“Beauty belongs in a cage. For its own good, of course.”
Class: Ranger (Beast Master archetype, but with a twisted sense of stewardship)
Alignment: Lawful Neutral (but sliding toward villainy)
Location: Known to frequent exotic markets, noble estates, and remote forests around Lygos
Appearance: Impeccably dressed in fine leather and silk-trimmed hunting garb, with feathered brooches, quills tucked behind each ear, and a monocle enchanted to spot “rare avian soul resonance.”
Personality:
- Eloquent, obsessive, and condescending
- Sees himself as a conservationist and curator, not a poacher
- Has an encyclopedic knowledge of rare birds, magical beasts, and hybrid species
- Loves to talk about his “collection” but rarely listens
- Always speaks as though he’s being interviewed for a biography
Goal:
Orlin has caught wind of Pickle, and though the creature is not technically a bird, Orlin believes it qualifies due to:
“Avian vocal patterns. Beaked presentation. Bipedal gait. Magnificent raking claws! It’s the dream specimen.”
He’s determined to capture Pickle alive and add it to his private aviary, where it will be “cherished, studied, and never, ever bothered by peasant noise again.”
Tactics & Abilities:
· Hunter's Mark, ensnaring strike, and Speak with Animals
· His custom beast companion is a magically bred hawk-griffin hybrid called Marrowbeak—silent, swift, and trained to subdue targets, not kill
· Carries sleep darts, capture nets, and a Wand of Web (bought, not earned)
· Prefers non-lethal capture, but will turn deadly if opposed
· Uses smoke bombs and terrain traps to cut off escape routes
🧠 Encounter Hooks:
Scenario Result
Players are escorting Pickle Orlin appears “accidentally” on the trail and offers to “relieve them of the burden”
If they refuse, he feigns politeness—then follows from a distance
| Players investigate rumors | Locals mention a “well-dressed man asking about big parrots with claws”
| Players meet him directly | He offers gold, rare gear, or favors to buy Pickle from them
| Confrontation | If they fight, he uses nonlethal tactics first, then flees if overpowered
Sample Dialogue:
· “Oh, I assure you, the creature will be treated better than royalty. My parrot has her own bathhouse.”
· “You call it a monster? I call it a misplaced treasure. A diamond among pigeons.”
· “The wild does not understand refinement. I do. I understand what it needs.”
· “You can’t stop me. You can only delay me. And Pickle? Well… Pickle will look magnificent in the amber cage.”
Possible Outcomes:
Result Outcome
Players defeat him He escapes wounded, swearing he’ll return with "licenses, lawyers, or a warband"
Players outwit him He is embarrassed and may return later with a new, “improved” plan
Players accept his offer Pickle is taken—and they must decide whether to live with it or stage a rescue
Players ally with him temporarily He’ll betray them at the right moment with justification and flair
Future Plot Hooks:
Orlin returns later in the campaign having opened a magical zoo, including questionably sourced creatures
He is backed by a noble patron or an underground auction ring, now targeting rarer magical beasts
He has developed “avian mimic serum”, and seeks the players to test it—on themselves, on enemies, or on Pickle again…
Exotic Avians of Orlin Vexwell's Collection
1. Sunblink Macaw
Appearance: A blazing gold-and-orange parrot with feathers that shimmer like a sunrise.
Trait: Emits soft light in a 10-foot radius; when startled, flares like faerie fire.
Orlin’s Note: “A morning muse! She screams at dawn. Every dawn. Without fail.”
2. Glasswing Shrike
Appearance: Delicate bird with translucent feathers and hollow bones.
Trait: Can turn invisible for 1 minute once per hour.
Orlin’s Note: “Beautiful and brutal. A predator disguised as poetry.”
3. Screaming Puffin of Narlmoor
Appearance: Black-and-white seabird with a huge beak and perpetually angry eyes.
Trait: Can mimic Thunderwave once per day when threatened.
Orlin’s Note: “Deafened my valet. Still worth it.”
4. Witchplume Owl
Appearance: Jet-black owl with glowing red eyes and a third eye that opens on full moons.
Trait: Grants advantage on Arcana checks to those who gaze into its third eye... at a cost.
Orlin’s Note: “Knows things I don’t. Which is both thrilling and infuriating.”
5. Emberfin Phoenixling
Appearance: A juvenile phoenix with flickering ember-tips on its wings.
Trait: Heats its perch; has a 1-in-10 chance of bursting into harmless flame when upset.
Orlin’s Note: “Not quite a phoenix… more of a sparky chicken. But promising!”
6. Duskwhistle Crane
Appearance: Long-legged bird with dusky purple plumage and a haunting, flute-like call.
Trait: Its cry imposes disadvantage on Insight checks in a 30-foot area (creates dreamy disorientation).
Orlin’s Note: “The sound of heartbreak. Deliciously moody.”
7. Mirrorjay
Appearance: Silver bird with a reflective beak and mirrored wings.
Trait: Can perfectly mimic a person’s voice, including spells with verbal components once per day.
Orlin’s Note: “Once sang a song in my own voice… to mock me. I wept.”
8. Gilded Raven of Vokros
Appearance: A raven with gold-flecked feathers and an oddly judgmental stare.
Trait: Can detect lies (as per Zone of Truth) once per long rest.
Orlin’s Note: “Has better manners than most nobility. And sharper wit.”
9. Stonebeak Roclet
Appearance: A palm-sized version of a roc with rocky feathers and a heavy stone beak.
Trait: Can drop small pebbles as improvised weapons from height; surprisingly accurate.
Orlin’s Note: “A titan in miniature! The cat is terrified of it.”
10. Lament Dove
Appearance: Pure white dove that sings sorrowful tunes when near strong emotion.
Trait: Glows softly when someone nearby is grieving; its feathers can be brewed into a calming tea.
Orlin’s Note: “Beautifully morose. I play the lute when she cries. A duet of despair.”