Grin'ke

Character created by Thomas Walker

Grin'ke is a Half-Elf druid birthed in Aclia. His mother passed away in childbirth and the infant was found, adopted, and named by the Elf druid Deeproot, who raised Grin'ke at Hermit Hill and taught him druidic tradition, lore, and spellcasting.
After the passing of his lover Sophia he became an adventurer, and found his way to Hekros where he met the Heroes of Celunia.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

The year is 358 Modern Era and no one is aware of it, but the fate of the realm was changing as when stranded on a shoreline, a human woman died birthing a half-elf son in secret. Just as the sun rose on the first day of the Spring Equinox a young boy is born against fate and without hope; until an unlikely passerby arrives after hearing the screams and rescues him from a quick and pitiful existence. A wood elf only known as Deeproot secured the infant and then made haste for his humble home. Once Deeproot reached what most would call a “shack” he proceeded to treat the boy and once sleeping slipped outside and used “communicate with nature” to ponder the events that occurred and what future path to take. After much thought and discussion he decided to raise the child as his own and roll the dice on fate. “Grin’ke I’ll call him.”
By the age of 8 Grin’ke had explored most of the small island he called home and even befriended most of the wildlife. One day while exploring he came across a starving black panther and out of ignorance reached out to it for companionship; In return the panther attacked scratching at the boys face obscuring his left eye with blood and not showing signs of letting up. Grin’ke let out a wail of pain and just as the panther was going for the kill Deeproot arrived and used “dominate beasts” to form a telepathic link with the panther and stop the conflict. After learning of its struggle Deeproot then uses “Hero’s Feast” to conjure enough food for the whole forest to partake and sees to healing Grin’ke’s wound. It was then that the boy learned natures ferocity could be as powerful as her beauty and intricacy. “Deeproot, will you teach me the ways of the druid?” “I shall show you my child.”
Deeproot promised to show Grin’ke what it was to be a druid of the forest and show him he did. Deeproot summoned the elements to teach Grin’ke of the power and balance nature holds and why it needs to be protected. So train Grin’ke did while dreaming of the vast imaginable beauty that waits across the water.
By the age of 28 Grin’ke’s body had fully matured and his aging process had already started to slow. When he looked in the mirror he saw a 21 year old staring back at him; it felt odd. He read all he could at Deeproot’s shack on “hermit hill” (self named). Everything from books on edible plants, to types of knots, to orcish (should the need ever arise), and much more. He was grateful for Deeproot’s protection and knowledge, but on his toes ready to see the outside world. He would frequently bring the subject up with Deeproot, but always the question was deflected with “you are not ready, continue training.”
One day, as Grin’ke was foraging for herbs he heard an unfamiliar sound and got an eerie feeling emanating from the shoreline nearby. Hesitantly he decided to investigate and determine the source for himself. As he emerged through the treeline and gained a decent view of the surrounding coastline, Grin’ke’s heart skipped a beat. In front of him stood a colossal sea creature of mythical proportions with numerous terrifying toothy tentacles destroying a foreign ship like it was a toy. Near the edge of the water laid an unconscious woman obviously from the wreckage that once was her ship. Grin’ke quickly rescued her from a wet grave and breathed life into her body once again. “There’s no time, come with me if you wish to live.”
Once back at “hermit hill” she said her name was Sophia and that she was a slave on an orc ship heading toward the stratocracy. She was unable to believe she had survived the horrors she went through, and kept thanking Grin’ke for saving her life. All she wished was to stay there, safe from outside dangers and with a half-elf young man that she had already started to grow fond of. Over the coming years their feelings grew they even erected a cabin near “hermit hill” for them to enjoy each others comfort more intimately. Any thought of outside exploration had left Grin’ke’s head and wouldn't return for another 58 years.
50 beautiful years later, old age took Sophia leaving Grin’ke alone with Deeproot once again. Grin’ke felt a pain tear at his chest worse than the panther did his face all those years ago. No matter how hard he tried, he didn't see the same beauty he once did in the world anymore and felt lost and alone. In desperation he turned to prayer. “Phaedra, see your child in pain. Help me see the world the way you created it. Restore my spirit and I will once again live to protect your masterpieces.”
With time and prayer, Grin’ke’s view of the world continued to improve and a few short years later he felt he had sufficiently mourned and it was time he lived his life as he would have before; He would travel the world and keep his promise to Phaedra. That same day, while out foraging for mushrooms and herbs, he felt an uneasy feeling he couldn't seem to shake. When he returned to “hermit hill” the old elf was nowhere to be found. Deeproot had left and the only clue was a letter stuck in the door with an embellished knife that looked to be of dwarvish make and a ring that was with the letter.
The letter read:

The pain you went through was almost unbearable to watch. You are ready now my son. Take with you this ring of constitution, to always keep your bearings; and this, my knife... May they be of use to you in the future. Safe travels.

— Deeproot

Current Location

Hekros

Species

Half-Elf

Year of Birth

358 ME

Gender

Male

Aligned Organization

Heroes of Celunia