Darwin, once known by another name long forgotten, is an ancient druid who has chosen to permanently remain in the form of a massive grizzly bear. Standing nearly ten feet tall when reared up, his imposing figure is marked by battle scars that tell tales of countless encounters with both beasts and civilization. His thick brown fur is streaked with silver, particularly around his face and shoulders, betraying his advanced age. Small wooden totems and tribal beads are carefully woven into his fur, clicking softly as he moves, serving as his only connection to the humanoid world he left behind.

His eyes, deep amber in color, hold an unsettling intelligence that betrays his true nature. Those who meet his gaze often find themselves unnerved by the clearly human consciousness lurking behind those ursine eyes. Despite his inability to speak common tongue, Darwin has developed an elaborate system of growls, head tilts, and paw gestures to communicate with those who take the time to understand him.

Darwin's choice to permanently embrace his bear form stems from a profound disillusionment with human society. Centuries ago, he witnessed the systematic destruction of an ancient forest he was sworn to protect, helpless to prevent it as his druidic circle was scattered by advancing civilization. Rather than retreat to a new woodland, he made the radical choice to fully embrace the wild, believing that only by completely abandoning his human form could he truly understand and protect the natural world.

The permanent transformation has taken its toll on his psyche. While he retains his intelligence and wisdom, his thought patterns have become increasingly ursine over the decades. He experiences the world through a complex blend of human rationality and animal instinct, creating a unique perspective that few can comprehend. His priorities have shifted dramatically - the politics of humanoid societies mean little to him now, replaced by more primal concerns: the health of the forest, the changing of seasons, and the balance of predator and prey.

Darwin carries with him a deep-seated guilt over his inability to save his original forest, which drives him to fiercely protect any woodland he now inhabits. This manifests in an almost obsessive vigilance against any sign of encroaching civilization. He's known to destroy logging equipment, scatter hunting parties, and terrorize any settlers who venture too deep into his territory, though he typically avoids causing direct harm unless absolutely necessary.

The most fascinating aspect of Darwin's character is his relationship with other druids. While he respects their path, he views their ability to shift between forms as a kind of half-measure, a failure to fully commit to nature's way. This perspective has made him something of a controversial figure in druidic circles - some view him as a cautionary tale of taking things too far, while others see him as an example of ultimate dedication to their beliefs.

Despite his isolation, Darwin hasn't completely abandoned the concept of community. He's developed complex relationships with the creatures of his forest, serving as a guardian and mediator in their conflicts. His presence maintains a delicate balance in his territory, though few outside of it understand the sophisticated role he plays in the ecosystem.