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Peter Bunyan “Cordwood Pete”

Cordwood Pete
Midjourney
  • Alias: Cordwood Pete
  • Gender: Male
  • Race: Human
  • Occupation: Lumberjack
  • Religion: N/A
  • Allies: Local lumberjacks, Paul Bunyan (brother)
  • Enemies: None in particular
  • Abode/Base of operations: Forests near Fosston, Minnesota
  • Nationality: American
  • Languages: French, English, Giant
  • Alignment: Chaotic Good
  • Affiliation(s): Lumberjack community, Paul Bunyan’s legend
  • Significant others: None mentioned in folklore.

Cordwood Pete, the legendary lumberjack of extraordinary feats, stands at a mere 4 feet 9 inches tall. Born as the younger brother of the renowned Paul Bunyan, Pete’s growth was stunted due to the insatiable appetite of his giant sibling who devoured all the flapjacks in sight. Determined to prove his worth, Pete journeyed from Bangor, Maine, to the untamed north woods of Minnesota, where his brother had carved a path as a legendary lumberjack.

Despite his diminutive stature, Pete found work in the forests near Fosston, assuming the name Peter Delang. Mocked by other lumberjacks for his size, he earned the moniker “Cordwood Pete,” as it seemed more fitting for someone who should be cutting firewood rather than felling towering trees. However, Pete’s size belied his fiery spirit and unwavering determination, which soon gained him the respect of his peers.

Renowned for his unruly temperament, Pete became a regular fixture in the local saloons. It was said that his spirit burned even brighter after indulging in a few drinks, and his fellow lumberjacks learned never to provoke the feisty little man. Despite his reputation for being pint-sized, Pete possessed an insurmountable strength and an uncanny ability to outmatch opponents with his fierce resolve.

Legend has it that one day, Pete borrowed his brother’s double-bladed ax, a formidable tool of immense weight. As he swung the ax, it spun round and round, seemingly defying gravity and slicing through timber with unmatched force. When the spinning finally ceased, an astounding 100 acres of timber lay felled before him. This extraordinary display caught the attention of the railroad company, who immediately hired Pete to clear a path for their tracks.

In a single day’s work, Pete cleared a staggering fifty square miles of timber, a feat that left onlookers in awe. However, he was obligated to return his brother’s ax the following day, never again reaching such extraordinary heights in his lumberjacking endeavors. Yet, the legend of Cordwood Pete endures, immortalizing his indomitable spirit and his unmatched skill with an ax.

Physically, Cordwood Pete is a small man, standing at 4 feet 9 inches tall. His rugged frame is adorned with well-worn clothing, a mix of flannel shirts and sturdy work pants. Despite his unassuming appearance, his eyes reflect a fiery determination and a mischievous spark, hinting at the formidable character within.

Cordwood Pete, the Legendary Lumberjack

Medium humanoid (human), neutral good

Armor Class: 17 (natural hide armor) Hit Points: 150 (20d8 + 60) Speed: 30 ft.

STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
20 (+5)14 (+2)16 (+3)10 (+0)12 (+1)14 (+2)

Saving Throws: Str +9, Con +6 Skills: Athletics +9, Perception +4, Survival +4 Senses: passive Perception 14 Languages: French, English, Giant Challenge: 10 (5,900 XP)

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

Actions

Cordwood’s Axe. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage.

Timber Toss. Ranged Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, range 60/120 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d10 + 5) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Legendary Actions

Cordwood Pete 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. Cordwood Pete regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Chopping Frenzy. Cordwood Pete makes one Cordwood’s Axe attack.

Timber Rush. Cordwood Pete moves up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

Mighty Swing (Costs 2 Actions). Cordwood Pete makes one Cordwood’s Axe attack with advantage. If the attack hits, it deals an additional 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Cordwood Pete takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

Shaking Ground. Each creature on the ground within 60 feet of Cordwood Pete must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone as the earth trembles beneath them.

Timber Burst. A tree within 120 feet of Cordwood Pete suddenly collapses, creating difficult terrain in a 20-foot radius around it. Any creature in the area must succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw or take 14 (4d6) bludgeoning damage as branches and debris scatter.

Rousing Chant. Cordwood Pete lets out a hearty lumberjack chant, granting advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed to all creatures of his choice within 60 feet of him until the start of his next turn.

Equipment

  • Cordwood’s Mighty Axe (magical greataxe)
  • Natural hide armor
  • Lumberjack boots (provides advantage on checks to traverse difficult terrain)
  • Lumberjack hat (grants advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks related to spotting hidden creatures or objects in forest environments)

Note: Cordwood Pete’s CR level would be adjusted based on the specific campaign and the capabilities of the party he is encountered by.

Currently in the World

Cordwood Pete stands at a mere 4 feet 9 inches in height, a stark contrast to his towering brother, Paul Bunyan. His weathered face is adorned with a scruffy beard and deep-set eyes that gleam with a mischievous spark. His strong, compact frame, honed from years of lumberjacking, is evident even in his smaller stature. Pete is often seen clad in worn flannel shirts, sturdy denim pants, and well-worn boots that have traversed countless forests.

Currently, Cordwood Pete is deep in the heart of a dense forest, surrounded by towering trees and the unmistakable scent of freshly cut wood. With his trusty double-bladed ax in hand, he skillfully chops through fallen trees, stacking the cut wood with precision and efficiency. His movements are swift and practiced, his every swing of the ax a testament to his expertise.

Despite the physical labor, Pete’s mood is buoyant and jovial. His face breaks into a wide grin as he relishes in the thrill of his work. Each tree felled is a small victory, and the rhythmic sound of his ax hitting wood resonates through the forest. His energy is contagious, and those who witness his determination and passion can’t help but be inspired by his unwavering spirit.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the forest, Cordwood Pete feels at home. The serenity of nature and the smell of freshly cut timber fuel his love for the wilderness and his desire to leave his mark on the land. With each swing of his ax, he strives to honor his brother’s legacy and prove that greatness can come in all sizes.

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