Vempalrin 'Arc' Arcateenian

Unknown Sister

Allies:

Bendrick Firestone

Táriel Naïlo

Yhorm Jenkins

Ezmerelda d'Avenir

Arc is a 34-year-old, male Dragonborn, from the mountain town of Urtijëi. He stands at 6’ 7" tall, about average for a dragonborn and weighs in at 266 lb. His draconic heritage hails from the Green Dragon and as such, his copper, dragon-scale skin is flecked with greens, causing an almost patinaed affect. The scales themselves are fairly small and tightly packed. Atop his head, Arc, has dreadlock-like masses of scales which flow back over his shoulders, and between these sprouts two central, copper-brown horns, a little like that of a rhino, but higher up. Arcateenian has a strong, athletic build and holds himself very straight and proud, causing him to be a little intimidating to new people he meets. However, really, he is very friendly and couldn’t be more willing to meet new people and help them out. He wears simple, loose fitting, dark woodland green, drape-like robes, draped down from one shoulder and tied in the middle with a yellow material belt. He wears fingerless gloves to add some protection to his knuckles when using his greatest weapon, his fists.

### **Skills and Abilities**

Arc is highly skilled in open hand martial combat, able to give multiple blows in the time it would take any other person to throw a single punch. Aside from being highly skilled in unarmed combat, he is also proficient in simple weapons and the shortsword. Arc has honed certain skills during training in the Vempalorin monastery and has become proficient in insight, medicine, religion, and stealth. Being a monk, he has learnt to increase his speed by mastering unarmoured defence enabling him to fight without the need for weighty armour. Arcateenian has become exceptionally speedy and agile, able to dash across difficult terrain with ease and is able to move 50ft with ease.

Monks like Arc have learnt to harness the mystical energy of ki, allowing them to use abilities unknown to many others. This allows Arc the speed of attack needed to make multiple unarmed blows in the time taken for most to make a single punch. Other abilities mastered using the energy of ki include the ability deflect or catch ranged missiles and attempt to return these toward the attacker, the ability to knock prone or throw backward enemies when hit with Arc’s unarmed attack.

As a Dragonborn with heritage leading back to the green dragon, Arc is resistant to poison damage and can exhale a poisonous cloud at his enemies. Being a Dragonborn, as well as knowing common tongue, Arcateenian can speak and read Draconic. During his time as a monk, he also learned the celestial and gnomish languages to improve his ability to communicate with other species he may come across.

Arc is also a proficient woodcarver, always carrying woodcarver’s tools with him.

### **His story so far**

Arcateenian, known as Arc to most, was born and raised in the mountain town of Urtijëi. Many Dragonborns like Arc call Urtijëi home, as well as a number of other races and cutlures. Urtijëi is a small, castle town with a monastery at its heart, known as the Vempalorin Monastery, with charity and care as its overarching principles. Arc became a brother of the monastery at the relatively young age of 18, following in his Uncle, Wyrrestern’s footsteps. He spent the next chapter of his life studying in the monastery until recently, at the age of 34, when he decided he wanted to explore the world and see what care and charity he could bring to people outside of his town. He set out to see the world, putting to use the skills he’d been taught at the monastery and those his father had installed in him.

Being his first ‘adventure’ away from Urtijëi, Arc is fairly naïve and often too quick to trust what people say to him, often taking their word as truth with little question or suspicion. The Dragonborn Monk believes that the most important thing is to do what is ‘right’ for others, regardless of the personal cost he may face. A noble principle. However, often, it lands him in ‘hot water’ as he can be far to quick to jump in without considering if he can actually handle the situation. This is something he is starting to work on, remembering the words of his father who tried to teach him the benefits of waiting, assessing and planning before wading in.

Arc set out on his travels hoping to learn about himself and the world, but above all, to help.

The Dragonborn monk began his adventuring, answering a call for help from a caravan runner needing safe escort to a nearby village. It was here that he met two of the companions he would end up travelling with: **Tariel** and **Bendrick**. During the caravan’s journey, the trio learned of a mysterious ‘Silver Bandit’ who has been robbing caravans that travel this route. On their first journey in each other’s company, they came up against wolves, a group of bandits, hippogriffs, and a harpy. But they managed to overcome all of these foes and reach the safety of Hillcrest, where they had planned to stop for some respite from the un-protected road. However, the Hillcrest they came across was starving and in need and after some discussion the group decided to give the provisions they had been transporting to the people of Hillcrest as they were clearly in great need. **Arc**, was very pleased that this was the decision they had come to and began to feel that these two fellow travellers may be quite like-minded in their desire to help others. It was here that they learnt of the true nature of the silver bandit, a man who robbed caravans, yes, but only so that he may provide for the people of Hillcrest who may else have starved without his aid. The leader of Hillcrest, **Shayana** allowed the group to take rest in the village and provided them with a welcome place to stay. This is where the trio became four. Within the house that the group had been offered to stay in, they met **Yhorm**. Someone who was previously known to **Tariel**, although Arc is still very confused as to their past relationship.

In Hillcrest, Arc was pleased to meet **Shayana’s** family, especially her children, **Freek**, **Myrtle** & **Arabelle**, as they reminded him of the children that were around him at the monastery. **Shayana** asked the group to help the village once more, asking them to help stop some goblins who were stealing from them and adding to their starvation. **Arc** was all to pleased to help, he knew the people of Hillcrest had been kind to him and thought it was only right to offer them kindness back and help in any way he could. That is why he found it so strange that the newest member of their party, **Yhorm**, seemed more interested in how much money **Shayana** would reward them with than wanting to help!

…

…

At this point Arc has spent, he figures, close to three months travelling with his new companions and the events have passed him in a blur. But the latest town has brought with it circumstances that have challenged his beliefs and tested his faith in the goodness of others. The group has been offered help, a wedding dress, by two people in Vallaki, the Baron and Lady Fiona. However, both offers of help came with a request to deceive and spy in return. Arc is left conflicted with the problem before him, that to help save a life he must deceive and expose someone else. This is something that is far from being in Arc’s nature and he was reluctant to dig around in other people’s business. Despite this, after seeing that the people he knows to be good (his group) seem willing to do this to save Ilya, he persuaded himself that it was the right thing to do. He wanted to save a life. He figured no real harm would come to either Vargas or Fiona should they uncover anything to tell one or the other. Arc saw an opportunity to sneak off as Lydia was leading them upstairs, and the naïve dragonborn decided to take it. He was caught.

Reeling from the shock of being caught, the moral conflictions still whirling around in his head, Arc tried to lie his way out of his situation. But lying is not something the kind-hearted monk has had to do before, and it was failing. All he could think to do was call out to his friends, but seemingly to no avail. He was so shocked when Lydia told Izek to take him to the reformation centre, and so angry at himself. He portioned no blame toward Izek. He was just doing his job and so Arc went quietly to await his fate. Arc didn’t at first know if his friends knew what was happening, or if he’d even see them again, but he caught a glimpse of Bendrick in passing and hoped he would get help from the others.

In the reformation centre, Arc was afraid as to what would come next. But his friends did come. He took great comfort from seeing his three companions, but he has no clue how they are going to be able to help him. Perhaps, Arc reasoned with himself, whoever oversees this ‘hearing’ he had been told was coming, would have a good heart and understand that his intentions came from a good place. But for now, he could only wait…

Arc’s time spent in the Reformation Centre was very confusing and worrying for him. He remembers his hearing. His attempts at misleading the hearing into believing his innocence left him questioning his values. Was he right to try and deceive them? But if he didn’t try, what would happen to him? In the end it made no difference, they decided he was guilty and he was taken to the cells. This only led Arc to feel more ashamed. Being dishonest hadn’t got him anywhere. He would be honest from now on. It’s the only way to do good in the world.

Taken to a cell upstairs, he must have fallen asleep. The next thing the Dragonborn remembers was waking up with a sense of relative calm. He believed that he was meant to be in the Reformation Centre. That was where he belonged.

Arc’s friends did come to rescue him. He was so very confused. He didn’t want to leave. It was where he should be. He pleaded with his friends to go on and save Ilya, but they insisted and Yhorm promptly hit the dragonborn with a mighty slap. Arc was suddenly clear in his mind. Of course he didn’t want to stay in this place. These were his friends. He didn’t know why he was saying those things, but just a second earlier he felt sure he wanted to stay. He just doesn’t know why!

Without weapons and still disorientated Arc was glad to have the support of his friends & the Martikov’s in the fight to get out. Arc and Bendrick explored a small, curtained room, which for some reason made Arc feel uneasy. He felt as if he’d seen this place before. He could see a figure here, in his mind. But it wasn’t clear. Arc knew he’d not been in here before. Surely.

After escaping the Reformation Centre, Arc was so relieved to find Vasili there, ready and willing to help smuggle them across the town in his cart. Arc was also pleased to find Anna safe and well and ready to leave with them. When they reached the gate, Arc was saddened to hear that Vasili would not join them, but would instead stay in Vallaki. But he understood that it was what he wanted, and he wasn’t about to force someone to do something they didn’t want to. Dropping down, having climbed the wall Arc felt so relieved to be out of that terrible town. He hopes never to have to go back there. Finding Ezmerelda was the icing on the cake. Arc is happy to have the group all back together again and feels a lot safer now.

Arc was very troubled by the sight he and his friends were greeted with upon entering the main, central tent in the Vistani camp. The leader of the camp and another man were whipping a teenage boy bloody for the sake of stealing from their carts. However, given his recent experiences in Vallaki Arc didn’t feel confident enough to speak out against the brutality until he was outside by the campfire with only his friends around. He was even more troubled to hear that the Vistani may be aligned somewhat to Strahd, jesting that him and his friends were ‘fresh meat’ for Strahd.

After Ezmerelda reminded the group that she was still searching for her friend and mentor, Rudolph (another vampire slayer) Arc felt regret that he had forgotten all about him and realised him and his friends had made no attempt to identify if he was in Vallaki or not. The dragonborn wants to try and help find Rudolph and is going to try and keep him in mind in the future. Arc has made careful not of the fact that despite wearing many a disguise, Rudolph may have a sword with him disguised as a cane. He hopes this will be enough to help identify him.

On the journey back to Krezk, Arc felt a lump in his throat as he and his friends heard a familiar, haunting whistle that could only mean one thing. Rahadin was here. Arc couldn’t help but feel like this was the end for them during the fight with Rahadin’s undead companions. Despite Rahadin’s obvious power, it seemed to Arc that he was more interested in getting something back which he thought the party had stolen from him. The only thing they could think of was the Tome of Strahd. Wanting himself and the rest of the party to get out of this alive, Arc was desperately pleading to Bendrick to throw down the book in the hopes that Rahadin would leave them alone. Bendrick seemed doubtful and Arc got increasingly annoyed at the Dwarf for stalling. As far as Arc was concerned it was just a book, if it worked, they would be able to escape. During the discussions and the fighting however, Ezmerelda suggested she take the Tome and distract Rahadin, convincing Bendrick to give up the book to her. This concerned Arc. He didn’t want Ezmerelda to risk her life for their sakes. But before he could think of another option, Ezmerelda made a dash for it with the book, taking Rahadin’s attention away from them. Concerned for Ezmerelda’s safety, Arc can’t stop thinking about what she said to the group as she left: “I’ll meet you where I said I wanted to go”. Arc can only think of one answer to this. She wants them to meet her on the Northern road between Krezk and Vallaki. They would need to double back around to find her, but Arc hopes they will find her… alive….

Journeying onward toward Krezk, Arc’s thoughts were stuck firmly on the fate of Ezmerelda. Where had she meant for them to meet her? Would she make it safely away from Rahadin? Maybe if she gave up the book and fled she would stand a chance, he hoped. When the party saw the sign to Greenteeth Enchantments, Arc was pleased and hopeful to think that they may be able to get some help for Bendrick and was more than happy to visit the strange cabin in the woods. When he saw the owner however, he was concerned to see she was what could only be described as an ‘old chrone’. He had flashes of Madame Evas prediction and his thoughts turned to the missing children, but he decided not to mention it until Bendrick had received the help he needed. Relieved to find Jenny friendly and eager to help Bendrick out. He was all too happy to fetch the things she needed to help, although this turned out just to be ingredients for a drink she wanted whilst she helped Bendrick. Arc found this strangely endearing and couldn’t help but wonder if she just appreciated the company. Naturally, Arc was very pleased when Bendrick awoke and couldn’t believe how easily Jenny had done it. He was in awe. Whilst browsing stock in Jenny’s shop, Arc suddenly became excited at the notion of the Staff of Birdcalls, immediately asking how much it would cost. However, he quickly became disappointed on realising that he had no money with which to pay for it. Jenny offered to reduce the cost if they did a funny dance, and one by one the group joined in dancing around the room whilst Yhorm banged a pot. Arc wasn’t quite sure what the pot banging added to it, but he very much enjoyed dancing with Tariel and the others. For a moment he forgot all about the troubles of this strange land, Rahadin and the children. He will always be grateful for this strange woman’s short relief from reality. What pleased Arc all the more was that his friend Bendrick gifted him the money to buy the Staff and after checking that it was really what Bendrick wanted to do, he bought the staff and was so very pleased to have a staff back in his possession once again. When Jenny offered to give the group future readings, Arc was surprised to hear her mention the woman he had dreamed about, but pleased that she suggested it was not inevitable that he would become her soldier or whatever it was she wanted with him. This reading, Arc saw as his opportunity to ask after the missing children. He was relieved to hear that Jenny didn’t have anything to do with it and instead told them how her ‘sisters’ are often known to take children like this. Something she doesn’t agree with. Arc was so grateful for her answers.

Upon reaching Krezk, and seeing the disaster that had unfolded, hearing who was responsible, Arc was saddened, but strangely didn’t feel any shock or surprise at what had happened. This didn’t lessen the sadness he felt though, and he began to feel guilty from bringing this destruction upon the village. Rahadin had been looking for them after all. He was, however, relieved to hear that Ilya was still alive, and he was all too eager to get him to the Abbot now they had the wedding dress. Reaching the abbey, Arc was so hopeful, especially when the Abbott accepted the wedding dress, albeit as ‘adequate’. The Abbot healed Ilya, whilst Arc watched on, not quite confident enough to explore the Abbey after what had happened the last time he explored a house. After which, The Abbot revealed the second part of the payment for this healing. He wanted Tariel’s face. Her actual, physical face… Arc felt sick at the thought of it. He stepped in front of Tariel. He didn’t know what they were going to do, but as the Abbot approached them he knew he wouldn’t let him harm his friend!!

### **Opinions of Party Members**

#### **Bendrick:**

Bendrick is a fellow Acolyte and Arc finds comfort in having the likeminded dwarf with him. Although not exactly religious himself, Arc identifies strongly with Bendrick’s belief in something bigger than himself, and the values that come with this. He believes that Bendrick has a good heart. The Dwarfish Paladin seems to take so much time considering and deciding things, something Arc can’t get his head around, wanting to just jump in. Surely if people ask something of us we should just give it to them right? Arcateenian is a bit perplexed by the dwarf’s want to pray at forges wherever they go, but can only assume it is a bit like his own meditations that allow him to contemplate the good that is to be done and to recharge his ki energy. Arc would like to learn more about the Bendrick’s beliefs and about the underground civilisation he has come from.

#### **Tariel:**

Arc believes Tariel to be incredibly caring toward the people she meets, a person who tries to do good. This is something he respects and identifies with. However, he was initially confused as to why she does not seem immediately willing to trust everyone who talks to them and asks for help, but during the adventures they’ve had together so far, he is beginning to realise that he may be able to learn from this. He hopes she can show him how to know who to trust and who not to trust. Arc respects her choices to keep a certain distance when entering combat and assessing the situation, something which reminds him of his father’s teachings when he was a boy. He admires how she seems to be coping with the realisation that she is the only one of her kind in this area and that she may even be targeted for who she is. He is in awe of the sorceress’ ability to attack over great distances without the need for a weapon. Unlike his own ki energy which usually needs to be used in close proximity to the object he wishes to effect.

#### **Yhorm:**

Arc is still somewhat wary of the outgoing human. He is concerned with Yhorm’s pushy nature and seeming need to be rewarded for any deeds he does. Arc has noticed that Yhorm will often demand to know the reward before entertaining helping those in need. However, he is incredibly grateful to have someone with Yhorm’s fighting prowess in the group and believes Yhorm would always protect the group and do his utmost to keep them safe. He knows Yhorm can be relied on when they need him.

### **Opinions of Barovian Residents**

#### **Rahadin**

Arc has never really experienced hatred toward, or genuine fear of another being. He comes from a town where everybody is welcomed and accepted. He is part of a monastery built solely on care and kindness toward others. In his childhood he has experienced fear before, height or darkness, for example, as any child does, but Rahadin is the first ‘person’ to scare him, and he does scare Arc. But Rahadin is, more than anything, confusing to Arc. Something new, and something he knows he does not like. He cannot think of any way to justify Rahadin’s actions, especially taking his finger. But despite this, Arc still feels sorry for this strange being, he still feels that somehow there may be a way back for him, perhaps when Strahd has left this land.

#### **The Martikov’s:**

Arc likes the Martikov’s very much. He was all too happy to help save their home and livelihood, even though it meant coming up against druids, something he’d never even heard of before. He knows it wasn’t the Martikov’s fault and he was glad he could help them out. Since they have assisted the group a number of times on their travels, and shown Arc that they are good people. Arc is confused by their attachment to these strange crows that seem to be around the Martikov family all the time, but can only assume that the family provides for the crows and gives them a safe place to live out of the goodness of their hearts. Some of the group seem to want to know what the crows do for the Martikov’s, but Arc is sure that the family doesn’t ask for anything in return.

#### **Dimitri Krezkov – Burgomaster of Krezk**

Arc was unsure of Dimitri at first, as he seemed to be unwilling to help them out in their search for the missing children or offer them safety inside the walls of Krezk. He was particularly shocked at Dimitri’s quickness to assume the missing children would be dead by now, before he knew any of the circumstances, or even thought about how they might be rescued. However, his opinion has since changed and he has grown to like Dimitri. The Burgomaster has made Arc feel very welcome in Krezk now, and Arc is more than happy to contribute to the village help in return for the hospitality. Arc realises now that Dimitri is a good man, just doing what he can to support his family and his village and to keep them safe. After learning of Dimitri’s son’s condition, Arc is desperate to help save Ilya and bring some relief to Dimitri.

#### **His Emminence the Baron Vargas Vallakovich – Baron of Vallaki:**

Arc quite liked Vargas at first, he appreciated his desire to make everyone happy, putting on festivals and seemingly trying to do everything he could to protect his people from the influence of Strahd. In fact, Arc was keen to experience the joy of one of these festivals for himself should he be able. But this changed when he saw him promoting the beheading of a seemingly innocent townsman publicly. The only reason Arc could think for Vargas to do such a thing is to promote fear, but that is surely just the same as what Strahd is doing? He became wary of the Baron from this point on. All the Baron has done since then, has only served to cause Arc to dislike the Baron more. Someone who would ask them to try to spy on a competitor inside their home. Arcateenian struggles to wrap his head around how Vargas could ask them to do such a thing for him, and then not show him some kindness and try to assist him now that he has been incarcerated.

#### **Lydia Petrovna – Wife of Baron Vargas:**

Arc was concerned for Lydia from the offset, after hearing from Anna that Lydia is not herself and may be unwell in some way. Lydia came across as kind-hearted and compassionate when Arc met her for the first and for the second time, only too willing to offer them food and hospitality. Despite knowing he was wrong to stray from where Lydia was escorting them, Arc cannot understand why she was so quick to decide he needed to be punished and thrown into the reformation centre, instead of giving him the benefit of the doubt.

#### **Izek – Bodyguard to Baron Vargas**

Arc has only had two interactions with Vargas’ bodyguard. First from afar, at the public execution, then again in person, as he took Arc away to the Reformation Centre. Despite Izek having caught Arc and taken him away to the reformation centre, Arc doesn’t hold any real resentment or dislike toward him. He simply believes that Izek is just doing what he is told to do, maybe even just doing what he believes will keep him safe (on the right side of the Baron). Afterall, Arc knows he wasn’t supposed to be wandering the corridors in the Baron’s mansion so can’t blame Izek for doing his job. Arc only blames himself. Izek showed no more hostility toward Arc than necessary to detain and escort him, and Arc is grateful he did not use more violence toward him.

#### **Lady Fiona Wachter**

Concerned at first by what the Baron and the other residents of Vallaki had said about Lady Fiona, as well as the fairly menacing appearance of her house, Arc was pleasantly surprised by her hospitality when they visited her. The Dragonborn was all the more pleased when she offered a wedding dress to the group which meant he wouldn’t have to snoop around her house for the Baron. However, Arc is left once again concerned as this offer of kindness came at the cost of deceiving someone else, the Baron. He finds it difficult to understand why Lady Fiona could not have just given them the dress to help them. After all he doesn’t see that she would be needing it. Despite this, he feels like she could be a leader of Vallaki kinder than the Baron and so he was happy to help her.

#### **Vasili**

Arc has like Vasili from the moment he met him in the town square of Vallaki. Arc was flattered that he had already heard of their group after they helped the Martikov’s with their vineyard and winery. Arc felt like Vasili was someone who could be relied on to help them and tell them the truth. Vasili asked them to try and find his missing cart and for a moment Arc wondered if that was the only reason he was willing to help them. But Arc, being Arc, was more than wlling to agree to keep a look out. Arc’s doubts about Vasili were quashed as he came to their rescue after breaking out of the Reformation Centre, and still asked for no more in return than for them to return his cart if they should come across it. Compared to what he had done for hem, Arc feels this was nothing to be asked of them and is very glad to do it if he can.

### **Has Arc Changed During His Travels?**

Since exploring Barovia, Arc is realising that the majority of people are not willing to help others without reason or reward. With some he understands this reluctance. It is because they aren’t willing to risk harm coming to their family or the people they care for. This he can understand and respect. Others will not help out of fear. He doesn’t quite understand this as he still believes you should put yourself behind the need of others. Others still, are only willing to help if there is something in it for them. This is something Arc cannot quite come to terms with, but he has seen through Yohrm the god that these people can still do. He still doesn’t know if he can adopt a more reasoned approach to giving people help. He still wants to help in any way he can, reward or not. Arc still cannot comprehend some of those he has met on his travels, who seem intent on harming people and causing distress and fear. This troubles him deeply. This is the first time Arc has encountered this since leaving Urtijëi, and the Vempalorin Monastery.