Joukahainen, the Fateful Bard

“Joukahainen: The Enigmatic Bard Who Challenged Fate!”

• Alias: None
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Young hunter and musician
• Religion: Likely adherent to Finnish paganism
• Allies: His family and the people of his village
• Enemies: Väinämöinen, at least initially
• Abode/Base of operations: His family’s home in the Northlands
• Nationality: Finnish
• Languages: Finnish, Elvish
• Alignment: Initially chaotic neutral and vengeful, later neutral
• Affiliation(s): None specified
• Significant others: No specific mention in the traditional tales

Joukahainen, a young and headstrong figure in Finnish mythology, is a character known for his fiery ambition and a deep desire to prove himself. He hails from the mystical lands of Kalevala, where the tales of ancient heroes and powerful magic shape the world. Joukahainen’s story is one of youthful exuberance and the consequences of challenging the older and wiser.

He is a bard, gifted with the art of song and poetry, and his heart is filled with pride and a longing for recognition. Joukahainen aspires to be renowned as a master of words, someone whose verses will be sung by generations to come. However, this burning ambition often drives him to make hasty and reckless decisions.

Joukahainen’s journey unfolds when he challenges Väinämöinen, a sage and a powerful singer, to a singing contest. In his youthful arrogance, Joukahainen believes he can outshine Väinämöinen, but he underestimates the depth of experience and wisdom possessed by his opponent.

What drives Joukahainen is not just the thirst for recognition but also the fear of living in Väinämöinen’s shadow. He yearns to break free from the shackles of obscurity and to establish himself as a formidable force in the world of magic and music.

However, as his story unfolds, Joukahainen learns that ambition alone cannot guarantee success. He must confront the consequences of his actions, navigate the challenges posed by his encounters with powerful beings, and ultimately find his place in the rich tapestry of Finnish mythology.

In the end, Joukahainen’s journey is one of growth, humility, and self-discovery. He realizes that there is much more to be gained from learning and respecting the wisdom of those who came before him than from seeking fame for its own sake.

Joukahainen, the Fateful Bard

Medium Humanoid (Human), Chaotic Neutral

Armor Class 15 (Leather Armor) Hit Points 84 (13d8 + 26) Speed 30 ft., Swim 40 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	18 (+4)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)

Skills Arcana +5, Deception +7, Performance +7 Senses Passive Perception 12 Languages Finnish, Elvish

Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)

Spellcasting. Joukahainen is a 9th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation
• 1st level (4 slots): Charm Person, Mage Armor, Sleep
• 2nd level (3 slots): Invisibility, Mirror Image
• 3rd level (3 slots): Counterspell, Hypnotic Pattern
• 4th level (3 slots): Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility
• 5th level (1 slot): Modify Memory

Spellcasting Focus. Joukahainen’s songs and spells are cast through the power of his voice and song. He does not require material components for his spells.

Swimming. Joukahainen is an adept swimmer and can move through water without impediment. He gains a +4 bonus to all Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks made while swimming.

Epic Boasts. Joukahainen is known for his reckless boasts and challenges. When he initiates a vocal contest or duel of wits with another creature, both participants must make a Charisma saving throw (DC 15) at the start of their turns. On a failed save, they are captivated by Joukahainen’s charisma and must use their action to continue the contest, unable to take any other actions until they succeed on a saving throw or the contest ends.

Actions

Charm Song. Joukahainen sings a captivating melody. Each creature of his choice within 60 feet of him that can hear him must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by him for 1 minute. A charmed creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to Joukahainen’s Charm Song for the next 24 hours.

Mirror Image (Recharge 5-6). Joukahainen creates three illusory duplicates of himself, making it difficult to target him accurately. Until the end of his next turn, when a creature targets Joukahainen with an attack or harmful spell, the creature must roll a d20 to determine whether it targets one of the duplicates instead.

Multiattack. Joukahainen makes two attacks: one with his bow and one with his hunting knife.

• Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
• Hunting Knife. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Legendary Actions

Joukahainen can take 3 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. Joukahainen regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

• Charm Song (Costs 2 Actions). He uses his Charm Song.
• Countercharm (Costs 2 Actions). Joukahainen targets one creature he can see within 60 feet of him. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be unable to target Joukahainen with harmful effects or spells for 1 minute.
• Inspirational Boast (Costs 3 Actions). Joukahainen challenges one creature he can see within 60 feet of him to a contest of wits. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving throw or become captivated, unable to take actions for 1 minute.

Currently in the World

Joukahainen is a young Finnish hunter, and his appearance reflects his rugged, outdoorsy lifestyle. He typically wears simple, earth-toned clothing suited for the northern wilderness. His outfit consists of a brown leather tunic, well-worn forest-green trousers, and sturdy fur-lined boots that protect him from the cold. He wraps a warm, dark-brown cloak around his shoulders to shield himself from the chilly winds that sweep across the Northlands.

Joukahainen’s clothing and boots are weathered from his many excursions into the wilderness. He carries a finely crafted bow, a quiver of arrows slung over his back, and a small hunting knife strapped to his belt. His tousled brown hair and scruffy beard give him a rugged appearance, and his deep blue eyes often betray his determination.

Currently, Joukahainen finds himself deep in the ancient Finnish forest, surrounded by towering pine trees and the soft rustling of leaves underfoot. The air is crisp and clean, and the sounds of birdsong fill the serene atmosphere. He is intently focused on tracking the trail of a magnificent stag, his eyes scanning the forest floor for signs of hoofprints and broken branches.

Despite the tranquility of his surroundings, there’s an underlying sense of urgency in his demeanor. Joukahainen’s mood is one of determination, for he knows that capturing the elusive stag will not only provide food for his family but also earn him the respect and recognition he seeks among his people.