Quackmire, the Beakon of Hope
Once upon a time, Quackmire was nothing more than a humble bath toy, floating aimlessly in a royal tub. But fate had bigger plans. A kindhearted princess, gifted with ancient fae magic, whispered life into him during a moment of pure joy. With a quack and a wiggle, Quackmire blinked to life, waddling forth with boundless spirit. Though made of rubber, he possessed a heart that beat with courage, laughter, and song. He became the princess’s companion, confidant, and bard-in-training, delighting her with silly quips, soulful tunes, and the sparkle of his bubble-wand blade.
But joy has a way of drawing darkness. One grim dawn, the kingdom was besieged by a sorcerer who sought to extinguish hope itself. The princess fought bravely at Quackmire’s side, but in a tragic turn, she was struck down before his eyes. Her final words named him not a toy, not a servant, but the kingdom’s last light—their Beakon of Hope. Though his bill trembled with grief, Quackmire swore vengeance. No longer just a spunky rubber duck with a washcloth cape, he is a bard of the College of Glamour, wielding charm, magic, and music to inspire the downtrodden and rally allies against the encroaching night.
Now, wherever he waddles, whispers follow: “The Beakon of Hope lives. And he will quack down the darkness.”
In the days following the princess’s fall, Quackmire wandered the kingdom in mourning, his washcloth cape dragging through the mud, his quacks subdued. But when darkness spreads, hope must rise. His first true adventure began in the village of Willowmere, where shadows of the sorcerer’s forces had begun to take root. The people were frightened, their spirits dampened like soggy feathers.
Determined not to let sorrow drown the land, Quackmire waddled onto the square and raised his bubble-wand blade high. With a mighty swing, he conjured a cascade of shimmering bubbles, each glowing with the light of the princess’s memory. Children laughed for the first time in weeks, their joy bursting like bubbles in the air. Yet even as smiles returned, the village was attacked by a band of the sorcerer’s minions—grim knights clad in black steel.
It was in this clash that Quackmire first proved himself as more than a novelty. Leaping high, cloak billowing, he quacked a battle hymn so dazzling that villagers and guards alike found courage in their chests. The enemy faltered, unnerved by the little duck who refused to back down. With every egg-splosive chord and every shining bubble, the people rallied and the darkness was pushed back.
Race: Awakened Construct (Rubber Duck)
Class: Bard (College of Glamour)
Level: 3 (suitable for early adventures)
Alignment: Neutral Good
Buoyant Body: Quackmire automatically floats in water and has advantage on checks to avoid being knocked prone.
Squeaky Resilience: Once per short rest, when reduced to 0 HP, Quackmire can bounce back to 1 HP with a defiant squeak.
Toy-Sized Hero: Quackmire is small. He can squeeze through tight spaces and has advantage on Stealth checks in water.
Bubble-Wand Blade: Melee weapon attack, +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1d6+3 magical slashing damage plus 1d4 radiant damage (bubbles of hope). Can be used as a spellcasting focus.
Bardic Inspiration (d6): 4 uses per long rest. Quackmire quacks an encouraging tune, granting an ally a d6 to add to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.
Mantle of Inspiration (College of Glamour): As a bonus action, Quackmire grants 5 temporary HP to up to 4 creatures within 60 feet and allows them to use their reaction to move up to their speed without provoking opportunity attacks. Usable 4 times per long rest (Charisma modifier).
Cantrips: Prestidigitation (for bubble effects), Vicious Mockery, Mage Hand
1st Level (4 slots): Cure Wounds, Heroism, Charm Person, Faerie Fire
2nd Level (2 slots): Enthrall, Calm Emotions