Adventurers often need henchfolk and hirelings to round out their party. Often, however, such folk end up being nothing more than one-dimensional fighters, clerics or whatever.

Use these two NPCs to add depth and flavour to the henchfolk in your game.

Baredal Raulnor

This slender gnome wears worn and supple studded leather armour and carries a virtual arsenal of daggers about his person. He has a merry, welcoming smile.

Baredal Raulnor (CN male gnome thief 3) acts quickly and decisively without putting much thought into planning for the consequences of his actions. He is brave—almost suicidally so—and relentlessly seeks the next sliver of intoxicating excitement.

Personality: Adventure’s call resonates with Baredal, and he is never happier than when engaged on some (preferably dangerous) quest. He is a free spirit who lives in the moment; he rarely considers the consequences of his actions.

Mannerisms: Baredal speaks in clipped, excited tones and gesticulates expansively (and wildly).

Background: Both of Baredal’s parents were wildly overprotective and rarely let the young gnome out of their sight. When they died—protecting him and his brother from raiding kobolds—he vowed to see the world and to experience all he had missed.

Hook: Baredal always suggests—when he bothers to suggest anything—the most dangerous course of action. This could land his employers or companions in no end of peril.

Janaela Shakirae

A white surcoat emblazoned with a radiant sun covers this half-elf woman’s newly polished chain armour.

Janaela Shakirae (LG female half-elf cleric [Darlen] 1) serves her lord with joy and reverence. Although she loves her brethren and church, she has decided to walk the land to bring Darlen’s message and aid to as many folk as possible.

Personality: For Janaela, from grief came love and purpose. She has wholly accepted Darlen into her life and preaches his message whenever possible. Janaela is brave but cautious. In dangerous situations, she balances the help she can offer now against the help she could give over her long life.

Mannerisms: Janaela litters her speech with stories and praise of Darlen. Her favourite oath is, “By the Justiciar’s Blazing Orb!” She uses it at virtually any opportunity.

Background: Janaela was orphaned when she was ten. Given into the care of the clergy at Tor Abbey, she has served Darlen for her entire adult life.

Hook: Janaela only joins an adventuring party sharing her general ethos. She takes it upon herself to act as the group’s moral compass—even if she is not in charge. 

Want More?

The NPCs above appear in 20 Things #69: Henchfolk & Hirelings by Creighton Broadhurst.