Personality: He is a passive recluse, valuing patience, thought, and nature over greed and battle, which is sadly popular in many of the other 'inferior' species. Finding the ability to remain docile and/or neutral a rare skill, and he having 'mastered' it, he believes he, and sometimes the entirety of the Centaurs, is superior to the many unable to. He walks and communicates with a haughty tone, but does not care for control or obedience. Migrating to the allied Elven lands multiple times in his youth, he has grown to enjoy the serenity and peace of the timid nature of the settled forest. However, there is also unknown wilderness, and that has taught him to constantly be wary, and quickly react to sudden scenarios.
History:
Decades before his birth, relations between the Centaurs of the plains and the Elves of the forest were tense; a simple insult would've been enough to start the long-expected war.
On a pitch-black night, the three hundred year reign of the Userun Centaurs ended when a group of radical revolutionaries, the Hjuni, stormed the Userun High Plain, pillaging and slaughtering all loyal to the rule. Many Userun guards were murdered in their sleep, while those on duty fought back viciously. With a lack of defense and uniform strategy, the Userun High Plain quickly fell to into the hands of the Hjuni, despite the forceful retaliation of the guards. The leader, unyielding to the Hjuni demands, was executed, and his body dragged to the Elven forest. The Elves, unaware of the uprising, were shocked at the bloody presentation before them. The Hjuni offered peace, and the bewildered Elves accepted.
The Treaty of Horned and Pointed officially declared peace between the races. Migration and trade were opened between them as well, resulting in large groups journeying to the 'other side'. In a few years, an alliance was naturally formed due to the mass cultural diffusion.
Years later, Gallipoli now forty-five, and having been to the forest many times, prepares to journey there once again, alone. The Centaur is to deliver the annual 'Gifts of Friendship' to the Elven peoples, and bring back what they offer in return. On arrival, he is quickly ushered into the abode of the Elven leader, and told to present his Gift. The Gift consisted of various unique ornaments found in the plains, and a lengthy letter from the Hjuni leader. The Elven leader took the letter, and the rest of the Gifts were brought into another room. He contemplated on his concluding thoughts for a while. Gallipoli stood by, awaiting his response.
The Elven leader put the letter to his side, glanced at Gallipoli, then smiled. "It seems your leader likes you, or rather your deeds. He wishes us to provide you with new equipment, so you'll have to stay in our lands while we get it prepared." he said in a soft voice. Surprised, Gallipoli opened his mouth to reply, but the leader interrupted, "Seeing as you're an archer, it should be fairly quick. My woodworkers will craft you a bow of extraordinary quality, along with some sleek arrows." Gallipoli bowed in gratitude and trotted outside. He wandered around the forest, visiting his usual sites. When night arrived, he was given a room in a local inn. The bow and arrows took a week to complete, but it was extremely well-made. Ecstatic, he accepted them with a childish grin. He placed the multitude of arrows in his quiver, and put the bow in a bow hanging from his side. With a final goodbye, Gallipoli sped back to the plains.
In 32 years, a war began between the Elves and the Goblins. The Goblins invaded the forest, scorching the wildlife with fire. Arriving to their ally's plea for help, the Centaurs ambushed the Goblins as they entered the forest, ramming into the mass with long spears. Arrows rained from the dark forest from Centaurian and Elven archers. The battle lasted for some hours as Centaurs and Elves crushed the Goblin force, leaving their general dead, trampled. As they retreated, the Centaur archers, including Gallipoli, rushed after them, continuing to rain death from behind.
The battle over, the allies rejoiced at their victory. Celebrations were short, as a majority of Centaurs returned to the plains. Gallipoli and a small force remained to fend off any more raid attempts. They stayed for a year, honing their skill in battle, then returned to their homes.
Notable equipment:
He wields a specialized longbow, handcrafted by Elven allies from a select group of trees grown for their durability, flexibility, and coloration. The bowstring is made in a similar manner: from an ever-evolving species created by cross-pollination, between many plants and over many years, for the sole purpose of creating an extremely strong, elastic fiber. His 28-inch arrows are cut from the same trees as the bow, tipped with sharp 2-inch bones provided by the Centaurs, and fletched with the thin leaves of the 'bowstring plant'. The longbow and arrows are of a dark green-black color, meant to intimidate in daylight, and camouflage in the night. A worn leather quiver of similar color is sewn onto a strap which hangs from his lower back, allowing him easy access to his arrows via his left hand.
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