The Weight of Duty: Unveiling Vecci Ronin, The "Noble" Cleric

Welcome, adventurers, to another deep dive into the vibrant characters of the Dirt Cheap Dungeons universe! Today, we introduce Vecci Ronin, a human male Cleric of the Death Domain. Born into nobility, Vecci views the world through a lens of duty and unwavering, if self-serving, conviction. Featured on the box art of the Owlbear set, though not nearly as prominently as he would prefer, prepare to meet a character who believes the world needs him far more than he needs it.

Core Concept: An entitled noble who, while striving to do right in the world, tends to let his arrogance and entitlement get the better of him.

A Bastion of Nobility

Vecci takes great pride in his appearance, believing in the adage 'clothes make the man.' :

• Race: Human, hailing from a northern land.
• Height: A respectable 6’2”.
• Hair: Perfectly trimmed dirty blond, with a clean shaven face.
• Eyes: Dark green.
• Skin Tone: Light.
• Details: Vecci is always ensuring he is presentable to the masses. He wears gleaming plate armor, carries a polished shield, and wields a pristine spear. His armor, shield, and spear are kept in impeccable, polished condition, reflecting his meticulous nature. Notably, he never wears a helmet, preferring his face to remain uncovered so those he saves can properly thank him. His family crest is proudly displayed on his breastplate, a constant reminder of his station.

Inner World and Motivations

Vecci's core identity is shaped by his noble lineage and his unique devotion to an obscure death god. As the only cleric he has ever encountered of this deity, he feels a profound, almost singular, sense of responsibility. He genuinely believes it is his duty as a noble to care for those beneath his station. However, this belief is tempered by an inherent arrogance: he views everyone who is not a noble as beneath his station. This perspective leads to a superior attitude, fueled by the conviction that the world and its people desperately need him more than he needs them.

Despite his arrogance, Vecci is not afraid to fight, and importantly, he does not fear death. He embodies a twisted form of chivalry: virtuous and chivalrous, but in all the worst ways. His actions, though often helpful, are frequently driven by a desire for recognition and a reinforcement of his perceived indispensable role in the world.

"Of course, you're welcome! Though, frankly, I'm surprised it took you this long to realize you needed my assistance." - Vecci Ronin

His Journey: A Noble's Burden

Vecci's life has been one defined by his noble birthright and his solitary path as a cleric to a little-known god of death. Unlike most who might fear such a divine calling, Vecci embraces it, seeing it as another facet of his inherent superiority and a unique burden he alone can carry. His journey is driven by the perceived necessity of his presence in the world, where he sees himself as the ultimate protector and benefactor, ensuring order and managing the "lesser" lives around him.

Abilities and Combat Style

 

Vecci's stats would prioritize his outward presence and resilience over class optimization, though he is still a skilled combatant:

• STR: 12: Sufficient for wearing plate armor and wielding a spear.
• DEX: 10: Average agility; he relies on his heavy armor for protection.
• CON: 16: Essential for a "tanky" frontline character who soaks up damage.
• INT: 8: Not his strong suit; his understanding of the world is often filtered through his noble upbringing and self-importance.
• WIS: 13: While not his primary focus, he still possesses the core wisdom of a cleric, though it's often overshadowed by his ego.
• CHA: 18: His highest stat, reflecting his commanding presence and inherent belief in his own superiority, even if it borders on arrogance.

As a Cleric of the Death Domain, Vecci's abilities manifest through his mastery over life and death. His lack of fear in the face of mortality translates into a combat style focused on being incredibly "tanky". He dons heavy plate armor and wields his shield, soaking up damage while his primary offensive power comes from his undead servants, who do most of the fighting for him.

He is notably accompanied by Charles, an undead donkey who serves as his dedicated pack animal, carrying all his supplies. While Vecci would publicly insist Charles is nothing more than a beast of burden, he harbors a deep, unacknowledged protectiveness for the donkey. Should Charles ever be "killed," Vecci would go to great lengths, doing "what is necessary," to find its corpse and reanimate it once more, showcasing a surprising, hidden sentimentality.

Integrating Vecci Ronin into Your Story

Vecci Ronin presents a fascinating blend of noble aspirations and ingrained arrogance, making him a compelling addition to any campaign:

• As a Player Character: Playing Vecci offers unique role-playing challenges centered around his flawed virtues. How does a party navigate a protector who genuinely believes he is superior? His unique divine connection and his bond with Charles also provide rich narrative opportunities. He should focus more on Charisma than Wisdom, which would normally make him sub-optimal for a Cleric. To compensate, choose spells that do not rely heavily on modifiers or saving throws.

• As an NPC: Vecci could be a powerful, if exasperating, ally who swoops in to "save" the party, expecting effusive praise. He might be a local lord whose decrees, while aimed at protection, come across as incredibly condescending. His rare knowledge of an obscure death god could be a vital plot hook, but accessing it would require navigating his haughty demeanor. His devotion to Charles could also be a surprising weakness or an unexpected point of connection for the party.