Thokku of the Still Voice, a Orc Bard — D&D 5e NPC portrait
#0036

Thokku of the Still Voice

"The Architect of Silence"

Male (He/Him) · 44 years

Ability Scores

STR
14
+2
DEX
14
+2
CON
16
+3
INT
15
+2
WIS
12
+1
CHA
20
+5

Combat

Armor Class
15
Glamoured Studded Leather
Hit Points
115
Hit Dice: 14d8
Initiative
+2
Speed
30 ft.
Proficiency
+5
Passive Perception
16

Attacks

Silver-Tongued Rapier+71d8+2 piercing
Vicious MockeryDC 18 Wis3d4 psychic

Personality

Personality

Speaks with terrifyingly precise elocution; never raises his voice; constantly adjusts his silk cuffs to ensure they are symmetrical.

Ideal

Order. Chaos is a disease of the unguided mind; I am the cure.

Bond

The Gilded Muzzle is not just my focus; it is the physical manifestation of my self-control.

Flaw

He is physically nauseated by 'improper' behavior or crude language, often losing focus if a guest uses the wrong fork.

Backstory

Thokku was born to the Burning Eye clan, a society that valued the volume of one's war-cry above all else. As a youth, he watched his father—a titan of muscle and rage—be undone not by a blade, but by a three-sentence decree from a distant human magistrate. The realization hit Thokku like a thunderclap: physical strength is a localized tremor, but the right word, spoken in the right ear, is a tectonic shift. He chose to abandon the drum for the quill, and the axe for the silvered tongue, eventually murdering his chieftain with a whisper that convinced the man's own shadow to strangle him.

He spent decades infiltrating the most prestigious magical academies, enduring the 'savage' slurs of his peers while he meticulously mastered the school of Enchantment. He eventually forged 'The Gilded Muzzle,' a jaw-restraint made of enchanted gold wire that focuses his orcish bellows into precise, needle-like vibrations of arcane command. Thokku now operates as a freelance 'harmonizer,' hired by desperate kings to end civil wars by simply removing the free will of the instigators. To him, a world of puppets is a world without widows, and he is the only one fit to hold the strings.

Abilities & Actions

The Gilded Muzzle (Signature Item)

While wearing this item, Thokku's Enchantment spells are cast as if using a 6th-level slot. Additionally, any creature charmed by Thokku must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be unable to speak any words that Thokku has not pre-approved, their voice physically catching in their throat.

Protocol of the Still Voice

As a bonus action, Thokku can target one creature within 60 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Charisma saving throw or be forced to use its reaction to perform a socially appropriate gesture (a bow, a salute, or a handshake). If the creature fails, it takes 4d6 psychic damage if it attempts to take an aggressive action against Thokku before the end of its next turn.

Unfaltering Eloquence

Thokku is so practiced in deception and persuasion that he can't roll lower than a 10 on the d20 for Persuasion or Deception checks. Additionally, he can use his 'Infectious Inspiration' to turn a creature's missed attack into a moment of doubt, forcing them to subtract 1d10 from their next saving throw.

Mandatory Harmony (1/Day)

Thokku whispers a sequence of perfect, terrifying chords. Up to five creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom save or be affected by the 'Otto’s Irresistible Dance' spell simultaneously. While dancing, the creatures hum a hauntingly beautiful melody in perfect four-part harmony.

DM Notes

Thokku never blinks when speaking to PCs. He treats them like wayward children who haven't learned their manners. Sample dialogue: 'Your volume is... distressing. Please, lower your tone, or I shall be forced to remove it entirely.' Signature gesture: He meticulously cleans his tusks with a silk handkerchief after every sentence. He will immediately turn hostile if a PC interrupts him while he is pouring tea.