Velstrine Mirewisker
Velstrine Mirewhisker
Title: The Witch of the Blackmarsh
Race: Shrewfolk
Class: Druid (Circle of Twilight) / Warlock (Archfey Patron)
Alignment: Neutral with a pragmatic lean toward good
Age: 67
---
Appearance
Velstrine is a diminutive and wiry Shrewfolk with coarse, mud-brown fur streaked with silvery-gray patches that hint at her age. Her sharp, beady eyes glimmer with intelligence and an enigmatic charm. She wears a patchwork robe crafted from moss, reeds, and swamp flowers, making her appear as if she has emerged from the marsh itself. Around her neck hangs a braided charm of thorns and feathers, an amulet said to channel the spirits of the swamp.
Her staff, a gnarled branch of Thornroot Mangrove, is topped with glowing Glowfern spores, which emit a faint, pulsating light. Despite her eerie aura, there’s something oddly comforting about her presence, as if the swamp itself protects her.
---
Personality
Velstrine is a blend of mystery, pragmatism, and maternal wisdom. She speaks in riddles and layered meanings, often forcing those who seek her aid to think critically about their own intentions. While she may seem brusque, she is deeply compassionate toward those who respect the balance of nature and genuinely seek her guidance.
Velstrine dislikes unnecessary conflict and prefers to be blunt and upfront in situations. However, she is fiercely protective of the Blackmarsh and will not hesitate to unleash her full magical power to defend it.
Her sense of humor is dry and laced with irony, often catching people off guard. She takes a particular joy in teasing her old friend Nepheron Harrowcux about her flair for drama.
---
Background
Velstrine grew up in the heart of the Thornwood, among a close-knit Shrewfolk community. Her natural curiosity led her to explore the marsh’s hidden depths, where she formed a bond with the primal spirits and fey energies that dwell there. As she matured, her talent for manipulating the swamp’s magic earned her the title of Witch of the Blackmarsh, a role both feared and revered by locals.
For decades, Velstrine worked alongside her friends Nepheron Harrowcux and Murdrick Greybough, blending her earthy pragmatism with their respective cunning and intellect to protect the Thornwood. However, Murdrick’s fall to lichdom marked a turning point in Velstrine’s life. She withdrew deeper into the swamp, burdened by the loss of her colleague and the growing dangers of the Thornwood.
Now, Velstrine serves as the Blackmarsh’s guardian, healer, and occasional harbinger of cryptic wisdom.
---
Abilities
Velstrine’s power is a unique blend of druidic magic and fey-influenced warlock abilities, allowing her to manipulate both natural and supernatural forces.
Druidic Magic: Velstrine’s spells focus on healing, protection, and controlling the swamp’s flora and fauna.
Fey Connection: Her warlock pact with an ancient fey being grants her illusions, charms, and the ability to call upon the spirits of the Blackmarsh.
Alchemical Expertise: Velstrine can craft potent potions, salves, and poisons from the Blackmarsh’s rare flora.
Shapechanger: She favors small, swamp-dwelling creatures like frogs, snakes, and otters for her wild shapes.
Spirit Whisperer: Velstrine can commune with the spirits of the swamp to gain insight into the past, present, and future.
---
Relationships
Nepheron Harrowcux: Velstrine and Nepheron share a complicated but enduring friendship. While Velstrine grounds Nepheron with her practicality, Nepheron encourages Velstrine to embrace her more whimsical side. Their bond has only grown stronger since Murdrick’s fall.
Murdrick Greybough: Velstrine mourns the loss of Murdrick as a friend and colleague. Though she views his transformation into a lich as an unforgivable betrayal of nature, a part of her still hopes that some remnant of the badger she once knew can be saved.
Thornwood Goblins: The goblins of the Blackmarsh view Velstrine as both a protector and an unpredictable force of nature. She occasionally trades with them but is quick to punish those who upset the balance of the swamp.
Blackmarsh Druids: Velstrine is an informal leader among the druids of the Blackmarsh. Though she avoids hierarchical structures, they defer to her wisdom and strength.
---
Items and Tools
Staff of Blackthorn: A magical staff that allows Velstrine to summon vines and thorns to entangle enemies.
Glowfern Lantern: Her staff’s glowing top can cast light or create hypnotic effects.
Blackmarsh Amulet: A charm that protects her from scrying and grants advantage on Wisdom saving throws.
Alchemist’s Satchel: Filled with rare herbs, potions, and poisons crafted from the swamp’s flora.
---
Goals
Velstrine’s primary goal is to protect the Blackmarsh and ensure the balance of nature is maintained. However, she also seeks to understand the growing disturbances in the Thornwood and beyond, which she believes may be tied to Murdrick’s growing power and the thinning veil to the Feywild.
She harbors a quiet hope that she might one day redeem Murdrick or, failing that, ensure his destruction without further damage to the natural order.
Comments