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Baskar Lendo - Sage and bookstore owner


Appearance

Baskar Lendo is a tall man, though his stooped posture often belies his height. He is thin, almost to the point of frailty, with a layer of dust often coating his slightly faded clothing. His features are sharp, and his eyes, while failing, possess a peculiar intensity as he peers curiously at everything around him, reminiscent of an inquisitive bird. His ink-stained fingers tell tales of the countless hours he has spent over parchment and quill.

Roleplaying tips

Baskar is a nervous, somewhat skittish character. He tends to talk fast, his words tumbling out in a rush, especially when discussing historical events or the latest gossip in Cormyr. Despite his poor eyesight, his other senses are keen, enabling him to navigate his crowded shop with surprising ease. He is always interested in hearing any news and rumors that could interest the local people and for that reason, he is very talkative bordering on the inquisitive.

Key Info

Baskar's print shop sells inks, parchments, and produces handbills for hire. He is also the creator of the 'Cormyr Clarion,' a broadsheet paper that covers the latest news and gossip in Eveningstar. For a fee, he is willing to insert cryptic messages into his rumor column, allowing folks to share secret messages. More info on location 20 of the map is found here. This service and his deep knowledge of Cormyr's history and people make him a valuable resource, not just for scholars, but also adventurers and those playing the game of politics. See his section on 5e downtime activities for Eveningstar

Personality

Baskar Lendo is a person of inquisitive nature and nervous energy. His eyes, albeit weak, are always alight with curiosity, reflecting his ever-present thirst for knowledge. He is passionate about history and folklore, often going on tangents about various historical events or notable individuals. His fondness for gossip gives him a certain charm, making him a delightful if not slightly overwhelming company.

Despite his anxious demeanor, Baskar is earnest and kind-hearted. He genuinely enjoys his work, whether it be studying the complex genealogies of Cormyr's nobility or putting together the latest edition of the Cormyr Clarion. While he loves uncovering and sharing secrets, he maintains a strict ethical code, never sharing information that might harm someone's reputation unjustly.

Baskar is also rather meticulous and particular about his work. His shop may appear crowded and chaotic to an outsider, but to Baskar, it's organized chaos where he knows exactly where everything is. His perfectionism can sometimes make him a bit fussy, especially when it comes to the quality of his inks and parchments. However, this dedication to his craft is precisely what makes Baskar the respected sage he is today.

Background

Once a mere enthusiast, Baskar has spent years transforming himself into a respected sage of Cormyr's history, folklore, and genealogies. He converted a former granary into his print shop and residence, providing him a haven to delve deeper into the past and present of Cormyr. He is particularly interested in the lives and actions of nobles and adventurers, considering their deeds and misdeeds a rich source of history.

Baskar Lendo - Sage and bookstore owner
Baskar Lendo - Sage and bookstore owner

Quote

"No story is insignificant, my friend. In the deeds and misdeeds of nobles and adventurers, in the everyday lives of the common folk, history unfolds. Let's unravel it together, shall we?"

Stat block

Baskar Lendo

Medium humanoid (human), neutral good


Armor Class 10 (unarmored)
Hit Points 9 (2d8)
Speed 30 ft.


STR 8 (-1), DEX 10 (+0), CON 10 (+0), INT 16 (+3), WIS 12 (+1), CHA 14 (+2)

Skills: History +5, Investigation +5
Senses: passive Perception 11
Languages: Common, Elvish
Challenge: 1/8 (25 XP)


Special Traits:

Historical Knowledge: Baskar can double his proficiency bonus on any Intelligence (History) check he makes that involves historical events, nobility, and adventurers in Cormyr.

Gossip Monger: Baskar is adept at inserting and interpreting hidden messages in his rumor column. He has advantage on Intelligence (Investigation) checks made to decipher cryptic messages.


Actions:

Dagger: Melee Weapon Attack: +1 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 (1d4 - 1) piercing damage.