Title: Dream Reader of Troy
Race: Human (Trojan)
Gender: Male
Alignment: Neutral (Supports Troy)
Role: Dream Interpreter, Veteran Warrior
Age: Elderly (At the Time of the Trojan War)
Physical Description:
Polyidus is an old man, marked by age but still commanding a presence of quiet dignity. His weathered features show the toll of time, but his eyes remain sharp, filled with the wisdom and insight of a lifetime spent deciphering dreams and ancient symbols. He is of moderate height, with gray hair and a beard, dressed in simple robes with hints of armor beneath, representing his dual role as both seer and warrior.
Personality:
- Wise and Thoughtful: As a dream reader, Polyidus is known for his deep understanding of the mind’s workings and symbolic meaning in dreams. His counsel is often sought by those looking to interpret omens and seek clarity during troubled times.
- Loyal to Troy: Though old and no longer in the prime of his youth, Polyidus remains deeply loyal to his homeland, serving as both an advisor and a warrior in the Trojan War.
- Calm Under Pressure: His years of experience and knowledge have shaped him into a calm and reflective man. He approaches life with a pragmatic yet compassionate demeanor, even in the face of war.
- Reluctant Combatant: Although capable of wielding weapons, Polyidus prefers the role of strategist and advisor, using his knowledge of dreams and omens to guide decisions rather than taking direct action on the battlefield.
Skills & Abilities:
- Dream Interpretation (Primary Skill): Polyidus has an unparalleled ability to read and interpret dreams, making sense of their hidden meanings. His insights provide guidance in times of uncertainty, allowing allies to better understand divine or symbolic messages in dreams.
- Veteran Experience: Though not a master warrior, Polyidus is a seasoned fighter who has lived through many battles. His experience allows him to offer valuable strategies, even if his physical prowess has diminished with age.
- Advisor’s Wisdom: Polyidus’s words carry weight. He can offer advice that sways the opinions of others, especially in moments of indecision or confusion.
- Limited Combat Ability: While his skills with weapons have diminished, Polyidus can still defend himself. However, his strength lies in intellect rather than brute force.
Equipment:
- Staff of Divination: A simple wooden staff often carried by Polyidus, used both for support and as a symbol of his role as a dream interpreter.
- Light Armor: Beneath his robe, Polyidus wears light leather armor, protecting him in case of battle without restricting his movements.
- Talisman of Dreams: A small, intricately carved amulet he keeps around his neck, believed to help him connect with the symbolic world of dreams and visions.
Background:
Polyidus was born into a noble Trojan family, the son of Eurydamas, and brother to Abas. Throughout his youth, he displayed a remarkable talent for interpreting dreams, and his reputation as a wise man spread across Troy. As an elder during the Trojan War, he became a trusted advisor to the Trojan leaders, though his role on the battlefield was more symbolic than combative.
His skill in reading dreams made him a respected figure in Troy, often consulted in times of confusion or doubt. Despite his old age, Polyidus fought alongside the Trojans in defense of his homeland, proving that wisdom and experience could stand with courage. He was ultimately slain by the Greek hero Diomedes, one of the most formidable warriors of the Greek forces.
Allies:
- Priam: The king of Troy who likely valued Polyidus for his wisdom and ability to interpret divine omens.
- Trojan Nobles: Fellow Trojan leaders and warriors who respected Polyidus’s counsel during the war.
Enemies:
- Diomedes: The Greek hero who would ultimately kill Polyidus in battle. Polyidus’s death at Diomedes’ hands symbolizes the end of an era of wisdom giving way to raw power in the war.
- Greek Forces: As a loyal Trojan, Polyidus stood against the Greeks, though he often sought to prevent conflict through wisdom and interpretation of omens.
Quotes:
- “The night speaks to us in ways we cannot always comprehend. It is my duty to give voice to those whispers.”
- “Age has taken my strength, but it has sharpened my mind. That is where the real battles are won.”
Role in the Trojan War:
Polyidus played a minor but pivotal role in the war, providing guidance and insight to Trojan leaders through his dream readings. Though he was not a prominent warrior, his wisdom was instrumental in guiding decisions. His death at the hands of Diomedes was part of the larger narrative of the fall of Troy, signifying the loss of wisdom and insight amid the chaos of war.
