Thaloc, the Forest Keeper

Thaloc is a gentle creature. He cares deeply for every living being, from the Elder Dragons living at the edge of his Forest, to the smallest Saplings barely coming out of the ground. He's unable to speak but that doesn't mean he can't interact with the world around him. His close connection with nature gives him the ability to communicate with almost every living thing. He tends to spend hours sitting unmoving and slowly exchanging thoughts with the old wise trees. Sometimes he seems to be able to communicate with the forces of nature itself, making it rain during severe droughts or calling for a soft breeze when it's needed.

He rarely interacts with humans. Sometimes he crosses paths with them, but they usually avoid any contact if possible. They have their reasons to be afraid of him. He's known to fiercely protect what he cares for and any attempt to wrong him or unnecessarily harm the Forest or its creatures never ends well. Angered, he takes a defensive stance and lets a warning roar that can be heard miles away. He always tries to scare the opponent off at first, moving to the offensive only if absolutely necessary. His incomparable size and strength allow him to overpower almost any opponent.

The Apples on his head are crunchy and delicately sweet. They are ripe all year long and do not wither. When one of them gets picked or falls off during a fight, it gets replaced almost immediately. The process takes no more than a few moments and seems to be an subconscious act. The Apples are believed to be able to heal any injury and prolong life of any being, as long as they were freely given by him. Any that fall on their own or are stolen rot immediately and eating them will result in certain death.