Class: Druid or Ranger (DM’s choice)
Alignment: Neutral Good
Occupation: Animal Whisperer, Wanderer, Unofficial Caretaker of the
Crescent Garden
Affiliation: None (friendly with local druids and nature-worshippers)
Appearance
- Height/Build: Short for a Tiefling at just over 5 feet, wiry frame.
- Skin: Pale green with a faint sunlit sheen.
- Horns: Curved like a ram’s, rough-textured with deep grooves.
- Tail: Thin, wiry, and completely uncontrollable—knocks over mugs, whacks passersby, and gets tangled in low branches.
- Eyes: Warm dark brown, equal parts kindness and weary exasperation.
- Clothing:
- Patched cloak covered in leaves, feathers, and the occasional acorn.
- Loose, earth-toned tunic and trousers (always wrinkled).
- Worn leather gloves for handling claws and beaks.
- Satchel full of nuts, berries, and odd trinkets for his animal friends.
Personality
- Core Traits: Gentle, patient (unless dealing with Shoot), socially awkward, fiercely compassionate toward animals.
- Mannerisms:
- Stops mid-sentence to greet stray animals.
- Publicly argues with Shoot—complete with hand gestures—drawing curious stares.
- Tail twitches when nervous, causing frequent accidents.
- Beliefs:
- Animals are more honest than people and worth protecting.
- His strange “curse” of always having a talking animal companion is more blessing than burden.
- Prefers the simple life, but sometimes wonders if he should try to reword the wish that started it all.
- Flaws:
- Highly distractible—especially by movement or animal sounds.
- Local reputation as “the eccentric in the garden.”
- No control over which animal shows up next.
- Quirks:
- Pocket snacks for every species in the district.
- Never calls Shoot the same name twice—rotates between “Featherbrain,” “Tree Rat,” “Master of Chaos,” and “Would You Just Stop?!”
- Has gathered more palace and street gossip from animal chatter than most spies.
The Wish & The Curse
Years ago, Declan made a wish to “always have a friend to talk to.” The magic took him literally—ever since, an endless parade of talking animals has entered and exited his life. Each stays anywhere from a few days to several years before vanishing, replaced by a new species. His current “companion” is Shoot, a hyperactive squirrel who tests his patience hourly.
Role in the Adventure
- Local Guide: Knows every alley, rooftop, and green space in Lygos through his wandering and animal network.
- Quest Giver: Might ask for help retrieving an injured animal from a dangerous spot, or to track down a rare herb.
- Unexpected Informant: Birds, cats, and rats tell him things—sometimes important secrets.
- Comic Relief / Heartwarming Ally: Declan’s interactions with Shoot are equal parts endearing and exasperating.
Sample Dialogue
- “Oh, hello! No, not you—talking to the cat. … What were we saying?”
- “Featherbrain, if you steal that bread again, I swear—sorry, I meant Shoot, not you.”
- “I didn’t ask for this, but… I suppose it’s nice never to be alone.”