Haken Aspengrass's page

Haken Aspengrass has always shared a close bond with animals. He just seems to "get them." He was born in a farming village outside of Westcrown, Cheliax to a family of migrant workers. On his first visit to the big city (Westcrown), he was appalled to see a whole section of the market full of animals in horribly-maintained, cramped cages. He employed a bit of his halfling stealth to free them, only he was caught before he could release them all. As punishment for the losses he caused to the merchants, he was sentenced to slavery and purchased by a noble house. They were cruel and he worked very hard. One day, a ghost of a chance at escaping presented itself and Haken, blessing Desna for his luck, took it and ran. He had nowhere to go, but he knew he had to get out of Cheliax. He fled north. His journey was an arduous one, but somehow every time he was in dire straits, he was aided by some animal. Often a dead rabbit would be found near him when he awoke, canine prints surrounding it. Or the sounds of happy songbirds would lead him to a heavy-laden berry bush. It was on this journey that Haken met Rumble. When he found the black bear cub, she was plopped down next to the freshly-skinned body of her mother, bawling. Haken was able to offer a rabbit he'd caught and their fast friendship began there. Rumble followed Haken always further north until they reached a forest called the Mosswood in a land called Varisia. They settled there, just the two of them. Haken built a shelter and began to make his living among his spirit-kindred, the animals. Always he remembers Desna and the luck she granted him in escaping his bonds. There is even rumor of a temple to Desna being dedicated in nearby Sandpoint soon. He'll have to be sure to go.

Haken isn't quite the "nature's avenger" kind of druid that many tend to be. He's simply happier among animals than people. He likes people very much, and is an extremely loyal friend, but he still chooses to live a life of foraging in the forest with visits to Sandpoint about every other week. His druid side does kick in quickly when animals are mistreated though. He's especially icy to trappers-wasters of nature's bounty. He's quick to accept new friends (though secretly more wary than you might guess-a consequence of his enslavement in Westcrown). He can be recklessly fearless, though never foolish. He talks A LOT, mostly to Rumble, though any ear, willing or not, will do.

Haken is not especially proficient in a fight and he knows it. He catches his food with traps and, when threatened, he calls upon Rumble or other of "nature's allies." He does carry a halfling slingstaff, but it's mostly for stunning small birds and animals. It's too small to hurt a real enemy.

Haken has been through some scary things, usually alone, such as escaping slavery and travelling across 2 countries without provisions. Because of this, he's steeled against most things that could scare a person.

Just like any other halfling, Haken finds himself in tight spots from time to time. He has become quite adept at extricating himself from trouble with his silver tongue.