BRPG Character: Master Mason of Ephraim

Name

Yair ben Eliezer

Tribe

Tribe of Ephraim

Profession

Stone Mason – Yair is a skilled stone mason who works primarily in the construction of homes and public buildings. His expertise in selecting and shaping stones ensures that structures are both aesthetically pleasing and durable.

Age

34

Gender

Male

Appearance

Yair has sun-tanned skin from years of working outdoors, with strong, calloused hands. He has dark hair pulled back into a practical braid and wears a tunic made of coarse linen, often smeared with mortar and dust from his work. His eyes are sharp and observant, reflecting his attention to detail.

Personality

Yair is diligent and meticulous, taking great pride in his craft. He is known for his dry sense of humor and often shares lighthearted jokes with his colleagues to ease the backbreaking labor. His dedication to quality makes him respected among his peers, though his stubbornness can sometimes lead to conflicts when he believes his methods are superior.

Background

Born in the hill country of Ephraim, Yair learned the trade of stone masonry from his father, who was also a craftsman. He has participated in the construction of several notable buildings in his community, including a new meeting hall for the elders. Recently, the division between the northern tribes and Judah has made him anxious about the future of his trade, as political tensions may affect demand for his work.

Motivation

Yair hopes to leave a legacy through the structures he builds, desiring that his children will inherit not only his skill but also the pride of living in a well-crafted home. He is also motivated by the need to provide for his family amidst the uncertainty of the kingdom’s future.

Skills

  • Stone Shaping: +2 to crafting checks involving stonework, especially during construction or repairs.
  • Negotiation: +1 when bargaining for supplies or securing contracts, beneficial when dealing with merchants or landowners.
  • Physical Endurance: +2 to checks related to heavy lifting or strenuous labor, helpful during long construction days.

Pitfalls

  • Stubbornness: -1 to social checks when he refuses to compromise or consider others’ viewpoints, leading to potential conflicts.
  • Lack of Formal Education: -2 to intelligence checks related to written communication, such as contracts or legal matters, since he relies on verbal agreements.

Inventory

  • Chisel: A worn stone chisel that yields +1 to crafting checks involving intricate stone designs.
  • Pouch of Mortar: Contains a small supply of mortar for repairs and minor constructions, essential for his work.
  • Rugged Work Boots: Sturdy footwear that grants +1 to endurance rolls, useful for long hours on his feet.

Stats

  • Strength: +2
  • Dexterity: +1
  • Constitution: +3
  • Intelligence: -1
  • Wisdom: +1
  • Charisma: +0

Special Ability

Master Craftsman – Yair can spend additional time on a project to automatically succeed at a crafting check. This ability requires the project to be one he is proficient in (e.g., stone masonry) and allows him to produce exceptional work that could enhance the structure’s quality or durability.

Adventure Hook

Yair receives a commission to build a stone wall as a defensive measure against potential invasions from the south. However, rumors swirl that local bandits are targeting craftsmen to undermine the stability of the northern tribes. As he works, he must decide whether to invest in personal safety or defend his community while navigating the tensions of the kingdom’s split.