Archmage Barnaby Bounder — The Gentle Weaver of Afterglow

Ability Scores

STR

8

-1

DEX

14

+2

CON

16

+3

INT

20

+5

WIS

14

+2

CHA

14

+2

Combat

Armor Class: 15; Mage Armor/Dexterity
Hit Points: 128; Hit Dice: 18d6
Initiative: +7
Speed: 30 ft.
Proficiency: +6
Passive Perception: 18

Attacks

Preservation Touch+114d10 necrotic

Spellcasting (DC 19)+11Varies

Personality

Barnaby speaks with the slow, rhythmic cadence of a rocking chair. He frequently pauses to adjust his brass spectacles or twitch his pink nose at a pleasant scent. He refers to everyone as 'dear child' or 'little sprout,' regardless of their actual age or power.

Ideal

Preservation. The universe is a collection of beautiful moments; it is our duty to ensure none are forgotten or discarded.

Bond

The Velveteen Atlas. Within its pages are the only remaining maps of his lost warren and the names of every soul he has ever 'tended.'

Flaw

His loathing of violence makes him hesitate to act even when force is necessary; he would rather knit a sweater for a monster than slay it.

Backstory

In the frantic Warren of Briar-Down, Harengons lived fast and died young. Barnaby was the anomaly—a kit who preferred watching the slow creep of moss to the dash of the hunt. When a local blight claimed his entire lineage in a single season, Barnaby refused to accept the silence. He didn't turn to dark gods; he turned to the fundamental threads of the Weave, realizing that 'death' was merely a messy transition that could be tidied with enough care. He spent three centuries mastering the art of keeping things 'just as they were.'

He eventually transcended his mortal span by anchoring his own soul to the 'Velveteen Atlas,' a sentient book of maps that charts not just geography, but the warmth of memories. Barnaby now walks between worlds, a rabbit out of time. He treats the Multiverse as one giant, slightly chaotic garden. He views his necromancy as a form of celestial tailoring—mending the holes where a person used to be so that their wisdom doesn't leak out of the world. He is a grandfather to every orphan and a quiet tutor to every apprentice who fears the dark.

Abilities & Actions

Sturdy Frame for Memory (Passive)

Any undead Barnaby creates with 'Animate Dead' or 'Create Undead' has its alignment changed to Neutral Good. These creatures gain temporary hit points equal to his wizard level and have an Intelligence score of 10. They are dressed in colorful, non-magical garments and prefer performing domestic chores over combat.

The Velveteen Atlas (1/Day)

Barnaby opens his signature item to a specific page. For 1 hour, he and up to 6 creatures he chooses are under the effects of the 'Temple of the Gods' spell, appearing as a cozy, oversized rabbit hole filled with tea and blankets, regardless of the local environment.

Grandfather's Admonishment (Reaction)

When a creature Barnaby can see within 60 feet makes an attack roll, he can use his reaction to force them to make a DC 19 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the creature is overcome by a sudden sense of calm and perspective; it misses the attack and cannot take reactions until the start of its next turn.

Knit the Fraying Soul (3/Day)

Barnaby uses a strand of raw necromantic energy to mend a living being. He chooses a creature within 30 feet. That creature regains 4d8 + 5 hit points, and any 'frightened' or 'stunned' condition on them ends immediately.

DM Notes

Barnaby should never be the first to roll initiative. He starts every encounter by offering a beverage or a snack. Sample dialogue: 'Oh, slow down, little sprout. The world will still be there after a cup of dandelion tea. No need for all those sharp toys.' He reacts to threats with disappointed sighs rather than anger. If a player attacks his undead servants, he doesn't retaliate with damage, but rather uses 'Hold Monster' or 'Maze' to give the attacker 'time to think about their choices.'