The Aethervale

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npc

Captain Iron Side Groggan

Captain Iron Side Groggan
Stat Block
Level 14
, Lawful Neutral
Reveal Stat Block
Armor Class
22 (enchanted plate + shield)
Hit Points
145
Speed
25 ft.
class
Fighter (Cavalier - Shipbound)
race
Mountain Dwarf
str
20
+5
dex
10
+0
con
20
+5
int
14
+2
wis
14
+2
cha
18
+4

Saving Throws STR +10, CON +10

Skills ATHLETICS +10, HISTORY +6, INSIGHT +7, PERSUASION +7

Traits

Unwavering Mark.When Groggan hits a creature with a melee attack, he marks them. The marked creature has disadvantage on attack rolls against anyone other than Groggan.
Aether-Eye.Groggan's blue glowing eye allows him to cast *detect magic* at will and gives him advantage on saving throws against spells.
Iron Side Defense.Groggan has resistance to cold damage and cannot be knocked prone while standing on a ship.

Actions

Multiattack.Groggan makes three attacks with his Battleaxe.
Salt-Crusted Battleaxe.Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) cold damage.
Turtle Shell Shield Bash.Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d4 + 5) bludgeoning damage. The target must succeed on a DC 18 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Captain "Iron-Side" Groggan

Captain "Iron-Side" Groggan is the formidable leader of the Salt Shields, a heavily armored mercenary naval company operating in the treacherous waters of the Broad Swells. Originally a highly decorated commodore in the Steamfort Navy, Groggan grew deeply disillusioned with the bureaucracy of the Ironbeard Syndicate and their constant political maneuvering against Kigum. He firmly believed that the true threat to Aethervale lay in the uncharted oceans and the beasts that lurked within. Taking his loyal crew and a decommissioned dreadnought, he formed the Salt Shields, offering unparalleled escort and defensive services to merchants brave enough to traverse the chaotic seas.

Groggan's moniker is derived from his unwavering defensive philosophy and the unique design of his fleet. He pioneered the "Turtle-Shell" formation, utilizing heavily modified ships plated with thick layers of Aether-treated oak and iron. These vessels sacrifice speed for near-invulnerability. Groggan himself is a massive, mountain dwarf who rarely removes his custom-forged, heavily enchanted plate armor, even while sleeping. He lost his right eye to a sea wyrm decades ago, replacing it with a polished piece of raw Aether that glows with a faint, menacing blue light, allowing him to perceive magical currents and incoming arcane attacks.

Despite his fearsome appearance, Groggan is known as an honorable man in a profession utterly lacking it. The Salt Shields strictly adhere to defensive contracts; they are paid to ensure the safe arrival of cargo and lives, and they will fight to the last dwarf to uphold that promise. He maintains a fierce, professional rivalry with Commander Vane of the Crimson Company, often clashing when their respective employers' interests misalign. Groggan views Vane's aggressive, preemptive tactics as reckless, while Vane considers Groggan's defensive posture hopelessly antiquated. Nevertheless, both men share a deep, unspoken respect, having occasionally joined forces to repel overwhelming threats from the deep.