Pholos (He/Him)
Centaur Druid (33)
Current Level: 6
Current XP: 700/700 50/800
Current Inspiration: 3
Past:
Pholos was born by the sea, far away. Most centaurs are born in the mountains, but on a day where the wine-dark sea was stirring, Pholos’ mother (Hippolyta) and father (Chiron) traveled to the ocean to collect clam shells for dancing castanets. Unexpectedly, Pholos was born into the water. The lord of the sea, mighty Poseidon, was present to witness the birth. The god blessed the child, as his first steps in the world were in the surf and sand. After returning to the mountains, Pholos began life among his people. There he grew, in a world far different from Athkatla in the country of Amn.
Pholos grew to care for the animals and plants around him. The centaur tended large olive trees, nurtured fruit plants, and looked after nearby animal life. His care for animal life quickly generated conflict with the goddess Artemis. The divine huntress desired to hunt mountain animals for glory, but Pholos hid them and kept them safe. The goddess seethed.
Pholos matured to the age of horse manhood, and found additional people to care for. One day in the olive grove, he encountered a human man, handsome Argos. The two met between the trees, but did not draw close. Traditionally, the centaurs partied and feasted far from the humans. Centaur stories told of the destructive nature of the humans, so distance was treasured. However, Pholos was struck by Argos‘ beauty. The two met in the grove the next day, a little closer this time. Day after day they harvested olives from a tree closer to the other, until they met at the oldest tree in the grove. Finally, they met with the exchange of gifts and introductions. Argos gave Pholos an intoxicating apple, and the centaur gave Argos a pomegranate. The two grew close, bonding over a shared love for nature, and eventually they kissed under the sway of the olive leaves.
However, the wrath of Artemis was not far off. One fateful day, Pholos, Argos, Hippolyta, Chiron, and the other centaurs were celebrating the start of spring. Persephone’s return to Demeter from the halls of Hades always caused cheer among the centaurs, as plants and wildlife would soon return to vibrancy. Pholos had indulged in several apples, and was starting to feel a bit impaired. Nonetheless, he left the gathering to fetch water and food. While he was gone, the goddess appeared to bring vengeance on Pholos for preventing her hunts. Artemis utilized the most common tool of disgruntled deities, plantification. The gods often turned a mortal’s loved ones into plants to teach them a lesson. Unfortunately for Pholos, his loved ones were next. Argos was first turned to a strawberry plant, Hippolyta a lemon tree, and Chiron a fragrant orange tree.
Pholos learned of his loved ones’ fate on the way back to the party. Fleeing centaurs told him of Artemis’ wrath. And Artemis was not done, she planned to plantify Pholos as well. He was powerless to do anything, so he returned to the ocean to seek help from Poseidon. The sea god was aware of Pholos’ plight, and sought to help him at any cost. The sea god disguised himself as an elder centaur, and reached the three unfortunate plants. Using his power of water, he reduced the plants to a single strawberry seed, lemon seed, and orange seed. The sea god gave the seeds, and a javelin of lightning (stolen from Zeus), to a weeping Pholos. The lord of the sea also promised to send Pholos to another world, the Forgotten Realms, so he would be safe from Artemis’ wrath. Poseidon opened a whirlpool, and commanded Pholos to go. Before departing, Pholos heard Poseidon telling him where he was going. The centaur was just about to sink into the whirlpool, and he was straining to hear how he could return his loved ones to their mortal forms. Poseidon began talking, but at that moment a large seagull started calling, and Pholos could only make out that he needed something in Chult. However, he sunk into the whirlpool before he could ask.
After arriving in the Forgotten Realm, Pholos had to start from scratch. He traveled to Athkatla, and then found a nature reserve. He planted the three seeds in the soil, and kept watch over them as they grew. He knew that the plants would need to be strong if he wanted to see his loved ones again. He wasn’t sure what he needed to de-plantify his folks, but he had to try. It was in the forest that Pholos met Pique. Pique was in the forest, sourcing cassava root for boba. Pholos befriended the goblin, and agreed to help her find cassava for the boba store. Pholos eventually agreed to work weekends at Bubbles and Bandits. He was able to befriend a particularly vicious beetle, who agreed to keep his plant-family safe while he was away.
Pholos does not know where his adventures will take him, but he hopes to find a way to reunite with his parents and his boyfriend.
Present:
Pholos is a centaur, half man and half horse. His horse half is jet black in color, but he has white stockings on all four legs. His tail is also all black. His human half starts at the torso. The black horse hair transitions into matching dark human hair on his torso and chest. Pholos’ head stands about 6.5 feet off the ground. He has a substantial beard and long, flowing dark hair (it is about shoulder length). Pholos does not like to wear a shirt, or a saddle, so he often does not wear clothes. He loves throwing the javelin, so he often carries one (to double as a walking stick).
Pholos is a dumb jock bro. He is not very intelligent, but he is very nice and strong. Pholos is protective of his friends and family, and he tries to be hospitable to strangers and others in need. What he lacks in intelligence, he makes up for in a competitive spirit. Pholos cares for nature and animals.
Future:
Pholos values his parents, his boyfriend, and his team members. He likes sports, relaxing by consuming intoxicating apples, walking in nature, and feeding local birds. The centaur’s ideals include: friendship, hospitality, loyalty, and defense of the weak. Pholos has goals like: bringing Argos, Hippolyta, and Chiron back to life, spreading the worship of Poseidon, and possibly returning to his home realm. Pholos feels conflicted about leaving the Forgotten Realm. He longs to see his fellow centaurs and build a home with Argos, but he also values the life he has built in Athkatla. Time will tell him where he is fated to go. Pholos’ unresolved trauma is that he was unable to protect the people he loves.