Highlights
Hollyphants are cute and gentle creatures in Baldur's Gate 3, resembling miniature elephants with wings and golden fur.
In addition to being pets, they also fulfill the role of messengers and helpers for deities. Their capabilities include punishing evil and causing harm to enemies.
Lulu, a highly important hollyphant character in the game, possesses a captivating origin story and holds great potential for compelling storytelling.
Drawing inspiration from the extensive and intricate lore of Dungeons & Dragons, Baldur's Gate 3 is home to a fascinating array of fantastical creatures. As players venture through the vast world of Baldur's Gate 3, they are bound to stumble upon numerous enigmatic beings. However, there is one particular airborne ally, known as the hollyphant, that possesses an endearing and captivating quality sure to capture the attention of any avid gamer.
With a history as mystical and profound as any creature in Dungeons & Dragons, hollyphants ignite the imagination. Even for those unfamiliar with the origins of these creatures, their physical appearance is likely to enchant and mesmerize. Resembling miniature elephants adorned with ivory tusks and wings sprouting from the base of their heads, hollyphants possess a certain charm that is hard to resist. Traditionally, they are believed to be adorned in golden fur, although Lulu, the hollyphant players are most likely to encounter, deviates slightly from this description. Despite their innocent and adorable appearance, akin to the owlbear cubs found in Baldur's Gate 3, these magical entities hold hidden depths that exceed superficial expectations.
The Role Hollyphants Play in Baldur's Gate 3 Lore
Hollyphants, despite their small size and angelic appearance, possess remarkable complexity and intelligence. They exceed the conventional perception of being ordinary pets and harbor immense significance. Originating from the Upper Planes, a celestial realm resembling the divine descriptions of Heaven, these creatures serve as messengers and aides to deities.
However, their role goes beyond mere assistance. Hollyphants are devoted to combating evil and would likely unleash their wrath upon the villains within Baldur's Gate 3. While they prioritize goodness, friendship, love, and honor, they refuse to remain passive in the face of wickedness. Utilizing their formidable tusks, they can inflict damage upon enemies. Moreover, they possess the ability to emit powerful and magical trumpet blasts from their trunks, causing thunderous or radiant harm. Additionally, their psionic capabilities grant them powers such as suggestion, telepathy, and clairvoyance. Furthermore, they have the capacity to transform into imposing forms, serving as mounts for their allies.
Lulu: A Significant Hollyphant in Baldur's Gate 3
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Residing primarily in the Upper Planes, hollyphants have limited contact with those living in Toril, including the main characters of Baldur's Gate 3. However, the upcoming DLC for Baldur's Gate 3 may offer more opportunities for interaction with these magical creatures. Currently, players will encounter Lulu, the main hollyphant, who dwells in Candledeep.
For hundreds of years, Lulu faithfully served the renowned angel Zariel in her battle against Avernus. Unfortunately, Zariel's efforts proved unsuccessful, leading her to entrust Lulu with the task of concealing her sword within the Bleeding Citadel, a mystical fortress. These events took a toll on Lulu, causing her to become lost in Avernus and lose a significant portion of her powers after coming into contact with water from the Styx. To save her life, Zariel, now transformed into an archdevil and linked to characters in Baldur's Gate 3 like Karlach, sends Lulu to Faerun. This is how she eventually finds herself in Candlekeep, where she eventually crosses paths with the player-character.
The lore surrounding hollyphants in Dungeons & Dragons is intricately complex. Although not as widely recognized as elves, dwarves, or humans, hollyphants are undeniably significant and hold immense potential for engaging and imaginative storytelling. Players exploring Baldur's Gate 3 should not overlook any elements pertaining to hollyphants. The game is currently accessible on PC, with a PS5 version set to be released on September 6.