Prompt – “Cryptid” I went with the Hodag simply because he is a cutie that I associate with Paul Bunyan (to whom my father-in-law bears a bit of a resemblance today, given his big appetite and the red plaid flannel shirt he is wearing today).
From – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hodag In American folklore, the hodag is a fearsome critter resembling a large, bull-horned carnivore with a row of thick, curved spines down its back. The hodag was said to be born from the ashes of cremated oxen, as the incarnation of the accumulated abuse the animals had suffered at the hands of their masters. The history of the hodag is strongly tied to Rhinelander, Wisconsin, where it was claimed to have been discovered. #doodle #cryptid #hodag #mdwc24 #mdwc24d19 https://www.instagram.com/p/DBUPjYfx3Nu/?igsh=MXI4dnp4eGd2dGlscg==
Other Notable Skills: Stonecunning (doubled proficiency on History checks related to stonework)
Saving Throws
Proficiencies: Wisdom, Charisma
Proficiencies and Languages
Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields
Weapons: Simple weapons, warhammers
Tools: Smith’s tools, mason’s tools
Languages: Common, Dwarvish
Equipment
Weapon: Warhammer
Shield: Standard shield with holy symbol of Moradin
Armor: Chain mail
Other Gear: Explorer’s pack, holy symbol, prayer book, 5 sticks of incense, vestments, a set of common clothes, and a belt pouch containing 15 gold pieces
Features and Traits
Darkvision: 60 feet
Dwarven Resilience: Advantage on saving throws against poison, and resistance to poison damage
Stonecunning: Expertise in History checks related to stonework
Divine Domain: Earth (Custom domain based on the Grave Domain with Earth-themed spells)
Earth Domain Features
Bonus Cantrip: Mold Earth (Xanathar’s Guide to Everything)
Feature: Shelter of the Faithful – As an acolyte, you command the respect of those who share your faith, and you can perform the religious ceremonies of your deity.
Character Backstory
Durin Stoneheart grew up in a dwarven stronghold, where he was trained in the ways of the cleric under the watchful eye of the temple elders. He showed an early affinity for the earth, often spending time in the deepest mines and caverns, feeling a connection to the stone and earth around him. His devotion to Moradin and his connection to the earth led him to become a cleric specializing in earth magic, using his abilities to protect his people and sanctify the earth.
Personality Traits
Trait 1: I am utterly serene, even in the face of disaster.
Trait 2: I’ve spent so long in the temple that I have little practical experience dealing with people in the outside world.
Ideals
Respect: People deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.
Tradition: The ancient traditions of worship and sacrifice must be preserved and upheld.
Bonds
Temple: The temple where I served is the most important place in the world to me.
Goal: I seek to prove myself worthy of Moradin’s blessings by protecting the earth and my people.
Flaws
Trusting: I place too much trust in those who wield power within my temple’s hierarchy.
Adventure Hook
Durin Stoneheart has been sent on a quest by the temple elders to investigate a series of mysterious earthquakes that have been plaguing nearby settlements. Believing these tremors to be a sign of divine displeasure or a disturbance in the natural order, Durin must use his earth magic and clerical abilities to uncover the source and restore balance.
Durin Stoneheart is a stout and stocky dwarf, typical of his kin, with a solid build that reflects his endurance and connection to the earth. Here’s a more detailed description of his appearance:
Height: 4’6″
Build: Broad and muscular, with powerful arms from years of smithing and mining.
Skin: His skin is a deep, weathered tan, as if it’s been dusted by the earth itself, with small scars and callouses from his time underground.
Hair: His thick, braided beard is a rich, dark brown, streaked with the occasional hint of silver. His hair is long and tied back into several braids that hang down to his shoulders.
Eyes: His piercing gray eyes resemble polished stone, with a sense of calm wisdom and determination in them.
Armor: Durin wears well-crafted chainmail, darkened with soot and engraved with dwarven runes. His shield is made of reinforced stone and iron, bearing the holy symbol of Moradin, a hammer and anvil, etched with precision.
Clothing: Over his chainmail, he wears a heavy leather cloak adorned with earthen tones—browns, greens, and grays—which helps him blend into rocky surroundings. The cloak is fastened with a stone-carved brooch in the shape of a mountain.
Warhammer: His warhammer is a formidable weapon, its head carved from stone, bound with metal, and engraved with sacred runes. It reflects his connection to both his deity and the earth, and he wields it with reverence.
Overall, Durin’s look is that of a seasoned warrior-priest—rugged and durable, a dwarf of the earth who stands firm against any force that threatens his people or the natural world.