Owain Lynwood Terfellan

Ranger Knight

Gnarley Ranger Knight Owain, known for his vigilance and wisdom, oversees the southwestern expanse of the Gnarley Forest, bordering the Welkwood and the Kron Hills. Owain Lynwood Terfellan is one of the seven Ranger Knights of the Gnarley Forest, an elder statesman among his order and a bridge between the elven and human peoples of the region. Though his keen eyes still scan the woodlands, age has slowed him, and he now seeks a worthy successor to inherit his mantle. With a mind tempered by years of diplomacy and a bow that has felled many foes, Owain is both guardian and mediator, standing between the wilds and the encroaching forces of civilization.

• Background: Veteran of the forest, blending over fifty years of guardianship with innate connections to the land.
• Current Role: Senior Ranger Knight responsible for the large swath of the Gnarley Forest’s south-western borders.
• Affiliations: Strong ties with both human and elven communities; respected elder among the Gnarley Rangers.

Appearance and Demeanor

A tall, slender woodsman, Owain is clad in leather armor reinforced by steel studs, his steps softened by knee-high boots and his shoulders covered by a thistledown cloak. His hair, once golden, is now streaked with silver, yet his face bears few lines—a testament to possible elven ancestry. He carries a finely crafted elven longbow, a longsword, a dagger, and a hunting knife, and at his side is Eldoc, his ever-watchful eagle companion.

Roleplaying Hints

• Once quick to draw steel, Owain now values mediation over bloodshed.
• He sees himself as a liaison between the humans and elves, just as his father did before him.
• Age weighs on him, and those with insight can sense his search for a successor.

“The elves call it a dance, the gnomes call it luck, but I call it knowing when to move before the blade falls.”

Personality

Owain's demeanor is a blend of seasoned wisdom and gentle humor, making him both approachable and revered. His leadership style is characterized by calmness under pressure, thoughtful decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of his charges and the forest.

• Disposition: Approachable and wise, known for his even temperament and thoughtful nature.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Highly respected by peers and subordinates alike, known for his ability to listen and empathize.
• Leadership Style: Prefers diplomacy over conflict, often serving as a mediator in disputes within his jurisdiction.
• Philosophy: Believes strongly in the preservation of nature and the peaceful coexistence of its diverse inhabitants.

Character History

The Seasoned Guardian Owain’s tenure as a Gnarley Ranger Knight spans over three decades, during which he has served as a steadfast guardian and mediator in the southwestern region of the Gnarley Forest. His profound understanding of the woodland’s complexities and its inhabitants has shaped his approach to his duties, blending vigilance with diplomacy.

Heritage and Early Years

Owain is the son of two legendary rangers—his mother, Sarli Lynwood, was a Gnarley Ranger Knight with elven blood, and his father, Rylwaeth Terfellan, was a half-sylvan elf ranger of great renown. Born in the waning years of the Hateful Wars (c. 505 CY), Owain grew up in a world where orc and giant-kin remnants still haunted the forests and hills. His childhood was filled with the stories of battle-hardened rangers and the slow restoration of peace to the Gnarley.

• Born: 505 CY, during the aftermath of the Hateful Wars.
• Parents: Rylwaeth Terfellan (Half-Sylvan Elf Ranger) and Sarli Lynwood (Ranger Knight of the Gnarley Forest).
• Raised among the Rangers, learning both combat and diplomacy.
• Adventurous Past: Before his commitment to the rangers solidified, Owain adventured extensively across the Flanaess, exploring as far afield as the Suss and Welk forests, The Wild Coast, and the rugged terrains of the Cairn and Abbor-Alz hills. These journeys afforded him a wealth of experience and a broad network of contacts that have proven invaluable in his ranger duties.
• Long-Term Stewardship: For nearly two decades, Owain has monitored this critical confluence of diverse cultures of the Woodsmen of the Gnarley Forest and the Elves of the Gnarley Forest and also the various chaotic Fey. His deep engagement has not only involved patrolling and protecting but also fostering understanding and cooperation among the area's diverse inhabitants.
• Ascension to Knighthood: Recognized for his dedication and wisdom, rising to the role of Ranger Knight to guide and mentor others.

“My bow is swift, my sword is sharp, but my word is stronger than either.”

Role and Responsibilities
Owain is responsible for safeguarding the Kron Woodlands, a vast and strategically vital area in the southwestern Gnarley Forest. His domain stretches from the village of Ostverk in the west to the elven-controlled lands of Clan Enlanefel in the east, where the elves remain beholden to Queen Yolande, Her Fey Majesty of Celene. To the north, his patrols extend past Sheernobb, reaching within a few miles of the Village of Hommlet. This expansive region includes key settlements, trade routes, and borderlands where human, elven, and gnome interests intersect. Owain frequently collaborates with Lord Corbin Deleveu, commander of the 3rd Mounted Borderers stationed at Deleveu Manor in Ostverk, ensuring the safety of the region’s roads and settlements.

• Leadership Structure: Owain leads a specialized group within the Gnarley Rangers, consisting of ten members: himself as the Ranger Knight, one senior ranger, three cadet rangers, and five junior rangers. This team is specifically tasked with managing and protecting a strategically significant area that bridges several ecological and political borders.
• Protector of the Realms: The primary duty of Owain and his team involves regular patrols to safeguard against threats such as the Blackthorn orcs, giant incursions targeting gnome communities to the south, and bandit operations emanating from the notorious village of Nulb, mischevious fey and marauding monsters of all sorts. His proactive patrols help maintain the security of the region and its diverse inhabitants.
• Environmental Stewardship: Beyond martial duties, Owain is deeply engaged in environmental conservation efforts. He works to preserve the natural balance of the Gnarley, addressing threats like the raids of lizardmen in the Fens of Torr and the ecological disruptions caused by unauthorized logging and mining by some of Verbobonc’s villages.
• Diplomatic Engagements: A significant aspect of Owain’s role involves diplomacy. He frequently mediates disputes between human forester steadings, Sylvan Elves clans, and gnomish villages, fostering peace and cooperation among these diverse groups. His diplomatic efforts extend to maintaining good relations with neighboring human and elven political entities, such as the Baroness Kathryn Sarcina and the Waldgraf of Ostverk Lord Corbin Deleveu.
• Cultural Ambassador: Owain’s longstanding relationships with the chiefs of Clans Enlanefel and Fealefel and various elven lords across the border in Celene position him as a cultural ambassador, bridging human and elven societies and promoting mutual respect and understanding.

Background and Motivation

Motivated by a deep-seated love for the forest and its creatures, Owain’s philosophy combines proactive guardianship with a profound respect for nature.

• Conservational Efforts: Actively involved in initiatives to preserve the forest’s natural resources and biodiversity.
• Cultural Ambassador: Bridges gaps between various cultural groups within the forest through dialogue and mutual respect.

“An arrow loosed in anger is an arrow wasted. Patience, always.”

Relationships and Current Events

Bonds Forged in the Heart of the Gnarley
Owain's position as a senior ranger knight necessitates deep involvement in the complex web of relationships that define the Gnarley Forest. His interactions span across diverse communities, reflecting a broad spectrum of alliances shaped by the forest's geopolitical landscape. Owain is well-respected across the Gnarley Forest and beyond, forging alliances with numerous individuals and factions.

Fellow Ranger Knights

• Parsimmon Turmercan : The liaison of Corustaith, Owain regularly coordinates with him on ranger affairs.
• Wyn: Another Senior Ranger, Wyn and Owain have long fought alongside one another.

Elven Relations

• Holds strong ties with the Sylvan Elf Clans of the Elves of the Gnarley Forest, particularly Fealefel and Enlanefel.
• Acts as a cultural ambassador between humans and elves, seeking peace over conflict.

Gnome and Fey Relations

• Respected by the Gnomes of the Kron Hills, often intervening to protect their villages.
• Maintains cordial but cautious ties with fey folk, including the Swanmay of the Gnarley.

Engagement with Elven Clans

• Clan Fealefel: Known for their artistry, Clan Fealefel’s craftsmen have often collaborated with Owain to enhance fortifications and create intricate wooden signs and markers within his territory. This partnership not only enhances the aesthetic of the Gnarley but also strengthens mutual respect and cooperation between humans and elves.
• Clan Enlanefel: As diplomats, Clan Enlanefel plays a pivotal role in maintaining the fragile peace along the borders of the Gnarley. Owain’s frequent consultations with Clan Enlanefel help manage tensions and foster understanding between the diverse populations of elves, humans, and other forest dwellers.

Swanmay of the Gnarley Forest

• Matriarch Serendya and the Swanmay of the Gnarley Forest: Owain maintains a supportive relationship with Matriarch Serendya and the Swanmay, aiding in their efforts to monitor and protect the forest’s margins. His rangers often act upon intelligence gathered by the Swanmay, engaging swiftly to neutralize threats identified by them.

Current Threats and Responses

The stability of Owain’s territory is currently threatened by external raids and internal strife, requiring his constant attention and strategic foresight.

• The Second Rising of the Temple of Elemental Evil: Though few realize it, cultist agents, brigands, and former lieutenants of the Temple have begun resurfacing, threatening the fragile peace Owain has worked so hard to maintain.
• The Blackthorn Orcs: A resurgent threat, these orc warbands have begun raiding deeper into the forest, targeting gnome settlements and trade routes.
• Bandit King Oswald Scarlord: A notorious brigand lord, Scarlord’s men have begun launching attacks on Narwell trade routes, stretching Owain’s forces thin.
• The Green Dragon Chausticlorinus: This ancient dragon’s recent attack on a fellow Ranger Knight’s fort forced Owain to send half of his rangers to aid in battle—none returned.
• A Successor Must Be Chosen: Owain knows he will not be able to lead forever. The next generation must rise, but the right successor has yet to be found.

Conclusion

Owain Lynwood Terfellan is a man standing at a crossroads—the twilight of his career, where his blade is not as swift, but his wisdom has never been keener. He fights battles on many fronts—against humanoid raiders, dark cults, and the ever-looming specter of age. A diplomat, a warrior, and a guardian of the wild, Owain embodies the timeless struggle between civilization and nature, and his final duty may be finding the one who will take up his mantle when he no longer can.

"Diplomacy first, blades last—it's the quiet steps that keep the forest serene."

Owain

• Ranger Knight level 10
• 10HD, HP 86, AC 18
• Str 16, Dex 16, Con, 16, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 10

Equipment

Elven Chainmail, Elven Cloak, +2 Longbow, +2 longsword, +1 dagger
Owain is a striking figure, tall and slender, with attire that speaks to both the practical needs of a ranger and the subtle elegance of elven design. His hair, once blonde, now streaks with grey, and his lightly wrinkled face belies the vitality of his age.

• Appearance: Leather armor reinforced with steel studs, a thistledown cloak, and knee-high boots.
• Distinctive Features: Youthful face with few lines, hinting at elven heritage, always accompanied by a loyal eagle.
• Arms: Wields a finely crafted elven longbow and carries a sword and dagger for close encounters.

Companion

Poe, bird

• a messenger bird pet, speaks sylvan and Elven and can have a note tied to leg.
• HD1, HP2, Attack NA, Fly 60

Alignment

Chaotic good

Current Location

Gnarley Forest

Ethnicity

Half-Elves

Year of Birth

534 42 Years old

Sex

male

Eyes

hazel

Hair

long sleek blonde braid

Height

6'1"

Quotes & Catchphrases

"A true ranger doesn't just protect the land; he listens to its whispers and guards its secrets."

Belief/Deity

Ehlonna

Aligned Organization

The Gnarley Rangers

Current Challenges and Threats

Show spoiler

Owain, esteemed for his wisdom and alliances within the Gnarley Forest and beyond, confronts some of his toughest challenges yet. His long-standing efforts to subdue Oswald Scarlord, a notorious bandit lord who terrorizes from the murky depths of the Welk Bog, have met with limited success. This struggle intensified following a devastating attack led by the green dragon, Chausticlorinus, on the fort overseen by Randar Redaxe, Owain's fellow ranger knight. In response to an urgent call for aid, Owain made a critical decision to send half of his Kron Woods rangers to assist. Tragically, none returned, severely depleting his forces.

• Manpower Shortages: The loss of his rangers in the dragon's territory has left Owain's oversight dangerously undermanned.
• Increased Hostility: Exploiting Owain’s diminished strength, Oswald Scarlord has escalated his assaults. His bandits now boldly raid the Narwell trade route and have even launched attacks on settlements near Ostverk and Humming’s End.
• Defense Efforts: Together with Lord Corbin Deleveu's forces, Owain is striving to protect the local populace and intercept these raids. However, their efforts to track down and eliminate Scarlord from his swampy stronghold have so far been futile.

These recent setbacks underscore the dire situation Owain faces as he works to secure his domain against a backdrop of increasing humanoid encroachments and the looming threat of more organized enemies. His leadership, though strained by these trials, remains vital to the stability and safety of the region. The ranger knight continues to navigate these tumultuous times with a blend of strategic foresight and unwavering dedication to the forest and its inhabitants.

"The elves of the Gnarley are as old as the forest itself, their roots entwined with its deepest secrets. They walk the woods as if they were born from the very trees, and in many ways, perhaps they were. I respect them, I admire them—but I do not always understand them."
"To them, time moves like the river—slow and unyielding. They watch, they wait, and they ponder, while men build, burn, and battle. I have spent a lifetime trying to bridge the gap between our peoples, to show them that not all men are blind to the song of the trees. Some listen. Others do not."

"Clan Enlanefel and I have long worked to maintain the peace, though even among them, there are those who see my kind as little more than reckless trespassers. The Queen of Celene holds her people close, too fearful of the world beyond her borders. It is their way. But the forest does not care for borders, and neither do the dangers that lurk in its shadow."
"I will always walk in friendship with the elves, but I know this: they will not save us if the darkness rises again. We must be our own defenders, our own stewards. And when that day comes, I pray that the elves will stand beside us—not merely watch from the trees."