#the oakfather's servant || halsin

[whomuses]

"Oh, you are quite right," he flushed slightly, the druid was rarely given to feeling chastised about - well - anything, but she was quite right. He was crowing somewhat, and why not? He felt great pride in what he could do. Most blessed, by the Oakfather's gifts, but…

"Of course." he said, after a moment, "Your case is one that I am not nearly as familiar with; my knowledge is that of nature's, on the whole. Whilst I can heal, and study the plants and animals, and detect what foods are poison and what are hale… I cannot know what it is like to be born as you are."

He reached out, with the immense delicacy of someone who had handled fragile birds, feeling the edge of the feathers. Softly burred, as spoke of the owl-like nature of them; although true silent flight would be difficult at the size of a person, there were many magical blessings on show here. He was careful not to touch too much, not wanting the oils in his hands to strip away the natural coatings of the feathers.

“You keep crowing like that as your head will be as big as your muscles.” She teased. “Though it is beneficial to know when others are admiring you for your strengths and differences.” Her eyes shimmered mischievously, extending her wing towards him.

“Like so. You can feel. I was blessed with the wings like an owl. Silent and agile movements. I preen them to keep them neat and soft. Just don’t pull.” Lyra giggled. Looking back at the flowers she grew, she hummed in thought.

“I am proud of my gift. But you know just as any that all gifts have a cost. Being born as I am binds me to many rules. I… lack the same about of freedom you and the others have.”

[bearllydruid]

[starbvund]

“ It’s not a choice everyone has. ” ( for Halsin )

@galefcrce from Hawke Dialogue

The cruelties of the world didn't escape him. A philanthropist at heart Halsin was keenly aware of them. He pledged himself as a servant and protector of nature in service of Silvanus. Gale's predicament not lost on him. Even with his devotion to the Oakfather, he thought Mystra's edict went too far.

"A deer is not punished in the herd for a mistake. She is not tasked to prove herself to the others by tempting the jaws of a predator. Nor to is it fair for Mystra to expect the same of you." His tone gentle for the subject was one he knew rife with the wizard's angst.

"There is a choice still to be had. You need not stay yourself under her course. Not when you have other means at hand to resolve it."

[flowersdaggersviolasandblood]

Flower Girl

Name: Pero Ophiin (She/Her)

Race: Wood Half-Elf

Class: Druid (Circle of the Land)

Background: Outlander

WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD!

Moving away from Admaer for a moment, let's look at my pretty lil Druid girl, Pero Ophiin. To recap on what her whole deal is, she is a sheltered and shy wood Half-Elf who left home at an early age to see new horizons. She was near Baldur's Gate when the Mindflayers attacked and could've avoided this whole journey, but she chose to try and help people escape. After escaping the nautiloid ship, recruiting Shadowheart, Gale, Wyll, Astarion, and Lae'zel into her camp & party; and finding Emerald Grove, she's determined to help the Tieflings to Baldur's Gate and find Master Halsin.

Pero was able to save the Tiefling child by reciting the teachings of Silvanus, the God of Wild Nature. Pero was getting sneaking suspicions about Kagha as she immediately noticed the Elfs' constant twisting of the tenets and words of the Oakfather. The moment Pero heard that she's conducting the Rite of Thorns, this made her exceptionally concerned.

The Rite of Thorns covers a designated Druidic Grove in vines, branches, and sharp thorns. It keeps those within the designated space trapped inside, while those outside are kept out. However, what makes this ritual dangerous is that those within can potentially break out into violence due to the isolation and very few Druidic spaces survive such an extreme act. Pero safely assumes that there could be more to Kagha's reasons to kick the Tieflings out. When she tried to confront her about the risky magic, Kagha stood her ground with her reasoning.

While here, Pero talked with Nettie & Rath. Due to Pero's honestly, unlike Torment & Admaer who got poisoned because the Dwarf couldn't trust them; Pero was let off the hook. Though Pero did swore oath to drink the Wyvern poison, should she actually turn. Pero also offered, with absolute certainty, that she will look for Halsin and bring him home. However, I first want to send little miss ma'am to the swamps so that she may discover Kagha's secret.

Before we left, we learned a few things about our companions! Starting with Gale, Pero discovered rather quickly that Gale has a condition where he needs to consume magic from exceptionally powerful artifacts. He didn't explain the whole story, relating it to having to pay a tribute to a powerful neighbor to keep them happy. Pero agrees to look out for such items and bring them to him.

Of course, we do learn of Shadowhearts glowing wound, but one thing that surprised me is that she's apparently scared of wolves! As I was speaking with Silver (as a Druid or if you have the Speak with Animals potion, you can talk with many critters in the game. Very Larian Studios :D) Shadowheart failed her save and became frightened of Silver. Pero promised to limit their encounters with wolves, and RP-wise, Pero will most likely not wildshape into a wolf if Shadowheart is in the active party.

I, of course, snuck into the servants quarters and discovered the secret letter about the swamp, so that's on Pero's to-do list.

While at the Grove, we saved the Tiefling kid from the harpies and this time around, we heard Alfira sing the Weeping Dwan song! Even more exciting, Raphael appeared IN THE DRUID GROVE. So at any point in time, he could just show up earlier than expected or later!

I still smile look a goofball during this interaction with Astarion because he's just so soft. Unfortunately, I won't be aiming for Astarion with this character as far better options are available (Halsin, Gale, Halsin, Wyll, Halsin, Shadowheart maybe, and did I say Halsin?), but it was still a sweet moment. Roleplay wise, I see this as Pero being clueless to his possible advances and just happy that he's softening up to her as she feared that she was doing something to upset Astarion. As for Lae'zel, Pero is still very much scared of her.

When they confronted Zorru about the Githyanki Creche, Pero tried to stand up for him, but when Lae'zel barked back, Pero got timid and let Lae'zel do her thing. She was able to see a "softer" side to Lae'zel when she explained what the Tears were, but it's probably gonna take some time for Pero to get use to Lae'zel.

Also, I'm going to aim to recruite Karlach a bit sooner with this character than usual. Typically, at least with Admaer & Torment, Karlach is at the back of their mind. Not that Pero is too eager to see this supposed "devil" but I just think Karlach would be a better fit in this party sooner than going through the motions of doing the Blighted Village before meeting Karlach.

[bearllydruid]

[bearllydruid]

[bearllydruid]

[bearllydruid]

[bearllydruid]

[bearllydruid]

[whomuses]

"You must be truly, utterly connected to nature. The oakfather is not always the kindest of masters, either; Nature has it's turn to be cruel." Halsin said, softly. "And yet, it is without cruelty, truly, it cannot understand it. Life; ferocious, unstoppable, and yet so very fragile, Alanis." he nodded, "I know not everyone can be so connected to nature, as one such as me. I have lived a very wild life, a blessing as an elf such as I, with such a long life, can spend my time truly being nothing more than a bear." he chuckled.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

The more Halsin speaks, the more he wishes he had even a small inkling of talent for druid magic. His inability to cast druid spells isn't from a lack of trying. He's read countless books, made attempt after attempt... Nothing worked, much to his frustration. "It is nice to dream of such things," Alanis confesses, find himself more enamored with the idea of his own potential wild shape with each passing comment. "But I have yet to be able to cast a druid spell. I never had much luck before I was resurrected and now... Now it is like nature is afraid of me. Or perhaps..." he goes on to add the next vulnerable bit in a quieter voice, "perhaps I am just afraid of myself."

[whomuses]

“Hold still. I have a bandage." Lyra to Halsin

~ @thethreefaes

"Oh, it's nothing - nothing at all." Halsin said, waving a hand, before pressing the large palm over the laceration on his bicep. It was bleeding heavily, dripping down onto his tanned skin. "I reassure you, I need nothing but nature's bounty to get it all fixed up. No need to waste supplies on such a thing."

[thethreefaes]

Lyra giggled at him and at the touch. The feathers were sensitive and she fluffed them under the touch.

“None can know of others as such. But it’s nice to befriend others and learn.” Being cheeky she reached out and poked the muscle on his uninjured arm.

“You have a vast amount of knowledge. I’d love to learn from you.”

“You keep crowing like that as your head will be as big as your muscles.” She teased. “Though it is beneficial to know when others are admiring you for your strengths and differences.” Her eyes shimmered mischievously, extending her wing towards him.

“Like so. You can feel. I was blessed with the wings like an owl. Silent and agile movements. I preen them to keep them neat and soft. Just don’t pull.” Lyra giggled. Looking back at the flowers she grew, she hummed in thought.

“I am proud of my gift. But you know just as any that all gifts have a cost. Being born as I am binds me to many rules. I… lack the same about of freedom you and the others have.”

[whomuses]

"Well, yes; but the body that you take when changed can quite often be jarringly different from that which you take as a person, you understand. I tend naturally to the bear; I can take the shape of other creatures, of course, as I am blessed to do, and each is of the same great value - from the tiniest rat to the great cave bear itself. But my heart pulls towards that form. I have spent sometimes years at a time, living wild, truly being part of nature. The simplicity and yet... such complexity, to be a bear." he mused, with a warm smile. "I can see you take a swift form. You would perhaps even find your body in wildshape... more willing to work with you, than it is now." it was a long speech for the druid, and he hummed warmly, a soft tune.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

Alanis listens intently to Halsin's speech. Druidic magic has always interested him, despite his own inherent lack of talent for it. It hasn't been for a lack of effort, of course. Alanis adores just about every type of magic. However, there are some forms of magic that will always remain out of his reach (such as druidic magic and sorcery). "Each form seems to be unique to a person's skills and personalities. I am flattered by your ideas. In my humanoid form I am not swift. At least, not physically. I suppose I am rather swift of mind."

[whomuses]

He threw his head back and laughed, deep and warm. "Oh, I have no doubt that many think me a rather... remarkable specimen of an elf." he chuckled, shaking his head slightly, "I am aware that I am unusual in build compared to many of my kind. The joys of being a bear druid." he was still smiling, despite himself, aatching as her wings moved; such fascinating things. Part of him longed to reach out and touch, but he had enough respect for wild things to attempt no such gesture. "Goodness. A gift that many in my circle would envy deeply; to do so with just a touch. Nature's gifts are many, of course - but it still takes magic for me to summon forth such bounty."

“Quite a piece, huh? Halsin!” Lyra couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled up. She knew… at least had a feeling, he didn’t mean for it to sound so… showing off. She was sure vanity was more the vampire’s thing. After the laughter faded she shook her head.

“No thanks needed, my friend. It’s in my blood.” She fluffed her wings as she put her kit away. Reaching out she playfully drew a circle in the soil beside them. Flowers grew and bloomed from the circle.

“See?” Another giggle.

[whomuses]

"It's quite a piece to keep whole, too. I rarely allow myself to lose parts, no matter my shape." he chuckled indulgently at that, well aware of the bulk that he took up. Even for a wood elf, he was well aware he was an oddity. The druids were also always somewhat taken aback by the sheer size of their leader.

Soft eyes lingered on her at that comment; speaking neither to prove it nor the reject it. "Thank you for your help." he said, softly, turning his arm slowly. It was already on the way to healing; he trusted in nature to handle it, no need to waste resoiurces unnecessarily. It would go well with all his other scars. "You are very kind, Lyra."

“Well, someone has to keep you in one piece!” She giggled as she finished the wrapping. Then, Lyra rinsed the cloth off and took the hand Halsin had been holding the wound with. Running the cloth over the bloody hand.

“You are so stubborn when it comes to injuries. But I can tell when you hurt. As much as you hide it.” Her wings shuffled behind her and closed closer around her shoulders. She finally let his hand go once the blood was washed off.

“There. Much better.” She smiled up at him, glad he let her help.