Father Galdrin

Father Galdrin

Human Cleric (Level 5), Neutral Good Priest of Gaeda, the Earth Mother

Overview:

Father Galdrin is the priest of Barrenford’s temple dedicated to Gaeda, the Earth Mother. He is a well-meaning but overwhelmed man in his late forties, known for his dedication to the welfare of the townspeople. However, with recent events spiraling out of control — grave robbing, undead sightings, and increasing fear among the populace — he is struggling to maintain hope. Galdrin believes the disturbances in the town are related to an imbalance in the natural order, and he has been fervently praying to Gaeda for guidance.

Physical Appearance:

• Medium build, with thinning brown hair and a neatly trimmed beard streaked with grey.
• Wears simple robes of green and brown, the colours of the Earth Mother, adorned with a necklace bearing the holy symbol of Gaeda: a tree with deep roots and a heart at its base.
• His weathered face shows the strain of the town’s growing troubles, with dark circles under his eyes from sleepless nights.

Personality:

• Compassionate and devout, always putting the needs of the community first.
• Calm and level-headed, though recent events have begun to fray his nerves.
• Quietly believes that the unnatural disturbances in Barrenford stem from the land itself being tainted, and he worries it might be beyond his ability to fix.
• He is approachable and willing to assist the PCs but harbours self-doubt about his ability to protect the town from the rising darkness.

Role in the Story:

Father Galdrin can serve as both a source of information and guidance for the PCs. He knows a great deal about the town’s history, its people, and its spiritual connection to the surrounding land. He is also the one responsible for caring for the town’s graveyard, making him a key figure as the PCs investigate the mysterious grave robberies and the presence of undead.

Stats (Cleric of Gaeda, Level 5):

HP: 33 (5d8+10) AC: 15 (chain shirt, shield) Speed: 30 ft Stats: Str 12, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 11, Wis 16, Cha 14

Skills: Insight +6 Religion +4 Medicine +6

Saving Throws: Wis +6, Cha +4

Attacks: Quarterstaff: +4 to hit, 1d6+2 bludgeoning damage (versatile 1d8) Sacred Flame (Cantrip): Dex save DC 14, 1d8 radiant damage (2d8 at 5th level)

Spells Prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): Guidance, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy
• 1st level (4 slots): Cure Wounds, Detect Magic, Shield of Faith, Bless
• 2nd level (3 slots): Lesser Restoration, Hold Person, Spiritual Weapon
• 3rd level (2 slots): Mass Healing Word, Dispel Magic

Abilities:

• Channel Divinity: Preserve Life (1/short rest): Galdrin can restore a total of 25 HP, divided among any creatures within 30 feet of him. He cannot heal above 50% of a creature’s max HP using this ability.

• Channel Divinity: Turn Undead (1/short rest): As an action, undead within 30 feet of Galdrin must make a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be turned for 1 minute.

• Disciple of Life: Healing spells restore additional HP equal to 2 + the spell’s level.

Roleplaying Notes:

Interactions with the PCs:

Father Galdrin is desperate for allies to help with the growing threat in Barrenford. If the PCs approach him, he will be forthcoming with his concerns about the grave robberies, the missing people, and the appearance of undead. He encourages them to investigate, offering what assistance he can, such as healing or providing divine insight.

Clues & Knowledge:

• He knows that several graves have been disturbed but does not understand why.
• He has prayed to Gaeda for guidance, but the Earth Mother remains silent, something that deeply disturbs him. He believes the imbalance in the natural world may be related to necromantic forces but lacks proof.
• He can provide knowledge about local legends or past events that might explain the strange happenings, particularly concerning old burial sites or ancient magic tied to the land.
• Motivations:

Galdrin wants to protect the people of Barrenford and preserve the balance of nature in the region. His faith in Gaeda drives him, but his confidence is shaken by the lack of divine intervention. He seeks the PCs’ help to investigate and stop the dark forces at work, though he fears what they may uncover.

Plot Hooks:

• A Broken Faith:

Father Galdrin can ask the PCs to investigate the recent grave robberies and offer them clues about the rising undead presence in Barrenford. He fears that these disturbances are a sign of a much larger problem, one that may threaten the entire region if left unchecked.

• The Defiled Graveyard:

When the PCs visit the town’s graveyard, they may find Galdrin performing a solemn ritual to consecrate the ground and ward off evil. He asks for their aid in protecting the graveyard from further desecration, possibly leading to an encounter with undead or necromancers.

• Lost Faith:

As the story progresses, Father Galdrin’s faith in his ability to protect the town may falter, making him more vulnerable to despair. If the PCs notice this, they can choose to reassure him, restore his faith, or find another way to help him regain his confidence. In the darkest timeline, he may even turn to more extreme measures, such as seeking forbidden knowledge to combat the undead.