Nova

NPC overview

Nova is a medium-sized hawk under the command of Wren, serving as a bird accompanying The Party. Known for her bravery in combat, she displays a fierce demeanor when engaged in battle. Wren’s small hunting bird, Nova, is characterized by very light bones that enable her to fly, limiting the weight she can carry. She is depicted on Fahrak Bounty Papers with the highest bounty and is referred to by Wren as an "emotional support bird." Nova is recognized by her companions as The Party's main character. Nova is a small, mature animal companion trained in intimidation, stealth, and survival.
Portrait: Nova has sharp, keen eyes and strong wings, embodying the grace and agility of a bird of prey. She is a small bird with vibrant feathers, and her presence is commanding, especially when directed by Wren. However, she also has a fragile appearance, having been badly hurt in a recent encounter. Nova is a clean bird kept by Wren.
History and ties: Nova participated in a skirmish at the Taproot Inn, where she attacked a Fahrak Scout, aiding The Party in combat. Wren praised her performance, demonstrating a bond between them. Later, at the Gristledown ruins, a bloody skeleton attacked Nova, striking her repeatedly and knocking her to the ground. After the battle, The Party attempted treatment, which failed but left Nova alive. Wren stayed close to Nova during this time and later succeeded in a recovery check, leaving Nova unconscious but not dying. Nova has fought alongside Wren, participating in combat to intimidate and harry foes. During an encounter with a xulgaths, Nova took a reactive strike and was left in a critical state. Bruneg intervened by administering a Healing Potion, saving Nova's life. She was later recognized for her bravery in taking the strike. In subsequent encounters, Wren directed Nova to attack during a dark-mantle ambush, where Nova evaded a grapple attempt. Nova later provided flanking for Arsène. In the xulgath fight, Wren sent Nova at the boss; although the boss blocked her first strike, Nova's follow-up attack tore out the boss's throat, killing him, after which she collapsed onto the body. In the burial chamber encounter, Wren sent Nova to strike the Gelatinous Cube from above, delivering the final blow that brought the cube down. Nova was awarded a “star” as hero of the day. Wren displayed Nova to a Rescued Little Girl to cheer her up and later sent Nova to assist in combat. During a skirmish with Goblin Dogs, a dog bit Nova, infecting her with goblin pox; she was noted as already in the second stage and expected to reach the third stage after one day, requiring extended treatment. Nova recovered from an illness independently. During a battle at a Ruined Town, Wren commanded Nova to fly, and an enemy missed due to cover provided by Nova. After a wagon fight, Wren placed Nova into Arden's arms to carry her. In a cave fight, Wren commanded Nova to attack a dire wolf, contributing to damage and providing flanking advantage for allies. Finnetharyn later used Nova to land on his hand while singing to a boar, and Fangwood Six members refer to Nova as "my bird," indicating a bond with the members of The Party. Wren sent Nova forward toward a Watch Post, where she struck a scout’s eyes, covering them in blood and leaving the scout dazzled and blinded. Nova clawed a Lead Bugbear’s face, leaving it bloodied and dazzled. Bruneg tended to Nova’s injuries after she fought on the stair. Wren commanded Nova to attack throughout the stair defense; Nova helped to bloody and blind at least one trained unarmed fighter and shifted focus with Wren toward Scarvinous and later the Hobgoblin. Nova was present during the owlbear encounter, positioned behind the trees at the start of the fight. During this encounter, she suffered a critical failure, became frightened, and fled in a panic, spending several hours away from the group before returning. Finn awarded Nova a star, stating it was for allowing the others to secure kills while she was run off. Nova can fly and fights under Wren’s direction. Wren brought her onto the upper floor to support the fight against a young redcap, then sent her into the melee against the older Redcap, where she helped keep pressure on the foe. Nova supported the battle against the trollhound before Wren shot it unconscious. In the redcap nest-room, Nova ate the food left out. When two stuffed bear constructs attacked, Wren and Nova joined the fight. During the battle with Halk, Wren had Nova strike the korred warlord alongside her final arrows. Nova is capable of flight and fitted with light barding sized for a medium creature. An empathy charm for large companions does not fit Nova. Herge communicated with Nova in hawk language, and Nova conveyed that The Party were good. During a patrol engagement, Nova flew in and attacked a hobgoblin scout, who, along with other hobgoblin attackers, attempted to stab the bird. Later, Wren commanded Nova to pursue a pixie during a fey encounter, and Nova followed the command to chase the flying foe. In Fort Ristin’s courtyard, Wren sent Nova forward to support her and later directed her to harry the scattered Korreds. One korred struck Nova and pelted her with a stone. After The Party entered the keep, Wren sent Nova over the front line against the redcap; Nova tore into it at close range. Wren then ordered Nova to attack again before finishing the redcap with an arrow. Nova’s wounds were patched after the fight. During the upper-floor fights, Nova pecked at weakened Atomies and the crippled Evil Fey. Nova joined the fight against Canopy Trolls, where she struck one of the trolls and helped Wren, Bruneg, Arsène, and Gundugar cut down the remaining trolls before the survivors fled into the forest. Nova accompanied Wren and the party through the forest. During the chimera attack, Wren called on Nova to protect her. At Fort Nunder, Nova supported Wren from the flank against the trollhounds. Later, Wren sent Nova close to a troll, drawing its snapping attack away from the others. Nova then tore open a fallen troll’s neck and ate its entrails.
Powers/limits:

• Capable of flight and aerial attacks, able to fly up to 20 feet and land on a hand.
• Trained to follow commands from Wren and other party members.
• Agile and swift in combat situations, providing flanking advantages.
• Capable of executing intimidation actions in combat.
• Can fly into combat zones to harry opponents.
• Vulnerable to attacks, as demonstrated by the reactive strike from the xulgath.
• Nova is a bird with limited physical resilience.
• Nova was severely injured but survived an attack from a skeleton.
• Nova requires healing to recover from critical injuries.
• Light bones permit flight but prevent carrying heavy gear.
• Currently afflicted by goblin pox (second stage), described as slowed, allowing only one action when commanded.

Story uses:

• Engaged in combat during the skirmish at the Taproot Inn.
• Strengthened the bond with Wren through her actions in battle.
• Nova serves as a companion to The Party, providing emotional support.
• Nova's injuries prompted Wren to take a more active role in caring for The Party's members.
• Served as a tactical asset in combat situations, providing flanking for allies.
• Demonstrated loyalty and bravery by engaging in dangerous encounters.
• Received recognition for her actions in battle, enhancing her status among allies.
• Awarded a “star” as hero of the day for her contributions in battle.
• Shown to comfort and entertain refugees.
• Deployed in combat to aid allies on lower ground.