.Children of the Rune Champion of Life: Hvanen

From "Not Without Cost" by Monte Cook

Character stats by Monte Cook

Hvanen was born 35 years ago in a small verrik town named Irichzal. Although his paternal grandfather had been a renowned adventurer and explorer, his parents were simple herders. His childhood was peaceful, and his life looked to be one of a gentle goatherd. His parents taught him to value life above all other things. He took these teachings to heart and learned to care for both animals and plants with a compassion that others only barely understood. His family remarked on his connection with all living things as he grew into adulthood.

Hvanen's life changed drastically at the age of 29 when a verrik witch named Xelhah came into power and took command of Irichzal. Although no one knows for sure (and Hvanen won't confirm or deny), some people say that Hvanen's rune appeared at that exact moment. The young verrik had little time to adjust to his new state as a runechild, for life got much more complicated -- and much more dangerous -- in Irichzal.

Xelhah brutalized the town and exploited its people for his own ends, his guards literally stealing from the citizens in the name of their master. Anyone who objected or resisted was imprisoned or slain. Hvanen railed at this treatment of his kin, particularly as he watched Xelhah's soldiers murder those he knew, and many he loved. Hvanen found himself with his grandfather's ancient Vnaxian sword in hand, leading some of the more able-bodied verrik in a resistance against Xelhah. This was an extraordinarily difficult time for Hvanen, for -- although he became adept at it -- he loathed taking lives, or even entering situations where such a thing might be possible.

The struggle against Xelhah and his forces lasted four years, but eventually -- after appealing for and finally receiving help from Queen Uxmul -- Hvanen and his allies succeeded. Xelhah fled Irichzal. The people cried for vengeance, but Hvanen didn't believe in revenge. He only wanted to stop the unjust killings that Xelhah had masterminded. With that done, he longed for a nice long rest.

However, Xelhah was not gone for more than a day before more horrors from his regime came to light. Xelhah had discovered a rare and powerful necromantic spell called death's wind on a scroll. Knowing that the former tyrant would not hesitate to use the spell to slay hundreds of people, Hvanen used his runechild powers to track Xelhah to the giant-controlled lands to the north.

In combat, normally Hvanen uses his grandfather's sword, Xiridil, in both hands, although he will call a shield if he needs to, using his champion ability. Since he has Xiridil, he only uses his call weapon ability when he has no other choice.

Hvanen

Verrik (Runechild) Champion8 (Life): CR 8; Medium humanoid; HD 8d10+8 (53 hp); Init +2; Speed 20 feet; AC 17 (+2 Dex, +4 armor); touch 12, flat-footed 14; armor check penalty -1); BAB +8; Grapple +10; Single Atk +12 melee (1d8+5, critical 17-20/x2, longsword); Full Atk +12/+7 melee (1d8+5, critical 17-20/x2, longsword); SA Call weapon, life's wrath; SQ Call shield, call upon power, life's healing; Hero Points 2; SV Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +7; Str 15, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 9

Skills and Feats: Climb +11, Jump +11, Knowledge (geography) +4, Ride +4, Spot +6; Power Attack, Slippery Mind, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Specialization (longsword)

Call Shield (Sp): 1/day day for 8 minutes, summons a +2 long shield that a foe cannot take against his will, although it can be dispelled.

Call Upon Power (Su): 2/day, gains a +2 enhancement bonus to Strength and Constitution for up to 8 rounds as a free action.

Call Weapon (Sp): 1/day day for 8 minutes, summons a +2 weapon that a foe cannot take against Hvanen's will, although it can be dispelled.

Life's Healing (Sp): With a touch, the champion of life can heal someone who is wounded. Each day he can cure
8 hit points. Using this ability is a standard action.

Life's Wrath (Su): The champion gains a +2 luck bonus to attack and damage rolls against undead or when in a fight
against creatures intending destruction against nature, the spread of disease, or mass slaughter.

Runechild Powers (Sp): 3/day—object loresight, 1/day—locate creature*

Verrik Spell-Like Abilities (Sp): 1/day—contact, sense thoughts, lesser telekinesis

Possessions: Xiridil, a +2 keen longsword, +1 leather coat, masterwork dagger, 34 gp

* Hvanen's locate creature runechild ability is nonstandard. As seen in Children of the Rune, DMs are encouraged to allow alternate and variant runechild powers, as appropriate.

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