In Dungeons and Dragons, players create their own heroes, but there are also many brave NPCs throughout the various realms who protect the vulnerable and fight against evil forces. These heroic characters often have a nemesis, like Rudolph Van Richten, a vampire hunter dedicated to freeing Barovia from its tyrannical ruler, Strahd Von Zarovich. Even if they don't reach the same level of power as some villains, these heroes still possess formidable strength and should not be underestimated. Here are some of the most notable heroes across all realms.
7 Minsc And Boo
Level: 5
Class: Ranger
Renowned for his friendly and humorous demeanor, the legendary ranger Misc and his trusty hamster companion Boo have become beloved figures throughout the multiverse. While Misc is often seen as the group's comic relief, don't underestimate his combat prowess – he and Boo are always ready to jump into action when the situation calls for it. Recently, they joined forces with the Heroes of Baldur's Gate and embarked on a perilous journey through various locales, including the Sword Coast, Ravenloft, and even the Nine Hells, where they proved themselves to be formidable and experienced adventurers.
6 Rudolph Van Richten
Level: 9
Class: Cleric
Rudolph Van Richten, also known as Rictavio in the campaign, is a well-known character among those familiar with the legendary vampire Strahd. As one of the few individuals in Barovia with a soul, he stands as a beacon of hope in the otherwise bleak and misty landscape. Out of the twenty potential NPCs that could join the party on their quest, Van Richten is the most renowned and revered. Despite his elderly appearance, he possesses a formidable arsenal of spells, weapons, and knowledge of monsters, making him a force to be reckoned with in battle.
5 Drizzt Do'Urden
Level: 10
Class: Fighter
Drizzt, while not the most physically formidable, is undoubtedly the most renowned figure in the Forgotten Realms. His story spans one of the largest novel series in history and is a source of inspiration for many drow. Born into an evil and matriarchal drow society, Drizzt inherited all of their traits except for their boundless cruelty. His tale is one of overcoming adversity, as he escaped from the Underdark and rose to become a hero.
Jarlaxle Baenre, another drow who rejected traditional drow ways, founded Bregan D'aerthe - a group that welcomed all houseless and outcast drow. While Jarlaxle's morals were ambiguous as he offered his mercenary group's services to the highest bidder, Drizzt used his blades to protect the vulnerable and vanquish evil.
4 Dove Falconhand
Level: 14
Class: Ranger
Dove Falconhand was a multifaceted woman known for her numerous talents and aliases. She was renowned throughout Faerun for her heroic deeds as a Harper, a Knights of Myth Drannor, one of the Seven Sisters, and as part of a group that once pursued Drizzt Do'Urden to ascertain his intentions. Despite initial suspicion, Dove eventually concluded that Drizzt meant no harm and came to hold him in high esteem.
Despite her prowess in battle, Dove's life did not end peacefully with loved ones at her side. She was slain by Vattick Tanthul, but her spirit remained and became part of the Weave. While acting as a messenger for Mystra and Sylune, Dove retained her memories and personality. Laeral Silverhand was gifted a magical pebble which allowed her to summon Dove's spectral form. Even in death, Dove proved to be a valuable asset to Laeral, offering her wisdom and heroism in her new role as Lord of Waterdeep.
3 Piergeiron Paladinson
Level: 17
Class: Paladin
Piergeiron Paladinson, the Open Lord of Waterdeep, was an esteemed leader before Laeral Ailverhand. As the only Lord whose identity was public knowledge, he governed with a lawful good nature and was known for his heroic deeds during his young adult life. Although he could have continued adventuring, Piergeiron believed that he could better serve his god Tyr by leading from a position of power, so he set aside his sword and became a Lord. Despite his quiet demeanor and deliberate speech, some of his enemies and allies mistakenly thought him to be of low intelligence, leading to the nickname Thickskull. However, Piergeiron used this reputation to his advantage, often catching those who underestimated him off guard.
2 Laeral Silverhand
Level: 19
Class: Wizard
Laeral Silverhand, one of the Lords of Waterdeep, is a skilled politician and formidable caster with access to a multitude of high-level spells. As a co-founder and leader of the Moonstars, a faction of the Harpers, she has experienced firsthand the malevolent deeds of those who misuse their powers, fueling her animosity towards them.
Laeral is renowned for creating some of the most potent magical artifacts in existence. Her ability to discern the functions of magic items by holding them in her hand, or even causing them to malfunction or become completely useless, renders her a formidable adversary to anyone wielding magical items against her. But it is her prowess as a spellcaster that poses the greatest danger.
1 Elminster
Level: 25
Class: Archmage
Elminster, widely regarded as the most powerful and established caster, is also skilled in other areas such as rogue, fighter, cleric, and wizardry. This versatility allows him to use weapons and his strength to defeat enemies when his spell slots run out during conflicts. With a reputation that spans centuries and reaches from the Sword Coast to Chult and the Realm of Thay, Elminster has saved countless lands from certain peril, earning him the title of one of the greatest heroes in the realms.