[A to Z April] V is for Vaena Shieldbadger (npc)

Vaena Shieldbadger is an orphan. She knows nothing of her parents or ancestry. She was found in a burned-out caravan by a human ranger named Tephye Wardsalt. Tephye took Vaena in, raised her as his own and taught her everything she knows. About six years ago, he was killed by a rampaging pack of ghouls, fostering in Vaena an undying hatred for all things undead. Tephye’s leather armor is the only thing she has to remember Tephye. Since her adoptive father’s death, Vaena’s experiences have taught her the horror of unnatural aberrations. Together with her riding dog companion named “Mel,” she travels the forests and byways across the length and breadth of Dran, although she currently calls the wooded foothills outside of Coldtreath "Home."

Vaena has straight blond hair and striking ice blue eyes. She stands average height for a halfling and is considered quite attractive. She has one shortfall: she is filled with pride. She believes she was trained by the best and is, therefore, the best now that Tephye is dead. She believes in no deity or higher power beyond that of luck. Besides her animal companion, Mel, she loves what others would call "creepy crawly things." Vermin, insects, and reptiles all have their place in nature, they are a part of nature and therefore revered by Vaena. She never keeps more money around than she needs for supplies and equipment; she hates shiny things that other female halflings of her age would swoon over. Other than honing her own skills, she loves teaching the odd woodcraft skills to others, just as she was taught by Tephye.

Vaena Shieldbadger, HALFLING Ranger 5CR 5

XP 1,600

CN Small humanoid

Init +4; Senses Listen +11; Spot +9

DEFENSE

AC 19, touch 15, flat-footed 15 (+4 Dex, +1 size, +3 armor, +1 shield)

hp 26 (5d8)

Fort +4, Ref +8, Will +2

Special: Fearless

OFFENSE

Speed 20 ft.

Melee Sword, short +7 (1d4+1/19-20)

Ranged Sling +12 (1d3+1) range 50

Full attacks Sword, short +7/2 (1d4+1/19-20) or sling +10/10 (1d3+1) range 50

Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft.

Special Attacks: Favored enemy (Undead; Aberrations)

Ranger Spells Prepared: (CL 5; concentration 6)

1st – alarm

STATISTICS

Str 12, Dex 18, Con 11, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 9

Base Atk +5; Grapple +2

Feats: Armor Proficiency Light, Martial Weapon Proficiency, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Shield Proficiency, Simple Weapon Proficiency, Track, Weapon Focus (sling)

Skills: Climb +6, Handle Animal +1, Heal +4, Hide +15, Jump +5, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +3, Knowledge (Geography) +4, Listen +11, Move Silently +5, Ride +6, Search +3, Spot +9, Survival +9, Swim +1, Use Rope +5

Languages Common, Halfling, Elvish

SQ animal companion (riding dog), track, wild empathy, endurance