Strum

> "Your worth is not measured by your usefulness to others. Your worth is whatever you make of it. But no matter what, you always have worth. Even if you don't know how or for what, yet."
> *Strum to Duskset on the road back to Phandalin after they first meet, Session 11*
>
>

## Angkhor Delmirev

* Portrait
* Sprite

### Relatives

Tyriel (adopted mother), Thava (sister), unnamed tentative daughter

## Appearances

### Debut

Session 0

Strum is a dragonborn bard born in the city of Darandal in the Nekronian Empire.

## Appearance

Strum is tall, not particularly muscular, but has a certain charming air about him visually. His features are soft and friendly in appearance. His scales are bronze, like his lineage, and his eyes are a bright amber. His horns are small and curl up and backwards slightly, another set of smaller horns just beneath them that curve back very slightly. He has a light underbelly and neck and dark masks around his eyes framed by his brows and the bridge of his snout. From behind his horns are long ear-like appendages that drape over his shoulders. They are capable of being expressive, however they are not ears as he has defined ear holes in front of his horns. He wears cool-coloured clothing, dark navy leather armour with a gold trim, a vibrant, short, violet cape that drapes over his right shoulder, brown leather knee-high boots, fingerless gloves, and left shoulder pad, and yellow-beige cloth underneath.

## Personality

Strum is chaotic lawful aligned. He has a rather strict moral code, but it often seems unorthodox and rather nonsensical and absurd at times and it's not the easiest to ascertain. But generally speaking, Strum is very polite and good-natured and compassionate. He conducts himself with high spirits and can be very easily described as eccentric in his mantras, beliefs, and mannerisms. Even his insults are free from vulgarity and are very colourful and creatively composed. He has a very colourful vernacular and is very articulate, oftentimes spouting some very insightful wisdom casually. He has a strong sense of justice and fairness and cares very deeply about his traveling companions, seeing them as his family. Loves a good insult, even directed at him. His ego is either impervious to bruising, or he simply doesn't have one. He's very set in his ways, but his ways seem to be random and have no correlation with each other. Strum is very much a creative spirit and is eager to spread and bring new ideas and solutions. He seems to make friends here and there, but it's unknown what he actually thinks about them since he speaks of them both positively and negatively in friendly tones. He never really explains himself and assumes that everyone thinks the same way he does.

## History

A singer and an instrumentalist, he grew up in the city of Darandal, far into the Nekronian Empire with his mother. He doesn't know if she's his biological mother or adoptive mother, but he never questioned it. His city had a very "it takes a village" mentality when it came to raising its children, so it was very communal and the definition of family was very liberal and different for the individual. This is how he came to become a musical enthusiast, seeing the minstrels and street performers that would pass by and would gladly give him lessons, delighting in his enthusiasm. In honour of the first instrument he learned to play, a ukulele, he earned the name Strum and became a traveling entertainer.

## The Scaled Bastards Storyline

### Currently

Strum lives in Dremleen with Perchance, Balance, and the rest of her family in peace now that her head has been restored and they decide to settle down and start to have a life together, there.

### Session 13 - April 15th, 474 - Phandalin

They find their way to the tower and enter. While the party is searching on the ground floor, Strum decides to go upstairs to investigate. The only thing of interest in the bedroom is illustration of a strange fish-like creature pinned to the wall. The dragonborn bard is unable to identify it, so he takes the illustration with him and looks in the drawer to see if there's anything else of interest. Finding nothing, he descends the staircase and finds that the party's uncovered a secret entrance to underground dungeons beneath the tower. The cellar smells musty and it's dark. Strum takes out one of his candles and asks Caeric if he can light it, the pseudodragon complying happily as he lit Strum's candle and then Perchance's torch. While the party heads west, Strum goes east, Perchance and H'rard following along. After finding an empty room that seems rather disturbing, Strum continues to explore with Perchance on his arm, H'rard having gone off to see what Caeric and Vincent are discovering. Going up a set of stairs, Strum goes to the left. Continuing into the next room, he eventually finds another hallway in the same direction and leads Perchance that way as well. It leads to what appears to be a kitchen/dining area. Finding several papers, Strum reads them over and his eyes widen in horror at what he finds. Vicaver's been performing experiments on Arkius's daughter, **Sadrina Tresendar**, all those years ago. H'rard finds his way back to Perchance eventually and is curious at what they've found. Strum informs H'rard that Vicaver's been experimenting on Sadrina with plants and with something called "Greater Restoration," and he's confident that it's a spell. After the party reunites, they all compare notes and discover a used "Regenerate" scroll and notes in reference to something called Guinevere Library, both things of which Vincent doesn't seem too fond of. Strum knows nothing about the **Guinevere** family other than that they're influential up north somewhere. Strum separates from the party as they continue exploring, but appears to grow increasingly more lost as he tries to find his way back to a section he hadn't explored yet but took note to earlier. Eventually, Strum somehow manages to find his way back to the group and back to where he was trying to go and stumbles in that direction. Perchance and H'rard had both taken initiative and went down the pathway of which Strum is already bounding down towards. But H'rard immediately hushes Strum, warning him that there's something else in the room that's dangerous. In the centre of the room surrounded by torches is what appears to be a flesh golem tied down by cables to a pillar on a platform. An eerie blue light is coursing through him that's similar to the flowers that Caeric had been collecting. Sensing them in the room, the flesh golem comes to life. It tears at the cables and attempts to lunge at the party. H'rard orders the party to stay in range of the light coming from the torches and they all get ready for combat. Strum casts Thunderwave on the golem, which damages it and loosens the cables keeping it tethered to the platform. Caeric attempts to Entangle it and fails. The flesh golem finally gets free and Vincent casts Magic Missile on it and Strum casts Thunderwave on it again. Caeric fails to cast Poison Spray and Perchance fails to cast Hold Person on it. Once the golem is capable of attacking, it targets Strum and hurts him pretty badly. Vincent deafens it using a spell and Strum attempts to attack it with his rapier only to realize that it's immune to nonmagical attacks and Caeric casts Thunderwave on it. Perchance casts Eldritch Blast and misses the flesh golem. The flesh golem attacks Strum again and he's very badly hurt, one attack away from being knocked unconscious, so the first chance he get, he limps and hobbles away and casts Cure Wounds on himself to heal himself. Caeric casts another Thunderwave on it and Perchance gets a chance to use her magic shortsword and attacks the flesh golem. However, the flesh golem immediately turns on Perchance and attacks her and hurts her pretty badly. Vincent casts Magic Missile on the flesh golem and almost kills it. Strum, getting up, finishes the job with Vicious Mockery, not pleased that it hurt Perchance and made that *very* clear. After the flesh golem drops dead, Caeric rushes to Strum's side, worried, before the dragonborn shoos off the pseudodragon's worries and proceeds into the final room. It's a room filled with wells and more illustrations of that damned fish. Strum pulls out the illustration he took from Vicaver's bedroom and compares it. Vincent identifies it as an Aboleth. This titan hails from the plane of water (in this campaign setting) and are considered to be the first original gods. Now they have been usurped by the current gods, but hide away, recruit followings, and try to reclaim their lost glory. They are known to be savants and guardians of information. Strum also pulls out the project papers to see if there's a connection and notices that "patron" is mentioned quite a fair bit. H'rard snorts in disgust and the entire party agrees that Vicaver was up to a lot more nefariousness than they initially believed. As they make their way back to the town, they wonder how to tell Arkius about his daughter's fate. The only mystery is the letter Vicaver didn't end up sending to a "Miss Avantika." Upon returning to the mayor, they explain everything and hand him all the documents except for the letter, the used Regeneration scroll, and the botany notes, and they all earn 20gp. Taking care of one last piece of business, they return to the manor to let Arkius know about his daughter's fate. They tell him that Vicaver did seemingly "cure" his daughter and that she was discharged and presumably lived out the rest of her life as she saw fit. Saying their last goodbyes to the manticore lord, the party all deliberate on where they should chart their next adventure and decide on taking their journey to Dremleen, Perchance's hometown.

### Session 12 - April 14th-15th, 474 - Phandalin

While training his apprentices, Vicaver stands in the town and scolds them and orders them to control their magic. He's seemingly surprised that they've finished early. Strum doesn't hesitate to call Vicaver out to the town, but the wizard plays dumb while the other members of the party continue goading Vicaver into either initiating a fight or confessing to his crimes. His apprentices seem confused, as they've never heard of a Lord Arkius. They can tell Vicaver is lying, and he tries to say that the town will never accept him, but the party is quick to defend Arkius. Vicaver quickly sends the apprentices away and prepares to deal with the adventuring party himself. Vincent attempts to cast Charm Person on Vicaver and fails, giving Vicaver the right excuse to draw in a scene and immediately try to smear the party's reputation amongst the townsfolk. It attracts the people, but the party is unfazed, Strum especially as he's determined to restore Arkius's honour and dismantle Vicaver's. Duskset, a bit too eager to fight the wizard, has to get pulled back by Perchance only for his tail to end up dropping off. Vincent's lantern starts glowing and humming eerily. The town seems to be in favour of Vicaver initially, but after the crowd's been gathered, the party is determined to defend Arkius's honour and restore his place in his own town. Strum decides to try and persuade the crowd in their favour, which leads to a standoff with Vicaver to gain the townsfolk's favour. After Caeric says that Vicaver has a lot to own up to, Vicaver responds that he's never heard of an Arkius Tresendar as he's only lived in Phandalin for two years and that no one's heard that name. Duskset is quick to defend Arkius, saying that all the townsfolk should know who Arkius is and that Vicaver is just playing dumb and admits that the wizard turned the lord into a manticore, even mentioning that he can call him into the town if necessary. Despite that name not having been heard in 200 years, a wisened old historian-looking villager peeks out of the crowd and says for all the crowd to hear that the Tresendar family used to live in the town and that they founded Phandalin. Vicaver once again denies knowing a Tresendar and repeats that he'd only lived there for two years and that it was 200 years ago. Perchance points out that Vicaver's tower has been near Phandalin for as long as the manor has. The crowd more and more begins to side with the adventurers, finding logical holes in Vicaver's story. Vincent, through his familiar Izora, tells Arkius he can come into town. His lantern, however, fires a streak of light and strikes Duskset in the back, thinning until it's nothing more than a tether linking the dragonborn lad to the lantern. Vincent says that Arkius will come to defend himself before he's stunned by what just happened with his lantern. While this is happening, Vicaver tries to make a run for it before the townsfolk stop him. Immediately, everyone rushes to Duskset's aid, concerned by the strange phenomenon that just took place and concerned only for his safety. He's not hurt or in pain, it was just incredibly strange and startling. Vicaver tries to weasel himself out of punishment through Duskset's strange predicament before receiving scathing admonishment from the rest of the party. Seeing Arkius make his way into the town, Vicaver once again tries to instill fear in the townsfolk of him and claims he's a dangerous beast that will harm them all. The people run away in fear, unfortunately, but the party is quick to comfort the manticore and come to his defense to the people of Phandalin. A few townspeople ready their weapons, including Barry, to defend the town against Vicaver. Vicaver once again tries to discredit Arkius only to fail thanks to the party's insistence. He tries to back up but he's stopped by the townsfolk. Barry steps forward and apprehends Vicaver, taking him to the mayor for questioning. Vicaver snarls at the man, but complies and allows Barry to take him away. Arkius explains himself to the townsfolk, but reluctantly, they accept him. The historian from earlier assuring the manticore that he had a right back to his town and to his life in Phandalin that he had before. Afterwards, they go back with Arkius to his manor and discuss the process of restoration and returning it to its former glory. Arkius goes into the manor alone and leaves the party to its own devices for a bit. Duskset and Vincent decide to talk, so Strum decides to have a little chat with Perchance before they're called inside. He asks how she is, concerned about her jitteriness, and H'rard says that business of turning tieflings and men into other things has her a bit worried. Strum finds that curious and wants to know if there's a reason why, and Perchance simply shrugs, H'rard replying that everyone has distaste for even the most innocent of fiendish children. This disappoints Strum, but he hopes that she can one day find peace from such prejudice and find a family of her own if she doesn't already have one waiting for her. Arkius emerges from the manor and invites everyone inside of it. As they discuss how the manor can be redone, Arkius offers them a home in it if they intend to stay. Strum replies that he cannot stay in one place for very long, but is grateful to know that he'll always have a place he'll be welcome and one he can call a friend in Phandalin. The party then returns to the inn and spends the night there. In the morning, they're called to the mayor's office, spotting Vicaver locked in a prison cell inside. Barry's standing guard over the wizard questioning him, but seemingly having no luck. The mayor and the party begin discussing either ways to get Vicaver to cooperate or investigating his tower to see what secrets lay hidden inside that Vicaver doesn't want known to the town. They decide to investigate Vicaver's tower and prepare to do so immediately, as they want to be heading out of the city sooner rather than later.

### Session 11 - April 13th-14th, 474 - Neverwinter Wood

Arkius returns with a set of bagpipes and sets them at Strum's feet. Strum grabs them and prepares to play them, and while he was playing them, the imagery starts to shift, making the cave appear as though they're standing on the top of a hill with long billowing grass as the sun sets over the sea. The bagpipes are no ordinary bagpipes. Instead, they're a set of Bagpipes of Illusions, a wondrous item that required attunement. But during the performance, Perchance could hear footsteps entering the cave. H'rard takes the initiative and approaches, noticing a blue dragonborn head peering into the cave. Vincent notices as well and alerts the party that they have a visitor. But the others are too entranced by Strum's performance to care until he stops playing and H'rard lets everyone know again while the newcomer quietly pleads for him not to give away his position. As Arkius snaps his head in the newcomer's direction, he's immediately hostile, but it's clear that the dragonborn doesn't pose any threat and isn't really anything more than just a scrawny kid looking for treasure and gold. Arkius seems overly paranoid about being hunted that he immediately goes and tries to threaten the newcomer into either a fight or into leaving before Strum convinces Arkius to calm down and not attack the newcomer. The newcomer seems like a decent lad, wanting gold and treasures but not wanting to risk getting in a fight with a manticore or trespass or disturb anyone if he wasn't wanted. He seems as though he's been living in the streets for a good while. Arkius introduces himself properly as Arkius Tresendar, the former lord of Phandalin, and the newcomer introduces himself as Duskset. The others also make their acquaintance. After that, Arkius complements Strum on his performance and he invites the party to stay, as Arkius had not had good company in many many years. After Strum suggests they at least stay the night, Arkius then says something unsettling about how he's not sure of the lifespan of dragonborns, but that since the curse stopped the aging process for him, that they should keep him company for many many years. The party offers to take Duskset with them before Arkius ushers Duskset away, the pair going on about food rather excitedly as Arkius grows more and more excited at the prospect of having company for *years*. The party interprets this as a red flag and while they don't want to be kidnapped by a manticore, they also feel terribly for the lonely man and don't want to just leave him, especially Strum. While Arkius is distracted, Strum, H'rard, Perchance, and Caeric discuss the possibility of perhaps reintroducing Arkius to Phandalin and explaining everything to them. Caeric, getting a rather brilliant idea, decides to convince Arkius to leave by pointing out that if they stay there, they can't find a spell to turn him back. H'rard offers to protect Arkius from the townsfolk if they go back to Phandalin with him and Strum agrees with both of them. Arkius seems hesitant and suggests that half the party stays with him and the other half look for a spell to turn him back. Vincent, however, suggest that he casts Find Familiar using some of the discarded materials Arkius has in his cave and thus, the manticore can accompany them to Phandalin, but once the party convinces the townsfolk that he's safe, then Vincent can simply let Arkius know that he can come out. Duskset seems eager to stay, the promise of food being especially enticing for someone who's really only eaten dumpster food. Perchance offers as well to help Arkius and protect him, as well as to tell the town about Vicaver's crimes against Arkius and to expose him. She even tells him that, given that she's a tiefling, she can tell when a town's particularly prejudiced, but she assures Arkius that Phandalin's one of the nicer towns she's been to. Settling on a plan, and with persuasion from the party, Arkius lets them leave and accompanies them as they begin making their way out back to Phandalin together, with the newly added Duskset to the party. Arkius also takes some of his possessions with him, Caeric assisting with some rope. The party departs, and Duskset asks for some food, clearly hungry, and Strum doesn't hesitate to hand him some of his rations he had with him. On the journey until nightfall, the party decides to have a little talk about life and about their pasts, Strum offering some very poignant wisdom to both Arkius and to the newly joined Duskset, whom Strum has already taken on a mentoring role towards. After that, they soon set up camp for the night. It's rather uneventful, but Perchance takes the opportunity to let Duskset know in the most direct and blunt fashion that she is, indeed, headless to which the lad seems rather unperturbed. After the night, they take off again, Arkius humming a melody to which Strum was plucking his banjolele to and Duskset was humming along off-key to. And soon enough, they arrive back at Phandalin and are met by Vicaver waiting for them expectantly.

### Session 10 - April 13th, 474 - Neverwinter Wood

Surprisingly, H'rard is able to ask the manticore and it doesn't seem bothered. In fact, it's actually more bothered by whom the quills are meant for than actually having them taken. He seemed to have a personal negative relationship Vicaver. Strum, curious, emerges from hiding to ask the beast what issue he takes with Vicaver. But before Strum could get an answer, the party is attacked by another barlgura. The barlgura starts attacking the manticore and Strum doesn't hesitate to defend the beast from the demon. Casting a vicious mockery at the beast and failing to damage it, the rest of the party joins the fight to defend the manticore. The manticore is then trapped there by foliage and cannot fly away and escape. Strum casts another Vicious Mockery on the barlgura and this time hurts it. After the others attack the barlgura further, Strum rushes over to cast Cure Wounds on the manticore to heal it and strengthen it, however in doing so, Strum gets entangled as well. But the manticore gets untangled and is attacked by the barlgura again, hurt even worse than the first time. Strum manages to get free as well. The manticore roars at them, confused as to what they were doing and why they were helping him. After getting attacked by an Eldritch Blast from Perchance, the barlgura knocks Caeric unconscious. Strum doesn't hesitate to rush to aid his friend, casting Cure Wounds on the pseudodragon to stabilize him and keep him from dying. Strum tries and fails again to hurt the barlgura with Vicious Mockery. Vincent ends up killing it with Magic Missile, finally, and the barlgura turns to ash, going back to Hell where it belongs. After the fight, the manticore is more keen to speak to the party. He asks why they're working for Vicaver and they don't really give much antagonizing answers. Strum then asks what issue the manticore takes with Vicaver, to which the manticore seems reluctant to answer before Strum persuades him to. The party waits patiently for the manticore to tell his story, and he beckons them further into the woods to speak privately. Perchance grabs Caeric and carries him the rest of the way. The manticore leads the party into a cave littered with various artifacts from years past. There are clawmarks everywhere, showing clearly that the manticore did indeed live here. For how long, it wasn't certain. But it seemed to be a while. The manticore asks for the torches to be lit and Perchance and H'rard volunteer to do that for him. Strum waits patiently for the manticore to return with something more comfortable for the party to sit on so he can tell them his tale. The manticore reveals his name is Arkius and that he was human once, and Strum immediately makes the connection to the parchment he found in the manor in Phandalin. Arkius confirms that that manor was indeed his home 200 years ago and that he was the first lord of Phandalin and built the town. A long time ago, he made a wizard upset. So in his fury, he cursed Arkius so that his town would never trust or accept him again. When he was lord of Phandalin and building the town, it was prospering. But then he contracted some illness none of the doctors could identify. He couldn't do anything but lie in bed. One night, a cambion contacted him. She offered to rid him of the incurable for a price. He agreed, but things did not go as intended. His firstborn daughter came out as a tiefling. Because, especially during that time, that part of the continent wasn't fond of "otherworldly" people, the town would never accept his daughter. So when he saw the first magic-user in his town, he asked him to make his daughter human. His name was Vicaver, and one morning while Arkius was checking on his progress, he saw the wizard with blood on his hands standing over a series of runes. He saw Arkius and cast his curse upon the lord. Here Arkius remained on the outskirts of the woods. Strum recalls a painting of a black man in the manor with a fiddle. Arkius then asked what Vicaver asked of them, and Strum replies that he asked them to get 30 manticore quills and two peryton eggs, to which the manticore asks if Vicaver told them that manticores only have 24 quills, to which Vincent tells him no. Arkius observes that they're all spellcasters and asks if they can undo his curse, to which they all decline, much to the manticore's disappointment. Arkius asks Strum if he plays the bagpipes after Strum tells him that he's only an entertainer and Strum says that while he never owned his own pair, he did learn to play. Arkius then goes to the back to grab something, saying that after 200 years that a performance is in order.

### Session 9 - April 12th-13th, 474 - Neverwinter Wood

Departing on a sunny day after the rain of yesterday, they've been traveling for about 3 hours. Strum's been playing tunes and telling jokes, H'rard responding with wry commentary, Caeric admiring the local plant life, Vincent fiddling around with the bones of a dead animal, and Khajiit admiring his work with intrigue. After taking a break by a stream for a drink of water, they're interrupted by orcs who claim that they're trespassing on their land to steal their water. Strum, not wanting to escalate the situation, persuades the orcs to allow his party to pass and assures them that they had no intention of trespassing and that they meant no harm. After leaving the stream, they set up camp for the night to set out in the morning. Vincent plays guitar by the fireside and Strum decides to practice with the kalimba he earned from Elaine many months ago. They all decide to engage in idle chat, Caeric divulging a little bit of his life in Moorwarden and asking each other questions about each other's plans. Vincent and Caeric bond over medical exploits and healing. They settle in to sleep for the night before they're besieged by a hungry badger in the middle of the night. Strum tries to intimidate the badger to no avail. Vincent manages to convince the animal to leave, but fails to befriend it. Strum and Khajiit try to discern what's been taken, but the badger's made a bit of a mess of their belongings. But after a bit of investigation, they determine it's stolen a ration of food from them. Everyone else tries to go back to sleep, but Strum decides to stay by the fire until sunrise, comforted by its warmth. Following the sunrise, the party sets off again into the wood, nearing where they'd likely find their manticore and peryton. Everyone else doesn't seem to notice anything except for H'rard, who manages to find what looks like a pawprint made by a creature that landed hard with their front paws first. Khajiit takes a scent at it and determines that whatever made it isn't far and they track its trail and find the manticore they've been searching for enjoying a meal of deer. Khajiit takes the lead, Strum just in front of Vincent and just behind Perchance. Observing it while remaining undetected, they ponder what to do until H'rard leaves the party and tries to ask the manticore if they could use any of his spines without fighting it.

### Session 8 - April 11th-12th, 474 - Phandalin

After more rude discussions with Vicaver, they're told that the manticore that they're told to find is found in the Neverwinter Wood. Noticing that it was raining and that Perchance raised her hand to shield her "face" from the rain, Strum extends his cape over her head to protect her from the elements. Wanting to kill time until it stops raining, Strum suggests that they explore the manor just on the outskirts of the town and the party all agrees to head over and explore it. Before entering the old, gloomy, abandoned manor, Strum lays some flowers at the doorstep as an offering and plays a sad melancholic tune whilst wandering the halls. As Strum explores the dining room, he laments the former liveliness that this home must've lived in before its decline. Strum goes upstairs into the bedroom to find some history on the manor and finds an extremely delicate document which he successfully acquires without damaging further. It appears to be a latter, and all Strum could make out was "Dear Lord Ark\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_," and the rest of it was illegible. Finding nothing else in the room, Strum decides to go find Perchance and H'rard to see if they've got better luck on their search. Caeric approaches as well and asks for help with a bundle he found somewhere in the manor. Following the pseudodragon and opening the package he found, they discover inside a parchment with the words "To: **Sellie**. Once she's old enough, this should get her started on being an adventurer" written in green ink, a deep green velvet cloak, three health potions, and a shortsword with a green ribbon tied in a bow on the hilt. Strum picks up and lifts Caeric in his arms so that he can get a better look at his loot inside. H'rard crawls over and unties the ribbon, returning to Perchance and tying it to Caeric's tail. Perchance takes the shortsword and cloak and they each get a health potion. Seeing no other reason to remain in the manor, the party decides to leave, Strum leaving the parchment he found on the ground and saying his goodbyes to the gloomy old building. They decide afterwards to return to the Stonehill Inn and Strum plays a solemn song about the manor upon returning. Spending the night and taking off in the morning, the party grab some toast, a complimentary treat by the innkeep, and head on their way to grab some supplies for their journey. Caeric and H'rard decide to join Strum since he volunteered to do some shopping for the party. They head up a shop called **Barthen's Provisions**. Strum buys a waterskin, a rope, two tents, two sacks, and three sets of rations.

### Session 7 - April 11th, 474 - Phandalin

The following morning, the party's chatting it up with Strum and Hibby about their adventure over breakfast. Strum's idly plucking trying to figure out what sort of tune would fit the adventure his friends just went on. The innkeep tells them that there's a package addressed to all of them in the back. The package has a note attached to it mentioning payment for the job yesterday inside the package and that if they're seeking work, that they should meet Vicaver Sylvectus in his temple. Inside the package is a hat that grants the wearer the ability to cast Disguise Self, as well as 360sp and 20gp. Vincent takes the hat and the rest of the money is split amongst the party, Strum volunteering to take Vincent's share as he's not a big spender. After scarfing down the rest of his pancakes, Strum and the party leave the Stonehill Inn and head towards the temple to meet with Vicaver, Strum looking forward to actually meeting the wizard. After exchanging some hasty pleasantries, Vicaver asks the party to retrieve about 30 manticore spines and a peryton egg. The wizard says that in exchange for this, he'll reward them with 500gp. After Caeric asks to exchange information and forgo his share, Vicaver asks him how he knew about the Ignet's Tears and Caeric explains that Dr. Calliope from Nosarth's asked him to retrieve a sample among other things. After Vicaver's even more rude, Caeric manages to silence him with some scathing words and Strum can't help but be proud of the little pseudodragon. With that, Vicaver leaves and the party has their quest.

### Session 6 - April 10th, 474 - Phandalin (Strum absent)

They get ready to fight the barlgura before they discover that it was simply an illusion by the wizard Vicaver, who seems rather rude and ornery and irritable. Caeric actually identifies the spell he used as Disguise Self. Vincent immediately doesn't like Vicaver. Everyone in the party is suspicious of Vicaver and after enough questioning, the creature's illusion falters and the barlgura reveals himself to them once again. The creature then reveals that he did a job for Vicaver and was then released from that agreement afterwards. The barlgura tries to cast Invisibility to escape, but Vincent casts Thunderwave on it and kills it. After killing the barlgura, they explore the tower but don't find the wizard inside. There's evidence of a hasty exit, chairs knocked over and papers strewn askew. After trying to find the wizard and failing, the hear something like a faint groan from about 300 feet away. Perchance rushes off and finds a man who looks about in his 50s, greying, gored, and dragged. They manage to stabilize him and get him to at least feel better and confirms that he is indeed the real Vicaver. Slowly, they make their way back to town and get Vicaver help and then return to the inn and reunite with Hibby and Strum.

### Session 5 - April 10th, 474 - Phandalin (Strum absent)

After they have breakfast, they decide to follow the trail leading to the missing mage and go to the town's temple to perhaps get some answers as to the mage's whereabouts. They learn that the wizard's name is Vicaver and that he mostly kept monsters at bay and dealt in protection spells and the like for the town. They then decide to speak to Vicaver's apprentices at the **Edermath Orchard** just a few minutes west. They meet with **Tyra** and **Silas** and they learn that eastward in the mountains, Vicaver tends to work from his own tower he has in seclusion. It's actually visible from the orchard. H'rard notices an air of fiendishness coming off of the area when they investigate and Caeric notices that there are indents as if something big and powerful smashed the ground. H'rard figures out that it's a barlgura.

### Session 4 - April 9th, 474 - Phandalin

Arriving in Phandalin, the strangeness of the party earns them some strange looks from the townsfolk. Strum immediately takes initiative and tries to get housing for them at the **Stonehill Inn**. Strum gives an enthralling performance and gets them free rooming and gets a room with Perchance, H'rard, and Hibby once they all meet up at the inn. Once they meet up, the rest of the party finishes up business and Strum continues performing there. Eventually after a long day, Strum eats lunch, dinner, and then goes to sleep in the inn. During the night, they were able to hear a few things from the townsfolk, namely talk of a traveling wizard who hadn't been seen in two weeks and may be in danger. He'd also promised the town wealth and as a result Phandalin's popularity grew. They wake up in the morning, people of the inn giving Strum pats on the back for the wonderful performance the day prior, and have breakfast. Strum, Perchance, and Vincent bond over books.

### Session 3 - April 8th, 474 - Triboar Trail

Strum entered the cave and found the party and met back up with them, ready to join back up and smite some offending creatures. When H'rard said that Perchance had been crushed by a bugbear, Strum is wounded and apologizes for being thoughtless and not thinking about the potential danger. After determining that there are two rooms at least in the cave that were unexplored. Strum has no rope to offer to make climbing easier and Vincent catches up with the group. Khajiit climbs up the chute with ease and Strum helps Perchance up the chute, the both of them making it about halfway up. Perchance makes it up the rest of the way, but Strum falls down slightly. Strum tries and fails to climb again, scrambling as he was struggling to find a foothold up the chute. Strum tries again and makes it back up halfway and finally makes it to the top of the chute. Soon enough, Bao and Vincent make it up the chute as well. They spot a flight of stairs to the north. They go down the stairs with no issues or suspicions whatsoever, Vincent taking a bit of a tumble down them, before they made their way into the next room. Going further into the cave, Strum leans against Perchance for moral support. They stumble upon three goblins arguing about silver pieces before they spot the party and engage in combat, the party getting a surprise attack on them. Strum runs up to the goblins and casts Thunderwave on them. One of the goblins fires an arrow at Perchance and knocks her head off. Vincent picks it up off the ground and Strum just stares in awe at her, realizing that she's a lich. Strum casts Thunderwave again at two of the goblins and kills them. Perchance panics and runs back up the stairs and Strum follows, confident that Bao and Vincent can handle the rest of the fight and worried about Perchance. H'rard follows after Strum, also concerned about Perchance. Vincent's killed the last goblin with Magic Missile and Bao rushed after Perchance as well, blocking her path. Sitting by a stalagmite, H'rard shouts at everyone and orders them to give her space. Strum obeys and steps back, letting Perchance calm down before he approaches, concerned only for her wellbeing. Strum averts his gaze from her, a symbol of his respect for her privacy and sensitivity, and assures her of her comfort and her right to divulge as she feels necessary. Making sure she was alright, the party goes further into the cave and crosses a bridge inside. A goblin watches them approach and they kill it before they approach. They enter a large chamber and find Sildar tied up in the corner of the room. The goblin guarding him says that they'll return Sildar if they kill Klarg, to which H'rard shows him the tufts of bugbear fur on Perchance's clothes as proof that they've already killed him. Vincent casts Charm Person on the goblin, and he introduces himself as **Yeemik the Bold**. Vincent demands that he release Sildar and they do as he asks and untie the man. Perchance, Vincent, and Strum help Sildar up to his feet and affectionately nickname him Barry Bluejeans. Vincent takes Yeemik on his shoulders as he leads him to Klarg's body along with the rest of the party and Barry vomits on the ground after they leave. Yeemik is now king of the goblins, and Vincent invites him on their journeys, but Yeemik doesn't want to leave. Instead, he decides to send with them a squire. A brave warrior to keep them safe. His teenage daughter, Hoblin Yoblin Boblin the goblin, Hibby for short, and they leave with Barry and exit the cave. Immediately, everyone dotes on and welcomes Hibby into the party, treating her like family instantly. Afterwards, the party decides to simply relax and share some tales and stories about themselves by the campfire, taking a rest before they continue on to Phandalin. H'rard explains to the party how Perchance lost her head and explains that her caravan of tieflings was attacks and their leaders were killed and she was beheaded. H'rard explains that somehow, Perchance just sat up miraculously, and Strum's sure that he was lying about some things. But who was he to judge? What did it matter to him how Perchance lost her head? She was here, with their party, and that was good enough for the dragonborn. H'rard and Perchance also explain and show her soul to them in the jar H'rard contained it in and how Perchance basically saw, smelled, heard, and tasted through H'rard. Afterwards, they play Never-Have-I-Ever and Truth-or-Dare.

### Session 2 - April 8th, 474 - Cragmaw Hideout (Strum absent)

Approaching the cave, the party spots a gnome named **Lonk** idling near the entrance looking rather suspicious while trying to be inconspicuous. After questioning him, they determine that he is not allied with the goblins and is not an enemy "yet." He mentions that while he was in the cave, he spotted a man tied up, likely Sildar Hallwinter, the man Gundren went with to scout ahead of the party, and a bugbear. Entering the cave, the party encounter several wolves, likely kept by the goblins, and defeat them. Mardyl tries to lead the way up a chimney afterwards right into a cavern with a bugbear, two goblins, and a wolf who all draw their weapons. Mardyl fires a lightning breath at the bugbear named **King Klarg** and starts the attack while Bao and Perchance are struggling up the chimney, still. Mardyl kills Klarg's wolf and Klarg tries to make a break for the chimney only to find enemies there, too. Klarg falls down right on top of Perchance and Caeric ends up incapacitating Mardyl with Thunderwave. Bao drops an axe on Klarg and Lonk drops some ball bearings on him as well. Caeric manages to kill Klarg by throwing himself down the chimney at him. After that, Bao manages to save Mardyl and the party takes a short rest before they continue into the caves.

### Session 1 - April 8th, 474 - Neverwinter

Breakfast time in Neverwinter in the **Whistling Boar Tavern**, the group are all sitting in the tavern. Strum and a tabaxi bard named **Khajiit** gave a riveting performance the night prior and are now sitting at the same table, not really speaking but simply enjoying each other's company. A dwarf walks into the tavern and requests a party escort to Phandalin. The party accepts his job offer and are joined by a white dragonborn fighter named **Mardyl**. They all hop aboard the dwarf's cart and he introduces himself as **Gundren** and explains that his brother found something "big" in Phandalin and they have to get there immediately, but that it's a secret. Playing a diddy on his banjolele, Strum just relaxes for the ride. After a few days of traveling south, they turn east onto the Triboar Trail and while it's known for bandit activity, nothing bad has happened, yet. After about half a day, they spot two dead horses about ahead blocking the path, each with several black-feathered arrows sticking out of them. It's determined by Bao and Mardyl that they've been dead for about a day. They also find that the saddle bags have been looted and there was an empty leather map case left behind. While the party is fighting a group of goblins, Strum and Khajiit are both in the cart not paying attention or noticing anything unusual outside. After enough time, Khajiit notices what's going on and dashes out of the cart to assist the party and Strum leaves after him. Not within range to attack them with weapons, Strum goes for a Vicious Mockery and fails to damage them. After another round of attacks, Strum manages to succeed on another Vicious Mockery and brings the final goblin down to its last legs and it flees in tears, Strum deciding not to pursue it and let it live with its shame. While the others are looting the bodies, Strum feels as though he shouldn't, considering he did enough by shaming them into submission and it would be inappropriate. Discovering a trail leading into the woods, they decide to investigate, leaving Vincent to watch the cart and Strum heading up the back of the party while Perchance takes the lead. After about ten minutes following the trail, they discover a snare trap. After triggering the trap without harming anyone, they continue forward. However, after another ten minutes, Perchance falls into a pitfall trap. After Mardyl pulls Perchance out of the pit, they continue further and discover a large cave about five miles away from the ambush site.

### One-Shot 4 - Strum's Birthday Part 2 - February 9th, 474 - Darandal

After H'rard wakes the party up in Darandal, wishing Strum a happy birthday, they have breakfast with Tyriel - some French Toast. Vincent just takes his serving and puts it in his bag while she looks very bewildered and concerned at him, scolding him for not taking proper care of himself. Perchance once again has to deal with the fact that she can't really eat at all and H'rard has to cover for her. Strum's eating very quickly his mother's food. Tyriel seems to suspect that there's more to Perchance than she lets on, but doesn't badger her about it. She explains and informs the party more about Darandal and its history and landmarks. H'rard then asks if there's a museum in the city and Tyriel is glad to inform him about the **Nekronian Museum of Artificers and Engineering**. She then asks the party to explore the city and that Strum be kept busy for the day. After making their way to Queen's Plaza, they deliberate on what to do for the day. Vincent and H'rard start squabbling and Vincent manages to convince Strum to try to pick H'rard up and throw him as 'punishment' for waking them up so early, but because H'rard's too heavy for Mage Hand to pick up, he gives up. Strum suggests they go to **Blackridge** for some of its famous guang-bing. After arriving there, Strum mentions having a friend who lives there. Immediately after, Vincent lets the party know that they're being followed by someone. Strum brushes him off as they approach a cart that sells guang-bing manned by a human named **Duncan** who recognizes Strum and welcomes him home. After a moment of idle chit-chat about Strum's mother, Duncan leans over and informs them that Tyriel's apparently running for mayor next year and expresses that Blackridge supports her and are not fans of the current mayor, **Mayor Aaryiphir**. At H'rard's questioning, he explains that she does nothing for the impoverished population of Blackridge after having saved the city from a famine. Afterwards, Duncan gives the party a free guang-bing on the house each and bids them farewell. Immediately after, Vincent and Strum notice the presence following them behind the cart and H'rard shouts in the figure's direction. They then meet a seemingly friendly, but somewhat intimidating gnoll named **Dagnyr**. H'rard is more intimidating to Dagnyr than anything else, however. He's good friends with Strum and the dragonborn, without any prompting, breaks off half his guang-bing to give to Dagnyr and asks how his family is. Dagnyr seems highly interested in Vincent and he takes the party under the sewers to meet his family. All of whom are equally as intimidated by H'rard, puffing up at the gnolls from Vincent's shoulders, as Dagnyr was. As soon as the gnolls recognize Strum, they all tackle and surround both he and Dagnyr affectionately, Strum catching up with all the cousins and other family members and the like. They are all especially interested in Vincent, seeing as he has a 'wealthy vibe' about him and Blackridge is a district plagued by poverty. They also take notice of Perchance, noting that she smells of death and many asking her several questions in rapid succession. After Dagnyr makes Vincent more uncomfortable, Vincent gives Strum a signal that he really wants to leave, and Strum bids his farewells and says his goodbyes. All of them are disappointed to hear that Strum has to go so soon, but Dagnyr decides to tag along with the party for the rest of the day afterwards. After meeting them, Vincent being very displeased being in a sewer and not entirely comfortable in the company of said gnolls, they all make their way to the museum. There, they meet a tiefling who appears to be the curator of the museum named **Insight**. She greets the dragonborn with a hug and welcomes him home, mentioning sending him letters with Strum apparently not receiving them. She introduces herself and welcomes the other party members just as warmly. She also appears to be on comfortable terms with Dagnyr as well. Insight guides them all excitedly through the museum, clearly very enthusiastic about her work there. Inside the museum, there's a submarine. In front of it is a plaque with an inscription on it: "*Built in **263 A.P.** by **Donyella "Gearlock" Timbers** for **General Melelus Yurrjaxath.***" While learning about some of the history, they're rudely interrupted by a posh-looking aarakocra who condescendingly insults Insight in front of the party. He also seems to have annoyed both Strum and Dagnyr in the past. Insight then explains that the gentleman frequents the museum from the Albatross Assembly and is also a rival inventor of a close friend of hers. That close friend happens to be a gnome woman named **Taimi**, daughter of Donyella Timbers, who descends from the top floor to give the posh aarakocra a piece of her mind. At her accusations of the aarakocra stealing her mother's blueprints, H'rard also intimidates him while Vincent begins to insult him. The party, specifically Vincent, all have a go at annoying and pissing off the aarakocra. The aarakocra does not take kindly to Vincent's insults and his feathers are completely ruffled, scolding Vincent in a condescending manner thoroughly offended. Strum is about to step in to scold the aarakocra before Vincent stops him to do it himself. Taimi steps between Vincent and the aarakocra and insults him further. The aarakocra picks Taimi up while she's trying to punch and kick at him and Vincent tries to slap him, but misses because he's too short. Catching Vincent's fist, he shoves the human back, which prompts Dagnyr to get ready to brawl with the aarakocra while Perchance and H'rard step into the middle to try and calm the ensuing conflict. The aarakocra then drops Taimi and leaves, delivering some scathing words towards Insight as he departs. Strum immediately rushes to help Taimi, calling her by her nickname, Tinker. Perchance and Vincent introduce themselves and Taimi introduces herself to them. The party reconvenes and round back to Strum's, doing some shopping along the way. Before they arrive back at Strum's house, H'rard rummages around in their bags and pulls out a necklace made of four wolf teeth and a large mysterious animal fang and gives it to Strum as a birthday gift. Vincent gives him his French Toast he had in his bag. Strum graciously accepts both gifts, giving H'rard a scratch under the chin. Upon arriving, Strum is surprised at home by his mother and with all his friends in tow, including a kobold whom is the park ranger and also a friend of Strum's. The kobold may or may not be high. Tyriel has prepared a cake for his birthday and gives Strum some encouraging, sweet, and very thoughtful words delivered with a mother's love along with a gift - a hand-crafted fiddle. Strum begins to tune it and then plays it for everyone once he tunes it to really start the party. After the party, Strum's childhood friends all leave the house and the party turns in for the night and then get ready to head back out onto the road in the morning.

### One-Shot 3 - Strum's Birthday Part 1 - February 8th, 474 - Northrun

On a winter morning in Northrun, the party is enjoying a spot by a cafe run by a halfling. Around them are several carts selling clothing and food and there are shops nearby for them to peruse. The halfling comments that they're all rather underdressed for the weather, and Strum decides to have a look at one of the carts selling clothes and Caeric goes with him. Perchance, Vincent, and H'rard all decide to go check out a bookshop just to the east of the cafe. Strum and Caeric approach a cart run by a half-elf man and all of the clothing items appear to be handmade and of very high quality. The cartkeeper mistakes Caeric for Strum's pet before he's corrected by the both of them. The half-elf man seems perplexed that Caeric can talk, but simply shrugs and accepts it. After all, a customer's a customer. Caeric buys a thick and warm vest for his size and Strum buys a big pink puffy jacket with a hood on it and, remembering seeing H'rard shivering earlier, buys a vest like Caeric's for him as well. As Strum and Caeric stroll along with their new winter clothes, Strum eyes a merchant stall run by an orc merchant and an old lady who's giving him a strange look as though she were beckoning him forward with unknown knowledge. As Strum approaches the cart, he doesn't really say anything, pretty speechless for once as he's almost transfixed by this old woman. Caeric is having a look at the orc's wares curiously while Strum continues to be distracted, not really paying much attention to Caeric until the pseudodragon grabs his attention briefly to point out how interesting the wares are, mostly being sort of occult and strange little trinkets that are sort of strange, but mostly useless. The old lady can sort of see that today is Strum's birthday without outright saying it, but she reveals herself to be a fortune teller and offers to do a tarot card reading for him at no charge. Strum silently seats in front of her and waits for her to give him a reading, curious. She pulls out the Three of Swords, and she explains that it signifies a lot of emotional change on his journey. It can be associated with heartbreak but it can also be interpreted as tumultuous emotional change as well as a large transitional period and the need for loved ones. At that, Strum thinks of his mother in Darandal and how he hasn't seen her for a long time and, since it was his birthday, that he should go see her and surprise her and introduce her to all of the friends he's made on his journey. The others decide to get a reading from the old woman and H'rard, Perchance, and Vincent return to the party and reunite with Strum and Caeric. After the reading, they all have a proper look at the cart and look between its wares. H'rard buys a strange fang from an unknown beast, Vincent buys the idol of a nightmarish creature from him, and Strum buys a brass ring that never tarnishes. Strum, happy with his purchase, leaves the stall with his companions and bids the merchant goodbye and proposes to the party that they visit Darandal to visit his mother and his hometown. They agree and start making their way there on the road, Strum giving H'rard the vest he got to keep the pseudodragon warm, and depart about a day's travel ahead of them from Northrun to Darandal. On the way there, H'rard decides to engage in a little mischief and throws a small snowball right at Caeric as he's flying and knocks the other pseudodragon right out of the air and he falls face first into the snow, his legs kicking around in the air before Strum picks him up and lets him relax on his shoulder. H'rard flies forward to scout and lets the party know upon returning that there's a half-ogre woman just ahead of them that they can avoid. They do not, in-fact, avoid her and she confronts them. She asks what they're doing in those woods when Strum convinces her that they're just passing through and that they're returning to Darandal as it is his hometown. She immediately notices that Vincent and Perchance aren't properly dressed and take suspicion in that. H'rard tries and fails to convince the half-ogre woman that Perchance is from the north and that she's fine. Vincent lets the party know that he sees something approaching them in the distance and soon enough, they're besieged by ice mephits. However, during the fight, the half-ogre actually assists the party in defeating them, and afterwards, she helps them the rest of the way to Darandal and bids them goodbye. They arrive in the **Queen's Plaza** and make small conversation, Vincent reminiscing about the brief time he'd spent there and Perchance about a friend of hers that once lived here before she was beheaded. Vincent, deciding to try and eat some leaves from the shrubbery in the plaza, discovered that he was allergic to them, but continued to try and eat more before Strum had to physically drag Vincent away, completely dumbfounded and bewildered for the first time the party's ever seen. But after five to ten minutes, they arrive at Strum's old house and they're greeted by a golden dragonborn who was much taller and much wider than Strum. After she happily greets Strum again and he introduces his friends, she invites them all inside for tea and for dinner and prepares a remedy for Vincent, as he had an allergic reaction to the bushes in the plaza which was apparently rather common. After seating them all down and getting to know them, she insists that they stay the night to stay out of the cold. She introduces herself properly as **Bashmana Tyriel**, Strum's mother. They stay for dinner and spend the night in Strum's old bedroom.

### One-Shot 2 - Session 0.5 - September 3rd, 473 - Eastshire

They all meet in Maestro's for breakfast and Sigma mentions that he got Caeric a meeting with the head botanist at his school and that she was looking for some adventurers to take care of an "odd job." After leaving the inn and heading into the marketplace, they come across a dragonborn selling fruits whose cart was being besieged by rats. Strum manages to scare the rats away with his harmonica. Sigma leads the part to his school - Nosarth's Academy of Arcane Arts - and meet with Dr. Calliope. The half-orc woman introduces herself and Strum compliments her hands, as they are hands that have seen great work and many a tough garden. She informs them that the school has a bit of an issue with fungi and she needs them to investigate it. She takes them to the botanical garden and explains the layout of the area to them before letting them go about their business. The party is also joined by Bao, a traveling monk from the Saffron Crescent Monastery. Strum plays a tune on his banjolele as he investigates the area. They find a seemingly screaming mushroom and try to figure out how to deal. Strum attempts to soothe it which only causes it to scream louder, but soon they're approached by two massive purple masses of fungus that smell horrible, but it doesn't seem to bother Strum that much. They engage in combat with the purple masses and Strum kills one of them with his rapier, Caeric, Sigma, and Perchance killing the other fungus together. After that the screaming mushroom is still screaming and Strum slices it, not wanting the others to crush it lest its sins be released unto everyone. They enter another room and encounter another purple mass of fungus and Sigma, Perchance, and Caeric kill it. Strum fishes in the water and pulls out a mysterious dagger with a snakeskin pattern on the hilt. Going into the next room, there's another purple mass of fungus that's even bigger than all the others and it once again dies to combined efforts from Perchance, Sigma, and Caeric, Strum praising Caeric for delivering the devastating final blow. Trying to find the source of the fungus, Strum discovers it in the compost bin - spores growing out of a haphazardly disposed dog-looking carcass. Caeric investigates the dagger Strum received and determines that it's made by a yuan-ti. In order to dispose of the rotting corpse, Strum exhales his lightning breath into the compost bin and destroys the spores and burns it to a crisp. Bao decides to punch the mass and gets gunk all over his arm that he has to now wash off, and Strum decides to cast Vicious Mockery on the gunk, which somehow works. They complete their mission and conclude the day in Eastshire.

### One-Shot 1 - Session 0 - September 2nd, 473 - Eastshire

In Eastshire, Strum earned a free room and 5gp after playing at Maestro's Inn and proceeded to go into town to explore the marketplace. A dwarf woman asks if he can perform at her inn - **The Forlorn** - to which Strum replies that he can't, as he isn't one to break the unspoken rules of not playing for another inn if you're already staying at one. He tries and fails to sneak off with a bunch of tarts from a stall, but succeeds in convincing the seller to take stones from his hometown, convincing him that they're extremely valuable and grant good fortune to those who wish to present them to a maiden they admire. He overhears a conversation about a school he'd performed at three days ago and approaches the participants, meeting Caeric, a pseudodragon and Sigma, a half-elf. A woman with a southern accent clad in red named Elaine asks for assistance with dealing with monsters, to which Strum volunteers, singing a song to her about the last battle he's been in to show his qualifications. Perchance and Vincent are also called to assist and they depart on their way to Warbler's Woods to slay the monster and retrieve Elaine's cart. Perchance introduces herself to Strum as a mute, and he's pleased to make her acquaintance. As they depart, Strum takes the lead and plays his harmonica, sharing his tarts with the rest of the group. They find the cart in the woods and also find that it's...disturbingly untouched. Strum gets the idea to perhaps lure the creature away by throwing a tart as a distraction and ends up just throwing it to the ground. They get attacked by a couple of strange monsters, goblinoids with poisonous pincers that resembled bugs more than goblins. Upon inspection, they appear to be demons called quasits that are not of this plane. After looting the quasits, Strum acquires a candle that can never be lit. They all return to Eastshire with Elaine's cart and are paid for their job, 20sp for everyone. H'rard properly introduces himself and Perchance to Strum and Vincent. Strum is also given a kalimba as a gift by Elaine for the job. Strum decides to leave for **Maestro's** and invites the party there if they want to see him again.

## Relationships

### Tyriel

Strum doesn't speak very much about her, if at all. Not that his relationship with her is strained, far from. He loves her dearly and misses her. But because of his upbringing, she's as much family as everyone else he's known all his life. But nevertheless, his mother is a generous and carefree soul and very much nurtured and encouraged Strum's carefree nature and spirit. While Strum wasn't certain if she's his biological mother or his adopted mother until he visited with his companions and realized that she is indeed his adopted mother (not that he seemed all that perturbed by that fact; just dumbfounded that he didn't figure it out sooner, considering that she's a gold dragonborn and he's a bronze dragonborn). But either way, it doesn't really matter to him since in his mind, he's never questioned it before and it wouldn't have made a difference to him either way. She is his mother and he wouldn't have it any other way. Not only that, she's incredibly affectionate and welcoming to Strum's companions and adores their company and assures them that they're welcome to stay in her home anytime they'd like.

### Perchance

Strum has a friendly and amiable relationship with the tiefling. He considers her one of his dearest friends and, intentionally or not, makes an effort to always be near her. He takes every opportunity to make sure she's comfortable. He's not overly perturbed by her headlessness and treats her no differently in any negative capacity. He finds her spirit beautiful and pays close attention to what she says through H'rard, finding her words beautiful even if she herself is voiceless for the time being. Unbeknownst to him, he may be harbouring some slow burning romantic feelings towards her. Especially after meeting her family in Dremleen, Strum feels even more strongly towards Perchance, his sense of loyalty emblazoned in his very heart. He considers himself bound to her.

### H'rard

While not particularly close with him, Strum has a very friendly relationship with the little green pseudodragon, affectionately calling him "little fiend" as a reference to H'rard's mischievous nature as he is not aware of the pseudodragon's actual fiendish origins. The dragonborn finds H'rard charming and enjoyable to be around and considers him a good friend. Even outside of Perchance, Strum regards H'rard with a lot of respect and affection and appreciates his presence.

### Caeric

Strum considers Caeric to be a good friend, but unlike H'rard, Strum simply finds Caeric to be pleasant and calming to be around. He also has an appreciation for Caeric's fascination with plants and botany as well as the natural world, something Strum strongly identifies with even if his profession isn't centred around it, Strum being only a bard and Caeric being both a cleric and a druid. He thinks that Caeric is a rather brilliant sort, coming up with very practical and effective solutions often before anyone else.

### Vincent

Strum thinks that Vincent is an interesting fellow. While they don't necessarily agree on life, Strum isn't going to make a big stink of a disagreement with him. At the very least, he appreciates the fact that they both enjoy literature. Otherwise, he enjoys Vincent's interesting company and appreciates his unique expertise and values the warlock as an asset to the party. However, as time has went on, Strum's grown more and more affectionate towards Vincent and has taken somewhat of a fraternal/paternal approach to Vincent. He considers the young human like family.

### Hibby

Strum enjoys the goblin's antics in the party. He understands that she's more so into the adventure for the freedom and the excitement of new experiences and traveling, and he couldn't agree more. He thinks of her like a daughter/little sister of the party. He will gladly encourage Hibby's free spirit just as his mother had done for him before he set off on his journey so long ago. Whether she stays with the party or decides to depart on her own adventure, Strum is certain that he will be pleased to see her each time they cross paths.

### Vicaver Sylvectus

Initially, Strum didn't think much of the wizard as anything more than a cantankerous and ornery old man who was a bit rude. However, after learning about his relationship with Arkius and what he had done to him and his whole life and the truth of his experiments, Strum feels nothing but revulsion at such a repulsive man and is glad he was able to deliver justice and stop Vicaver from destroying Arkius's life any further.

### Duskset

While perplexed at seeing him, Strum didn't hesitate to take a mentoring and protective role over the young dragonling rogue, knowing that Duskset lived a hard and sparse life before then and likely didn't have much guidance growing up. The young dragonborn was a rather pleasant and good-natured lad, and Strum wasn't one to ignore an impressionable teenager in need of wisdom. He hopes that Duskset has safe travels from now on and that he's able to find his place in life that will make him happy. He seems to be happy staying in Phandalin with Arkius, which Strum's very happy to see.

### Arkius Tresendar

Strum had respect for him upon meeting him, as he was a mighty manticore, but after learning about Lord Arkius's true history and nature, Strum wanted to do everything in his power to grant the lord the justice he'd been robbed of. And after doing everything to help Arkius return home, find his place again, and start his life again, he feels forever indebted to the lord. Strum knows he'll see the lord again, and he hopes that there will be a celebration in his newly refurbished estate to welcome him and his friends.

### The Twin-Tailed Devil

Nothing more than folklore, rumours, and ghost stories to him. Strum doesn't buy into the propaganda surrounding the Twin-Tailed Devil and more just sees him as a scary ghost story. Many fly around Darandal about him, and Strum as a lore enthusiast, listens to and repeats them in some of his songs. But he doesn't usually, as he prefers to play more upbeat and folksy music rather than grim tunes.

### Dagnyr

**Dagnyr** is a gnoll, one of the very few to live in established society, in Darandal with his family clan. Some of the higher members of his family clan, including the matriarch, are members of the **Shepherd's Templar**, but they live in poverty in the **Blackridge District** under the sewers. Strum and Dagnyr used to play with each other as young children, occasionally stealing from the more wealthy parts of town for the fun of it. This was actually where Strum learned about the "covert bartering" technique. He remains on good terms with Dagnyr and his family clan.

### Insight

**Insight** is a tiefling and the current curator of the **Nekronian Museum of Artificers and Engineering**. She's a very intelligent and insightful sort, very knowledgeable in her field. She and Strum have been childhood friends for many years and share a love for the intricacies of machinery, though Strum's not the sort that can fully understand it. But he appreciates Insight's fixation on it. She seems to have one-sided feelings towards Strum that he's either unaware of or doesn't reciprocate.

### Taimi "Tinker" Timbers

The daughter of famed and renowned gnome inventor, **Donyella "Gearlock" Timbers**, she's also a close childhood friend of Strum's. Strum was always eager to indulge in and assist **Taimi** in her scientific and technological endeavours alongside Insight. Unlike Insight, Taimi's interest in machinery went a step further than simply appreciating it and instead carrying on her mother's craft and going further than even she had gone. Along with Insight's help, she's currently working on a project. Creating a fully sentient robotic construct that was as intelligent and feeling as any other race of Iporis. She's yet to unveil it publicly or achieve success, but it's become her life's project.

### Hibyik

**Hibyik** used to be Strum's babysitter when he was very young. The kobold is now the park ranger for **The Grove** in Darandal. While he seems to give off the impression of being constantly inebriated, some even speculating that he took the job as park ranger so he could get better access to the plants there, he cares deeply about the flora and the nature of the park and will vehemently reject any notion that the park should be discarded or renovated on. He was the one that taught Strum the importance of nature and maintaining a responsible balance and appreciation for the delicate ecosystems they're living with.

### Lazura

Strum never had an aversion to **Yellowdocks** despite everyone else's fears and superstitions. However, that was only because he knew that the rumours weren't true. Well, the rumours that a siren was snatching people away on the dock. The cause lied elsewhere. And the reason Strum knew that was because the actual "siren" was he dear childhood friend, **Lazura**. A friendly mermaid that lived by the docks. She did indeed enjoy singing, but she did not actually lure citizens to their disappearances. Unless whisking Strum away counted, but it was only because she wanted to hear him play the music he was learning. Strum learned to play music from the traveling minstrels, but it was Lazura whom he first shared his music with. And ever since then, he would come by every day after practicing just to play for her.

## Quotes

> "Ahhhhhh, smells like the perfect opportunity for some covert bartering!"
>
>

> *Strum about going into the marketplace, Session 0*
>
>

> "Ack, I wish. But, you know the unspoken rules, ma'am. Can't play at other inns when you're already staying at one you've played at. I'm no harlot, ma'am, but please take no offense if that's your lifestyle."
>
>

> *Strum to a dwarf woman when she asked if he could play in her inn, Session 0*
>
>

> "Found 'em on the shores, I did. Before they stew in the salty embraces of our dark mother, the sea, they are rough and unremarkable. Ordinary, many would say. But allow such precious stones to age like fine wine in the gentle etchings of her great waves, and the roughness ebbs away revealing their true beauty within. One that could even win a very fair maiden, if you so choose."
>
>

> *Strum to the tart seller in the marketplace after leaving stones behind where Strum took the tarts, Session 0*
>
>

> "Well, now that simply won't do at all! Boredom is the rot of the soul, and too many allow mold to grow in their spirits, I say! That school knew how to keep the soul rot out of students, but unfortunately those who are not subscribed to its teachings do not accept its medicine and must instead find another apothecary."
>
>

> *Strum, joining the conversation with Sigma and Caeric, Session 0*
>
>

> "The question isn't if I can, because I certainly can, ma'am. The question is if I should, and that you should answer."
>
>

> *Strum to Elaine answering if anyone's good at fighting things, Session 0*
>
>

> "Tis customary to reward a woman in distress with a sweet freshly baked treat. It's considered a great deed of consideration."
>
>

> *Strum to Elaine after accepting her call to action, Session 0*
>
>

> "After all, it's fair game! But we want to arrange them on a makeshift altar later, just to ensure that their gods know we're taking them and that we don't disrespect them!"
>
>

> *Strum about looting the quasits, Session 0*
>
>

> Strum looked over. He was considering asking Sigma what he had found, but that would be rude. After all, you don't ask another creature about their loot. That would be gauche at best.
>
>

> *Strum, curious about Sigma's loot, Session 0*
>
>

> "I take your familiar's spoils not out of disrespect for you, and I will cherish it and use it as I see fit, and it will not go to waste. Know that his sacrifice was of aid and will assist me as I move forward on this quest called life."
>
>

> *Strum 'praying' to unknown and unspecified gods after looting the quasits, Session 0*
>
>

> "Me? No, I'm not the religious sort. But I know others can be. And it's both out of respect for them...and I don't want to anger any potential gods that may be watching us."
>
>

> *Strum answering H'rard's question as to whether or not he's religious, Session 0*
>
>

> "Oh! Is that the sound of fragile masculinity I hear?!"
>
>

> *Strum, hearing the sound of a manly shriek in the marketplace, Session 0.5*
>
>

> "My apologies, ma'am, but your hands...may I say that they are lovely!"
>
>

> *Strum complimenting Dr. Calliope's hands, Session 0.5*
>
>

> "Hmmm. Choice."
>
>

> *Strum, after licking a strange film in a botanical garden, Session 0.5*
>
>

> "YOU SMELL SO REVOLTING THAT ONIONS AND LANDFILLS CRY AT THE SMELL OF YOU! IF BEING SMELLY WAS A CRIME, YOU'D BE THE EMBODIMENT OF A WAR CRIMINAL! YOUR MOTHER LEFT YOU FOR AN ACCOUNTANT AND YOU'LL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR HER!"
>
>

> *Strum casting Vicious Mockery on fungal gunk on Bao's arm, Session 0.5*
>
>

> "There you go! Can't have you freezing to death in the ice and cold, now can I?"
>
>

> *Strum giving H'rard the jacket he got him in Northrun, One-Shot Session 3*
>
>

> "Thank you kindly for your help, ma'am. You didn't have to do that for us as there was no reason for you to extend us your generosity."
>
>

> *Strum thanking Grenda after she helps them take out the ice mephits, One-Shot Session 3*
>
>

> "Ah, it's been a while since I've walked these streets, but the familiarity brings me comfort!"
>
>

> *Strum upon returning to Darandal, One-Shot Session 3*
>
>

> "I assure you, he's smarter than this shows."
>
>

> *Strum to his mother about Vincent's comment on his lack of IQ and his current condition, One-Shot Session 3*
>
>

> "Talent isn't something someone has or doesn't have. A talent is often a practiced skill *mistaken* for talent. Skills must be nurtured. And sure, some will naturally gravitate towards other skills, but in any sense, do not think that you aren't capable of doing something because it doesn't come as naturally to you."
>
>

> *Strum to Vincent after arriving in the Darandal Plaza, One-Shot Session 3*
>
>

> "If it works, it's not cheating!"
>
>

> *Strum remarking on how Vincent thinks he's cheating because his brother did magic tricks and Vincent is actually a wizard, One-Shot Session 3*
>
>

> "Enough lollygagging! The time for exploration is now!"
>
>

> *Strum calling out to the party as they make their way into Queen's Plaza, One-Shot Session 4*
>
>

> "The two of us used to play down in the sewers all the time when we were children!"
>
>

> *Strum explaining his friendship with Dagnyr to the party, One-Shot Session 4*
>
>

> "With all due respect, sir, respect has to be *earned* -"
>
>

> *Strum about to scold the aarakocra before Vincent stops him to do it himself, One-Shot Session 4*
>
>

> "I'm flattered for the offer, but I don't take those kinds of jobs, sir. But no disrespect for anyone who does."
>
>

> *Strum, confusing what the dwarf in Neverwinter meant by "escort," Session 1*
>
>

> "YOU STINKY!"
>
>

> *Strum, failing a Vicious Mockery, Session 1*
>
>

> "YOU'VE DISSAPPOINTED YOUR MOTHER! SHE WILL NEVER LOVE YOU NOW, FOR YOU HAVE FORSAKEN HER TEACHINGS AND NOW YOU WILL NEVER LEARN THE SECRETS TO HER WORLD-FAMOUS ELF TOENAIL ALE, YOU FIENDISH SKUNK CABBAGE!"
>
>

> *Strum casting Vicious Mockery on a nearly dead goblin, Session 1*
>
>

> "LANGUAGE!"
>
>

> *Strum at H'rard's cussing, Session 1*
>
>

> "I was not gallivanting! I was lulling myself to get some shut-eye because my mother taught me that songs are the covers that protect your inner child from bad dreams."
>
>

> *Strum to Caeric after he says that the creatures have already been smote while Strum was off gallivanting, Session 3*
>
>

> "I'm sorry...I should've anticipated danger. Forgive me, Perchance. I was thoughtless."
>
>

> *Strum apologizing to Perchance, Session 3*
>
>

> "Now, I'd like to repeat an old proverb I have once heard. When you see a mysterious staircase of which you are unaware of which it leads and you cannot see the end, you'll be taken by the fae."
>
>

> *Strum on stairs, Session 3*
>
>

> "Wow..."
>
>

> *Strum after Perchance's head gets knocked off, Session 3*
>
>

> "YOU INCONSIDERATE FIENDS!"
>
>

> *Strum casting Thunderwave at the goblins after they knocked off Perchance's head, Session 3*
>
>

> "I would hate it if something unfortunate were to happen to you. You needn't divulge your tale now, if ever. I respect your privacy and comfort above all else, Perchance."
>
>

> *Strum assuring Perchance after she reattaches her fake head, Session 3*
>
>

> "This is no place for this kind of tomfoolery! Activities like this should be kept somewhere comfortable and furnished."
>
>

> *Strum upon finding Barry tied up in the cave, Session 3*
>
>

> "Blasphemy! To take one's soul is seen as an extremely intimate and personal gesture! To take it without one's permission is one of the most vile, perverse, and invasive things one could ever do to someone! Especially when they're corporeally compromised."
>
>

> *Strum after H'rard assures Perchance that no one's going to take her soul and jokingly asks the group if they will, Session 3*
>
>

> "It certainly is quite the sight to behold. Though you must be careful not to get drawn in by its allure. After all, our dark mother, the sea, is a cruel and unyielding mistress. For she is as beautiful as she is ruthless."
>
>

> *Strum about the ocean, Session 3*
>
>

> "To be fair, the skeleton was donated to me personally by the hunter it belonged to. That marrow was incredibly satisfying!"
>
>

> *Strum explaining that he'd never broken his own bones but had broken another's, Session 3*
>
>

> "My mother wasn't exactly a wealthy sort, so we couldn't afford things like mirrors. So actually seeing my own reflection when I was a young lad was quite the jolt!"
>
>

> *Strum explaining when he got scared by a mirror, Session 3*
>
>

> "If only there were more books translated for the sightless. It seems unfair that only those blessed without ocular trauma are the only ones who have the pleasure of enjoying literature."
>
>

> *Strum lamenting over books not being commonly in braille with Perchance, Session 4*
>
>

> “Wherever you go, I’ll follow, friend.”
>
>

> *Strum to Perchance asking if they should help Vicaver further, Session 7*
>
>

> "A lady shouldn't have to bear the elements without a helping hand, and neither should a distinguished creature such as yourself."
>
>

> *Strum to Perchance and H'rard about the rain in Phandalin, Session 8*
>
>

> Strum, nearly bumping into his favourite tiefling, stops in his tracks and smiles at her. "Evening, Perchance and H'rard. I hope you've had a more enlightening experience in these ancient halls than I?"
>
>

> *Strum whilst exploring the manor, Session 8*
>
>

> "Oh...what a shame. An adventurer who never was. What a solemn hollow unlived memory..."
>
>

> *Strum after seeing the contents of the bundle Caeric found inside the manor, Session 8*
>
>

> "May these ground find their solace, and the memories inside be everlasting to those that lived it wherever they wander."
>
>

> *Strum saying his farewells to the manor, Session 8*
>
>

> "Not up close, no. I've seen one or two from far away, but I know better than to acclimate such dangerous creatures to citizens. It's irresponsible to disrupt ecosystems like that."
>
>

> *Strum answering H'rard's question of if the party's ever seen a manticore, Session 9*
>
>

> "Yonder men of these woods! I intended no offense by taking a drink from your waters, and certainly no disrespect to your great people. We were simply passing by. We have no trouble or quarrel with you and we simply seek safe passage. These woods appear to be your domain, and for that, I apologize for our trespass."
>
>

> *Strum persuading the orcs to let them pass the stream, Session 9*
>
>

> "I take it as a term of endearment! It's a word that means fearless and without inhibitions! And that is what a warrior should be. Myself, I wouldn't describe that way, but I take it as a compliment."
>
>

> *Strum answering Caeric's question as to why people call them bastards, Session 9*
>
>

> "Ah, a wandering soul, I see. Nothing judging, friend. This world has much to offer. Whether you settle somewhere or not, it makes no difference. So long as it completes you and fuels your heart, wander to your heart's desire!"
>
>

> *Strum to Caeric after the pseudodragon admits to not being sure if he wants to stay with his home or travel the world, Session 9*
>
>

> "No idea, friend. I go wherever adventure calls me. It is the way I was raised. I make home wherever I see it and my home will always be waiting for me no matter how long I depart."
>
>

> *Strum answering Vincent's question as to what he intends to do after their adventures together, Session 9*
>
>

> "BACK, STRIPED RAPSCALLION! OUR FOOD ISN'T SUITABLE FOR YOUR DIET!"
>
>

> *Strum trying to intimidate a badger, Session 9*
>
>

> "What a shame. Poor creature scavenging amongst our food. This is why civilian intervention in nature should be discouraged entirely. It doesn't bode well for the creatures that become acclimated."
>
>

> *Strum after the badger leaves having eaten one of their rations, Session 9*
>
>

> "Stay on your guard, friends. Either we will meet our fate, or it will meet us."
>
>

> *Strum warning the group while they approach where they're tracking the manticore to, Session 9*
>
>

> "SIR! WE WERE HAVING A CONVERSATION AND YOU INTERRUPTED! YOU ABSOLUTE RUDE BUFFOON!"
>
>

> *Strum casting a failed Vicious Mockery on a barlgura coming to attack the manticore, Session 10*
>
>

> "Alright, listen here you pompous hairy oversized interrupting nectarine! You think you're such a great beast, but I think you're nothing more than a giant oaf of a failed sentient bush! You're more of an upright horse than a great demon!"
>
>

> *Strum casting a successful Vicious Mockery on the barlgura, Session 10*
>
>

> "Your story isn't over yet, friend! So long as I'm its scribe, you will not fall on my account!"
>
>

> *Strum rushing over to heal Caeric after he gets knocked unconscious, Session 10*
>
>

> "GET AWAY, YOU SMELL LIKE FEET!"
>
>

> *Strum failing another Vicious Mockery directed at the barlgura, Session 10*
>
>

> "Well, I can tell you I am no longer comfortable aiding a man who's so broken and empty inside that intends on further breaking an already even more broken man of his doing..."
>
>

> *Strum after learning the truth about Arkius, Session 10*
>
>

> "Your Grace, if I may. Even if he were here to bring you harm, I sincerely doubt it'd be much of a fight. He's greatly outnumbered, even without your mighty beast form. Perhaps it would be wise not to frighten a potential ally before we know his intentions."
>
>

> *Strum reassuring Arkius about Duskset's intrusion, Session 11*
>
>

> "I'm glad that it was up to your standards regardless, Your Grace. I'm sure you were a riveting performer. Who knows? Perhaps if one makes one for your size, you could pick up the mantle again, Your Grace."
>
>

> *Strum accepting Arkius's complement on his performance with the bagpipes and cracking a joke at him, Session 11*
>
>

> "Perhaps. But I think he's given up...I'm not sure if he'll bother trying. Perhaps that's what's wrong...he's so afraid of them hurting him that that fear has bled to us."
>
>

> *Strum discussing what to do about Arkius while in his cave with Caeric, H'rard, and Perchance, Session 11*
>
>

> "We'll be stronger together and...it's not right for you to stay in this cave away from everything you've left behind. You deserve a chance, and we'd be willing to help you restore your honour and your place Your Grace. We can't stay here...but you don't have to, either."
>
>

> *Strum convincing Arkius to leave and try to reconnect with Phandalin, Session 11*
>
>

> "That is not what I've found. Those who are privileged may be lucky, but they are not fortunate. There is an ignorance that is innate in them that makes their ability to connect to others less lucky impaired. It makes them bitter and callous, but it is not a doomed sentence. They can still grow. They can become compassionate and understand another's plight through effort and discipline."
>
>

> *Strum responding to Arkius's claim that those who are born into money are lucky in response to Vincent's tactless comment, Session 11*
>
>

> "A truly wise man does not think of himself as such. A wise man considers not the worth of his words, but their impact on those who hear them. If it is helpful to them, then that is all that truly matters."
>
>

> *Strum after Arkius says that he must have a great deal of wisdom to share, Session 11*
>
>

> "You never cease to surprise me with your feats of daring, Perchance."
>
>

> *Strum after Perchance reveals her headlessness to Duskset for the first time, Session 11*
>
>

> "You've done an innocent weathered man a great disgrace, Vicaver." Strum warned the old wizard, a coldness settling in his chest. "And we cannot allow your callous misdeed to go unanswered."
>
>

> *Strum calling out Vicaver immediately upon returning to Phandalin, Session 12*
>
>

> "He may be a beast, but he is just as much human as he was before you cursed him. And I would appreciate you refrain from speaking to my associates with such disrespect."
>
>

> *Strum continuing to scold Vicaver and defend Arkius's honour and name, Session 12*
>
>

> "Save your breath, you decrepit sack of bones and skin. You are a disgrace to these lands and these people and I will *not* have you attempt to deceive us further under the guise of concern for *our* friends."
>
>

> *Strum towards Vicaver after he tries to use Duskset's strange and brief affliction to evade consequences, Session 12*
>
>

> "If I were faced with the man who cursed me to live in a form where my own people feared me and I couldn't go home and was forced to live in solitude for 200 years, I'd rip your ear off, too."
>
>

> *Strum towards Vicaver after he mentions his ear being bitten by Arkius, Session 12*
>
>

> "I can't understand it, myself. There's no reason to make such baseless assumptions about another person, fiend or otherwise. One should be defined by their actions and nothing more. It matters not what or who someone is. But...I hope you find yourself a family that truly cares for you, if you aren't already waiting for someone."
>
>

> *Strum to Perchance outside of the manor about anti-tiefling prejudice, Session 12*
>
>

> "I'm not someone who can stay for very long in one place. I'm a traveler at heart, truly. But if I ever return, I know I have a home, here."
>
>

> *Strum declining Arkius's offer to live in his manor, Session 12*
>
>

> "What I wouldn't give to have darkvision!"
>
>

> *Strum getting frustrated while getting lost in the tower's cellar, Session 13*
>
>

> Strum pulls his rapier out and tries to stab at it. "Normally I prefer cutting words over implements, but this will do just -" And it has no effect. Staring up at the golem, Strum feels a looming sense of doom sweep over him. "I will hope for some good fortune."
>
>

> *Strum realizing that the flesh golem is immune to all nonmagic attacks, Session 13*
>
>

> "HOW DARE YOU CHEAT WITH A MAGIC HIDE, YOU BULBOUS SAC OF FLESH AND SINEW! AND EVEN WORSE, HOW *DARE* YOU STRIKE AT OUR DEAR LADY! YOU ARE A SHAMEFUL BLIGHT UPON THESE WORLDS AND I WISH YOU NOTHING BUT AGONY UPON YOUR FESTERING SOUL!"
>
>

> *Strum delivering the final blow on the flesh golem with Vicious Mockery, Session 13*
>
>

> "I wouldn't say that. It's not right to make such sweeping statements about anyone. You never know if you were simply wrong or if you've simply met the exception. Never assume your assumptions are ironclad."
>
>

> *Strum to the mayor after he says that one cannot trust warlocks after they explain everything, Session 13*
>
>

## Trivia

* Schmendrick the Magician from The Last Unicorn is his voiceclaim
* Doesn't get jealous
* Has a bit of a sweet tooth
* Enjoys romance stories
* Is very eager to try new foods and customs and traditions if he's invited to
* Gray-asexual
* Very eclectic and enigmatic in how he verbally expresses his affection, but will be quite physically affectionate if he knows the other party's comfortable
* Is generally a very active person and will act when he feels no reason not to, but when it comes to others, he will await some sort of confirmation before acting
* Is generous and will not hesitate to lend something if it will help
* Has a strong affinity and respect for nature and the natural world and its peoples and creatures
* Is not particularly religious, but sometimes acts under a religious pretense out of respect for them or any potential spirits whose domains he may potentially be trespassing on
* Strum has a bit of a fear of dark, dank places like caves, though he doesn't like admitting it
* He ate a rock during Truth-or-Dare
* Labeled as a simp by the players, much to the behest of his own

## Gallery

Scaled Bastards Promo PosterStrum Fullbody Reference ImageStrum Headshot Reference ImageStrumchance Shipping MemeStrum Animated Gameplay TokenStrumchance Duet"You play it, you get $100,000,000, but 100,000,000 people will die."\*HARMONICA NOISES\*"I""fart in your general direction!""Your mother was a hamster""and your father smelt of elderberries!""Now, go away""or I shall taunt you a second time!"Isolated Poster FullbodyStrum Static Gameplay TokenStrum Symbol TokenStrum and the party facing off against the flesh golemBruh"It's covert bartering!""ONYON!"Strum shooting lightning breath into a compost binStrum Noticing PerchanceStrum singing a Perchance-themed folk songStrum singing another Perchance-themed folk songStrum and Perchance relaxing while he plays his banjoleleThe party relaxing by the firePerchance and her relationships with Klen, H'rard, and StrumStrum singing to PerchanceStrum singing "Hollow" about PerchanceStrum and H'rardStrum getting annoyed with H'rard in songStrum yelling about H'rardStrum's reaction to Perchance getting her head backStrum holding Perchance's faceStrum shitpostThe party being species-swappedThe party compared to Fae Dragon!H'rardStrum headshot doodlePerchance kissing Strum's foreheadStrum short-circuitingStrumchance Medieval attireStrum being the only one without a little dragonScarborough Fair inspired Strum doodlePerchance squishing Strum's faceMiscellaneous Strum doodles featuring PerchanceThe party T-Posing Vicaver"You must answer for your callous misdeed."Vincent Murders Wildlife - D&D AnimaticVincent Brutally Murders WildlifeStrum holding Hibby back from killing the red pseudodragonThe party getting tarot card readingsStrum in a pink puffy jacketStrum featured in a song by PerchancePerchance singing a song to Strum Pt 1Perchance singing a song to Strum Pt 2Perchance singing a song to Strum Pt 3Strum singing a song Pt 1Strum singing a song Pt 2Strum singing a song Pt 3Strum singing a song Pt 4Strum singing a song Pt 5Strum singing a song Pt 6Strum offering Human!H'rard clothesStrum twirling Perchance around and laughingStrum doodling PerchanceStrum trying to talk to Perchance after H'rard dies Pt 1Strum trying to talk to Perchance after H'rard dies Pt 2