Howland (a.k.a. Howl)
Howl is a young, short and skinny Ranger who wears old, hard-wearing, naturally coloured clothes. At a glance the only remarkable thing about his appearance is that he wears a plain white mask at all times. Those who spend enough time with him may notice that his cloak is more remarkable than it seems, changing colour gradually over time from verdant forest green in spring, faded green in summer, the orange of fallen leaves in fall and a dull reddish brown in winter.
Howl rarely speaks about his early past, sometimes claiming that he cannot remember, however he will talk happily about the last three years or so. Over that time he travelled far and wide investigating stories of paranormal phenomena causing trouble for ordinary people, particularly in rural communities. He moves on constantly, never staying in one place for more than a week. Shortly after the foundation of the Guild of Cardinal Points Howl signed up. After hearing that Arcos had opened its borders he paid for passage on a ship heading there to explore the new land. The Guild offered him the opportunity to do good on a wider scale, and companions with which to travel.
Following the Naglfar incident Howl has been making expeditions into the Underdark settlements of the Svartsalf beneath Carn Geirick. His memories of the extermination of the Svartsalf have left him wanting to restore knowledge of the elfin civilisation to the people of Carn Geirick, partly out of a sense that their being forgotten is an injustice, and partly in the hopes of helping Helja and Tarq fit in better on the islands.
Physical Description
A life surviving in the wilds has left Howl stronger and tougher than the average human, and with far sharper and faster senses and reactions.
Howl's mask has two long scratches on it running down across the left eye.
Howl has a habit of leaning closer and turning the left side of his face toward people he is talking to, or who are talking to him.
Howl's personal morality has led him to learn a defensive style fighting, not attacking until attacked. In order to survive this fighting style he has developed an almost uncanny ability to avoid harm, always keeping just out of reach of his enemy and deflecting their attacks away from him, riposting only when they leave him an opening to do so safely.
Howl wears hard-wearing travelling clothes, worn leather boots and bracers, a tattered hood and cloak and a simple, featureless mask painted white. He carries two old shortswords and a recurve hunting bow for self-defence.
Mental characteristics
During his travels Howl has come to believe that ignorance among ordinary people toward paranormal, magical or mystical phenomena is an easily fixable source of harm. When talking about his past the further back the less he says, but for the last three years or so he has been travelling from rural settlement to rural settlement exorcising ghosts, banishing minor imps and seeking to find balance between natural spirits and the people living in the lands they are bound to. He hopes that by teaming up with the Guild he will be able to do this on a larger scale, helping like-minded individuals and saving more lives.
Howl has lived in the wilderness for at least three years. In the past if he's needed money he's raised it by selling the skins and furs of animals he has hunted for food, or that have tried to prey on him. Now he works with the Adventurer's Guild, accepting any mission that keeps him on the road or the high-seas.
Howl has travelled for years in the wilds and has not died or been permanently injured.
While Howl isn't stupid his total lack of formal education has left him lacking knowledge on many subjects. He also has a tendency towards naivete and is somewhat mistrustful of strangers.
Howl is obviously phobic about taking off his mask. No-one at the Guild has seen his face, and Howl has never explained why.
Howl is always curious. He is a quick thinker, but his limited education means that he may not know things that are common knowledge to others.
Howl is a naturally good person. He believes killing is wrong, but differentiates between 'People', 'Monsters' and 'Animals'. When asked why he joined the Guild Howl has been known to say he hopes to be a positive influence in the world.
Personality Characteristics
Howl seeks to be a positive influence on the world.
Howl is courageous and cunning, although not necessarily intelligent or sensible. He is a skilful fighter and a fearsom archer, and a lifetime of travel has granted him good survival skills. On the other hand he is inclined towards naivete, and has a tendency to get lost and overwhelmed in cities.
Howl likes talking to people and finds natural environments relaxing. In contrast however despite being an inherently calm and peace-loving individual Howl unconsciously seeks out adrenaline highs.
Social
Howl knows various members of the Guild.
He has developed a respect for the intellect of Doc Crow, The bravery of Skor Grim and the knowledge of Suplex the scholar. In addition while he was initially nervous of Sir Garrus the paladin healed him when he was badly hurt, earning Howl's gratitude.
Howl subscribes to no religion and was not raised in one, he is however interested in learning about other people's religions. He does respect what he would refer to as 'the Spirits of Nature'.
Howl is somewhat nervous at times, but his natural curiosity inevitably draws him into conversations.
He rarely feels the need to lead others, but will take a leading role if annoyed by lack of direction.
He is straightforward and to the point in speech and manner, but is generally friendly unless offended.
Howl's speech is habitually casual.
Friend (Important)
Towards Skorgriim Hjalnir
History
At first Howl saw Skorgriim as just another potential friend to meet. He tried to start a friendly relationship, but felt rebuffed due to Skor's aloof manner. This lasted until the Skor jumped aboard the Naglfar. Not wanting to see his companion torn to pieces Howl followed him, and the two were forced to fight for their lives side-by-side. It was a close-won battle, but after that Howl trusts Skor's ability in battle unquestioningly. In the final encounter with Helja Howl was incapacitated trying to bring about a peaceful end to the battle. When he woke he learned that despite his warrior's instincts and serious risk to himself Skor had managed to convince Helja to stop fighting and give herself up without a fight. Because of these events, and the noticeable thawing in Skor's initial chilly attitude Howl now considers Skor to be a trusted and friend and comrade.
Nicknames & Petnames
Skor Grim
Shared Acquaintances
Various Guild members.
Friend
Towards Doctor Bilillybell Krough
History
Howl has a complex relationship with Bilillybell, whether she knows it or not. He has an innate nervousness about magic users, but he also has a great respect for anyone he deems to be learned. As a result Howl's instinct is to trust Bilillybell's judgement above his own, even though she almost set him on fire that one time. Over the time they have known each other he has also come to trust her moral compass, despite the fact that she has dabbled in necromancy. Her distaste for violence and desire to heal harm has convinced him of her noble intentions.
Nicknames & Petnames
Doc Crow
Shared Acquaintances
Various Guild members
History
Howl respects Plex as he respects anyone he considers learned. He also likes him because Plex has always been friendly to him, and has generally proven himself to be reasonable and considered in his responses to even the most extreme situations.
Nicknames & Petnames
Flex
It's complicated
Towards Helja, last daughter of the Svartsalf
History
Howl's relationship to Helja is about as complicated as it could be in the amount of time they have known each other.
Howl hated Helja when they first met. He wanted to kill her for the terror she had unleashed against the people of Carn Geirick, and because of his horror at what he perceived as the unpredictability of the magic she wielded.
The second time they met Howl quickly came to realise that there was more to Helja then he had first realised, and realising his own ignorance he was overcome by his curiosity, and his fear of causing harm through actions driven by misunderstanding. He tried to talk to Helja, still very fearful of her, but needing to understand what drove her to do what she had done.
Howl failed to convince Helja, and almost lost his mind as a result. He lived through the massacre of the Svartsalf the way she experienced it; as a terrified child. When his sanity was restored Howl remembered everything he had seen, and understood exactly why Helja did what she did. From that moment on he swore to protect her, save her, help her find redemption for her sins. As far as he's concerned their lives are inextricably linked now.
Nicknames & Petnames
Helja
Relationship Reasoning
Kindred spirits
Shared Secrets
Yes
Shared Acquaintances
The Call from the North Party
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