D&D 5E Hex-Skald

[Cyber-Dave]

Hey, everyone. I built a "hex-skald": 4 levels hex-blade with a pact of the blade warlock, the rest taken as a bard from the college of whispers, Viking (Monshae Isles human) in descent, a drummer for dragon-boats in background (musical sailor homebrew) but also a raider (why he was on the boats in the first place), entertainer (what he would do in the Moonshaes when he wasn't raiding), and sometimes saboteur (because sneaking into a town as a musician during the day and opening the gates for your raiding party at night works). By the end of his career, he might take 2 levels in paladin (of conquest/treachery in concept, devoted to the Moonshae Isles pantheon)--not sure. Obviously, he is something of an "anti-hero" in concept. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here you go:


So, I am building his background, and I could use some feedback in terms of keeping the background logical and consistent. These are my choices so far:

Dragon-Boat Drummer
Skills: Athletics, Performance
Tools: Navigator's Tools, Musical Instrument (Drums)
Benefit: I can always find a place to perform, usually drumming tempo for a dragon-boat, but possibly in an inn or tavern, or even entertaining in a noble’s hall. At such a place, I receive free lodging and food of a modest or comfortable standard (depending on the quality of the establishment) as long as I perform each day or night. In addition, my performance makes me something of a local figure. When strangers recognize me in a location where I have performed, they typically take a liking to me (unless I have given them a reason not to).

Looks good?

 

[Redthistle]

Yes, it looks good.

Good enough that my only quibble is editorial on a misspelling I sometimes make myself: s/b Viking in "descent", not "decent".

Btw, I'm stealing this character.

 

[Cyber-Dave]

Oh boy... that is an embarrassing typo. I plead dyslexia! I'm glad you like it. I composed the image in "paint.net" last night. For the most part, I am happy with it. There are elements from the "magic skull" hanging from his belt that I am not in love with, but whatever.

 

[Redthistle]

There was another possibility on that typo that occurred to me later: maybe it was in reference to "Viking indecent," which would perhaps better fit your bad boy's reputation there - a heavy metal boat-rocker, if there ever was one.

Your right about the skull. I think it might prove deficient as a drum.

 

[Cyber-Dave]

Hahaha. Heavy metal boat-rocker. Pretty much! As for the skull, I meant that I am worried that it might not look like it fits into the picture organically. It isn't in as much focus as everything else. I'm hoping that isn't too noticeable/it still looks like it naturally belongs in the composition, but I am not certain that it does.

 

[Wulffolk]

Very reminiscent of my preferred character type. I love the Viking Skald Valor Bard archetype. I usually use hammer and shield as his "drum". I tend to start with Barbarian and then switch over to Bard. I am not really a fan of blending Warlock into it, but I can see how it would work. Anyways, nice job on the picture.

 

[Cyber-Dave]

Hehehe. Yea. Barb/valor bard would be a classic berserker skald. I wanted to go a little less "Thor" and a little more "Loki." Or, perhaps, a little less Bjorn and a little more Floki... *shurg.* One of these days I am going to make a straight up barb/fighter viking warrior.