KAEL WIND-SPEAKER
FrostbornShaman of Boreas
"Boreas speaks in the howl of the wind, in the bite of cold air, in the storm that cleanses. Those who cannot hear him are spiritually deaf.""
Identity
- Residence
- Wind Caves
- Civilization
- Frostborn
Appearance
• Physical: Tall and thin at 6'1", with the build of someone who spends more time in spiritual communion than physical labor. His pale skin seems to ripple slightly, an effect of his connection to wind spirits. His white hair is wild and windblown even indoors. His pale eyes shift color with his moods. • Clothing: Wears ceremonial robes that billow even without wind. His staff is carved from petrified lightning-struck wood. Ice crystals form naturally on his clothing. • Distinguishing Marks: His voice echoes slightly, as if the wind speaks with him.
Relationships
- Family - Parents were devout followers of Boreas, now deceased. No siblings. Never married - "Boreas is my only companion."
- Allies - Traditionalist shamans who share his views; Chief Ragnar (NPC #16), who appreciates his spiritual rigor.
- Rivals - Shaman Yrsa (NPC #4), who he considers too young and too liberal; Attendant Kjell (NPC #10), whose connection to Boreas he envies.
Personality
- Traits: Intense and dramatic, deeply spiritual to the point of obsession, suspicious of those he considers spiritually impure, surprisingly kind to the faithful
- Mannerisms: Speaks in wind metaphors, gestures constantly as if conducting invisible forces, becomes agitated when indoors too long.
- Voice: Variable and dramatic, with sudden shifts in volume and tone.
Backstory
Kael was chosen by Boreas in a dramatic storm ceremony when he was sixteen. He's served the wind spirit for thirty-six years, becoming one of the most powerful shamans in the wastes. He's deeply traditional and believes the Frostborn have strayed from proper spiritual paths, especially in their dealings with outsiders.
Daily Life
Kael divides his time between the Wind Caves, where he communes with Boreas, and traveling to various settlements to perform ceremonies and offer guidance. He rarely sleeps, claiming the winds speak to him constantly.
Secret
Kael has been receiving disturbing messages from Boreas about a great storm that will purge the wastes of corruption. He's interpreting this as divine approval for his most extreme views and is planning something drastic.
Story Hooks
- 1 Kael needs help interpreting increasingly disturbing messages from Boreas; something is wrong with the wind spirits.
- 2 He's planning a ritual that could be dangerous to the Frostborn; someone needs to stop him or help him see reason.
Narrative Value
Spiritual antagonist or ally depending on interpretation, quest giver for spiritual missions, source of prophetic information, character representing religious extremism, potential villain or misguided prophet. ═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════