Thalen Mosswhisper
Hermit of the Deep Wood, Keeper of the Old Paths
Most people in GrayHaven have heard of Thalen Mosswhisper, although considerably fewer can truthfully claim to have met him.
Thalen is a powerful druid who has lived alone in the forests beyond GrayHaven for longer than most townsfolk can remember. He occasionally appears along woodland roads, at isolated farms, or even at GrayHaven's gates. He is a towering, broad-shouldered firbolg with a tangled gray-green beard, weathered skin, and robes assembled from wool, leather, moss, feathers, vines, and whatever else apparently seemed useful when he got dressed that morning.
He carries a crooked staff covered with carvings, feathers, teeth, seeds, and small bundles whose purposes are known only to him. A long green-and-brown snake named Sissik is frequently wrapped around his shoulders, hidden inside his clothing, or curled around his staff.
Thalen talks to Sissik constantly.
Not occasionally.
Constantly.
He asks the snake questions, argues with it, requests its opinion, accuses it of being overly pessimistic, and sometimes abruptly stops conversations with people to whisper privately with Sissik.
Whether Sissik actually answers is a matter of considerable debate.
Thalen insists that he does.
