u/Resident-Ad-8877

I want to play a mounted halfling beastmaster whose companion is a Lion. Character wise he is inspired by the many Greek heroes like Perseus, Heracles, Odysseus, and Theseus. What is like a backstory that makes sense for him and fits within forgotten realms as I don’t know a lot of lore? Obviously the game it self will be his trials and labors. But like what makes sense for him in terms of where is he from and the prevalence of lions in forgotten realms? In 2024 there is no “folk hero” background what should I pick instead?

I want to play a halfling who is mounted on the beast of the land primarily. One question I have about this is if the beast can move on its own without me using a bonus action to command it does that mean I can move shoot move or move shoot command the beast to attack with bonus action in that order? Also would heavy crossbow be a good weapon because I can push enemies away from me then use the charge feature of the beast? Bonus question what are some cool beasts that are not a wolf that my primal companion can take the form of? I like the idea of a ram, an ape, or a hyena