Dorian Storm, born Brontë Secondsun Wyvernwind, is an air genasi[4] bard who appeared in Exandria Unlimited Prime, Campaign Three of Critical Role, and Exandria Unlimited: Kymal. He is a member of the Crown Keepers and Bells Hells. He is played by Robbie Daymond.
Description[]
Official art of Dorian in EXU Prime, by Hannah Friederichs.[art 6]
Official art of Dorian in Campaign Three, by Hannah Friederichs.[art 7]
Official art of Dorian, 2024 update, by Hannah Friederichs.[art 8]
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"[20] and more lightweight than he appears. He is very attractive and looks a lot like his father.[21] 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.[22] On his chest is a metallic plate in the shape of wings, and it was unclear whether it was purely ornamental or armor. As an air genasi, he moves with a lightness that could be mistaken for confidence.[23]
Official art of Dorian, 2025 update, by Linda Lithén.[art 9]
For his return to Marquet, Dorian was uncharacteristically clean, spotless and shined.[24] He kept the same outfit for months while he adventured with Bells Hells and then with the Crown Keepers, but after returning to Marquet he updated it and made it more lithe, turning his cape into a half-cape, getting swashbuckler pants, and getting a "slutty" poofy shirt made of finely woven mithral, so it acted as sheer armor. The silver ornaments he wore were now gold (befitting his new position after his brother's death as the heir) and included a nose piercing. His mandolin was painted blue with a sunburst on its front and was marked on the back with Fresh Cut Grass's blades of grass symbol.[25] His hair was also slightly modified, up in a bun with more bluish tips rather than gray.
Personality[]
Dorian was well spoken and charismatic. He came from a very secluded place, and liked to see different kinds of people living together.[26] He desperately wanted to prove himself.[27] Dorian left home to look for a better life, but he often dodged questions about his past, seemingly uncomfortable when talking about it. When Poska said Dorian seemed to come from money, Dorian nervously brushed it off and claimed to just be a humble bard.[28] He was aware that he wasn't very good at lying, and in time he would stop doing so, deciding to ignore certain feelings instead.[29]
Due to Dorian's isolated upbringing in the Silken Squall, he was very inexperienced romantically.[30] Although he had some kisses and stolen moments with people he liked (including local boys and girls, diplomats visiting his home, and the daughter of an ambassador at one point), he never considered love until he met Orym.[31]
Dorian was a proud man, and when Imogen Temult assumed that he would have died if he had been with Bells Hells in their fight against Otohan Thull, he got slightly offended.[32] His brother Cyrus Wyvernwind's death meant he was now the heir to the ruling family of the Silken Squall, and his change from the silver ornamentation of a second son to the gold of the heir seemed to indicate his acceptance of this new responsibility.
After his conversation with Lolth where he offered to give her Poska in exchange for power, Dorian's alignment switched from Chaotic Good to Chaotic Neutral.[33] However, he still tried to be a good person, despite the Spider Queen's influence.
Biography[]
Background[]
He was born in about 816 PD as Brontë Secondsun, the youngest son of the Wyvernwind family, rulers of the Silken Squall.[34][35] He lived "a very cloistered life",[27] growing up with his older brother Cyrus. They frequently would get into physical fights, hitting each other until they returned to their parents bleeding and crying; that, however, didn't stop them from doing the same again, since it was one of the ways the two of them bonded.[36] When he was caught trying to lie, his family would hire someone to cast Zone of Truth on him to force a confession.[37]
Around Misuthar 842 PD, he left home and took the name Dorian Storm, later saying of "Brontë" that he "left that name behind".[38][39] His travels away from home started in Marquet,[40] where he spent at least one night in a hostel in Jrusar and had his purse strings cut overnight.[41] Seven months later, around Quen'pillar 842, he was playing music gigs in Emon on the continent of Tal'Dorei.[42]
Exandria Unlimited Prime[]
Fan art of Dorian, by Stephanie Brown.[art 10]
"The Nameless Ones" (E1x01)[]
With the rest of the Exandria Unlimited Prime 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.
"The Oh No Plateau" (E1x02)[]
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.
"A Glorious Return" (E1x03)[]
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.
"By the Road" (E1x04)[]
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.
"A Test of Worth" (E1x05)[]
Fan art of the Spider Queen's offer to Dorian, by MyHistrionics.[art 11]
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.[43] 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 Gift Among the Green" (E1x06)[]
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.
"Beyond the Heart City" (E1x07)[]
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.
"What Comes Next" (E1x08)[]
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 Prime, 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.[44]
Campaign Three[]
"The Draw of Destiny" (3x01)[]
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.[45] Bertrand introduced the party to Lord Ariks Eshteross, who immediately challenged them to combat as a test of their abilities.
"Trial by Firelight" (3x02)[]
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.
"The Trail and the Toll" (3x03)[]
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.
"On the Trail of a Killer" (3x04)[]
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.
"Growing Bonds and Teasing Threads" (3x06)[]
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.
"A Woodworker's Quandary" (3x08)[]
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.
"Ghosts, Dates, and Darker Fates" (3x10)[]
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.
"Chasing Nightmares" (3x11)[]
During their fight against Ira Wendagoth 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.
"Make It Fashion" (3x12)[]
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.
"A Dance of Deception" (3x13)[]
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.
"In Too Deep" (3x14)[]
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.
Fan art of Dorian farewell with Bells Hells, by Rebecca Snowden.[art 13]
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.
"The Shade Mother" (3x16)[]
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.
"Exandria Unlimited: Kymal, Part 1" (E2x01)[]
Dorian and his brother arrived in Emon and sought out Gilmore's aid to travel to Kymal. The two successfully arrived in the casino city and reunited with Fy'ra Rai, Opal and Dariax Zaveon. While catching up at the bar of the Maiden's Wish casino, the group caught the attention of Morrighan Ferus, and Cyrus and Dorian decided to try to flirt with her to get information on money making opportunities in Kymal, so they could clear Cyrus's bounty. Morrighan asks them to talk to her when she isn't at work and offers to meet the group at a nearby theater. There, Morrighan revealed that she's a thief and specialized in robbing casinos, so the group planned a casino heist.
Fan art of Dorian and his new instrument, by ElesirArt.[art 14]
While enacting the first part of their plan, Dariax and Opal gifted Dorian a mandolin they "acquired" for him in Byroden. He played a tune on it, and as he wasn't attuned, took psychic damage. He spent the rest of the time the group was preparing attuning to the mandolin. While the rest of the group were attempting to steal the key to Phaedrov Krishtan's penthouse, Dorian and his brother sat in the audience and watched the performance. Dorian enjoyed it, despite the bad reviews, and Cyrus reminded him of the time he accused Cyrus off being "pitchy" when he sang for their mother's birthday. Dorian remembered this, and stood by what he said, so Cyrus gently slapped him.
"Exandria Unlimited: Kymal, Part 2" (E2x02)[]
While preparing for their heist, the Crown Keepers went to the Chroma Dawn Spa to meet with Fy'ra's contact Jinoir. While there, Dorian decided to try out every treatment available, including several facial scrubs and a deep tissue massage, the latter of which was interrupted by Fy'ra telling everyone she had something she wished to discuss in private, urging everyone to go back upstairs.
Later that night, Cyrus, having awoken early as he'd gone to bed very early, woke up Dorian, and asked for his advice. Cyrus admitted that he wasn't ready to go home to the Silken Squall, let alone assume rule. The brothers talked openly, and acknowledged that their upbringing often kept them distant and sheltered from the world. Dorian told Cyrus that he would become a good leader, and admitted that he also wanted to stay out in the world, exploring and experiencing it, and that when they're both ready they could go home together. Cyrus became emotional and told Dorian that he was proud of him. The two played a few rounds of cards before going back to sleep near the fireplace.
During the heist, the party faced off against a goliath lieutenant of the Nameless Ones. The goliath filled the area with a poison vapor, which Dorian resisted the effects of by holding his breath. Dorian cast Warding Wind which deafened the goliath, and later attacked him with Dissonant Whispers, which prompted the man to tell him he's wanted, presumably by the Nameless Ones. The party then killed the goliath and continued on to the vault and took all the gold they needed. The party then escaped on a sky bar held aloft with brumestone, Dorian casting Fly on his brother with his new mandolin so they could steer it.
"Promise and Potential" (3x22)[]
When Bells Hells were about to leave Jrusar to look for Armand Treshi Orym, before going to sleep, used the sending stone to speak to Dorian, informing him of where were they going, and telling him that he had been missed. The bard, who was already sleeping, woke up with the message and told the halfling he missed them as well, and informed him that crazy things had happened where he was, mentioning the floating bar on which he and the Crown Keepers had left Kymal, and promising to tell Orym more about it later.
"Breaking Point" (3x31)[]
Outside the Calloway Layaway Orym used the sending stone to tell Dorian that he and his optimism were still missed, and wondering about his current location and happiness. The air genasi quickly responded, commenting how difficult landing the floating bar had been, and adding that his own group was keeping him busy; he said he missed Bells Hells as well, and asked Orym not to die.
By that time Dorian and the Crown Keepers had been traveling on foot and avoiding large towns to avoid Poska's agents.[46]
"Compulsions" (3x40)[]
Fan art of Dorian's Sending to Orym, by Melissa Hahn.[art 15]
During Bells Hells' trip to Yios aboard the Silver Sun, after Chetney lost control during a flare of Ruidus and Imogen dreamed with her mother, Orym left his friends talking below deck and used the sending stone to speak with Dorian, informing him of their travel plans, the discoveries regarding the deaths of Will and Derrig, as well as the passing of Lord Eshteross; the halfling fighter expressed his relief at the genasi's absence, though admitting that he wished he was with them. Dorian answered, telling Orym he was sorry he couldn't be there with Bells Hells, and sending encouragement to his halfling friend.
"The Aurora Grows" (3x49)[]
A few days before the apogee solstice Orym contacted Dorian three different times to check on him and his friends. The bard informed him that Opal was getting "a little dark", and that the Crown Keepers were busy in their own corner of Exandria; he confirmed that the ley lines were visible from there as well, and accepted the fighter's advice when he told him to find a safe place soon.
"Somewhere Out There" (3x59)[]
After Ludinus Da'leth's Malleus Key activated during the solstice, a flash of energy sent Orym, Laudna and Ashton to Issylra. The halfling tried to use one of his sending stones to contact Dorian and ask him how the sky looked like in his corner of Exandria, and if he was alright. However, the magical object only produced a loud echo, shaking in Orym's hand.
"Crisis of Faith" (3x61)[]
When Elder Joan Abaddina of Hearthdell used her scrying well with some of Dariax's hair that Deni$e gave her, the water showed both Dariax and Dorian looking nervous and worried in an unknown location. Ashton was very surprised, since he didn't expect to see his old teammate during Deni$e's turn with the scrying well; when she asked about him, the earth genasi said that the bard was "their bag of dicks".[47]
Around that time Dorian and the Crown Keepers were around the area of Westruun, but didn't stay there for long, and kept moving to avoid the Nameless Ones.[48]
"Broken Roads" (3x92)[]
Days later, when communication magic started working again, Orym used his sending stone to tell Dorian he and his group should find Keyleth, and although the halfling didn't get to hear the bard's answer (due to the influence of a monster in his area),[49] the Crown Keepers followed his adviced and headed towards the Summit Peaks.
Fan art of Dorian when Opal attacked, by Elaine Tipping.[art 16]
After some days traveling, Opal (who had been dealing with the Spider Queen's influence) lost control of her own body and attacked the group. Dorian had been playing his flute, but when he realized the issue activated his winged boots, and after inspiring Fy'ra he tried to grapple Opal, who moved him away with ease; Dariax, wanting to support the air genasi, gave him some Bardic Inspiration of his own. Since Opal had cast Darkness in the battlefield, Dorian took his mandolin and cast Dispel Magic, but the warlock's spell was too strong; he instead decided to inspire Dariax back. The sorcerer, after they were attacked by both Opal and Ted, used Dimension Door to move Dorian and himself away, but shortly after, Lolth's influence made them see strange visions based on their fears: Dorian saw how the dark version of Fearne they had face months before appeared in the battlefield and started taking and corrupting the members of the Crown Keepers.
"Bittersweet Reunions" (3x93)[]
As the battle continued, Dorian cast a thunderous Chromatic Orb against a spider attacking Cyrus, but monster and victim were so close to each other that he accidentally hurt his brother too. Opal tried to send all her friends away with Mass Suggestion, but only Dorian and Dariax were affected. Under the spell's effect, the air genasi started to leave, and although the shock of witnessing how Cyrus was killed by the spider gave him a chance to resist Opal's magic, it was too strong. Angered, his last act of defiance before abandoning the battlefield was to cast a powerful Geas on the demonfeed spider Lolth had just summoned, making its mission for the following year to find and try to kill the goddess. The Spider Queen spoke in the bard's mind and admitted that she had lost control of that monster because of him, but she also taunted him, reminding him that he had been her original choice for a champion, and that if he had accepted Cyrus wouldn't have died; Dorian, however, didn't even acknowledge the Betrayer God's words, which surprised her.
Dariax and him kept walking in the direction of Zephrah, as Opal had Suggested, and continued even after the spell was over. Dariax tried to speak to his friend, who acknowledged how strange it was to think about Cyrus in that moment, and left the sorcerer somewhat confused when he began to reflect on the concept of revenge, and his desire to fight monsters and gods; noticing this, the bard dropped the subject and kept them both busy teaching him more about music, and giving him his lute to practice. When they arrived at Zephrah, they entered a tavern and following the genasi's advice, Dariax started playing there to try to earn some money, taking with him a cup his friend gave him, and that had belonged to Cyrus. As soon as the dwarf left, Dorian dropped his smile and cast Invisibility, walking away without telling anyone.
He looked for Keyleth, eventually finding her right when she was arriving through a tree. She noticed the bard despite his spell, so he made himself visible again. They talked for a while, during which Dorian shared his most recent trauma and the Voice of the Tempest agreed to send agents to locate and recover Cyrus Wyvernwind's body. Although the genasi was initially invited to stay at the archdruid's house and rest for a while, before going to sleep he received a message from Orym asking him to go to Marquet (he answered telling him he would be there), and when he learned that Keyleth also had to go there, he accompanied her, taking with him some of the equipment that the local Ashari had gotten him.
Fan art of Dorian's greeting, by Jenny Dolfen.[art 17]
Thanks to the Transport via Plants they appeared in one of the camps surrounding the Tishtan excavation site, meeting shortly after with Bells Hells. Dorian was warmly greeted by Orym, Fearne and the rest of his friends; he also met Evoroa, the Ruidian scientist, and although he was somewhat confused, since he had never met a bormodo, the bard shared his food with her (and her cytaa Gona). Dorian and his former adventuring party caught up by sharing their respective adventures and recent traumatic experiences, after which they made it official that he would be rejoining Bells Hells, and they toasted together remembering Cyrus and the recently departed Fresh Cut Grass.
Back with Bells Hells[]
Eventually the adventurers went to bed, but soon before sunrise Dorian was contacted by Orym with the sending stone, asking for Bells Hells to come help him and Fearne (the latter had been lured into a meeting with Sorrowlord Zathuda and now was being attacked). The bard woke up the rest of the group, and they started tracking their two missing friends, until they found them in the desert, still alive, as the Sorrowlord was leaving. Dorian immediately used Cure Wounds to help Fearne. As they walked back to the encampment, Bells Hells filled him in on all the details of what had happened since they parted months ago. During a meeting the next morning with Keyleth and her allies, Dorian stated that he trusted people more than gods and champions in this cause. Due to the chaotic nature of the party's preparations, Dorian quietly cast Message asking Keyleth if she thought they were prepared, and the archdruid told him that she did. Later, during the confrontation in Zadash with Astrid Becke, an archmage of the Cerberus Assembly, Dorian tried to trap her by casting Forcecage for the first time but was Counterspelled.[50]
Fan art of Orym's thank-you, by Elaine Tipping.[art 18]
After questioning Astrid, Dorian and his friends left to go shopping, ordering new outfits to withstand the cold. Dorian provided some rough sketches for a more artistic approach to his own clothing. At The Invulnerable Vagrant, Dorian noticed that Orym was very interested in a set of antique Ashari-made Zephyr Armor, and the bard offered all his money so that they could afford it and the halfling would be happy. Dorian also suggested killing the simulacra of Pumat Sol to steal whatever they wanted, since they weren't technically people, but was overruled. That night at The Lodge of the Eclipse, Dorian enjoyed the establishment's burlesque shows with Chetney, and stayed to watch Madame Feathered Face. When Chetney was convinced that Madame Feathered Face had given him a feather for a reason, Dorian suggested that she probably gave feathers at all her performances. The group took a moment to remember Bertrand when Dorian showed them his sword. When Essek left by floating, Dorian cast Fly on Chetney to show them it wasn't impossible to replicate that ability.
Dorian was officially introduced to Pâté de Rolo. He was horrified by the now-living familiar but tried to be polite to him regardless. Later, he joined Fearne and Orym outside and they talked about their old adventures back in Tal'Dorei; after Fearne left them alone (not very subtly), Dorian attempted to ease Orym's general concern, telling him that he did not need to try to save everyone and using himself as an example: without the fighter's help, he had managed to survive and return to his side. Later that night, Dorian was awakened by the commotion of Laudna and Orym fighting over Ishta. Dorian hadn't witnessed the tragedies caused by the blade, but he tried to calm things down, arguing that Ishta was just an object, and that he was tired of inanimate objects getting between his friends. Otohan Thull had caused pain to Bells Hells, not the weapon itself.[51] After Laudna and Imogen left the room the bard was concerned about them and wondered if they should go find them, and when he was told they needed time, he asked about Delilah Briarwood, getting more information about Laudna's patron, as well as some romantic details (such as Imogen and Laudna being a couple, or Chetney and Fearne having a threesome, which left the genasi shocked). When Imogen returned, just as Dorian wondered if they could trust Laudna, he tried to hide it by pretending that they were rehearsing the lyrics of a song, but despite that the group started talking openly about the subject again; when the warlock returned the bard played his mandolin to cast Cure Wounds on her, and Orym, following his advice, decided to reject Ishta as a weapon, since it was just an object.
Fan art of Dorian's new look, by Nox Arcana Art.[art 19]
After a night of rest Dorian woke up to watch the sunrise, and in the meantime he used his jeweler's tools to incorporate some lapis lazuli gems to his flute and his sword (using the power of the latter to strengthen himself, but taking the risk of being easier to kill that day). Later, before they left Zadash, Bells Hells got their new outfits, and Dorian showed that he had stopped using silver ornaments (as a second son), using instead gold as his family's heir. After multiple attempts casting Teleport, Essek eventually was able to bring Bells Hells to Eiselcross, guiding them to the Aeorian ruins, where Dorian and his friends started exploring.[52]
When the group was attacked by a big monster wielding a hammer Dorian was hit by that weapon, but immediately after he activated his winged boots to fly back into the battlefield, joining efforts with Imogen to cast a combined Lighting Bolt against the creature. He, however, got startled when a Fireball caused by wild magic exploded where the sorcerer was, and got worried the same would happen to him; regardless of that, he focused on the fight and inspired Chetney. Later, when they killed the monster, the bard started explaining his favorite parts of the encounter, casting Motivational Speech before they took a rest.
When the group reached a pothole Dorian, with Imogen and Essek, used his Fly spell to help all the adventurers descend safely, and he carried Orym as the halfling scanned the surrounding area in case there were enemies. Later, when they were in a tunnel the genasi got worried, and cast See Invisibility in case there was something suspicious hidden nearby. Eventually they all reached a room filled with chains and corpses, the most recent of which belonged to members of the Ruby Vanguard. After learning that something called "Dominox" had killed those people, Fearne summoned Teven Klask to ask for help, and Bells Hells explained to a very surprised Dorian that the devil was one of Fearne's many boyfriends. After Teven explained to Bells Hells how dangerous Dominox was, as a grand demon, Dorian decided to use Motivational Speech to protect those he deemed more vulnerable; despite his efforts, the bard himself ended up being mentally influenced by Dominox, seeing a vision of his brother's corpse hanging from one of the chains in the room, looking at him and telling him he had pulled him into his problems instead of letting Cyrus solve his own.[53] "Cyrus" made him feel guilty before telling him that his and other souls were currently trapped in that plane, and that the bard had to help them; after seeing a glimpse of a purple crystal, the vision ended, and Dorian, very nervous, started inspecting one of the Aeorian mummies looking for the crystal, ending covered in dust that Imogen cleaned using Prestidigitation. Later they were talking about how to deal with Dominox, Teven mentioned that because Fearne has requested his help their deal was now active, and when she admitted she didn't understand what that entailed, Dorian whispered to her that if she needed help, his parents had very good lawyers.
The group continued exploring, and when in one room they discovered that there was something hidden inside a closet, Dorian decided to take the initiative by knocking on the door rhythmically, after which the person inside knocked too, continuing the melody. When they opened the closet they discovered Braius Doomseed, a wounded minotaur paladin who was there to kill Ludinus; Dorian helped him by casting Cure Wounds, after which Braius thanked him and called him a powerful man. As the minotaur was talking with Teven it became clear he was somewhat starstruck, and Dorian encouraged him, telling him not to lose confidence in front of the champion. When they found the engine room they were looking for, Ashton admitted they didn't want to deal with the demon inside, and when Dorian asked if it was because of fear, the barbarian responded that they feared the possibility of losing the fight. After they went in (with Dorian receiving a Blessing from Braius) it was suggested that Essek should explore the high ceiling, but when the drow explained that his floating ability had its limitations, Dorian showed off a bit by using his winged boots to do it himself; however, when they were interacting with Dominox (who had taken the form of a little girl) the bard landed near Ashton and told him that even if he was scared of losing, they were all losers there already, after which he unsheathed his sword. After a brief attempt of examining the engine (during which Dorian watched Braius as he tried to climb towards the Pinion of Service), Dominox attacked them; Dorian avoided being hit by the demon's Writhing Chains, and then he cast Shatter on one of the spires of the engine, throwing the purple crystal into a corner of the room, and then inspired his new paladin friend. Braius returned the favor later, when he used his Sorrowful Fate to ensure that Dominox would be affected by the very anxious bard's Irresistible Dance spell. Shortly after, and thanks to a portal created by Ludinus Da'leth himself, they were able to push the Grand Demon of Loathing into the Abyss, allowing Teven to destroy him permanently.
Once the battle was over, Ludinus told the group that he wanted to talk to them, and they followed him to the Occultus Thalamus, where the archmage, after explaining some of his past witnessing the destruction caused by the gods, showed them what the device contained: the memories and history of Aeor and its destruction.[54] They watched it together, after which the adventurers argued with Ludinus about their very different conclusions regarding the gods. Dorian was quiet most of the time, but eventually asked Ludinus if he intended to equate the power of mortals and the gods with his plans, to which the wizard responded by stating that what he wanted was for the gods to be gone. Eventually Ludinus left after causing Delilah to manifest and react to a magic item the archmage produced, and in order to avoid problems Chetney catched it and put it in his bag of holding, that he then threw towards Dorian. The bard immediately started moving away, and after turning Invisible using his mandolin he chose a small cave to hide the bag there before returning with the group; by then a battle had started, and although the spectral form of Delilah was physically connected to Laudna, Dorian decided to inspire the warlock by complimenting her, to check if she had some control over the situation. In a similar way, shortly after he attacked the necromancer Braius inspired Dorian by complimenting him too. Dorian's plan worked, and Laudna managed to impose her will and regain control thanks to the genasi's inspiration, although only for a few moments. When Delilah knocked Orym unconscious Dorian immediately ran towards him and cast Cure Wounds; however, when the necromancer hurt the halfling again moments later, the bard grabbed his friend and cast Dimension Door, leaving him beyond the range of attacks for the rest of the fight.
After the battle was over Dorian brought back the bag with the amulet. They talked for a bit, and eventually Essek decided to bring them to his house in Rexxentrum, to do a bit of research and find a way to help Laudna with her issues with her warlock patron. While they were there, Dorian had a reaction after he realized the cookies he was eating had almonds, so he had to heal himself with magic. As the group was talking, Braius checked if he actually knew their names, and although the genasi feared he would hurt his feelings, the minotaur actually remembered his name.[55] During the ritual to help Laudna seal Delilah inside the Pinion of Service, Braius and Dorian inspired each other, and the latter was the one who modified the runes in the anchor (with the assistance of the minotaur, who corrected him every time he saw a mistake), being congratulated by Essek when he finished. After succeeding in the task of sealing Laudna's patron without killing her, the adventurers celebrated, and eventually started a debate about the gods; when asked by Braius, Dorian confessed that even though he didn't hate them all, he had had a very bad experience with Lolth; he and Ashton agreed that after watching the fall of Aeor, revealing the deities as closer to actual people, they had new complicated feelings about them. They continued partying, and Ashton convinced Braius to smoke using his pipe, allowing them to see the minotaur's most heroic moment: kill and skin a man who had betrayed him, and then use his remains to make art to honor Asmodeus; when Dorian asked if the god had liked it, the minotaur explained that the Lord of the Hells manifested in very subtle ways, and the air genasi was surprised, since most of the divine activity he had seen in Exandria had been pretty explicit, even for those who didn't follow the gods. However, as the conversation progressed Dorian noticed that Braius was getting nervous having to answer many questions, so he helped him by changing the subject and asking him if he would paint a portrait of the group, a commission the paladin immediately accepted.
The following day the group stayed at home for a little while, preparing to leave, and when Chetney showed them his new armor, Dorian punched him to confirm it worked. Essek brought Bells Hells back to the camp near the Red Center, but they found it destroyed, with enemy forces walking around killing survivors, and Gloamglut flying over them; shortly after confirming Keyleth and her allies were in Vasselheim, the drow Teleported them there. As they walked through the Dawn City to attend a meeting Ashton noticed the remains of the Earth titan nearby, inhabited, and he said that that, combined with the big temples, showed the arrogance of the people of Vasselheim. Eventually they reached the Platinum Sanctuary, where many important political figures had gathered. Essek, who had noticed the banners of the Kryn Dynasty, said goodbye to the group for now, and before leaving he told Dorian to be careful, since he was a heartbreaker; that "flirting" surprised the group, since Essek had a boyfriend, but Dorian defended the wizard's comment by stating he was allowed to "look at the menu".[56]
During the meeting Bells Hells shared the information they had about Ruidus, Ludinus, and his most recent plans, although Dorian stayed silent most of the time. After they left and walked with Keyleth and her friends for a bit, they talked for a bit about the message Ludinus wanted to spread across Exandria, and when Braius asked Dorian how would he, as a bard, do it, he answered that the most important thing to spread information was to have people willing to receive it. They went to the Abundant Terrace and spent some time in the Birthheart so that Orym could commune with Melora; while they were there Dorian admitted that from his experience gods always led to trouble, and Keyleth responded by describing some of them in a pragmatic but fair manner. Before going to bed the bard asked Orym about his impression of the Wildmother, and he said that she had good intentions. They played Truth or Spin the Bottle, and during one of the questions to Laudna, when she was talking about her religion during childhood, Dorian commented that the prayers for sun and rain farmers had were probably the most genuine kind of devotion; he also asked Laudna if she would be willing to sacrifice Imogen for their cause the same way she seemed willing to sacrifice herself, and got confirmation that her girlfriend would want them all to stop her if she became dangerous because of Predathos. After that Bells Hells encouraged Dorian to spin the bottle, which led him to share a surprisingly passionate kiss with Chetney. As the game progressed Dorian admitted that although he missed his brother, he wouldn't make a deal with a god to bring him back, and explained that he was thankful for the attention and care from the group, but that his grief and some other feelings put aside for the sake of the mission, and smiling gave him strength; that led the party to toast in honor of Cyrus and other fallen comrades, and Ashton took a moment to tell Dorian he was an impressive person. When they went to bed Dorian stayed awake, lying silently with his back to the group.
The next morning Bells Hells attended a meeting in the Trial Forge to make plans to present to the rest of the emissaries in the Platinum Sanctuary. There Dorian asked Evoroa how many Ruidians were like her (willing to stop working with the enemy), and she answered that many stayed because of fear, or motivated by the promise of Exandria as a prize.[57] As they were making their way back to the Platinum Sanctuary Imogen told them about her most recent vision, in which her mom told her about Ludinus' plans in a ley nexus and in the Fey Realm; when they suggested to contact Ira Wendagoth to see if he could help them Dorian was surprised to learn the Nightmare King was now their ally. When they reached the meeting place Braius inspired Dorian, and he shortly after talked to Orym, who informed him that he had seen a man that looked like him, and after some questions the bard confirmed it was probably his father, Zeru Wyvernwind. As the meeting was about to begin Dorian noticed that Chetney was looking at something with See Invisibility, so he cast the same spell: he saw Athudashionus the silver dragon watching them invisibly from the ceiling, and when they made eye contact Dorian almost wet himself from fright; he and Chetney made light conversation to hide how nervous they were.
As the meeting progressed, potential missions were laid out, and Bells Hells were presented as the right agents to send against Ludinus and the Ruby Vanguard, but some of those present began to question their capabilities and loyalties. Noticing that Ashton was getting angry, Dorian told him through Imogen's Telepathic Bond to stay calm. The adventurers were asked to speak about themselves and their skills and value, and when Galtheid asked the bard, he said that his team was very impressive and that their miscellaneous backgrounds gave them strength to do the right thing; Cerkonos, however, wasn't satisfied by that defection, and asked him what did he bring specifically. Dorian, who had been humming a melody for ten minutes until that moment, casting magic without noticing, channeled that power into the Find Greater Steed spell, summoning the legendary Coriolis and surprising everyone, including himself; he explained that, like the rest of his team, he had power and the desire to help, and that seemed to convince Cerkonos.
After Keyleth gave Bells Hells new titles and Highbearer Vord ended the meeting, Dorian was found by his father, Zeru, who expressed his surprise, since he didn't expect to find him there, confirmed that the bard's mother was ok, and took a moment to mourn with him after confirming they knew about Cyrus; Dorian told him that there was still hope about his brother's death, but he didn't have much left. After a hug in which the bard cried for a bit, he tried to regain composure; however, when Zeru tried to convince Dorian to abandon the mission to return to the Silken Squall as its heir, avoiding the dangers he had to face, his son refused, asking Zeru if he trusted him, and getting angry when he hesitated. The ruler of the Silken Squall admitted that regardless of their duties, deep down he and his wife were just parents that feared for their last living son, and made him promise he would return alive from his mission. They shook hands, and the father adviced his son to be cautious; before leaving he gave him Gambolcleft, their ancestral sword, and the bard gave him his own sword, assuring him he would return. After Zeru walked away Ashton told Dorian they wished he had kept his rapier, but the bard replied he didn't want to leave his father weaponless in such dangerous times. Shortly after the barbarian apologized for having an unfair first impression of him, admitting they no longer thought that Dorian was a spoiled clown (although they wished he was funnier), and asking him not to harden too much, since their team needed someone with softness after losing FCG; Dorian, in turn, apologized for shutting them down during the meeting, and Ashton told him not to worry about it, showing amused irritation when Dorian told them they hadn't done so bad speaking in public.
After that Bells Hells visited the home of Scalebearer Waylon Amaredda, who was a huge fan of Chetney, and when he noticed how happy and emotional the blood hunter was, Dorian told him that sometimes it took a while for artists to get the recognision they deserved.[58] That night the adventurers spoke about their next step, and decided to travel to the Fey Realm, and meet with Ira at Ligament Manor; Bells Hells were very excited about Dorian meeting Nana Morri for the first time.
The next day Keyleth sent them to the Feywild, as requested, and both Braius and Dorian were amazed by the strange plane, with the latter being initially uneasy after seeing a four-eyed owl with tentacles, and after Fearne and Ashton tried to mess with him giving him instructions about how to walk; however, Imogen took him by the arm and guided him through the Harrowcall Fens, and when the flowers there took an interest in him, he played for them, and they reacted positively. When they arrived to Ligament Manor, Fearne's grandmother, Morrigan, was very happy to meet the bard, and insisted on greeting him with kisses one in his forehead (with her main face) and a second one in his hand (with the face in her torso); Dorian was very relieved when the hag focused on Braius, and even used Gust to make him look even more debonair. The air genasi quietly asked Fearne if she was actually related to Morri, and she explained she was the person that raised him; when asked about his own grandmother Dorian simply said she wasn't like Morri at all.
Fan art of Dorian sending the Yeth hound away, by Elaine Tipping.[art 22]
The Fatestitcher gave Bells Hells and Ira spectral steeds to reach Pravenier, and when they reached the ruins of the city they started exploring them. Braius inspired Dorian, who sneaked up to the area where his enemies were, and was able to locate several hidden guards. When Bells Hells and Ira started attacking and killing the guards Dorian approached the Yeth hound that the Unseelie had brought to the ruins, and used Charm Monster to encourage it to leave the place. When the adventurers were done, they focused on the building in which Ludinus and Zathuda were meeting with the Unseelie, and started planning on how to deal with them.[59]
When the fight began Dorian saw that Fearne was too exposed to a potential attack from Gloamglut, so he cast Forcecage to protect her and then inspired her, although she would end up getting out with Little Mister's help; shortly after, when the bard approached, Gloamglut did use its Dark Fiery Gaze against them, hitting both of them. Shortly after the Simulacrum of Ludinus was destroyed Sorrowlord Zathuda asked to have a conversation, in which he expressed the interest of the Unseelie Court to follow the plans of the Ruby Vanguard until the moment was right for them to betray them and allow Fearne to seize the power of Predathos. The adventuring party hesitated and as they spoke, Dorian telepathically asked Fearne who came to mind whenever she thought of her father, and she told him that Nana Morri was the one; when they started fighting again in the nearly collapsing temple Dorian grabbed the unconscious Unseelie emissary and cast Dimension Door, leaving the place, and when the guards appeared to check on the fey hostage, the bard distracted them with Hypnotic Pattern, tying the emissary up and bringing him back to the Shrine of Gilded Gifts, which had collapsed just to be magically reconstructed immediatelly after by the god honored there.
The Arch Heart sent them to their realm in Arborea, presenting themself in front of Bells Hells, and exposed a plan to them (to seize the power of Predathos and control it before anyone else, in order to force the gods to leave the world so that they could be together and mortal life could prosper on its own). Dorian, who was very tense, didn't like the idea of mortals working to help the divine figures that underestimated them, to which the Prime Deity answered that they could never underestimate mortals, since they were part of them, their children. After a bit, more relaxed, Dorian told the Arch Heart that for a while he had accepted he would help the gods indirectly by helping Bells Hells, but after talking to the god of arts the only plan he really liked was to use Predathos to destroy the pantheon; although he declared that he would never care for the gods, he was willing to deal with them if that meant forcing them to run away, letting his friends alone to live their lives, and to that the Arch Heart simply answered telling him he was beautiful. After they granted them a boon Bells Hells were sent back to their temple,[60] where Dorian cast Mass Cure Wounds on the group.
Bells Hells decided to use Ira's Modify Memory to make their prisoners believe Ludinus had attacked them, but the attempt was only partially successful, so they ended up killing one of the guards and knocking the other unconscious, doing the same with the emissary, Cashadoor, while Dorian was holding him; when they were considering potential plans, the bard wondered if he could use Geas to give Cashadoor a task that would take a long time, and Braius joked by saying that if it took long enough, by the time the emissary was free to chase them down the group would be already dead and living in the third circle of hell. Dorian used his Song of Rest to help his friends, as they organized the next step of their plan: they would trick the emissary, each time he regained consciousness, into believing Ludinus had returned and was attacking them all; when they started, however, Dorian knocked Cashadoor again too fast, causing Ashton to take control of that step in the plan, and leaving the other genasi with the task of waking the fey up each time. When Sorrowlord Zathuda tried to run away using that distraction he was knocked unconscious by Chetney and died just as Gloamglut was trying to rescue him; Dorian arrived to the scene shortly after that, being very confused for a moment when Braius told him that Zathuda had transformed into a dragon. The bard decided to return to the temple, but when he saw that Fearne was calming Gloamglut down, he inspired her. After Morrigan appeared in bird form to bring them back to her domain, Fearne and Imogen rode Gloamglut with some members of the team, and Dorian summoned Coriolis to fly after them, bringing the unconscious Cashadoor with him.
Back in Ligament Manor, after interrogating Zathuda (transformed into a talking tapestry) Dorian went back to the garden to check on their prisoners, but when he found Ollie and Birdie (Fearne's parents) walking down the stairs he warned his friends so that Zathuda's tapestry wasn't visible when they arrived. When the rest of Bells Hells joined him Imogen talked to Dorian in his mind, telling him how horrifying had been to witness the Sorrowlord's transformation; the bard agreed, and admitted that he was feeling anxious because it seemed like their mission wasn't over and was getting more and more complicated, even throwing up a little when his friend told him he was doing great. In the garden, after they failed to manipulate Cashadoor Morrigan transformed him into a bush, so they decided to send Kamal (the surviving Unseelie guard) back to his court after Modifying his memories, so he could tell his people that they shouldn't send support to Ludinus and his doomed cause; Dorian stayed near the guard, singing to him to calm him down, and cast Geas on him to make sure he fulfilled his task. He even allowed Kamal to ride Coriolis, instructing the mount to take the guard to his destination. The adventurers decided to spend the night there, talking about their future plans, and when Fearne wondered if Predathos wasn't as bad as people thought Dorian argued that, while it was a sweet thought, there was true evil in the world, and not every creature deserved a second chance; when Orym, exhausted after the long day and the complex conversations, leaned on the bard's hip, the latter began to play with his friend's hair, and covered him a little with his cloak. Before going to bed some of the adventurers went to a hot tub, but they left when Bompers (a furry alligator) muddied the water.[61]
Fan art of Dorian and the harness, by Elaine Tipping.[art 23]
The next morning, during breakfast, Bells Hells checked their equipment and decided they had to get rid of some of their magic items, so they peer-pressured doring into using the Quintessence Array for the first time, destroying Chetney's Harp of Valor and gaining temporary and permanent boons thanks to it. Morrigan sent them back to Vasselheim, and they went to the Raven's Crest to commune with the Matron of Death; when they were at the door, Dorian and Laudna spent some time screaming and producing echoes. When they went inside they were told they had to get inside a pool of blood and voluntarily "drown" in order to speak with the goddess of death; Dorian went in, but stayed comfortably below the surface thanks to his Unending Breath, but when he noticed that his friends were no longer there, he voluntarily let the blood in, feeling pain and panic (since in his entire life the air genasi had never felt like he was drowning). He and his friends woke up in the presence of the Raven Queen, but she was cold and distant, and told them to go home; after they insisted, the goddess of fate showed them different people that had been crushed by destiny, and one of them was Opal. After Imogen made a powerful statement about the virtues of Bells Hells (which included describing Dorian as a prince who, despite not wanting to be one, was always willing to step up), the Matron of Ravens decided to test if the adventurers would be able to do what was necessary, and made the images of Opal, Liliana Temult, and Vespin Chloras attack them. Dorian whispered that he wouldn't allow another god to make a mockery of Opal, and attacked her with Gambolcleft and a dagger; he was somewhat hesitant about the situation, but when he checked on Imogen and she told him the enemies weren't real, he inspired her and then cast Thunderwave, although Liliana responded by casting Psychic Lance against both of them. Dorian ended up incapacitated, but when he approached a thread of fate and touched it he saw visions of Opal's life, and her real self (her double had been defeated by Orym) in the Hellcatch Valley, preparing for a battle.
When they proved they worth the Raven Queen agreed to speak with them, revealing that, like the Arch Heart, she didn't want to destroy the Divine Gate and cause a second Calamity. She answered the adventurers' questions, and revealed some of her experiences as both a mortal and a goddess, which included her appreciation for moments that surprised her; when Dorian asked when had been the last time she had one of those, she told them about the selflessness of a mortal man three decades before. The bard, as response, told her that he hoped they would be able to surprise her again very soon. After giving them a boon in the form of a magical mask, the goddess of death sent them all back to her temple.[62]
When they left, the rest of the team started to consider other deities to contact, but Dorian suggested to process the answers they just got before seeking more, and admitted that he, at least, had liked the Matron better than the Arch Heart. Shortly after the group encountered Captain Xandis, an old friend that introduced themself to both Dorian and Braius, complimenting their looks and assuming that the minotaur was the squire of the air genasi; instead of correcting them the two bards played along, although they stayed silent most of the time, and when the captain was leaving he addressed them again, telling Braius to keep Dorian safe. As they were going back to the Platinum Sanctuary Dorian told his friends about his vision of Opal, informing them that the champion of the Spider Queen was now in the Hellcatch Valley. They met with Allura Vysoren, and when they told her about their mission in the Fey Realm she asked if they had guarantees that the Unseelie Court was going to abandon Ludinus; Dorian summoned Coriolis and asked the mount if it had fulfilled its mission bringing Kamal back home; Braius offered to communicate with the creature using Speak with Animals, but since it didn't work (it wasn't a beast) Coriolis followed Dorian's indication and hit the ground twice, confirming its part of the plan had gone well, so the bard told Allura that at the very least they had left all the pieces in position. Before leaving Vasselheim, the adventurers wanted to go shopping, but Chetney refused to give them the money for it; speaking to him softly, Dorian cast Charm Person on him, and in an almost sensual manner convinced the gnome to give their friends half of the money he had. After that the bard left by himself and spent some time in the encampment among the soldiers of the Exandrian Accord, playing and singing for them and sharing stories about Bells Hells, so that his friends would be treated well in that army. When he returned to his group he seemed so cheery that Braius asked if he had had sex, to which he responded that he had played sexy music.
Bells Hells returned to the Platinum Sanctuary, and after saying goodbye to Allura they met with Leeta and Maeve, Orym's sisters-in-law, who greeted Dorian when they saw him. They all traveled to Ria'Doin, and while they waited for the other team that was going to go to Ruidus, the started drinking, and Braius talked to Dorian in private, asking him how to befriend their group better; the air genasi, after admitting he hadn't been very honest with his friends in the past, shared some advice, telling him to see himself as part of the group instead of an outsider, and to consider each of the adventurers a potential friend instead of a sexual goal. When Braius mentioned that he wanted to befriend Orym first so that the others would fall more easily, Dorian pointed out that he shouldn't word it like that, but he approved him liking Orym nonetheless; however, when the paladin mentioned he still wanted to have sex with the halfling, Dorian told him they would continue that conversation later, and after mentioning they have known each other for 100 hours, decided to celebrate by drinking more. Shortly after Ashton approached Dorian, offering some of their good liquor, and talked to him for a bit, about Opal (Dorian described her personality and admitted he didn't think she was completely gone) and the barbarian's desire of being a better person. When Ashton said he wanted to apologize to people and help them, Dorian pointed out that to accept whatever others had for him would be good for both parts; after that, the bard walked away with Ashton's good liquor. After a while the group they had been waiting for, the Mighty Nein, arrived to the town, and Bells Hells welcomed them at the door, posing to try to look cool in front of them.[63] Dorian and Jester Lavorre immediately exchanged compliments, and when Caduceus Clay asked who was the leader of Bells Hells, the bard declared they didn't have one, causing some debate. When Fearne asked Beauregard Lionett about her abs she started explaining different exercises, and Dorian decided to show his own muscles; however, when Imogen pointed out that they were already visible through his shirt, he got shy and decided to go help Caduceus with dinner.
Fan art of Dorian with Orym, by noxarcanaart.[art 25]
Later, when they crossed the portal in Lake Umamu, Dorian didn't realize they were in Ruidus at first, until his friends clarified that the hole they had gone through was the portal; the genasi, excited, told the Mighty Nein and they started celebrating, until Orym and Fjord told them to be quiet. They Teleported to a basement in Kreviris and decided to spend the night in Widogast's Nascent Nein-Sided Tower; Dorian and Caleb Widogast entered into a loop of cordiality, with the former asking if they wanted him to play music and the latter offering to create instruments for him, until Veth Brenatto shouted at them to hurry up. The bard played a harpsichord, accompanied by Yasha Nydoorin and her harp, and they even got to play a romantic song when they saw Veth and Braius dancing together. Since a Heroes' Feast had been prepared for them, Jester made sure to feed Dorian so he could keep playing and still get the benefits from the magical dessert. He and Yasha kept playing together until it was time to go to bed, and they tried (and failed) to stop on the same note; before going to his own room Braius asked him if he could inspire him before working on a portrait, and the bard did so. Later, Dorian knocked on Orym's door and sat on his bed, wanting to talk to him; the halfling, who had been trying to gather the courage to go see him too, admitted he had feelings for his friend, but that he was out of practice and didn't want to be a distraction or a burden, especially in such complicated times. Dorian, in turn, pointed out there had been important events keeping them apart, but Orym was the reason he was in the adventuring party; he recognized he had never felt the way he did with Orym, and asked him only to stay with him that night and comfort him for once. The fighter agreed, and the bard fell asleep while holding him in his arms.[64]
The next morning, after breakfast, the two groups discussed their upcoming plans. When they considered using disguises to move through Kreviris without drawing attention, Dorian suggested adding some variety instead of making them all look like Reilora. However, when they left the tower, the bard was disappointed that the disguises appeared instantly with Caleb's Seeming spell, as he had been prepared to use his disguise kit. As they walked, they noticed a shrine with Exandrian elements, including the petrified Planerider Ryn. Since Bells Hells wanted to rescue her, they created a distraction: Fjord and Caduceus summoned wind and an illusory tornado as they moved covered by mist. To add to that effect, Dorian cast Thunderclap and Warding Wind to add noise and chaos, pretending to be scared, although the Ruidian guards present simply told him to stay low and safe. After Ryn was rescued and they confirmed she would be fine by herself for the time being, the adventurers continued toward their destination, accessing Vaterra Kreviris through a tunnel. Dorian was very impressed, but also concerned, asking his friends what escape routes they had, if needed. Imogen admitted there was a possibility of the moon itself shattering if Predathos was released, but before that happened they had tunnels they could follow, as well as teleportation spells. Later, they met with Gaz Tomo, a member of the Volition. Although Braius initially took an aggressive approach, Dorian intervened and convinced the Reilora to tell them about his faction and their nature, reassuring the two adventurers when it was confirmed they shared goals.[65] While they waited for the Mighty Nein to leave with the Volition, the two groups stayed together and talked. Caduceus prepared some tea, and Beau and Orym encouraged Dorian to make a toast, and Caleb and Imogen summoned Dancing Lights around him to make it better; although the bard got nervous when Imogen started drinking early, he raised his cup to old and new friends, those who they hoped to see again after the mission, after which he declared he wished none of them would die.
Fan art of Orym and Dorian's kiss, by Jenny Dolfen.[art 26]
Later, Dorian talked with Caleb, thanking him for his kindness and admitting that the wizard had many things Dorian wished he had; they wished each other luck. Jester invited Dorian to her and Fjord's wedding, saying it would be wonderful if he played for them since they hadn't had time to hire musicians yet. After the Mighty Nein left, Orym took Dorian aside and after asking for permission, kissed him for about ten seconds. Orym told him that if they were still alive the next day he would like to figure out what there was between them, and Dorian agreed enthusiastically before kissing him again.[66] The group then left to rescue Liliana Temult, with Dorian quietly encouraging Imogen to lead the way as they moved through Kreviris. As they traveled, Dorian started humming a melody as he examined the Ruidian glass in the walls, and advised the party to be cautious with the myceit in case they were connected to a hostile power the same way an old tutor had told him Exandrian fungi had connections with plants. When they reached Ludinus and Liliana, Dorian ended his melody and summoned Coriolis for Orym to ride into battle; the halfling thanked him by kissing his cheek. Orym, Imogen, and Chetney led the charge, and Dorian followed them, activating his winged boots. During the battle, when Ludinus left Imogen stunned in the air, Dorian flew towards her and whispered that he also loved his mom, casting a Lighting Bolt with purple sparks and inspiring Imogen. Shortly afterwards, when the barrier that protected Ludinus and Liliana was dispelled, Dorian trapped the archmage inside a Forcecage, ending the fight and saving Liliana by cutting the tether connecting her to Ludinus.[67]
The group talked to Ludinus for some minutes, and during the conversation the wizard asked Dorian why was he there, and what did he want; the bard responded he tred to help his friends "steer" things, and asked Ludinus in turn if he believed what he was doing was good and right. When he said he was doing the right thing even if the methods weren't good, Dorian declared that the best villains always thought they were right; however, when Braius pointed out that their own group worked under the conviction that they were doing the right thing, Dorian told him not to think too much about it. Eventually the bard cast Message and reminded Imogen that his Forcecage wouldn't last forever, which led to her using Misty Step shortly after to reach the Hallowed Cage; that caused Ludinus to use his own magic to successfully get free. A new battle ensued, and the archmage unleashed a powerful Ravenous Void that pulled them all towards it; Dorian used Dimension Door to get Laudna away from it, after which he inspired her. The fight continued, and the bard cast Lightning Bolt against their enemy, who responded hitting him and most of the team with Chain Lightning twice. Dorian used Gambolcleft to attack Ludinus once more, leaving him weak enough for Imogen to Stun him and Orym to kill him. The group rested for a bit, but when they noticed the corpse of their enemy had disappeared, they started suspecting he might be alive in a new body somewhere else, so they decided to go inside the Hallowed Cage themselves. There, they met the "shadow" of Predathos, in the vague luminous form of a reiloran child, asking them to wake them and free them so they could feed. During their conversation, their threads of fate became visible and Dorian, trying to attract the attention of the God Eater, drew blood on his thumb with the knife and touched his own thread with it; it didn't work, and soon after Predathos got inside Imogen to use her as a vessel.[68]
As their battle against the Red End started, Dorian was paying attention to Fearne, since she was the one who had a connection to the entity and Imogen, but he rapidly focused on the enemy instead; he was the first to hurt it with Shatter, revealing its crystals were vulnerable to thunder damage, and although he got scared when Predathos focused on him, he inspired Orym. His friends started attacking too, and after noticing Chetney had caused a lot of damage Dorian chose that same point to hit with Booming Blade, inspiring the gnome too. Although the bard was blinded by one of the God Eater's abilities, he managed to hit it with a Cone of Cold, although in response Predathos attacked him, and Laudna used Silvery Barbs to protect him from the hardest hit. Thanks to the Mask of the Matron Bells Hells were pulled from combat for a few moments, speaking with the Raven Queen and receiving boons from her. The fight resumed, and with renewed power the adventurers kept attacking Predathos, until Dorian hit it in the head with a thunderous Chromatic Orb: the form of the God Eater turned into crystal and shattered with the spell. However, when they thought they were done, the Hallowed Cage started shaking, and the actual body of Predathos started emerging from the ground.[69]
Fan art of Dorian casting Crown of Stars, by Pyromeekorai.[art 27]
As the battle entered a new phase Dorian used the power of the Matron's boons to cast Foresight on himself, and then Mass Cure Wounds to heal everyone but Chetney and Imogen. As he saw his friends doing amazing things in battle he felt slightly insecure, but then he motivated himself and cast Crown of Stars, sending one of the nine shining motes to hit the giant arm that was attacking Ashton. When Predathos used Shriek of Oblivion, Dorian's Foresight helped him avoid the damage, and he attacked the entity with his sword, using Healing Word on Ashton immediately after; despite his own damage, the bard focused on healing the barbarian again before attacking the Red End himself once more. However, one of the enemy's following attacks was a powerful blast that knocked both Braius and Dorian unconscious; however, Orym healed the latter with a potion as he told him that they needed him, just to be knocked unconscious himself by a claw. Dorian then cast Mass Cure Wounds to help everyone but himself, and inspired a surprised Braius by telling him that, despite everything, he still trusted him. Eventually Imogen defeated the God Eater with a thunderous Meteor Swarm, and absorbed its remaining energy.
The Hallowed Cage started crumbling, so the adventurers fled with Liliana, trying to heal themselves at the same time; Dorian used healing magic through his mandolin, but he, Braius, Chetney, and Laudna got hurt again by glass shards caused by the falling rocks. They ended up being rescued by Planerider Ryn, who Teleported with them to the secret portal to Exandria; as they were preparing for the spell and the number of people it could transport Dorian agreed to go inside the portable hole for a few seconds (despite how filthy it was) because he could hold his breath indefinitely if necessary (which intrigued Orym). In the tunnels they found a holy army ready to fight them, eventually (with some divine assistance and some persuasion that included Dorian successfully flirting with a cleric of the Ruiner) they were allowed to pass, and were escorted to Vasselheim.[70] With the help of the Matron of Ravens and her priestesses, Bells Hells were transported to an extraplanar space in which they had a meeting with the gods to explain their plans and the idea of them becoming mortals with the Rites of Catatheosis created by the goddess of death. During the conversation Asmodeus looked at Braius and started a telepathic conversation with him; Dorian noticed that his friend was communicating with the archdevil and inspired him; in return, the minotaur inspired him back when the air genasi was trying to tell the deities about how fun it was not knowing what the future would bring, doing some juggling and asking them if after so long they weren't curious about lacking certainties. The gods ended up agreeing, and the Matron used her ritual with Ashton's dunamantic head as a focus, which killed him. As he was falling Bells Hells moved in his direction trying to catch him, and although Dorian sent Coriolis after him, the draconic steed missed, so he tried to reach the barbarian himself with his flying boots. Caleb Widogast ended up using Telekinesis to catch Ashton, and resurrected him with Essek's help.
After Imogen released Predathos on Heaven's Stair Mountain and the entity left the planet, unable to find suitable prey (leaving Dorian a bit concerned about it becoming a problem for other worlds and other gods), Bells Hells encountered old friends of the group: Deanna Leimert and FRIDA. Dorian and Braius hadn't met them before, so they introduced themselves, after which they talked for a bit; Dorian remembered Opal and wondered what would happen to the divine champions with the gods gone; after Imogen contacted the young warlock with Sending, Dorian used Thunderclap to guide her friend towards them, since she was nearby (with Groon summoning some lightning in response just to show the difference of sound). When Opal finally appeared she was very happy to see the Crown Keepers, and when she and Dorian made eye contact she apologized for Cyrus and he told her that it would be alright; shortly after, when the champion stated she wanted to find the Spider Queen as a vulnerable baby for Cyrus, she and the bard exchange another meaningful look. Bells Hells attended a meeting in the Platinum Sanctuary to talk about what to do with the Ruidians and helped convince people to be open about the idea of them visiting Exandria and Exandrians visiting Ruidus. Later, when Braius expressed his concern about Asmodeus finding him in the future, Dorian shared some of that concern about some of the gods holding a grudge, but showed his support to the minotaur like the rest, receiving a portrait as a thanks. After that Dorian visited the tents of the Silken Squall, since it was nearby, and met his mother Nephele there; she was very happy to see him, but he was initially hesitant and asked her if she hated him. They ended up embracing and crying, with him declaring that the world was scary, and wondering if it was possible to start anew, after so many mistakes, remembering Cyrus. His mom encouraged him, telling him that change was possible, and that even though the world was terrifying, it also had beauty, such as that of her own son; he thanked her, inhaled some of her breath, and fell asleep on her lap. In the following days Bells Hells went on a trip to Jrusar to remember their origins; at one point during their week there he and Orym had a conversation on a gondola, admitting they had had too much stuff in their minds lately, and agreeing to explore their relationship one day at a time, since the bard was no longer certain about anything (after establishing that they kissed). They, along with Fearne and Opal, visited Zephrah together, reuniting with Dariax (Dorian tried to surprise him using Invisibility until he saw he was confusing his friend), meeting Deni$e, and spending some time together (during which Dorian had to heal Dariax's hand after he tried to take the circlet from Opal's head). Later they all met with Keyleth before a family dinner, and she expressed her approval about Orym and Dorian dating (with the latter expressing how much he liked the way the fighter spoke); they drank together for a bit, and at Dorian's request, the Voice of the Tempest used her official stamp to declare that the Crown Keepers had completed their mission (since she was the one who originally sent them to Jrusar and contributed to the formation of Bells Hells).[71]
"Tag Team at the Teeth – The Misty Ascent" (Sx97) and "Tag Team at the Teeth – Beyond the Shroud" (Sx98)[]
Months after the Rites of Catatheosis, most of Bells Hells had been avoiding angry religious people from Vasselheim for some time, so they ended up under the protection of the Mighty Nein until they traveled together to the Shattered Teeth, since they had learned that Ludinus might be hiding there. During that time, however, Dorian wasn't with them (presumably being with his parents talking about his future), which caused Braius to frequently ask Orym if he was single again.[72]
At some point during his friends' mission, Dorian began to prepare a musical performance with a group at the Laughing Lamia Inn.[73]
"Oaths & Ash – Indianapolis Live Show 2025" (Sx100)[]
While Dorian was angrily giving instructions to his bandmates, he received a message through Jester's Sending spell, but he didn't notice; he did when she tried a second time, and told her that he was ok, and in the middle of a rehearsal. Minutes later, Orym contacted him through the sending stone, telling him they were on their way to Ligament Manor, and asking him to be ready to be summoned. Despite the warning, when Morrigan brought Dorian to her home with her magic, it took the bard by surprise, while he was scolding Jimothy; finding himself suddenly surrounded by Unseelie fey, he used magic to move them away, and the group (with the Fatestitcher's angry intervention) barely avoided a fight. The Unseelie Delegate and Morri were talking about the fate of Fearne's soul, since several forces had a claim on it, and the hag summoned both Captain Urlu Novos and Teven Klask because of that; when Braius saw the latter, he moved behind Dorian, who helped him hide behind his cloak, as they both agreed they weren't sure of what was happening there. The discussion ended when Teven Klask kidnapped Fearne to make sure the Nine Hells had a full claim on her soul, so her group agreed to go rescue her.
Bells Hells were sent to Diabolos, and while traveling through the wastes, Braius lifted Orym up so he could scan the area, noticing Fearne's pellets; however, a lightning bolt struck the area, partially hitting both Orym and Braius after Dorian tried to deflect it. They arrived to the Enclave of Infernal Edict, where Fearne was being subjected to a ritual, and a battle ensued. Orym slapped Dorian's ass and encouraged him before going after Teven, while the bard, after seeing Imogen fall from the sky, unconscious, gave her a potion to wake her up. At one point Teven took the scroll Arbitrator Zakruthir had been using for the ritual and kept reading it; in response, Dorian and Orym attacked the devil at the same time (despite the flames he produced in response), leaving him weak enough for Chetney and Laudna to kill him moments later. With some difficulty, the adventuring party managed to rescue Fearne, and they brought her back to Ligament Manor with the scroll; she immediately ate it, causing her soul to be freed from most claims.
Retirement[]
Dorian got his parents' blessing to be free and travel the world, since they themselves were still young and there was no rush for their son to succeed them. He and Orym started dating, and whenever the halfling was busy with his duties, the genasi used that time to have his own adventures and shennanigans, slowly abandoning the role of the boy that felt out of everything, and becoming a man who worked as a bridge between his friends, making sure Bells Hells remained in contact.[74]
Relationships[]
Cyrus Wyvernwind[]
Growing up, Dorian felt that, even if they bonded playing together and fighting, 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.[75] 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.[76]
After losing Cyrus, Dorian felt like he didn't know him as well as he should have, and wondered if he was a bad person because of it.[77] He also felt an immense desire for revenge,[78] and when talking about the subject with Bells Hells, he said that for the first time in his life he was actually angry.[79] When Dominox, the Grand Demon of Loathing, was playing with Dorian's mind, he showed the bard his brother's corpse blaming him for his fate.[80] In a game of Truth or Spin the Bottle he told Bells Hells that none of them would be ever be able to take the place Cyrus had as his brother.[81]
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."[82] They trusted each other and spent some time together, even sharing a love for music. However, ultimately Dorian didn't share with Dariax concerns he thought the dwarf wouldn't understand, and prioritized Dariax having simple happiness while Dorian dealt with his own feelings.
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[]
Fan art of Dorian and Orym, by Julia Kämpf.[art 28]
Dorian's feelings were hurt when Orym expressed alarm about him holding onto the Circlet of Barbed Vision tightly because for the bard it wasn't so much about personal power but about ensuring that their party collectively kept stewardship of the evil artifact.[83] By the time of Campaign Three, Dorian considered Orym their small group's leader.[84] At some point between the time of EXU and Campaign Three, Orym told Dorian, along with Fearne, about his deceased husband.[85]
After Dorian left Marquet, he kept a sending stone with him, and Orym used it to contact him several times, letting him know that Bells Hells didn't forget about him.
During an exercise about honesty Orym admitted that he still missed Dorian, and although sometimes he felt that those feelings were okay, sometimes he felt that they weren't.[86]
After losing the Crown Keepers as a group, the thought of seeing Orym again was one of Dorian's motivations, and when they reunited they were both elated. Dorian wanted to help his friend and make him happy, although trying to make the rest of Bells Hells not feel left out. However, after some days traveling together, before a big mission Dorian went to see Orym, and they both admitted to have feelings for each other, with the bard insisting on spending the night with the fighter simply so he could hug him and give him comfort.[87] The following day they both agreed that if they survived their adventure they wanted to explore their potential relationship, and shared two kisses.[88] After their mission was over they explored their relationship calmly and became a couple.
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.[89] Afterward, Dorian felt upset about Bertrand's death,[90] and referred to him as a friend when he took his revenge on Dugger.[91] He wrote him a song on his way back to Tal'Dorei, and has kept his blade.
Braius Doomseed[]
Dorian and Braius first met when, through a rhythmic knocking, the genasi revealed the minotaur bleeding out inside a closet. After he healed him, the paladin became thankful and slightly flirtatious towards Dorian, and while they explored the Aeorian ruins and fought a demon, they supported and encouraged each other.
Both bards seem to understand each other as the members of the team that have been part of Bells Hells less time, and Braius confides in Dorian when dealing with issues he doesn't know how to handle.
Character information[]
Exandria Unlimited Prime stats[]
Dorian's character stats were rerolled between Exandria Unlimited Prime and Campaign Three.[92] His original stats at level 2 were:[93]
| HP: 13 | AC: 14 | DC: 12/10 |
| Str: 14 | Dex: 14 | Con: 10 |
| Int: 12 | Wis: 10 | Cha: 15 |
Notable items[]
Fan art of Dorian with his lute, by Deandra Scicluna.[art 29]
- Winged Boots, passed down through his family[94][95]
- Handaxe, with a handle that detaches to be a flute;[96] 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[97]
- Disguise kit[98]
- Immovable Rod[99]
SixFive smoke grenades[100]- Caltrops[101]
- Bag of ball bearings[102]
- Bertrand Bell doll made from chicken bones and Bertrand's hair, gifted by Laudna[103]
- Sending stone, twin to one held by Orym[104]
- Mimic-tooth necklace, made and given to him by Fearne.[105]
- Mandolin of deep red mahogany, given to him by Dariax Zaveon (who stole it from the performer Canaith) upon Dorian's return to Tal'Dorei[106] Dorian later painted the mandolin blue with a sunburst on its front, and engraved into the back are FCG's three grass blades.[107]
- A chestplate, once bejeweled, but now holding only one remaining diamond[108]
- A Ruidian glass statue of a dancer, given to him by Laudna[109]
- Gambolcleft, the Vortex Blade, loaned to him by his father[110]
- Stiletto-like dagger hidden in his lute[111]
- A portrait of him painted by Braius[112]
Former items[]
- Wooden airship with "S.S. Brontë" carved into it from Chetney Pock O'Pea[113]. It was left floating in the street by Dorian on his departure and was snatched by a child.[114]
- Moon-Touched Scimitar, kept hidden beneath his lute by an extra tuning pin.[115][116] Both items were gifted to Dariax Zaveon as a bardic "graduation gift"[117]
- Bertrand Bell's Gambler's Blade[118], re-named "Typhonus" when Dorian was trying to carry it into a no-weapons event.[119][120] Lent to his father after receiving Gambolcleft
Abilities[]
- Limited Blindsight[121]
- Advantage on Performance checks after absorbing the Harp of Valor with the Quintessence Array[122]
Genasi abilities[]
Feats[]
Proficiencies[]
Skills: Acrobatics,[129] Deception,[130] Sleight of Hand,[131][132] Persuasion[133]
Expertise: Performance,[134][135] Athletics[136][137]
Bard abilities[]
- Bardic Inspiration (1d12)[138]
- Jack of All Trades
- Song of Rest (1d6)
- Bard College: College of Swords
- Font of Inspiration
- Magical Secrets
Bard spells[]
| Spell level | Spell | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (cantrip) | Blade Ward[141] | |
| 0 (cantrip) | Mending[142] | |
| 0 (cantrip) | Minor Illusion[143] | |
| 0 (cantrip) | Thunderclap[144] | |
| 0 (cantrip) | Message[145] | |
| 1st | Charm Person[146] | |
| 1st | Cure Wounds[147] | |
| 1st | Dissonant Whispers[148] | |
| 1st | Healing Word[149] | |
| 1st | Thunderwave[150] | |
| 2nd | Invisibility[151] | |
| 2nd | See Invisibility[152] | |
| 2nd | Shatter[153] | |
| 2nd | Warding Wind[154] | |
| 3rd | Hypnotic Pattern[155] | |
| 3rd | Lightning Bolt[156] | His Lightning Bolt is yellow. |
| 3rd | Motivational Speech[157] | |
| 4th | Charm Monster[158] | |
| 4th | Find Greater Steed[159] | Magical Secrets |
| 4th | Dimension Door[160] | |
| 5th | Geas[161] | |
| 5th | Mass Cure Wounds[162] | |
| 5th | Cone of Cold[163] | Magical Secrets |
| 6th | Otto's Irresistible Dance[164] | |
| 7th | Forcecage[165] | |
| 7th | Crown of Stars[166] | |
| 8th | Feeblemind[167] | Imogen cast the spell while in Dorian's body in the non-canon "Freaky Thursday: A Bells Hells Charity One Shot" (Sx91). |
| 9th | Foresight | While Dorian was temporarily 17th level (a boon of the Matron), he chose and cast this spell.[168] |
Daggerheart abilities[]
For "Oaths & Ash – Indianapolis Live Show 2025" (Sx100), which was played using the Daggerheart game system, Dorian had the following characteristics, skills, and abilities:
- Level: 8
- Class: Bard
- Subclass: Troubadour (mastery level)[169]
- Domains: Grace and Codex
- Heritage: Highborne Skykin[169]
- Character Traits:
Agility: +2 Strength: +2 Finesse: 0 Instinct: 0 Presence: +3 Knowledge: 0 Evasion: 12 Armor: 6 HP: 7 Stress: 10 Major: 21 Severe: 39
- Spells and Abilities:
- Experiences:
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 (as well as the name of the goddess that personifies this phenomenon), 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.[174]
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 Prime, 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.[174]
Robbie explained that some of the characters he played/created in early playtests were used for inspiration in creating Dorian, including Emile Moonwake (a water genasi he played in preparation for Exandria Unlimited and from whom he took the idea of Dorian's moon-touched scimitar), Flint-tip Bearscat (a handsome goblin ranger who appeared in Narrative Telephone), Angus Boulderbrow (from a charity game), and Jaxy Flaxseed the Tabaxi Taxi (a retired monk that ran a rickshaw whose concept he gave to another person in a different charity).[175]
Dorian was brought into Campaign Three as a guest character after Liam and Ashley chose to play the campaign with their Exandria Unlimited Prime 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.[176][177]
Appearances and mentions[]
- Exandria Unlimited Prime, every episode
- Exandria Unlimited: Kymal, every episode
- Campaign Three
- Every episode between "The Draw of Destiny" (3x01) and "In Too Deep" (3x14)
- "The Tunnels Below" (3x15), mentioned only
- "The Shade Mother" (3x16), via sending stone [DM]
- "Heart-to-Heartmoor" (3x17), mentioned only
- "A Hungry Jungle" (3x18), mentioned only
- "Promise and Potential" (3x22), via sending stone [DM]
- "To The Skies" (3x23), mentioned only
- "Dark Portents" (3x29), mentioned only
- "Breaking Point" (3x31), via sending stone [DM]
- "Blood and Dust" (3x33), mentioned only
- "Pyrrhic Return" (3x35), mentioned only
- "Compulsions" (3x40), mentioned only
- "Call of the Wild" (3x41), via sending stone
- "The Aurora Grows" (3x49), via sending stone [DM]
- "Somewhere Out There" (3x59), mentioned only
- "Crisis of Faith" (3x61), via Scrying
- "A Haunted Past" (3x63), mentioned only
- "For The Tempest" (3x68), mentioned only
- "Nice" (3x69), mentioned only
- "To Hurt Is to Heal" (3x79), mentioned only
- "The Eve of the Red Moon" (3x81), mentioned only, indirect
- "Doorways to Darker Depths" (3x86), mentioned only
- "True Heroism" (3x91), mentioned only
- Every episode from "Broken Roads" (3x92) onward except "Downfall: Part One" (3x99), "Downfall: Part Two" (3x100), "Downfall: Part Three" (3x101), "Assault on the Malleus Key" (3x113), "Fight for the Bloody Bridge" (3x114), "The Weave Mind" (3x116)
- Specials
- "Freaky Thursday: A Bells Hells Charity One Shot" (Sx91)
- "Tag Team at the Teeth – The Misty Ascent" (Sx97), mentioned only
- "Tag Team at the Teeth – Beyond the Shroud" (Sx98), mentioned only
- "Oaths & Ash – Indianapolis Live Show 2025" (Sx100)
Quotations[]
- "Mm-hmm. Sorry, bacon lips."[178]
- (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."[179]
- (in response to Orym's sending stone message) "Oh, Orym. My heart aches that I cannot be there to help you. Find strength. Stay steadfast. Sending you fairer winds. Is this thing on?"[180]
- (to Keyleth) "Well, what's the point in saving the world if there's no one there to write a song about it?"[181]
- "I don't know what's right or wrong anymore, and there's no one here to guide us. We are leaderless, drifting, going on instinct and love, and sometimes that is not enough. I once told you to stay steadfast, but perhaps that was more for me. Everybody finds their strength in different ways, and a smile is mine."[182]
- (in response to Predathos attacking with darkness and cold) "You think that's cold? I've been wearing chiffon for weeks!"[183]
- (motivating himself, right before casting Crown of Stars) "I am Brontë Wyvernwind, only son of the Silken Squall. Your prince."[184]
Trivia[]
Screenshot of Matthew Mercer cosplaying as Dorian Storm from "What Comes Next" (E1x08).[art 31]
- Dorian derives from the Ancient Greek dôron (gift).
- Unlike the rest of the party in Exandria Unlimited Prime, Dorian's race was not clearly indicated in "The Nameless Ones" (E1x01). Instead, Robbie confirmed it in a Tweet a day after the initial broadcast.[4]
- He has the Entertainer background.[185]
- Matt cosplayed Dorian in the sponsor segment of "What Comes Next" (E1x08).[186]
- The animation on his Campaign Three stat card features a ripple effect, similar to wind disturbing the surface of water.[13]
- 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 Daymond dreamed as Dorian once during Exandria Unlimited Prime.[187]
- Early on, Robbie revealed that Dorian had romantic feelings for a member of Bells Hells, though he kept some distance in that regard. When Marisha Ray asked if the bard was crushing on Imogen, Robbie simply said that the idea was "interesting" and that he was glad to know about Marisha's ships.[188] Much later, in "The Nein Hells" (3x111), Orym was revealed as the object of his affection. However, Robbie has said that Dorian had some degree of interest in all members of Bells Hells, and that he particularly remembered a moment with Laudna (Marisha's character) when Dorian was carrying her like a princess.[189]
- Dorian's love languages are physical touch and words of affirmation.[190]
- 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".
- Dorian is (so far) the only character to be a player character in three campaigns, namely Exandria Unlimited Prime, Campaign Three: Bells Hells and Exandria Unlimited: Kymal.
- After leaving Kymal, Dorian has been working on his nicknames for the other members of the Crown Keepers, such as "Bossy Genasi" for Fy'ra Rai.[191]
- He likes to get up early to watch the sunrise.[192]
- Dorian doesn't draw too well,[193] but he did study art as a child.[194]
- He also was forced to take penmanship classes in his youth, retaining the skills he gained through them.[195]
- Dorian used to pray when he was a child, but he never got an answer from the gods.[196]
- He is allergic to nuts.[197]
- Dorian sees Keyleth as a motherly presence, which is something he has missed in his adult life.[198]
- According to Dorian, his dad had a tendency to watch him during a task and then point out whatever he was doing incorrectly.[199]
- Dorian didn't like his father's simulations of military strategies, but he did have an interest in the human element of it.[200]
- When Veth Brenatto met Ethel Rivergold she mistook him with Dorian.[201] Both of them are strong blue bards with an elemental association with air and golden details in their aesthetic.
- Matthew Mercer confirmed he had plans for Robbie and Dorian, even when the character wasn't with Bells Hells.[202] As of "Rush for the Bloody Bridge" (3x82) Robbie did confirm Dorian was still alive,[203] and in "Broken Roads" (3x92) it was revealed that the Crown Keepers had been having some adventures of their own. In "Bittersweet Reunions" (3x93) Matt confirmed that his plan all along was to bring Robbie back for the last part of Campaign Three, but he didn't expect it would happen under such dire in-game circumstances.[204]
Art gallery[]
For more images, see Category:Images of Dorian Storm.
![Fan art of Dorian, by MateuszWilma.[art 33]](/wiki/File:Dorian_-_Mateusz_Wilma.jpg "Dorian - Mateusz Wilma.jpg (493 KB)")
![Fan art of Dorian Storm, by Scout Villegas.[art 34]](/wiki/File:Dorian_Storm_-_Scout_Villegas.jpg "Dorian Storm - Scout Villegas.jpg (298 KB)")
![Fan art of Dorian playing flute, by Jake Wennik.[art 35]](/wiki/File:Dorian_playing_flute_by_@OddAlchemist.jpg "Dorian playing flute by @OddAlchemist.jpg (79 KB)")
![Fan art of Dorian, by Makenzie Polkas.[art 36]](/wiki/File:Dorian_wombywoo.jpeg "Dorian wombywoo.jpeg (485 KB)")
![Fan art of Dorian's Crown of Stars, by Taylor Weltzer.[art 37]](/wiki/File:Dorian%27s_crown_by_Taylor_Weltzer.png "Dorian's crown by Taylor Weltzer.png (5.91 MB)")
External links[]
- Exandria Unlimited Playlist: Dorian (June 30, 2021)
References[]
Art:
- ↑ Official art of Dorian, 2025 update, cropped from a larger image, by Linda Lithén (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Official art of Dorian, 2024 update, by Hannah Friederichs (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Official portrait in Exandria Unlimited: Kymal, by Hannah Friederichs (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Official portrait in Campaign 3, by Hannah Friederichs (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Official portrait in Exandria Unlimited Prime, by Hannah Friederichs from "The Nameless Ones" (E1x01). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Official art of Dorian in EXU Prime, by Hannah Friederichs (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Official art of Dorian in Campaign Three, by Hannah Friederichs (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Official art of Dorian, 2024 update, by Hannah Friederichs (source). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Official art of Dorian, 2025 update, by Linda Lithén (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian, by Stephanie Brown (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of the Spider Queen's offer to Dorian, by MyHistrionics (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian, by @ambikyu (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian farewell with Bells Hells, by Rebecca Snowden (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian and his new instrument, by ElesirArt (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian's Sending to Orym, by Melissa Hahn (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian when Opal attacked, by Elaine Tipping (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian's greeting, by Jenny Dolfen (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Orym's thank-you, by Elaine Tipping (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian's new look, by Nox Arcana Art (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of a double Lightning Bolt, by Odd (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian and Coriolis, by Odd (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian sending the Yeth hound away, by Elaine Tipping (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian and the harness, by Elaine Tipping (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian and Braius' talk, by Kaw (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian with Orym, by noxarcanaart (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Orym and Dorian's kiss, by Jenny Dolfen (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian casting Crown of Stars, by Pyromeekorai (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian and Orym, by Julia Kämpf (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian with his lute, by Deandra Scicluna (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian with his lute, by LornArt (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Screenshot of Matthew Mercer cosplaying as Dorian Storm from "What Comes Next" (E1x08). This file is a copyrighted work. Its use in this article is asserted to qualify as fair use of the material under United States copyright law.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian and Orym, by ElesirArt (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian, by MateuszWilma (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian Storm, by Scout Villegas (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian playing flute, by Jake Wennik (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian, by Makenzie Polkas (source). Used with permission.
- ↑ Fan art of Dorian's Crown of Stars, by Taylor Weltzer (source). Used with permission.
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