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Rhanok
Lord of the Cervidals (planar cervidal guardinal companion [he/him] / NG)
Portfolio: Resilience, reflection, redemption
Realm: Elysium / Amoria / The Grove of Quiet Resolve
Lord Rhanok, the satyr-like former member of Talisid’s Five Companions, is a reclusive cutter, respected for his selfless service to Elysium, but somewhat feared and misunderstood due to his curmudgeonly naure. With his antlers, goat-like legs, and a mane of copper-coloured fur, Rhanok exudes a rugged presence. He’s known for his sharp tongue and gruff demeanour, which can surprise the unwary, for superficially he looks like one of the jolly satyr of Arborea. Rhanok retired from the Five Companions after centuries of service, citing a desire to step away from the constant battles and focus on what he calls “the roots of goodness.” His retirement was not born of weakness but of conviction—Rhanok believed that his role as a warrior had overshadowed his quieter desire to nurture communities and preserve harmony. While he remains a staunch ally of Talisid and the Five, he now dedicates himself to guiding others through reflection and action rather than enforcing his ideals through direct confrontation.
Rhanok’s philosophy is rooted in three domains: resilience, reflection, and reclamation. He teaches that goodness requires the strength to endure hardship (resilience), the wisdom to learn from one’s past (reflection), and the courage to restore what has been lost or broken (reclamation). His own history contains plenty of examples of this in action, Rhanok once led a desperate defence of an Amorian borderland against tanar’ri invaders, holding the line long enough for most of its inhabitants to escape but at great personal injury; he was lucky to escape with his life. This experience shaped his belief that true heroism lies not in glory but in ensuring others can thrive. Now residing in the Grove of Quiet Resolve, a secluded forest sanctuary, Rhanok spends his days mentoring young cervidals, tending to the ancient grove, and offering gruff but heartfelt guidance to those lacking purpose but seeking advice. You wouldn’t know it from talking to him, but Rhanok has finally found happiness in his true calling here.
Sources: Book of Exalted Deeds [3e] p143; Manual of the Planes [3e] p140; Planes of Conflict [2e] Liber Benevolentiae p51; Jon Winter-Holt