Dovruk

Dovruk was a Bugbear Barbarian involved in the early exploration of the continent of Ahlus.

> *"I am Dovruk, I am a Bugbear. I worked at Red Ingot Forge. I will not attack you. Then Smile."*
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## Personality

Dovruk has worked had to fight the lazy and savage nature of his bugbear kin, wildly influenced by his true ally and believed guardian, Lady. Thought he still feels the sting of aggression and violence he has learned to tame these aspects into a rage, for the betterment of his allies and those that he has shared kindness.

*"When I have done good Lady has gifted me kindness, when I do bad I feel nothing but guilt. I must do better."*

## Backstory

After refusing to take part in a violent ritual for his clan and freeing two haflings from *participating,* Dovruk was met by the spectral figure of an elven woman carrying a sword. Dovruk amply named her *Lady,* seeing as both are unable to verbally communicate with each other. Nevertheless, since the encounter the Specter has guided Dovruk to food and water when he was starving. Leading him to a town which allowed him to learn some blacksmithing skills. Dovruk has learned to trust Ladys judgment entirely, and it has lead Dovruk to a kinder and more compassionate life.

There is something, however, grating on Dovruks mind. How can he trust his guardian so wholly yet not even know her name? Who was she before Dovruk and why did she "choose" him? What was/is her unfinished business? Dovruk hopes to repay Lady and discover who she was, so that he may find his place in the world beside her.

Dovruk heads to Ahlus, with Lady by his side, feeling that these answers lie in front of him.

## Adventures in Ahlus

#### **7 WD, Halla-Highreign - A Lady Calls**

Arriving in Whittengrove Dov made his usual introduction with his parchment. Before he could begin looking for answer about Lady, Dov had to be able to survive in this new world, which meant taking part in a contract for gold. With this new party they head to Rydoon in search for the trail of the Butcher of Byllastro.

On the way through Drakestower, Dovruk was bumped into by a passerby being pursued by guards. Stopped in his tracks by the party, he is searched by the guards but they fail to locate the gemstone. Dov found the gemstone placed in his apron. And unsure as what may come of this captured thief (Kallionon) or his motivations he kept it quiet. Instead, deceiving the guards into believing that he may have had an accomplice. The thief had stolen the gem in hope to use it to pay back his debts. Still unsure of how to proceed with the guard and the thief, Dov decided to render the entire crime mute, throwing the Gem into the watery dock. Kallionon mentioned he had seen an orc that matched the description given for the Butcher in a location in Estaemarl called the Matron House.

Unsure of where to proceed Dovruk felt a warmth and instinctively pivoted towards a balcony above the street. Their Lady floated, resplendent and cordial as ever, before pointing down one of the backstreets and towards chalk markings of a swaddled lamb. She would do as she always did for Dovruk; provide.

The party makes a dramatic entrance into the Matron House, an old theatre transformed into makeshift healing centre and chapel to Aita, demanding to know the location of the Butcher. After explaining his side of the story, Cribur seemed persuaded to go with them peacefully, explaining that he too had felt the embrace of Lady. Dovruk was intent on freeing his newfound ally and loosely tied his "bounty" in the hopes of getting him away later.

Unfortunately a band of mercenaries sailing with The Offering arrived, having heard of the party asking around the Butcher. After a short conflict, Cribur, now fearful tried to flee - only to find himself cornered at a locked door. Panicked, his survival instincts kicked in, spurning his transformation into his hybrid wereboar form - a secret curse he claimed was bestowed onto him during his time with the Hunters. Surprised, Ilana demanded he ceased such madness at once, pledging to heal him of his affliction if he agreed to leave peacefully. With little hesitation, Cribur offered himself in penance once more to the cleric, allowing himself to be purged of the curse and then submitted himself to be taken to the Guild of the Guerdon without issue.

Having learnt that he was not the first to be lead to the Matron House by Lady, Dov knew it wasn't a coincidence and that if he wanted answers about Lady he would likely find them here. Before taking Cribur into the dungeons to await sentencing, Dov gifted him a small figurine of Aita, which was in turn given to him by Illana. If this figure had guided Cribur to a better life he should hold onto that as a reminder.

Dov was eager to return to the Matron House, since he meet Lady he was seemingly being taught the ways of Aita and now having found a connection to both her and Lady, Dov was hungry to found out more. In contrast to the usual, this time Lady called and Dov would be the one to answer...