Solas Deurden

Solas is introspective and deeply attuned to the rhythms of the Underdark. He has a strong sense of duty to protect the natural balance of the subterranean world. Despite his fears and the curse that haunts him, he is known for his unwavering determination and courage.

## Druid abilities

Solas possesses a unique gift among Drow—he can shapeshift into various Underdark creatures, assuming their forms and abilities. This transformation allows him to navigate the perilous depths of the Underdark with ease, whether as a nimble cavefish, a stealthy shadowmancer, or a mighty roper.

## The Curse

Solas harbors an intense fear of mindflayers, the psionic aberrations of the Underdark. This fear stems from a traumatic encounter in his past, during which he narrowly escaped being captured and dominated by a mindflayer. The experience left him mentally scarred and haunted by vivid nightmares.

Solas carries a curse related to his fear of mindflayers. Periodically, he experiences involuntary psychic flashes and hallucinations, often accompanied by debilitating headaches. During these episodes, he may temporarily lose control over his druidic abilities, potentially transforming into a creature or losing access to his spells. These episodes can be triggered by stress, exposure to mindflayer-related stimuli, or intense fear.

## History

Solas Deurden was born into the harsh and unforgiving world of the Underdark, where the Drow society of his youth was marked by cruelty and treachery. Raised in a prominent Drow family, Solas was expected to follow the traditional path of his people, which often involved subjugating other races and furthering the power of Lolth.

However, even from a young age, Solas felt a deep connection to the natural world of the Underdark. He would often escape into the depths of the caverns to commune with the fungi, mosses, and creatures that thrived in the subterranean darkness. His affinity for the natural world didn't go unnoticed, and it drew the attention of Eldrin, a reclusive druid living in the Underdark.

Eldrin, who saw potential in the young Drow, took Solas under his wing and began training him in the ways of druidic magic. Under Eldrin's tutelage, Solas learned to harness the power of the Underdark's flora and fauna, developing an ability to shapeshift into creatures of the deep, including those that roamed the caverns and tunnels.

Solas's life took a dark turn during a harrowing encounter with a group of mindflayers. While exploring an uncharted section of the Underdark, he and Eldrin stumbled upon a hidden enclave of these psionic aberrations. Eldrin was captured and subjected to their mental domination, while Solas barely managed to escape, marked by a powerful psychic trauma.

Haunted by the memory of that fateful encounter, Solas sought refuge in Dormant Hollow, an enclave founded by Nymloth in the Underdark. Here, he hoped to find solace and heal his mental wounds. Dormant Hollow embraced him as a member of their community, recognizing his unique druidic talents as a valuable asset for protection and sustenance.

Solas's time in Dormant Hollow allowed him to recover from his trauma and develop strong bonds with its residents. However, he carried a heavy burden—a curse tied to his fear of mindflayers. Determined to find redemption and break the curse, Solas began a quest to confront the mindflayers responsible for his suffering and to protect his new home from their threat.

## Redemption

Solas views his curse as a burden that he must bear to protect the Underdark's delicate balance. He is determined to overcome his fear and find redemption by confronting the mindflayers responsible for his trauma. He believes that by doing so, he can break the curse that plagues him and free himself from his recurring nightmares.

Solas has formed close bonds with fellow residents of Dormant Hollow, who support and encourage him in his quest for redemption. He often seeks counsel from Danreth Dinuil, the hermit bard who resides nearby, and their shared connection to the Underdark's mysteries has forged a strong friendship.