Name
Adonijah ben Zadok
Tribe
Judah
Profession
Stonecutter
Age
35
Gender
Male
Appearance
Adonijah has strong, calloused hands from years of chiseling stone. He stands at an average height with a sturdy build, having dark hair that is beginning to show flecks of gray. His face is weathered, revealing both the toil and pride in his work, and he often wears a simple tunic stained with the dust of the quarry.
Personality
Adonijah is practical and straightforward, valuing hard work and honesty above all. He has a keen eye for detail when it comes to his stonework and takes great pride in the finished products. However, he can be suspicious of outsiders, particularly those from the Philistine territories, given the tension between the two peoples. Despite this, he has a gentle sense of humor that often emerges among friends.
Background
Born in the town of Bethlehem, Adonijah comes from a long line of stonecutters, providing the materials for many of the region’s homes and sacred buildings. He played a part in constructing some of King David’s early fortifications and is now more cautious due to the ongoing tensions with the Philistines and the recent famine that has affected his work. He often recalls the tales of his grandfather, who faced off against Goliath’s kin, showcasing a rich family heritage of bravery and skill.
Motivation
Adonijah is motivated by a desire to support his family and community. With the recent famine resulting in a decline in work, he seeks new opportunities to provide and is willing to take on challenges that could put him at risk. His pride in his craft drives him to ensure the stones he cuts are not just utilitarian, but also beautiful and lasting.
Skills
- Stone Crafting: +2 to crafting-related checks involving stone or masonry.
- Strengthened Endurance: +1 to endurance checks when working in harsh conditions.
- Geological Insight: +1 to checks for identifying suitable stone types for specific purposes.
Pitfalls
- Distrust of Outsiders: Disadvantage on social checks when dealing with unfamiliar people, especially if they are Philistines.
- Overly Critical: Disadvantage on performance or social checks when he feels his work or character is being judged.
Inventory
- Chisel: An essential tool for stone cutting, +1 to crafting rolls.
- Leather Apron: Protects him from dust and injuries while working.
- Pouch of Marble Dust: Used for finishing stone, can be used to add +1 to charm checks if offered as a gift.
Stats
Strength: +2
Dexterity: +1
Constitution: +2
Intelligence: +1
Wisdom: +0
Charisma: -1
Special Ability
Master Stonecutter: Adonijah can create structures or tools using stone faster than most, reducing the time required for crafting rolls by one-third, allowing him to produce higher quality work under pressure.
Adventure Hook
Adonijah discovers a rare type of stone in a nearby quarry that has the potential to bring wealth or conflict. He must decide whether to claim it for himself, share the discovery with his community, or protect it from those who might take it by force, including Philistine raiders. The choice could affect both his livelihood and his standing within his community.
