Ser Tessell Highfrost

Player: Paul
Status: Active
Race: Half-Elf
Class: Life Cleric
Level: 6
Tags: #pc #party-member #leader #healer #bane-watcher #tournament-competitor #noble

Stats

HP: 45/45 | AC: 18 | Speed: 30ft | Initiative: +1

Ability Scores

Saving Throws

Phsical Description

28 years old, 5'10" tall, 175lbs. Copper skin with white hair and green eyes. Wears chain mail armour. Permanent facial scar across face (Session 23 - iron chain whip during ethereal plane). Necrotic wound through right hand (Session 26 - caught Thalas's dagger).

Background

Life Cleric devoted to Ilmater, god of endurance. Leader of the Riders of the Storm. Formally knighted Session 26: Ser Tessell Highfrost, Knight of the Storm Riders. Self-sacrificing nature focused on healing and supporting others, enduring hardship for the greater good.

Military Rank: General of the Left (Session 26 - appointed by Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade)

Origin Story

Tessell Highfrost, a half-elf born to a modest family in the frigid embrace of the mountains, always felt the call to heal and comfort those in need. Despite the challenges of his mixed heritage, Tessell found solace and purpose in his devotion to Ilmater, the god of endurance and suffering.

One fateful night, as Tessell meditated in the solemn shrine dedicated to Ilmater within his village, he experienced a profound vision. In this vision, he felt the divine presence of Ilmater himself, a voice filled with compassion and determination calling out to him. Ilmater revealed to Tessell that an ancient relic of great power, capable of bringing comfort to the suffering and endurance to the weary, lay hidden in a distant land, awaiting discovery.

Recognizing the gravity of the task laid before him, Tessell knew that he was being called to a sacred quest. With unwavering faith and determination, he bid farewell to his village and set forth into the world, guided by the teachings of Ilmater and fueled by his own desire to bring healing and hope to those who suffered. Armed with his faith, his divine magic, and a heart brimming with compassion, Tessell Highfrost embarked on a journey that would test his endurance and shape his destiny as a beacon of light in a world shrouded in darkness, all in pursuit of the artifact that Ilmater had called him to find.

Equipment

Weapons

• Axe of Anger (primary melee weapon) - +2 Handaxe, used instead of mace when melee combat needed
• Mace - 1d6 bludgeoning (backup weapon)

Armour

• Chain mail - AC 18

Magic Items

• Permanent Lockpicks (see Homebrew#Permanent Lockpicks) - Can permanently lock anything, cannot unlock (looted from Ser Balthazar Thornwood)
• Ornate golden sash (Session 26 - symbolic item from Princess, marks military rank)
• Iron Circlet (Session 27 - reward from Fizwidget Spindleflash) - Simple iron band, magical properties unknown (requires Identify)

Other Gear

• Lute (purchased in Belendar - required for The Goddess Song ability)
• Standard adventuring equipment

Property

• Stormhold Keep - Co-ownership with party (Session 26 - official deed ratified)
• Treasury Access - War chest authorization for northern campaign expenses (Session 26)

Family Heirlooms

The Frost-Touched Pendant

Description: A simple silver medallion shaped like a teardrop, etched with the symbol of Ilmater. It is cool to the touch, even in warm weather, and hangs from a weathered leather cord.

History: The Frost-Touched Pendant was passed down through Tessell's family for generations. It once belonged to his great-grandmother, an elven healer who braved a deadly winter plague that swept through the mountains. She wore the pendant constantly as she travelled from village to village, offering healing and comfort. Local legend says the pendant became cold the day she died in the snow, having saved her final patient, and it has remained cool ever since.

Tessell's mother gave him the pendant when he first showed signs of divine magic. She told him, "This belonged to someone who gave everything for others. Wear it, and remember who you are."

Now, the pendant rests close to his heart as he journeys in Ilmater's name — a quiet symbol of his family's legacy of sacrifice, endurance, and compassion.

Highfrost Vow Ring

Description: A plain iron ring, worn smooth with age, engraved on the inside with a simple phrase in Elvish: "Hold fast, no matter the storm."

History: The Highfrost Vow Ring was forged by Tessell's human grandfather during a harsh winter siege, where he and a small group of villagers endured weeks of isolation and hunger. As a smith and a leader, he made the ring not for himself, but for his wife — Tessell's elven grandmother — as a promise that he would return and keep their family safe.

He did survive, and the ring became a symbol of the family's endurance through hardship and separation. It was passed to Tessell when he came of age, a quiet reminder of the strength in keeping one's word and enduring suffering for the sake of others.

Tessell wears it on a chain around his neck. Though not magical, it serves as both comfort and conviction — a personal symbol of Ilmater's teachings and his family's unbroken resilience.

Veil of Quiet Mercy

Description: A faded white handkerchief embroidered with a crimson thread in the shape of bound hands — Ilmater's holy symbol. The fabric is impossibly soft, and though old, it never stains or tears.

History: The Veil of Quiet Mercy belonged to Tessell's father, a wandering penitent who served Ilmater by offering last rites and comfort to the dying during times of war. He never spoke much of what he'd seen, but he always carried the veil with reverence, using it to gently close the eyes of the fallen — enemy and ally alike.

On his deathbed, he gave the cloth to Tessell, saying only, "When pain has no words, offer mercy instead."

Tessell now keeps the veil tucked into his robes, using it in moments of prayer, healing, or loss. It is not magical, but some say those who die with it upon their brow pass more peacefully. For Tessell, it is a constant reminder that true endurance isn't loud or proud — it's quiet, compassionate, and deeply human.

Family Tree

Maternal Line – The Elendaris Family (Elven)

Seralith Elendaris (Grandmother – High Elf)

• Occupation: Former court healer and scholar of restorative magic
• Current Status: Alive, living in a secluded forest home, tending a library-grove in the mountains
• Personality: Wise, graceful, and spiritually respectful of Ilmater
• Faith: Corellon Larethian (respects Ilmater)
• Background: Once served as a court healer in a prestigious elven enclave, renowned for her mastery of restorative magic and deep knowledge of ancient elven herbal lore. Grew disillusioned with the detachment and aloof pride of the highborn elves. Left court life and settled in a mountain glade, dedicating herself to practical healing and quiet study.
• Relationship to Tessell: Has a deep bond with Tessell, whom she sees as a bridge between worlds

Thamior Elendaris (Grandfather – Wood Elf)

• Occupation: Retired ranger and poet; deeply connected to the natural world
• Current Status: Alive, resides with Seralith in a secluded forest home
• Personality: Wry, observant, quietly affectionate and pragmatic
• Faith: Spiritually fluid — believes in the divine as expressed through nature, art, and perseverance
• Background: Once roamed the deep woods as a ranger and scout, protecting caravans and tracking dangerous beasts. Chose a quieter life alongside Seralith in later years, tending a small but beautiful grove near their home. Reserved but made time to teach Sylvara how to live in balance with the world.
• Philosophy: Sees Tessell as "proof that something good can grow in even the most unexpected soil"

Sylvara Elendaris-Highfrost (Mother – Half High Elf, Half Wood Elf)

• Occupation: Herbalist and gentle soul, devoted to Ilmater
• Current Status: Alive, living in the mountain village
• Background: Soft-spoken herbalist who inherited her grandmother's compassion. Met Eldon Highfrost during his brief return as a young penitent. Though from different worlds, they bonded over shared devotion to healing and endurance. After Eldon was called back to his path of service, she chose to raise Tessell in the mountains, close to her elven kin.
• Parenting: Raised Tessell alone, instilling in him both Ilmater's teachings and the quiet strength of her ancestry. Passed down wisdom, healing knowledge, and moral strength.

Paternal Line – The Highfrost Family (Human)

Maera Highfrost (Grandmother)

• Occupation: Midwife and village caretaker
• Status: Deceased (passed away before the campaign)
• Personality: Warm, practical, and fiercely protective; known for her blunt wisdom and never-empty kettle of soup
• Faith: Quiet follower of Ilmater, though not officially devoted
• Background: The quiet strength of the village — a midwife and healer whose hands had delivered half the local children. Raised Eldon alone after Alric was lost to war. First introduced Eldon to the tenets of Ilmater through her daily acts of care and endurance, not through sermons.
• Legacy: Often spoken of in stories by Sylvara. Her example shaped Eldon deeply and indirectly influenced Tessell. Her words: "Real mercy doesn't need a witness"

Alric Highfrost (Grandfather)

• Occupation: Village blacksmith
• Status: Deceased, lost in a distant war before Tessell was born
• Legacy: Forged the Highfrost Vow Ring as a symbol of enduring love for Maera
• Character: Stoic but deeply loyal to family and faith

Eldon Highfrost (Father)

• Occupation: Penitent of Ilmater; wandered the land offering comfort to the dying
• Background: Returned briefly from his travels as a young penitent when he met Sylvara Elendaris. The two bonded over their shared devotion to healing and endurance — a gentle, temporary love. After a season together, Eldon was called back to his path of service, but Sylvara had become pregnant with Tessell.
• Late Life: Years later, when Eldon's health began to fail after decades of hardship, he returned home for the final time. Spent his last few years near Tessell, offering wisdom, faith, and the Veil of Quiet Mercy before passing on.
• Gift to Tessell: The Veil of Quiet Mercy (sacred cloth symbolizing Ilmater's compassion and burden-bearing)
• Legacy: His quiet devotion and sacrifice came to be admired even by Seralith, who was initially wary of her daughter's relationship with a human

Family Legacy

Tessell's Heritage:

• Bridge between elven grace/long memory for compassion and human grit/resilience under hardship
• Deep spiritual legacy of Ilmater worship from both sides of the family
• Carries physical and spiritual heirlooms from three generations
• Embodies the family values of mercy, endurance, and quiet strength

Elven Influence: Wisdom, healing knowledge, connection to nature, long perspective Human Influence: Endurance through hardship, practical compassion, steadfast faith

Key Relationships

Party Members

• Close ally: Lady Odonia of Galantri (now Lady of Sylobelle)
• Fellow party members: Elik'r Stormswallow, ToooAh, Elvva Beltavar
• Military Command Structure: General of the Left under Lady Odonia of Galantri's overall command (General of the North)

NPCs

• Squire: Alarin Moonwhisper
• Serves: Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade
• Military advisor: Ser Silvar Glinnan
• Admirer: Countess Alyssa Crowsbane (has soft spot for him)
• Strategic advisor: Eldrin Oakenhart

Character Development

Major Moments

Early Campaign (Session 1-2):

• Replaced Joneyentee the Unknown as party member at Canathalas - Paul switched characters after Session 1, Joneyentee stayed on ship
• Won Canathalas Archery Tournament - Despite being crossbow user unfamiliar with longbow, turned bow sideways (used it horizontally) and somehow won through lucky dice rolls, awarded warhorse as prize
• Squired for Ser Pas Rata - Secretly provided Guidance cantrip during every joust, helped Pas Rata win entire Canathalas tournament, Pas Rata knighted "Ser Pas Rata"
• Gambling Windfall - Won approximately 2,000 gold coins betting on tournament events (Pas Rata won ~4,000 gold)
• Castle Charge Faceplant - Fell over during initial charge on bandit castle before reaching enemy lines (legendary blunder)
• Friendly Fire Disaster - Rolled Natural 1 with mace during castle battle, failed to hit single enemy throughout entire combat, only managed to strike Ser Silvar Glynnan with friendly fire

Grand Tournament at Belendar (Sessions ~12-14):

• Won Dancing Competition - Emerged victorious in dancing event with Elik'r Stormswallow placing second and Co'narr 'Banewatcher' Hyborian surprisingly placing third

• Won Chariot Race - Despite Emperor Drakenhart's cheating (grappling hook and rope tactics), caught up through lucky dice rolls, overtook competitors, caused opponents to crash, secured victory

• Session 18 - 2 November 2024 - Survived Bane Watcher initiation

• Session 19 - 16 November 2024 - Struggled catastrophically with Tournament of Wits and Wisdom riddles, took heavy damage in every room, fate unknown at session end

• Session 23 - 6 April 2025 - Iron chain whipped across face during ethereal plane fall (10 slashing damage), permanent facial scar, blinded for one hour after rolling natural 1 on first Guiding Bolt

• Session 25 - 14 June 2025 - Misfired Guiding Bolt during corridor combat, accidentally struck allied soldier for 16 radiant damage while attempting to hit enemy. First recorded friendly fire incident, occurred during chaotic throne room approach. Kicked throne room doors open dramatically and face-planted through them.

• Session 26 - 16 July 2025 - Caught Thalas's necrotic dagger through hand (failed athletics check, 1 piercing + 5 necrotic = 6 damage), prevented dagger reaching Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade. Formally knighted: Ser Tessell Highfrost, Knight of the Storm Riders. Appointed General of the Left. Healed Princess during throne room battle (16 HP Cure Wounds). Pledged 40 gold to local chapel while drunk at feast.

• Session 28 - 6 September 2025- Helped stonemasons from Ulvenora with reconstruction, showed leadership

Character Arc

Ser Tessell Highfrost, leader of Riders of the Storm, granted army and Stormhold Keep by Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade. Formally knighted Session 26 with title Knight of the Storm Riders. Appointed General of the Left and commissioned as Marshal of the North. Tasked with securing north and east territories. Focus on healing and supporting party while managing military responsibilities.

Skills & Abilities

• Life Domain cleric abilities
• Healing specialization
• Known for face-planting charges and friendly fire disasters (comedic fighting style)
• Creative problem-solving
• Unlikely archery champion - Won Canathalas archery tournament with sideways bow technique despite being crossbow specialist
• Guidance specialist - Secretly supported Pas Rata's tournament victory through Guidance cantrip
• Military command (General of the Left, commands portion of 636+ reinforcements)

Special Ability - The Goddess Song:

• Range: 20ft radius from self
• Duration: 30 minutes performance, effect lasts until following dawn
• Components: Vocal, Lute (purchased in Belendar)
• Effect: Tessell performs a half-hour worship song on his lute. All within earshot receive one free advantage roll on any check/save/hit roll (once used, depleted until following dawn)
• At Level 11: Add +10 to any check/save/hit roll
• At Level 15: Change any check/save/hit roll to a natural 20
• Note: Ability implemented October 2024, not yet used in campaign

Injuries & Scars

• Permanent facial scar (Session 23 - iron chain whip across face during ethereal plane fall)
• Necrotic wound through right hand (Session 26 - caught Thalas's dagger, 1 piercing + 5 necrotic damage)

Tournament Performance

Session 19 - Tournament of Wits and Wisdom:

• Did not complete - Took too much damage
• Struggled with every riddle:
  • Room 1: Poison iced tea riddle - multiple wrong answers, heavy cold damage
  • Room 2: Alcohol riddle - significant struggle, fire damage
  • Room 3: Carriage sound riddle - extreme difficulty (DM noted colleagues also failed this), heavy lightning damage
  • Room 4+: Still attempting when session ended
• Estimated 20-25+ damage accumulated
• Riddle format not suited to his thinking style
• Status at session end: Fate unknown

Bane Watcher Status

Initiation: Session 18 - 2 November 2024

• Bane Sense: Can sense The Bane's presence (currently unfocused - overwhelming jumble of voices)
• Shared Vision: Experienced prophetic dream showing ancient war, purple dragonborn, and mysteries
• Targeted: ToooAh carries dormant Bane command to kill Tessell (planted Session 23 - CRITICAL THREAT)

Military Command (Session 26)

Rank: General of the Left Title: Ser Tessell Highfrost, Knight of the Storm Riders, Marshal of the North Command Structure: Reports to Lady Odonia of Galantri (General of the North) Forces: Portion of 636+ reinforcements (exact distribution unclear) Mission: Rally northern territories for Crown Princess Eilrora Everglade, secure eastern border, eliminate rebels Resources: War chest access (treasury authorization for campaign expenses)

Notes

• Known for face-planting charges (running joke)
• Creative escape artist
• Self-sacrificing for party members
• Leadership style: Supportive and healing-focused
• Tournament struggles may affect confidence
• First friendly fire incident (Session 25) - hit allied soldier with misdirected Guiding Bolt
• Formally knighted Session 26 - significant social elevation
• Permanent scars: Facial scar and necrotic hand wound
• Drunkenly pledged 40 gold to chapel (Session 26 feast)

Related Quests

• Quests - Active#Escape Shared Dream Vision - Trapped in temple (Session 28)
• Quests - Active#Rally the North - General of the Left, Marshal of the North
• Quests - Active#Secure Eastern Border - Military commission
• Quests - Active#The Bane - Bane Watcher, targeted by ToooAh's dormant command
• Quests - Active#Visit Bane Watcher Citadel - Remove dormant Bane command targeting him

Currency

• -40 gold (Session 26 - drunken chapel pledge)