Grand Line Adventures

Nora-Shores

15 min read

Nora Shores - The Living Armory

Player: Rachel | Race: Skypeian | Class: Skald (School of the Underworld) Level 3 Origin: Sky Island (Unknown) | Affiliation: None

← Back to Party Roster

Quick Reference

StatValueStatValue
AC18Initiative+2
HP23/23Speed30 ft
Prof Bonus+2Passive Perception12

Devil Fruit: Buki Buki no Mi (Armory Armory Fruit) Alignment: Chaotic Good | XP: 900 / 2,700

Ability Scores

STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
8 (-1)14 (+2)14 (+2)10 (+0)12 (+1)16 (+3)

Saving Throws: CHA +5 Proficient: CHA

Skills

SkillModProfSkillModProf
Insight+3●Performance+5●
Investigation+2●Persuasion+5●
Perception+3●Sleight of Hand+4●

Expertise: None Jack of All Trades: +1 to all unproficient ability checks Languages: Common, Elvish, Sylvan

Combat

Attacks & Weapons

Rapier (Melee)

  • Attack: +4 to hit (DEX +2 + Prof +2)
  • Damage: 1d8+2 piercing
  • Properties: Finesse

Dagger (Melee or Thrown)

  • Attack: +4 to hit (DEX +2 + Prof +2)
  • Damage: 1d4+2 piercing
  • Range (thrown): 20/60 ft
  • Properties: Finesse, light, thrown

Morph Morph Gatling (Devil Fruit Weapon)

  • Attack: +4 to hit (DEX +2 + Prof +2)
  • Damage: 1d6+3 piercing
  • Properties: Magical, weapon morphing
  • Note: Can transform body part into any weapon as bonus action

Armor & Defense

  • Armor: Thick Shirt (normally AC 11 + DEX 2)
  • Actual AC: 18 (Impenetrable Defense passive - AC can’t be less than 18)
  • Enhanced Defense: Can spend 1 DF charge as bonus action for +2 AC (20 total) for 1 minute
  • Hit Dice: 3d8
  • Death Saves: —

Class Features

Skald (School of the Underworld) - Level 3

Bardic Inspiration (1d6)

  • Uses: 3 per long rest (equal to CHA modifier)
  • Action: Bonus action to inspire ally within 60 ft who can hear you
  • Effect: Target gains 1d6 to add to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw within 10 minutes
  • Scaling: Die increases to d8 at level 5, d10 at level 10, d12 at level 15

Jack of All Trades (Level 2)

  • Effect: Add half proficiency bonus (+1) to ability checks without proficiency
  • Benefit: Competent at everything, even untrained skills
  • Total: +1 to Athletics, Acrobatics, Nature, History, etc.

Song of Rest (1d6) (Level 2)

  • Trigger: During short rest
  • Effect: Allies who spend Hit Dice to heal regain extra 1d6 HP
  • Scaling: d8 at level 9, d10 at level 13, d12 at level 17
  • Party Support: Enhances short rest healing for entire party

Spellcasting (Charisma)

  • Spellcasting Ability: Charisma
  • Spell Save DC: 13 (8 + Prof 2 + CHA 3)
  • Spell Attack: +5 (Prof 2 + CHA 3)
  • Spell Slots: 4×1st level, 2×2nd level
  • Spells Known: 2 cantrips, 5 spells (1st level only at level 3)

School of the Underworld (Level 3)

Haunting Verse (Level 3)

  • Trigger: Reaction when enemy within 60 ft makes attack roll, ability check, or damage roll
  • Cost: Spend one Bardic Inspiration die
  • Effect: Subtract the die roll from the enemy’s result
  • Requirements: Enemy must be able to hear you
  • Immunity: Creatures immune to charm or that can’t hear are immune
  • Tactical Use: Defensive use of Bardic Inspiration, protect allies

Bonus Proficiencies (Level 3)

  • Gained: 3 skill proficiencies of choice
  • Nora’s Choices: Insight, Investigation, Sleight of Hand
  • Benefit: Expanded skill versatility beyond standard Skald

Spellcasting

Cantrips (At Will)

  • Vicious Mockery: 1d4 psychic damage, disadvantage on next attack, 60 ft, WIS save DC 13
  • Mage Hand: Invisible hand, manipulate objects, 30 ft

Known Spells

1st Level (4 slots)

  • Cure Wounds: Touch, heal 1d8 + CHA (1d8+3)
  • Dissonant Whispers: 3d6 psychic damage, 60 ft, WIS save DC 13 or flee
  • Faerie Fire: 20 ft cube, outline creatures, attacks against them have advantage
  • Healing Word: Bonus action, heal 1d4 + CHA (1d4+3), 60 ft
  • Tasha’s Hideous Laughter: WIS save DC 13 or prone and incapacitated (laughing)

2nd Level (2 slots)

  • Will learn at level 4 or higher

Devil Fruit Powers

Buki Buki no Mi (Armory Armory Fruit)

Type: Paramecia (Body Enhancer) | Rarity: Rare Charges: 9/9 (recharge daily at dawn)

Weapon Morphing (Bonus Action, At Will)

  • Effect: Transform body part into any weapon (sword, spear, axe, bow, etc.)
  • Properties: Magical weapon, proficient with all forms
  • Duration: Until dismissed or new weapon morphed
  • Limitation: One weapon active at a time
  • Examples: Rapier arm, gatling gun hand, cannon shoulder, blade wings
  • Tactical Use: Adapt to any combat situation instantly

Full-Body Arsenal (Action)

  • Effect: Transform entire body into siege equipment (ballista, catapult, cannon, etc.)
  • Duration: 1 minute
  • Limitation: Can’t move or take other actions while transformed
  • Benefit: Allies can use your weaponized form
  • Examples: Become artillery piece, allies fire you at enemies
  • Tactical Use: Ultimate team weapon, area denial

Impenetrable Defense (Passive)

  • Effect: AC can’t be less than 18
  • Benefit: Always high AC regardless of armor worn
  • Interaction: Stacks with armor/DEX if higher than 18
  • Reason: Body can harden into weapon-grade steel

Enhanced Defense (Bonus Action, 1 charge)

  • Effect: +2 AC for 1 minute
  • Total AC: 20 (18 base + 2)
  • Doesn’t Stack: Can’t use multiple times for +4
  • Duration: 1 minute (concentration not required)

Weapon Techniques (spend charges)

  • Thunderous Smite - 1 charge: Next melee hit +2d6 thunder, STR save DC 13 or pushed 10 ft and knocked prone
  • Cloud of Daggers - 2+ charges: 5 ft cube, 4d4 slashing damage (can upcast)
  • Conjure Barrage - 3 charges: 60 ft cone, 3d8 damage (choose type)
  • Staggering Smite - 4 charges: Next hit +4d6 psychic, WIS save DC 13 or disadvantage on attacks/checks for 1 minute
  • Stoneskin (Self) - 4 charges: Resistance to nonmagical bludgeoning, piercing, slashing for 1 hour
  • Conjure Volley - 5 charges: 40 ft radius, 8d8 damage (choose type)

Sea Weakness: Deep water/seastone suppresses powers and saps strength

Resources & Tracking

Current Resources

  • Bardic Inspiration: 3/3 (recharge on long rest)
  • Spell Slots: 4×1st, 2×2nd
  • Buki Buki Charges: 9/9 (recharge daily at dawn)
  • Song of Rest: Always available during short rests
  • Hit Dice: 3d8

Equipment

Carried:

  • Rapier, Dagger
  • Thick Shirt (AC 18 from Devil Fruit)
  • Lute (musical instrument, spellcasting focus)
  • Entertainer’s Pack: Backpack, bedroll, 2 costumes, 5 candles, 5 days rations, waterskin, disguise kit

Currency: — Berries

Personality & Background

Background: Folk Hero

Feature - Rustic Hospitality You can find a place to hide, rest, or recuperate among common folk unless you have proven to be a danger to them. They shield you from enemies or pursuers and are eager to bargain or offer discounts when Nora performs or lends a hand.

Personality

  • Traits: Lifts spirits with impromptu songs and reads the room before every performance
  • Ideals: Freedom. Music and the open sky should never be caged
  • Bonds: Owes the elder of her Skypeian village for protecting her wings and teaching her to give back
  • Flaws: Can’t resist boasting about daring escapades, even when silence would be wiser
  • Dream: To headline a floating concert that sails above the Grand Line

Physical Description

  • Race: Skypeian
  • Appearance: White wings on back (characteristic of Sky Island inhabitants)
  • Style: Performer’s flair, colorful costumes, always ready to entertain
  • Wings: Functional for flight (DM discretion on flight mechanics)

Skypeian Racial Traits

Skypeian Abilities:

  • Wings: Distinctive white wings (may grant flight - DM discretion)
  • Sky Island Heritage: Connection to cloud-based culture
  • Light Build: Adapted to thin air of sky islands
  • Cloud Walking: May have special abilities with clouds (campaign specific)

Connections

Allies

  • Skypeian Village Elder - Protected Nora’s wings, taught her to give back
  • Common Folk - Folk Hero status grants hospitality
  • Party Members - Current crew

Locations

  • Unknown Sky Island - Homeland
  • Skypeian Village - Where elder protected her

Progression Notes

Future Features

Level 4:

  • Ability Score Improvement or Feat
  • New Cantrip: Learn 3rd cantrip
  • New Spell: Learn 1 more spell

Level 5:

  • Bardic Inspiration: Die increases to d8
  • Font of Inspiration: Regain Bardic Inspiration on short rest (instead of long rest)
  • Spell Slots: 4×1st, 3×2nd, 2×3rd

Level 6:

  • Countercharm: Action to grant advantage vs. frighten/charm to allies within 30 ft
  • Bonus Proficiencies: Gain 2 more skill proficiencies

Level 10:

  • Bardic Inspiration: Die increases to d10
  • Magical Secrets: Learn 2 spells from any class

Level 14:

  • Magical Secrets: Learn 2 more spells from any class

ASI/Feat at Level 4

  • Option 1: +2 CHA (18 CHA, +4 modifier) - Improves spell DC to 14, spell attack to +6, Bardic Inspiration uses to 4
  • Option 2: War Caster - Advantage on concentration saves, cast spells as opportunity attacks, somatic components with hands full
  • Option 3: Inspiring Leader - 10-minute speech grants temp HP to 6 creatures
  • Option 4: Actor - +1 CHA (17 CHA), advantage on Deception/Performance to pass as someone else

Campaign Moments

Session 1: Festival of Blades

Bardic Support

  • Delivered Eric Valorin’s epic poem to Jarl Uric with gravity and respect
  • Asked questions at tavern about golden apples and birds (information gathering)
  • Used Song of Rest after previous combat (party healing)
  • Offered to play lament for Flynn’s dead children (declined)
  • Plays both folk music and metal on her harp (versatility)

Combat Effectiveness - Throat Slice

  • Cast Vicious Mockery on barbarian (max damage, enemy failed save)
  • Followed up with rapier stab attempt (missed with natural 3+5=8)
  • Later sliced another enemy’s throat with rapier (8 damage)
  • Quote: “I’m sick of this!” stabs through throat
  • Coordinated with team positioning effectively
  • Proved deadly in close combat despite being support class

Partnership with Luna

  • Coordinated distraction while Luna stole golden apple
  • Luna: “I need my partner in crime”
  • Split pickpocketing earnings 50/50 (received 8,000 berries)
  • Examined golden apple (21 perception) - discovered faint swirl patterns
  • Pulled cart together as team during travel
  • Strong criminal chemistry developing

Metal Music Backstory

  • Quote: “Unlike the [folk music], I got kicked out of my [island]… I’ll play a lament for your children”
  • Got exiled from Sky Island for playing metal music
  • Can play both gentle folk and aggressive metal on harp
  • Musical style contrasts with expected bardic tradition
  • Metal music theme persists throughout campaign

Moral Compass & Perceptiveness

  • Defended helping NPCs: “We’re not thwarting you”
  • Concerned about party dynamics and trust
  • Asked Flynn directly: “What’s your deal?” about his suspicious motives
  • Questioned Flynn: “I noticed you do all of these things to curry favor. What’s your deal?”
  • Perceptive about others’ true intentions

Session 3: Suicide-Inducing Mockery

The Devastating Vicious Mockery

  • Used Vicious Mockery on enemy (DC 13 wisdom save)
  • Played metal on harp, taunted: “Your mom never loved you”
  • Dealt 5 psychic damage
  • Enemy became so distraught he shot himself in the head
  • Failed save spectacularly - emotional damage caused suicide
  • Most brutal use of Vicious Mockery in campaign history
  • Quote from player: “These are all things that my parents said to me” (joke)

Combat Versatility Attempts

  • Attempted to use Conjure Barrage (machine gun transformation)
  • Rolled 4, failed the attempt
  • Spent 2 charges on failed attempt (learning Devil Fruit limits)
  • Shows willingness to experiment with Armory Fruit powers
  • Growing arsenal of weapon transformations

Brain Matter Incident

  • Gluthoric shot enemy in head nearby
  • Brain matter splattered all over Nora
  • Completely unfazed by being covered in gore
  • Gluthoric sarcastically thanked her moments before: “Thanks for paying for the rooms” / “Thanks for buying my drink”
  • Shows comfort with violence and its aftermath

Healer Role

  • Brought healing word back online for emergencies
  • Distributed party healing through music
  • Two spell slots remaining after journey
  • Can cure wounds as backup healing
  • Balancing support, healing, and damage roles

Memorable Quotes

Devastating Mockery

“Your mom never loved you” - Vicious mockery that caused enemy to commit suicide (Session 3)

“I’m sick of this!” - Battle cry before executing lethal strike (Session 1)

Musical Background

“Unlike the [folk music], I got kicked out of my [island]… I’ll play a lament for your children.” - Offering comfort to Flynn while revealing exile backstory (Session 1)

Party Dynamics

“What’s your deal? I noticed you do all of these things to curry favor.” - Directly confronting Flynn’s suspicious behavior (Session 1)

“We’re not thwarting you” - Defending helping NPCs to suspicious party members (Session 1)

Meta Humor

“These are all things that my parents said to me” - Player joking about source of Vicious Mockery insults (Session 3)

Relationships

Party Members

  • Luna: “Partner in crime” - coordinated distraction cons; split earnings 50/50; examined golden apple together; pulled cart as team; strong criminal chemistry
  • Flynn: Questioned his suspicious helpful behavior directly; offered to play lament for his dead children (he declined); perceptive about his power-hungry motives
  • Gluthoric: Victim of his brain-splatter; sarcastically thanked by him moments before; comedic antagonism
  • The Party (General): Moral compass; perceptive questioner; concerned about dynamics and trust

NPCs

  • Jarl Uric: Delivered Eric Valorin’s epic poem with respect and gravity
  • Tavern NPCs: Information gatherer about golden apples, birds, island rumors
  • Sky Island Elders: Exiled Nora for playing metal music (backstory antagonists)

The Metal Music Arc

Nora’s exile from her Sky Island for playing metal music defines her rebellious nature. She contrasts gentle folk traditions with aggressive metal, showing versatility and independence.

Character Development

The Living Armory Nora’s Buki Buki no Mi (Armory Fruit) allows instant weapon adaptation:

  • AC 18 minimum (Impenetrable Defense passive)
  • Transform body parts into any weapon (rapier, machine gun, cannon)
  • Attempted Conjure Barrage (machine gun transformation) in Session 3
  • Growing comfort with Devil Fruit versatility
  • Can become siege equipment for allies to use

Devastating Emotional Attacks Nora’s Vicious Mockery is more effective than her weapons:

  • Session 1: Max damage, enemy failed save, debuffed
  • Session 3: “Your mom never loved you” caused enemy suicide
  • Emotional/psychological warfare is her signature move
  • Combines metal music aesthetic with brutal insults
  • Players joke about source being real-life trauma

Musical Rebel

  • Exiled from Sky Island for metal music (unconventional bardic style)
  • Plays harp but makes it sound like metal (instrument subversion)
  • Contrasts folk traditions with aggressive modern music
  • Lifts spirits with impromptu songs despite dark themes
  • Reads the room before every performance (social awareness)

Unfazed by Violence

  • Sliced enemy’s throat: “I’m sick of this!”
  • Covered in brain matter, completely calm
  • Comfortable with gore and combat aftermath
  • Balances gentle musical support with brutal combat
  • No squeamishness despite being performer/healer

Internal Conflicts

  • Gentle Music vs. Brutal Combat: Plays beautiful harp while slicing throats
  • Support Role vs. Killer Instinct: Heals allies then delivers lethal strikes
  • Social Awareness vs. Direct Confrontation: Reads rooms well but calls out Flynn directly
  • Partnership vs. Independence: Works well with Luna but maintains strong individual identity

Combat Evolution

  • Session 1: Vicious Mockery (max damage) + missed rapier + throat slice kill (8 damage)
  • Session 3: Suicide-inducing Vicious Mockery (5 psychic) + failed Conjure Barrage attempt
  • Learning Devil Fruit weapon transformations (machine gun attempt)
  • Balancing spell slots, Bardic Inspiration, Devil Fruit charges
  • Emotional damage > physical damage (Vicious Mockery most effective)

The Folk Hero Despite being exiled for metal music, Nora maintains Folk Hero status:

  • Common folk offer hospitality and protection
  • Shield her from enemies/pursuers
  • Eager to bargain or offer discounts when she performs
  • “Rustic Hospitality” feature shows she gives back to communities
  • Balances rebellious music with genuine community care

Armory Fruit Mastery

  • AC can’t be less than 18 (Impenetrable Defense)
  • Can enhance to AC 20 for 1 minute (1 charge)
  • Transform body parts into weapons (bonus action, at will)
  • Attempted Conjure Barrage (failed with roll of 4)
  • Learning limits: 9 charges per day, some techniques cost multiple charges
  • Future potential: Full-Body Arsenal (become siege weapon for allies)

Combat Tactics

Support Combo

  1. Bardic Inspiration (bonus action) - Give ally 1d6 to use
  2. Cast Faerie Fire (action, 1st level slot) - Outline enemies, allies attack with advantage
  3. Haunting Verse (reaction) - Subtract 1d6 from enemy attack
  4. Song of Rest (short rest) - Party heals extra 1d6

Offensive Combo

  1. Weapon Morphing (bonus action) - Transform arm into weapon
  2. Cast Thunderous Smite (1 DF charge) - Next melee hit +2d6 thunder
  3. Attack with morphed weapon
  4. Total Damage: Weapon damage + 2d6 thunder + push + prone

Defense Combo

  1. Enhanced Defense (bonus action, 1 DF charge) - AC 20 for 1 minute
  2. Stoneskin (4 DF charges) - Resistance to physical damage for 1 hour
  3. Haunting Verse (reaction) - Subtract 1d6 from enemy attacks
  4. Total Defense: AC 20, resistance, subtract from attacks

Healing Combo

  1. Healing Word (bonus action, 1st level slot) - Heal ally 1d4+3 at range
  2. Action for attack or spell
  3. Song of Rest during short rest - Extra 1d6 healing
  4. Cure Wounds if needed (action, 1st level slot) - Touch heal 1d8+3

Artillery Mode

  1. Full-Body Arsenal (action) - Transform into siege weapon
  2. Allies use your form to fire at enemies
  3. Duration: 1 minute
  4. Combo: Faerie Fire first for advantage, then become cannon

Unique Party Role

The Versatile Support:

  • Bardic Inspiration buffs (+1d6 to rolls)
  • Healing (Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Song of Rest)
  • Debuffs (Vicious Mockery, Faerie Fire, Haunting Verse)
  • Crowd control (Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Dissonant Whispers)

The Living Arsenal:

  • Highest AC in party (18 minimum, 20 with enhancement)
  • Transform into any weapon (adapt to situation)
  • Become siege equipment (ultimate team weapon)
  • Weapon Techniques for ranged AoE damage

The Social Expert:

  • 6 skill proficiencies (Insight, Investigation, Perception, Performance, Persuasion, Sleight of Hand)
  • Jack of All Trades (+1 to all others)
  • Folk Hero (rustic hospitality)
  • Performance +5 (entertainer)

The Sky Islander:

  • Winged Skypeian (potential flight)
  • Unique perspective from sky islands
  • Musical talent (lute, performances)
  • Folk hero among common people

Notes

Personality Hooks: Lifts spirits with impromptu songs, reads the room before every performance

Role in Party:

  • Primary support (Bardic Inspiration, buffs, healing)
  • Tank (AC 18-20, Stoneskin)
  • Versatile damage (weapon morphing, spell damage)
  • Face/diplomat (Persuasion +5, Performance +5)
  • Skill monkey (6 proficiencies + Jack of All Trades)
  • Healer (Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Song of Rest)

Strategic Value:

  • Can adapt to any combat role via weapon morphing
  • Defensive powerhouse (AC 18 minimum)
  • Support entire party with inspiration and healing
  • Social encounters and performance
  • Jack of All Trades makes her competent at everything

Motivations:

  • Headline floating concert above Grand Line
  • Honor Skypeian Village Elder’s teachings
  • Spread music and freedom
  • Protect her crew (give back to others)

pc

Last Updated: 2025-11-03

Graph View

Backlinks