Dorian Storm

Dorian Storm, born Brontë Secondsun Wyvernwind, is an air genasi bard who appeared in Exandria Unlimited and Campaign Three of Critical Role. He is a member of the Crown Keepers and Bells Hells. He is played by Robbie Daymond.

Appearance
Dorian has sky-blue skin, crystal-blue eyes, and jet-black hair that falls in an ombre finishing in white and sky-blue just past his shoulders. He is 6'1" and more lightweight than he appears. Most of his clothes and his lute are sunburst blue, but the inside of his cape is colored the oranges and reds of a sunset. On his chest is a metallic plate in the shape of wings, and it's unclear whether it's purely ornamental or armor. As an air genasi, he moves with a lightness that could be mistaken for confidence.

For his return to Marquet, Dorian was uncharacteristically clean, spotless and shined.

Personality
Dorian is well spoken and charismatic. He seems to have come from a very secluded place, and likes to see different kinds of people living together. He desperately wants to prove himself. Dorian appears to have left home to look for a better life, but he often dodges questions about his past, seemingly uncomfortable when talking about it.

When Poska said Dorian seems to come from money, Dorian nervously brushed it off and claimed to just be a humble bard.

After his conversation with Lolth and his offering to give her Poska in exchange for power, Dorian's alignment switched from Chaotic Good to Chaotic Neutral.

Background
Born as Brontë Wyvernwind in about 816 PD, he is the second son of the prominent and wealthy Wyvernwind family and is second in line to the family inheritance. His home was among the tents of the Silken Squall, where he lived "a very cloistered life". Growing up, when he was caught trying to lie, his family would hire someone to cast Zone of Truth on him to force a confession.

Around Misuthar 842 PD, he left home and took the name Dorian Storm, later saying of "Brontë" that he "left that name behind". His travels away from home started in Marquet, where he spent at least one night in a hostel in Jrusar and had his purse strings cut overnight. Seven months later, around Quen'pillar 842, he was playing music gigs in Emon on the continent of Tal'Dorei.

With the rest of the Exandria Unlimited party, Dorian woke up in a house in Emon with no memory of the preceding week. When investigating the Blightstar, Dorian picked up the crate containing the Circlet of Barbed Vision but immediately became nauseous and vomited oily black ichor. When they needed a more convenient method of transporting the circlet, Dorian dumped it from its crate into his cloak and gave it to Dariax to carry.

While camping on the road to the Flamereach Outpost, during Dorian's watch he heard a faint lullaby being sung in Undercommon, took out his flute, and softly played along with it. He sensed a pair of eyes watching him, pleased.

The party made their way to Gilmore's Glorious Goods and asked Gilmore for his help. Dorian, alongside most of the party, was instantly charmed and enamored by Gilmore, so much so that he almost introduced himself as Brontë before catching himself. Dorian managed to wangle a free healing potion from Gilmore after failing to negotiate a sufficient discount from Inanna. He additionally purchased some ball bearings, smoke bombs, caltrops, and an immovable rod.

On the road to Byroden, Dorian told the party a little about his upbringing, and that he had a brother. Upon arriving, he participated in the Gem of Byroden pageant, but did not place.

While camping on the road to the Qoniiran ruins in the Rifenmist Jungle, Dariax woke up Dorian and told him he had a nightmare. They settled down to sleep back-to-back, but Dariax was still carrying the circlet and it gave Dorian an electric shock. Dariax admitted that his dream was of the Spider Queen, and Dorian responded loudly enough to wake the rest of the party.

Dorian told Fy'ra about the Circlet of Barbed Vision and that they were being pursued by Poska and the Nameless Ones. Fy'ra admitted that she had been following the party for some time, waiting to see if they needed her. Fearne offered to carry the circlet for a while, then suddenly, Dorian's nose began to bleed and his ears began to ring, which grew louder each time Fy'ra Rai approached him, or Fearne approached with the circlet. Spiders then began appearing on the party, and they agreed to put the circlet in the middle of the campsite and go back to sleep.

Dorian then had a dream where he saw Fy'ra being pulled into the darkness and tried to push against it. The dream began to shift as he called out to the Spider Queen to bring back his memories from the past week, in exchange for him handing the Circlet of Barbed Vision over to Poska. While this caused a shift in his alignment, Lolth kept her promise and gave back his memories. Fy'ra was still on watch when he awoke, and he looked towards her. She told him there was still time to sleep, so he rolled over but did not go back to sleep.

Upon reaching the Qoniiran ruins, The Wildmother asked each member of the party in turn what they wanted. Dorian responded that if they were prevented from getting what they needed, he wouldn't allow it. At the end of their test, Dorian offered to carry the circlet for a while, and when Dariax tossed it to him, Dorian caught and held it without any of the problems that had previously beset him. When he packed it away, Orym confronted him, saying that if he didn't give it back to Dariax, they were going to have a problem. Reluctantly, Dorian returned it to Dariax. Orym saw a glint of spider silk shining on the back of Dorian's hand, and Dariax saw the same thing on Dorian’s eye.

The party arrived in Niirdal-Poc and ate a meal with Fy’ra’s friend Elam Genar. Over dinner, Dorian admitted his real name, Bronte and explained that "Dorian Storm" was a stage name. The party were attacked in the city, and after fending off their attackers, Fy'ra Rai told the party she must go search for her sister and said her goodbyes. She went to Dorian, took his head in her hands, and pulled their foreheads together. She told him that she knew something drove him to a terrible choice, making him think it was better to be alone. She urged him to stay with his new found family. Doiran told her not to worry, he would do anything for his friends.

Dorian went back to the battle scene to find his ax among the bodies. When he recovered it, he pulled away a strand of spider silk and heard the voice of the Spider Queen taunting him for his cowardice.

During their fight in the ruins of Niirdal-Sarqet, Dorian heard the voice of the Spider Queen taunting him multiple times, insulting the party’s capabilities and Dorian’s leadership, goading him into putting on the circlet, but Dorian resisted and ignored her.

After the defeat of Myr'atta Niselor, Dorian performed a ritual to reunite Opal and Ted, using the residuum they took from Emon. The sisters successfully restored, the party tried to decide what to do next. Dorian pointed out that they hadn't found Tetrarch Umejii, and that they were still being hunted by assassins. They dubbed themselves the Crown Keepers and agreed to stick together for a while.

Between campaigns
Following the events taking place in Exandria Unlimited, Dorian returned to Byroden and accepted the mission from Keyleth. She sent Orym and his friends Fearne and Dorian to investigate the source of the attack on Zephrah. Keyleth used Transport via Plants to sneak them to the skyship port in Emon, on which they eventually traveled to Jrusar.

As soon as he stepped on the ground of Marquet, Dorian found himself responding to a mysterious attack of animated objects in the streets, fighting alongside Ashton Greymoore, Fresh Cut Grass, Imogen Temult, and Laudna, and they attracted the attention of Bertrand Bell, who promised to make introductions to high-placed people in the city. Bertrand introduced the party to Lord Ariks Eshteross, who immediately challenged them to combat as a test of their abilities.

After passing their test, Eshteross sat and discussed business with the party. As most of the group gathered around him, he adjusted the top of his cane and those closest felt a warmth which Dorian only much later realized was a Zone of Truth.

Following a relatively successful mission, the party headed out to the Spire by Fire Inn where they drank and chatted, agreeing to meet up in the morning. Bertrand bought the drinks and paid for rooms for Dorian, Fearne and Orym, and gradually everyone either went home or to their rooms as Bertrand continued to celebrate with multiple drinks. Dorian stayed up with him to take care of him, playing songs in the hope that he’d fall asleep. Bertrand gradually became drunker and more loquacious as the evening progressed, until eventually, he decided to go for a walk and sent Dorian to bed.

Hunting down Bertrand’s killer, Dorian found a tiefling who knew Dugger. Dorian pressed him for information, and cast Charm Person on him. The tiefling happily shared more information, and flirted very aggressively. Once Dorian had all of the information he needed, he awkwardly left.

The party decided to play a drinking game to get to know each other better: What the fuck is up with that? Dorian revealed he’s part of a wealthy noble family, and is second in line to inherit. He explained that he was trying to fulfill expectations he's put upon himself that he wouldn't be able to fulfill within his family. As the party began to wind down, Dorian played a song and Laudna gave him a doll of Bertrand Bell she had crafted from chicken bones and Bertrand's hair.

The next day, they went to the Krook House to see if they could find more information on Oshad Breshio from Anni Aughta. After some bantering, Dorian entered into a musical contest with her, which he ultimately won when one of the strings of Anni's fiddle snapped. Later that day, when the party was investigating the Dreamscape Theater, Dorian was approached by a figure cloaked in a hood, eventually revealing themselves to be Cyrus Wyvernwind, Dorian's brother.

The next evening, while the party was drinking, Orym noticed the mysterious cloaked Hubbat Corsair from the theater had followed them and was watching them. Orym and Chetney followed him and persuaded him to talk to them, where he told them he wanted to talk with Dorian. Orym quickly retrieved Dorian and the rest of the party. The figure revealed himself to be Cyrus Wyvernwind. He said just wanted to see how Dorian's doing. He explained why he left home, how he ended up with a large bounty on his head, and why he’s working with the Corsairs. The party decided to continue their conversation inside.

Cyrus didn’t want to go home until this situation was resolved. He and Dorian were the only children of the noble leadership of the Silken Squall - the best analogous title is probably "prince", although Dorian expressed some discomfort about being referred to that way. Dorian told the party his real name, Brontë Wyvernwind, and explained a little more about the Silken Squall. Dorian then escorted Cyrus back to the Elder's Post, the safe house of the Corsairs. On the way, Dorian gave him the Sending stone and told him to use it if he needed anything.

Dorian confessed to the party that he gave his sending stone to Cyrus, so Orym gave him the corresponding stone so he could talk to his brother. The party then split up, Dorian, Orym, and Chetney staying to keep watch on the Moon Tower. Dorian and Chetney bonded as they pretended to be passers-by, calling each other friend.

During their fight against Ira within the Moon Tower, Dorian used Shatter to free Gurge Kisgregg from his cage. After Ira teleported away with Dimension Door and initiated the destruction of the tower, the party fled as fast as possible without outright running. Behind them the tower exploded and Dorian was struck by falling debris, knocking him unconscious.

The party then went to the Diamond Horizon Bathhouse to clean up before meeting Ela Lumas. Dorian took Chetney to go get massages.

The party went shopping for suitable attire for the upcoming ball, and Dorian happily gave everyone advice on fashion and etiquette. When asked what outfit he wanted, he said that he already had one, intending to wear the garments he’d previously purchased in Byroden for the pageant there. They decided to craft their own masks and Chetney gifted Dorian the wooden toy airship he'd promised him. Dorian’s mask was made out of fabric and sculpted to look like it was blowing in the wind.

Upon returning to Eshteross’s manor, the party decided that Dorian should go as himself, possibly pretending to be interested in employing Armand's Paragon's Call mercenaries. Eshteross approved of this plan, saying it would make things easier. Dorian realized that if he was to go as Bronte Wyvernwind, he would need a change in attire. He borrowed a suit and mask from Eshteross, the mask stern and regal, the suit severe, elegant and lacking in flair. He pulled out his handmade mask and crumpled it into a ball, leaving it in Eshteross’s bureau. He asked if Eshteross could promise his family protection if he used his real identity, and Eshteross admitted that everything came with a risk but he would do everything in his power.

At the ball, Orym noticed that Cyrus was in attendance and informed Dorian. Dorian told Chetney to go figure out why he's here and make sure he wasn't going to do anything stupid.

The party reconvened on the dance floor to enact their plan to steal Armand Treshi’s ring. There was much discussion about exactly what they were going to try and little agreement, but Dorian ended up with the tracking ring as he and Fearne joined the dance. They began trying to get closer to Armand by working their way via other partners as the dance continued. Fearne managed to pull his ring from his thumb and dropped it. As Armand searched the floor, Dorian kicked the real ring away but Armand noticed and went toward the sound, ignoring Dorian's attempt to pull him into the dance. The party were eventually able to successfully switch the rings.



At the ball, the party fought against Emoth Kade, almost catching her. As Emoth retreated, the group heard Cyrus's voice outside in the hall. Dorian and Laudna ran out and witnessed a shackled Cyrus being escorted out of the ball by a guard and the Green Seekers.

Dorian threw a smoke grenade, dashed into the obscured area, and bumped into one of the Seekers holding Cyrus. He successfully Charmed him, but the other one was holding Cyrus's other arm. Using his cane, Lord Eshteross whacked her on the head, and with a natural 20, Dorian convinced the Charmed guard to let them go. Toward the edge of the smoke cloud, he cast Invisibility on Cyrus and they succeeded in reaching the carriages unnoticed.

The rest of the party joined them, and with a very tense Lord Eshteross they traveled to his manor. Once there, Cyrus explained that one of the Hubatt Corsairs occasionally worked for Lady Emoth, who had worked with Dugger for a while. Emoth hired him to help her steal things at the ball in return for part of her "great treasure". Emoth had often spoken of a business partner she worked with, referred to as "Mother". When Cyrus was arrested, however, the guards thought he had been involved with the recent destruction of the Moon Tower by the party. The group realized the authorities were confusing Dorian and Cyrus.

Eshteross offered his skyship to smuggle Cyrus to Emon, but pointed out that the guards still would be looking for "a certain type of person", staring pointedly at Dorian. In addition, Dorian also realized that due to the way he last left Emon, they really shouldn't go there, but reluctantly agreed to accompany Cyrus. As the carriage holding Dorian and Cyrus pulled away, Dorian's toy airship was left floating via Levitate. A child on the street ran up, snatched it, and ran down the street.

Fearne, Imogen and Orym used their sending stone to send Dorian a message, telling him they missed him and asking how he was. He responded, telling them he had not been gone that long and was still in the air.

Dariax Zaveon
Dorian has referred to Dariax as a friend, which Dariax appeared touched by. Dorian told Poska that "if he doesn't like someone, I don't like someone."

Fy'ra Rai
Dorian was a little hesitant in trusting Fy'ra Rai originally when she joined the party given the amount of time he has spent with Orym, Dariax, Fearne, and Opal. He gradually respects her more as she proves trustworthy on their journey south of Byroden, and into Niirdal-Poc, with her strong urge of protection over the group.

Orym
Dorian's feelings were hurt when Orym expressed alarm about Dorian holding onto the Circlet of Barbed Vision tightly because for Dorian it wasn't so much about personal power but about ensuring that their party collectively kept stewardship of the evil artifact. By the time of Campaign Three, Dorian considered Orym their small group's leader. At some point between the time of EXU and Campaign Three, Orym told Dorian, along with Fearne, about his deceased husband.

Cyrus Wyvernwind
Growing up, Dorian felt that there was often distance between him and Cyrus, and since Cyrus was the heir to the leadership of the Silken Squall and Dorian was second line. This changed after the brothers reunited in Jrusar and after Cyrus revealed the situation in which he'd found himself. Dorian began to feel protective of his brother, and by the time they were traveling to Kymal, felt that losing him would be his worst fear.

Bertrand Bell
Dorian quickly became fond of Bertrand after meeting him, and the two shared a moment at the Spire by Fire the night after their first encounter with Dugger, shortly before Bertrand was killed, in which Bertrand urged Dorian to make the most of his opportunities. Afterward, Dorian felt upset about Bertrand's death, and referred to him as a friend when he took his revenge on Dugger.

Exandria Unlimited stats
Dorian's character stats were rerolled between Exandria Unlimited and Campaign Three. His original stats at level 2 were:

Notable items

 * Winged Boots, passed down through his family
 * Moon-Touched Scimitar, kept hidden beneath his lute by an extra tuning pin
 * Handaxe, with a handle that detaches to be a flute; the flute is a fipple flute in the style of a Native American flute: two-chambered with an external block and held vertically in front of the player
 * Immovable Rod
 * Six smoke grenades
 * Caltrops
 * Bag of ball bearings
 * Bertrand Bell doll made from chicken bones and Bertrand's hair, gifted by Laudna
 * Sending stone, twin to one held by Orym
 * Canaith Mandolin of deep red mahogany, given to him by Dariax Zaveon upon Dorian's return to Tal'Dorei

Former items

 * Wooden airship with "S.S. Brontë" carved into it from Chetney Pock O'Pea. It was left floating in the street by Dorian on his departure and was snatched by a child.

Abilities

 * Limited Blindsight

Genasi abilities

 * Subrace: Air Genasi
 * Unending Breath
 * Mingle with the Wind (Cast Levitate 1/Day)

Feats

 * Magic Initiate: Sorcerer
 * Chromatic Orb (1/day)
 * 2 Sorcerer cantrips

Bard abilities

 * Bardic Inspiration (1d8)
 * Jack of All Trades
 * Song of Rest (1d6)
 * Bard College: College of Swords
 * Bonus Proficiencies
 * Fighting Style
 * Blade Flourish
 * Extra Attack
 * Font of Inspiration

Cantrips

 * Blade Ward
 * Minor Illusion
 * Thunderclap
 * Mending

1st level

 * Charm Person
 * Cure Wounds
 * Dissonant Whispers
 * Thunderwave

2nd level

 * Invisibility
 * Shatter
 * Warding Wind

3rd level

 * Hypnotic Pattern

Behind the scenes
Robbie Daymond named Dorian after the Dorian musical mode, in reference to his youthfulness through a connection to The Picture of Dorian Gray, and after his first pet, a Great Dane. Brontë Secondsun Wyvernwind was chosen for its similarly thematic connections: Brontë being "thunder" in Greek for a weather theme, and Secondsun in reference to him being a second son. Dorian's stage surname "Storm" was chosen because he "wanted a cheesy stage name" and for its thematic relation to Brontë.

Dorian's character was developed specifically to contrast with Robbie's self-described extroversion and social confidence. He sought to play a bard opposite to his own comfort as a musical performer and to the type of bard Scanlan Shorthalt from Campaign One was established as. Going into Exandria Unlimited, he drew from being a new cast member and sought to "find a character that is competent and charming, but also nervous". He found "a bard with stage fright" and "high charisma with social anxiety" to be a fun, complex character.

Dorian was brought into Campaign Three as a guest character after Liam and Ashley chose to play the campaign with their Exandria Unlimited characters Orym and Fearne, who started as initial Campaign Three concepts, leading to Dorian being a "perfect fit" to bring with them. His stats, which were originally determined using the standard array method, were re-determined under the same rules as other characters in Campaign Three and in prior campaigns: using the rolled method in the Player's Handbook with a homebrewed rule that if the sum of the scores was less than 70, they could reroll the scores.

Appearances and mentions

 * Exandria Unlimited, every episode
 * Campaign Three

Quotations

 * "Mm-hmm. Sorry, bacon lips."
 * (during a parting toast with Bells Hells) "You know what's funny? I've always felt, my entire life, always, like I was on the outside looking in. And you, you have all made me feel like I am part of something bigger, and I will be forever grateful for that. Thank you."

Trivia

 * Unlike the rest of the party in Exandria Unlimited, Dorian's race was not clearly indicated in . Instead, Robbie confirmed it in a Tweet a day after the initial broadcast.
 * Matt cosplayed Dorian in the sponsor segment of.
 * The animation on his Campaign Three stat card features a ripple effect, similar to wind disturbing the surface of water.
 * Dorian has appeared in more consecutive episodes than any other guest character.
 * His total appearances in a main campaign is also greater than Zahra Hydris' (13 episodes) and Kashaw Vesh's (12 episodes).
 * His total appearances overall, including Exandria Unlimited and specials, remains greater than Zahra's and Kashaw's 14 overall appearances.
 * Dorian is the second guest character from a miniseries or one-shot to appear in a main campaign, after Arkhan.
 * Robbie wrote and performed a song sung by Dorian during his airship journey back to Tal'Dorei in memory of his former traveling companion and fellow adventurer, "The Ballad of Bertrand Bell".