Lord Crispin Ciderwell
Crispin is a tall, elegantly sculpted fae with fair skin, soft autumn-hued features, and long, straight hair that shifts through shades of burnished gold and fallen maple red. He dresses in fine, sweeping robes of deep russet and emerald silk, tailored with high-collared embroidery that subtlely mimics tangled autumn vines. His movements are fluid and deliberate, carrying a faint, pleasant scent of crisp autumn air wherever he walks.
He speaks in a smooth, quiet, and melodious voice, maintaining an air of unbroken politeness and warm hospitality even under the intense pressure of high-stakes courtly debate. Beneath his refined, attentive demeanor lies a deep, genuine empathy, making him quick to offer a comforting presence or gentle counsel to those overwhelmed by the court’s unspoken rules.
Crispin holds a deep respect for ancient traditions and solemn vows, holding little regard for political theater or deceit. When outside formal council sessions, his courtly composure softens into a warm, gentle intimacy, showing an earnest devotion to those who earn his trust and affection.
Landmarks & Points of Interest
No known landmarks.
Adventure Hooks
The Price of Old Lies
Prince Gwion Maengor carries the fate of Drosau into the shadowy depths of the Bryncoed Forest. For 1,000 years, the Bryncoed Accord maintained a fragile peace between the human kingdom and the Autumn Fae of Grimroot. That treaty was secured on a monumental lie: Drosau’s monarchs claimed draconic authority to command and subdue dragons, intimidating the fae into compliance. With the 1,000-year term expiring, the rulers of the Bramblecrest Throne have uncovered the deception and demand a complete renegotiation. Sent by his father, King Dradoc, Prince Gwion must navigate these lethal diplomatic waters—unaware of the astronomical price the fae intend to extract, or the unexpected personal cost it will carry.
Encounter Tier: APL 1–10 | Social & Political Intrigue
- The Trigger: Triggers when the party is approached by General Eirawyn Stoneford in Drosau. She advises them of the volatile political climate, warns of the expiring accord, and hires or urges them to assist with the impending summit and negotiating fair terms between the two sides.
- The Objective: Once the party links up with Prince Gwion, he asks them to serve as his personal diplomatic entourage at the Bramblecrest Throne. Upon arrival, the court pairs Gwion with Lord Crispin Ciderwell, a high-ranking male fae envoy tasked with ensuring his comfort. While Prince Gwion is locked in proceedings, a member of the fae council approaches the party and introduces herself as Isolda. She explains Drosau's deceit and requets the group's assistance in righting the wrongs of the past by bringing her proof of their lies. During this time, the party can secretly investigate records back in Cyndraig and return to her with the documents. Meanwhile, as negotiations wear on, Prince Gwion and Lord Crispin spend most of their free time together and find themselves falling deeply in love.
Lord Crispin Ciderwell
Armor Class 15
Hit Points 66 (12d8 + 12)
Speed 30 ft.
STR
10 (+0)
DEX
16 (+3)
CON
12 (+1)
INT
14 (+2)
WIS
16 (+3)
CHA
18 (+4)
Saving Throws Dex +6, Cha +7
Skills Persuasion +10, Insight +9, History +5, Deception +7, Performance +7
Condition Immunities Charmed
Senses Passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Sylvan
Challenge 4 (1,100 XP)
Fey Ancestry. Crispin has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic cannot put him to sleep.
Inspiring Presence (3/Day). As a bonus action, Crispin can choose one creature he can see within 30 feet. If the target can hear him, it gains a +1d8 bonus to its next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw before the start of Crispin’s next turn.
Spellcasting. Crispin is a 6th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). He can cast the following spells without requiring material components:
At will: Friends, Guidance, Message
3/day each: Calm Emotions, Charm Person, Enthrall, Zone of Truth
1/day each: Suggestion, Tongues
Multiattack. Crispin makes two attacks with his Rapier.
Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) psychic damage.
Autumn’s Solace (Bonus Action). Crispin targets one ally he can see within 30 feet. The target regains 9 (2d4 + 4) hit points and gains advantage on saving throws against being frightened until the end of its next turn.
Diplomatic Shield. When a creature Crispin can see within 30 feet makes an attack roll against him or an ally, Crispin can use his reaction to interpose a soothing word. The attacking creature must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on the attack roll.