliments and adoration; it is difficult for him to discern between genuine praise, empty flattery, and malevolent sycophancy. At the same time, he finds no pleasure in expensive but unnecessary things. Frippery does not attract him in any way. His armor and weapons, while of excellent quality, are utilitarian and not gaudy or showy. They are tools–important tools to be sure–but no more than tools. His metal fingers, while seemingly unnecessary, feed into the pride he has in his appearance and are thus necessary to his work.

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Wedgaer Ironhand
   CR 4
   Gnome Paladin 4
   NG Small Humanoid
   Init: 0
   Senses: Low-light Vision; Listen +3; Spot +1
   Languages: Common, Gnome
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   AC 15 touch 11, Flat-footed 15 (Chain Shirt) (+1 size, +4 armor)
   hp 30
   Fort +9, Ref +4, Will +5
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   Speed: 20
   Melee: Mace, light +7 (1d4+1) or
   Ranged: Crossbow, light +5 (1d6/19-20 x2) range 80
   Space/Reach: 5 ft./ 5ft.
   Base Atk 4; Grp 1
   Combat Gear: Mace, light +1
   Spells Prepared: (CL 1)
       1st — (DC 12) Bless
   Spell-Like Abilities: (CL 0)
       1/day speak with animals (burrowing), 1/day dancing lights, ghost sounds, prestidigitation (DC 13)
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   Abilities: Str 12, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 9, Wis 13, Cha 16
   SQ: Aura of Courage, Aura of Good, Detect Evil at will, Divine Grace, Divine Health, +1 Difficulty DC with illusionary spells, +4 dodge AC vs. giant type, +2 save vs. illusion
   Feats: Combat Casting, Heavy Armor Prof., Light Armor Prof., Medium Armor Prof., Shield Prof., Simple Weapon Prof., Weapon Focus (Mace)
   Skills: Concentration 7, Craft 1, Diplomacy 5, Heal 3, Hide 2, Listen 3, Ride 0, Search -1, Sense Motive 3, Spot 1
   Possessions: Combat gear plus Chain shirt +1, Potion of Bless Weapon, Potion of Endure Elements