Wayland the Smith, The Enigmatic Artisan

“Legendary Blacksmith Wayland the Smith: Forged in Myth and Mystery, Crafting Destiny!”

• Alias: Völundr (Old Norse), Velent (Old Norse), Weland the Smith (English), Wiolant (Old High German), Wieland der Schmied (German), Galans (Old French)
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Master Blacksmith
• Religion: Asgardian Pantheon
• Allies: Dwarfs who taught him the art of smithing
• Enemies: King Niðhad (also known as Niðung), who imprisoned him
• Abode/ Base of operations: His secluded workshop
• Nationality: Germanic
• Languages: Old Norse, Old English, possibly others depending on the source material
• Alignment: Neutral
• Affiliation (s): Dwarves (if we consider his training)
• Significant others: Hervör, Böðvildr his brothers Egil and Slagfiðr

In the annals of Germanic mythology and folklore, there exists a mysterious figure known as Wayland the Smith, a masterful blacksmith whose legend transcends time and culture. This enigmatic artisan, often referred to as Völundr in Old Norse, emerges from the tapestry of heroic tales as a complex character steeped in craftsmanship and cunning.

A Life Forged in Secrecy: Wayland, the crafting prodigy, is a man of few words, preferring the solitude of his workshop to the tumultuous world outside. With an innate affinity for the forge, he channels his creative energies into the meticulous shaping of metals. Craftsmanship, for him, is a sacred endeavor, where each strike of the hammer and each delicate curve of the anvil hold profound significance.

A Fearsome Tempest Looms: Though he may appear aloof, Wayland the Smith is not without fears. His greatest apprehension is the loss of his artistry, either through force or circumstance. He dreads the notion of being stripped of his tools, shackled, and made to work against his will, a prisoner to the whims of others. This looming tempest keeps him vigilant, ever watchful for signs of danger.

The Temptation of Revenge: Driven by a thirst for justice, Wayland the Smith’s actions are often motivated by the desire to right perceived wrongs. When betrayal or deceit tarnishes his path, he is not one to let it pass unchallenged. In his pursuit of retribution, he crafts weapons of great power, seeking to mete out justice to those who have wronged him.

The Quest for Freedom: Wayland the Smith’s ultimate goal is to preserve his autonomy, ensuring that he can continue to create and shape the world as he envisions it. Freedom, to him, means more than physical liberation; it is the unshackling of his creativity and the ability to forge his own destiny.

In the shroud of legend and myth, Wayland the Smith stands as a testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship and the indomitable spirit that seeks to shape one’s own fate. Whether as a symbol of artistic mastery or a harbinger of revenge, his legacy endures, woven into the very fabric of the stories that define our cultural heritage.

Wayland the Smith

Medium humanoid (human), neutral

Armor Class 17 (natural armor) Hit Points 110 (13d8 + 52) Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)	20 (+5)	16 (+3)	14 (+2)

Skills Arcana +9, History +9

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 13

Languages Common, Dwarvish

Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

Master Smith. Wayland the Smith has advantage on checks to craft or repair weapons and armor.

Mystic Craftsman. Wayland the Smith can craft magical items in half the time and for half the cost.

Spellcasting. Wayland the Smith is an 11th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 17, +9 to hit with spell attacks). Wayland has the following wizard spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): light, mage hand, mending, prestidigitation
• 1st level (4 slots): detect magic, identify, mage armor, shield
• 2nd level (3 slots): enlarge/reduce, mirror image, web
• 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, fireball, fly
• 4th level (3 slots): fabricate, polymorph

Mimung’s Edge and Unnamed Warhammer. Wayland the Smith wields two enchanted warhammers, each with unique properties. He can make two attacks, one with each warhammer.

Mimung’s Edge. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) fire damage. On a critical hit, the target must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of its next turn.

Unnamed Warhammer. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage plus 7 (2d6) lightning damage. On a hit, the target must succeed on a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be pushed back 10 feet and knocked prone.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Wayland fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Actions

Multiattack. Wayland makes two attacks, one with Mimung’s Edge and one with the unnamed warhammer.

• Reforge Weapon (3/Day). Wayland can touch a non-magical weapon, causing it to temporarily gain a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls for 1 minute.
• Enchant Weapon (1/Day). Wayland can spend 1 hour enchanting a weapon. The weapon gains a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls for 24 hours.
• Craft Artifact (1/Week). Wayland can spend a week crafting an artifact of great power. The exact effects of the artifact are up to the Dungeon Master’s discretion.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Wayland can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

1. Mystic Anvil. Wayland summons a mystical anvil in an unoccupied space within 60 feet. Creatures in a 10-foot radius of the anvil must succeed on a DC 17 Dexterity saving throw or be restrained as they become entangled in spectral chains.
2. Ethereal Forge. Wayland channels his arcane energy into his forge, causing it to emit a burst of magical energy. Each creature within 20 feet of Wayland must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution saving throw or take 21 (6d6) force damage and be pushed 10 feet away.
3. Crafting Inspiration (3/Day). Wayland’s presence inspires nearby allies. Allies within 30 feet of Wayland gain advantage on the next attack roll they make.

Legendary Actions

Wayland the Smith 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. Wayland regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

1. Attack. Wayland the Smith makes one attack with either Mimung’s Edge or the unnamed warhammer.
2. Craft Weapon. Wayland the Smith uses his reforge weapon ability.
3. Enchant Weapon. Wayland the Smith uses his enchant weapon ability.

Currently in the World

Physical Description: Wayland the Smith is a sturdy and imposing figure, his muscular build hinting at the strength honed by his mastery of the forge. His eyes, deep and intense, reflect a keen intelligence and a hint of melancholy. Weathered hands, calloused from years of meticulous craftsmanship, are evidence of his devotion to his work. His long hair and beard, both dark and unkempt, frame his face, giving him an air of both wisdom and wildness. His attire is utilitarian, adorned with pieces of metal, leather, and tools that mark him as a true artisan.

Current Activity: In his dimly lit workshop, the flickering glow of the forge casts dancing shadows on the stone walls. Amid the rhythmic clang of hammer striking anvil, Wayland hammers a piece of red-hot metal into shape, his skillful hands guiding the transformation with a mixture of precision and artistry. As sparks fly, his focus is unwavering, each strike imbued with the expertise of a master blacksmith.

Surroundings: The workshop exudes an atmosphere of craftsmanship and history. Shelves are lined with various tools, each meticulously organized, and intricate pieces of armor and weaponry adorn the walls. The air is heavy with the scent of burning coal and heated metal, creating a comforting ambiance for those familiar with the trade. The subdued lighting enhances the sense of seclusion, allowing Wayland to immerse himself fully in his craft.

Mood: A sense of quiet determination fills the air as Wayland works. His brow is furrowed in concentration, but there’s also a trace of resignation in his eyes, a reminder of the hardships he has endured. Amidst the rhythmic sounds of his work, there’s an underlying undercurrent of melancholy, a reflection of the pain he has experienced and the loss that has shaped him. Despite this, there’s a glimmer of pride in his demeanor, a result of his unparalleled mastery of the forge.