Murray Mag'Nesson is a dwarf wizard played by Marisha Ray in Campaign Four.
Description[]
Appearance[]
Official art of Murray Mag'Nesson, by Loren Hontanilla.[art 2]
Murray appears "put together" but is also a little grimy and greasy. She has long auburn hair, a braided chin-strap beard, and a large bust. She wears a long colorful sleeveless duster coat, a wide flat-brimmed hat, and a custom-made quill on her index fingernail. She is missing her three right-front teeth, which have been replaced with gemstones; left-to-right is a ruby, clear/white quartz and purple quartz.[8] She wears a corset.[9]
Personality[]
Murray enjoys a good party, and a good funeral.[1] She cares deeply about fairness in magical education, wanting students of the Penteveral to be allowed equal opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their background.[10]
Marisha Ray described her as "that friend that everyone has where they are the first person to get sloppy at the bar, even though they're wearing designer clothes, and just when you think they're going to hit the floor, she drops a deep philosophical line, referencing Camus or something." She agrees with the philosophy of the Penteveral that knowledge should be accessible to anyone who is willing to work hard enough for it, and resents the changes being forced on the school by the current government of Dol-Makjar. Murray believes strongly in freedom of all kinds, and will take issue with any threat to or manipulation of those freedoms.[11]
Biography[]
Background[]
Murray comes from the Sunset Mountains region.[4] Before being offered a job at the Penteveral as a Bursar[6][7] she had a hard life, living as a "shitty little squatter dwarf out in the gutters". She told Dean Tallbarrel that he had given her both a job and a purpose.[12] Murray, as an arcanist, met many other practitioners of the arcane arts through her friendship with Thjazi Fang.[13]
"The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01)[]
Murray arrived late to Thjazi’s funeral, though having close bonds with him. There, she recognized most of the arcanists present: Tashmara Cobblestone, Uncle Emerald, Davrasi Gaunt, as well as Bolaire Lathalia.
"Broken Wing" (4x02)[]
Murray was among the guests that went upstairs to check on Hal and Thaisha, discovering that the latter had been hurt after touching a mysterious relic; the warlock started scolding them for being so reckless, and after examining the silver box and the strange mist coming out of it, he decided he would inspect it; the box was closed thanks to Murray's Mage Hand, and the two of them left together. They spent the night doing research together in the Archanade, determining the source of some of the pieces of the box, as well as its purpose (to act as the coffin of Olbalad, the halflings' Angel of Death); as part of their investigation Bolaire threw one of his tools to the mist and it disappeared, exciting both him and Murray.
When dawn finally came the dwarf left for the Penteveral, learning there that Dean Ellipides Tallbarrel was being fired because of the Sundered Houses; she met him in his office, complaining about it, and he explained how they had left him no other choice, as the alternative would have implied new restrictions for the practice of magic in the school. Murray complained about the situation, knowing that the new Dean, Kora, was loyal to the houses, and that meant that the school would not longer be a place for hardworking people of every kind. While they were talking, Lord Primus Tachonis arrived, ominously surrounded by shadows, demanding to know where his son was.
"The Snipping of Shears" (4x03)[]
Murray stayed for the conversation between Primus and the Dean, praising Occtis as a good kid (even though she didn't like him) and as a compentent wizard of the Penteveral, but stating she didn't know where he was. Her behavior disregarding the noble's status and ominous aura frustrated him so much that he tried to curse her, but she was able to resist it; in response, she tried to cast Detect Magic to see what had happened, and was Counterspelled by Ellipides while he distracted Lord Tachonis, getting Messaged immediately after and asked to leave. As she was walking away she heard Primus telling the Dean she should be fired, and she felt betrayed as she listened to Ellipides seemingly mocking the idea of her wielding magic.
Murray started looking for Occtis across the city, and in Caravan Hill she found Azune, who was patrolling with Horace. She and the Arcane Marshal walked away together (something the dwarf initially interpreted as flirtatious in nature) and started sharing news via Message in an alleyway: she told him about what was happening in the Penteveral, and he updated her about the situation in the Brethren Hall, which led to a small argument: he refused to believe that he would stop being useful to the city, since he would fight for a place in it, but Murray insisted that the houses would train replacements for him in her school, and the more effort Azune made the more he would be following their designs. The wizard was exhausted and sleep-deprived, but mentioned that House Tachonis was looking for Occtis, so they left to find him first. After visiting the Guard Tower and discovering the aftermath of a fight there, they went to Hal's house, finding the host there with Thimble and Kattigan, who explained that they had discovered Casimir was the traitor, and that he had left the city chasing Cyd, who had stolen from him. They were joined shortly after by Teor, who had been saved by Tyranny and Wicander Halovar after the latter's family tried to get rid of the nama warrior. It ended up being decided that Azune would get horses so that Wicander, Tyranny, Teor, Thimble, and Kattigan (the ones who had made enemies in the city in the last few hours) could leave Dol-Makjar and find Casimir. During that conversation Murray flirted with the ranger until he left with the others.
"Stone-Faced" (4x04)[]
While the others were out Hal gave Murray a letter with Bolaire's name on it, and she read it while the bard talked to Shadia, who had just arrived; Murray tried to politely send the young orc away, and when she finally went upstairs (in such an agile manner that the dwarf felt jealous) she shared the letter with Hal, telling him about the warnings Thjazi had left about Bolaire, and how little did he apparently trust him; Hal asked details about how those deals affected Murray herself, and stated that he couldn't ignore them anymore if they put his family at risk. When Azune returned they went together to the Archanade to speak with Bolaire, and Murray was particularly enthusiastic, having recovered some of her energy and having the certainty that she could make one thing that night go perfectly well. The curator, somewhat angry because Thimble had left Dol-Makjar, brought them to his secret archive (which Murray found impressive), and from there to his private vault; there the dwarf was so excited she tried to shake a giant's severed hand to see if she could speak to it (resisting Bolaire's Command trying to stop her), and Azune noted that even if it worked, the giant might not want to speak with her. In the conversation that followed the curator revealed (at Hal's insistence) that he was actually just his mask: a sentient artifact crafted as part of the plan to kill Rauwyn the Trickster, and able to possess bodies to move; when Murray wondered if Thjazi hated him, Azune theorized that he probably found him useful as a tool (something Bolaire himself confirmed). The curator had to leave to meet some visitors, and when he returned he was in a hurry, telling the group something was going on at the Palazzo Davinos (Murray cast Mage Armor on herself as preparation).
When they reached the castle they saw that everything was dark but surprisingly clean and undisturbed; they found a single melted candle that Murray identified as the material component of a powerful necromantic ritual; frightened, she debated with Bolaire and Azune about if the latter should Mend it or not, but ended up agreeing. Azune did it, and the moment the candle was reconstituted, Halandil heard something and the others followed him out. They reached the Lloy estate, finding there Sir Julien Davinos, Lady Aranessa Royce, Vaelus, Thaisha, and the dead body of Occtis. Combining Bolaire's tools with Murray's Mage Hand and Portent, and supported by Hal's Bardic Inspiration and Thaisha's Guidance, they successfully removed the Stone of Nightsong from inside Occtis, and he started breathing again as the ground shook and his body started repairing itself; as that was happening, and she secured the artifact in the air, the dwarven diviner realized that they had achieved something historical, that not only avoided a disaster, but also prevented other catastrophic consequences. Everyone was happy, and although Sir Julien was furious about the connection between the young man and House Tachonis (responsible for the massacre in the Palazzo), and Murray failed to stop him with Hold Person, Lady Aranessa calmed him down, and reminded the group that they still had fights ahead.
"Branching Paths" (4x05)[]
In the period before dawn, the group discussed Occtis's status and the implications for House Tachonis, as well as the repercussions for other political forces in the city; they gradually defined a plan, with the newly resurrected necromancer leaving Dol-Makjar with an escort to seek answers about his post-mortem visions, while the rest stayed behind to sound out the Sundered Houses and look for ways to weaken them. During that conversation Murray used her arcane knowledge to determine that the Stone of Nightsong should have been destroyed but was now connected to Occtis, even if his existence didn't depend on it; she also shared some information about her deductions seeing the scene of the crime at the Palazzo Davinos, and told Julien she was sorry for his loss. When Occtis told her that he would take many notes to share with her during his journey (her being the only other wizard there), she admitted she respected him because of the talent and effort he had displayed at the Penteveral, and even joked with him about him having a thesis due for the end of the semester.
After the Seekers left, Bolaire, Murray, Azune, and Hal started preparing for their respective jobs, and agreeing that they should find a place to meet as often as possible, preferably without connections to any of them; the warlock told them about the place where he and Halandil drank together. They spoke for a little bit longer, and when Murray asked, Bolaire admitted he let Vaelus into the city so that she made some trouble for Thjazi, but then assured Azune that he had nothing to do with his execution. After that Murray returned to the Penteveral, aware the new dean was probably going to give a speech there.
"On the Scent" (4x07)[]
Murray attended Kora Klepenvaisreck's speech as the first dean, and was annoyed by the way she constantly talked about the number five; since she wanted to listen and see properly (in order to have more things to use against the other woman later), she got closer. After Kora announced the Cormoray Scholarship for Arcane Service, praising the Sundered Houses, people started clapping, and Murray tried to make those closest to her shut up; when the new dean noticed the diviner's attitude, she cast Message to tell her that she wanted to see her in her office as soon as the inauguration was done.
Relationships[]
Arcanist community[]
Murray has many arcanists (both respectable and illegal) as her acquaintances, including:[14]
- Tashmara Cobblegrave, a woman with one normal, hazel eye, and one purely white pinprick pupil eye.
- Uncle Emerald, a tiny gnome with a hat and many bracelets.
- Davrasi Gaunt, a sallow-faced man who usually goes shirtless but is willing to wear vest and tie if the situation requires it. He has some dealings with Murray that involve skulls.[15]
Bolaire Lathalia[]
Murray and Bolaire met at a gala six months prior to Thjazi's death, though they didn't know that they had Thjazi as a mutual connection.[16] Despite being so different they seem to share a love for discovery.[17]
Halandil Fang[]
Murray knows Halandil[18] but she seems to be closer to his former partner, Elodie.[19]
Occtis Tachonis[]
Murray and Occtis both frequented the Penteveral, since he lived there as a student[20][21] and she works there.[7] Murray didn't like the young noble much (privately thinking of him as a "little weasel"),[22] but told his father that he had risen above his initial circumstances as a powerless son in a family of sorcerers.[23] Later she told Occtis himself (who admitted his presence in the Penteveral had probably felt invasive) that he had earned her respect precisely because of how hard he had worked for his magic.[24]
Thjazi Fang[]
At his execution, when Thjazi panicked, his first thoughts were for Murray and Bolaire.[25] Later, Murray states that they were good friends and that she knows Aranessa by sight.[26]
Character information[]
Notable items[]
- Fake tooth enchanted to cast Detect Magic[27]
Abilities[]
Unless otherwise noted, the following abilities are assumed from the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook[28]
Dwarf abilities[]
- Darkvision: 120ft
- Dwarven Resilience: Poison resistance
- Dwarven Toughness
- Stonecunning (2/day)
Proficiencies[]
- Skills:
- Expertise: Arcana[29]
Feats[]
Wizard abilities[]
- Spellcasting (Intelligence-based ability)
- Ritual Adept
- Arcane Recovery (1 level slot)
- Scholar
- Expertise: Arcana[29]
- Arcane Tradition: Diviner
- Divination Savant
- Portent[30]
Spells[]
As a 3rd-level wizard, Murray should know 3 cantrips; she can replace 1 cantrip per long rest. Her spellbook should contain 12 spells and she can prepare 6 leveled spells per day.
| Spell level | Spell | Class |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (cantrip) | Mage Hand[31] | |
| 0 (cantrip) | Message[32] | |
| 1st | Detect Magic[27] | One of her jeweled front teeth casts the spell when touched. |
| 1st | Identify[33] | |
| 1st | Mage Armor[34] | |
| 2nd | Hold Person[35] |
Appearances and mentions[]
- Campaign Four
- "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) (first appearance)
- "Broken Wing" (4x02)
- "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03)
- "Stone-Faced" (4x04)
- "Branching Paths" (4x05)
- "On the Scent" (4x07)
Quotations[]
- "When the lanterns are lit, so are the tits." (referring to her proudest assets)[36]
- (after witnessing something incredible) "I'll be a Shaper's anus."[37]
- "We're going hunting and it's bastard season. Let's go!"[38]
Trivia[]
- Marisha Ray has stated that Murray is inspired by her own mother, drawing inspiration for Murray's Kentucky-esque southern accent[39] and using terms such as "holler punk" wizard.[40]
- Murray goes to The Faye, a bar, the second and fourth day of each week.[41]
- At the end of "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03), Brennan Lee Mulligan asked the players who they believed was the character who had been closest to death and, after some thinking, they all pointed to Travis Willingham. Brennan later revealed that it was actually Marisha's character, Murray, since Primus Tachonis had come very close to actually murdering her.[42]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:45:02.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:46:03.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 3:22:40. See the D&D: Player's Handbook (2024), 5th ed., p. 173.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 0:58:14.
- ↑ See "Overview of the Overture | Campaign 4 | Ep 1-4 Recap" at 16:20.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:49:00.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 2:54:35.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) from 3:44:47 through 3:48:09.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 2:56:28.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 3:42:37.
- ↑ See "Overview of the Overture | Campaign 4 | Ep 1-4 Recap" at 12:56.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 3:41:00.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:46:47.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:47:07.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:48:32.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:54:14. Bolaire mentions the gala was six months earlier at 3:07:46.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02).
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:49:51.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:44:21.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 2:54:09.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 3:45:10.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 1:02:11.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 0:55:55.
- ↑ See "Branching Paths" (4x05) at 1:28:37.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 17:37.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:55:33.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 0:58:40.
- ↑ See D&D: Player's Handbook (2024), 5th ed., p. 165 and 188.
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 3:45:07. Murray rolled 27 on an arcana check with a natural 18 on the dice. With an intelligence modifier of +4 this is only possible with proficiency and expertise.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 4:46:27.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 2:43:05.
- ↑ See "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03) at 2:50:49.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 2:39:57.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 4:22:41.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 5:04:26.
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:45:49.
- ↑ See "Broken Wing" (4x02) at 2:51:00.
- ↑ See "Stone-Faced" (4x04) at 3:37:23.
- ↑ See "What's Your C4 Character's Vibe? 👀" at 2:22.
- ↑
CR Cooldown C3 E02 at 06:47 (subscription required) (Transcript).
- ↑ See "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) at 3:49:47.
- ↑ CR Cooldown C4 E003 at 18:35 (subscription required) (Transcript).
Art:
- ↑ Official art of Murray Mag'Nesson, cropped from a larger image, by Loren Hontanilla (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 Murray Mag'Nesson, by Loren Hontanilla (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.
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