Jack Dawkins “The Artful Dodger”
The Artful Dodger is a short and wiry young man with bright, mischievous eyes and a wide grin that always seems to be playing at the corners of his mouth. He has a shock of curly brown hair that tumbles over his forehead, and a perpetual energy that makes him seem like he’s always on the verge of taking off in a run. Despite his youth, he carries himself with a confident swagger that suggests he’s seen and done much more than most people his age.
- Alias – The Artful Dodger
- Gender – Male
- Race – Human
- Occupation – Pickpocket and leader of a gang of young thieves
- Religion – Unknown
- Allies – Fagin (criminal mastermind and mentor), other members of his gang, Oliver Twist (briefly)
- Enemies – The law, particularly Mr. Brownlow, Monks (who has a vendetta against Oliver Twist)
- Abode/ Base of operations – The slums and back alleys of London
- Nationality – Kingdom of England
- Languages – English, Thieves’ Cant
- Alignment – Chaotic Neutral
- Affiliation (s) – Criminal underworld of London
- Significant others – None known
Jack Dawkins, commonly known as the Artful Dodger, is a notorious thief and pickpocket in the London criminal underworld. Despite his young age, he has already earned a reputation as one of the most skilled and elusive pickpockets in the city, able to relieve even the most vigilant targets of their possessions with ease.
As a young orphan, Jack was forced to fend for himself on the streets of London, where he quickly learned the art of thievery and deception. His natural talents and quick wit caught the attention of the infamous Fagin, a criminal mastermind who took Jack under his wing and trained him in the ways of thievery.
Under Fagin’s guidance, Jack quickly became a valuable member of his gang, using his skills to acquire wealth and prestige within the criminal underworld. However, Jack’s ultimate goal is to one day escape the life of crime and poverty that he has known all his life, and to make a better life for himself.
Despite his criminal activities, Jack has a certain charm and charisma that draws people to him. He is often seen as a lovable rogue, charming his victims even as he is robbing them blind. He is also fiercely loyal to his friends, especially Fagin, who has been a father figure to him.
Other relevant characters in Jack’s life include Fagin’s gang of young pickpockets, including Oliver Twist, who Jack takes under his wing and becomes something of a mentor to. There are also the city guard, who are constantly on the lookout for Jack and his criminal activities. However, Jack is a master of deception and is always one step ahead of them.
The Artful Dodger
Small Humanoid (human), chaotic neutral
Armor Class 13 (studded leather)
Hit Points 22 (5d6 + 5)
Speed 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 (-1) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 12 (+1) | 10 (+0) | 14 (+2) |
Skills Acrobatics +5, Deception +4, Sleight of Hand +5, Stealth +7
Senses passive Perception 10
Languages English, Thieves’ Cant
Challenge 1/4 (50 XP)
Cunning Action. As a bonus action, the Artful Dodger can take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.
Evasion. When the Artful Dodger is subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, he instead takes no damage if he succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if he fails.
Sneak Attack. Once per turn, the Artful Dodger can deal an extra 7 (2d6) damage to one creature he hits with an attack if he has advantage on the attack roll, or if the target is within 5 feet of an ally of the Artful Dodger that isn’t incapacitated and he doesn’t have disadvantage on the attack roll.
Actions
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage.
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.
Equipment studded leather armor, shortsword, dagger, thieves’ tools, small pouch containing 10 gp
The Artful Dodger is quick, agile, and highly skilled in the art of thievery. He excels at sneaking around, picking locks, and pickpocketing, and his cunning and charm help him get out of sticky situations. While he doesn’t have much in the way of combat prowess, his sneak attack ability allows him to deal significant damage when attacking from hiding or with advantage.
In combat, the Artful Dodger uses his speed and agility to dart around the battlefield, striking from the shadows with his shortsword and dagger. He relies on his cunning action and evasion abilities to stay out of harm’s way, and uses his sneak attack to deal extra damage to enemies when he gets the chance.
Overall, the Artful Dodger is a fun and flavorful character to play in any D&D campaign that involves thievery, subterfuge, and adventure.