Parsimmon Turmercan

Ranger-Knight

In the intricate tapestry of the Gnarley Forest's guardianship, Parsimmon Turmercan stands as a unique figure. As the perennial resident of Corustaith, the forest's central meeting place, Parsimmon serves not through dominion but through dedication, embodying the role of diplomat and caretaker amidst the community of Ranger-Knights.

Physical Description and Personality

• Appearance: Parsimmon is a middle-aged man of robust health, with weathered skin and keen eyes that reflect a life lived under the forest canopy. His attire typically consists of durable leathers suited for forest living, often adorned with symbols of The Gnarley Rangers.
• Demeanor: Known for his calm and thoughtful nature, Parsimmon is less a warrior in the traditional sense and more a sage and strategist, preferring dialogue to conflict.

Role and Responsibilities

• Steward of Corustaith: Unlike his fellow Ranger-Knights who traverse the Gnarley Forest's vast expanses, Parsimmon remains stationed at Corustaith, acting as the steadfast guardian and manager of this central hub.
• Diplomatic Liaison: He is often the first point of contact for external parties wishing to communicate or negotiate with the Gnarley Rangers.
• Information Broker: By virtue of his constant presence in Corustaith, Parsimmon has become a repository of knowledge, sharing news and updates during the rangers' periodic assemblies.

Background and History

• Early Life: Parsimmon's origins are modest; his rise to the position of a Ranger-Knight was fueled by a profound respect for nature and a dedication to the preservation of peace within the forest.
• Mentorship: Born and raised in a homestead in the central Gnarley, close by the territory of the elven clans of the Meldarin and the Sherendyl, he adventured widely after completing his apprenticeship to the Ranger Knight Arion Blackbrow. In his youth, one of his mentors was the foreigner who called himself shaman-hellbrand, and Parsimmon’s fighting style very much echoes that of the older ranger, who has since vanished from the forest.
• Career:  After taking his fill of the wider world, he and his younger brother Cedris returned to their home and became pivotal to the maintenance of Blackbrow’s lodge at the village of Corustaith. With Cedris’ careful management, the settlement grew, as more and more woodsfolk seeking security asked permission to build there. The village of Corustaith grew quickly.
• Ranger Knight successor: Eventually, the aging Arion Blackbrow decided to retire, and he nominated Parsimmon as his successor. Other rangers came forward to support him and swear their loyalty, and in 571 he became a Ranger Knight. Eventually, a palisade was erected, an inn, mill, and smithy built, and Corustaith became known as the best place one can go to petition for a meeting with the leadership of the loose fellowship of the Rangers of the Gnarley Forest.

Motivations and Beliefs

• Protection of the Forest: His primary concern is the protection and preservation of the Gnarley Forest, acting against threats both external and internal.
• Advocacy for Peace: Parsimmon believes in resolving conflicts through negotiation and understanding, aligning with the rangers' ethos of minimal force.

Challenges and Threats

• Isolation: Being stationary, Parsimmon faces unique challenges such as less direct involvement in field activities and a potential disconnect from ongoing events in the more remote areas of the forest.
• Diplomatic Pressure: As the face of the Gnarley Rangers to the outside world, he often bears the burden of complex diplomatic interactions, balancing the needs and safety of the forest with external political dynamics.

Relationships and Current Events

• Interaction with Ranger-Knights: Although he holds no formal authority over the other knights, his position as a constant figure in Corustaith grants him a unique influence in their communal decision-making process.
• Community Relations: Parsimmon maintains strong ties with local communities, including the elves, gnomes, and human settlers, fostering a network of cooperation and mutual respect.

Political Dynamics

Relationships and Current Events

Connecting Threads in the Gnarley Forest
In the interconnected web of the Gnarley Forest's political and social landscape, Parsimmon Turmercan maintains a pivotal role, nurturing relationships that extend across a diverse spectrum of allies and counterparts. From fellow Ranger Knights to the influential elven clans, and even the lesser-known gnomish communities, Parsimmon's interactions are crucial for the stability and security of the region.

Ranger Knights

• Ranger Knight Owain: Shares a bond of mutual respect and cooperation with Parsimmon, often collaborating on missions that require a delicate balance of diplomacy and force.
• Ranger Knight Wyn: Together with Wyn, Parsimmon works to address the incursions and threats from various hostile entities, including the notorious Blackthorn orcs.
• Haemir Hellbrand: Another key ally within the Ranger Knights, Haemir and Parsimmon frequently exchange intelligence on the movements and plans of regional threats.

Lord Corbin Deleveu and the Mounted Borderers

• Location: Ostverk Village.
• Role: Commander of the Mounted Borderers.
• Interaction: Although military operations are largely independent, Parsimmon maintains a strategic relationship with Lord Delevue to secure the outer perimeters of the Gnarley against common enemies.

Elven Clans

Clan Fealefel

• Territory: Central regions around the elven heartlands.
• Specialty: Known for their skilled artisans and woodworkers, creating items of exquisite beauty and utility.
• Relationship: Parsimmon appreciates their craftsmanship and often secures their services for specialized needs within Corustaith.

Clan Enlanefel

• Territory: Southern edges near the Viscounty of Verbobonc.
• Specialty: Expert diplomats and scouts who often assist in maintaining the fragile peace between various forest dwellers and human settlements.
• Role: Act as informal ambassadors in dealings that require a gentle touch or precise knowledge of the local terrain.

Gnomes of the Gnarley Forest

• Demographics: Fewer than 1,000 gnomes, primarily situated in hilly regions conducive to agriculture rather than mining.
• Lifestyle: Known for their harmonious coexistence with human farmers, living in above-ground cottages rather than traditional subterranean homes.
• Political Stance: Mixed feelings about Celene; while some are aligned with Celene's isolationist policies, others feel more connected to human interests, especially those in the eastern communities who value the protection offered by Greyhawk forces.

Swanmay of the Gnarley Forest

• Composition: A group of 44 Swanmay, led by Matriarch Serendya.
• Mission: Tasked with monitoring the forest's borders for signs of evil or corruption, acting swiftly to counter any threats.
• Parsimmon's Connection: Although not directly involved, he supports their cause and facilitates communication between the Swanmay and other forest guardians.
• Current Dynamics

Conclusion

Parsimmon Turmercan's steady presence in Corustaith not only anchors the operations of the Gnarley Rangers but also ensures a continuous flow of dialogue among diverse groups. His ability to engage with various factions—be it through diplomacy with elven clans, coordination with human leaders, or support for the gnomes and Swanmay—highlights his role as a crucial linchpin in maintaining the balance and peace of the Gnarley Forest.

Alignment

Lawful neutral

Current Status

Steward of Corustaith

Current Location

Gnarley Forest

Species

Humans of Greyhawk

Ethnicity

Oeridian Oerid

Other Ethnicities/Cultures

• Flannae Flan

Year of Birth

536 40 Years old

Sex

male

Eyes

dark piercing

Hair

long flowing greying

Height

6'

Belief/Deity

Ehlonna

Aligned Organization

The Gnarley Rangers