Ham
Ham the Loxodon “A quiet mug, a loud punch.”
Overview
Ham is a Loxodon monk and the proprietor of The Drunkin Monk, a raucous tavern and underground fighting pit nestled in the lower districts of Castlemere. Towering and mild-mannered, Ham is often mistaken for little more than a gentle barkeep — a common miscalculation that has left more than a few unruly patrons nursing broken jaws.
Background
Ham once trained in the remote Jade Cliffs Monastery, a monastic order known for blending inner peace with explosive unarmed combat. After years of spiritual discipline and martial training, he left the order in search of a more grounded life — one with good drink, better stories, and the occasional bar brawl.
Drawn to Castlemere’s chaotic energy, Ham purchased a run-down alehouse and transformed it into The Drunkin Monk. It quickly became a favorite among mercenaries, adventurers, and off-duty city guards. Beneath the floorboards lies The Devil’s Tango, a secret bare-knuckle fighting pit known for its brutal matches and loose rules. Ham oversees it all with stoic grace, ensuring fights remain “honorable enough” — unless the coin says otherwise.
Personality
Ham is calm, slow to anger, and full of dry humor. He speaks rarely, but when he does, his words carry unexpected weight. He’s beloved by regulars for his fairness, his generous pours, and his ability to end a bar fight with one blow. Beneath his laid-back demeanor is a mind as disciplined as his fists are deadly.
Combat Style
In battle, Ham fights with a style rooted in the Way of the Open Hand, though he’s added his own flair — slow, deliberate movements that suddenly explode into decisive strikes. Despite his massive size, he moves with surprising grace, often knocking opponents flat before they realize the fight has begun. Rumors swirl that he once knocked out a Stone Giant with a single punch.
Trivia
- Ham refuses to wear shoes, claiming it helps him stay grounded.
- He brews his own ale, Elephant’s Memory, which is both potent and mysteriously calming.
- He’s been banned from competing in his own pit — not because it’s against the rules, but because no one will fight him twice.
- The Drunkin Monk’s sign is a wooden carving of Ham mid-air in a flying kick, holding a tankard.