Name
Shalom ben Ahijah
Tribe
Benjamin
Profession
Furrier – Shalom is skilled in preparing and working with animal hides, specifically those of goats and sheep. He provides valuable materials for clothing, tents, and other leather goods, which are essential in daily life and trade within and beyond Israel.
Age
28
Gender
Male
Appearance
Shalom has a stocky build, with weathered skin from years of outdoor work. His dark hair is often tied back, and he wears a simple linen tunic stained with dye from his trade. He carries a leather satchel filled with tools of his craft.
Personality
Shalom is pragmatic and resourceful, often finding ways to repurpose materials others see as waste. He has a quick wit and enjoys sharing stories of his work and travels. Though he can be skeptical of outsiders, his loyalty to friends is unwavering.
Background
Born in the tribe of Benjamin, Shalom grew up hearing tales of valor and conflict, especially with the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Philistines. His family was involved in the trade of leather goods, and he learned the craft from his father. Over the years, he has journeyed to various settlements, selling his wares and gathering news about the ongoing struggles between Saul and David, which greatly affects his business.
Motivation
Shalom desires to provide for his family and ensure they have a stable life amidst the chaos of the kingdom’s politics. He also seeks to gain a reputation as a master furrier, hoping that his skills will one day lead him to work with influential figures in the region.
Skills
- Fur Crafting: +2 on crafting checks for leather goods and hides.
- Negotiation: +1 on charisma checks when trading or bartering.
- Stealth: +1 on dexterity checks when sneaking through settlements during market days.
- Storytelling: +1 on charisma checks when entertaining or gaining trust.
Pitfalls
- Distrustful: Disadvantage on charisma checks with unfamiliar travelers, stemming from his cautious nature.
- Overemotional: Disadvantage on wisdom checks when faced with betrayal or conflict.
- Unorganized: Disadvantage on intelligence checks when trying to find specific items in his cluttered workshop.
Inventory
- Leatherworking tools: A set that includes knives, awls, and a stitching needle. Essential for his trade, granting +1 to crafting rolls.
- Goat-hide cloak: A sturdy garment that provides warmth and protection, offering +1 to defense against environmental hazards.
- A set of cloth dyes: Various natural colors used for dyeing leather. Allows for customization of goods, providing +1 to charisma checks when presenting his work.
Stats
Strength: +1
Dexterity: +2
Constitution: +1
Intelligence: 0
Wisdom: -1
Charisma: +1
Special Ability
Quick Mend – Shalom can patch up damaged leather goods quickly during emergencies. This ability allows him to regain +1 to crafting rolls for a short period, reflecting his ability to think on his feet when time is of the essence.
Adventure Hook
While Shalom is repairing leather armor for a local militia unit, he overhears plans of a surprise attack on David’s forces. Torn between loyalty to his tribe and fear of the repercussions, Shalom must decide whether to warn David or keep the information to himself, risking his standing in the community.
