There are hardly any excesses of the most crazed psychopath that cannot easily be duplicated by a normal kindly family man who just comes in to work every day and has a job to do.—(Terry Pratchett, Small Gods)
Appearance
Usually dressed in tattered, dirty robes, this man looks a wreck. His hair is unkempt, his skin grimy and he usually has a look of frightened anxiousness in his dark eyes. He is only about 5'6, without any particularly impressive physical features. No amount of musculature to speak of and not at all hardened or tough. The word to come to mind quickest is beggar or bum.
History/Background
After being raised in a normal family, in a small city, Aldiel suffered from an extremely dangerous disease. Fever wracked his body for days and he screamed constantly. The fever caused hallucinations and visions of demon hordes and he afterward claimed that during the height of the fever he was visited by Tchort, the lord of the Underworld. All anyone knows for certain is that his fever suddenly broke, for no apparent reason.
Shortly after his all but miraculous survival of this disease, Aldiel's family were all discovered dead in their home and Aldiel was missing. No one saw him leave, or if he was even the murderer. A few months later, Aldiel showed up in a far away city, preaching the wonders and unholy wrath of Tchort. He walks the streets every day accosting common citizens, telling them that the warrior demon hordes of Tchort will rise one day soon, though that day never seems to arrive. Different people speak of specific dates that Aldiel has sworn the armies of Tchort would come to conquer the world, but when the day passes, Aldiel claims no knowledge of having spoken of the dates.
Every so often, Aldiel seems to have a fit, screaming and yelling that 'They are here! We shall soon rule the world! The unbelievers shall perish, the flames of their lives extinguished!' After a short while of this, he becomes perfectly lucid again, seemingly having no memory of his episode.
Special Equipment
None
Roleplaying Notes
This NPC has no actual power. His 'visions' are entirely the creation of a deluded and paranoid mind which was seriously damaged by the fever that wracked his body for so long. He truly believes that he sees the demons and other horrors of which he speaks, and this has driven him quite mad over the years.
Scrolls
Twists, chapters, and details meant to stream with the submission — not general discussion.
No scrolls yet — leave one if you have a twist worth keeping.
Sign in to plant an idea scroll.
Award XP
Enjoyed this? Sign in to thank Alec_Shadowkin with blade clashes — 5 XP each, up to 25.
5 10 15 20 25Sign in to award XP.
Discussion
Reader talk, questions, and feedback — not scrolls.
No comments yet — be the first voice in the hall.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Other takes
No other takes yet — the best compliment on the Citadel is a Retelling.
Bonds
Curated bonds across the Citadel. Kindred Favors are another thread in the same weave.
No bonds yet.
What!?!? No midgets?
short and sweet, an interesting and familiar NPC. He can always pop out and pester people in the chat room...er..ummm, I mean PCs.
goes nuts then goes lucid...hehe
It's a solid character, and it's one that really should be used more. Nothing new, but a useful thing we needed to be reminded of. Thanks, Alec!
They come, and the non-believers will be deestroyed!
Short and to the point.
I like crazy NPCs of this type.
A good color character.
Good stock character to have on hand. A little mystery, a little murder. Good stuff.