They found his body the next morning, covered in blood and dew, a crossbow bolt inexpertly fired into his gut from his own stock of hunting weapons. His augdunar dead beside him; emaciated and bruised; still staked, chained and locked in its barren circle of dirt.
The sheriff easily tracked Nalasa to the woods, blood-stained and sobbing.
• • •
Depending on who you asked, Nalasa was either a troublemaker, or simply a weird elf child. More interested in animals than people. Now she was a murderer, one question played on lips and minds: who might be next?
Nalasa's parents sacrificed much to send her to a reclusive druidic order, hoping it would suit her. It was better than any of the solutions being considered by the townsfolk and authorities.
The story of her past deed followed her to the order. Teachers and students alike were distant, and she did little to encourage otherwise. Yet some teachers went out of their way to foster her natural talents: animal empathy, form-shifting, and herbalism. It was good for her, but sadly, this journey was cut short...
• • •
The Cataclysm threw her life into chaos as much as anyone. As her school tumbled into the void, she grabbed a few basic supplies and a druidic handbook gifted to her by a teacher. She escaped death, but instead of seeking surviors she fled into the wilds.
With the help of her training and her handbook she managed to subsist for years. Wandering alone, happy enough with the animals of the deep forests, instinctive elven longevity supplanting any feelings of ambition or direction.
Years passed. She grew to be an adult. In these years, survivors of the Cataclysm banded into settlements. She became curious. Over more years, her wanderings increasingly were in these places, where she would exist as an urchin, a pick-pocket, an animal advocate, and ultimately something of a veterinarian. This is where her adventure would start...
About Nalasa
Nalasa is an elven druid for Pathfinder 2e (post-remaster), designed for use starting at level 1. She is a specialised shifter, using animal forms to fight when her magic isn't enough. She's a stealthy survivalist and herbalist who also knows her way around a set of lock-picks.
Appearance
This female elf is something of a waif. Of average height, she's got pale skin, youthful features, and a slight frame that's more skinny than athletic. Raven hair frames a typical angular, elven face; often smudged with dirt. Her eyes are a dark shade of blue-green. She likes to travel light, favouring leather armours and only a few tools for survival.
Personality
Chaotic Good
Some of these items may be in flux. Please see Plot Hooks, below, for more information.
Personality Traits
- Blunt. She speaks heedless to what others may think.
- Critical. If Nalasa doesn't like something, everyone is obliged to know.
- Unrefined. Doesn't use honorifics, can't lace a bodice, and is ignorant of which is the salad fork.
Edicts
- Advocate for animals. Both wild and domestic; domestication is fine when humane.
- Challenge wilful cruelty. Nature is red in tooth and claw, but this isn't about that. No, this is about people. People can be actively cruel, with motives ranging from callous disregard to perverse pleasure.
Anathema
- Rely on others for your well-being. Friends and allies are great, but don't put your life in their hands.
- Be beholden to others. Try to avoid obligations, promises, and debts; but when you can't, always consider them breakable.
- Despoil natural places. From Druid.
- Consume more natural resources than you require to live comfortably. From Druid.
- Teach the Wildsong to non-druids. From Druid.
- Become fully domesticated by the temptations of civilization. From Untamed Order.
Plot Hooks
Inspiration for the GM, if inspiration is required.
- Advocacy. Nalasa is very willing to act to save mistreated animals, or stop obvious cruelty against people. This could form the basis of a feel-good quest. But what of less-straightforward scenarios? Nalasa is initially numb to the subtler sufferings of people; could this cause a problem with the party? Alternatively, how might she handle cruelty she cannot so easily stop?
- The Past. Nalasa encounters someone or something from her past. A teacher, a parent, her old town or school. This may be a positive arc where she can thank those she once took for granted. Alternatively, if said figure is dead or in ruin, she may have to wrestle with mistakes that can't be fixed. Finding her old town could make for a dramatic reveal to the party as she shows them the site where she murdered someone as a child.
- Trust. Initially, Nalasa likes to be independent. She can make friends and even be friendly, but she never puts herself at risk for others. This is liable to change as the campaign carries on. Perhaps she is tested at some point... will she choose to risk her life to save her friends?
Level Plan
See this link on Pathbuilder2e. Be aware the plan may change over time.
The following variant rules and homebrew rules are in effect:
- Free Archetype
- Gradual Ability Boost
- Stamina
- With the GM's permission, the Feat Perfect Form Control has had its Strengh requirement removed. We imagine that this was mistakenly left in-place after Remaster, as the requirement was removed from Form Control.