Naimur
Great Druid of the Gnarley Forest
In the heartwood of the ancient Gnarley Forest, where sunbeams barely breach the moss-draped canopy and root and river know the name of every druid who ever lived, walks a diminutive gnome with a gaze deeper than time itself. Naimur, called the Great Druid of the Gnarley, is more than a title—he is the living root of wisdom, the still flame of the Old Faith, and the unseen hand behind a thousand acts of balance.
Steward of Secrets, Guardian of the Eternal Circle
Naimur appears to be a cheerful old gnome, robed in warm brown wool and leather, his belt a patchwork of pouches, tools, and charms. At first glance, he resembles a kindly mushroom-gatherer, more likely to tell riddles than invoke nature's fury. But his hazel eyes glimmer with ancient depth, pools of knowing that have watched centuries flow like rivers.
- Race: Gnome
- Height: Barely over 3 feet
- Notable Features: Perpetually cheerful expression, weathered brown robe, satchel of herbs and relics
- Symbolic Item: A mistletoe-carved staff wound with ivy
- Notable Companion: A raven named Whist, who rarely speaks—but when he does, it’s in riddles
“You don’t command the forest, child. You ask.”
Role and Responsibilities
As Great Druid, Naimur is the spiritual fulcrum of the Gnarley Forest. He holds sway over the druids of the Old Faith, maintains deep ties with the Gnarley Rangers, and is considered the unspoken voice of the forest in the great matters of balance. He served briefly and begrudgingly as Grand Druid of the Flanaess, but happily relinquished the post to return to his home soil.
- Oversees all druidic circles of the Gnarley Forest
- Maintains harmony between druids, fey, gnomes, rangers, and the elven clans
- Guides Ranger Knights through counsel and quiet manipulation
- Knows the locations of many ancient sites, including elemental nodes, Ur-Flan ruins, lost mythals, and buried relics
“I am not the roots of this forest—I am merely the gardener.”
Personality and Philosophy
Despite his power, Naimur is humble, warm, and full of quiet mirth. He speaks in riddles, stories, or proverbs, even when the matter is urgent. To the initiated, this is not dithering—it is the rhythm of the Eternal Circle. He believes that all things move in cycles, and the wise know when to act... and when to wait.
- Alignment: Neutral Good
- Belief: "In nature, there is no urgency—only purpose."
- Motivations: To preserve balance, protect the secrets of the forest, and pass wisdom to those who will honor it.
Background and History
Druid of the Old Faith
Naimur rose through the circles of the Old Faith over a span of more than 150 years, earning his place not by combat prowess alone, but by insight, vision, and unity with the natural world. As a High Druid, he aided in the defense of the Gnarley during the Hateful Wars, and later played a pivotal role in the reformation of the Gnarley Rangers, fostering cooperation between them and the druids.
A Reluctant Grand Druid
For a time, he accepted the title of Grand Druid of the Flanaess, but found the pomp and burden of the office ill-suited to his nature. He returned to his grove in the Gnarley Forest, and resumed his preferred life of quiet stewardship.
“Even an oak must bow to the storm sometimes.”
Alliances and Relationships
The Gnarley Rangers
Naimur is a patron and advisor to the Rangers, respected by all and feared just enough. He personally mentored Gnarley Ranger Annika Silverwood, helping raise her to the rank of Ranger Knight when her predecessor fell. He maintains a close alliance with Parsimmon Turmercan, the acting liaison of the Rangers in Corustaith, using the half-elf’s diplomacy to balance the ambitions of Verbobonc and Dyvers.
Druids of the Gnarley Forest
Among his most trusted circle are:
- Archdruid Hrudek Oakheart , a pragmatic guardian of the eastern forest.
- Maiya Dewshine, a sylvan elf High Druid of grace and deep magic.
- Laric, a human druid with a warrior’s heart and a statesman’s mind.
Naimur encourages them to operate autonomously, yet with a shared sense of purpose rooted in the Eternal Circle.
The Fey and Forest Creatures
The fey adore him, the treants seek his words in times of crisis, and even the reclusive Swanmay of the Gnarley Forest honor his wisdom. He is often seen in deep conversation with a dryad, or sharing tea with a wood giant who wandered in for advice.
Secrets and Mysteries
Though he rarely flaunts it, Naimur’s true power lies in what he knows. He has spent decades cataloging:
- Planar touchstones and ancient ley lines
- Forgotten ruins from the Great Migrations
- Ur-Flan dungeons where shadows of Vecna still linger
- Elder Elemental sites sealed with druidic magic
- Old Elven Mythals, including one beneath the Forest of Falling Leaves
He rarely acts directly—but he always has someone who can.
Current Concerns and Influence
With the resurgence of the Temple of Elemental Evil, Naimur walks in longer shadows. Cults stir in the deep places, and balancing the chaos of mortals becomes harder by the day. Still, he counsels caution, not alarm, and watches the wheels turn from behind the scenes.
- Advised against war with Dyvers, Free Lands of, favoring subtle diplomacy
- Warned the Archdruids of signs from the stars and root sigils gone black
- Helps young leaders rise, like Annika, even when the older guard disapproves
For the Dungeon Master
Important Lore Points
- Has been Great Druid of the Gnarley for over 40 years.
- Formerly served as Grand Druid of the Flanaess.
- Responsible for raising Annika Silverwood and backing Parsimmon Turmercan.
- Knows of numerous ancient sites, including planar nodes, Ur-Flan tombs, and Elven ruins.
- Maintains deep influence without direct rule.
Adventure Hooks
- PCs could be sent by Naimur to investigate a sealed leyline or lost ruin.
- He may task druids or rangers to mediate a dispute between rangers and Dyversian gentry.
- His warnings could foreshadow Elemental Evil stirring in the forest once more.
Naimur is more than a character—he is a pillar of the Gnarley’s soul, a repository of ancient wisdom, and the kind of figure whose every word echoes long after he has wandered back into the moss and mist.
“Balance is not stillness—it is movement in harmony.”
Naimur, Great Druid of the Gnarley Forest
Small Humanoid (Rock Gnome), Neutral Good, Level 15 Druid
Armor Class 17 (Ring of Protection +2, Amulet of Natural Armor +3, Dex +1, Size +1)
Hit Points 82
Speed 20 ft.
Initiative +1
Proficiency Bonus +5
Saving Throws Con +10, Wis +13, Cha +8
Passive Perception 17
Languages Common, Gnomish, Elvish, Sylvan, Druidic
Abilities
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 (-1) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 24 (+7) | 16 (+3) |
Druid Features
- Wild Shape (5/day) – Tiny to Huge beast or plant; up to CR 4
- Wild Shape (2/day) – Magical Beast (GM discretion)
- Timeless Body, Venom Immunity, Mask of Many Faces
- Spellcasting: 8th-level druid spells, DC 20 + spell level
- Favored Terrain: Forest
- Spell Save DC 20 | Spell Attack Mod +12
Actions
- Bagging Hook (Melee Weapon Attack): +13 to hit, 1d3 bludgeoning damage (alchemical silver)
- Spellcasting: Naimur is a 15th-level spellcaster. Notable prepared spells include:
- Cantrips: Guidance, Detect Magic, Mending, Dawn, Read Magic
- 1st: Entangle, Goodberry, Cure Light Wounds, Omen of Peril
- 3rd: Dispel Magic, Forestfold, Mass Resist Energy
- 5th: Animal Growth, Call Lightning Storm, Panacea
- 7th: Wind Walk, Greater Scrying, Quickened Dispel Magic
- 8th: Dream of the Mother (unique spell granted by Beory)
Special Traits
- Ehlonna's Way – Grants insight into harmony with the forest
- Natural Spell – Cast while in Wild Shape
- Burrow Friend – Advantage on Handle Animal checks with burrowing creatures
- Spell-Like Abilities (1/day): Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation
- Speak with Animals (4/day, burrowing animals only)
Equipment
- Magic Items:
- Ring of Protection +2
- Ring of Wisdom +4
- Amulet of Natural Armor +3
- Bag of Holding
- Robe of Elemental Endurance
- Combat Gear:
- Scroll of Heal, Healing Infusions (salves), 6 vials of Antitoxin
- Spell component pouches, healer’s kit, herbalist tools
- Personal trove: 20 each of moss agates, moonstones, amber (5–60 gp value)
Barnzee, Dire Badger Companion (Enlarged by Animal Growth)
Huge Beast, Unaligned
Armor Class 26 (natural armor, Dex +2)
Hit Points 176 (11d8+113)
Speed 30 ft., burrow 10 ft.
STR 34 | DEX 18 | CON 28 | INT 2 | WIS 12 | CHA 10
- Saves: Fort +16, Reflex +11, Will +3
- Skills: Perception +8, Survival +5 (scent), Stealth +4, Climb +12, Swim +12
- Senses: Low-light vision, Scent
- Languages: Understands Druidic commands
- Challenge: CR 7 (est.)
Traits
- Rage: Triggers upon taking damage (as Barbarian Rage)
- Gains +4 STR, +4 CON, -2 AC while raging
- Multiattack: 2 Claws + Bite
- Claw: +18 to hit, 2d6+14 slashing
- Bite: +16 to hit, 2d6+7 piercing
- Evasion, Improved Evasion, Devotion (loyalty), Share Spells, Track, Bonus Tricks (x4)
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