![[ArtusCimberPic.webp]] # Artus Cimber _Human Immortal Harper | [[Cindersworn]] | [[Gauntlgrym]]_ ## Summary An immortal historian and legendary [[Harpers|Harper]], recently freed from the [[Ring of Winter]]'s corruption after centuries as its bearer. He co-founded the [[Cindersworn]] with [[Darius Duskdancer]] to combat the [[Red Wizards]] and years ago helped rescue young [[Petra]] from [[Acererak]]'s [[Tomb of Horrors]]. He recognized [[Petra]] when she shouted her siblings' names — including his — during the battle with [[Valindra Shadowmantle]]. %% ## Now Grieving his son [[Sirac|Sirac of Suzail]], killed by [[Decima Iscitarn]] before he could reach [[Svardborg]], and his friend [[Darius Duskdancer]]. He refuses to bear the [[Ring of Winter]] again but agreed to keep it in the Bag of Holding and stay to defend [[Bryn Shander]]; he baited [[Storvald]]'s host with the [[Blod Stone]] tracking his bloodline. He believes the [[Tome of Unlife]] at [[Old Skull Tor]] may free the consumed souls, and carries little will to live. ## Appearance Handsome features frozen in time by centuries of the Ring's magic, with a medium build and weathered hands. His eyes hold the weight of centuries, shifting between scholarly intensity and haunted longing; he habitually turns his gloved hand where the Ring once sat. ## Personality Cautious with strangers, passionate about knowledge preservation. His measured, scholarly tone breaks into urgent intensity on matters of the heart. Mention of [[Alisanda Rayburton|Alisanda]] or the Ring can break his composure completely. ## Quote _"Knowledge preserved is power maintained—but some artifacts demand too high a price for the gifts they offer."_ ## Connections **[[Petra]]** — helped rescue her as a child from the [[Tomb of Horrors]]; now the Ring's bearer. **[[Alisanda Rayburton]]** — immortal love, lost to the Spellplague; he has searched for her for centuries. **[[Darius Duskdancer]]** — co-founder of the [[Cindersworn]], now dead. **[[Sister Garaele]]** — realized he was the killer slaughtering [[Red Wizards]] at the [[Dread Ring]]. ## Background **The Ring:** Born in [[Arabel]], [[Cormyr]]. Joined the [[Harpers]] under Sir [[Hydel Pontifax]]. Discovered the [[Ring of Winter]] in [[Chult]] and met [[Alisanda Rayburton]], an immortal bara of [[Mezro]]. Their love seemed eternal until the Spellplague swept [[Alisanda Rayburton|Alisanda]] and [[Mezro]] away. He embraced the Ring's power, halting his aging to search for her across centuries. **The Cindersworn:** With [[Darius Duskdancer]], formed the [[Cindersworn]] to combat [[Red Wizards|Red Wizard]] threats. Their greatest triumph: encasing [[Maegera]] in ice beneath [[Mount Hotenow]], saving countless lives but scarring [[Neverwinter]]. The Ring's corruption eventually fractured the fellowship. **The Rescue:** Joined the [[Heroes of Waterdeep]] to rescue young [[Petra]] from [[Acererak]]'s [[Tomb of Horrors]], forging a connection with the child. **The Corruption:** At the [[Dread Ring]], fell under the Ring's corruption while seeking revenge for [[Darius Duskdancer|Darius]]'s death, nearly killing [[Nathaly Kormallis]]. [[Sister Garaele]] realized the killer slaughtering [[Red Wizards]] with an icy blade was [[Artus Cimber|Artus]]. [[Petra]] lifted the Ring from his finger, freeing him — and claiming it for herself. ## Secret The party doesn't know [[Petra]] has the [[Ring of Winter]]. Artus may seek their help finding [[Alisanda Rayburton|Alisanda]] or monitoring [[Petra]]'s use of the Ring, and possesses centuries of lore about artifacts, [[Chult]], and the [[Red Wizards]]. ## Stats *Medium Humanoid (Human), Chaotic Good — Harper explorer, bearer of the [[Ring of Winter]].* **AC** 17 (Ring's frost ward) | **HP** 150 (20d8 + 60) | **Speed** 30 ft. **CR** 13 (10,000 XP) | **Proficiency Bonus** +5 | STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA | |:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:| | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 16 (+3) | **Saving Throws** Dex +8, Con +8, Wis +8 **Skills** Perception +8, Stealth +8, Survival +8 **Damage Immunities** Cold **Senses** Passive Perception 18 **Languages** Common, Elvish, Draconic ### Traits **Ring of Winter.** Artus is immune to cold, doesn't age, and has Advantage on saves against spells while he wears the ring. ### Actions **Multiattack.** Artus makes two *Frostbrand Scimitar* attacks, or casts one spell and makes one attack. **Frostbrand Scimitar.** *Melee Attack Roll:* +8, reach 5 ft. *Hit:* 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing plus 3 (1d6) cold damage. **Ring Spellcasting.** Artus casts using Constitution (save DC 16): *sleet storm*, *ice storm*, *wall of ice* (2/day each); *cone of cold* (1/day). ### Bonus Actions **Rimewalk.** Artus ignores Difficult Terrain from ice and can step 15 feet across any frozen surface. ### Notes CR 13, built for either side of the table. As an ally he's a battlefield-freezing controller; as an antagonist (if the [[Ring of Winter]] ever masters him) make his spells at-will and add Legendary Resistance. The ring is the character — its corruption arc is the real threat, not his statline. %%