Kaeneus (Kai-NAE-uss)

Kaeneus Bawden

A centaur raised in the predominantly human city of Ferindor, Kaeneus was Found abandoned as a foal and taken in by Elys Bawden, a kind-hearted widow who raised him as her own in the crowded city. Despite his loving home, Kaeneus faced frequent bullying and isolation growing up as the only centaur many had ever seen. This led him to become reserved and timid, though he developed a quiet strength and an unwavering loyalty to those who show him kindness.
Kaeneus is thoughtful and kind, with a natural talent for wood carving and a fondness for simple pleasures, like his favorite treat—apple pie. While he struggles with confidence and tends to avoid the spotlight, he consistently demonstrates resilience and a willingness to face his fears. His loyalty, resolve, and considerate nature make him a valued companion despite his reserved demeanor.
Kaeneus’ story is one of quiet perseverance and finding belonging in a world that often sees him as an outsider. With the guidance of his adoptive mother and the lessons of his past, he continues to carve his place in the world—literally and figuratively.

Physical Description

General Physical Condition

Kaeneus’ horse half takes on a polished and regal appearance, featuring a deep bay coat with a glossy sheen, accented by white stockings.. The form is lean but muscular, showcasing a balance of power and elegance. His mane and tail are dark and flowing, complementing the rich tones of his coat. This refined equine form reflects strength, grace, and a quiet dignity.
His human half mirrors the energy of his equine side, with a youthful but rugged handsomeness. His wavy, tousled hair is a dark chestnut brown, complementing his lightly tanned complexion. His expressive eyes and broad smile reflect warmth and approachability, though there’s a lingering hint of timidity in his posture. Kaeneus’ physique is athletic but lean, shaped by years of physical work in the forge and daily movement as a centaur.
His overall appearance carries an understated charm—one of resilience and quiet strength, with a hint of vulnerability that makes him approachable despite his imposing size.

Physical quirks

Kaeneus’ equine nature often shows through in subtle quirks that betray his emotions. When standing still, he shifts his weight from one hoof to another, a habit that reflects both his restless energy and thoughtful nature. In moments of impatience or anticipation, he unconsciously scrapes a hoof against the ground, signaling his readiness to move or act. His tail swishes lightly when he’s nervous, often giving away what he’s feeling even when his face remains calm. On his human side, he frequently runs his fingers through his wavy hair when deep in thought or trying to compose himself. Together, these quirks create a blend of human and equine traits that make Kaeneus both endearing and unique.

Specialized Equipment

Kaeneus carries gear designed to suit his city life and his role as both a blacksmith and a devoted son. One of his most cherished items is a specialized harness crafted by the local blacksmith, Rordan, to allow him to safely give his adoptive mother, Elys, rides through the city or countryside. The harness is made of durable but lightweight leather, padded for comfort, with reinforced straps that ensure stability. It’s adorned with subtle engravings of flowers, a tribute to Elys' love of nature.
For his trade, Kaeneus uses a custom set of blacksmithing tools designed for his strength and size. His hammer is slightly larger than average, with a longer handle to suit his reach, while his tongs and anvil are modified for both precision and power. He also has a foldable leather tool roll strapped to his equine side, allowing him to carry his essential tools when traveling to work on-site for repairs.
In addition, Kaeneus uses a sturdy leather pack designed to fit securely along his horse back without shifting during movement. The pack is divided into compartments for carrying small goods, such as supplies for wood carving, a flask of water, and snacks. The design is practical but also a reflection of Kaeneus’ thoughtful personality, with simple embellishments that speak to his appreciation for craft and utility.

Mental characteristics

Personal history

Kaeneus’ story begins with mystery and hardship. Found abandoned as a foal in the rolling meadows outside Ferindor, the circumstances of his abandonment remain unknown. Elys Bawden, a skilled herbalist and widow, stumbled upon the young centaur during one of her routine outings to gather herbs. Despite the challenges of raising a creature so vastly different from herself, Elys brought Kaeneus home, naming him after a figure from an old story her late husband used to tell.
Their bond grew strong over the years, with Elys becoming Kaeneus’ guiding light. She nurtured him, taught him to read and write, and shared her knowledge of the natural world. Though their relationship was filled with love, raising Kaeneus was not without its difficulties. His size and strength grew quickly, requiring adaptations to their modest home and lifestyle. Elys met these challenges with ingenuity and patience, ensuring Kaeneus never felt like a burden.
Life in Ferindor was far from easy for a centaur. The bustling, predominantly human city was no place for a boy who stood out so starkly. Children teased and taunted him, calling him names and mocking his equine features. Though Kaeneus learned to keep his head down and avoid conflict, the cruelty left a deep mark, shaping his reserved and timid personality.
As he grew older and larger, the bullying shifted. Some grew fearful of his size and strength, choosing to ignore him entirely. Others remained cruel, pushing him to the outskirts of social life. The isolation was painful, but Kaeneus found solace in quiet pursuits, particularly wood carving. His adoptive mother encouraged this hobby, and soon he began creating intricate designs that earned admiration from the few kind souls who noticed his talent.
One of these souls was Rordan, the local blacksmith. Rordan took Kaeneus under his wing, offering him a part-time job and a place to escape the judgmental eyes of the townsfolk. In the forge, Kaeneus discovered a sense of belonging. The rhythmic pounding of the hammer and the glow of the forge fire became symbols of his growing resilience. Rordan also taught Kaeneus about standing up for himself, giving him the confidence to face the world with a bit more courage.

Social

Speech

Kaeneus’ speech is polite and unassuming, reflecting his reserved and thoughtful personality. He tends to choose his words carefully, often pausing before speaking, especially in unfamiliar or stressful situations. Growing up in Ferindor’s bustling streets has given him a slight urban lilt, and his tone is soft but steady, carrying the warmth and sincerity of someone who genuinely cares about others.
When addressing people he’s comfortable with, like his adoptive mother or the local blacksmith, his voice carries a lighter, more relaxed quality. He often softens his statements with phrases like "if that's alright" or "I think so," reflecting his lack of confidence. However, when discussing his work—be it blacksmithing or wood carving—he becomes noticeably more animated, his passion overriding his usual hesitancy.
Kaeneus also has a habit of downplaying his abilities, often using self-deprecating humor or shrugging off compliments with a quiet, “Oh, it’s nothing special.” Despite his modesty, his voice takes on a firm and steady tone when standing up for others or expressing something he deeply believes in, showing a quiet strength beneath his timidity.

Species

Centaur

Pronouns

He/Him

Sex

Male

Gender

Man

Presentation

Masculine

Eyes

Brown

Hair

Short curly brown

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Deep bay and tanned skin

Height

5.5 (1.7m) at the withers, 7.58 feet (2.4m) tall

Weight

1,000 to 1,200 pounds (450–550 kg)

Known Languages

Common