A century had etched its passage upon Druas, a man marked by the roles of protector, hunter, survivor, warrior, and father. Beneath the emerald embrace of his ancestral forest, where dappled sunlight danced through ancient boughs, his youthful face belied the weight of his years. His ice-blue eyes, like glacial pools, held a hint of untamed yearning. He knew the forest's secrets, the whispering language of the trees, the secrets held within the rustling leaves, and the rhythm of life and death that pulsed through the forest's heart.But the forest, once a source of solace, now felt heavy with unspoken expectations. Druas, whose spirit craved the open horizon and a release from his solitude, was being nudged towards leadership – a mantle laden with preserving traditions that felt like relics of a bygone era. The elders' wisdom, once a guiding light, now felt like a chain, binding him to a future he didn't fully embrace.

The unknown whispered promises of adventure, a siren song that tugged relentlessly at Druas' restless spirit. He had fulfilled his duties to his people, the weight of responsibility a familiar burden he now craved to shed.He would speak of mapping uncharted territories, learning from different cultures, testing his skills. They would believe him. It was a plausible story. But it wasn't the whole truth. The yearning for exploration was real, but it masked deeper motivations. This new world, shrouded in mystery and whispered rumors of wonders beyond imagining, beckoned not just with adventure, but with something far more personal, something he couldn't quite articulate, even to himself.
He was ready to embrace the unknown, not just for exploration, but for something more... something he was only beginning to understand.

"Beneath the rough ice, the gentle stream still flows..."

"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us..."

Connections & Private Life

Idvin | Mate, Partner
Druas had fortified his heart, terrified of experiencing the pain of love and loss once more. Yet fate intervened when he stumbled upon Idvin's enchanting little shop. Their relationship, which started as a simple doctor-patient dynamic, evolved into a companionship filled with adventure and shared experiences. Idvin's mesmerizing smile and comforting warmth began to chip away at Druas's defenses. Despite his lingering fears, he found himself irresistibly drawn to the charming blonde, as the tender feelings he had long suppressed slowly emerged, offering him a glimmer of hope for love.

Bel'dran | Nephew
He feels a strong connection with his nephew, almost like a father-son bond. Seeing his nephew grapple with personal struggles, he recognizes some of his own past experiences reflected in them and deeply wishes he could offer guidance and prevent his nephew from making similar mistakes.Gray | Niece
While there's a hesitance towards closeness that Druas is still working through, his niece's presence represents a chance for a new connection. He recognizes the opportunity for a meaningful relationship that could bring healing and understanding. Perhaps, one day, she could be the daughter he never truly had.R'ana & Mihde | Granddaughters
Though limited in their interactions so far, Druas sees R'ana, Bel'dran's adopted daughter, and her fiancé Mihde as cherished members of the family. His son's love for them fosters a strong bond, and Druas looks forward to getting to know them better and offering his love and support.

Allegiance | Himself and his family
Fidelity | Faithful, committed, loyal, loving
Authority | Years spent following orders across countless armies instilled in him the value of respect. He knows his role and adapts seamlessly.

Personality | Life's hardships have left their mark on Druas. While he cherishes memories and shows immense patience with loved ones, the world can sometimes see a reflection of his losses in a more reserved or short-tempered demeanor.
Melancholy, a quiet companion, sometimes threatens to pull Druas under. In those moments, he craves a hand to grasp, a reminder that he doesn't have to walk this path alone.

Hooks

War & Conflict
• 1494 - Present
- At present, Druas can be found at the Churn once a week tending bar and assisting the medics. He also sometimes frequents his mate's apothecary and doctor's office.
- He is old enough to remember the introduction of Gil, when it was implemented to unify the city-states.
- Those of similar vintage, or fellow war veterans, may have experienced some of the events of the past alongside Druas.• Around 1500
The Autumn War - During the reign of King Manfred, the city-state of Ala Mhigo invaded the Black Shroud, igniting the Autumn War. It was here that Druas first joined the Alliance forces to repel the invaders.• 1562
The Battle of Silvertear - The Empire, having established a foothold in Ala Mhigo, now posed a clear threat to all of Eorzea. Druas, recognizing the gravity of the situation, joined the desperate fight at Lake Silvertear. Barely escaping the battle with his life, he too saw the vision of falling stars as the Echo sounded across the realm.

• Around 1572
The Battle at the Cartenau Flats - Druas once more heeded the call for battle, joining the Eorzean Alliance in the face of the threat from the Garlean Empire, moving against the remnants of the VIIth Legion in the Cartenau Flats.

Yanxia
The Far East holds a special place in Druas' heart. It was one of the first regions he explored after leaving the lush Golmore Jungle, and its beauty continues to draw him back. In particular, Yanxia claimed a significant portion of his time spent in the East.Craftsmanship and Combat Expertise
Druas, a man of quiet strength and measured skills, possesses a deep-seated determination to hone his craft to perfection. The knowledge gleaned from the Golmore Jungle, hard-won through years of observation and practice, remains a precious treasure. Whether it is the intricate carving of wooden trinkets, the crafting of instruments, or the patient instruction of his fighting techniques – skills honed through years of rigorous training and more recently, unexpected encounters – Druas finds purpose in using his talents.

"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor..."