Wicander Halovar

Wicander Halovar
Official art of Wicander Halovar, cropped from a larger image, by Loren Hontanilla.
Type	Player Character
Actor	Sam Riegel
Character Information
Pronouns	he/him
Titles	Light Priest Bearer of the Filament Your Radiance
Also known as	Wick Wicky (by his grandmother) Nicander "Nick" Halovar (fake name)
Creature type	Humanoid
Race	Human[presumed]
Class	Cleric (officially) Sorcerer (in reality)
Age	Around 29
Place	Aramán
Family	House Halovar Iris (mother) Godard Halovar (father) Zebani Halovar (older sister) Sir Filoneus Halovar (uncle) Photarch Yanessa Halovar (grandmother) Aetheon (grandfather)
Connections	Soldiers (current adventuring party) Candescent Creed Tyranny (Aspirant) Ebecca D'Antonio (betrothed) Halandil Fang (former teacher)
Status
Status	Alive
Stats
Level	3
HP	20
AC	12
DC
Str	10
Dex	15
Con	15
Int	12
Wis	10
Cha	18
Reference(s)
Appearances
First seen	"The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01)
Last seen	"Branching Paths" (4x05)
Stream	Campaign Four (4 episodes)

Wicander "Wick" Halovar is a human priest played by Sam Riegel in Campaign Four.

Description

Appearance

Official art of Wicander Halovar, by Loren Hontanilla.

Wicander is a beautiful man, roughly 28-30 years old and 5'11". He has teal and white hair and pearlescent shimmering tattoos covering about half of his face. He wears teal and white robes and carries a cane with the symbol of the Candescent Creed. The glowing tattoos on his face are made with Filament.

Personality

Although he is a member of one of the foremost Sundered Houses of Dol-Makjar, Wicander is generally unsure of himself, nervous, and seems to have led a somewhat sheltered life.

Sam Riegel described Wicander as "an acolyte of the Light, a true believer, a fancy lad, and in way over his head. Wick had really been drinking the Kool-Aid with all things Candescent Creed, and to be told the origins are not what he thought they were was a shock, to learn that his family and his grandmother had actively and knowingly betrayed him for his whole life was shocking, but mostly I think he was just scared and confused. How can so much goodness come from such a monstrous source? He's slowly realizing that his name, which he's worn with pride for his whole life, it's not a crutch, but it is a weight."

Biography

Background

At some point within the last seventy years, House Halovar created the new religion of the Candescent Creed, with themselves as the primary clergy. Wicander is the grandson of the current Photarch, Yanessa Halovar, and he himself is a Light Priest within it. He has also been tasked with overseeing a new Aspirant in the religion, the demon Tyranny. Prior to the execution of Thjazi Fang, he was approached by Halandil Fang about influencing his House to commute his sentence. Wick spoke to his father Godard about this and believed it would be done because of the political capital it would provide, but instead, at the last moment, his grandmother told him that Thjazi had to die.

Campaign Four

Overture

Wicander was at the funeral of Thjazi Fang in order to give Thjazi's well-worn scimitar to his half-brother, Halandil, accompanied by the Aspirant Tyranny, although Wick was unsure of the reception that awaited him. Hal eventually confronted Wicander about the failure of their plan to save Thjazi, but when Wicander hesitantly apologized, noting that the pardon could have brought his family great political capital, Hal seemed to accept this. He saw Wicander's efforts as a failsafe in case their other plans failed, and many things had gone wrong that day. Later, Loza Blade told Wicander that she was retiring, and she recommended that Wick's family hire her companion Teor for security work. After some hesitation, Wick decided he had the authority to hire him without consulting his family. Later, both him and Tyranny left the funeral after the latter convinced him to do so, interrupting his tense conversation with Lady Aranessa Royce.

The morning after the funeral, Wick was restless and more disheveled than usual, though he was positively distracted when Teor, who had come to Villa Aurora as arranged, appeared and healed a Halovar worker who had injured himself transporting Filament; in the eyes of the priest, that made the nama someone touched by the Light, but when he presented him to his grandmother, the Photarch, she hastily dismissed Teor and scolded Wicander for bringing someone connected to rebels into her home. This led to a conversation about the motivations of House Halovar and its strained connection to House Tachonis, after which Yanessa decided that Wick would receive a promotion.

Fan art of Wicander meeting his grandfather, by Odd.

Indeed, later that day Wicander and Tyranny were brought to a hidden space underground. Wick was excited about his promotion, and delighted about his Aspirant's suddenly gentle behavior towards him. They arrived to a chamber guarded by magically enhanced hounds, with a giant iron maiden that contained a feral angel whose blood was being drained to create the Filament. Lady Yanessa then introduced the celestial as Wick's grandfather. Wicander learned the Filament was the bodily fluid of the celestial, which had been drunk and used as ink in tattoos on many people's bodies including his own, and that this had been known by everyone in his family except him. It was also used as a material component in a Wish spell that resulted in the birth of his father, Godard Halovar. His grandmother had created the Candescent Creed in which he had believed so deeply all his life for the cynical purpose of salvaging the fortunes of House Halovar following the Shapers' War. Although at first she had believed it best that he maintain his beliefs, now it was time that he knew the truth. His proposed marriage to Ebecca D'Antonio for family business purposes must move forward, although he didn't know her well, because her family's lands produced an alchemical compound that could be used to dilute the Filament. Wick, stunned, agreed to everything his grandmother said, and Tyranny eventually suggested a warm bath to relax. Before they left, Wick asked what his grandmother meant when she told him to get rid of Teor Pridesire, and she responded that it was already done. Once in Wicander's private chambers, he confronted Tyranny, shocked that she apparently already knew all this. She explained that she was "given a body six months ago" and was told to make him look good. While at first she thought it was funny that he was the only one who didn't know the truth behind the Candescent Creed, she now thought his family was afraid of him because he actually cared. She stressed that her contract was with him, not his family, and they both thought they should go see what had happened to Teor. Before he left his room, unsure of when he'd return, Wick packed a few items including the portrait of a woman he once loved.

After dark, Wicander and Tyranny arrived at the tailor shop to which Teor had been sent. Tyranny advised him to use his family's position of power to achieve their goals, and Wick was confident. Tyranny told the proprietor that Scion Wicander had come to talk to their "guest" before he got "outfitted". Wick told him they were there to retrieve him in order to deal with him themselves (while asking for a vest to be put on layaway), and Tyranny supported his lie convincingly. The twin returned the money and items taken from Teor before leading them to him, arms shackled above his head inside a pentagram as the other twin was in the process of cutting his shadow into pieces. As the process was halted, the shadow reconstituted and Teor was freed, but poisoned and feeble. As they left, Wick cast Lesser Restoration on him and Teor felt he owed a life debt to Wicander and Tyranny, pledging himself to their service.

Later, back at the home of Halandil Fang, Teor warned everyone that the Candescent Creed was secretly evil. Tyranny pointed out that Wicander risked his life to save Teor, and was therefore now in danger from his and her own families. The group realized that five of their number were in serious danger and needed to get out of town. Wicander was hesitant about the prospect of sleeping outside but was urged by Tyranny to ask for the group's help, and did so. Teor told them he owed his life to them and was in their service. When Thimble mentioned their destination was Gormalay, Wick realized his family shipped Filament and had property there. The five-- Thimble, Teor, Kattigan, Wicander, and Tyranny, now designated as the Soldiers-- set off northward together in search of justice for Thjazi by confronting Casimir Gavendale, the traitor who betrayed him.

The journey to Gormalay

The group pressed on through the rain (with Wick looking at his home in the distance as he was gripping Tyranny's tail) until they reached the Black Heron Inn at a crossroads, as dawn broke and the storm subsided. There they encountered an orc in a hanging cage, whom Thimble recognized as Abalang Howell, an old friend, who had been imprisoned for stealing Filament. Tyranny shared some fruit leather with him, and after negotiating his discretion regarding having seen them (since Wick was terrible at lying about his identity, giving "Nick" as his pseudonym), Thimble freed him from the cage by forcing the lock. After bidding farewell to the orc (who gave them some advice), the party ventured into the Dahapshanee Wood, and upon reaching a stream, Thimble dove into it; when she came out she explained she had found some of Cyd's hair, learning that he was traveling north and that they had a potential safe haven in Hawthorn's Glade. Tyranny also used that pause next to the river to talk to Wicander (who had been drinking some water from a chalice), telling him that he didn't have to lie about himself when talking to other people, and instead he should focus on his performance (just as Halandil would do on stage) as what his family originally asked him to do: to spread the good word of his faith; and if he had to defend himself in the process, he would do so rightfully.

After some debate about the safety of Hawthorn's Glade for the entire group, they decided to visit the house Abalang had told them about instead. There they found Ulbid Morn, a gnomish arcanist and criminal who studied the Stormwrack and welcomed them into his home. They spent the night there, with Wicander declaring, quite cheerfully, that so far their adventure was going great and every person they had met was being nice to them. When they went to bed Tyranny did so at Wick's feet (with the priest giving her his cloak so she wouldn't be cold), but she ended up waking up crouched on his chest.

Relationships

Halandil Fang

Halandil Fang was Wicander's speaking coach. In return, Wicander suggested that House Halovar grant the bard ownership of The Hallowed Round. At last, Halandil asked Wicander to convince his family to free Thjazi Fang when he was arrested.

Tyranny

Tyranny posed as Wicander's Aspirant, an acolyte or trainee in the Candescent Creed. Both she and Wick vehemently denied that their relationship was in any way romantic, Wick believing that they were both dedicated to remaining pure, abstaining from alcohol and carnal activity.. Tyranny told Thaisha Lloy that she "didn't really like this guy." Nonetheless, Wicander cared about the demon learning about the Candescent Creed, and was glad to see her showing interest.

Later, when Wicander learned the truth about his family heritage and the Candescent Creed, Tyranny explained that she was given a body only six months ago with orders to make him look good. While at first she thought it was funny that he was the only one who didn't know the truth behind the Creed, she now thought his family was afraid of him because he actually cared about people and believed in their goodness. She stressed that her contract was with him, not his family, and he could cast her back into The Pit any time he wanted to.

Wicander sees Tyranny as "wonderful", and he is trying to show her the world, keep her safe, and keep her on the true and good path.

Yanessa Halovar

Wicander's grandmother seems to treat him with the respect due his position, and to be training him to take up his position building the power structure of House Halovar. When Wick explained his reasoning for urging her to have the local theater deeded to Halandil Fang, she told him he was doing well, and later, "You have my utmost faith, my grandson. You are the future of the House of Halovar." However, the respect had its limits as demonstrated by the fact that despite his urging clemency for Thjazi Fang, the execution proceeded, with Wicander being told only that they'd talk later.

Fan art of the captive celestial, by Lap Pun Cheung.

Deep down, Yanessa expected Wicander to act as the face of their new religion and work along with her own plans. However, when he started showing too much autonomy and initiative, she realized it would be more efficient if she told him about the secrets of their family and religion; Wick found the idea of his grandmother not being fully sincere with him unbelievable.

Character information

Notable items

• Cane with the symbol of the Candescent Creed
• A small silver filigree frame holding a portrait of Armas Drugada, a commoner whom Wicander once loved, but was told by his family he could not be with
• Chalice taken from Villa Aurora

Abilities

Unless otherwise noted, the following abilities are assumed from the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook

Human abilities^[presumed]

• Resourceful
• Skillful
• Versatile

Sorcerer abilities

• Spellcasting (charisma-based ability)
• Innate Sorcery (2/day)
• Font of Magic
  • Sorcery Points: 3
• Metamagic

Spells

As a 3rd-level sorcerer Wicander should know 4 cantrips and 6 leveled spells. When leveling he may replace 1 cantrip and 1 spell each.

Spell level	Spell	Notes
0 (cantrip)	Thaumaturgy	Divine Magic[presumed]
2nd	Lesser Restoration

Appearances and mentions

• Campaign Four
  • "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) (first appearance)
  • "Broken Wing" (4x02)
  • "The Snipping of Shears" (4x03)
  • "Branching Paths" (4x05)

Quotations

• Wicander frequently quotes from Holy Scripture:
  (Embers 17): "The Light sees all and in us exists filament and forgiveness."
  (Photonic Texts, verse 63): "Any impurity dims the spark."
  (fourth of the Seven Shining Tenets): "The Beam is only seen by the Anointed; the sacred glyphs shimmer only to the family of flame."
• "Ever bright, ever right."
• (speaking to Tyranny about Thjazi's funeral) "...an Aspirant is meant to protect, observe and obey. Always remember P-O-O."
• "Everyone is inherently good and has the Light flowing within them."
• "In this wonderful house owned by a great man, in the shadow of the death of another man, I humbly ask for protection, shelter, friendship, loyalty, love, and I don't know where to go or what to do. I don't have anyone and I'm very scared and could someone take care of me for a while?

Trivia

• The first half is the source of his nickname, "Wick" (the material that burns in a lamp or candle). The second half of his name comes from the Ancient Greek anḗr, meaning "man". Sam Riegel also posted a list of alternative names for Wicander on Twitter.
• Wicander is the first character Sam is beginning a campaign with who is not in the Small size category.
• Wicander does not ordinarily drink alcohol since it is forbidden by the Photonic Verses. However, when Halandil Fang invited him to privately drink a glass of Thjazi Fang's favorite liquor at Thjazi's wake, Wicander reluctantly imbibed it.
• Wicander believed himself to be a cleric, but his grandmother revealed that the magic he wields comes from his family, specifically his grandfather, a captive feral angel. Brennan Lee Mulligan noted, if Wicander had been less of a true believer in "The Light" and more of a sap, his grandmother would not have revealed this information to him. While Sam was aware that Tyranny isn't truly Wick's acolyte or "project", the information about his grandfather was kept a secret from him.
• Wicander's stats as shown in "The Fall of Thjazi Fang" (4x01) show high Charisma and average Wisdom, as well as a lack of armor, which mechanically is more normal in a sorcerer or a warlock (with both options having subclasses that grant access to cleric-like powers and spells). Wick's grandmother, Yanessa, indirectly references this after introducing him to his angelic grandfather, explaining that the priest's power doesn't come from "devotion to poetry", but from the blood running in his veins (the same way a sorcerer would have inherited magic).

References

Art: