Buy me a coffee“Ned Kelly: The Iron Outlaw of Legend”
Ned Kelly, the legendary outlaw in iron armor, is an unyielding character who brings rebellion, grit, and iconic Australian folklore to life.
- Alias(es): Edward “Ned” Kelly, The Iron Outlaw
- Gender: Male
- Race/Species: Human
- Occupation/Role: Bushranger, gang leader, folk hero/rebel
- Religion/Belief System: Catholic, influenced by Irish heritage and anti-colonial sentiment
- Key Allies: Dan Kelly (brother), Joe Byrne, Steve Hart, sympathetic rural Irish-Australians
- Primary Enemies/Rivals: Colonial police, wealthy squatters, government authorities
- Abode/Base of Operations: Rural Victoria, Australia; bushlands and small towns in northeastern Victoria
- Nationality/Cultural Background: Australian of Irish descent; strongly influenced by Irish cultural identity and anti-British sentiment
- Languages Spoken: English (Irish-influenced rural dialect)
- Moral Alignment: Chaotic Neutral – loyal and rebellious, defying law but motivated by survival and justice for the oppressed
- Affiliations/Factions: Kelly Gang (leader), Irish-Australian rural community supporters
- Significant Others/Romantic Ties: Kate Kelly (sister), no confirmed long-term romantic partner; rumored local relationships
Ned Kelly was an infamous Australian outlaw and folk hero who rose from poverty and persecution to become the leader of the Kelly Gang, notorious for daring robberies, violent clashes with police, and his legendary final stand in homemade iron armor. Feared as a ruthless criminal yet celebrated as a symbol of rebellion against injustice, Kelly’s legacy endures as one of defiance, resilience, and myth—an enduring figure who blurred the line between history and legend.
Early Life and Struggles
Ned Kelly was born into the harsh realities of rural Victoria, the child of poor Irish immigrants struggling to survive under British colonial rule. His family’s life was shaped by toil, poverty, and constant tension with local authorities. From an early age, he learned to ride, hunt, and work the land, but he also learned suspicion—of police who harassed his family, of squatters who controlled the land, and of a world where justice rarely reached the poor.
When his father died, the burden of protecting and providing for the family fell heavily on young Ned’s shoulders. He grew up too quickly, hardened by circumstance. His encounters with the law, often over petty accusations, deepened his mistrust of authority and planted the seeds of rebellion that would later define his life.
The Road to Outlawry
What began as minor scrapes with the law escalated into more serious defiance. Pushed to the margins, where survival often meant bending the rules, Ned turned to horse theft and, eventually, armed robbery. Each act was not only a bid for survival but a statement against those who held power over families like his.
Inevitably, his clashes with the authorities hardened into outright rebellion. With his brother Dan and close companions Joe Byrne and Steve Hart, the Kelly Gang was formed. Together, they carried out daring raids on banks and police stations, moves that made them infamous yet strangely admired. In some robberies, they burned mortgage papers and freed debtors from crushing obligations, earning the loyalty of struggling farmers who saw them less as bandits and more as avengers.
Defiance and the Jerilderie Letter
As their legend grew, so did their boldness. The Kelly Gang’s most notorious raid was accompanied by a declaration: the Jerilderie Letter. Dictated by Ned, this fiery manifesto was both confession and justification. In it, he railed against police corruption, government oppression, and the injustices of the colonial system. He cast himself as a warrior for the poor, linking his struggle to the wider Irish resistance against British rule.
Through the letter, Ned Kelly attempted to redefine himself—not as a mere criminal but as a man fighting back against tyranny. It was as much about shaping his legacy as it was about defending his actions.
The Final Stand at Glenrowan
The story reached its climax at Glenrowan. The gang hatched a desperate plan to derail a police train and ignite a broader uprising. Knowing they would face overwhelming firepower, they forged crude suits of armor from ploughshares, each piece hammered into a shield of defiance.
When police surrounded the gang at a local inn, a siege erupted. Amid the chaos, Ned Kelly emerged from the dark in his iron armor, advancing like a ghost of war. Bullets rang against his chest and helmet, bouncing harmlessly away, as terrified policemen thought they faced something supernatural. But his legs were unprotected, and repeated shots finally brought him down.
Bleeding and battered, he was captured alive, ending the gang’s reign and sealing his fate.
Character and Motivations
Ned Kelly was a man of contradictions: ruthless yet loyal, violent yet principled, criminal yet visionary. His devotion to his family was unwavering, and much of his defiance sprang from the injustices he believed they had suffered. He feared powerlessness above all—being voiceless, being forgotten—and his every act seemed designed to seize back control from a world that denied it to him.
For the poor farmers and settlers who watched him stand against the police, Ned Kelly’s fears mirrored their own. His rebellion, though bloody, was also theirs in spirit: a refusal to bow to the crushing weight of authority. What set him apart was not only his daring but his determination to explain himself—to be remembered as more than an outlaw, but as a man who fought, however brutally, for justice as he saw it.
Significance and Legacy
Ned Kelly’s life embodies the tension between law and resistance, authority and defiance. To this day, he remains both hero and villain, his story retold in classrooms, books, films, and art. His iron armor—scarred, heavy, unforgettable—has become a symbol not only of his final battle but of the spirit of rebellion itself.
What makes Ned Kelly unique is the way he blurred the line between man and myth. He was not simply a thief or a killer; he was a storyteller, a fighter, and a man who sought to carve his name into history. In iron and fire, he forged a legacy that endures not for the crimes he committed, but for the defiance he embodied—a rebel who refused to be forgotten.
Ned Kelly 5e 2024
Ned Kelly 5e 2024 (Mythic)
Ned Kelly, Pathfinder
Ned Kelly, Pathfinder (Mythic)
Ned Kelly, The Iron Outlaw
Medium humanoid (human), Chaotic Neutral
Challenge Rating: 9 (5,000 XP)
Lore / Background
Ned Kelly, the infamous Australian outlaw, rose from poverty to lead the Kelly Gang. Celebrated as a folk hero and feared as a criminal, he waged guerrilla campaigns against colonial authorities while defending his family and supporters. His final stand clad in iron armor cemented his legacy as a symbol of rebellion and defiance.
Abilities
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 14 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 12 (+1) | 13 (+1) | 15 (+2) |
Armor Class: 18 (Iron Armor)
Hit Points: 160 (17d8 + 85)
Speed: 30 ft.
Saving Throws: Str +8, Dex +5, Con +8
Skills: Athletics +8, Stealth +5, Intimidation +5, Survival +4
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from non-magical attacks
Senses: Passive Perception 11
Languages: Common
Equipment (Quick Reference)
- Dual Flintlock Pistols: +8 to hit, 1d10+5 piercing, range 60/180 ft., 1 shot each; reloading both pistols requires a bonus action
- Bushranger’s Knife: +8 to hit, 1d6+4 slashing, finesse
- Iron Suit of Armor (Custom Magic Item): +2 AC, resistance to non-magical physical attacks, reduces movement by 10 ft.
- Green Sash of Rebellion: Historically awarded; grants advantage on Charisma (Intimidation) checks vs. oppressed or downtrodden NPCs
Actions
- Multiattack: Ned Kelly makes three attacks, any combination of pistols or knife
- Flintlock Pistols: +8 to hit, 1d10+5 piercing damage, range 60/180 ft., 1 shot each
- Bushranger’s Knife: +8 to hit, 1d6+4 slashing damage, finesse
- Rebel Rally (Recharge 5–6): Inspires allies within 30 ft.; each ally adds a d4 to attack rolls or saving throws for 1 round
Reactions
- Iron Deflection: Reduce damage from one non-magical attack by 1d12
- Counterfire: When an enemy misses a ranged attack within 30 ft., make a flintlock attack as a reaction (if ammo available)
Lair Actions (Bushlands Ambush)
- Trip Hazards: All enemies in 15-ft. radius must succeed on DC 15 Dex save or fall prone
- Hidden Allies: Allies gain +2 to attack rolls until the end of their next turn
- Disappear: Ned can disengage and hide as a bonus action
Legendary Traits / Features
- Iron Will: Advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed
- Bushmaster: Proficient in Stealth and Survival in natural terrains; can move stealthily at normal pace
- Mythic Defiance: Once per long rest, if reduced to 0 HP, make DC 15 Constitution save to drop to 1 HP instead
Ammo & Reload Notes
- Ned Kelly starts combat with 2 loaded pistols
- Multiattack consumes 1 shot per pistol
- Reloading both pistols requires a bonus action
- Optional cinematic flexibility: allow 3–4 “combat shots” per encounter for smooth gameplay
Ned Kelly, The Iron Outlaw (Mythic)
Medium humanoid (human), Chaotic Neutral
Challenge Rating: 12 (8,400 XP)
Lore / Background
Ned Kelly’s legend transcends history. Tales speak of him clad in nearly bulletproof iron armor, disappearing into the bushlands like a ghost, and inspiring the oppressed. In this mythic version, his resilience is near-supernatural, and his presence alone instills fear.
Abilities
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 16 (+3) | 20 (+5) | 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 18 (+4) |
Armor Class: 20 (Mythic Iron Armor)
Hit Points: 225 (18d10 + 126)
Speed: 35 ft.
Saving Throws: Str +10, Dex +8, Con +10, Cha +9
Skills: Athletics +10, Stealth +8, Intimidation +9, Survival +7
Damage Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing from non-magical attacks
Senses: Passive Perception 12
Languages: Common
Equipment
- Dual Flintlock Pistols of Thunder: +10 to hit, 1d12+6 piercing, 60/180 ft., ignores half cover; 1 shot each, reload both as bonus action
- Bushranger’s Knife of Precision: +10 to hit, 1d8+5 slashing, finesse, crit on 19–20
- Mythic Iron Armor: +2 AC, resistance to non-magical physical attacks, advantage vs. critical hits
- Green Sash of Rebellion: Advantage on Intimidation vs. oppressed NPCs; allies within 30 ft. add +1 to attack rolls
- Legendary Aura of Defiance: Enemies within 10 ft. have disadvantage on saving throws vs. being frightened
Actions
- Multiattack: Ned Kelly has 3 attacks, any combination of pistols or knife
- Flintlock Pistols of Thunder: +10 to hit, 1d12+6 piercing
- Bushranger’s Knife of Precision: +10 to hit, 1d8+5 slashing, finesse
- Rebel Rally (Recharge 4–6): Allies within 30 ft. add a d6 to attack rolls or saving throws for 1 round
- Iron Charge (Recharge 5–6): Move 30 ft. straight and attack; target must succeed DC 18 STR save or fall prone
Reactions
- Iron Deflection: Reduce damage from one non-magical attack by 2d12
- Counterfire: If an enemy misses a ranged attack within 30 ft., make a flintlock attack (if ammo available)
Legendary Actions (3 per round)
- Quick Shot: Fire a loaded pistol at a target within range
- Swift Ambush: Disengage and move up to 20 ft. without provoking opportunity attacks
- Fearsome Presence: Enemies within 10 ft. must succeed DC 17 WIS save or be frightened until end of their next turn
Lair Actions (Bushlands Ambush)
- Trip Hazards: Enemies in 20-ft. radius must succeed DC 16 Dex save or fall prone
- Hidden Reinforcements: Up to 2 allies within 60 ft. may make a reaction attack
- Disappear: Ned becomes invisible until the start of his next turn
Legendary Traits / Features
- Iron Will: Advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed
- Bushmaster: Can move stealthily at normal pace in natural terrain
- Mythic Defiance: Once per long rest, if reduced to 0 HP, make DC 17 Con save to drop to 1 HP instead
Ammo & Reload Notes
- Ned Kelly starts combat with 2 loaded pistols
- Multiattack consumes 1 shot per pistol
- Reload both pistols as a bonus action
- Optional cinematic flexibility: allow 4–6 “combat shots” per encounter
Ned Kelly, The Iron Outlaw
CR 10
XP: 9,600
Human Outlaw (Chaotic Neutral)
CE Medium Humanoid
Defense
AC: 28, touch 16, flat-footed 25 (+3 Dex, +2 armor, +2 natural, +6 Dodge/Feat bonuses, +5 armor training)
HP: 145 (15d8+90)
Fort +12, Ref +10, Will +7
Defensive Abilities: Iron Will (bonus vs. fear), Evasion, DR 5/magic, Resist non-magical B/P/S
Offense
Speed: 30 ft.
Melee: Bushranger’s Knife +14/+9 (1d6+6 slashing, finesse)
Ranged: Dual Flintlock Pistols +14/+9 (1d10+6 piercing, 60 ft., ignores partial cover; 1 shot each; reload full-round action or bonus action with Gunslinger Deed Quick Clear)
Special Attacks: Multiattack (pistols or melee), Rebel Rally (+2 attack/saves to allies within 30 ft., 1/day), Sneak Attack +2d6
Statistics
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 (+6) | 16 (+3) | 20 (+5) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) |
BAB: +10/+5, CMB: +13, CMD: 27
Feats: Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Focus (Flintlock Pistol), Weapon Specialization (Flintlock Pistol), Rapid Shot, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes
Skills: Stealth +18, Intimidate +15, Survival +14, Perception +12, Acrobatics +12, Disable Device +8
Class Features / Special Abilities
Gunslinger Deeds: Quick Clear (bonus-action reload), Deadeye Shot, Trick Shots;
Rogue Talents: Fast Stealth, Gang Up, Evasion;
Fighter Training: Armor Training; Iron Armor (+2 AC, resist non-magical physical attacks); Green Sash of Rebellion (advantage on Intimidate, allies within 30 ft. +1 attack); Iron Will (+2 vs. fear/mind-affecting effects)
Tactics
Ned Kelly begins combat with dual pistols, using Quick Clear to reload efficiently. Uses terrain, stealth, and guerrilla tactics. Switches to melee when enemies close. Uses Rebel Rally to inspire allies when outnumbered.
Gear
Dual Flintlock Pistols (1 shot each, reload full-round or bonus action with Quick Clear), Bushranger’s Knife, Iron Armor, Green Sash of Rebellion
Ned Kelly, Mythic Iron Outlaw
CR 12
XP: 19,200
Human Outlaw (Chaotic Neutral)
CE Medium Humanoid
Legendary outlaw Ned Kelly clad in iron, famed for dual pistols, guerrilla tactics, and inspiring rebellion. His presence radiates defiance, bolstering allies and unnerving foes.
Defense
AC: 32, touch 18, flat-footed 29 (+3 Dex, +4 armor, +2 natural, +6 Dodge/Feat, +7 armor training)
HP: 225 (18d8+144)
Fort +16, Ref +12, Will +11
Defensive Abilities: Iron Will (bonus vs. fear), Evasion, DR 10/magic, Resist non-magical B/P/S, Mythic Defiance (1/day, Con save DC 17 to drop to 1 HP instead of 0)
Offense
Speed: 35 ft.
Melee: Bushranger’s Knife +17/+12 (1d8+7 slashing, finesse, crit 19–20)
Ranged: Dual Flintlock Pistols of Thunder +17/+12 (1d12+7 piercing, 60 ft., ignores half cover; 1 shot each; reload full-round action or bonus action with Gunslinger Deed Quick Clear)
Special Attacks: Multiattack (any combination of pistols or melee), Rebel Rally (+2 attack and saves to allies within 30 ft., 1/day), Sneak Attack +3d6, Iron Charge (straight-line melee attack, DC 18 STR save or prone)
Statistics
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 (+7) | 18 (+4) | 22 (+6) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) |
BAB: +12/+7, CMB: +16, CMD: 31
Feats: Two-Weapon Fighting, Improved Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Focus (Flintlock Pistol), Weapon Specialization (Flintlock Pistol), Rapid Shot, Dodge, Mobility, Combat Reflexes, Deadly Aim
Skills: Stealth +20, Intimidate +18, Survival +16, Perception +14, Acrobatics +14, Disable Device +10
Class Features / Special Abilities
Gunslinger Deeds: Quick Clear (bonus-action reload), Deadeye Shot, Trick Shots; Rogue Talents: Fast Stealth, Gang Up, Evasion; Fighter Training: Armor Training; Mythic Iron Armor (+4 AC, resist non-magical physical attacks, advantage vs. crits); Green Sash of Rebellion (advantage on Intimidate, allies within 30 ft. +2 attack); Iron Will (+2 vs. fear/mind-affecting effects); Legendary Aura of Defiance (enemies within 10 ft. take –2 penalty on fear saves)
Legendary Actions (3 per round)
- Quick Shot: Fire a loaded pistol at a target within range
- Swift Ambush: Disengage and move 20 ft. without provoking opportunity attacks
- Fearsome Presence: Enemies within 10 ft. must succeed DC 17 WIS save or be frightened until end of their next turn
Tactics
Ned Kelly begins combat at range, firing dual pistols with Quick Clear. Uses terrain, stealth, and ambush tactics to maintain advantage. Switches to melee with Bushranger’s Knife when enemies close. Activates Rebel Rally to inspire allies. Uses Iron Charge to knock opponents prone and control the battlefield.
Gear
Dual Flintlock Pistols of Thunder (1d12+7, reload full-round or bonus action), Bushranger’s Knife of Precision (crit 19–20), Mythic Iron Armor, Green Sash of Rebellion