Tarn Wildthorn

Druid

Tarn Wildthorn, once revered as a Druid of the Gnarley, now wields his deep connection with nature's darker side as the formidable second-in-command of The Hangmen. His radical shift from protector to provocateur reflects his belief that true natural order must embrace chaos.
Tarn Wildthorn stands as a formidable presence, with a broad, muscular build and weathered, scar-marked skin that tells tales of many battles. His piercing green eyes reflect the wildness of the untamed forests he champions, and his hair, once earthy brown and now streaked with gray, hangs wildly around his shoulders. He wears simple robes made from the skins of beasts he has slain, adorned subtly with symbols of the Elder Elemental God, alongside a talisman of twisted vines and a raw emerald around his neck. Each element of his attire, from the practical leather boots to the visible claw marks on his garments, underscores his break from civilization and his deep bond with the chaotic forces of nature.

• Size: Tall and muscular
• Clothing: Robes made from animal skins, adorned with subtle symbols of the Elder Elemental God

Outcast Background

Tarn Wildthorn's story took a defining turn in the tranquil yet conflicted town of Twilight Falls, a burgeoning community nestled deep in the Gnarley Forest along the Forest Road. This town, situated on the historic ruins of an ancient elven outpost, found itself at the heart of Tarn's contentious dealings, which ultimately led to his estrangement from the mainstream druidic community. Guided by his radical beliefs in the necessity of nature's chaotic forces to restore balance, Tarn blatantly defied the Great Druid Holdefer Paravis's explicit orders to refrain from interfering with human and elven activities in Twilight Falls. His actions erupted during a period of significant unrest in the town, as it grappled with its burgeoning urbanization and the consequent environmental depredations.

• Twilight Falls' Significance: Twilight Falls, once a mere way station, grew into a pivotal town following the discovery of valuable resources and the establishment of a temple complex dedicated to Fharlanghn.
• Ancient Roots and Modern Strife: Built atop the ruins of an elven outpost, the town has seen rapid growth, leading to tensions with the local elven clans and druids due to extensive deforestation and urban expansion.
• Defiance of Druidic Orders: Despite explicit directives from Holdefer, the Great Druid, Tarn employed chaotic natural forces against the townsfolk and the elves, aiming to counteract the town’s expansion.
• Catalyst for Outcast Status: Tarn's actions in Twilight Falls were deemed radical and dangerous by his druidic peers, marking the beginning of his estrangement from the Druids of the Gnarley.
• Broader Implications: The incident underscored the growing schism within the druidic community, as traditionalist factions clashed with those advocating for more aggressive measures to protect nature.
• Continued Tension: The backlash from Tarn's actions continues to affect his reputation and relationships, fueling his commitment to a path that aligns with the more extreme elements of The Old Faith and the chaotic teachings of the Elder Elemental God.

Motivation and Goals

Tarn Wildthorn's motivations stem from a deep-seated belief in the necessity of preserving the natural world, a conviction that drives his every action and decision. His radical stance on environmental protection, particularly against the encroachments of civilization, has set him apart from his fellow druids. Tarn views the urbanization and resource exploitation of areas like Twilight Falls not just as a threat to the natural balance but as an existential crisis that demands drastic measures. His goals are rooted in the restoration of nature's dominance and the dismantling of human and elven settlements that, in his eyes, desecrate the sanctity of the Gnarley Forest and its ancient legacies. This extreme approach has led him to align with the chaotic forces of the Elder Elemental God, believing that only through significant upheaval can true equilibrium be restored.

Core Motivations

• Preservation of Nature: Fiercely committed to protecting the natural world from the advances of civilization and industry.
• Restoration of Balance: Seeks to reinstate the natural order by reducing human impact, particularly in areas rich in natural beauty and resources like Twilight Falls.

Strategic Goals

• Halting Urban Expansion: Actively works to halt the expansion of towns and cities at any cost, especially those encroaching upon vital natural areas.
• Alliance with Chaotic Forces: Aligns with entities and deities that advocate for chaos as a means to disrupt the status quo and initiate environmental recovery.
• Reformation of Druidic Practices: Aims to influence druidic communities to adopt more assertive stances against what he perceives as the greatest threats to natural balance.

Tarn's Personality

Tarn Wildthorn's personality is characterized by a relentless and unyielding commitment to the forces of nature, often manifesting in a severe and uncompromising demeanor. His belief in using the chaotic powers of the Elder Elemental God to preserve the natural order marks him as an extremist among druids, willing to take measures that others might deem too harsh or ruthless. Tarn is not one for diplomacy or compromise; instead, he approaches every situation with a stark black-and-white mentality—actions are either in favor of nature’s supremacy or against it.

Defining Traits

• Uncompromising: Refuses to bend his principles, viewing any compromise as a betrayal of his mission.
• Intense: Approaches his cause with fervor, often overwhelming others with the depth of his convictions.
• Isolated: His extreme views and methods tend to distance him from others, including potential allies.
• Resolute: Possesses an unwavering determination to achieve his goals, regardless of the opposition or cost.
• Contradictory: Shows a nurturing side towards nature and its creatures while advocating for disruptive and sometimes destructive solutions to protect them.

Political Relationships

Tarn Wildthorn's political relationships are a complex web of strained alliances and fierce oppositions, shaped by his extreme views and aggressive tactics in defending nature. His dealings are characterized by a distrust of traditional political structures, which he often sees as inherently corrupt or short-sighted regarding environmental issues.

Engagement with Local Leaders

• Lord Mayor Valorek Greymantle of Twilight Falls: Tarn views the Lord Mayor with suspicion and hostility, given the mayor's expansionist policies and the impact they have on the surrounding Gnarley Forest. His direct actions against Twilight Falls have created significant tension, marking him as an antagonist to the town's development plans.
• Druids of the Gnarley Forest: His relationship with his fellow druids is fraught with conflict, as many do not support his radical methods. While they share a common goal of protecting nature, Tarn's willingness to resort to violence and elemental chaos puts him at odds with the more moderate members of the Old Faith.
• Elders of the Gnarley Rangers: The Rangers find themselves in a difficult position with Tarn. They sThe Old Faith hare his commitment to protecting the forest but are concerned about his extreme methods and the potential backlash against the forest's inhabitants. Their cooperation is cautious and often conditional on his restraint, which is sporadically granted.

Alliances and Antagonisms

• Elves of the Gnarley Forest: Initially allies due to shared goals, the relationship has soured over Tarn's aggressive actions against human encroachments, which sometimes jeopardize the elves' more diplomatic efforts to achieve harmony between the forest and its neighboring communities.
• Agents of the Temple of Elemental Evil: Tarn has formed a pragmatic yet precarious alliance with certain factions within the Temple, particularly those who can aid him in harnessing elemental chaos for his environmental crusade. However, this alliance is purely transactional, and Tarn remains wary of their broader agenda.
• Fey Creatures of the Gnarley: Tarn maintains strong connections with various fey entities, drawing on their knowledge and magical abilities to bolster his actions against human expansion. These relationships are among his most valued, providing him with insight and mystical support that is crucial to his cause.
• Naelin and the Hangmen: Tarn has formed a strategic alliance with Naelin, the leader of The Hangmen bandit gang. This partnership provides mutual benefits: Tarn leverages the Hangmen’s strength to enforce his environmental policies through more direct action, while Naelin gains a powerful ally with elemental powers to aid in his raids and territorial control.
• Lady Lmag, Mayor of Nulb: His interactions with Lady Lmag are tinged with mutual wariness. While they occasionally share common enemies, Tarn is deeply skeptical of her political ambitions and her use of enchantments which he views as manipulations that could destabilize the natural order he seeks to protect.

DM-Only Section

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Secret Operations and Alliances

• Secret Agendas and Hidden Alliances: Tarn Wildthorn's integration into the sinister networks of Nulb and his alliances with factions both lawful and chaotic have deepened the complexity of his character and his role in your campaign. Known for his uncompromising stand on natural preservation, Tarn’s tactics often blur the lines between protector and radical extremist.
• Alliance with Naelin and the Hangmen: Tarn's partnership with @naelinserves a dual purpose. While it bolsters his capacity to exert influence or enact retribution against those encroaching upon nature, it also provides the Hangmen with mystical support, enhancing their effectiveness in the region. This relationship, however, is based on a shared utility rather than ideological alignment, making it potentially volatile.
• Contentious Relations with the Druids of the Gnarley: Tarn’s methods have led to his estrangement from the mainstream druidic circles. His former mentors view his actions as a perversion of their teachings, a path that could lead to greater imbalance rather than preservation.
• Tenuous Connection with Lady Lmag: While both hold power in Nulb, their interactions are marked by a strategic play of influence and control, with each recognizing the utility of the other yet remaining deeply suspicious of their ultimate intentions.

Current Events

Tarn is indirectly involved in the ongoing expeditions led by Naelin into the ancient ruins of Qalnossk, a site believed to be rich in forgotten magics and ancient secrets. This involvement is part of a broader strategy to harness any arcane powers that could be used to defend the natural world—or to unleash chaos upon those who would harm it.

• Expedition to Qalnossk: Naelin's current focus on the ruins in the southern swamp has provided Tarn with an opportunity to explore elemental magics tied to the land's ancient history. While he does not participate directly, his elemental insights and covert support help guide the Hangmen through the dangers of the swamp.
• Strategic Resource Acquisition: Any relics or artifacts recovered by the Hangmen under Naelin’s command could potentially be used by Tarn to strengthen his elemental magic or further his environmental agenda, emphasizing the pragmatic aspects of his alliances.
• Involvement with the Temple of Elemental Evil: Tarn's interactions with the Temple are deeply clandestine, involving covert communications and the occasional strategic alignment with temple factions that share his reverence for raw elemental forces. However, his ultimate goal remains the preservation of nature's dominion rather than the temple's doctrinal successes.
• Balancing the Scales of Power: Tarn believes that introducing chaos into the overly structured civilizations that encroach on wild spaces can reset the balance of nature. His support of the Elder Elemental God through the temple’s activities is seen as a necessary evil to achieve these ends.
• Managing Information and Influence: As a keeper of ancient and elemental secrets, Tarn carefully manages the information he shares with allies and foes alike. His true intentions and the extent of his capabilities are closely guarded, known only to his most trusted followers and perhaps not even fully to them.
• Dissemination of Misinformation: Tarn occasionally spreads false information about his activities and plans, particularly to those within the Druidic circles of the Gnarley, to maintain his autonomy and prevent interference.
• Cautious Mentorship: The three druid initiates under his tutelage are taught only what Tarn deems necessary, ensuring their loyalty and limiting their ability to challenge his authority or surpass his knowledge.

"In chaos, there is balance."

Druid Tarn Wildthorn

Second-in-Command of The Hangmen 

• Strength: 14
• Intelligence: 16
• Wisdom: 18
• Dexterity: 13
• Constitution: 15
• Charisma: 12

• Hit Points: 68
• Armor Class: 2 (With magical armor and natural enhancements)
• Attack Bonus: +9
• Weapon: Staff of the Woodlands (+1 attack bonus, 1d6+2 damage)

Special Abilities

• Shapechange (3/day)
• Call Lightning (1/day, as a 12th level caster)
• Control Weather (1/day)
• Elemental Command (over earth and wood elements)

Saving Throws

• Paralysis/Poison: 10
• Petrifaction/Polymorph: 12
• Rod/Staff/Wand: 14
• Breath Weapon: 15
• Spells: 16

Spells Per Day

• 1st Level: 6
• 2nd Level: 6
• 3rd Level: 5
• 4th Level: 4
• 5th Level: 3
• 6th Level: 2
• 7th Level: 1

Special Gear

• Robes of the Earth Mother (AC 2, +2 saving throws against earth-based attacks)
• Amulet of Natural Armor (+1 AC)
• Ring of Elemental Resistance (resist fire, wind, water, and earth damage)

Abilities

• Immunity to natural poisons and toxins
• Communicate with animals and plants
• Extensive knowledge of herbalism and potion making

Alignment

Neutral neutral

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Flannae Flan

Year of Birth

536 40 Years old

Sex

male

Eyes

Piercing green

Hair

Long, unkempt, earthy brown streaked with gray

Height

6'2"

Belief/Deity

Elder Elemental God

Aligned Organization

The Hangmen

Other Affiliations

• Druids of the Gnarley Forest

Hangmen Icon by 3orcs

Tarn Wildthorn's voice carries the crackle of dry leaves and the rumble of distant thunder as he addresses a circle of listeners, his tone sharp and imbued with a raw, elemental force.

"The Druids of the Gnarley have grown complacent, tethered by alliances that blind them to the true voice of the wild. They consort with elves and rangers, diluting the potency of their oaths with the trappings of civilization! Where is their fierceness, the untamed spirit that Nature demands of its guardians? They preach balance yet stand by as man and elf carve deep into the living flesh of the forest, turning a blind eye to the ravages in their midst. It is a disgrace, a betrayal of the ancient compact signed in root and stone! We must be the storm that uproots the old ways, the wildfire that purges the weak. Only through such trials will true balance be restored!"