## Basic Information - **Race:** Human - **Role:** Head of the Concord of Laurel in Duskwatch - **Location:** Duskwatch, Deadwood Glade region, South Angoria - **Alignment:** [Likely Lawful Good/Neutral] - **Occupation:** Religious Leader - **Deity:** Laurel ## Personality Stern, traditional, protective of faith ## Background Daren Hollis has served Laurel his entire life, dedicating himself to the goddess's willow grove shrine in Duskwatch. As a lifelong servant of the faith, he embodies the traditional values and conservative approach to both religion and politics that many in the region hold dear. ## Religious Role As the head of the Concord of Laurel in Duskwatch, Hollis serves as the primary spiritual authority in the town. His position gives him significant influence over the faithful and allows him to shape public opinion on matters of morality, tradition, and loyalty. ## Political Position Hollis is a staunch advocate for Duskwatch's continued loyalty to Coalveil, viewing the traditional power structure as divinely ordained and necessary for stability. He is deeply suspicious of South Angoria's meddling in regional affairs and views the merchant guilds' push for closer ties to the Human Union as a threat to both faith and tradition. This puts him at odds with more progressive elements in Duskwatch, particularly [[Guildmaster Thalia Crenn]]. ## Allies & Enemies **Potential Allies:** - Coalveil nobility and authorities - Traditional families like [[Eldress Sybil Drowen]] - Conservative elements within Duskwatch - [[Captain Brannic Torrell]] (both support Coalveil stability) **Potential Enemies:** - South Angoria trade interests - Progressive merchants - Those practicing heretical beliefs - [[Guildmaster Thalia Crenn]] ## Adventure Hooks - Requests adventurers to investigate heretical cult practices rumored near the Rift Scar - May need protection for pilgrims traveling to sacred sites - Could ask for help rooting out South Angoria spies within religious communities - Might seek adventurers to recover stolen religious artifacts ## Connections - Tensions with [[Mayor Elira Vanneth]] over her balancing act with South Angoria - Allied with [[Eldress Sybil Drowen]] in opposing foreign influence - Conflicts with [[Guildmaster Thalia Crenn]] over trade priorities ## Notes for DMs Hollis represents the old guard—faithful, traditional, and resistant to change. While his suspicions of South Angoria may be justified, his inflexibility could blind him to legitimate concerns or new threats. He's not a villain, but his rigid worldview can make him an obstacle to necessary change. Use him to explore themes of tradition vs. progress, faith vs. pragmatism. The rumors of heretical cults near the Rift Scar could tie into larger plotlines involving [[Anam]]'s return or planar instabilities in the Deadwood Glade.