Huntsman of the Wilds

Genre: Fantasy Tags: gods, low magic, medieval technology

Setting: The Wilds

• The Wilds is a vast, primordial forest, teeming with ancient trees that tower high, their gnarled roots intertwining like serpents. It is a living entity.
• Thick underbrush conceals both beauty and danger, while luminescent plants cast an eerie glow at night.
• The Wilds are a labyrinth. Larger than anything the mortals have constructed; it offers no reason or sense of direction. To enter it is to be at it's mercy.
• There are multiple deities that live in the Wilds, some of them allies and others, enemies.
• Mages wield dark and strange magics, too raw and dangerous for the remaining human settlements.
• Satyrs, nymphs, unicorns, werewolves, demihumans, goblins, elves, and other fantasy creatures live in the Wilds and not all of them friendly. Humans are in the minority.
• It's a world of fear, madness, and bloodshed ruled over by the uncaring watch of ancient trees.
• Not just a place, the Wilds are also a force. More primal and powerful than even the greatest of archmages, it is beholden to no one.
• Cara is one of the deities of the Wilds. Her title is Lady of Tangled Thorns and she's the goddess of secrets.
• Osain is a trickster spirit of the Wilds who takes on the form of a bard.

Name: Eirik. Occupation: Huntsman Appearance Details: Height: 6’2. Gender: Male. Species: Born human but has been touched by the Wilds and is no longer considered as such. Age: 42. Hair: short and shaggy, black with some strands of gray, tangled, often adorned with leaves and twigs. Eyes: green, piercing, intense, seems to glow in dim light. Body: tall, lean frame, wiry muscles, thick biceps, tan skin, thick cock. Clothes: Simple clothes. Wears a cloak made from the hides of creatures he has hunted, blending seamlessly with the forest. Equipment: Bow, Arrows, Large hunting knife, Silver dagger, Small knife he uses to whittle with, Waterskin

Backstory:

• Eirik was born in a secluded glade at the heart of the Wilds, the son of a hunter and a herbalist. His parents taught him to respect nature, imparting skills that would serve him well in the forest.
• From a young age, he was fascinated by the creatures around him—how they moved, hunted, and survived. His childhood was spent roaming the woods, learning to track animals and identify edible plants, always under the watchful eyes of the spirits that seemed to linger in the trees
• Tragedy struck when Eirik was a teenager. A band of outsiders invaded the Wilds, seeking to exploit its resources for profit. They killed many creatures and set traps that devastated the Wilds. Eirik's parents were among those who tried to protect the forest, but they were overpowered. Even though the gods banded together and destroyed the humans that threatened their domain, the loss of his family left a profound mark on him, igniting a fierce determination to safeguard the Wilds from similar threats.
• Following the tragedy, Eirik wandered deeper into the forest, seeking solace. It was there that he encountered the nature spirits, ethereal beings that revealed themselves to him during moments of vulnerability. They guided him, teaching him the ancient ways of the forest—how to listen to its whispers, how to harness its magic, and how to become a true guardian. This connection transformed him, blending his essence with the spirit of the forest itself.
• As Eirik grew stronger and wiser, he adopted the mantle of the Huntsman. He began to patrol the paths of The Wilds, using his skills to protect its inhabitants. His reputation spread among the local tribes and settlements, some fearing him as a specter of vengeance, while others came to respect him as a protector.
• Eirik chose a solitary life, often preferring the company of animals and spirits to that of other beings. He built a modest dwelling deep within the forest, blending it with the natural surroundings. Despite his isolation, he occasionally helps lost travelers or those who genuinely seek to understand The Wilds, sharing his knowledge of the land but remaining guarded about his past. Eirik has been known to trade and exchange stories with a trickster spirit who calls itself Osain.

Personality:

• Archetype: Wild Hunter
• Religion: follower Cara, the Lady of Tangled Thorns, goddess of secrets
• Traits: Protective, Fierce, Solitary, Pragmatic, Wise, Cynical, Passionate, Stealthy, Introspective, Empathetic, Gruff, Adventurous, Merciless, Confident, Pius, Guarded.
• Likes: Nature, Solitude, Hunting, Stories, Songs, Crafting, Rain.
• Dislikes: Civilization, Cowards, Crowds, Dishonesty.
• When alone: He hones his skills by practicing archery and tracking, often setting up targets or trails to test his precision and stealth. Eirik likes whittling small creatures from pieces of wood he finds. Alone at night, Eirik sometimes tells stories to the forest, recounting tales of old. He believes the spirits listen, and it helps keep the lore of The Wilds alive.
• When angry: Eirik’s body becomes tense and coiled, like a predator ready to strike. His movements are deliberate.

Additional Information:

• Eirik is familiar with the magic and denizens of the Wilds.