Thorn

Thorn is an ancient male Ee'dornil druid, recognisable by his towering stature, bark-brown skin and naturally glowing green eyes.

For many years, he lived in isolation on Eedrasil's Rest, tending to the island and its recovering wilderness. His encounter with the shipwrecked healer Suraia Silverbell eventually draws him away from his solitude.

Now travelling alongside Suraia and his Oakhai apprentice, Vasha, Thorn has resolved to seek out other places where the natural world has become sick or corrupted, believing that his responsibilities should extend beyond a single island.

Appearance

Thorn is an exceptionally tall and powerfully built Ee'dornil, with a muscular physique and an imposing presence. Despite his considerable size, he moves with the ease and grace of someone accustomed to life in the wilderness.

His skin is a rich bark-brown, complemented by long, moss-green hair that falls loosely over his shoulders and back. He has long, pointed ears, elongated canines and light-green eyes with naturally glowing irises.

His rugged appearance reflects a life spent largely outdoors, far removed from the comforts of civilisation.

A large tattoo depicting a great owl adorns his back.

Although his exact age is uncertain, Thorn is centuries old. His familiarity with ancient places and forgotten history occasionally offers glimpses of just how long he has walked Eonil.

Attire

Thorn has little interest in elaborate clothing, favouring practical garments that allow him to move freely through the wilderness.

He wears a simple brown tunic, dark leather trousers and sturdy leather boots. A fur pelt rests across his shoulders, while a worn black cloak provides additional protection against the weather.

His clothing is chosen with practicality in mind, particularly as his shapeshifting abilities do not extend to anything he happens to be wearing.

Personality

Thorn is stoic, reserved and often rather blunt. He rarely speaks more than necessary and has little patience for unnecessary fuss, preferring actions over lengthy explanations.

His imposing appearance and gruff manner can make him seem intimidating or unapproachable, but beneath that exterior lies a deeply protective nature and a strong sense of responsibility.

He is particularly attentive to Suraia's wellbeing, frequently ensuring that she eats, rests and remains close enough for him to protect her. Although his concern is usually expressed through practical actions rather than affectionate words, his growing fondness for the young healer has become increasingly apparent.

Thorn also serves as Vasha's mentor, guiding her as she learns to understand and control her druidic abilities. Her mischievous remarks occasionally test his patience, though their exchanges reveal a quieter, dry sense of humour beneath his otherwise stern demeanour.

His respect for the natural world is deeply ingrained. He regards its creatures and living landscapes as things worthy of care and protection, rather than resources to be used without consideration.

Skills & Abilities

As an experienced druid, Thorn possesses an exceptional understanding of the natural world and the magic flowing through it.

He can commune with living vegetation and shape plants, roots and branches, often creating temporary shelters that provide protection without permanently damaging their surroundings.

Thorn is also an accomplished shapeshifter, capable of assuming various animal forms. Among those demonstrated are a formidable dire wolf and an orca, allowing him to navigate both land and sea with considerable ease.

His long experience has made him a capable wilderness guide, able to recognise disturbances in the natural balance that might go unnoticed by others.

Beyond his magical abilities, his immense physical strength and imposing stature make him a formidable protector.

Fears & Weaknesses

Despite his reserved nature, Thorn is not untouched by grief. Memories of lives he could not save continue to weigh upon him, contributing to the solemnity and sense of responsibility that characterise much of his behaviour.

His many years of isolation on Eedrasil's Rest have also left him somewhat removed from ordinary society. He is considerably more comfortable among trees and wildlife than in crowded settlements.

His protective instincts can make him stern and uncompromising, particularly when he believes someone under his care is placing themselves at unnecessary risk.

Although he originally considered his duty to be confined to Eedrasil's Rest, his travels have forced him to reconsider that belief. Recognising that the disturbances affecting the natural world extend far beyond his former home, Thorn has chosen to seek out other wounded places rather than return to his isolation.

Virtues

Thorn is steadfast, loyal and deeply committed to protecting the vulnerable and preserving the natural world.

Though he seldom seeks recognition or expresses his affection openly, his actions consistently demonstrate his willingness to shoulder responsibility for those who depend upon him.

He is a patient and knowledgeable mentor, a resourceful wilderness guide and a formidable guardian whose strength is tempered by his respect for life.

Above all, Thorn is a man of duty. Once he has accepted responsibility for someone or something, he does not readily abandon it.