William Buckley (convict)

“Unbelievable Survival: Meet William Buckley, the Convict Who Defied All Odds!”

• Alias: None known.
• Gender: Male.
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Former convict, wilderness survivor, mediator.
• Religion: Christianity.
• Allies: Indigenous people, European settlers willing to reconcile.
• Enemies: Some European settlers resistant to cultural understanding.
• Abode/Base of Operations: Various locations in Australia’s wilderness.
• Nationality: English.
• Languages: English, learned some Indigenous languages.
• Alignment: Neutral Good.
• Affiliation(s): Indigenous communities, individuals seeking cultural understanding.
• Significant others: N/A (Buckley’s personal relationships during his time in Australia are not well-documented).

William Buckley is an extraordinary figure known for his remarkable survival story. A convict born in England, he was transported to Australia for a crime he committed. However, fate had much more in store for him. Shipwrecked and left for dead, Buckley found himself alone in a vast and unfamiliar land.

With an unwavering spirit and an indomitable will to survive, Buckley adapted to his new surroundings. Embracing the challenges of the wilderness, he learned to navigate the harsh Australian terrain, finding sustenance and shelter in nature. His determination to conquer the odds drove him to learn from the Indigenous people he encountered, immersing himself in their culture and way of life.

As time passed, Buckley became an integral part of the Aboriginal community, respected for his resilience and willingness to embrace their customs. He played a pivotal role as a mediator between the Indigenous people and the European settlers, acting as a bridge between two worlds. Despite the cultural divide, Buckley sought to find understanding and foster harmony between the two communities.

Driven by his desire to navigate this untamed land and reconcile the differences between cultures, Buckley aspires to create a united and harmonious society. His knowledge of both the European and Indigenous perspectives gives him a unique perspective on the challenges and conflicts that arise. He strives to bring peace and understanding, using his experiences as a catalyst for positive change.

In his heart, Buckley longs for acceptance and a sense of belonging. His extraordinary journey has shaped him into a resilient and compassionate individual, eager to leave a lasting legacy of unity and mutual respect. As he continues to navigate the complexities of life, he remains driven by the belief that a shared future is possible, one that embraces diversity and celebrates the strength that comes from unity.

William Buckley, the Australian Escapee

Medium humanoid (human), Neutral Good alignment

Armor Class: 13 (hide armor) Hit Points: 105 (14d8 + 42) Speed: 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	12 (+1)

Saving Throws: Str +7, Con +6 Skills: Athletics +7, Survival +5, Nature +4, Perception +5 Senses: Passive Perception 15 Languages: English, Aboriginal Languages Challenge: 6 (2,300 XP)

Background: Escaped Convict. William Buckley has spent years surviving in the Australian wilderness after escaping from a penal colony. He has learned the ways of the Aboriginal people and adapted their clothing and weaponry.

Actions

Multiattack. William Buckley makes two melee attacks.

Aboriginal War Club. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Boomerang. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Reactions

Uncanny Dodge. When an attacker that William Buckley can see hits him with an attack, he can use his reaction to halve the attack’s damage against him.

Abilities

Wilderness Survival. William Buckley has advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks made to track creatures, navigate wilderness terrain, and find food and water.

Cultural Integration. William Buckley has proficiency in Aboriginal languages and has advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks made to interact with Indigenous tribes or negotiate peaceful resolutions.

Indigenous Knowledge. William Buckley has proficiency in Nature and History checks related to Australian flora, fauna, and Indigenous cultures.

Danger Sense. William Buckley has advantage on Dexterity saving throws against effects that he can see, such as traps and spells.

Indomitable Spirit. William Buckley has advantage on saving throws against being frightened and has resistance to psychic damage.

Equipment

• Aboriginal war club
• Boomerangs (3)
• Hide armor
• Explorer’s pack
• Aboriginal artifact (flavorful item)
• Indigenous survival gear

Legendary Actions

William Buckley can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. He can use only one legendary action at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. He regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

War Club Strike. William Buckley makes a melee attack with his war club.

Intimidating Roar. William Buckley lets out a fierce roar, forcing each creature of his choice within 30 feet of him to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or become frightened for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Escape Artist. William Buckley attempts to escape a grapple or restrain effect targeting him, using his Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check contested by the grappler’s or restrainer’s ability check.

Plot Hooks

• The Outcast Survivor: William Buckley is a legendary figure known for his incredible survival skills and resilience in the Australian wilderness. Having spent decades living among the Indigenous tribes, he has mastered their methods of hunting, gathering, and navigating the rugged landscapes. He can share his experiences and provide valuable insights on surviving in harsh environments, including finding food and water sources, identifying dangerous creatures, and adapting to extreme weather conditions.
• Cultural Liaison: As a former member of the Indigenous tribes, William Buckley can act as a bridge between the players and the Aboriginal communities they encounter during their adventures. His deep understanding of their customs, traditions, and spiritual beliefs allows him to offer guidance and mediate cultural exchanges. He can help the players navigate potential misunderstandings, negotiate alliances, and build trust with the Indigenous people, enabling smoother interactions and fostering mutual respect.
• The Hidden Knowledge: William Buckley possesses a wealth of ancient Aboriginal lore and legends, which he has learned during his time living among the tribes. This knowledge grants him the ability to uncover hidden locations, powerful artifacts, or forgotten rituals that may aid the players in their quests. He can provide cryptic clues and riddles, guiding them to sacred sites, hidden caves, or ancient burial grounds where they may find invaluable treasures, mystical artifacts, or long-lost wisdom.
• Tales of Adventure: Through captivating storytelling, William Buckley can regale the players with tales of his extraordinary adventures in the Australian wilderness. He recounts his encounters with dangerous wildlife, mystical spirits, treacherous landscapes, and epic battles against rival factions. These stories not only entertain but also serve as valuable sources of information, revealing hints, and insights about the challenges the players may face. They can inspire the players, fueling their determination and courage as they embark on their own heroic journeys.
• The Aboriginal Protector: William Buckley is deeply committed to protecting the land and its Indigenous inhabitants from exploitation, harm, and the encroachment of colonizers. He advocates for the preservation of sacred sites, the safeguarding of natural resources, and the well-being of the Indigenous communities. He may rally the players to join him in thwarting the plans of unscrupulous individuals or organizations seeking to exploit the land for personal gain or harm the Aboriginal people. Together, they work to restore balance and harmony between nature and humanity.
• The Language Barrier: As a fluent speaker of Aboriginal languages, William Buckley serves as a valuable resource for the players in overcoming the language barrier they may encounter during their adventures. He can assist in deciphering ancient texts, communicating with tribes that don’t speak Common, or negotiating with powerful Indigenous figures. His linguistic skills enable the players to forge meaningful connections, gain crucial information, and foster alliances with the Aboriginal communities they encounter on their journeys.
• The Reconciliation Advocate: William Buckley, with his unique perspective and experiences, is dedicated to promoting understanding, empathy, and reconciliation between the colonizers and the Indigenous people. He actively engages in efforts to resolve conflicts, address historical injustices, and bridge the gap between the two cultures. He may involve the players in diplomatic missions, peace negotiations, or cultural exchange programs aimed at fostering mutual respect, healing wounds, and building a brighter future for both communities.
• Vendetta of the Outcasts: A rival group of escaped convicts, driven by jealousy and resentment towards William Buckley’s survival and acceptance by the Indigenous tribes, seeks to eliminate him and anyone associated with him. These outcasts view him as a traitor and an obstacle to their own ambitions. They launch relentless attacks, ambushes, and attempts to undermine his reputation and influence among the tribes. The players must protect William Buckley, unravel the conspiracy behind the vendetta, and confront the vengeful outcasts to bring peace and ensure his safety.
• Legacy of the Land: William Buckley’s deep connection to the land goes beyond survival skills. He possesses knowledge of sacred sites, ancient rituals, and spiritual connections to the land passed down through generations. Inspired by Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, he embarks on a personal quest to honor the land’s history, restore its balance, or uncover hidden powers. The players can join him on these quests, facing challenges such as deciphering cryptic symbols, interacting with powerful ancestral spirits, and undertaking sacred ceremonies to heal the land and unleash its latent magic.
• The Great Migration: Inspired by Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, William Buckley embarks on a monumental journey to guide a group of Indigenous tribes through treacherous lands to their ancestral home. The players can join the expedition, becoming part of an epic odyssey filled with trials and tribulations. They face natural hazards like blistering deserts, dense jungles, and towering mountains, as well as spiritual challenges set by powerful ancestral beings. Along the way, they must overcome hostile forces, navigate diplomatic dilemmas, and maintain the unity and resilience of the migrating tribes to ensure their safe arrival at their destination.

Currently in the World

William Buckley is a tall and sturdy man in his forties, with a weathered face and a strong build. His brown hair is graying, and his beard is full and unkempt. He wears tattered and patched clothing, showing signs of his long journey through the rugged Australian wilderness.

Currently, Buckley is standing on a sandy beach, overlooking the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. The crashing waves and salty breeze fill the air, as seagulls circle overhead. His eyes scan the horizon, reflecting a mix of determination and longing for connection.

His mood is one of resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges he has faced, Buckley maintains a quiet sense of hope and purpose. He is a man who has spent years living among the Indigenous communities, learning their ways, and bridging the gap between cultures.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Australia’s untamed landscapes, Buckley is deeply connected to the land. He understands its dangers and its secrets, and he has become a master of survival in the wild. His experiences have shaped him into a mediator, striving to build understanding between the Indigenous people and the European settlers.

As he stands on the beach, Buckley contemplates his next steps. He is driven by a desire to bring harmony and reconciliation to a land marked by conflict. With each passing day, he continues his journey, seeking to forge bonds of respect and understanding, leaving behind a legacy of cultural exchange and empathy.