Pierce Bloodstride

Art by Avian Cali

**Pierce Bloodstride,** born **Lazlo Pierce Dungbite**, was a leader in the Spine of Death. As an NPC, he was voiced by Joseph "JoCat" Catalanello, except in the trailer for Belkinus Necro Hunt where he was voiced by Connor McKinley.

He wore the skull of a stillborn tarrasque on his head and armour plated with bones. He could also appear as an ethereal blue projection.

He helped Luc Badeaux escape from prison after Luc was convicted for necromancy.

Bloodstride could conjure portals to Verteheim, where the Spine of Death reside. He was responsible for teaching the necessary incantation to other necromancers.

## Spine of Death

Bloodstride studied necromancy under Kara Miharian, including siphoning and attempts at *true resurrection*. When Kara abandoned these pursuits and moved to Cloveway, Bloodstride's hunger for power led him to keep going. Kara knew it was dangerous to let him keep practicing necromancy but chose to ignore the risks, a choice for which Nathaniel Gainsby still holds her responsible.

Around Year 198, Bloodstride began assembling the Spine of Death. He also freed powerful necromancer Luc Badeaux from prison, where he had been kept since his daughter Renee Badeaux secured his arrest.

## Belkinus Necro Hunt

Bloodstride had several encounters with the Belkinus Necro Hunt party, either escaping through his portals or appearing with his projection. He maintained an indifferent attitude, except for his anger when Nathaniel revealed the party had Spine of Death spellbooks containing pages from Kara Miharian's notebook.

During the party's adventure through the abandoned warforged factory under Chester City, they discovered that Bloodstride had conspired with the Protectors to reactivate the facility.

Bloodstride was eventually found to be in the employ of Chandrelle Miharian, who tasked him with the same mission she gave the party: bring Chandrelle her sister Kara to be siphoned.

## Deaths

Bloodstride set up a psychological trial for the party in Verteheim. He teleported the Life Crystal away from the Spine of Death complex and ordered his undead to attack it, forcing the party to choose between saving the Spine of Death members or attacking him. Ultimately, Nathaniel Gainsby successfully used *dominate person* and forced Bloodstride to repair the crystal before Luna Icewind killed him.

After his death, Chandrelle raised Bloodstride as a unique type of body horror for her final fight. As his undead form was damaged, she eventually siphoned him for more power.

## Dossiers on the Party

Bloodstride kept dossiers on each member of the party in his office in Verteheim. They detailed the party members' histories and weaknesses, as well as tactics to be used against each one. The text of the dossiers is below.

### Renee Badeaux

*Renee Badeaux*

*Elf*

*Born daughter of Luc Badeaux and Lionne Badeaux, older sister of Francis Badeaux*

*Official records on Renee are scarce, but through encounters with her and accounts of locals, she seems to be very much a people person, getting on many folk's good sides through pleasant conversation, sympathy, or small favours.*

*Note: take careful observation if these acts are some new subtle advancement of Nathaniel Gainsby's enchantments, undetectable from usual magical means.*

*In all other cases however, she appears no more special than a typical magic user when faced in combat. Drained of her spells, she is weak in a physical bout. Her preferred non-magical weapon appears to be a hand crossbow. Being up close will severely cripple that option for her.*

*Accounts from Luc Badeaux have revealed that she is emotionally scarred by more drastic forms of necromancy. See: Luc's record of attempt to resurrect his deceased first wife. Use of fear spells or failed subjects of true resurrection will easy unsettle her into a state of panic. However, she poses a small enough threat that such drastic measures need not be taken.*

### Nathaniel Gainsby

*Nathaniel Gainsby*

*Yuan-ti*

*Son, adopted of* [redacted]

*Originally an orphan, the Witchtaker has a most intriguing history. Adopted father was previous an owner of the witch-taker business, previously known as thief-takers. Records show that the man was jailed for murder and necromancy, and Gainsby's involvement was what brought it to light, and by extension elevated him as the new owner of the bureau, but some insiders have given me a trail that said case might not be so cut and dry.*

*An investigation is underway as information has come to light that there was residual enchantment magic on* [redacted] *that was once brushed off as nothing to note. Recent findings theorize that* [redacted] *was charmed to perform the actions Gainsby had him turned into the authorities for. I suspect he was behind his father's actions and arrest, for what ends would he do this? Must investigate further. Regardless, it is deceit of masterful execution.*

*Though he stays closer to his partner Renee, in recent days, we have taken notice of a particular person whom he seems to takes more cautious steps in meeting - a red dragonborn named Lancel. His demeanour among the Witchtaker is not like his other employees. Me thinks a more personal connection.*

*Note: Keep a close eye on this Lancel. He may be a good bargaining chip.*

*The witchtaker's proficiency is not only in charms but social manipulation, so allies are often in places most unexpected. When faced with an initial threat, he attempts such manipulation, even if he does not fully comprehend his opponent, and such confidence can be very convincing. In combat, he prefers indirect intervention, relying on charms and magics to keep himself out of harm's way, and using his opponents' strengths, positions, and wills against them. In these cases, preventing him from casting is a major priority. A well placed silence spell should do the trick. After that, it's simply a matter of landing a good strike. See: my encounter with him in Rugawood revealing his frailty.*

*Gainsby strikes me as one whose allyship could prove beneficial, and who may even be willing to work with us if given the right incentive. However, this has dubious odds - stay on guard nevertheless.*

### Luna Icewind

*Luna Icewind*

*Human*

*Daughter of Vadrin Icewind and Sina Steelward*

*An interesting subject. Official records of her are difficult to come by, both kept off the books by her father and also under strong political protection on account of her mother being of high rank in the guard. Accounts of locals in the mountains of Yedsall reveal a headstrong and stubborn mercenary with exceptional sword skills. Seems to have a strong relationship with another of her like.*

*Her ability to summon a copy of herself is most fascinating. Combatants who can manifest a second self to fight are certainly rare, yet not unheard of, but hers is a special make. Her sword seems to be the key - it bears the mark of the Raven Queen, and her father was a devout follow. Yet no records show any history of one being able to draw power from the Raven Queen. Perhaps it is a manifestation of strong prayer and belief akin to other deific followers? Must consult with the priests at the Temple of the Eternals. Note: be sure to bring coin.*

*Methods of subduing her is equally evasive - her combat prowess makes her a formidable foe, even against a skilled magic user who would normally not be hindered by such a physically reliant opponent. Her copy allows the benefits of an ally and the mobility of teleportation. However, with multiple targets out of her reach, she will surely struggle. Destroying her copy is not without its benefits either, as it requires her focus to summon it again, leaving her with fewer options if she wishes to use it again.*

*Note: use magic missiles. Liberally.*

### Enoch Solamen

*Enoch Solamen*

*Human*

*Born son of Ceatora Solamen and* [redacted]

*In young childhood, Enoch appears to have been possessed by an entity that previously burdened his mother, named* [redacted]*. This has granted him various skills and abilities not typical of a Human of his age, lifestyle, and experience. He follows the goddess Erathis zealously, and holds her teachings to very high regard - to the point he vows to "gift" others of her teachings in the form of acts of vigilantism. See: execution of several students in Belkinus Proper's old abandoned sewers without legal trial or consultation.*

*Enoch combines magical and technological crafts to create some interesting armaments capable of high powered projectiles. His firearms are uniquely personal, as he can augment them to fire special rounds with various effects. His form granted via his connection to the entity [redacted] allows him to fly at impressive speeds.*

*However, his inventions are prone to malfunction, and his physical prowess is limited, making him easy to overpower with a stronger opponent. Overwhelm him with numbers or brute strength - he will have trouble keeping up. As for his flight, a simply fly spell will easily keep up with him. If that fails, his inability to stop himself from acting on his emotions - see encounter with Myself by the abandoned sewers and Thorne near Chester City - will cause him to lose composure and take irrational, oftentimes foolish, action.*

*Note: teach a few students some enchantment magics.*

## Art

In Avian Cali's initial portrait, JoCat neglected to specify that Bloodstride had the black veins which identify necromancy users in the Lustrous Expanse. The portrait was later updated, but the initial art without the black veins can still be seen in the thumbnail for BNH S05: Lost Ones.

## Spells

**1st level**

* Shield

**2nd level**

* Misty Step

**3rd level**

* Counterspell

**4th level**

* Blight