Lux Tenebris: Taros Skartos

"There aren't many of my folk left hereabouts," said the goblin called Taros. "It can get a bit lonely."

"I imagine so," said the Iron Rose. "This is excellent tea. Mugwort?"
"My own blend," said Taros, beaming at her.

"If you don't mind my asking, how did you wind up here?" asked the Iron Rose.

Her goblin host's face spasmed for a moment and Malora wondered if she had made a mistake, asking the question.  The rain was coming down in buckets outside the creature's home and the nearest welcoming village was at least a day's ride away.

"I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Taros waved her apology aside. "I made mistakes."

"Everyone does," pointed out Malora.

"Most people's mistakes don't get other people killed," said Taros. "Mine did."

She said nothing, merely nodded in silent understanding. They sat in companionable silence for a few moments. The Iron Rose let her gaze drift around the room. She took in the small shelf of weathered books, a crystal-topped staff leaning against one wall, a small devotional altar tucked away in a corner of the room, near the tangle of blankets that was her host's bed.

"You're a wizard."

She didn't try to keep the surprise out of her voice.

"I dabble," said the goblin, modestly.

"More than that, I'd wager," said Malora. "That's a copy of Korella's Grimoire on your shelf."

"You know it?" Taros looked intrigued.

"I know of it," said Malora. "I've no talent for magic."

"That's surprising."

She chuckled. "No more surprising than your apparent talent for it."

He shrugged, but she thought he looked pleased.

"That book is very dear to me. It was given to me by the wizard I studied with."

"Oh? What was his name?"

"Ellero Rill."
Her white brows shot up. "An elf apprenticed you?"

"Half-elf," said Taros. "He was a good man."

"What happened to him?"

"He died," said the goblin. "Killed by a group of dark wizards called the Ring of Fire."

"I'm sorry."

Taros shrugged again, but there was genuine sadness in his dark goblin eyes. It vanished quickly and he smiled and raised the kettle. "More tea?"

"Yes, please. It's really quite excellent."

And so they passed the night, in quiet conversation over cups of warm mugwort tea, while the storm raged through the mountains.

TAROS SKARTOS, L7 GOBLIN WIZARD

STR 13 (+1)

DEX 14 (+2)

CON 16 (+3)

INT 17 (+3)

WIS 16 (+3)

CHA 10 (+0)

HP 51

AC 15 (Mage Armor)

Racial Traits

Size: Small

Darkvision

Fury of the Small

Nimble Escape

Languages: Common, Goblin

Proficiencies(+3)

Armor: None

Weapons: Daggers, Darts, Slings, Quarterstaffs, Light x-bows

Tools: Disguise kit, Forgery kit

Saves: Intelligence, Wisdom

Skills: Arcana, Deception, Insight, Slight of Hand

Feats

False Identity

* * *

Arcane Recovery

Arcane Tradition: Illusion

- Illusion Savant

- Improved Minor Illusion

- Malleable Illusions

Spellcasting

Spells Known: 10

Spell DC: 14

Atk Modifier: +6

At-Will(4): Minor illusion, Friends, Mage Hand, Ray of Frost, Shocking Grasp

L1(4): Detect magic, Mage Armor, Silent Image, Witch Bolt

L2(3): Alter Self, Invisibility

L3(3): Dispel Magic, Hypnotic Pattern, Major Image

L4(1): Greater Invisibility

Equipment:

Dagger(2). Melee/Ranged(20/60 ft). +5 to hit; deals 1d4 +2 piercing; Finesse, Light.

Light x-bow. Ranged(80/320 ft). +5 to hit; deals 1d8 +2 piercing; Loading, 2-Handed.

An arcane focus, a spellbook, an explorer's pack, a set of fine clothes, a disguise kit, a deck of marked cards, a belt pouch w/15 gp.