Buy me a coffeeJohn Dee, Dr. Dee, The Queen’s Conjurer
“Meet John Dee: Renaissance Scholar, Occult Visionary, and Advisor to Royalty!”
- Alias: Dr. Dee, The Queen’s Conjurer
- Gender: Male
- Race: Human
- Occupation: Scholar, Alchemist, Advisor
- Religion: Occult Studies, Esoteric Beliefs
- Allies: the Queen, Edward Kelley
- Enemies: Rival Occult Practitioners, Church Authorities
- Abode/Base of Operations: Mortlake Manor, London
- Nationality: English
- Languages: Latin, Greek, English, Several European Languages
- Alignment: Lawful Neutral
- Affiliation(s): The Royal Court
- Significant Others: Jane Fromond (Wife)
John Dee, a scholar and advisor of mysterious pursuits, emerges as an enigmatic character. With a voracious appetite for knowledge and the arcane, he dwells in a realm where the boundaries between science and the supernatural blur. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, he explores the hidden recesses of the universe and its secrets, in a relentless quest to unveil the truths that lie concealed. Yet, a lingering fear gnaws at the edges of his consciousnessāthe fear that the answers he seeks may forever elude him, casting him into the abyss of eternal ignorance.
In a world where the lines between the known and the unknown are shifting, John Dee’s ambitions are unwavering. He yearns to unlock the cryptic codes of existence, harness the forces of the cosmos, and wield their power to shape the destiny of nations. His enigmatic pursuits are not without peril, as he ventures into the abyss of the supernatural, where the boundaries of science, magic, and the divine converge. There, he hopes to rewrite the narrative of human understanding, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of history.
John Dee, Scholar of the Arcane
Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral
Armor Class 13 (mage armor)
Hit Points 67 (13d8 + 13)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 12 (+1) | 20 (+5) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) |
Skills Arcana +11, History +11, Investigation +11, Religion +11
Senses passive Perception 13
Languages Common, Celestial, Infernal, Draconic
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)
Arcane Ward (Recharge 4-6). As a reaction when John Dee is hit by a spell or magic effect, he can absorb some of the magic’s energy, reducing the damage he takes. He regains hit points equal to the damage he would have taken from the spell or effect.
Scholar’s Focus. John Dee can use an action to cast either the Identify or Detect Magic spell without expending a spell slot. Once used, this ability can’t be used again until after a short rest.
Spellcasting. John Dee is a 13th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 18, +10 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following wizard spells prepared:
- Cantrips (at will): Mage Hand, Prestidigitation, Minor Illusion, Message
- 1st-level (4 slots): Mage Armor, Shield, Sleep, Tenser’s Floating Disk
- 2nd-level (3 slots): Detect Thoughts, Invisibility, Mirror Image
- 3rd-level (3 slots): Counterspell, Dispel Magic, Sending
- 4th-level (3 slots): Arcane Eye, Dimension Door, Leomund’s Secret Chest
- 5th-level (2 slots): Legend Lore, Teleport
Actions
Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d6) bludgeoning damage or 4 (1d8) bludgeoning damage if wielded with both hands.
Arcane Blast. John Dee releases a focused blast of arcane energy. Each creature in a 20-foot cone must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) force damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
Summon Familiar. John Dee can summon a celestial, fey, or fiendish familiar that takes the form of a raven or cat, as per the Find Familiar spell.
Magical Insights (Recharge 6). John Dee can harness his profound magical knowledge to gain unique insights into his surroundings. He can cast one of the following spells, using this ability as a bonus action:
- Comprehend Languages
- Identify
- Detect Magic
Divination (3/Day). John Dee can use his knowledge of the arcane to cast the Divination spell.
Equipment
- A quarterstaff
- A spellbook
- A scholar’s robe
- An arcane focus
- A journal filled with his research notes
- An obsidian mirror (focus for scrying)
Spellbook
John Dee’s spellbook contains various arcane rituals and spells, along with his personal research notes on topics ranging from alchemy to astrology and the summoning of celestial entities.
Familiar (Raven or Cat)
Hit Points 1 (1d4 – 1)
Speed 10 ft., fly 50 ft. (raven form) or 40 ft. (cat form)
Keen Sight. The raven has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight.
Arcane Connection. The cat can communicate telepathically with John Dee and share magical senses and abilities when within 100 feet of him.
Actions
Claws (Cat Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +2 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 1 (1d2) slashing damage. The target must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or be infected with a disease called “Arcane Affliction” (see below).
Arcane Affliction (Cat Form Only). A creature infected with this disease suffers disadvantage on its next saving throw against one of John Dee’s spells or abilities. The disease can be cured with a successful DC 15 Constitution saving throw or through magical healing.
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), John Dee takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects; he can’t use the same effect two rounds in a row:
- The lair emanates an aura of arcane energy. All spells and magical abilities used in the lair are cast at one level higher than usual for 1 minute.
- John Dee can draw upon the unique knowledge contained in his spellbook, casting a spell from it as if he had it prepared without expending a spell slot.
- John Dee calls upon his familiar to assist him. It appears within 30 feet of him and takes an action to aid him, granting him advantage on his next spell attack.
Regional Effects
The area surrounding John Dee’s lair is steeped in arcane energy, creating the following effects:
- Arcane phenomena are common, such as unexplained lights, floating objects, or spectral voices.
- Creatures with a CR of 1 or lower can’t enter the area willingly. If already within the area, they seek to leave.
Role-Playing John Dee
John Dee is a brilliant scholar and wizard with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He dedicates his life to the pursuit of magical secrets and the understanding of the cosmos. While he is fundamentally good-hearted, his single-minded focus on the arcane can sometimes make him appear detached or aloof.
Dee’s motives are rooted in a desire to protect the world from supernatural threats and to unlock the potential of magic. He fears the abuse of magic by nefarious individuals and seeks to prevent it at all costs. Despite his reclusive nature, Dee is a benevolent figure, aiding those who share his values and align with his goals.
In combat, Dee relies on a combination of protective spells and devastating arcane attacks. His familiar aids him in delivering spells or spreading arcane afflictions to foes. His lair provides a tactical advantage, enabling him to turn the battlefield to his advantage.
Currently in the World
Dr. John Dee, dressed in a dark, finely tailored velvet robe, is seated at his cluttered study desk in Mortlake Manor. His attire, adorned with rich, deep shades of sapphire and emerald, exudes an air of scholarly elegance. Sunlight streams through the leaded windows, casting dappled patterns on the myriad alchemical instruments, arcane manuscripts, and astronomical charts that fill the room.
With his silvered hair cascading onto his shoulders, Dee’s sharp, bearded visage is one of deep contemplation as he scrutinizes an ancient grimoire. His piercing eyes, framed by round spectacles, reflect both his relentless pursuit of esoteric knowledge and the weight of the secrets he guards. An air of intellectual intensity pervades the room, and the atmosphere is suffused with the scent of aged books and incense.
In the midst of his studies, John Dee remains focused and determined, with a hint of excitement and trepidation, as if he is on the brink of a profound discovery. His surroundings, a fusion of esoteric wisdom and earthly science, speak to his ceaseless quest for understanding.