This is Session 0 of the Solo Series, where you will meet Roderic, the Tiefling Circle of Spirits bard who will be our first protagonist of the series.
Origins and Upbringing
Roderic was born in Daggerford, a small but bustling town nestled along the Trade Way between Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate. As a tiefling, his infernal appearance — a sharp contrast to the mostly human and halfling population — made him a constant target of mockery and suspicion. From a young age, Roderic was isolated, with other children calling him names and adults dismissing him as trouble before he ever had a chance to prove otherwise. The townspeople’s mistrust and their fear of his heritage left him feeling like an outsider in the only town he’d ever known.
Roderic’s parents, while not unkind, were poor merchants who struggled to scrape by, never quite fitting in with the rest of the town themselves. They did what they could to shield him from the worst of the town’s cruelty, but even they couldn’t deny that Roderic would never be truly accepted in Daggerford. His parents encouraged him to pursue reading and storytelling, giving him old tomes they’d acquired in trades and recounting stories of great bards and adventurers from the past in an attempt to boost his spirits.
Still, Roderic grew bitter. As he reached adolescence, the constant bullying and distrust he faced hardened his resolve. He learned that the only way to survive in Daggerford was to be sharper, quicker, and smarter than those around him. He began to rely on his wits to get what he wanted, stealing when necessary and perfecting the arts of persuasion and deception — skills that would serve him well later in life.
Escape to the City
At the age of 15, Roderic had had enough of Daggerford. For weeks, the town had been battered by storms unlike anything the townsfolk had seen in years. The muddy roads leading to Waterdeep and Baldur’s Gate became impassable, cutting off Daggerford from much-needed supplies. The river flooded, damaging crops and ruining the town’s modest grain stores. Livestock grew sick from exposure and the local economy — which relied heavily on trade — ground to a halt. The once-lively market square was empty, replaced by anxious whispers and the sound of constant rain. The townspeople, worn thin by hardship, grew desperate for someone to blame.
Roderic had become a convenient scapegoat for previous problems in the town. Whispers circulated among the superstitious that it was his presence, his infernal bloodline, that had brought these troubles down on Daggerford. After all, hadn’t the storms started shortly after his fifteenth birthday?
One evening, after yet another week of incessant rain and failed trade caravans, a group of the town’s most vocal critics gathered at the local tavern, fueled by ale and fear. It didn’t take long for the conversation to connect Roderic and the misfortunes that had befallen Daggerford. Led by Jarrod, the local blacksmith who always viewed the tiefling boy with disgust, the group decided that enough was enough; something had to be done.
That night, they marched through the flooded streets toward the modest home of Roderic’s family. His parents, startled by the sudden arrival of their neighbors, tried to calm them but it was no use. The townspeople, soaked and angry, hurled accusations at Roderic, blaming him for the storms and the town’s suffering.
“You should have known this would happen when you kept that devil boy in your home,” Jarrod spat. “It’s his kind that brought this curse down on us. We never had problems like this until he came along.”
The crowd agreed, their dear and desperation now focused entirely on Roderic. Some shouted that his very presence in the town was a blight, while others demanded that his parents send him away to lift the curse. Roderic stood in the doorway, listening in stunned silence. The townspeople’s anger had turned into a mob mentality, and there was no reasoning with them. Eventually, the crowd dispersed, but not before making it clear that unless Roderic left, things would only get worse for his family.
As the storm continued to rage outside, Roderic retreated to his bedroom where he sat alone, staring out the window at the rain-soaked town. He had always known that Daggerford was not a place for someone like him, but hearing it shouted by so many of his neighbors made it more real in a way he never expected. He could still hear Jarrod’s gruff voice ringing in his ears, filled with venom and disdain.
Late that night, when the town was asleep and the rain had eased into a steady drizzle, Roderic packed what few belongings he had: a small journal, a couple ragged books his parents had given him, and a silver pendant — a keepsake from his loving mother. He left a note behind, thanking his parents for everything they had done but telling them he had to leave, for their sake as much as his. A single tear rolled out from a deep red eye, splotching onto the page next to his signature. With a heavy heart, he slipped out of the house and into the darkened street.
As he made his way to the northern gate, he passed through the deserted market square; the sight of his family’s empty, rain-drenched stall brought a wave of sadness through Roderic more powerful than the torrential downpours of the weeks prior. This was the last time he would ever see this place.
He didn’t stop. Without looking back, Roderic disappeared into the night, heading north to the great city of Waterdeep. He had heard stories about the city from his parents — tales of its grandeur, its diversity, and its promise of freedom. Perhaps there, among the bustling streets and towering spires, he could start over. Perhaps he could find a place where no one cared about his horns or infernal heritage; a place where he could be whoever he wanted to be.
A New Beginning
Waterdeep offered Roderic something that Daggerford never could: anonymity and opportunity. The city was teeming with people of all kinds, and for the first time in his life, Roderic could blend in. He quickly fell in with the lower rungs of society — thieves, gamblers, and hustlers — who didn’t care about his appearance as long as he could pull his own weight (and a good con). He perfected his silver tongue, selling fake relics, scamming wealthy merchants, and charming his way into places he didn’t belong. The city’s vast libraries and performance halls also allowed him to sharpen his skills as a bard, blending music, magic, and story.
During this time, he developed his signature style of con artistry: weaving tales of ancient spirits, lost fortunes, and magical relics. He would “summon” (or so he claimed) spirits during his performances, delivering messages from the dead to awe-struck audiences. Most of these “messages” were fabricated to manipulate people into giving up their wealth or secrets, but every now and then, he’d tap into a true connection to the spirit world — an ability that would later shape his path in the College of Spirits.
As Roderic’s skills grew, so did his reputation — both as a bard and a con artist. He adopted several false identities, using his charm and quick thinking to weave intricate lies and stories that made people believe whatever he needed them to believe. He became known in certain circles for his ability to deceive even the most cautious individuals.
However, the life of a charlatan in Waterdeep came with dangers. Rival con artists, criminal syndicates, and even some people he swindled in the past started catching up to him. After a few close calls with Waterdeep’s City Watch and some angry nobles, Roderic decided it was time to leave the city and explore the broader Sword Coast, where his talents as a storyteller and his knack for deception could find new, unassuming victims.
Now, Roderic finds himself traveling from town to town across the Sword Coast, blending his performances with his schemes. Though he often leaves towns richer and better entertained, he’s never able to stay long before someone inevitably discovers they’ve been swindled. He has a knack for finding danger, but also for talking his way out of it, relying on his sharp mind and fast reflexes (and occasionally, a blade or two).
Despite his success as a charlatan, Roderic harbors a hidden desire for something more. The spirits he sometimes communicates with hint at a destiny beyond his cons, though he’s never been sure if he should trust them. He’s also begun to feel the loneliness that comes with a life of deceit. Roderic is starting to question whether his schemes will ever bring him the wealth and influence he craves, or if he’s destined to remain a nameless wanderer, always on the outside looking in.
Welcome to the Solo Series!