Occupation: Chief Battle Surgeon of Mal Korash’s Horde
Affiliation: Mal Korash (Currently), But Open to Persuasion
Personality: Compassionate, Stubborn, Fiercely Loyal to His People
Appearance:
Ripskin is a portly, broad-shouldered Orc with a round gut that strains against his worn but well-kept leather apron. His gray-green skin is crisscrossed with old scars—none from battle, but from the countless medical procedures he’s performed in the heat of war. He wears a necklace of polished bones, not trophies from kills, but remembrances of warriors he couldn’t save. His large hands, though rough and calloused, are surprisingly delicate when stitching wounds or setting broken bones.
Despite his connection to a vicious warlord, there’s an undeniable kindness in his deep-set, amber eyes, and his booming voice carries more warmth than menace.
Personality:
Ripskin is a walking contradiction—a pacifist among killers, a healer in the middle of war. He follows Mal Korash not for conquest but because he believes in the dream of an orcish homeland—a place where his people are not raiders and mercenaries, but builders and leaders.
- Unshakable Pacifist: Ripskin refuses to pick up a weapon, even when his own life is in danger.
- Fiercely Protective: While he won’t fight, he will not tolerate harm coming to those in his care—whether they are orcs or outsiders.
- Tired Idealist: He genuinely wants a better future for orcs, but he is increasingly disillusioned by Mal Korash’s brutality.
- Pragmatic Healer: He doesn’t judge his patients, only patches them up, whether with bandages, poultices, or divine magic.
Role in Gameplay:
- Meeting in the Orc Camps: Players who infiltrate or negotiate their way into Mal Korash’s horde will likely find Ripskin tending to wounded warriors.
- Potential Ally: If the players offer an alternative path to orcish freedom—one not paved in conquest—Ripskin might be convinced to leave Mal Korash’s side.
- Neutral Contact: Even if they remain enemies, Ripskin may provide medical aid to the players if they are captured or wounded, refusing to let anyone die unnecessarily.
Abilities:
- Master Surgeon: Ripskin is one of the best battlefield medics alive, capable of stabilizing wounds that would otherwise be fatal.
- Healing Magic: While not a powerful cleric, he knows practical divine healing, enough to mend broken bones, cure infections, and revive unconscious warriors.
- Fearless in the Face of Death: He will march into enemy lines unarmed to retrieve the wounded, fully prepared to die if necessary.
Key Relationships:
- Mal Korash: Respects Mal’s vision for an orc nation but grows uneasy with his violent methods.
- The Orcish Warlords: Viewed as necessary evils—he keeps them alive, but he doesn’t respect their bloodlust.
- Potential Allies: Ripskin is looking for a real path forward for his people—one that doesn’t rely on endless war.
Quotes:
- “You think I’d follow a warlord? No. I follow my people. And they are dying.”
- “War is stupid. But if it must happen, I will save who I can.”
- “I won’t lift a sword for Mal Korash. I won’t lift a sword for you. But if you want to talk about peace? Then sit down and let’s talk.”
Adventure Hooks: