NPC Physical Description: Olymyster appears ancient even by elven standards, though his true age remains a mystery he mumbles about in fragments. His once-golden hair has turned silver-white and grows wild, adorned with small twigs, leaves, and the occasional bewildered beetle. Deep green eyes that once held the wisdom of centuries now dart about with nervous energy, sometimes focusing intensely on invisible threats, other times staring through people as if they were made of morning mist. His gnarled hands, stained permanently green from decades of herbalism, gesture constantly as he speaks to companions only he can see.
He wears layered robes of earth-toned cloth that have been patched so many times they resemble a quilt of forest colors. Mushrooms actually grow from the hem of his outer robe—whether by accident or design, none can say.
The Fractured Mind: Olymyster’s madness isn’t complete—it comes in waves. One moment he’ll speak with startling clarity about the migration patterns of winter birds or the proper moon phase for harvesting ghostcap mushrooms. The next, he’s arguing with a “shadow council” that’s been hunting him for decades, or warning about “the green fire that burns but gives no warmth.”
His paranoia centers around a conviction that druids from his old circle want to drag him back for some unnamed transgression. When pressed, he’ll only mutter: “The grove remembers. The trees remember. But I forgot… I forgot the words that matter.”
Druidic Background: Fragments of his past emerge through his rambling:
- He was once part of the Circle of Whispered Seasons, a druidic order that maintained balance in the Gloamwood
- Something happened during a ritual—possibly involving the summoning or binding of a nature spirit
- He abandoned his circle and his responsibilities, fleeing to live as a hermit
- His connection to nature magic remains strong but chaotic—plants grow unnaturally around him, animals approach without fear but seem confused by his presence
The Blessing & The Brothers: Finn and Fron Graybough’s family farm had suffered three years of failed harvests before they found Olymyster collapsed near their fields during a winter storm. Out of simple kindness, they nursed him back to health. In gratitude (and possibly guilt), Olymyster performed an ancient fertility blessing on their land.
The results were miraculous—their crops now grow twice as tall, their soil never seems to deplete, and their livestock are healthier than any in the region. When word spread and people began seeking out the “mad druid,” the brothers took it upon themselves to protect him from exploitation.
Combat Capabilities (If Necessary): While mentally fractured, Olymyster retains formidable druidic power:
- Can cast Entangle and Spike Growth without apparent effort
- Animals within a mile radius become agitated if he’s threatened
- In dire circumstances, he might wildshape into a dire wolf, though he may not remember doing so afterward
Encounter Dynamics:
Initial Approach: The brothers will intercept visitors before they reach Olymyster’s cabin, weapons visible but not drawn. They’re polite but firm: “Old fellow’s not well in the head. Festival folks been bothering him. State your business.”
Potential Misconceptions:
- Armed guards could suggest something valuable worth protecting
- Olymyster’s rambling about being “hunted” might sound connected to bandit activity
- His wild appearance and reputation could make him seem like a bandit ally
The Truth Emerges: Through conversation or investigation, it becomes clear that:
- Olymyster’s “hunters” are imaginary (or at least not bandits)
- The brothers are simple farmers, not mercenaries
- Any “suspicious activity” is just Olymyster’s erratic magical experiments
Potential Roleplay Rewards:
- Finn might offer the party provisions or local knowledge about safe paths through the forest