## Basic Information - **Race:** Human - **Role:** Renowned hunter - **Location:** Duskwatch, Deadwood Glade region, South Angoria - **Alignment:** [Likely Chaotic Good or Chaotic Neutral] - **Occupation:** Hunter, Scout, Local Legend ## Personality Bold, reckless, admired by locals ## Background Ralden Marric earned legendary status in Duskwatch through a single act of extraordinary courage: slaying a dire wolf that had been terrorizing settlements near the Deadwood Glade. The beast had killed multiple hunters and evaded militia patrols for weeks before Ralden tracked it alone into its den and emerged victorious. His trophy—the dire wolf's massive skull—hangs in [[Innkeep Varric Dolm|Varric Dolm]]'s inn, and his exploits are retold in a dozen variations around Duskwatch's hearths. That fame transformed him from skilled hunter into local hero, admired especially by common folk who rarely see such individual courage. ## Role in Duskwatch Ralden serves multiple functions: - Provides game meat for local markets - Scouts dangerous areas near Deadwood Glade - Trains younger hunters in tracking and survival - Investigates unusual animal behavior - Acts as unofficial ranger for the region - Serves as folk hero and inspiration Unlike the militia, which serves political masters, Ralden answers only to his own judgment and the needs of ordinary people. ## Political Position Ralden deliberately remains apolitical, viewing factional disputes as pointless distractions from real threats like dangerous predators, bandits, and the growing undead menace. His strong local support means factions approach him carefully—his endorsement would be valuable, but pressuring him would turn common people against them. His independence and popularity make him a rare figure who can speak truth to power without severe consequences. ## The Shadow Incident Recently, something unprecedented happened: Ralden claims his own shadow attacked him near the Rift Scar. He describes it pulling free from him, taking physical form, and attempting to strangle him before fleeing into the darkness. He barely escaped. The story sounds insane—animated shadows belong in ghost stories, not reality. But Ralden is neither drunk nor mad, and his reputation makes dismissing his account difficult. He has scratches and bruises consistent with being attacked, though by what remains unclear. Now he wants proof of what lurks near the Rift Scar, and he's willing to pay adventurers to investigate. ## Motivation for Investigation Ralden's motivations are complex: - **Pride:** Being attacked by his own shadow is humiliating; he needs vindication - **Fear:** Whatever did that could threaten others; it must be understood - **Reputation:** If he's going mad, better to know now; if he's not, he deserves vindication - **Responsibility:** As someone who protects the region, he can't ignore new threats ## Allies & Enemies **Potential Allies:** - Common people of Duskwatch (deeply admire him) - Other hunters and scouts - Innkeep [[Innkeep Varric Dolm|Varric Dolm]] (displays his trophy, tells his stories) - [[Captain Brannic Torrell]] (respect for fellow defender) - Healer [[Healer Marenna Vey|Marenna Vey]] (she probably treated his injuries) **Potential Enemies:** - Whatever attacked him near the Rift Scar - Those who view his independence as threatening - Anyone who wants to control or manipulate him **Complicated Relationships:** - All factions want his endorsement but can't get it - Some view him as fool for investigating Rift Scar - Others see him as necessary counterbalance to political paralysis ## Adventure Hooks - Claims his shadow attacked him near the Rift Scar; wants proof of what lurks there - May hire party to investigate shadow phenomenon - Could request escort into dangerous territories - Might need rescue if he recklessly investigates alone - Could discover crucial information about planar instability - May become key witness to Rift Scar's true dangers ## Connections - Story displayed in Innkeep [[Innkeep Varric Dolm|Varric Dolm]]'s establishment - Probably trained by or trains with militia scouts - Known to everyone in Duskwatch - May work with Scholar [[Scholar Jeren Malthis|Jeren Malthis]] investigating planar phenomena - Could coordinate with [[Captain Brannic Torrell]] on threats ## Notes for DMs Ralden represents the "local hero" archetype—someone ordinary people look up to because he achieved something extraordinary without political power or noble birth. His shadow encounter hooks directly into the Rift Scar's planar instability and [[Anam]]'s growing influence. **Character Dynamics:** - **Bold Courage:** Acts where others hesitate - **Reckless Confidence:** Doesn't properly assess dangers - **Folk Hero:** Common people's champion - **Apolitical:** Focused on real threats, not factional games - **Vulnerable Pride:** Shadow attack wounded his ego **Campaign Uses:** 1. **Quest Giver:** Hires party for Rift Scar investigation 2. **Local Contact:** Knows terrain and dangers 3. **Warning System:** His experiences foreshadow threats 4. **Rally Point:** Common people follow his lead 5. **Tragic Victim:** Could be corrupted/destroyed by what he's investigating **Plot Possibilities:** **The Shadow Investigation:** Multiple interpretation paths: - **Literal:** Shadows are animating due to Rift Scar planar damage - **Undead:** [[Anam]]'s power is creating shadow creatures - **Psychological:** Planar corruption causes hallucinations - **Possession:** Something is possessing victims via their shadows - **Warning:** The shadow was trying to communicate, not attack **Discovery Scenarios:** **Scenario 1 - Real Threat:** - Shadows near Rift Scar are indeed animating - Planar instability is weakening barrier between material and shadow plane - Ralden's attack is first of many - Players must prevent widespread shadow attacks **Scenario 2 - Targeted Attack:** - Something specifically targeted Ralden - His dire wolf kill angered an entity - Or he witnessed something he shouldn't have - Shadow attack was assassination attempt **Scenario 3 - Corruption:** - Ralden is being corrupted by Rift Scar exposure - Shadow represents manifestation of this corruption - He's becoming threat himself - Players must save or stop him **Scenario 4 - Warning:** - Shadow was trying to show him something - Attack was desperate attempt at communication - Entity near Rift Scar needs help - Investigation reveals unexpected ally **The Reckless Hero:** Ralden's boldness causes problems: - He investigates alone without proper preparation - Gets in over his head - Players must rescue him - Learn that courage without wisdom is dangerous **Fall of a Hero:** Tragic arc where Ralden becomes victim: - Rift Scar corruption transforms him - Shadow attachment turns him into monster - Players must stop the hero they admired - Common people devastated by his fall **Vindication:** Players prove Ralden was right: - Shadows are real threat - His reputation restored - Becomes valuable ally - Common people rally around validated hero **Political Exploitation:** Factions try to use Ralden's story: - Traditionalists: "See what happens investigating forbidden places!" - Progressives: "We need South Angoria help against these threats!" - Both distort his experience for political gain - Ralden caught in middle of propaganda war **Moral Questions:** - Should heroes investigate threats beyond their capability? - Is personal vindication worth risking others? - Can common people's faith in heroes be dangerous? - Should legends be protected from truths that diminish them? **Using Ralden Effectively:** **Establish Him Early:** Before the shadow incident becomes relevant: - NPCs mention his dire wolf deed - Players see his trophy at inn - Common people speak of him admiringly - Builds investment before complications arise **The Trophy:** The dire wolf skull in Varric's inn serves as: - Physical evidence of his heroism - Conversation starter - Symbol of what he represents - Contrast to current vulnerability **Make Him Likeable:** Ralden should be: - Genuinely brave, not arrogant - Concerned about others, not just glory - Self-deprecating about his fame - Willing to admit when he's scared This makes his potential corruption or death meaningful. **The Shadow Attack:** When describing the incident: - Make it terrifying and surreal - Physical evidence supports his story - Details are specific and consistent - But explanation remains unclear **Character Voice:** Ralden's dialogue should be: - Confident but not boastful - Practical hunting/tracking terminology - Occasional humor to deflect from fear - Working-class speech patterns Example: "Look, I've tracked wolf, bear, boar—things that'll kill you clean. But your own shadow coming alive? That ain't natural. Something's broken near that Rift, and if we don't figure out what, more folks than me are going to have bad days." **Relationship with Players:** **Initial Meeting:** - Friendly but cautious - Tests their competence - Shares information if they seem capable - Warns them about dangers **If Players Help:** - Genuine gratitude - Shares hunting knowledge - Becomes reliable contact - May join them on related quests **If Players Dismiss Him:** - Hurt and angry - Investigates alone (leading to trouble) - Common people view players negatively - Opportunity lost **Integration with Other NPCs:** **[[Innkeep Varric Dolm|Varric Dolm]]:** Proudly displays Ralden's trophy, embellishes his stories **[[Healer Marenna Vey|Marenna Vey]]:** Treated his injuries, worried about his mental state **Captain [[Captain Brannic Torrell|Torrell]]:** Respects him but wishes he'd work with militia **Innkeep [[Innkeep Varric Dolm|Varric Dolm]]:** Information source about Ralden's recent behavior **Scholar [[Scholar Jeren Malthis|Jeren Malthis]]:** Eager to study his shadow encounter **The Rift Scar Connection:** Ralden's encounter directly ties to: - Planar instability from the Rift Scar - [[Anam]]'s growing influence in the region - Shadow plane corruption - Weakening barriers between planes His story can be entry point for major campaign arc about Rift Scar's true nature. **Long-Term Potential:** **Ally Path:** - Becomes party's guide near Deadwood - Provides intelligence on threats - Rallies common people when needed - Represents voice of ordinary folk **Victim Path:** - Corruption progresses - Becomes tragic villain - Players face heartbreaking confrontation - His fall illustrates threat's severity **Survivor Path:** - Overcomes corruption through player help - Becomes symbol of resistance - Leads common people against darkness - Proof that ordinary people can face extraordinary evil **Death:** If Ralden dies, show the impact: - Common people mourn deeply - His trophy becomes memorial - Someone must fill his role - Region feels less safe without him **Adventure Frameworks:** **Investigation Quest:** 1. Players hired to investigate Ralden's claims 2. Travel to Rift Scar location 3. Encounter shadow phenomena 4. Discover evidence of planar instability 5. Return with proof that validates Ralden 6. Must deal with implications **Rescue Quest:** 1. Ralden investigates alone 2. Doesn't return on schedule 3. Players hired to find him 4. Discover he's trapped/corrupted 5. Must save him from consequences of recklessness 6. Learn about Rift Scar dangers firsthand **Prevention Quest:** 1. Ralden's shadow continues attacking him 2. Spreading to others who've been near Rift Scar 3. Players must stop epidemic 4. Investigation reveals cause 5. Must seal or repair planar damage 6. Save Ralden and others from shadow corruption Choose framework based on desired tone and campaign direction. Ralden works best as sympathetic figure whose courage and fame make him valuable, but whose recklessness and vulnerability make him tragic. He's proof that heroism isn't enough when facing cosmic horror—you also need wisdom, preparation, and sometimes just luck.