Lyricis Barleyleaf

Lyricis Barleyleaf was born during a rare celestial alignment when twin moons hung perfectly mirrored in the night sky, an event the halfling seers claimed occurred only once per thousand years. As an infant, he displayed an uncanny ability to speak in perfect reversals, delighting his family by reciting nursery rhymes identically backward and forward, yet his gift soon became a curse when village elders deemed him touched by otherworldly forces. A wandering minstrel discovered young Lyricis performing alone in the barley fields and recognized his extraordinary talent as something far more valuable than superstition—a genuine miracle of language and rhythm. The bard took him as an apprentice, teaching him to channel his palindromic nature into music, crafting a lute with mirrored construction that allowed him to pivot seamlessly through melodies without breaking his verse. Lyricis eventually mastered the impossible art of composing ballads that read and sound identical whether sung from beginning to end or reversed completely, using his performances to unite fractured communities and prove that what once frightened people could become beautiful. Now he travels the realm as a neutral force for good, his songs serving as bridges between those who misunderstand one another, each performance a living testament that the world's strangest gifts often hide its greatest magic.

Strength

10, modifier +0

Dexterity

16, modifier +3

Constitution

18, modifier +4

Intelligence

14, modifier +2

Wisdom

12, modifier +1

Charisma

20, modifier +5

Harmonious Reversal

Lyricis sings a ballad that can be reversed. All creatures within 30 ft. must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute. They can repeat the save at the end of each of their turns.

Lute of Reflection

Lyricis plays his mirrored lute, creating an illusory duplicate of himself for 1 minute. The duplicate can distract enemies, granting disadvantage on attacks against him.

Ballad of Unity

Lyricis performs a ballad that heals allies. Each ally within 30 ft. regains 2d8 + 5 hit points. This ability can be used once per long rest.

Verse of the Unseen

Lyricis sings a verse that grants him and up to three allies invisibility for 1 minute. This ability can be used once per long rest.

Palindromic Performance

Lyricis can create songs that resonate with all who hear them, granting allies advantage on saving throws against fear for 1 minute.

strength

+0

dexterity

+5

constitution

+7

intelligence

+2

wisdom

+1

charisma

+9

Psychic