Some believe it was just a dream, others say the man and his home are a well-crafted myth. However, Mr. Bauble and his sphere home are very real. His laugh, gifts, and always kind demeanor appear only during the holidays.
A fantasy world features all kinds of creatures, strange beings, folk heroes, and last but not least, unique NPCs. This short module presents Mr. Bauble. He is a flesh-and-bone representation of kindness, goodwill, and joy. He is not a mortal man. He is an otherworldly entity.
He knows no cruelty. And his heart contains no spark of evil. Mr. Bauble is a free spirit of good and righteousness.
His home, a tiny demiplane that travels through space and time, is called the Big Red Bauble. It is a cozy, three-story sphere-shaped, red home. Ancient spells and magic incantations keep the ever-burning hearth alive and a rich, sweet smell.
Adventure Hook. The characters ponder their next mission while they travel from one place to another. Their journey is interrupted as they notice the Big Red Bauble near their traveling path. They cannot miss it. Mr. Bauble waves at them, laughing with a welcoming smile.
Mr. Bauble
Mystery and joy surround this man. And while his looks may imply he is a venerable, frail man, his demeanor does the opposite. He walks and speaks with great confidence. He shows no fear or doubt before the steel weapons or wizard robes his visitors carry. He knows everyone’s name before they introduce themselves, and he knows their likes and dislikes. He treats all creatures with respect, love, and as if they were his family.
Old Man. Mr. Bauble is not what he seems. He is a good-aligned demigod who spends his time spreading joy and laughter through the realms. His current physical form is something he chose.
Behavior. Mr. Bauble is a loving grandpa. He smiles, he laughs, and he does not judge. He shows the same face and love to all visitors.
This adventuring supplement is designed for D&D5e. On out Patreon page you can get it in PDF format (see image). Notice that some of the layout elements can only be presented as intended in the PDF layout (side-margin boxes and statblocks). The downloads include hi-res images for the maps.
Big Red Bauble
A massive red sphere made of limestone and bricks. It is an architectural marvel, topped by a circular chimney’s exhaust. Mr. Bauble stands by the main door, waving happily at travelers.
He welcomes all people and extends an invitation to share his table and eat together.
Base Level. Enough seats for more than a dozen visitors are warmed by the well-placed hearth. An animated armor plays the piano while others take care of cleaning and serve food and beverages to everyone.
Elevator. Up to two Medium creatures can ride it at once. It takes 30 seconds for it to ascend or descend to the next level.
Mid Level. A beautiful garden fills this entire area of Mr. Bauble’s home with a sweet, natural scent. Mr. Bauble enjoys taking care of plants and breeding new kinds by combining small tree grafts, plant stumps, and roots.
Food. Festive dishes: roast beef, pork, stuffed turkey or chicken, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, fruit salad, and anything the heroes ask for. Wine, juice, and water to drink.
“Come, eat, enjoy. My home is your home. My table is everyone’s. This world needs more joy. The minds of mortals need more love. I am here to share with you, and I hope you wish to spend time with me as much as I do with you. And if you choose not to, I only wish for our paths to cross again in the future.”
Mr. Bauble
Top Level. A mist-filled, crystal ball shows different places of the universe or planes of existence. Mr. Bauble likes to spend time witnessing the happy moments of mortals: the birth of a long-expected child, a happy family spending time together, a mom being reunited with her missing child, and all kinds of visions where mortals put their differences aside and coexist as one, united people.
Magic Servants. Mr. Bauble’s servants are animated armors that move swiftly; they take care of everything and make sure all guests are well served.
A Night to Remember
The characters spend a beautiful, memorable time with Mr. Bauble. He laughs and smiles as he listens to their stories and tells his own.
This NPC has no need for heroes, and he has no gold to offer. He needs no saving and he has no quests to give. He only wants to meet new people, make friends, and share his joy.
Evil Hearts. If, for any reason, the heroes attempt to rob him, show hostility, or anything of the like, Mr. Bauble and his home simply disappear. The characters shall never meet him again. They are not worthy of his joy.
Demigod. Mr. Bauble has the power to end the lives of ungrateful visitors with a snap of his fingers. But he would rather leave than fight.
| d6 | Details |
| 1 | A hero finishes his drink, and a servant is ready to refill it. The same occurs with the plate of anyone who is still hungry. More food is served. |
| 2 | Mr. Bauble takes a minute to thank all the guests. He approaches each to give them a warm hug and gives them a small trinket as a gift. |
| 3 | The piano player stops, stands up, and makes a reverence. Mr. Bauble claps loudly to motivate others to do so. Then, the performer continues. |
| 4 | It starts snowing within the home. This is just a visual detail. The snow is not cold and dissipates when it touches the ground or people’s heads. |
| 5 | Mr. Bauble laughs loudly, “Ho, ho, ho…” |
| 6 | For dessert, the servants walk around giving out candy and delicious sweets to each guest. |
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