Neriad

“I'm hiding from debt collectors!”– Episode 25, "Cherries"[edit]

**Neriad** is a failed wizard, turned hermit, who channels storm energy and

is a member of The Middle Men.

## **Background**

Decades ago, Neriad, a young, and impetuous human of low birth, failed Wizard school.

Losing the financial resources of the school, and beginning to have overwhelming financial problems due to his student loans, and various other debts, he began to have terrible dreams, and in these dreams the buildings and the walls of the city he lived in crashed around him.

After a week or two of back to back nightmares, he had had enough. He abandoned all he owned, escaping his debt, and headed for the far reaches of the world. With Proton his only companion, he survived there for roughly 50 years.

Now an old man, he dreams again. The dreams are no longer nightmares, but are visions of things to come. Visions of "The empty" swallowing his hermitage, and eventually the world.

It is a calling to return to civilization, of grand challenges, and a beginning to his new life of adventure.

## **Relationships**

#### **Proton**

A small, blue, lizard familiar? Summoning him was the last things that Neriad learned to do in wizard school... against the wishes of the faculty. Is he a true wizard familiar, or a crude variation of a different spell? It does not matter to Neriad, as Proton has been his constant and only companion for the last 50ish years.

#### **Gwendolyn Flannigan**

Neriad respects Gwen's instincts. He is completely unfamiliar to a civilized way of life, and pretending only gets you so far. Or so he thought. Gwen is a master of disguise, and helped refine Neriad from a mischievous old man pretending to fit in, into a con-man in training.

#### **Zaundur Drevayn**

A Dark Elf, skillful, and full of pride, and more lost in this world than Neriad. At first, he felt bad for him, but understands that he would never accept any sort of pity. Music is something that Neriad did not hear for a very long time. Not being musical himself, the closest thing he got on a regular basis were the songbirds. Now, having Zaundur around, music fills his ears regularly.

#### **Meena Moonbeam**

Meena was the first person to join Neriad in the fight against "The Empty." She understands that it is a threat to the world, and her village. Although an adult, she seems to have lead an incredibly sheltered life, which makes her seem childlike in her understanding of the world. He delights in watching her discover the world, and has an instinct to protect her, though this usually works out so that she is the one protecting him.

#### **Finnigan Flannigan**

The first time Neriad met Finn, he had the word "KING" written across his forehead. Finn is, to Neriad, the natural leader of "the Middlemen." His ideas usually make the most sense. Even the silly, and sometimes bread ideas. The spiritual power that Finn wields does not go un-noticed, and it will be required for the battles ahead. When surrounded by enemies, there is no-one he would rather have at his back.

#### **Matthias Huckleberry**

A small furry mouse creature, that Neriad found on the road. He speaks, so he has to be intelligent, and he values every life like they were best friends. Neriad also witnessed the lethal precision of his throwing darts after Matthias ran into combat, having bravery larger than his stature. Highly valued traits for an adventuring companion, and very easy to convince. Small things go missing sometimes, but since he doesn't have anything of value, he doesn't mind.

#### **Lexi Windfall**

Neriad has only known Lexi for a short period of time, but the majority of that time has been rather pleasant. She has a big sword. The big sword is the unpleasant bit, but he thinks he has her pointed in the right direction now.

## **Stats**

Advantage made to maintain concentration on a spell when you take damage

Advantage against harmful gasses and vapors (Necklace of Adaptation)