Aedan was born into a circle of druids that lived deep in the forest. Like most Druids, Aedan was quick to develop an affinity for nature. One of their earliest memories was of walking through the woods with their parents, asking about every plant and animal they saw. Before long, however, it became obvious that Aedan had strong abilities that surpassed the average druid, particularly when it came to befriending animals. Aedan would go for long walks each day, only to return home with a new animal friend in tow. Not only that, but Aedan also seemed to be able to understand their animal friends’ thoughts and feelings intuitively.
At the age of 13, Aedan underwent the Trials, a ritual required of every adolescent before they could be recognized as an adult and a full member of the circle. Aedan would have to survive on their own in the dense forest undergrowth for an entire week. The first couple of days went smoothly, but on the third day, disaster struck. A great storm knocked over trees and flooded a nearby river, destroying Aeden’s shelter and food stores, and whisking them away on the current. Aeden thankfully managed not to drown, but soon after escaping the current, they were hit by a fallen tree, pinning them underneath.
Aedan spent the next couple of days struggling in vain to get out from under the trunk of the giant tree. It was no use – the tree was simply too large and heavy to move. Aedan began to lose hope and resigned themselves to an unpleasant death from dehydration. The next day, however, they awoke to see a pack of dire wolves in the distance migrating through the forest. Aedan called out, and the dire wolves cautiously came over to investigate. Using their innate abilities, Aedan befriended the leader of the pack, a dire wolf named Kerbal and together the pack managed to roll the large tree off of Aedan and carry the youth to their den. They filled Aedan’s waterskin in the river and brought back meat from their hunt, allowing Aedan a share. Aedan began the slow process of healing.
After another week had passed, Aedan was finally feeling well enough to be able to make the journey home to their circle. Kerbal offered to let them ride, and after a few days, they arrived at the circle’s camp. The other members of the circle were shocked and amazed – they had written Aeden off for dead, and the last thing they expected was to see them arrive on the back of a dire wolf. The circle thanked Kerbal and his pack for bringing Aedan back to them safely, and the two groups became close allies. Even after becoming an adventurer, Aedan continues to fulfill their role as a guardian of the forest, and of the dire wolf pack they consider family.
You can download Aedan’s character sheet here.
Aedan (Druid) Character SheetDo you have thoughts or questions about the article or suggestions for future content? Leave a comment below or drop me a line at jtdimino@d20radio.com.
J.T. Dimino
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- The PC Factory: Aedan the Druid (Old School Essentials) - January 26, 2021
