## Overview Eryndor, known as the Thorned Regent, is an ancient archfey bound to the [[Deadwood Glades]]. Once a guardian spirit who tended the land with care, centuries of isolation and exposure to the Glade’s corruption twisted his purpose. He now seeks to cultivate the corruption as a weapon against the mortal world, believing it the only way to ensure the Feywild’s dominance. He is both jailer and reluctant protector of [[Alira of Valelock]], whom he trapped in a binding pact to serve as the mortal warden of the Glade. **Type:** Archfey **Alignment:** Neutral Evil **CR:** 22 **Current Role:** Master of the [[Deadwood Glades]], antagonist to any who would free Alira ## Appearance Eryndor is a towering, gaunt figure whose body is formed from gnarled bark, living vines, and blackthorn briars. His crown is a wreath of ever-blooming black roses, their petals glistening with venom. His eyes burn with green-gold light, and every step he takes sprouts poisonous blossoms that wither in seconds. ## Personality Eryndor is eloquent, calculating, and patient. He views mortals as fleeting curiosities—useful, but ultimately expendable. While he respects skill and loyalty, he has no qualms about binding others to his service. He considers himself a ruler of his domain and reacts with fury when challenged. **Goals:** - Maintain control of the [[Deadwood Glades]] - Nurture the corruption until it can be unleashed - Prevent Alira’s release unless it serves his purpose **Fears:** - The destruction of the Glade’s heartstones - Loss of control over the corruption - Disruption of the Feywild’s influence in the mortal realm ## History Eryndor’s origin lies in the twilight courts of the Feywild, where he served as a regent to a long-fallen Archfey Queen. Exiled for his ruthless methods, he wandered the planes until he discovered the [[Deadwood Glades]]. Its latent corruption fascinated him, and over centuries he shaped it into a fortress of illusions, predatory flora, and time-warping magic. When [[Alira of Valelock]] entered the Glade in 10,097 A.P., Eryndor saw in her the perfect mortal to bind to the Glade’s defense—a skilled ranger, incorruptible in spirit, and capable of resisting the land’s darker whispers. Without her consent, he offered her life to the pact, tying her soul to the Heart Glade’s stones. ## Abilities Eryndor commands the [[Deadwood Glades]] as an extension of himself. He can warp its paths, command its flora, and call upon powerful illusion and enchantment magic. His control over plants is absolute within the Glade, and he can appear anywhere in its bounds in moments. ## Role in the Campaign Eryndor serves as a primary antagonist for any adventurer attempting to free Alira. He may initially appear as a neutral party or even offer aid, but his ultimate goal is to maintain the pact. Breaking his hold over the Glade will require either defeating him in combat or dismantling the magical links between the Glade’s heartstones and the corruption-enhancing shard hidden in the Dark Tower. ## Adventure Hooks - Confronting Eryndor directly to free Alira - Negotiating with him for safe passage through the Glade—at a terrible price - Learning of his exile from the Feywild and exploiting old grudges against him - Discovering the secret link between the Glade’s corruption and the Dark Tower’s shard, weakening his power ## Stat Block Reference See **Eryndor, the Thorned Regent** stat block for full combat abilities and spellcasting details.