| “ | "What is it this time, stranger? You’re quite effective at locating me, but not so good at leaving me in peace." | „ |
| ~ To Zagreus |
Patroclus was a warrior in the Achaean army during the Trojan War and was Achilles' life-long companion and romantic partner. He currently resides in Elysium and is one of the few shades there who does not attack Zagreus, instead offering an assortment of items, much like Sisyphus and Eurydice.
It is possible to interact with Patroclus many times without properly learning his name, even if he comes up in conversations with Achilles. Until his name is revealed, either by reading his Codex entry or via other means (such as speaking to him with Achilles' Myrmidon Bracer equipped) he will be unable to receive gifts and will generally respond to Zagreus coldly or bitterly.
Characteristics and Personality
Patroclus, the forgotten one, is a former warrior who fought in the Trojan War and achieved eternal paradise in Elysium. When Zagreus encounters him, he can be found meditating in his monotonously infernal paradise.
Unlike many of the other shades residing in Elysium, who are utterly obsessed with endlessly fighting amongst themselves in the hopes of gaining eternal glory, Patroclus shows little to no interest in engaging in battle. Instead, he views the acts of extreme brutality and savagery of his fellow shades as nothing more than an embarrassment and the work of a bunch of deranged serial killers, rather than truly noble warriors. He bitterly concludes that Elysium was never meant for any genuinely good people. Patroclus even goes so far as to say that he would have preferred ending up in the (generally) more peaceful Asphodel than Elysium after death, perhaps believing that to be the true paradise.
Similar to his lover Achilles, it is implied that Patroclus suffers from guilt and self-loathing for the many atrocities he witnessed and committed while alive, and when questioned about his past, he refuses to provide details about the battles he and Achilles fought in. Patroclus is indifferent, stoic, and dislikes small talk. He refers to Zagreus as a "Stranger" and is reluctant to engage with him, initially out of apathy. Achilles explains that this is just how Patroclus is and that he has much less flattering names for people he dislikes, so Zagreus should consider it a compliment.
Despite being given Achilles' place in Elysium, Patroclus emotionally rejects it and almost shuts himself off, finding his time in Elysium dull without Achilles. Patroclus sits at the edge of the Lethe River, which can erase memories, and contemplates drinking more of it to forget his troubles. He has already taken a few sips, which makes him appear disoriented. He does not reveal his name to Zagreus, possibly as a personal form of escapism. However, he eventually finds the courage to leap into the abyss to retrieve his memories and confront them.
Physical description
Patroclus is an adult male with black skin, with dark hair and a beard, and he often wears a pensive expression. His hair is adorned with a headband and turquoise leaves, possibly a wreath of glory made of laurel, and he is dressed in battle armor. His cloak (chlamys) is greenish blue, which matches with the one worn by Achilles, save for the motif on his cloak pin. His armor is separated by a belt with a Greek meander ornament, and ends in pelvic protecting elongations featuring a wave-like design. Underneath his armor he wears a white tunic (chiton) covered by a greenish blue wrap (himation) around his waist. His upper right arm features a bandage and the lower one a bracelet, same as his upper left arm. He is also wearing a single bracer on his left forearm. His thighs, especially the left one, is wrapped in a strip of bandage as well. He is barefooted.
History
Before Hades
Patroclus served valiantly by the side of his beloved companion, Achilles, their bond forged in the midst of the Trojan War. Together, they faced the perils of battle, their hearts entwined in an unbreakable unity. Sadly, tragedy struck, and Patroclus, a courageous warrior, fell on the battlefield.
However, even in death, their souls could not be together. Achilles, driven by a noble impulse, without seeking the counsel of Patroclus, selflessly relinquished his cherished place in the sacred realms of Elysium, bestowing it upon Patroclus, thus separating them.
Hades
Zagreus can come across Patroclus's glade while going through Elysium. At first, he just finds a brooding Patroclus that doesn't even offer his name. He can learn his name by checking the codex or interacting while having Achilles's Myrmidon Bracer equipped.
From there, Patroclus will confess to feeling abandoned by Achilles and his distaste for Elysium. Zagreus, believeing there's something behind the predicament between the two, works to find out and bring the two lovers together again, eventually succeding.
Epilogue
With Achilles's contract rewritten, he is now able to visit Patroclus from time to time. Patroclus himself looks in better spirits, as he now has something to look forward to.
Affinity
If given Nectar, Patroclus will give you the Broken Spearpoint.
Patroclus' affinity gauge is maxed out at 8 hearts, requiring 6 Nectar and 2 Ambrosia.
Favor
Patroclus' favor is part of the Fated List of Minor Prophecies, much like Achilles; Zagreus has to find a way to reunite the two. At some point after Zagreus has deepened his relationship with both Patroclus and Achilles as far as possible, Patroclus will instruct Zagreus to tell Achilles to "risk it all". Achilles will eventually tell Zagreus to alter his contract; with the help of Nyx, Zagreus will find it in the Administrative Chamber, and he can then spend 5 
to modify it.
The affinity gauge is unlocked when Zagreus next finds Patroclus and Achilles together in Elysium.
Codex entry
Items Offered
| Item | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Kiss of Styx Premium |
Replenish all uses of Death Defiance. | Instant |
|
Touch of Styx Dark |
Your Stubborn Defiance restores 50% more  .
|
15 Encounters |
HydraLite Gold |
Restore 30%  when you enter a chamber.
|
5 Chambers |
Cyclops Jerky Select |
Your Attack deals +60% damage. | 10 Encounters |
*** Durations are not affected by Bone Hourglass.
Trivia
- His armor differs from the one worn by Achilles, hinting that it's either the one worn by the Myrmidons, who he was part of, or, seeing as his waist armor seems to be richer adorned than the one worn by Achilles, it could be Achilles' old armor which he wore in his stead on the battlefield before he was killed by Hector. [see The Illiad, Bk XVI:1-100 and Bk XVI:101-154]
- The bandages in his design could be a reference to a cup depicting Achilles bandaging Patroclus' arm, by the Sosias Painter (see above-mentioned Wikipedia article).
- Being barefooted could underline Patroclus not being at war or "indoors" at the moment.
- Alongside Eurydice, Hermes and Hades, Patroclus is one of the few characters to ever comment on someone else's keepsake, namely Achille's. That is also one of the ways to learn his name.
- Strangely, Patroclus' arm bracer in his standing portrait is mirrored from its position on both his seated portrait and character model.
- In his standing portrait, Patroclus holds his spear in his right hand. While fighting, he uses his left hand.
Additional notes
For additional information on Patroclus that does not pertain to Hades, see Wikipedia's article: Patroclus
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