# NPC: Richard Ambrose The leader of the **White Pine Heroes**, a rival adventuring party competing with [[Party - Elvensong]] for the [[Topic - Witch of Malwood (Bounty)]]. A **bard** who plays the **banjolele** and possesses psionic abilities. ## Role & Background - **Role:** Leader of the White Pine Heroes adventuring party - Part of [[Party - White Pine Heroes]] who are rival to [[Party - Elvensong]] in the competition to claim the bounty on the Witch of Malwood - Despite rivalry, willing to cooperate tactically when facing overwhelming odds - **Origin:** From [[Region - Whitefang]], south of [[Region - True Sylvaria]] - Has been adventuring for **5 years** - Has **little family** remaining ## Appearance - **Human**, skinny build - **Blonde hair** with a **moustache** - Dashing and well-dressed ## Personality & Motivations - **Competitive** but pragmatic - Willing to split up tactical operations to maximize efficiency - Responds to calls for aid even from rivals when situation is dire - Shows **honor and discretion**: when finding [[PC - Mannfred Huem]]'s wanted poster, chose to burn it rather than use it against him - **Non-chalant** demeanor despite years of adventuring experience - **Goal:** Claim the bounty on the Witch of Malwood ## Powers/Abilities - **Bard:** Plays the **banjolele** - **Psionic abilities:** Can read minds and project memories to others - Skilled combatant capable of "picking off survivors" in large-scale battles - Provided "crucial support" during the goblin fortress assault ## Relationships - **Allies:** [[NPC - Martha Greenroot]] (party member) - **Rivals:** [[Party - Elvensong]] (competing for same bounty) - **Cooperative relationship:** Despite rivalry, works with Elvensong when tactically advantageous ## Session Appearances ### Session 5 - First met [[Party - Elvensong]] before convoy departure to [[City - Shafthield]] - Demonstrated his **mind-reading and memory projection abilities** - Described as "dashing well dressed man - skinny with blonde hair and moustache" - Revealed as bard who plays the banjolele ### Session 6 - Led the White Pine Heroes to [[Location - Goblin Fortress (Malwood)]] in pursuit of the Witch of Malwood bounty - Agreed to "loose cooperation" with [[Party - Elvensong]], splitting forces to infiltrate the fort - Took his group west while Elvensong circled east to the side entrance - Engaged goblin forces elsewhere in the fortress while Elvensong explored interior rooms - Responded to [[PC - Mannfred Huem]]'s desperate Message spell - Arrived with [[NPC - Martha Greenroot]] to reinforce Elvensong during the massive courtyard battle - Provided crucial support, picking off goblin survivors until the horde was defeated - Maintained the competitive relationship throughout, each party counting goblin ears for their tally - **Final ear count:** White Pine Heroes claimed 4 goblin ears vs Elvensong's 7 ### Session 7 - Shared a meaningful conversation with [[PC - Mannfred Huem]] during forest rest after escaping the fortress - Revealed he is from [[Region - Whitefang]], south of [[Region - True Sylvaria]] - Shared that he has been adventuring for 5 years and has little family - **Found [[PC - Mannfred Huem]]'s wanted poster but chose to burn it** rather than act upon it—a gesture of respect and honor between rivals - Participated in the tactical plan to lay false evidence and draw fortress defenders into the woods - Helped defeat the massive rune-marked goblin inside the fortress during the second infiltration ### Session 8 - Stayed with [[Party - Elvensong]] in [[City - Treston]] while [[NPC - Little Jeffen|Jeffen]] and [[NPC - Martha Greenroot|Martha]] headed to [[City - Silverwall]]. - Waited outside [[Shop - Mordrid's Grand Appraisals]] with [[PC - Aelar Thaelond|Aelar]] during the appraisals. - Led the party to [[Shop - Edmon's Shop of Wizardry]], warning them [[NPC - Edmon|Edmon]] is "very strange." - Presented [[NPC - Izitt Badd ☠️|Izitt Badd's]] ear to [[NPC - Oliver]] as proof of the kill. - At [[Inn - The Anchor Inn]], ordered 5 grogs for 5cp. - **Shared how he met [[NPC - Martha Greenroot|Martha]]**: - Found her on a riverbank during a quest in Silvaria Forest with [[NPC - Degleg Darkrock|Degleg]] and August (who died). - She was charismatic and friendly—then suddenly they were traveling together. - She's been with the party for about **2 years**. - Never met her friends or family. - Seemed **confused** when trying to remember details—something is off. - They used to quest on the east side; now only the west side since she joined. - She once led them to a **large, dark tree** in the forest. - Mentioned he's never been to the Silvaria Forest before meeting Martha—but then said she led them to a tree there (contradiction suggests possible memory manipulation).