Pierre Gringoire, the Playwright

“Meet Pierre Gringoire: The Poet Caught in a Tale of Love, Betrayal, and the Secrets of Notre Dame!”

• Alias: None
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Poet, Playwright
• Religion: Catholic
• Allies: Esmeralda, Captain Phoebus, Clopin Trouillefou
• Enemies: Claude Frollo, Guards of Notre Dame
• Abode/Base of Operations: Varies; primarily Paris and the Court of Miracles
• Nationality: French
• Languages: French
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Affiliation(s): None in particular, but associated with the theater community and the events at Notre Dame Cathedral
• Significant Others: Esmeralda (marriage of convenience, unrequited love)

Pierre Gringoire is a struggling poet living in the vibrant city of Paris. He possesses a passionate soul, eager to express his creative spirit through his writings. With a touch of naivety and a deep desire for recognition, Gringoire yearns to be celebrated as a renowned playwright. He dreams of captivating audiences with his stories, making a name for himself in the literary circles of the time.

However, Gringoire’s path takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled in the web of events surrounding the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. As fate would have it, during the Feast of Fools, he finds himself thrust onto a stage, presenting his play to an eager crowd. But his moment of glory quickly fades as the attention shifts to the enchanting gypsy dancer, Esmeralda.

Drawn to her ethereal beauty, Gringoire becomes enamored with Esmeralda, even though he knows deep down that his affection may never be reciprocated. Yet, amidst the turmoil and darkness that engulfs Notre Dame, Gringoire’s genuine and compassionate nature leads him to protect and advocate for Esmeralda, despite his own desires.

Throughout his journey, Gringoire faces moments of doubt and self-discovery, often questioning his place in a world filled with cruelty and injustice. As he witnesses the conflicts between love and duty, loyalty and betrayal, Gringoire’s resilience is tested. He becomes a witness to the unfolding tragedies surrounding the cathedral, navigating the treacherous paths of love, friendship, and survival.

Though his aspirations as a playwright may fade into the background, Gringoire’s character evolves, embracing the role of a compassionate observer and chronicler of the human condition. His experiences within the hallowed walls of Notre Dame shape his understanding of the world, and he emerges as a changed man, armed with stories to tell and lessons to impart.

In essence, Pierre Gringoire’s journey is one of self-discovery, love, and sacrifice. As he navigates the turbulent world of medieval Paris, he seeks meaning, purpose, and the redemption that comes from finding one’s place within a larger narrative.

Pierre Gringoire, the Playwright

Medium humanoid (human), neutral good

Armor Class 12 (leather armor) Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10	14	14	16	12	18

Saving Throws Dex +4, Cha +6 Skills Arcana +5, History +7, Persuasion +6 Senses Passive Perception 11 Languages Common, French, Latin Challenge 3 (700 XP)

Actions

Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

Vicious Mockery (3/Day). Pierre targets one creature within 60 feet that can hear him. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or take 4 (1d4 + 2) psychic damage and have disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.

Dramatic Flourish (Recharge 5-6). Pierre displays his theatrical skills and gains advantage on his next Charisma (Performance) check or Charisma (Deception) check he makes within the next minute.

Reactions

Artistic Inspiration. When an ally within 30 feet of Pierre misses with an attack roll, he can use his reaction to inspire them. The ally can add 1d6 to the attack roll.

Legendary Actions

Pierre Gringoire can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Pierre regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Piercing Insight. Pierre uses his extensive knowledge to analyze his surroundings. He makes an Intelligence (Investigation) check to gain insights into a specific object or area within 30 feet.

Masterful Performance. Pierre performs a captivating piece of theater, captivating all creatures of his choice within 30 feet. Each affected creature must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed until the end of its next turn.

Poetic Inspiration (Costs 2 Actions). Pierre recites a powerful poem or monologue, inspiring himself and up to two willing creatures of his choice within 60 feet. The inspired creatures gain advantage on their next ability check, attack roll, or saving throw within the next minute.

Equipment

Pierre Gringoire is equipped with:

• Leather armor
• Rapier
• Quill and parchment
• A collection of his plays and poems
• A small bag of coin

Magic Items

Pierre Gringoire possesses:

• Quill of Inspiration – This magical quill grants Pierre advantage on all Charisma-based ability checks when writing or performing. It also allows him to cast the Prestidigitation cantrip once per day.

Character Background

Pierre Gringoire is a charismatic playwright known for his satirical works. He travels the land, seeking inspiration and performing his plays to captivate audiences. He is driven by a desire to challenge societal norms and expose hypocrisy through his art. Pierre aims to achieve recognition as a renowned playwright and bring joy and thought-provoking entertainment to people’s lives.

Plot Hooks

• The Satirical Playwright: Pierre Gringoire approaches the players, seeking inspiration for his latest satirical play. He offers to base a character in his play on one of the party members, promising fame and recognition if they agree. However, the character portrayal might not be entirely flattering, leading to moral dilemmas and potential conflicts within the group.
• The Mysterious Manuscript: Pierre Gringoire possesses an ancient manuscript rumored to hold hidden knowledge or a powerful enchantment. He asks the players to decipher its contents, leading them on a quest to uncover its secrets while evading those who would do anything to obtain the manuscript for themselves.
• The Performance Challenge: Pierre Gringoire challenges the players to a contest of wit, charm, and performance. He proposes a grand event where the party competes against other talented individuals to win the favor of influential nobles and secure a patron for their future adventures. This hook introduces elements of social intrigue, skill challenges, and creative roleplaying.
• The Lost Masterpiece: Pierre Gringoire believes he has discovered an unpublished masterpiece written by a long-forgotten playwright. However, the manuscript has been stolen, and he needs the players’ help to recover it. Their journey takes them through the seedy underbelly of the city, crossing paths with thieves, rival playwrights, and secret societies.
• The Love Triangle: Pierre Gringoire finds himself entangled in a complicated love triangle involving a noblewoman and a powerful courtier. He seeks the players’ assistance in navigating the delicate situation, which includes gathering evidence of a scandalous affair, orchestrating clandestine meetings, and ensuring that true love triumphs over societal expectations.
• The Patron’s Favor: Pierre Gringoire’s latest play has caught the attention of a wealthy and influential patron who offers to sponsor the group’s endeavors in exchange for incorporating specific themes or messages in their future performances. The players must decide whether to compromise their artistic integrity for financial stability and explore the moral implications of their choices.
• The Cursed Performance: Pierre Gringoire unwittingly unleashes a supernatural curse during one of his performances, causing chaos and mayhem. The players must assist him in unraveling the curse’s origins and finding a way to break it before the malevolent force claims more lives and threatens the stability of the city.
• The Forbidden Library: Pierre Gringoire reveals the existence of a secret library hidden beneath the city, filled with forbidden knowledge and powerful artifacts. He seeks the players’ help in gaining access to this elusive sanctuary, as its treasures may hold the key to unraveling a historical mystery or combating a growing threat that looms over the realm.
• The Bard’s Legacy: Pierre Gringoire becomes the custodian of an ancient bardic artifact imbued with incredible musical power. However, its use comes at a great cost, draining the life force of its wielder. The players must aid Pierre in understanding the artifact’s true nature and finding a way to harness its power without sacrificing themselves in the process.
• The Ghostly Muse: Pierre Gringoire finds himself haunted by the ghost of a legendary actress who demands that he write a play to honor her memory. The players must assist him in unraveling the actress’s tragic past, collecting her scattered belongings, and staging a performance that will allow her spirit to find peace and move on to the afterlife.

Currently in the World

Physical Description: Pierre Gringoire is a man of average height, with a slender build and a slightly disheveled appearance. He has unkempt, shoulder-length brown hair that falls messily around his face. His hazel eyes reflect a mix of curiosity and nervousness, often darting around as if searching for inspiration. Gringoire’s face bears the marks of a life filled with passion and struggles, with a scruffy beard framing his slightly crooked nose. He dresses in worn and patched clothing, a testament to his humble circumstances.

Current Situation: Gringoire finds himself standing in the bustling streets of medieval Paris, his gaze wandering aimlessly as he tries to capture the essence of the city through his writer’s eyes. He holds a weathered quill in one hand, a symbol of his craft, and a tattered manuscript in the other, filled with his poetic musings. His surroundings are a mix of vibrant colors and sounds, with merchants haggling, street performers entertaining passersby, and the distant chimes of Notre Dame Cathedral echoing through the air.

Mood: Gringoire’s mood fluctuates between a sense of wonder and trepidation. He is eager to delve into the heart of Paris, seeking inspiration for his writings and yearning for recognition as a playwright. However, beneath his hopeful facade, there is a hint of anxiety and uncertainty. The weight of his unrequited love for Esmeralda, the enigmatic and captivating gypsy dancer, lingers in his thoughts, creating a bittersweet undertone to his current state. Despite the challenges he faces, Gringoire’s spirit remains resilient, driven by a deep passion for the arts and a desire to leave his mark on the world.