Innate Spellcasting. As a drow, Ar Talv can cast the following spells (DC 12).
At will: dancing lights
1/day: faerie fire
Living Hive. Ar Talv's robes are host to 2 swarms of insects. The swarms understand and obey his direct commands.
Special Equipment. Ar Talv uses Nimloth's Redwood, an ancient staff passed down to him by his master, Nimloth of the Wilds. It functions as if permanently under the effect of a Shillelagh spell. It has five charges that replenish at dawn; Ar Talv can cast animal friendship or barkskin using 1 charge. Barkskin from this staff does not require concentration.
Spellcasting. Ar Talv is a 9th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). He has the following druid spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): druidcraft, guidance, produce flame
1st level (4 slots): absorb elements, cure wounds, entangle, speak with animals
2nd level (3 slots): animal messenger, hold person, pass without trace
3rd level (3 slots): conjure animals, dispel magic
4th level (3 slots): charm monster, giant insect
5th level (1 slot): wall of stone
Sunlight Sensitivity. Ar Talv has disadvantage on attack rolls and on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight when he, the target of his attack, or whatever he is trying to perceive is in direct sunlight.
Wild Shape. Ar Talv can assume the form of a beast CR 4 or lower for 4 hours twice, with the ability recharging on a long rest. His favored choices for combat are a giant scorpion and stegosaurus.
Nimloth's Redwood. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) bludgeoning damage.
Description
**For use in Out of the Abyss**
**inspired by u/ElFontana94**
Ar Talv is a drow druid responsible for guarding the underdark refuge of the Knoll of Repose. Formerly a mercenary serving a drow house's slaving operation, he was critically wounded and left for dead after an ambush. Instead of bleeding out, he was saved by the forest gnome Nimloth of the Wilds, a famed druid from the surface world esteemed for her wisdom, mercy, and magical abilities. She nursed him back to health and though his first instinct was to betray and enslave her as she slept for the reward in Menzoberranzan, he gradually grew to respect her way of life and became her apprentice.
Nimloth was the most recent master of an ancient line of moon druids tasked with maintaining the natural order and spreading its peace to those in need. Each chose an apprentice and passed down forms ancient and powerful from generation to generation, the traditions encompassing forms as powerful and ancient as the dinosaurs. She was brought to the Underdark by tales of its uninhabitability and the hostility of its people. Wanting to spread the gifts that nature had to offer, she ventured down to create something new to give its people hope.
When she found Ar Talv, she saw something within him and indeed, he proved to be a capable successor, shedding the drow cultural standards of selfishness and materialism and embracing the life of a druid. Ar Talv was amazed to see that the insects that had once spelled death for many a drow no longer sought to harm or eat him. Under Nimloth's tutelage, the two of them began to construct an unprecedented sanctuary: the Knoll of Repose.
The Knoll was an oasis within the Underdark, flush with fungus, water, and wildlife the likes of which the crags and caverns had never seen. The aura within it subconsciously beckons creatures in if they seek refuge or peace, especially if they are nearing the end of their natural life. Within the vegetation is more than enough to healthily sustain them until their time comes to pass away and feed the fungal growth themselves. A handful of humanoids make their homes there, but they are vastly outnumbered by insects and other beasts with all inhabitants living in harmony and though none are harmed and may leave if they choose, few ever do, with the vast majority wishing to remain to further the cycle of life and death. Even those that leave vow never to disclose the location of the knoll. Those who need it will find it and those who do not must not.
Nimloth herself, having lived a long and happy life, joined the grove as well after tending it with Ar Talv for over a century. As a treasured friend, Ar Talv mourned but keeping her teachings in his heart, knew that she would never be truly gone. It's been 400 years since then and even as Ar Talv grows old, his wisdom remains boundless and his commitment to his duties as Sentinel of the Knoll is beyond reproach. Mentally, kind, and a touch mischievous, he is not one for combat unless absolutely necessary but will do everything he can to help those in need, switching out wall of stone for greater restoration or reincarnation if the party requires aid (he does not own any material components however). He is curious and politely inquires about the troubles of a friendly party, taking special interest in druids or rangers as he hopes to train an apprentice. He provides new wild shape options as well if they prove to be worthy.
As a reference, he lives about a day's journey from Neverlight Grove by his shortcuts and three days from it by usual means of travel.
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