Moorak Drake

Class: fighter / mage
Level: 9th / 13th
Alignment: lawful good
(with neutral tendancies)
Deity: Bahamut
Religion: Draconic

Strength: 18/00
Intelligence: 18
Wisdom: 14 (15)
Dexterity: 15
Constitution: 14
Charisma: 12
Perception: 14

Hit Points: 99
Armor Class: -5
MAC: -3

Weapons: battle axe, two-handed sword, bastard sword, long sword, long bow, mace, spear, throwing dagger, staff

Skills: armorer, swimming, dragon knowledge (x2) (minor sage), dragon handling, dragon and horseback riding, kindredbond (with Tycho)

Languages: Common, Elvish, Oerid, Dwarvish, Crat, Hobbit, Gold Dragon, Orcish, Kobold, Sprite, Dragon & Reptile Tongue

Social Level: 18++++
(living legend & famous folk hero)

Titles: Baron of Amberwood, Knight of the Hart, Champion of Bahamut

Allies: Rhanée StrongArm (high priestess), Arianna Devinshire, Arch-Duchess Damelia St Karlon, Aarondella Nimrith-Drake (wife), Baroness Caeleia Drake (twin sister), Sage (Edulis) Drake (sister-in-law), Black Robe, Margus Jamiah, Treblo SkyMage (former mentor), Rhom StrongArm, Artec Artlen (vassal), Amajaro, Goldilox Took, Fanor Wolvesbane, Nightfall, J.R., the people of Amberwood, Pope Hazem (cool but mutually helpful)

Enemies: Baron Bleys Argyle of Graystone, many members of the Church of Angellus and the Council of Peers (nobles) of Furyondy, the Horned Society, Tiamat, Frazz'Urb'Luu, Bilwhr

Companions:
Akira "Menace" -- female fire drake, 24 hp, AC 5, 4 Hd, 6"/18", 2-8 or 2-16 @ 60'x10'cone, MM and slash scars on wings, nearly always stoneskinned, youthened 5 years via potion of longevity (usually has a stoneskin and armor spell from Moorak)

Tycho -- huge young-adult male brass dragon, 54 hp, AC -6, 12 Hd, 12"/32"c, 1-6/1-6/4-16 and/or 2-8 (tail slap), sleep gas or fear gas, teleport 1/day, ring of +6/+1 protection (ornately wrought white gold, 2200gp), ring of invisibility (plain silver band, 50gp), scarab of protection (on a thick dragon-hide choker) (golden bat in a stylized discus shape, 1800gp), ring of invisibility (plain silver band, 50gp) (carried in small pouch behind chocker)

XPs: 1,278,203 (as mage)

Special Abilities:
Moorak has bathed in numerous dragons' blood and gained the following special abilities: base AC of 0; +2 to all saves, +8 vs fire, +6 vs poison gas & electricity, +5 vs cold, +4 vs confusion, +3 vs acid. He also gained dragon senses to 13’ and +4 to surprise rolls

Moorak also once drank a potion of flight and a potion of healing at the same time, resulting in permanent flight (as the potion), however, because of this, he RARELY drinks potions anymore (he never knows what might react with that flight effect!)

Finally, Moorak can heal himself 1d6 of damage 1/day

Magical Items:
Moorak's Heart -- brass LUCKSTONE (10gp) on Mithril chain (4000gp) around neck specially enchanted to always use the best saving throw chart (guarded by Magic Mouths)

Ring of Spell Turning -- gold ring with four very small emeralds (1900gp) on left hand

Ring of Wizardry -- platinum ring wrought and crafted with ivory, pearl and opal on right hand (6000gp) [Doubles 1st lvl spells]

Gem of Insight -- very large, nigh-perfect, hobbit-fist sized emerald (15,000gp) in a small pouch [grants +1 Wisdom]

Bracer's of Shocking Grasp -- large gold wrought bracers (6000gp) (1d8+6 damage)

"Gaston" -- +1 dagger which is neutral, detects magic & traps @ 10' & detects good/evil @ 20', talks with a French accent, and likes Moorak but gives him a hard time

Rod of Lordly Might (25) -- +4 Battle Axe, +3 Spear, +2 Mace, +1 Flaming sword

Staff of Power (11) -- large (6') slightly twisted, sturdy oaken staff with: Continual Light, Darkness 5' radius, Levitation, Magic Missile, Ray of Enfeeblement, Fireball, Shield 5' radius, Paralyse, Globe of Invulnerability, Retributive Strike and +2 to hit, AC & with all saves

Amulate vs Undead (allows turning as 5th lvl cleric -- like a "legitimate" faith!) -- large wrought platinum amulate w/ rampant black dragon (4,000gp)

Pouch of Accessibility -- large, leather "shoulder bag" looking vaguely Amerind
Holds 30 upto 100gp / 1 cubic foot items

Dragon's Bane Broach -- silver broach inset with rune-encrusted dragon's tooth -- grants +2 vs non-damaging dragon breath attacks, +0 but save as a monk vs damaging attacks (no damage if successful)

and (stored in safe-keeping as a holy item) the Fourth ORB OF DRAGONKIND -- 6" intricately carved black and white ivory orb, age lvl 4, 12 Int and Ego, gives whoever holds it: Immunity to dragon breath of oppositely aligned dragons, +8 saves vs evil dragons, +4 saves vs good dragons, 40' dragon senses, young adult dragon shapechange 1/day, charms dragons of type or younger, but wielder must save or be forced to charm any dragon met, wielder cannot harm dragons of the charmed type, all dragons know exactly what the orb is and can sense it, bearer is treated as a dragon for all "magical" purposes

as well as various scrolls and a few potions (mostly healing)

Spells:

- 1st Level -
Magic Missile
Sleep
Feather Fall
Reduction
Detect Magic
... plus ...
Read Magic
Identify
Unseen Servant
Charm Person
Mending

- 2nd Level -
Invisibility
Mirror Image
Moorak's Empathic Healing (*)
Improved Doomblade (*)
Strength

- 3rd Level -
Slow
Lightning Bolt
Item
Moorak's Anchor (*)
Alternate Reality (TOM)

- 4th Level -
Dimension Door
Stoneskin
Moorak's Temporal Fugue (*)
Polymorph Self

- 5th Level -
Teleport
Timeheal (Dragonlance)
Sending
Breathblock (Draconomicron)

- 6th Level -
Eyebite
Control Weather

Race: human
Sex: male
Age: 31 (actually 51, born: 559 / 5 / 14)

Hair: golden
(medium length, thick and straight)
Eyes: amber
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 280 lbs
Handednesss: left

Physical Description:
Moorak appears in his early-thirties. He has medium-length golden hair and a matching full beard as well as amber colored eyes. Moorak stands six foot two and weighs some 280 pounds. His frame is large and extremely well-muscled and his strength rivals many of Oerth's strongest warriors. Although Moorak doesn't wear armor, he is immediately recognized as a fighting lord by his size and shape if not his presense and bearing (and battle axe!).

Moorak usually dresses in a large white shift, tan breeches, reddish-brown boots and belt, a saffron cloak, brass bracers, a few rings, a quarter staff, a battle axe, and several weapons. Moorak is never without his "silver" neckchain and the lump of brass it suspends around his thick neck. Usually also around his neck is Ashira, Moorak's pet fire drake. Moorak's sun-taned skin goes well with the more sedate colors he wears; all variations on golds, dull reds and hues of brown.

Personality:
Moorak's strongest features are his sense of justice and heroism. To those he sees as neophyte adventurers, Moorak expresses a fatherly watchfulness and protectiveness. Toward assassins, Moorak displays unveiled contempt. To the common man and the forces of Good, he is a defender and champion. By his own admission, Moorak is something of a paladin, albeit one not overtly restricted by rules. Although strongly devoted to Bahamut, rather than take on the role of holy warrior, the dragon-rider has taken on the role of hero and avenger. Often, Moorak shields his companions from danger; seeking out retribution if this fails. One of Moorak's favorite quotes is "Sometimes a paladin cannot do what a paladin must!" That then is his niche, to serve Bahamut in his own manner, without the restrictions and constraints of paladinhood.

Occasionally, Moorak worries that strangers view him as a marginally-ethical, power-horder. He knows that some people see him larger than life, but Moorak greatly dislikes this sort of hero-worship and such makes him quite uncomfortable.

Moorak's views of other people vary according to their level of power. Most people are normal and as such should be protected by those, like himself, with great power. "With great power comes even greater resposibility," as he would say. Neophyte adventurers and others with potential are like teenage children; they should be encouraged to explore and be ethical but at the same time these people need a certain level of sheltering. Fellow adventurers are potential allies, albeit usually on a lesser level. Those few people who's power is equal to the dragon-rider's are welcomed as competent beings, capable of handling taxing situations and, if ethically compatable, trusted.

Evil creatures, on the other hand, regardless of level are viewed as potential enemies. Moorak holds out a hope to turn the moral outlook of those of lower level. Powerful, high-level evil beings are dangerous -- Moorak avoids these creatures, thwarting them when possible.

Moorak is prone to overkill -- he overdoses to make sure he's covered all his bases. If one magic missile should kill a monster, three certainly will! He is known for bragging to a foe that his (in reality +1) weapon just happens to be of slaying, vorpal or the like. Likewise, he has been known to jump in front of lower-leveled compatriots and absorb damage for them. Finally, he enjoys "going for the gusto" and "mixing it up" -- although a powerful mage, Moorak often reacts like a fighter in battle.

An extremely gentle and loving father, there is nothing Moorak would not do for his children. They are the center of his world, more important to him than his kingdom or even than his faith (hence why he's not a cleric or witch!). Likewise, his extended family (twin sister, brother, father, cousins, nephews, etc) take precedence over nearly anything.

Moorak feels love, friendship, community, and family are tremendously important. Love is a need that nearly all thinking creatures possess, whatever their form or homeland. Hand-in-hand with love comes friendship and united together, there is little a group of friends cannot do. Many of the dragon-rider's greatest exploits have been possible only through the aid of one or more of his adventuring companions. Moorak greatly enjoys the company of others, a fact made all the more clear to him after his year-long quest from Bahamut. He is not a socialite and dislikes most of that ilk. All the same, Moorak is quite gregarious. It is part of the dragon-lord's nature to enjoy having friends throughout the world.

Love attracts. Fear repels. But when resolving conflicts, fear can be quite a useful tool. On the battle field, fear prevents unneeded bloodshed and during negotiations fear can hedge away violence. With the proper application of intimidation against those of cross-purposes, a man can accomplish works greater than himself. Although Moorak often bluffs, brags or boasts to cow his opponents into submission, he never does so unless a conflict requires it. In truth, Moorak is rather mild-mannered personally and, especially since his time with the Lord of Dragons, humble.

Moorak wishes to leave his mark on Oerth. He has slain countless dragons and giants which have plagued the land. Moorak is a recognized servant and champion of Bahamut. His current goal is to legitimize the Cult of Bahamut in Amberwood and the rest of Furyondy. In his fief, good witches are welcome and the population is required to use any spell-casting for weekly public service, somewhat like the communal emphasis found in Amish communities.

Personal History:
Moorak has been adventuring on Oerth for nearly 30 years and amased a horde of experience, gold and heroic deeds. He is known from the mountains of the Yeomanry to the plains of the Duchy of Urnst and from the forested reaches of Furyondy to the tip of the Hold of the Sea Princes. During his career, Moorak has raised three orphaned dragons (Tycho, Baahamar and Mirrana), recovered the legendary Dragon Crown, destroyed the Stalker of the Oracle, defeated an invasion by several species of giants, annihilated an assassin's guild, banished the avatar of Fraz'urb'luu from Oerth, quested for a year in service to Bahamut, recovered the fourth Orb of Dragonkind, served Bahamut on the Elemental Plane of Air for one month, traveled to other worlds as Bahamut's champion for one month, battled numerous demons and devils, been (literally) to Hell and back to avenge himself against two barbed devils, fought for the rebellion in Furyondy and later defended the land by destroying the forces of the Horned Society, crafted three new mage spells, planned and executed the destruction of the illithid brain pool under Neregan, helped pull together the destruction of the mind flayer on Luna, completely rebuilt and expanded the fief of Amberwood and established a sanctuary for good witches therein. Recently Moorak accompanied the Master Thief, Sean Talgris, on his quest to destroy evil in Lolth's Demonweb in the Abyss. While the mission was of marginal success, it challenged Moorak's worldview, for he briefly experienced life in the body of a werepanther and gained detailed insight into Sean's life history. Moorak's most famous accomplishments, however, deal with the numerous dragons he has slain. His own favorite deeds, however, are the raising of his sons, Garlok, Malok and Jenner, and his daughters, Robyndella and Kymmera.

Moorak worships one god: Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon. Since his late teenage years, Moorak has been a member of the Cult of Bahamut. His relationship with the King of Good Dragons has grown more personal and intense over the years. When the dragon-rider established his first weyr, the Dragon Heights, his devotion had grown to the point where Moorak openly acknowledged his faith and placed a statue of the Platinum Dragon at the entryway to the main cavern.

When Moorak was a 9th level fighter and wizard, he called on Bahamut for the first time. The purpose of the divine intervention was for the Platinum Dragon to grant Moorak wisdom and personal strength before an important talk with the dragons of the weyr.

Since that one time, Moorak has called upon Bahamut only one other time. He and his brother, Shang-lung, were adventuring in the wilds, west of Hool. There they were ambushed by a half dozen type IV and type V demons sent by agents of Frazz'Urb'Luu. The battle quickly turned against the brothers. In an act of desperation, Moorak invoked Bahamut and Sent to Treblo for aid. When Rhanée and Treblo teleported to Moorak's aid, they were joined by a gold dragon.

In thanksgiving for Bahamut's aid, Moorak undertook a year long quest for the Platinum Dragon. Bahamut's requirement for the quest was for Moorak to journey across the Flanese without ever asking for the aid of or making contact with the dragon-rider's friends. During his travels, Moorak met many different good-aligned creatures and vanquished even more monsters. He furthered the cause of good in numerous ways. And his devotion to Bahamut grew further. Early on, however, Moorak's life was saved by a leandar (lion-like humanoid) paladin named, Tramiar. Later when Tramiar was mortally wounded, Moorak hedged his quest by teleporting the crat to SkyHaven with a note begging his friends to heal the fallen paladin. Without being seen, Moorak departed. Moorak justified his actions by saying the restrictions were placed on him to show him his dependencies upon others. This, however, was a matter of life and death to another friendly and like-minded being. The Platinum Dragon couldn't be so literal as to demand this noble warrior's death. Moorak kept the letter of Bahamut's injunctions, but saved the life of a noble and good creature. Surely Bahamut could see no wrong in this...

Bahamut demanded another month of Moorak's service. For 28 days, at the end of his quest, Moorak served the Platinum Dragon in his court on the Elemental Plane of Air. There Moorak served as Bahamut's champion throughout the Prime Material Plane. Just as a gold dragon saved the dragon-rider a year before, so now Moorak was sent throughout the cosmos to aid other worshippers of the King of Good Dragons.

Moorak considers himself a chosen champion of Bahamut. To Moorak's mind, this means he is a paladin but without all the restrictions. Through Bahamut's guidance, Moorak has attained a tremendous level of power. This he uses for the forces of Law and Good, often in ways a paladin is incapable of performing. He is the "Commando Paladin" who is "rough around the edges" and therefore capable of performing those necessary actions for the faith that are impossible for paladins to do (hanging out with druids, casting necromantic spells, stealthy dealings, etc). As Moorak points out, there are dragons of all alignments who worship Bahamut, not just lawful good

In many ways Moorak devotion is as intense as that of a paladin or cleric. Moorak has sacrificed so many magical items to the Platinum Dragon, that he has been asked to give them away for the betterment of goodness throughout the world instead. Moorak has personally served Bahamut and feels he is the Platinum Dragon's chief warrior on Oerth. To this end, Moorak has begun risking his status as a baron by pushing for the acceptance of the Cult of Bahamut in Oerth, specifically in his fief of Amberwood.

A Baron in title and a Lord in fighting prowess, Moorak is also a full-fledged wizard, having studied under his former adventuring companion, Treblo SkyMage of Greyhawk. Moorak counts among his friends the Druid, Margus Jamiah, his fellow Lord of Furyondy, Bart Silverwind, his high-elven wife, the archer/bard, Aarondella Nimrith-Drake, the Witch-Priestess of Bahamut, Rhanée StrongArm, and his near-constant companion, the brass dragon he raised from an egg, Tycho. Moorak's other friends, companions, and adventuring allies include: the paladin and Grand-Duchess of Furyondy, Damelia St Karlon, the shaman, Black Robe, Arianna Devonshire, priestess of Athena, the master-smith of Klarr, Rhom StrongArm, Sage Edulis, High-Priestess of Wee Jas, Master Thief and neophyte mage, Sean Talgris, Artec Artlen, a half-orcish archer who seems to attract curses, the hobbit "adventurer" Goldilox Took(-and-didn't-even-think-of-giving-back), Moorak's blood-sister, Fanor Wolvesbane, his blood-brothers, "Junior" the lizard man and Nightfall, a wood-elven archer/thief-acrobat, and (to a lesser extent) the Talgris clan of Eon (more Jessica than Kalavor) and their compatriots.

Moorak is an admitted worshipper of the pagan god, Bahamut, Lord of Dragons. This makes him a non-believer to the faiths of Angellus, St Cuthbert, and their ilk. But it is here that Moorak's reputation serves his best, for although such a heathen would normally never be suffered in the "Paladin Nation" of Furyondy, Moorak's deeds preceded him. When then-Princess-elect Damelia St. Karlon invested him with Lordship and the Lands of Amberwood, only a few priests raised their voices to oppose him. Their protests went unrecognized.

Moorak had your basic "ethical and structured" up-bringing. He saw the advantages of team-work and organization. He enjoys the company of others. Goodness brings the greatest benefit to all and requires the least amount of internal vigilance. In short, Moorak bumbled into being lawful good. When he discovered the Cult of Bahamut, this suited him and he adopted the religion of Dragonkind.

Moorak also has slight neutral tendencies which come from several quarters. In one part, there are certain activities that are of questionable morality that Moorak performs anyway. These include animating the dead (used to perform an action which would cost someone their life), ruthlessly stalking and slaying hostile creatures (dragons, giants, demons, etc), stealing/coercing/forcing/charming/etc to perform some action for the greater good (in other words letting the ends justify questionable means). Moorak does what has to be done and "damn the consequences!"

Moorak actively promotes the forces of Good. When possible he contributes to their causes. Moorak encourages those he deals with to be Good and on several occasions has limited his aid to non-Good beings. All the same, Moorak recognizes that the multiverse is a vast place with many places for those of differing views. Moorak greatly respects druids and the Cycle of Life. Therefore he doesn't try to make huge or lasting changes which would disrupt the balance too much. He does seek to encourage as many people as possible to take up the cause of Good, or at the very least Neutrality. Moorak's goal is to slant the distribution of alignments toward good, without extinguishing the existence of evil and the balance of other viewpoints.

When dealing with other lawful good creatures, Moorak often feels restricted. He finds that many lawful goods don't take a complete enough view of the whole universe and don't realize there are other valid points of view within it. They are locked along a single track. Moorak may try to broaden the horizons of other lawful goods if he cares for them or limit interaction if the person is set in her ways.

The flip side of this is that Moorak actively attacks and undermines the forces of Evil. An attack upon an evil stronghold "to break up the day" is exactly Moorak's style. He has warned the neighboring domains of the Horned Society that any attack upon his fief, Amberwood, would be met with bloody retribution upon the staging-grounds of the attack. He has cast more than one Death Spell upon enemy troops or villages.

In Amberwood, in fact, Moorak has decreed it a crime to be of evil alignment. Those caught will be exiled. If any return, they will be put to death. While this may seem to conflict with Moorak's generally tolerant attitudes, remember that Amberwood is within Furyondy AND the dragon-rider has officially sanctioned and invited pagans and witches of good alignment to dwell in his fief. He seeks to create an island of open-minded goodness within the greater nation of strict paladinhood that is Furyondy.

Some of Moorak's other goals include:

* The well-being of his children. He wants them to be safe and happy. To this end Moorak wants the children to become skilled and powerful -- therefore able to shape their own lives and destinies.

* For as long a life as possible, so he could spend time with his children when they are his age. He is rather concerned that he will die before his half-elven children really develop into the wonderful individuals they have the potential to become. For Moorak to live as long as an elf or dragon would be ideal.

* For Tiamat, Frazz'Urb'Luu, Bilwhr and his other extra-planar foes to restrict their anger and vengeance to him and not include his family and friends.

Moorak rarely adventures these days, save when some great threat appears. He prefers to spend his time with his children, family and friends. Indeed, he has little freetime now that he is the Baron of Amberwood. He has spent a wealth of time and gold rebuilding the fiefdom he has been given. He has worked hard to create a more tollerant domain within his fief, one where good witches may dwell in peace. Although his nobility was granted to him, Moorak's own reputation exceeds the social standing of a Duke. Indeed, his bloodline traces back to the Aerdy Lords of old. In his hometown of Ningal, City of Witches, Moorak's father, Venturus Drake, schooled Moorak, his twin sister, Caeleia and elder brother, Shang-lung in the tongue and history of the Oerdians. Other members of Moorak's family include his cousins, Raitan and Kara Drake, and their father, Vladimir Drake.

A few other notes:

Moorak harbors a great deal of mistrust for lycanthropes of all alignments. Ironically, in recent months Moorak has had several dealings with "heroic" werecreatures (read: non-evil). Moorak met and adventured briefly with the werebear, Kalavor Talgris, in order to thwart the threat of an evil high-priestess and her green dragon ally. Later, Moorak's consciousness was briefly transplanted into the body of the werepanther, Wooden Thighs. Although these two encounters have helped the dragon-rider with his prejudice, but he still has serious issues with most lycanthropes, regardless of alignment. Briefly living life through Wooden Thigh's eyes showed Moorak just how wild and unpredictable werecreatures can be!

Moorak knows about psionics and is quite respectful of their power. He has battled illithid on numerous occasions and even spent a few moments on one of their homeworlds. Mind flayer are one threat that Moorak will deal with exceedingly brutality and ruthlessness.

While early in Moorak's adventuring career, he slew many evil dragons which were marauding the world, he does not hate these creature. Moorak will still happily take out any draconic threat he hears of, but he has also learned to befriend those dragons which are not evil, such as the crystal dragon, Shaa, or which can be turned from evil, including the red dragon, Baahamar.

Moorak's wife, Aarondella Nimrith-Drake, is a beautiful, gentle, high-born high elf. She and Moorak have been married more than 22 years and have four children (Garlok, Robyndella, Jenner, and Kymmera). Moorak and Aarondella secretly eloped since her family didn't like the idea of their "white rose" sullying herself with a "wild, hairy, short-lived, thick-bodied, adventuring thug". But it was Moorak's human traits, his vitality, his drive, his dynamism, which Aarondella found most appealing and intoxicating. Unfortunately, those same traits have been difficult for the elf to deal with on a daily basis for more than twenty years. The couple's relationship has cooled; while they are remain in love, much of the passion has faded. In many ways Aarondella longs for the quiet, withdrawn simplicity of the elven world. Instead, she is the baroness of a controversial kingdom of humans. She does what she can to bring "elven civilization" to her land and shield her children from the more base traits of humanity. Unfortunately, these goals sometimes run afoul of Moorak's. Her greatest struggle, however, is dealing with her step-son, Malok.

Before he and Aarondella were wed, Moorak had a drunken encounter with a drow. Malok was the result. In a nutshell, Malok's mother died and Moorak found out about the boy (then 2 years old). He naively insisted Aarondella help him raise the half-drow. The resulting racial-friction has been a source of tension for nearly two decades, only further pushing the couple apart. Aarondella prays daily to Hanali Celanil, her patron deity, for guidance. Meanwhile, the relationship grows colder. Only recently has Moorak had encounters with other drow; he finds himself at difficulty reconciling the savage brutality and gleeful evil he has found in this race he previously knew by their beauty, sensuality, and passion.

Moorak was created on November 19th, 1982 -- yup, that's nearly 20 years ago. He's been in-play on and off ever since.

© 2001 buddhabear@geocities.com