Ossian

Overview

Fey contractor of uncertain age and origin. Made a binding deal with the party—specifically with Illiolus—involving a bell that Ossian genuinely believed to be magical. The party successfully traded this bell in exchange for a significant favor. However, Ossian has not yet discovered that the bell is ordinary, non-magical, and essentially worthless. When this truth emerges, significant complications will arise.

Appearance & Demeanor

• Appearance shifts slightly depending on how you look at them (fey nature)
• Generally humanoid but with subtle wrongness (too-long limbs, eyes that catch light strangely, skin with strange texture)
• Dresses in elegant but impractical clothing (silks, flowing robes, jewelry)
• Speaks in archaic patterns, frequently uses words in unexpected ways
• Extremely courteous and formal in interactions
• Has a tendency to correct people about language and “proper” phrasing
• Smiles frequently; smiles are not entirely comforting

Fey Nature & Binding

Fey Contract Law:

• Fey are bound by contracts and agreements at a metaphysical level
• Breaking a contract is not just forbidden; it’s effectively impossible for them
• Deception in contracts is the deepest offense—a violation of their fundamental nature
• Fey hold grudges about such violations for centuries or longer
• However, fey also respect courage, authenticity, and clever thinking

The Deal Made:

• Party (via Illiolus) offered: A mundane bell (which Ossian believed was magical)
• Ossian provided: [DM’s choice of significant favor—rescue, information, magical service, etc.]
• Terms: The bell was to be payment for services rendered
• Binding Status: Magically binding; cannot be broken without consequence

The Bell Situation

What Ossian Believed:

• The bell was a magical artifact of power
• It would serve some fey purpose or provide fey benefit
• It was genuine payment for real service

The Truth:

• The bell is completely ordinary
• No magical properties whatsoever
• Made of common metal, ordinary craftsmanship
• Likely a functional bell from a mundane source
• Essentially worthless (might sell for a few copper coins)

The Deception:

• Either unintentional (party didn’t realize the bell wasn’t magical and traded it anyway)
• Or intentional (party deliberately tricked the fey)
• Ossian doesn’t yet know either way
• The party got genuine service for essentially nothing

The Favor Already Provided

The party has already received Ossian’s service. Possibilities include:

• Helped them escape from a dangerous situation
• Provided crucial information or intelligence
• Altered an event in their favor
• Removed a magical curse or problem
• Opened a portal or pathway
• Assisted in negotiations with another fey

Key Point: The favor was real and worth significant value. The payment was false.

Current Status

Ossian’s Awareness Timeline:

• Immediately After Deal: Ossian performs the service (in good faith)
• Days 1-3: Ossian begins examining the bell, noticing oddities
• Days 4-7: Ossian realizes the truth
• Day 8+: Ossian will return to confront the party

Timing (for DM): The party has approximately 1-2 weeks before Ossian figures it out and seeks them out, depending on your campaign pace.

Personality & Approach

When They Return:

• Ossian will be furious but controlled
• Fey rage is cold, precise, and extremely dangerous
• They will demand explanation and recompense
• They will be insulted by the deception (more than by the broken contract)
• However, they may also be impressed by audacity

If Party Was Honest (About Not Knowing):

• Ossian may respect the honesty
• Possibility of renegotiating terms (for real payment this time)
• Fey value authenticity; genuine mistakes are less offensive than deliberate lies

If Party Was Deliberately Deceptive:

• Ossian’s fury will be cold and profound
• They will seek not just recompense but revenge
• However, resolution is still possible
• Fey are bound by honor codes; if party makes genuine amends, they might accept

Reconciliation Mechanics

The DC 20 Moment:

• Party gets one opportunity for a major Charisma or Persuasion check
• Success by 5+: Ossian is impressed by the audacity and authenticity. Becomes grudging ally.
• Success (normal): Ossian accepts the apology and renegotiates. New terms required (something real this time).
• Failure: Ossian demands payment in blood, service, or something precious. Hostile.

Special Factor—Heubert’s Sincerity:

• If Heubert (party member known for earnestness) is involved in the negotiation, advantage on the check
• Fey value authenticity above almost all things
• Genuine remorse from a genuine character can turn the tide
• Heubert’s bookmark philosophy (“You are loved, you are enough”) resonates with fey concepts of truth

What Ossian Might Demand

As Recompense:

• A real magical artifact (something of genuine value)
• A service in return (fey love reciprocal obligation)
• A significant sacrifice or personal commitment
• Information that is personally valuable to them
• An oath or binding contract (mutual, not one-sided)

Possible New Deal Terms:

• Party provides real payment; Ossian provides new service
• Party accepts a geas or quest from Ossian
• Mutual non-aggression pact with formal terms
• Ossian becomes temporary ally under specific conditions

Plot Hooks

• Preparation: Party might discover Ossian is coming before he arrives
• Confrontation: Ossian arrives in dramatic fashion to demand answers
• Negotiation: Party must talk their way through or accept consequences
• Alliance: If handled well, Ossian could become a valuable fey contact
• Conflict: If handled poorly, Ossian becomes an enemy with fey resources

Fey Complications

Fey Politics:

• Other fey might be watching this situation
• Outcome affects party’s reputation in fey courts
• Ossian might share story with other fey (good or bad)
• Party’s future fey interactions could be affected

Fey Abilities:

• Can track the party by the contract’s magical signature
• Cannot harm the party directly (contract prevents it)
• But can make their lives difficult in creative ways
• Can demand compensation through magical means
• Can involve other fey in enforcement

Relationship Potential

If Reconciliation Succeeds:

• Ossian becomes an asset in fey-related matters
• Can be called upon for assistance (with mutual favors)
• Provides credibility in fey courts
• Might warn party of other fey threats
• Could become recurring ally or neutral contact

If Relationship Remains Hostile:

• Ossian becomes a nuisance and potential danger
• Party must be careful when dealing with fey matters
• Other fey take notice of the party’s untrustworthiness
• Ossian might sabotage party efforts (creatively, not directly)

Session Notes

• This is a ticking time bomb—set a date for Ossian’s return
• Make sure party knows the bell was never magical (or gradually reveal it)
• When Ossian arrives, make it dramatic and memorable
• The resolution depends on party roleplay and persuasion
• This could define party’s relationship with fey for rest of campaign

Quick Reference

Current Status: Unknowingly deceived; satisfaction imminent
Danger Level: High (when aware)
Trustworthiness: Medium (honor-bound but offended)
Negotiation Difficulty: High (requires genuine sincerity)
Combat Threat: High (fey magic + righteous fury)
Ally Potential: Very High (if reconciliation succeeds)