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Peryn Hawkswood
Physical description:Full name: Peryn Alder Hawkswood
Age: 20
Race: Human
Sex: Male
Date of birth: 20th of Tarsakh (The Claw of Storms), 1339 DR
Place of birth: Elturel
Alignment: Lawful Good
Patron deity: Helm
Honored deity: Chauntea
Profession: Tracker and Herbalist
Classes: Rogue/Wilderness Stalker
Primary language: Common
Secondary languages:
Halfling (Fluent) - Peryn's fluency in Halfling comes from his childhood friendship with Tobin Goodbarrel, a lively Halfling who grew up alongside Peryn in Elturel.
Psychological description:Peryn stands slightly less than average height for a human; his lean, well-defined frame reveals a lifetime lived on the edge of the wilderness. His sun-bleached blond hair is most-often neatly tied back, secured in place by a rustic leather headband. He dons hooded robes, their muted earth tones blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings, serving both as his protection from the elements and a means for stealth when necessary. His bright green eyes are ever watchful, indicative of a mind constantly on alert. The tautness of his skin and the dirt underneath his nails tell tales of long treks and countless sunrises witnessed.
Peryn's attire is simple and rustic, with a tunic worn beneath his robes. A sturdy leather belt encircles his waist, bearing several pouches filled with herbs, a compact fishing kit, and other survival tools. Tucked carefully into one pouch is a collection of feathers from different birds he has encountered, a testament to his tracking skills and his connection to the avian world. An intricately carved wooden whistle, a gift from his Halfling friend Tobin, hangs from a thin leather cord around his neck, often used to mimic bird calls.
Sturdy, waterproof boots bear the mark of many miles traveled. Over his shoulder, he carries a satchel filled with his foraging and herbalism gear: a set of carefully maintained knives for cutting and preparing herbs, a roll of vellum for taking notes and sketching plants, small containers for samples, and a guide to local fauna and flora he's been compiling over the years.
Twin blades, daggers more akin to short swords, are worn at his belt. Unlike his utilitarian items, these are crafted with the clear intention of combat. Their wide, robust blades are fashioned from high carbon steel and treated with a dark stain to mute any glare and ensure stealth. A prominent fuller runs down the center of each blade, reducing weight and lending an air of menace to the weapons.
The cross guards on each blade are robust, designed to shield the herbalist's hands from opposing blades. From each cross guard rises a steel bar - a knuckle guard - that curves over to meet the pommels, providing an additional layer of defense for Peryn's hands without hindering dexterity. The hilts are wrapped in worn boar leather, the deep grooves in the skin providing a firm, reliable grip. The pommels are unadorned steel, weighty and solid, providing balance to the large blades and offering a blunt force option in close quarters.
Peryn's longbow, in hand or across his back, is a seasoned yew masterpiece, boasting a deep reddish-brown hue. It's strung with twisted sinew, and the grip bears the mark of Helm, subtly carved and highlighted by a glint of mithril inlay.
His attire and equipment speak volumes about his life - one tied intimately with the natural world.
Among his notable features are the scars that mark his life's journey: a small, deep one on his left palm - a souvenir from a fishing mishap in his childhood, and a jagged one across his right shoulder - a reminder of a dangerous encounter in the wild.
Despite the rough-and-ready nature of his gear, there's an undeniable orderliness to it all, a testament to his dedication and discipline. From his hair down to his boots, Peryn is a reflection of the wilderness he loves: rugged, enduring, and filled with untold stories.
Skills and AbilitiesPeryn is a quiet and watchful presence, much like the sentinel trees of the forests he frequents. He is patient, curious, and finds kinship with the birds, animals, and nature itself. Well-regimented and fond of routine. However, beneath his composed exterior, he holds himself to exceedingly high standards. His unwavering commitment to duty and order can sometimes lead him to become overly critical of himself and others, especially when plans or routines are disrupted. Even the slightest deviation from his meticulously crafted strategies can cause frustration and self-doubt, as he constantly seeks perfection in his actions.
Furthermore, during times of mental struggle, Peryn tends to withdraw from others and seek solace in the solitude of the wilderness. When his mental health falters, he may experience intense bouts of introspection and self-doubt. These extended breaks from his routine, while necessary for his well-being, can further exacerbate his frustration and sense of isolation. During these periods, he may find himself questioning his purpose and grappling with internal conflicts, seeking solace and clarity amidst the embrace of nature.
No knight in shining armor; he's the vigilant eye in the wood, alert and ready, willing to make hard choices that protect the many over the few.
Religious views:Peryn's survival skills are paramount, but his abilities extend far beyond. His proficiency in stealth allows him to blend seamlessly with the wilderness, enabling close observation and interaction with the wild without causing undue disturbance. His sharp observational skills and uncanny knack for pattern recognition prove crucial in tracking both wildlife and humanoids, understanding changes in the ecosystem, or anticipating potential threats.
In addition to his keen survival instincts, Peryn possesses a diverse skill set shaped by his upbringing. He has extensive knowledge of herbalism, gained from years of learning from his mother, Elara, a skilled herbalist. Peryn can identify medicinal plants, edible herbs, and other resources, both domestic and found in the wild. Furthermore, he has honed his skills in processing these plants, knowing how to properly harvest, dry, and prepare them for various purposes. He can create poultices, salves, and potions using his collected herbs, providing vital aid in healing and enhancing the well-being of his allies. Peryn's expertise in herbalism makes him a valuable asset, as he can harness the power of nature to support himself and those around him.
Peryn's connection with nature also extends to his proficiency in fishing. With his understanding of local waterways and his adeptness in angling, he can provide sustenance for himself and his companions during their travels. Whether it's casting a line into a tranquil lake or patiently waiting by a rushing river, Peryn's fishing skills ensure a fresh catch to supplement their provisions.
Furthermore, Peryn is skilled in falconry, a craft passed down to him by his paternal grandfather, Theren Hawkswood. Trained in the art of working with birds of prey, Peryn can handle and train falcons with grace and precision. His falconry expertise allows him to employ these majestic creatures as allies and companions during his wilderness excursions. The bond he shares with his falcon enables him to utilize their keen senses and aerial mobility to gain valuable insights and perform scouting duties.
Peryn's diverse skill set in herbalism, fishing, and falconry makes him a versatile and resourceful individual, capable of thriving in the natural world and providing invaluable assistance to his allies.
BiographyPeryn is a devoted follower of Helm, The Watcher, whose tenets of protection and vigilance deeply resonate with him and remind him of his grandfather, Theren. Peryn finds his spiritual and moral guidance in Helm's teachings. His daily rituals include prayers to Helm, usually offered at dawn or dusk when the boundary between the civilized world and the wilds feels most blurred.
As an expression of his faith, and what he sees as almost divine obligation, Peryn meticulously observes and documents both the natural changes in the wilderness, as well as the activities of those who traverse his domains. He feels this watchful vigilance aligns with Helm's teachings, and he sees himself as something of a guardian of nature itself and of mankind's role within it.
However, Peryn also honors Chauntea, if only secondarily. Raised by an herbalist mother and a father who taught him the importance of respecting the wilderness, Peryn has come to see Chauntea as a secondary guiding force in his life. Every plant he identifies, every herb he gathers, he offers a silent thanks to Chauntea for her generosity.
While he is most comfortable in nature, Peryn is no druid or radical of natural balance. He understands the resources that nature offers to the civilized realms. He envisions himself as able to be the eyes and ears in the wilderness for those that rely on it for life, standing as a beacon of Helm's watchfulness.
Family
HistoryPeryn is the son of Elara and Kael Hawkswood, skilled woodfolk of Elturel. Both parents instilled a deep love and reverence for the wilderness in Peryn and his twin sister, Sera, from a young age.
Elara Hawkswood, a warm and nurturing figure, is a proficient herbalist, known for her comprehensive knowledge of the region's flora and their various uses. She is revered for her ability to heal, nourish, and provide for the community with her gathered resources. From Elara, Peryn inherited his keen eye for herbs and his understanding of their medicinal properties. She taught him to view nature as a life-giving resource that could be tapped into responsibly to aid human life. Aging quickly, she no longer spends time gathering in the fields, but keeps a prized garden and apiary near their home in Elturel that she has nurtured for years.
Kael Hawkswood, a rugged and determined man, is a highly skilled hunter and former scout for the Hellriders of Elturel. Known for his dead-accurate aim and deep understanding of the wilderness, Kael taught Peryn about tracking, hunting, and outdoor survival. He completed his military service while Peryn was still a youth, and as he transitioned to hunting he emphasized the need for sustainable practices and respect for the prey. These days Kael does very little by way of hunting, and spends his days on a creek bank most often. His hunting knife, given to Peryn upon reaching adulthood, is a symbol of this philosophy and has become one of Peryn's cherished possessions.
Theren Hawkswood, Peryn's paternal grandfather, was a Helmite by faith and a falconer by profession. He served in the retinue of a humble yet esteemed paladin of the city, Sir Alaric Brightlance of Helm. Theren and Peryn held a close bond. From his grandfather, Peryn learned the art of falconry, as well as the tenants of the Helmite faith. Theren passed away only a few years ago, leaving a void in Peryn that is yet to be filled. It was in honor of his grandfather that he officially adopted Helm as his patron God.
Sera Hawkswood, Peryn's twin sister, captures the spirit of nature in her songs and stories as an upcoming bard. While Peryn learned the practical ways of the wild, Sera chose the path of the bard, capturing the spirit of nature in her songs and stories. They share a close bond, their personalities complementing each other well. Sera's tales often feature Peryn as a character, the quiet, watchful guardian of the wilderness, which Peryn finds mildly embarrassing but secretly flattering. Sera has an appetite for adventure, and Peryn worries for her safety.
FuturePeryn's life has been intricately woven with nature since his earliest memories. His lessons of tracking and survival imparted by his parents painted his childhood with the rich hues of the wilderness.
His ventures into this untamed wilderness near Elturel often included the company of his parents. They embarked on daring expeditions, exploring unmarked caves, secret groves, and hidden waterfalls. Through these adventures, Peryn refined his observational skills, learned to move with the quiet grace of a forest creature, and cultivated a deep appreciation for nature's beauty and wonders.
His lifelong friendship with Tobin, a Halfling with an inexhaustible zest for life, introduced an entirely different world to Peryn. Together, they roamed the woods, their laughter blending with the rustle of leaves and the chorus of birdsong, their shared love for nature forming the cornerstone of their friendship. Tobin's infectious laughter and boundless spirit taught Peryn to find joy in life's simple pleasures, from the perfect skipping stone to the soothing smoke of a well-tended pipe, or the crisp bite of a juicy apple. In return, Peryn taught Tobin how to listen to the singing wilderness and understand its subtle messages. Peryn also picked up the lyrical language of the Halflings and Tobin's less orthodox 'skills of mischief', which have both proved useful in their exploits and later on in Peryn's solo travels.
A notable incident that shaped Peryn was when he, barely a boy of ten summers, fell into the Chionthar River while he hurriedly tried to run along a log to catch an elusive river trout. A hand-carved hook lodged into his hand as he fell, and although he was quickly rescued by his father, the ordeal left him with a lasting respect for the river and its inhabitants. The scar on his palm serves as a constant reminder of this lesson in patience and caution.
Peryn's relationship with falconry, guided by his grandfather Theren, began early in his childhood. However, it wasn't until his twelfth year that he truly immersed himself in the craft. Theren's lessons wove together elements of patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of birds of prey, enriching Peryn's young mind. Alongside these teachings, Theren introduced Peryn to the principles of Helm and the deity's tenets, planting seeds of faith within daily practical training in combat and ethical guidance. Their time spent training with and near their falcons, created a unique bond between the two. Peryn holds this memory close to his heart and has a persistent desire to return to the craft he and his grandfather shared.
When Peryn was fifteen, a dire wolf crossed his path while he was exploring the woods alone, just beyond his given limits. The encounter led to a frantic chase, with the wolf's snarls echoing through the trees behind him. Just as Peryn managed to clamber up a towering oak, the wolf swiped at him, leaving a jagged scar across his shoulder. Throughout the long night spent treed, Peryn learned the harsh realities of the wild—a lesson in obedience, caution, and the inherent dangers that lurk beyond the safety of civilization. As dawn broke and his father and others came down the trail, the wolf disappeared into the depths of the forest. Peryn, however, did have his revenge. For six months following his encounter he honed his combat and tracking skills, then tracked down and slayed the wolf. Now, he wears its claw around his neck, a symbol of his resilience and a reminder of the delicate balance between predator and prey.
Peryn's beloved grandfather Theren passed away two years ago, leaving an unfilled void in his heart. To honor Theren's memory and lessons, Peryn has officially embraced Helm as his patron deity. Last year, when chaos engulfed the gods, Peryn's faith was severely tested, but through it all, his connection to Helm through his grandfather's memory offered solace and renewed determination.
Over the past six months, Peryn has embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery, carrying only what he can on his person as he searches for purpose and learns the lands around his home of Elturel. Each day offers new challenges and opportunities as a man of strict routine navigates a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, aiming to find his place within it.
Heirloom itemPeryn hopes to one day find employment with a landed noble, lord, or even a wealthy merchant who might share his respect for the wilderness. His skills as a falconer, herbalist, and scout could prove valuable in a court, and he hopes to serve some deserving leader of strong ideals as his grandfather had before him.
Peryn is unsure what lays beyond that, and at times that uncertainty troubles his well-regimented mind.
Father's Old Hunting Knife: This heirloom, a sturdy hunting knife with a handle carved from Elturel oak, belonged to Peryn's father, Kael. A stylized hawk is etched into the handle, the family emblem, acting as a silent reminder of Peryn's heritage and his father's teachings.
The Healer's Herbal Tome: An aged book with a cover of worn, dark leather, this tome was passed down through Peryn's maternal family. Its pages, once crisp and white, are now yellowed with age and filled with detailed sketches and notes about various plants, their properties, and uses. The handwriting changes throughout the book, showing the contributions of generations before him. The aroma of dried herbs clings to the pages, evoking memories of remedies prepared by his mother. Despite its age, the book's binding remains strong, a metaphor for the resilience and enduring wisdom of his ancestors.
Grandfather's Falconry Glove: A thick leather glove, worn and weathered from years of use. It's covered in a myriad of scratches from bird talons, each one telling a story of a bird that Theren Hawkswood, Peryn's grandfather, trained.
