Have you ever seen a troubled kid with dedicated parents? Nalasa was an only child to elf parents in a human town. Depending on who you asked, she was at best a weird elf child, more typically a troublemaker, and to some a "witch" in the most pejorative sense. Each of these was correct.
Troublemaker? Yes. Nalasa would free livestock to graze on manicured gardens, messily liberate food waste to feed wild birds, and turn hunting dogs and riding horses against cruel masters. The last one was the kind of thing that got her labelled as a "witch"; those who said it were not totally wrong: Nalasa was not a witch, but like witches she did have a certain empathetic connection to animals.
When in trouble, Nalasa would abscond into the woods, disappearing for days, weeks, or sometimes months. This was to the townsfolk's relief, but it strained the heart of her poor parents.
Her parents tried many things but could not tame Nalasa. Her troublemaking only increased, now costing small fortunes and bruising the wrong egos. Acting out of desperation, Nalasa's parents sent her away at considerable expense. They sent her to a distant, prestigious druidic order, certain that she had a natural aptitude, and hopeful that this would be the tutelage she needed to straighten her out. Besides, if she remained in town, it was near-certain she'd end up in jail.
• • •
Nalasa did have a natural aptitude, and she learnt a lot at first. She soaked up lessons in practical magic and the natural world. But as often happens in prestigious places of learning, the curriculum moved on: lessons changed from vocational to academic. Nalasa floundered.
One day, she left. Taking some supplies and stealing a book from the library -- an omnibus of practical druidic guidance.
She lived in the wilds. With the help of her training, her magic, and her handbook, she managed to subsist for years. Wandering alone, ranging far, happy enough with the animals of the deep forests. Instinctive elven longevity supplanted any feelings of ambition, urgency, or direction.
• • •
Years passed. She grew to be an adult. Decades more passed. Nalasa never wholly abandoned civilisation. At first, she would only slip into towns to pilfer necessities, or to savour a stolen pastry. But eventually she gained the confidence to linger and mix.
A more brazen thief now, Nalasa slipped into the world of petty crime and petty criminals. This was another vocational experience which taught her a lot, both about the art and craft of criminality, as well as the nature of people. If things went wrong, she would simply escape to the wilds for a time.
She found she could also do more legitimate work. She worked as a scout, a tracker, a guide, a hunter. And now: adventurer.
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 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.
- 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?
- 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?
- Guilt. Having experienced a bit more of the world, Nalasa is starting to realise that she was, to put it plainly, a bit of a shit. She caused a lot of suffering and hardship to those who were only trying to help her. This includes her parents, and also some of her druid teachers. Her realisation elicits pangs of shame, and the thought of confronting these people is daunting. She'd rather leave them in the past, but can she avoid them forever? And even if she can, is it wise to live with this shame rather than seek closure?
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
- 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.