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The Boreads, Wind Brothers

“Unravel the Mythical Secrets of the Boreads: Wind Brothers with Divine Wings and Heroic Feats!”

The Boreads, Wind Brothers
Midjourney
  • Alias – The Boreads, Wind Brothers
  • Gender – Male
  • Race – Demigods.
  • Occupation – Argonauts, heroes, adventurers
  • Religion – Greek Pantheon (Dependent on individual beliefs)
  • Allies – Argonauts, Phineas, Orpheus (Calais)
  • Enemies – Harpies, Heracles (in some versions)
  • Abode/ Base of operations – Primarily traveled across various lands in their heroic quests, including Thrace, Symplegades, Strophades, and Tenos.
  • Nationality – Greek
  • Languages – Ancient Greek
  • AlignmentLawful Good
  • Affiliation (s) – The Argonauts, Greek Mythological Heroes
  • Significant others – Calaïs is said to be the beloved of Orpheus. Calaïs and Zetes are brothers, sons of Boreas and Oreithyia. They are siblings to Chione and Cleopatra, wife of Phineus.

The Boreads, also known as the “wind brothers,” are captivating figures of Greek mythology, hailing from the land of Thrace, where their father Boreas, the North Wind, holds dominion. Comprising of Zetes and Calaïs, these extraordinary siblings possess a unique gift – delicate and graceful hair that grants them the power of flight. With an air of pride, they boast about their wondrous locks, reveling in their ability to soar through the skies. Their dusky wings, adorned with golden scales, shimmer with an otherworldly allure.

Born to Boreas and Oreithyia, daughter of King Erechtheus of Athens, the brothers are siblings to Chione and Cleopatra, who is wedded to Phineus. As sons of the North Wind, they are supernaturally endowed, though the details of their gifts vary across different tales and traditions. Some recount them as fleet-footed as the wind, while others describe them with wings sprouting from their backs as they reach adulthood, as chronicled in Ovid’s Metamorphoses.

Their tale intertwines with the adventures of the Argonauts, where they play a pivotal role in saving Phineus from the clutches of the harpies. Their valor drives the monstrous beings away, heeding the request of the rainbow goddess, Iris, who ensures the harpies will no longer torment Phineas. In gratitude, Phineas imparts vital knowledge to the Argonauts, guiding them safely through treacherous waters. During their journey, they encounter the Strophades, islands where Iris turns them back, and their name, “Islands of Turning,” is derived from this event.

Amongst the brothers, Calais enjoys a special bond with the famed Orpheus, a beloved companion. Tragically, Orpheus meets his demise, a victim of jealousy among Thracian women, as he contemplates his affection for Calais during his wanderings. As fate unfolds, their lives come to a fateful end, caused by Heracles on the island of Tenos. Seeking vengeance for being left behind by the Argonauts during his search for Hylas, Heracles becomes their untimely doom.

In certain accounts, fate intervenes once more, leading them to their ultimate demise in pursuit of the harpies, who would bring about their downfall if not captured. According to the rare variant by Tzetzes, the blind old man Phineus, who has daughters named Eraseia and Harpyreia, becomes embroiled in a life of indulgence and recklessness, only to be rescued and carried away by Zetes and Calais, vanishing from those lands forever.

The Boreads’ saga weaves together bravery, heroism, and mystical abilities, making them a captivating and essential part of Greek mythology, immortalizing their legacy as the revered wind brothers whose divine wings carried them through extraordinary quests and legendary feats.

Boreads, the Wind Brothers

By Bernard Picart - illustration des Métamorphoses d'Ovide, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5220701, Boreads
By Bernard Picart – illustration des Métamorphoses d’Ovide, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5220701

Medium Humanoid (Thrace), Neutral Good

Armor Class 17 (natural armor)
Hit Points 198 (24d8 + 96)
Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft. (hover)

STRDEXCONINTWISCHA
20 (+5)18 (+4)18 (+4)14 (+2)16 (+3)16 (+3)

Saving Throws Str +10, Dex +9
Skills Perception +7, Athletics +10
Damage Immunities Lightning
Condition Immunities Frightened
Senses Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 17
Languages Common, Auran
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)

Special Traits

  • Wind Affinity. They have advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws against effects that would move them forcefully or knock them prone.

Actions

  • Multiattack. They can make three attacks: two with their Spears and one with their Boreas Gust ability.
  • Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 15 (2d6 + 5) piercing damage.
  • Boreas Gust (Recharge 5-6). They can unleash a powerful gust of wind in a 30-foot line that is 5 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 17 Strength saving throw, taking 27 (6d8) bludgeoning damage and being knocked prone on a failed save, or half as much damage and not being knocked prone on a successful one.

Reactions

  • Windswept Defense. When a creature within 30 feet of Boreads is targeted by a ranged attack, he can use his reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll, causing the wind to disrupt the shot.

Legendary Actions

They can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. He regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

  • Wind Shield. They gains resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage from non-magical attacks until the start of his next turn.
  • Wind Rush. They moves up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
  • Call of Boreas (Costs 2 Actions). They call upon the power of their father, Boreas, to summon a powerful windstorm. Each creature within a 30-foot radius centered on Boreads must make a DC 17 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone and pushed 20 feet away from him.

Equipment

  • Legendary Spears of Zetes and Calais. They wield two legendary spears with divine craftsmanship, granted to them by their father, Boreas. These magical spears count as +2 weapons and deal an additional 1d8 lightning damage on a hit.

Currently in the World

The Boreads, Zetes and Calais, are two striking figures with a divine presence. Standing tall and muscular, their bodies exude strength and grace. Zetes has a regal aura, with piercing blue eyes that seem to carry the power of the winds. His golden hair flows like a majestic waterfall, and his wings, once a symbol of his divine heritage, rest folded on his back. On the other hand, Calais possesses a more wild and untamed demeanor. His dark eyes reflect his fierce spirit, and his coal-black hair cascades in untamed waves. His wings, similar to his brother’s, glisten with a hint of silver, reminiscent of their ethereal origins.

Currently, the Boreads find themselves near the coast, where the sea breeze dances around them. They are standing side by side, their eyes fixed on the horizon as if anticipating something. The waves crash against the rocks, providing a soothing soundtrack to their silent vigil. There’s a sense of determination in their expressions, hinting at a greater purpose they are about to undertake. Both brothers are clad in simple yet elegant armor, signifying their warrior heritage.

Their mood is focused and resolute. They share an unbreakable bond as brothers and adventurers, driven by a quest to protect and defend those in need. As they gaze into the distance, their minds are set on a mission that requires both their strength and intellect. A sense of camaraderie surrounds them, as they know they can rely on each other in the face of any challenge.

Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, the Boreads are unyielding in their pursuit of justice and the fulfillment of their divine destiny. Their wings, now hidden, are a testament to their unique abilities and the unbreakable connection they share with their father, the powerful North Wind. They are the wind brothers, ready to soar to new heights, and their journey is just beginning.

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