The Heroic Age by Christopher Willett

<div class='cover-header'>The Heroic Age</div>

<div class='cover-footer'>Adventures in Ancient Greece</div>

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# PART I
##### Introduction

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The goal of this project is to create a roleplaying game centered around epic Greek Mythology. The beauty of a campaign setting like this is that the players all bring a lot to the table since everyone is very familiar with Greek Mythology. Countless readers over the centuries have been captivated by the works of Homer, Hesiod, and Edith Hamilton. The Olympians have captured our imaginations since the time of the Ancient Greeks and they will not let go anytime soon.

The Heroic Age takes place in Ancient Greece a few years before the Trojan War. According to Herodotus, the fall of Troy happened around 1250 BC. Since the Achaeans laid siege to the city for ten years, the campaign begins sometime around 1265 BC. Paris has yet to steal away Helen, and the rest of the great heroes of the Iliad have yet to launch their ships to war. It is roughly a generation or two after Hercules and Perseus. This campaign setting tries to weave historical, archaeological, and mythological facts together to form a rich and well defined setting.

The Achaeans of the Bronze Age are far removed from the ancient Greeks we often think of. They were a warlike people, but also skillful craftsmen and successful traders. The Mycenaeans had more in common with the Vikings than Plato. They raided, stole, and fought over any slight. To put the difference in perspective, remember that Agamemnon lived 500 years before Homer and 900 years before Socrates.

### Demigods
The players are demigod heroes. They are children of the gods. This means that divine blood flows through their veins. So as a first level character, they are already a step above the average mortal. However, they have yet to reach the true heights of other great heroes like Hercules. To put this in perspective, the average NPC mortal will be a 1st level rogue or fighter, they might be a 2nd level character. At best, they’ll be 5th level characters. Hercules was an 20th level barbarian fighter. Meanwhile Achilles, who was the greatest warrior among the Achaeans was a 15th level fighter when he was slain.

### Olympians and Titans

In The Heroic Age campaign, the gods have statblocks. They are very real creatures who take an active role in the setting. Like any NPC, they have motives and are trying to influence the fate of the world. Gods can be killed (although they would never admit it). The mythical world of the Aegean Bronze Age is filled with lesser divinities besides the Twelve Olympians.

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Zeus rules over creation from Mt. Olympus, but his position is not secure. The Titans who survived their great war with the Olympians are biding their time, waiting for their moment to strike. Nyx, the goddess of night, and her brood long to overthrow the Olympians and plunge the world into eternal darkness.

### Gifts from the Gods

Magic comes from the gods. Obviously, if you are playing a cleric you are already aware of this. However, other classes should find ways to tie themselves back to the mythology. This will make their heroes feel more authentic. For example, a wizard’s magic is a reflection of the fire Prometheus stole from Mount Olympus and gave to mankind. A druid’s power may reflect the power of forest nymphs or the goddess Demeter. A warlock may draw power from a lesser known divinity seeking supplicants. Magic items should find a way to draw from the mythology, like in the case of the Invisible Helm of Hades. However, magic items can be attributed to the gods. A bag of holding is an item that belongs to Hermes that he is sharing with the player. A +3 sword that deals lightning damage was crafted by the Cyclopes.

### Monsters
The gods love monsters, they are good for business. When a mortal's life is happy and plentiful, they offer sacrifices and thank the gods. But eventually, they begin to feel entitled. They begin to feel that they earned their good fortune. They start to believe they owe the gods nothing.

However, if a horrible monster comes and smashes their village to splinters or eats their children, then the mortals will sacrifice a hundred cows in the hopes of placating the angry gods. That's when a demigod hero comes along and wins glory and fame by slaying the creature. A great sacrifice is held and the power of the gods continues to grow. It's a win-win for everyone involved (everyone except those mortals).

The *Monster Manual* already has stats for several monsters from Greek mythology like Krakens, Minotaurs, and Harpies to just name a few. However, in The Heroic Age there are not tribes of Minotaurs living out their lives on an island, instead there is only one Minotaur, the son of Pasiphae and a great sacred bull, and he is sealed within the Labyrinth. When the DM throws a great monster like that it should be a momentous opportunity for the heroes to win glory.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Introduction</div>

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# PART II
##### Mythic Greece

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## Time Period

The game takes place in the year 1200 BC. The people of the Mycenaean Greece are different from the ancient Greeks we often think of. Very little is known about them, what little we do know is shrouded by myth and lost to time. They were much more warlike, than their descendants. The Mycenaeans had more in common with the Vikings than Plato. They raided, stole, and fought over any slight (for example, stealing the wife of the king of Sparta).

The adventures take place in mythic Greece. In the terms of the campaign, the Trojan War is still six years away, meaning Helen is still with her husband Menelaus. This means that Athens and Sparta have yet to really blossom into the powerhouses that they will become later in Greece’s history. It means that everyone uses bronze swords and javelins. It means Herakles no longer lives among the mortals, he now lives on Mount Olympus among the halls of the other Olympians.

>*“Zeus the son of Cronos made yet another, the fourth, upon the fruitful earth, which was nobler and more righteous, a god-like race of hero-men who are called demi-gods.”* 
><div align="right"> 
>-Hesiod, Works and Days

The Heroic Age is populated by the fourth race of men, after, according to Hesiod, the men of the Bronze Age were undone by their own violent ways. The mortals of the Heroic age are tough warriors forging kingdoms out of a hard land. Historically, these are the people of the Mycenaean Civilization or the late Bronze Age. It is a time period shrouded in mystery with small, developing city states surrounding large fortresses.

### The House of Atreus

The cursed House of Atreus begins with Tantalus, son of Zeus. Tantalus would often host the Olympians in his halls and feast with them. One day, he decided to test their omniscience. He slaughtered and cooked his son Pelops and served his corpse to the Olympians. They knew the true nature of the meat before them, and refused to partake. However, Demeter was distracted by the abduction of her daughter Persephone and ate Pelops' shoulder.

The gods were enraged by Tantalus' sin and threw him into the underworld where he must suffer all eternity thirsty in a pool of water he cannot drink while hungry with fruit he cannot eat. The family was cursed from that day on.

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The gods brought Pelops back to life, and Hephaestus replaced the missing shoulder with one of ivory. Pelops courted Hippodamia the daughter of King Oenomaus of Pisa. Oenomaus was fearful of a prophecy that stated he would be killed by his son-in-law, thus he had killed eighteen of Hippodamia's suitors after beating them in a chariot race. However, Pelops sabotaged Oenomaus' chariot which crashed and killed his future father-in-law.

Pelops and Hippodamia had many sons. Two of them were the twin brothers Atreus and Thyestes, who were banished to Mycenae after murdering their half-brother Chrysippus. In Mycenae, Atreus married Aerope. When the king of Mycenae died, the prophets proclaimed that Mycenae should choose the son of Pelops who had a golden lamb to be the king.

When Atreus discovered the golden lamb among his herds, he gave it to his wife Aerope to keep safe. However, unbeknownst to Atreus, Aerope had been having an affair with his twin brother Thyestes. She stole the golden calf and gave it to her lover. Thus the Myceneans crowned Thyestes king.

Atreus reclaimed the throne by tricking his brother into promising to relinquish the throne if the sun moved backwards. This miracle was accomplished by Zeus, thus Atreus won the throne of Mycenae. In revenge all Thyestes had done, Atreus killed his nephews, cooked them, and tricked his brother into his own sons. Thyestes was banished for the crime of cannibalism. Atreus and Aerope had two sons named Agamemnon and Menelaus, and a daughter named Anaxibia.

Atreus would be killed by Aegisthus, a Nephew he had not killed. This shift in power led in Mycenae forced Agamemnon and Menelaus to flee, seeking protection in Sparta under the roof of King Tyndareus.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Mythic Greece</div>

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### The Oath of Tyndareus

Tyndareus was the King of Sparta, married to the beautiful Leda. Zeus admired her so much that he turned himself into a swan and seduced her. The resulting pregnancy resulted in Leda laying two eggs. One hatched Helen and Polydeuces, (children of Zeus), the other hatched the Castor and Clytemnestra, (children of Tyndareus).

Agamemnon fell in love with Clytemnestra, married her, and returned to Mycenae to drive his cousin Aegisthus out with the help of his father-in-law Tyndareus.

When it came time for Helen to marry, many kings and princes came seeking her hand including Odysseus of Ithaca, Menestheus of Athens, Ajax the Great, Patroclus, and Idomeneus. They each offered opulent gifts in the hopes of swaying her father. Tyndareus feared that if he chose a husband for Helen, the rest would turn against him in offense. Thus, Odysseus proposed an oath to be sworn. All the suitors swore to the gods to defend the chosen husband from any quarrel. Thus Tyndareus chose Menelaus, who succeeded him as King of Sparta.

### The Death of Herakles

Herakles was the greatest of the Greek heroes. No one could match him in strength, will, and prowess. When he was temporarily driven mad by Hera he slew his own children. To cleanse himself of the crime, he was required to complete twelve labors by his nemesis King Eurysteus of Argos. Heracles famously sacked Troy years before the Trojan war, founded cities, killed tyrants, and even joined Jason and the Argonauts. When Hippocoon overthrew his brother, Tyndareus, as King of Sparta, Herakles helped Tyndareus take the throne back. Herakles had lived a long and epic life.

The princess Deianira caught the attention of Herakles and the river god Achelous. The two wrestled for her hand in marriage. The mighty Herakles won the fight after breaking off one of Achelous' horns. After the match, a centaur named Nessus offered to help Deianira across the fast flowing river, but then tried to carry her off for his own instead.

Herakles drew back his mighty bow and loosed one of his arrows dipped in the poisonour blood of the Lernean Hydra. As the centaur died, he gave his blood soaked tunic to Deianira. He told her to have Herakles put it on if he is ever unfaithful. The enchantments on the shirt will excite her husband's love.

Years later, when Deinara had a rival for the love of Herakles, she asked Herakles to wear the tunic. It was not enchanted. Instead it was still stained with the poisoned blood of the centaur. The venom poisoned Herakles and burned his flesh. Before he died, the mighty son of Zeus uprooted several trees and built his own funeral pyre on Mount Oeta. There he was joined by his great allies Iolas and Philoctetes who lit the fire. At the funeral Philoctetes received the bow of Herakles and his poisoned arrows.

After the funeral pyre burned, all that remained was Herakles' immortality. With the help of his father Zeus, he ascended to Mount Olympus and took his place among the gods.

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### Setting the stage

Players who come to sit at the GM's table to play in The Heroic Age are going to bring with them a lot of preconceived notions about Greek mythology. Whether they studied it in class, read *The Iliad*, or watched *The Clash of the Titans* it is almost impossible to create a character with zero fore knowledge. This is a good thing. As GM you get to play with this resonance and feed on the natural excitement your players are going to have.

The game is set in 1200 BC in the Aegean Bronze Age, and a few years before what some archeaologists consider to be the beginning of the Trojan War. There is much debate about whether the Trojan War was a real conflict or if it was completely a work of fiction. For the sake of the game, let's assume it was real.

Herakles is dead. His countless children and grandchildren fill the many great halls of many kingdoms. The Argonauts were over a generation ago. Only wise Nestor of Pelos knew those great heroes and he is over ninety years old!

The Trojan war has not happened yet. However, the various characters of *The Iliad* are still at home. Agamemnon is High King of Mycenae, his brother Menelaus is in Sparta. Helen has yet to be stolen away by Paris. In fact, it is very possible that as a campaign goes on the heroes can join these kings as they wage war on Troy.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Mythic Greece</div>

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## Life in the Heroic Age

Greece in the Late Bronze Age was a patchwork of small kingdoms that were similar, yet politically independent from one another. Each of these palatial states was ruled by a king. The king’s most important role is in religious feasts and offerings to the gods. They did not create laws or mete out justice. Justice during this time comes from families. If a hero commits murder or steals, then the family of the aggrieved will come after them.

The most notable of these palatial states were Pylos, Tiryns, Midea, Orchomenos, Thebes, Mycenae, and Athens. People would deliver goods and services to the palace centers, which would then be redistributed by the political authority. It was a pre-money system. What this means is that unlike most games a player will not step into a store and buy the goods they need. Instead they will negotiate what they need from the king.

Heroes can visit the palaces of these kings, where they might receive a warm welcome. Food and goods (like weaponry) might be given as a gift. The kings might give them in the hopes of a great service in return. For example, Thespuis, King of Thespiae offered his daughters to Hercules if he slayed the Lion of Cithaeron, and Odysseus stays with King Alcinous on the island of Scheria. He shares tales of his adventure in exchange for food, shelter, and entertainment. The law of hospitality is important in Greek culture, players should expect to have access to any simple items they may need. More costly gifts, like ships, chariots, or warriors may require deft diplomacy.

The Mycenaeans were skilled craftsmen, which included bronzesmiths, jewelers, potters, carpenters, and cabinet makers.

## City-States of the Aegean

### Athens

Ruled by King Menestheus, he was placed on the throne by Theseus when he traveled to the Underworld. However, when Theseus returned Menestheus had him exiled from the city. Menestheus was one of the suitors of Helen, but lost out to Menelaus. Menestheus is a craven schemer who tries to avoid fighting. He is fixated on making Athens into the greatest city in history.

### Argos

The great hero Diomedes rules Argos and has brought wealth and prosperity to the kingdom. He was the son of Tydeus, one of the Seven Against Thebes who died in battle. Diomedes is a great politician who has the respect of other kings. Diomedes was one of the suitors of Helen, which means he is bound by the Oath of Tyndareus, which states that all suitors would defend and protect the man who was chosen to be Helen’s husband. Diomedes is the youngest king among the Achaeans, but he has fought more battles than most. He is one of the mightiest and skilled warriors in the land.

In battle, Diomedes wears a cuirass crafted by Hera’s skillful son Hephaestus. He carries a great round shield with a boar on it, and his father’s sword.

### Mycenae

Agamemnon is a powerful and wealthy king. Under his rule, Mycenae has grown to become a great city that overshadows all others. It is surrounded by a half mile of massive stone walls, said to have been built by the Cyclopes. Agamemnon is High King, with several other city states under his command, other kings answer to him. However, Agamemnon is a part of the doomed House of Atreus. He knows that he is meant for great glory, but also knows that the will of the gods pushes against him.

### Sparta

King Menelaus is married to the beautiful Helen and he is a part of the doomed House of Atreus. The contest for Helen’s hand in marriage included Odysseus, Patroclus, Ajax the Great, and Idomeneus. Menelaus is covetous of his new bride, he fears that he may lose her. He loves Helen more than anything, even though the feelings may not be mutual. Together they have a beautiful infant daughter named Hermione who will someday help Menelaus make a great match.

### Ithaca

The cunning Odysseus is the king of the island of Ithaca and the surrounding territories. The son of Laertes is a brilliant commander, he is also sworn to the Oath of Tyndareus. Should war come however, it is unlikely Odysseus would leave his new wife Penelope willingly.

### Crete

King Idomeneus is the grandson of Minos and one of Helen’s former suitors. He is one of Agamemnon’s closest allies and trading partner. He rules the entire island from the great city of Knossos. Crete is also home to Mount Ida, the birthplace of mighty Zeus.

### Troy

Lying across the Aegean sea in Asia Minor, this great walled city is ruled by King Priam who is blessed with many children. The Trojans produce some of the finest horses in the region. Troy is very wealthy since it is a common place to stop and trade. Years ago, the great city of Troy was plagued by a sea monster. Priam’s father King Laomedon offered to pay Herakles a wonderful horse who could run on water in exchange for killing the monster. However, after the deed was done Laomedon went back on his word. Enraged, Herakles sacked Troy and killed Laomedon. That is how Priam ascended to the throne.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Mythic Greece</div>

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# PART III
##### Demigod Heroes

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>*“They were the strongest mortals that Earth has bred, the strongest, and they fought against the strongest enemies.”*
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>-Nestor of Pylos

Among the Achaeans there are those who are blessed with divine blood flowing through their veins. These great heroes are born from a mortal and a god. This pedigree grants them great power and glorious purpose.

The children of gods will not live long lives of blissful peace. They will not retire to a sleepy cottage and bounce grandchildren on their knees. Instead they will slay great monsters and conquer kingdoms. They are destined for short lives but will live on into eternity in the form of glorious song.

### Divine Patronage
Demigods are more physically imposing than mere mortals. They are perfect specimens of human health. They are taller than the average Achaean. They have broad shoulders and a muscular build. Sculptors are often inspired to immortalize their physical prowess by carving it in stone. Herakles was the son of Zeus, and a great slayer of monsters. 
### Glory and Honor
The actions of a person determines their value in Greek society. A demigod’s actions are a reflection of their status, respect, and privilege among the Achaeans. A demigod’s conquests and success help them to achieve reputation and fame. This is the ideal that all greeks work toward. However, this means that they are willing to defend their honor with blood if necessary. Acting in a dishonorable or shameful way will bring the wrath of the Olympians. 
### The Will of the Gods
Those who do not honor the will of the gods invite catastrophe upon themselves. Refusing them the proper sacrifice will bring misfortune upon you. If a person has angered the gods they must find a way to seek atonement, just as Herakles did with his Twelve Labors. 
### The Hero's Hamartia
No one is perfect. Every true hero has a fatal flaw that tests them. This flaw may be physical (as in the case of the heel of Achilles) or more of a character flaw (as in the hubris of Odysseus). Aristotle wrote that hamartia was a character’s inner quality that drives them forward toward a tragic end.

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### Names
Children were named ten days after a birth. Relatives on both sides of the family were invited to a sacrifice and a feast called the Dekate (or tenth day) in which the father would formally name the child. The Ancient Greeks normally had a singular name. Sometimes they would include other elements like their place of birth or the name of their father, as in the case of Aristrides, son of Lysimachos. Often times, the first born child would be named after their paternal grandfather, then on down the line for each child named. Sometimes, family members adopted variants of the same name, as is the case in Demippos, son of Demotimos.

A good way to come up with an original Greek sounding name is to base your hero's name on a Greek word and make it into a name. In the case of Achilles, his name is a combination of "akhos" which means sorrow or grief and "Iaos" which means soldiers. His name of "Akhi-Iauos" means "he who has the people distressed."

**Male Achaean Names:** Acamas, Agathon, Aeschylus, Achaeus, Cleanthes, Diodotus

**Female Achaean Names:** Leto, Callirhoe, Perse, Alcyone, Cleon, Eudoxia, Lysandra

### Demigod Traits
**Ability Score Increase.** Two of your ability scores each increase by 1.

**Age.** Heroes come of age in their late teens and can live to be 100 years old, like Nestor from the Iliad.

**Alignment.** Demigods can be of any alignment, but they tend to follow a similar alignment as their divine parent.

**Size.** The average height for a Greek man was 5 foot 4 inches and the average height for a Greek woman was 5 foot 2 inches. The average height for a demigod is 6 feet tall. Your size is Medium.

**Speed.** Your base walking speed is 30 feet.

**Blood of the Olympians.** One of your parents was a mortal, and the other parent was a god. You gain an ability score increase and special ability based on who your parent is.

**Languages.** You can speak Greek. Unless specifically stated, you are mostly illiterate. A well trained scholar may also known Egyptian, Persian, Babylonian, Akkadian, Assyrian, or Hebrew.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Demigod Heroes</div>

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## Blood of the Olympians
As a demigod, there is divine blood flowing through your veins. Your parent bestows upon you certain blessings because it is your birthright. In the case of virgin goddesses like Athena or Artemis, they bestow their blessing on mortals who they see fit, rather than having children themselves. The effect is the same.

### Aphrodite 
>*“Muse, tell me the deeds of golden Aphrodite of Cyprus, who stirs up sweet passion in the gods and subdues the tribes of mortal men and birds that fly in air and all the many creatures that the dry land rears, and all the sea: all these love the the deeds of rich crowned Kythereia. Hail, goddess, queen of well-built Cyprus!”* 
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 5 to Aphrodite

You are the child of the golden goddess of love. You are likewise beautiful and destined to twist the hearts of mortals. Children of Aphrodite tend to be sorcerers, bards, or rogues.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Charisma increases by 1.

**Ambrosian Oil.** Aphrodite has bestowed upon you some of her ambrosian oil, a perfume that makes its wearer irresistible. Whenever you make a Charisma (Persuasion) check you can add twice your proficiency bonus.

### Apollo
>*“O Lord Apollo, Lycia is yours and lovely Maeonian and Miletus, charming city by the sea, but over wave-girt Delos you greatly reign your own self. Leto’s all-glorious son goes to rocky Pytho, playing upon his hollow lure, clad in divine, perfumed garments; and at the touch of the golden key his lyre sings sweet. Thence, swift as thought, he speeds from earth to Olympus, to the house of Zeus, to join the gathering of the other gods: then straightway the undying gods think only of the lyre and song, and all the Muses together, voice sweetly answering voice, hymn the unending gifts the gods enjoy and the suffering of men.”* 
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 3 to Pythian Apollo

You’re the child of Apollo, the god of poetry, prophecy, and the silver bow. You are skillful, beautiful, and destined for great success and respect. As expert artists and athletes, children of Apollo tend to be bards, monks, or clerics.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Charisma increases by 1.

**Child of the Silver Bow.** Apollo has coached you at a young age in archery so that you can always hit your mark. Once per day you gain advantage on one attack roll made with a longbow or shortbow.

**Singer of Strings** You have proficiency with the longbow, shortbow, and lyre.

### Ares

>*“Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, Savior of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear, O defender of Olympus, father of warlike Nike, ally of Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of the righteous men, sceptered King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aether wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth!”*
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 8 to Ares

You are the child of Ares, the god of war. You are a skilled warrior and mighty brawler. You have mastered the art of slaying and war. Children of Ares tend to be fighters, barbarians, or rangers.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Strength increases by 1.

**Swordmaster.** Just like Ares, you have a talent for war that comes naturally to you. You have proficiency with long swords and short swords.

**Slayer of Men.** Once per day, you can deal an additional 1d6 damage to melee attacks  against mortals.

### Athena
>*“I begin to sing of Pallas Athena, the glorious goddess, bright-eyed, inventive, unbending of heart, pure virgin, savior of cities, courageous, Tritogeneia. Wise Zeus himself bare her from his awful head, arrayed in warlike arms of flashing gold, and awe seized all the gods as they gazed.”*
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 28 to the Goddess Athena

You are the adopted scion of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. You are a leader of soldiers and skilled tactician. Children of Athena tend to be fighters, rangers, and wizards.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Wisdom increases by 1.

**Guidance of the Goddess of Wisdom.** Athena has blessed you with clarity of mind. You gain proficiency in Wisdom (Insight) and Wisdom (Perception) checks.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Demigod Heroes</div>

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### Artemis
>*“Muse, sing of Artemis, sister of the far-shooter, Parthenos the virgin who delights in arrows, who was fostered with Apollon. She waters her horses from Meles deep in reeds, and swiftly drives her all-golden chariot through Smyrna to vine-clad Claros where Apollo god of the silver bow, sits waiting for far-shooting daughter in arrows. And so hail to you, Artemis, in my song and to all goddesses as well.”* 
><div align="right">
>-Homer, Hymn 9 to Artemis

You are the adopted scion of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. You are a beautiful hunter who prowls the wild brambles of Greece. Children of Artemis tend to be Druids, Rangers, and Rogues.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Desterity increases by 1.

**Mask of the Wild.**  The years spent hunting deer at Artemis’s side has made you into You can attempt to hide even when you are only lightly obscured by foliage, heavy rain, falling snow, mist, and other natural phenomena.

### Demeter

>*"I begin to sing of rich-haired Demeter, awful goddess, of her and of her daughter lovely Persephone. Hail, goddess! Keep this city safe, and govern my song."*
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 13 to Demeter

You are the child of Demeter, the goddess of nature. You are a nourishing person who helps others grow to their full potential. Children of Demeter tend to be Druids, Rangers, and Clerics.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Wisdom increases by 1.

**Speech of Beast and Leaf.** You have the ability to communicate with beasts and plants. They understand you but you cannot necessarily understand them. You have advantage on all Charisma checks you make to influence them.

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### Dionysus

>*"I begin to sing of Dionysos ivy-crowned, the loud-crying, splendid son of Zeus and glorious Semele. The rich-haired Nymphs received him in their bosoms from the lord, his father, and fostered and nurtured him carefully in the dells of Nysa, where by the will of his father he grew up in a sweet-smelling cave, being reckoned among the immortals. But when the goddesses had brought him up, a god oft hymned, then began he to wander continually through the woody combes, thickly wreathed with ivy and laurel. And the Nymphs followed in his train with him for their leader; and the boundless forest was filled with their outcry. And so hail to you, Dionysos god of abundant clusters! Grant that we may come again rejoicing to this season, and from that season onwards for many a year."*
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 26 to Dionysus

You are the child of Dionysos, the god of grapes and wine. You are a charming hero who is always the life of the party and politically connected. Children of Dionysos tend to be Clerics, Bards, and Rogues.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Charisma increases by 1.

**Create Wine.** Once per day you can conjure enough wine to fill a number of bottles equal to your Charisma score. The wine is a superb vintage but must be drunk within 24 hours or it will turn into a sour vinegar.

**Resist Hangover.** You have resistance to ingested poisons and hangovers.

### Hades
>*“Dark-haired Hades, ruler over the departed, father Zeus bids me bring noble Persephone forth from Erebus unto the gods, that her mother may see her with her eyes and cease from her dread anger with the immortals; for now she plans an awful deed, to destroy the weakly tribes of earthborn men by keeping seed hidden beneath the earth, and so she makes an end of the honors of the undying gods. For she keeps fearful anger and does not consort with the gods, but sits aloof in her fragrant temple, dwelling in the rocky hold of Eleusis.”* 
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 2 to Demeter

You are the child of dark Hades, the god of the Underworld. You are a grim nihilist who recognizes that all things must end. Children of Hades tend to be Clerics, Fighters, or Warlocks.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Constitution increases by 1.

**Master of Death.** You gain resistance to one instance of damage per long rest.

**Prince of the Underworld.** Once per week, You can  speak with the souls of the dead. This works as the spell *Speak with Dead* but requires a sacrifice to Hades.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Demigod Heroes</div>

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### Hephaestus
>*“Sing, clear-voiced Muse, of Hephaestus famed for inventions. With bright-eyed Athena he taught men glorious crafts throughout the world-- men who before used to dwell caves in the mountains like wild beasts. But now that they have learned crafts through Hephaestus the famed worker, easily they live a peaceful life in their own houses the whole year round. Be gracious, Hephaestus, and grant me success and prosperity!”* 
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 20 to Hephaestus

You are the child of the brilliant craftsman Hephaestus, god of the forge. You are a wise artisan and skilled tradesman. Children of Hephaestus tend to be Rogues, Wizards, or Bards.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Intelligence Increases by 1.

**Master Craftsman.** You have apprenticed at your father’s anvil as he taught you his craft. Whenever you make a Intelligence (Crafting) check to repair damaged armor or weapons, you can add twice your proficiency bonus, instead of any proficiency bonus you normally apply.

### Hermes
>*“Muse, sing of Hermes, the son of Zeus and Maia, lord of Cyllene and Arkadia, rich in flock, the luck-bringing, messenger of the gods … Zeus commanded that glorious Hermes should be lord over all birds of omen and grim-eyed lions, and boars with gleaming tusks, and over dogs and all flocks that the wide earth nourishes, and over all sheep; also that he only should be the appointed messenger to Hades, who, though he takes no gift. He consorts with all mortals and immortals: a little he profits, but continually throughout the dark night he cozens the tribes of mortal men.”*
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 4 to Hermes

You are the child of the impish rogue Hermes, messenger of the gods. You are quick footed and quick witted. Children of Hermes tend to be Rogues, Sorcerers, or Bards.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Charisma increases by 1.

**Hermes' Own Luck.** You are blessed by the divine luck of your father Hermes. Once per day you may reroll any skill test or saving throw.

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### Poseidon
>*“I begin to sing about Poseidon, the great god, mover of the earth and fruitless sea, god of the deep who is also lord of Helicon and the wide Aegae. O Shaker of the Earth, to be a tamer of horses and a savior of ships! Hail Poseidon Holder of the Earth, dark-haired lord! O blessed one, be kindly in heart and help those who voyage in ships!”* 
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 22 to Poseidon

You are the child of hoary Poseidon, the god of the seas, storms, and horses. As one of the three greatest Olympians, his many children go on to become great kings and heroes. Children of Poseidon tend to be fighters, barbarians, or clerics.

**Ability Score Increase.** You Constitution increases by 1.

**The Gift of the Sea.** As the child of the ruler of the seas, you can swim 30’ and speak to sea creatures.

### Zeus
>*“To Zeus, Son of Kronos, Most High. I will sing of Zeus, chiefest among the gods and greatest, all seeing, the lord of all, the fulfiller who whispers words of wisdom to Themis as she sits leaning towards him. Be gracious, all-seeing Son of Kronos, most excellent and great!”* 
><div align="right">
>-Homeric Hymn 23 to Zeus

You’re the child of the High King of the Olympians and god of thunder. You are mighty and destined for great things. As natural born monster slayers and leaders, children of Zeus tend to be fighters, barbarians, or clerics.

**Ability Score Increase.** Your Strength increases by 1.

**Monster Slayer.** The children of Zeus earn glory for them and their father by testing their might against horrible monsters. You gain +1 to attack rolls against monsters and a +1 bonus to your AC against their attacks.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Demigod Heroes</div>

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# PART IV
##### Gifts from the Gods

</div>
<div style='margin-top:140px;'></div>

## Magic Items
In The Heroic Age, there are no +3 Longswords waiting to be pried out of musty dungeons. Instead, all magic is tied back to the power of the gods. Heroes should obtain magic items by the will of the gods. Maybe the items are on loan from one of the Olympian's private stores, or perhaps it has a famous back story. Regardless, the more the GM can tie these items back to the source material the better. Almost any of the magic items found in the *Dungeon Master's Guide* can be connected to Greek mythology.

The apparatus of Kwalish may actually be one of the ingenious inventions of Daedalus that he left half completed. The bag of holding might have once belonged to Hermes, the roguish messenger of the gods. He's already forgotten about it, but will want it back immediately if he ever runs into the hero holding it.

### Attunement

Some magic items require a hero to form a special bond with them before the magical properties can be used. Attuning to an item requires a hero to make a sacrifice to either the Olympians or the specific god connected with the item. To perform the sacrifice players must provide a bull or cow, clean it, dress it in a garland of flowers, then lead the beast to a temple or shrine important to the god. The offering is then slaughtered and a feast is held. The bull is cooked, the fat and long bones are burned until they smoke. The heroes (and anyone else who wishes to join) enjoy the rest of the meat.

### Treasure Trove of Mt. Olympus
The following magic items are inspired directly from Greek mythology.

#### Stone of Ares
*Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)*

The Stone of Ares is ancient beyond belief, the very first weapon to be used by a man to kill another man. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and has sharp point to it. It is a bludgeoning weapon that deals 1d12 damage and grants a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls. Besides working as a melee weapon, the Stone of Ares can also be thrown up to 20 ft.

When you roll a critical hit, you must make a DC 12 Wisdom save, or be overcome with a murderous rage for the next 1d4 rounds. The wielder of the Stone of Ares will attack whoever is the closest, even if they are an ally, until everyone in sight is dead or unconscious, or the wielder has been rendered dead or unconscious.

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#### Lyre of Apollo
*Wondrous item, very rare (requires attunement)*

Hermes crafted this Lyre, the first of its kind. However, when he stole a herd of Apollo’s sacred cows a feud came between the two of them. To settle the bad blood, Hermes gifted the instrument to Apollo. It is made from a large tortoise shell and gut strings. A creature that attempts to play the instrument without being attuned to it must succeed on a DC 15 WIS saving throw or take 2d4 psychic damage.

You can use an action to play the instrument and cast 1 of its spells. Once the instrument has been used to cast a spell, it can’t be used to cast that spell again until the next dawn. The spells use your spellcasting ability and spell save DC. The Lyre of Apollo allows you to cast *beacon of hope*, *clairvoyance*, and *remove curse*.

#### Thunderbolt of Zeus
*Weapon (javelin), rare (requires attunement)*

This javelin is a magic weapon forged by three cyclops brothers. You gain a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this weapon. While attuned your attacks ignore lightning resistance, and you treat lightning immunity as resistance. You gain resistance to lightning damage.

When this javelin is thrown, it transforms into a bolt of lightning, forming a line that extends out from you to a target within 120 feet. Each creature in the line excluding you and the target must make a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw, taking 8d6 lightning damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The lightning bolt transforms back into a javelin when it reaches the target. Make a ranged weapon attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes damage from the Javelin plus 8d6 lightning damage.

The Thunderbolt of Zeus’s property can’t be used against until the next dawn. In the meantime, the javelin can still be used as a Magic Weapon.

#### *The Golden Galleon*
*Wondrous item, rare*

This golden ship was designed by Athena, Tutor of Heroes, and built by Soot-Black Hephaestus. It shines beautifully in the sun and is exceptionally fast. The Golden Galleon can cross 200 miles in a day of sailing. The ship has enough oars and seats for up to twenty rowers and at least 10 other people. It also has a large sail made of shimmering golden fabric.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Gifts from the Gods</div>

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#### Golden Apple
*Wondrous item, rare*

The Golden Apples found in the Garden of the Hesperides look as though they are made out of solid gold, but taste like the sweetest, juiciest apple fresh from the harvest. Each one of them is perfect. Eating the apple can provide several magical effects.

First, eating the apple will make you younger, your body will age back to sometime in your twenties at the height of your physical strength for one year. This effect removes any penalties due to age, after the effects have worn off you will return to your normal age. You also regain all hit points.

If the Golden Apple is fed to a fresh corpse or the spirit of a dead person, then they return to life as if they have been affected by the *resurrection* spell. This effect does not work on Undead.

#### Pipes of Athena
*Wondrous item, uncommon*

Athena invented the pipes from reeds and the leg bones of a deer. However, she cast them aside because she did not like the way her cheeks puffed out as she played. They were then picked up by Marsyas the satyr. Marsyas practiced with them until he could create beautiful songs with them. Then he challenged Apollo to a music contest. The prize was for the loser to be at the mercy of the victor. However, he was defeated by Apollo and his lyre. Then Apollo strung the satyr up to a tree and flayed him alive for having the hubris to challenge one of the Olympians.

You must be proficient with flutes or pan flutes to use these pipes. They have 3 charges. You can use an actions to play them and expend 1 charge to create a beautiful charming song. Each creature within 30 feet of you that hears you play must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed by you for 1 minute. If you wish, all creatures in the area that aren't hostile toward you automatically succeed on the saving throw. A creature that succeeds on its saving throw is immune to the effect of the pipes of Athena for 24 hours. The pipes regain 1d3 expended charges daily at dawn.

#### Helm of Darkness
*Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)*

This cap belongs to Hades but is frequently borrowed by Athena. While wearing this cap, you can turn Invisible as an action. Anything you are wearing, or carrying, or a friendly creature you are touching is Invisible with you. You remain invisible until the cap is removed, until you Attack or Cast a Spell, or until you use a Bonus Action to become visible again. Friendly creatures touching you become visible once they are no longer touching you.

#### Bridle of Athena
*Wondrous Item, rare*

This leather horse's bridle is an excellent piece of craftsmanship crafted by Athena herself. It can be worn as a mundane bridle by any horse, until you speak the command word, at which point wings sprout forth from your horse, granting a fly speed of 90 ft. This effect only works while the bridle of Athena is on a horse.

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#### Teeth of the Dragon
*Wondrous Item rare*

This leather sack has 1d12 dragon's teeth rattling inside. As a full round action, you can bury the teeth in the soil while offering a libation of wine to Athena. For every tooth planted in this way a fully grown berserker warrior climbs out of the ground. The warriors will fight for you until they are dead. You do not have to plant all the teeth at once.

#### The Aegis
*Magic armor, very rare*

Athena appears wearing the Aegis a golden breastplate wreathed in snakes. It is a +3 Adamantine Breastplate. While wearing the armor, any critical hit against you becomes a normal hit. As a reaction to being attacked the serpents can make an attack of opportunity (using your melee attack score). Once hit, the target must make a DC 15 saving throw or be poisoned.

Athena is often depicted wearing a breastplate surrounded by snakes. Snakes are sometimes seen as one of her holy animals, and is probably part of the reason why she transformed Medusa into the hideous half serpent creature she is.

#### Helm of Athena
*Wondrous item, legendary (requires attunement)*

This beautiful golden helm is of Athena's own unique ingenious design. Your Wisdom is 27 while you wear this helmet. You also have truesight up to 120 feet as long as you are wearing the helmet.

#### Sword of Hermes
*Magic weapon, very rare*

This adamantine longsword is enchanted to grant a +2 bonus to Attack and Damage rolls made with this weapon. When making an attack with this weapon you score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20. Anytime you successfully hit a target with this weapon, you may take a 5-foot step without provoking an attack of opportunity.

#### Bow of Apollo
*Magic weapon, rare*

This silver longbow is enchanted to grant a +2 bonus to Attack and Damage rolls made with this weapon, and it has a range of 1 mile/3 miles.

#### Arrows Fletched with Eagle Feathers
*Magic weapon, common*

When these arrows are fired from a bow, they unleash a screech like a great eagle. When fired from a bow they do not break, allowing them to be collected and shot again.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Gifts from the Gods</div>

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### Pelt of the Nemean Lion
*Woundrous item, very rare (requires attunement)*

You have resistance to damage from nonmagical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing attacks while you wear this pelt as a cloak. If a creature tries to attack you while wearing the cloak they must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become Frightened of you until the end of your next turn. Once a creature has made a successful saving throw they are immune to this effect.

### Golden Breastplate of Athena
*Magic armor, very rare (requires attunement)*

While wearing this breastplate you gain a +2 bonus to AC, you have advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects, and spell attacks have disadvantage against you.

### Bronze Castanets
*Wondrous item, uncommon*

By clanging these castanets together, you can use an action to cast the *thunderwave* spell with it. The spell save DC is 12.

### Bronze Tipped Club of Hephaestus
*Magic weapon, very rare (requires attunement)*

The Bronze Tipped Club of Hephaestus only has 1 charge. While attuned to it, you can expend 1 charge and make a melee weapon attack with this club. A creature that takes damage from the club must make a DC 17 Constitution saving throw, taking an extra 6d10 bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much extra damage on a successful one.

The club regains 1 expended charge daily at dawn, after the sacrifice of a fine bull to Hephaestus.

### Rough Hewn Club of Herakles
*Magic weapon, very rare (requires attunement)*

You gain a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with this weapon. The bonus increases to +3 when you use the mace to attack a nonhumanoid monster. When you roll a 20 on an attack roll made with this weapon, the target takes an extra 2d6 bludgeoning damage, or 4d6 bludgeoning damage if its a nonhumanoid monster.

### Poisoned Arrows
*Magic weapon, uncommon*
The bronze arrowheads are coated in the venom of the Lernean Hydra. If a creature takes damage from one of the arrow, the creature must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 2d10 poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

\pagebreakNum

### The Sickle of Cronus
*Magic weapon, legendary artifact*

The Sickle of Cronus is the most dangerous weapon in creation. It is a weapon capable of killing a god in a single swing. This adamantine sickle is enchanted to grant a +5 bonus to Attack and Damage rolls made with this weapon. When making an attack with this weapon you score a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20. While the flesh of gods is tough and ignores nonmagical weapons, the Sickle of Cronus ignores all resistance or immunity.

When you attack a creature that has at least one head with this weapon and roll a 19 or 20 on the attack roll, you cut off one of the creature's heads. The creature dies if it can't survive without the lost head. No creature is immune to this effect.

### The Artifact of Legend
The Sickle of Cronus is a threat to Mount Olympus itself. That is why it lies in the deepest pit of Tartarus. It is too powerful to destroy, and too terrible to use. Zeus fears its strength and sees it as a threat. Yet he recognizes that there may come a dark day when he will have to wield his father's unholy weapon. That dark day would herald a twilight of the gods, and their possible doom.

The sickle is sealed in Tartarus where it is guarded by cunning traps and monsters. This tomb was designed by all twelve Olympians and they each tried to one up each other by developing more cunning ways to dispatch would be thieves.

### A Prophecy

While the traps and monsters would keep away most, it would be nothing more than a challenge for the average Olympian. Who could resist running headlong into the deathpit to prove that they were able to take the worst the other Olympians could hand out and still survive. Thus, great Apollo gave a prophecy.

If any Olympian were to touch the Sickle of Cronus, it would lead to their death. They would be wiped away from the face of existence. This is sufficient to keep the gods away, because there is no afterlife for divine. Only oblivion.

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### The Goddess of Night Plots
Not everyone fears the sickle like Zeus. Nyx, goddess of nght sees it as an opportunity. Nyx is a powerful primordial goddess, she is so mighty that even Zeus is nervous around her. She fills the court of her halls with her children that she makes alone with no father. They are a dark brood who haunt the dreams of mortals and shadows of the world.

She feels that she has bowed and scraped before the Olympians for long enough. She wishes finally overthrow the Olympians once and for all. She is feeling out in the cosmos, trying to find where they hid the sickle. She knows Zeus is too greedy to have destroyed it. She has her children out hunting for it every night.

### Campaign Hook

This is where the heroes come in. The Olympians cannot do anything about the sickle without facing the threat of Apollo's prophecy. They dare not move it or try to destroy it. However, the players as demigods are barely one step above mortals and 100% expendable. If they succeed, then it only brings more glory to the gods. Each of the Olympians wants their progeny to be the one to successfully defeat Nyx. Because of that, even though the Olympians are usually too self absorbed in their own squabbles to take much notice, in this case they are more than willing to offer great aid to their demigod children.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Gifts from the Gods</div>

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# PART V
##### Olympians and Titans

</div>
<div style='margin-top:140px;'></div>

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Olympians and Titans</div>

## History of the Gods

### The Creation of the Universe

### Cronus Claims the Throne

### Zeus Overthrows Cronus

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##### The Olympians
| Deity | Alignment | Province | Suggested Domains | Common Symbol |
|:---|:---:|:---|:---|:---|
| Aphrodite | CG | Love | Life | Conch shell |
| Apollo | LG | The Arts, Oracles, Light | Knowledge, Light | Lyre |
| Ares | CE | War | War | Helm | 
| Artemis | CN | The Hunt, Forests, Archery | Nature | Bow and Arrows |
| Athena | LG | Wisdom, War | Knowledge, War | Gorgon Head |
| Demeter | N | Harvest, Sacred Law | Life, Nature | Cornucopia |
| Dionysus | CN | Vine, Wine Making, and Ritual Maddness | Nature, Trickery | Pinecone Staff |
| Hephestus | LN | Fire, Forge | Knowledge | Hammer and Tongs |
| Hera | LN | Marriage, Women, Family | Life | Peacock Feather |
| Hermes | CG | Trade, Thieves, Travelers | Trickery | Caduceus |
| Poseidon | CN | Sea, Earthquakes, Storms, Horses | Tempest | Trident |
| Zeus  | CG | Sky, Lightning, Thunder, Order, Justice | Tempest, War | Lightning Bolt|
</div>

#### Aphrodite, Goddess of Love
When Uranus was wounded by Cronus's wicked barbed sickle, slices of the titan's body fell into the sea. White foam spread forth from the immortal flesh and it grew into a goddess. Aprhodite was born to inspire love and delight in the hearts of mortals and immortals alike.

The goddess of love bestows great gifts upon those who support her, granting them their hearts desire. However, Aphrodite is not a goddess to be scourned. Lives have been ruined as she twists their hearts to fit her whims.

Aphrodite is the most beautiful of all the gods and goddesses. Her hair is perfect, her skin is flawless, and her robes are always the latest fashions. She rides a giant goose. Over the ages she has had many immortal lovers like Ares, Hermes, Poseidon, Dionysus, and mortal lovers like Adonis, Ankhises, and Boutes. She gave birth to many children, regardless of the fact that she is married to Hephaestus.

#### Apollo, God of the Arts, Prophecy, and Light

Apollo is the son of Zeus and the titan Leto. When Leto was pregnant she was pursued mercilessly by jealous Hera. She gave birth to Apollo and Artemis on the island of Delos. Many great deeds are attributed to Apollo. He slayed a great serpent which guarded the oracle of Delphi and fell in love with countless youths, maidens, and nymphs.

Apollo inspires prophetic dreams in immortals and mortals alike. These prophecies are always wrapped in riddles, but they always come true. His followers also cure the sick and protect the weak.

Apollo is a beardless and physically flawless god. He wields a massive silver bow whose arrows can slay with a single shot and never miss (without divine intervention). He also has the power to bring plagues upon those who displease him.

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#### Ares, God of War

Ares is the son of Zeus and Hera. He is both hated and respected by mortals. War is an ugly and bloody business, but Ares rewards mortals with glory that can be earned in battle. He is a great slayers of mortals, he cares little for them and their petty squabbles. The cause of a war means nothing to him, he longs only for the pitched heat of armed conflict.

Ares rewards great warriors with magic weapons or teaches them skills in combat. He does not reward generals unless they lead from the front. He is more interested in physical prowess then brilliant strategems.

Ares is a massive perfectly muscled killer. He has a thick black beard, mighty helm, spear, and shield. He rides into battle on a massive chariot pulled by four immortal horses (Aethon, Phlogius, Canabus, and Phobus) who were born of Boreas, god of the winds and an Erinys. Ares had three children with his love Aphrodite: Phobos, Deimos, and Harmonia).

#### Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt

Artemis is the sister of Apollo, and Daughter of Zeus and Leto. She is an expert huntress and archer who joins her brother in bringing sudden death and plagues to mortals (Apollo targets boys and men, Artemis targets girls and women).

She is often a vengeful goddess, known to send monsters to torment kings who forget to offer appropriate sacrifices to her. She once loved the handsome giant Orion, until her jealous brother Apollo tricked her into killing him with an arrow. She has been celibate ever since.

Artemis is tall, lithe, and barefoot. She prowls through the rough forests, but no bramble snags her hem. She rides a chariot pulled by two deer with golden antlers.

\pagebreakNum

#### Athena, Goddess of Wisdom
Athena was born fully formed when she sprang forth from the head of Zeus. She is the divine representative of Athens after winning a contest against Poseidon. While he offered them a spring, she gave them the olive tree. She is also a skilled warrior and patron of wise generals, philosophers, and kings.

Athena supports heroes who undertake great quests. She has helped Perseus, The Argonauts, and Herakles in the past. It is said that even Odysseus, the wily king of Ithaca receives her counsel.

She is a tall woman with grey piercing eyes. She wears a long dress, along with a breastplate, shining helm, and a bronze tipped spear. Sometimes she wears the Aegis, a breastplate covered in writhing snakes.

#### Demeter, Goddess of the Harvest
Demeter is the daughter of Cronus and Rhea making her one of the most important Olympians. She is an important goddess to mortals since she helps their crops grow and feeds families with her horn of plenty. Regardless of her status however, she was still wronged by her brother Hades. The God of the Underworld kidnapped her daughter Persephone who is forced to live apart from her mother for six months of the year.

Normally, she is a gentle and giving goddess. However, like all Olympians she has a cruel streak. When one of her sacred groves was cut down by King Erysichthon she cursed him with an unquenchable hunger.

She is a beautiful, matronly goddess who's head is wreathed in wheat. She carries the cornucopia everywhere, a curling horn filled with rich food. Eating from her table will leave a mortal satisfied for the rest of their life.

#### Dionysus, God of the Vine

Dionysus is the son of Zeus and the princess Semele of Thebes. Hera tricked the pregnant Semele into begging Zeus to appear in his full glory to her. When he did, she was burnt to a crisp by the heat of his lightning bolts. Zeus removed the unborn child, sewed him up in his own thigh, and carried the infant to term.

Dionysus was raised by Nymphs and traveled the world. He even waged war against India bringing an army of satyrs, maenads, and demigods. He is a popular and famous god who brings wine to mortals.

Dionysus is not a fat, sloppy drunkard. Instead he is a beautiful and fit youth with grape vines wreathed around his head. He carries with him a staff called a *thyrsos* which is tipped with a pinecone. He rides a chariot pulled by a pair of panthers.

#### Hephaestus, God of the Forge
Soot-black Hephaestus is the son of Hera alone. However, he was born ugly with a lame leg and she threw him from Mt. Olympus where he landed on Lemnos. He then returned to Olympus where he found a place for himself constructing his own palace and workshop.

Hephaestus is a great craftsman willing to apprentice others in his workshop that he shares with three cyclopes. He often gives his inventions away as gifts to those heroes he deems worthy.

Hephaestus is the opposite of his fellow Olympians. They are physically beautiful but often cruel, he is physically hideous but gentle and kind. He has a thick beard and thick arms covered in soot, but a crippled leg. He often is seen riding on a donkey.

#### Hera, Queen of the Olympians
Hera is the daughter of Cronus and Rhea, she was one of the Olympians who was swallowed up by the Titan and rescued by Zeus. She is famous for being a strong supporter of the just, while punishing those who violate sacred law. The bastard demigod children of her husband Zeus are frequently a sore spot for her.

Hera is a powerful queen who uses her position for political gain. However, she is still far inferior in power to Zeus. Even though she is afforded much respect by mortals and immortals alike, she still owes her position to Zeus. She teeters between power and ruin.

She is beautiful and matronly. Her head is topped be a beautiful golden crown and she is often accompanied by a lion or a hawk.

#### Hermes, Messenger of the Gods
He is the son of Zeus and Maia, the eldest of Pleiades. As a toddler Hermes enraged Apollo when he snuck out of his crib and stole Apollo's herd of sacred cattle. Zeus was so impressed he gave Hermes a place among the Olympians. He serves as the official herald of Zeus, as well as a psychopomp who escorts the souls of the dead to the Halls of Hades. He is the patron of shepherds, travellers, and thieves.

Hermes is a precocious trickster who can rarely be trusted. He speaks in half truths (escept when serving his official position) and is more interested in seeing how he can play a situation to his own advantage rather than actually helping. He is very competitive and loves to face other gods and mortals in a contest. The higher the stakes the better.

Hermes takes the form of an athletic beardless youth or a bearded man. Regardless of his shape, he always wears his golden winged sandals that let him fly. He often wears a large cloak and wide brimmed hat.

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#### Poseidon, God of the Sea

Poseidon is the god of the sea, earthquakes, storms, and horses. He is the son of Cronus and Rhea. During the War of the Titans, the cyclopes crafted Poseidon a mighty trident, and he used it to imprison the Titans in Tartarus. After the war, the cosmos was divided between him and his two brothers. Zeus received the sky, Hades received the Underworld, while Poseidon received the sea.

The children of Poseidon have strong divine blood, and inevitably become great heroes in their own right. Poseidon is almost as powerful as Zeus, during the War of the Giants, Poseidon crushed the giant Polybotes beneath an island.

Poseidon is large, with a thick beard coated in salt from the sea. He carries his golden Trident everywhere and wears a cloak draped loosely around his shoulders. Poseidon rides from his undersea palace to Mt. Olympus on a chariot pulled by two seahorses.

#### Zeus, King of the Olympians

Zeus is the mightiest of all the Olympians. The youngest son of Cronus and Rhea, he was raised in secrecy on Mt. Dikte on Crete. There he was nursed by nymphs and a magical goat named Amaltheia. Once grown, Zeus came to his father, forced him to drink a magical potion which forced Cronus to throw up all of his children. Zeus stripped him of his sickle and threw them both into Tartarus.

Then Zeus and the Olympians waged a war against the Titans to conquer the cosmos. He split the spoils of war with his two brothers Poseidon and Hades. Then, he defended his throne from the giants who tried to overthrow him.

Zeus is mighty, in ever sense of the word. He wields a thunderbolt and can take any shape he wishes. He bestows blessings upon the good and punishes the wicked. He is often surrounded by a retinue of lesser gods who serve him as attendents, guards, or cupbearers.

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##### Other Divinities
| Deity | Alignment | Province | Suggested Domains | Common Symbol |
|:---|:---:|:---|:---|:---|
| Asclepius | LG | Medicine | Knowledge | Caduceus |
| The Charites | CG | Joy, Pleasure, Mirth, Dancing, Feasts | Life | -- |
|Deimos and Phobos|CE|Fear, Panic|War|--|
| Eros | CG  | Falling in Love | Trickery | Bow and Arrow | 
| Hebe | NG | Youth, Young Brides, Cupbearer of the Gods | Life | Cup and Pitcher |
| Hestia | LG | Hearth, Home | Life | Kettle |
| The Horae | N  | The Seasons | Nature | Fruit |
| Ilithyia | LG | Childbirth, Labor Pains | Life | Torch |
| Iris  | LG | The Rainbow, Messenger of the Gods | Nature | Herald's Wand |
| The Fates | N | The Inescapable Destiny of Man | Knowledge | Spindle, Thread, and Shears |
| The Muses | CG | Music, Song, Poetry, and Dance | Knowledge | Musical Instruments or Books |
| Nike  | CG | Victory in War and Peaceful Competition | War  | Palm Branch |
|Psyche|CG| The Soul| Life | Butterfly Wings|

</div>

## Other Divinities
The Halls of Mount Olympus are filled with scores of lesser gods. Some of them are are the children of Olympians while others are mortals who achieved immortality. Some of them are so minor that they are barely worth taking notice while others are as powerful as any of the Olympians.

#### Asclepius, God of Medicine
He is the patron god and founder of the ancient guild of doctors. He is the son of Apollo and the Triccaean princess Coronis. His mother died in childbirth. While she laid upon the pyre Apollo himself cut the baby out. The name Asclepius means to cut open. Asclepius is a kind bearded man who carries a caduceus, a staff with a snake entwined around it. He has the rare power to raise the dead, something not even Zeus would dare do.

He is often attended by his dutiful daughters, all of whom are goddesses of medicine. 
| Daughters of Asclepius  | Province |
|:---|:-----------|
|  Iaso  | Cures |
|  Hygea  | Good Health |
|  Panacea  | Medicines and Salves |

\columnbreak

#### The Charites, Goddesses of Mirth

Also known as the Graces, the Charites are goddesses of mirth, beauty, joy, and festivity. These goddesses are attendants to Aphrodite, Apollo, and Hera because joy only exists where an individual gives for the pleasure of others. They are often carrying musical instruments, roses, myrtles, or dice.

| Charites  | Province |
|:---|:-----------|
|  Aglaea  | Beauty, Adornment, Splendor, Glory |
|  Anthea  | Flowers, Flowery Wreaths |
|  Auxo  | Spring Growth |
|  Eudaemonia  | Happiness, Prosperity, Opulence |
|  Euphrosyne  | Good Cheer, Joy, Mirth |
|  Calleis  | Beauty |
|  Cleta  | Fame, Glory |
|  Paedia  | Play, Amusement |
|Pandaisia|Rich Bouquets|
|Pannychis|Night Festivities|
|Pasithea|Wife of Hypnos, Relaxation|
|Peitho| Seduction, Persuasion|
|Thalia|Festive Celebrations, Luxurious Banquets|

\pagebreakNum

#### Deimos and Phobos, Gods of Fear

The sons of Ares and Aphrodite, Deimos and Phobos are the gods of Fear and Terror. They accompany their father into battle, driving his chariot, and striking fear into the hearts of men. Their power is more than just the fear for one's life, but also the fear of loss. They are spiteful and angry gods who rejoice in the suffering of mortals. They care nothing for prayers or praise. The smell of panic is the only offering they desire.

#### Eros, God of Love

Eros is the son of Aphrodite and winged god of love. He was born from the bubbling sea foam at her birth. He inspires love and lust in others with his enchanted arrows. He is often found in attendance with his mother, or helping mortals and immortals to fall in love. He is a capricious trickster who gets a lot of joy out of creating inconvenient pairings (for instance: helping the two children of two rival families fall in love, in spite of the drama it may cause).

#### Hebe, Goddess of Youth

Hebe is the daughter of Zeus and Hera. She is winged goddess of youth and the cupbearer of the gods who serves golden ambrosia at their heavenly feasts in the halls of Mt. Olympus. When Herakles ascended to Mt. Olympus, Hebe was presented to him as a wife.

#### Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth

Hestia is the virgin goddess of the hearth and the home. She is a patron who presides over baking and preparing meals for the family. Hestia was the first born child of Cronus and Rhea, thus she was the first child to be swallowed. When Zeus forced his father to regurgitate his swallowed siblings, she was the last to come out. Thus she is the oldest and youngest of the Olympians. Even though both Apollo and Poseidon wanted her hand in marriage, she instead asked Zeus to allow her to remain a virgin and serve in his halls.

#### The Horae, Guardians of Olympus

The Horae are the daughters of Zeus and Themis. These are the goddesses of the seasons who preside over the movements of the stars in the sky. These three goddesses also guard the gates to Mt. Olympus, ensuring that no one enter without Zeus's approval. In recent years, as the lives of men become more civilized, they have taken on mantles more associated with ethical society rather than the changing of the seasons.

| Horae  | Province |
|:---|:-----------|
|  Dike  | Justice, Law of Custom |
|  Eirene  | Peace, Spring |
|  Eunomia  | Order, Good Pasture, Summer |

\columnbreak

\pagebreakNum

#### Ilithyia, Goddess of Childbirth

Ilithyia is the daughter of Zeus and Hera, and the goddess who helps women give birth. She protects the mother and child from harm, but also has the power to stay birth. Szhe carries a torch that represents the burning pains of childbirth. She is an attendant of her mother Hera.

#### Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow

Iris is the daughter of the old sea god Thaumus and the Oceanid Elektra. She is the golden winged goddess of the rainbow, but also the messenger of the Olympians. She carries a magic rod that acts as a symbol of heralds as well as a pitcher that pours out rainbows. She often serves as cupbearer for the Olympians along side Hebe.

#### The Fates

The Fates (AKA The Moirai) are three goddesses who represent the fate of mortals and immortals alike. Clotho is the spinner who spins the thread of life. Lachesis is the apportioner of lots, who measures out the length of a mortal's life. Finally, Atropos, "she who cannot be turned," cuts the thread short.

The Fates are not an inflexible lot, they accept guidance from Zeus. Only he has the power to influence these ancient goddesses who determine the death of every mortal. They work closely with the Erinyes, who they send to punish the wicked. They are goddesses of birth and death.

\columnbreak

#### The Muses
The Muses are nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory and inventor of language. The muses inspire artists, writers, and singers to create beautiful and new works of art. 
| Muses  | Province |
|:---|:-----------|
|  Calliope  | Eloquence, Beautiful Voices |
|  Clio  | History |
|  Euterpe  | Lyric Poetry |
|Thalia | Comedy, Bucolic Poetry|
|Melpomene| Tragedies|
|Terpsichore| Choral Singing, Dancing|
|Erato| Love Poetry|
|Polyhymnia| Religious Hymns|
|Urania| Astronomy|

#### Nike, Goddess of Victory

Nike is the winged goddess of victory. She is the daughter of Pallas, the Titan god of battle, and Styx, the goddess of the River Styx. She serves Zeus alongside her siblings Zelos (Rivalry), Kratos (Strength), and Bia (Force). They all act as Zeus's honorguard and have fought in the War of the Giants at his side.

#### Psyche, Goddess of the Soul

Psyche was a mortal who was so beautiful that men stopped worshiping Aphrodite to worship Psyche instead. This angered Aphrodite, who ordered her son Eros to make Psyche fall in love with the most hideous man in the world. Instead, Eros found himself captured by her beauty. After Psyche performed a series of seemingly impossible labors for Aphrodite, she married Eros.

\pagebreakNum

##### The Titans
| Deity | Alignment | Province | Suggested Domains | Common Symbol |
|:---:|:---:|:---|:---:|:---:|
| -- | -- | -- | — | — |
| -- | ─ | ─ | — | — |
| -- | ─  | ─ | ─ | ─ | 
| -- | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ |

</div>

\pagebreakNum

##### Nyx's Brood
| Deity | Alignment | Province | Suggested Domains | Common Symbol |
|:---:|:---:|:---|:---:|:---:|
| -- | -- | -- | — | — |
| -- | ─ | ─ | — | — |
| -- | ─  | ─ | ─ | ─ | 
| -- | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ |

</div>

\pagebreakNum
## Zeus, King of the Olympians

>*“Mortal hubris, it begs to my ears as if to ask to be struck-down. What sort of god would I be to ignore such a prayer?”*
><div align="right">
>-Zeus, Bellerophon

This space is for the info about Zeus.

\columnbreak

___
> ## Zeus
>*Large God, Chaotic Good*
> ___
> - **Armor Class** 19 (Natural Armor)
> - **Hit Points** 750 (55d10 + 440)
> - **Speed** 40 ft., 40 ft. Flying
>___
>|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA|
>|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
>|29 (+9)|20 (+5)|23 (+8)|17 (+3)|23 (+8)|20 (+5)|
>___
> - **Saving Throws** saving_throws
> - **Skills** Arcana +11, Athletics +17, Persuasion +13, Religion +11
> - 
> - **Damage Resistances** cold, fire; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons
> - **Damage Immunities** poison, lightning
> - **Condition Immunities** poisoned, disease
> - **Senses** passive Perception 15, truesight 120 ft. 
> - **Languages** Alltongue
> - **Challenge** 28 (120,000 xp)
> ___
>***Legendary Resistance. 3/day*** If Zeus fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead. 
>
>***Innate Spellcasting.*** Zeus' casting ability is Wisdom (Spell save DC 24, +16 to hit with spell attacks). He can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components. 
>
>At will: *schocking grasp*, (17th level), and *detect magic*
>
>3/day each: *chain lightning*, 17th level), and *divine word* 
>
>1/day: *true polymorph*
>
> ### Actions
> ***Multiattack.*** Zeus makes three attacks with his thunderbolt. 
>
>
>### Legendary Actions
>Zeus 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. Zeus regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn. 
>
>**Thunderbolt.** Zeus makes one thunderbolt attack. 
>***Lightningbolt.*** Zeus casts *lightningbolt** (17th level).
>***Lightningstep (Costs 2 actions).*** Zeus chooses a point on the ground that he can see within 100 feet of him. A lightning bolt flies from him to that point teleporting him there and dealing 4d8 lightning damage to anyone within a 10 foot radius from that point.  
 
<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Olympians and Titans</div>

\pagebreakNum

___
> ## Achelous
>*Large sized god, (Chaotic Good)*
> ___
> - **Armor Class** 17 (Natural Armor)
> - **Hit Points** 157 (15d10 +75)
> - **Speed** 40 ft., 40 ft. swimming
>___
>|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA|
>|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
>|20 (+5)|15 (+2)|21 (+5)|19 (+4)|17 (+3)|16 (+3)|
>___
> - **Skills** Deception +4, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
> - **Damage Resistances** cold, fire, lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical weapons
> - **Damage Immunities** poison
> - **Condition Immunities** poisoned
> - **Senses** passive Perception 13, truesight 120 ft. 
> - **Languages** Alltongue
> - **Challenge** 9 (5,000 xp)
> ___
> **Amphibious.** Achelous can breathe air and water. 
>**Innate Spellcasting.** Achelous's spellcasting ability is Intelligence (spell save DC 16). >Achelous can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
>
>At will: *create water, fog cloud, misty step*
>
>1/day each: *bestow curse, dispel magic, call lightning*
>
>**Shapechanger.** Achelous can use his action to Polymorph into a large man with a thick beard or back into his true form of a bull with a handsome man's face. His statistics are the same in each form. Any Equipment he is wearing or carrying isn't transformed.
> ### Actions
> ***Multiattack.*** Achelous makes two attacks, one with his horn and one with his sword.
>
> ***Horn.*** Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft. one target. Hit: 16 (2d10 + 5) Piercing Damage.
>
> ***Sword of Reeds.*** +11 to hit, reach 10 ft. one target. Hit: 18 (2d10 + 7) Slashing Damage.
The Sword of Reeds is a masterfully crafted steel sword forged by Hephaestus and quenched in the river Achelous. It is a +2 longsword that never rusts.

\columnbreak

## Achelous, God of Achelous River

Achelous is the source of all the world's fresh water. He is the son of Tethys and Oceanus, and chiefest of the Potamoi, the three thousand river gods. He often takes the form of a massive bull with the face of a handsome bearded man and only one horn. He is also known to take the form of a large man with a thick beard. The river Achelous is the largest river in western Greece. It begins on the eastern slope of the Lakmos mountains and flows southward over a hundred miles to the Ionian sea.

When Achelous was courting the Calydonian princess Deianira a challenger stepped forward. Heracles, son of Zeus wrestled the river god for the right to marry the beautiful princess. Heracles won by tearing off one of Achelous's horns. Now Achelous only has one horn and no princess. He was bitter over this defeat and loathes anyone related to his old nemesis Heracles.
___
>### Legendary Actions
>Achelous can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Achelous regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
>
>**Sword of Reeds.** Achelous makes an attack with the Sword of Reeds. 
>
>**Flow.** Achelous moves half his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
>
>**Whirlpool (2 actions).** Achelous creates a swirling vortex of water centered on himself. The whirlpool has a radius of 10 ft. and creatures caught within the whirlpool must make a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Olympians and Titans</div>

\pagebreakNum

## Nymph

Nymphs are the personification of the creative qualities in nature. They are often the daughters of Titans or Olympians and can be found throughout Greece in the secret places of the wild. They are beautiful nubile maidens who live in the forests, rivers, and mountains. According to german mythology scholar Walter Burkert: "The idea that rivers are gods and springs divine nymphs is deeply rooted not only in poetry but in belief and ritual; the worship of these deities is limited only by the fact that they are inseparably identified with a specific locality."

There are many different nymphs, their variety is based upon the nature they represent. When it comes to their stats as creatures, they are all roughly the same. They differ when it comes to the spells they prepare, which reflect their nature.

### Hesperides, Nymphs of the Evening
The Hesperides were daughters of Atlas and nymphs of the evening and sunset. They tend the garden in which the golden apples are stored in Tartessos, a region past the Pillars of Heracles on the Iberia Peninsula. There are three of them: Aigle ("Dazzling Light"), Erytheia, and Hesperethusa ("Sunset Glow"). They reflect the color of the setting sun: red, yellow, and gold. They have the following spells prepared:

**Cantrips (at will):** *light, dancing lights, druidcraft*

**1st level (4 slots):** *faerie fire, cure wounds, sleep*

**2nd level (3 slots):** *enthrall, moonbeam*

### Naiads, Nymphs of Fresh Water
Distinct from river gods who embody rivers, Naiads inhabit the still waters of marshes, ponds, and lakes. Naiads can be dangerous, they are known to kidnap beautiful mortals or become wildly jealous. For example, when the shepherd Daphnis was unfaithful to his naiad lover Nomia she permanently blinded him.

**Cantrips (at will):** *shape water, vicious mockery*

**1st level (4 slots):** *create water, fog cloud, hex*

**2nd level (3 slots):** *blindness/deafness, misty step, prayer of healing*

### Oreads, Nymphs of the Mountains
The Oreads are nymphs of the countless rocky mountains that make up the Greek landscape. They are given specific titles based on where they dwell. The Idaeae hail from Mount Ida, and the Nomia from Mount Nomia. Oreads often joined Artems while she hunted since most forests were located on the slopes of rugged hills and mountains. The forests in the lowlands had been cleared for farming. They are connected with the connifers that grow in the mountains. 
**Cantrips (at will):** *druidcraft, mold earth, magic stone*

**1st level (4 slots):**  *entangle, speak with animals, hail of thorns*

**2nd level (3 slots):** *barkskin, earthbind, spike growth*

\columnbreak 
___
> ## Nymph
>*Medium fey, any alignment*
> ___
> - **Armor Class** 12 (unarmored)
> - **Hit Points** 33 (6d8 + 6)
> - **Speed** 40 ft. 
>___
>|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA|
>|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
>|11 (+0)|14 (+2)|12 (+1)|10 (+0)|13 (+1)|14 (+2)|
>___
> - **Skills** Deception +4, Persuasion +4, Religion +2
> - **Senses** passive Perception 10
> - **Languages** Ancient Greek, Animal Speak
> - **Challenge** 2 (450 XP)
> ___
>
>**Spellcasting.** A nymph is a 4th-level spellcaster, its spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 12, +4 to hit with spell attacks.) Although it varies based on the type of nymph, the average nymph has the following spells prepared: 
>
>**Cantrips (at will):** *light, sacred flame, druidcraft*
>
>**1st level (4 slots):** *animal friendship, cure wounds, shield of faith*
>
>**2nd level (3 slots):** *enthrall, lesser restoration*
>
> ### Actions
>
> ***Bronze Dagger.*** *melee or ranged attack:* +4 to hit, 5 ft. Reach or 20/60 ft. Range, one target. *Hit:* 4 (1d4+2) piercing damage.
>
>

### Nereids, Nymphs of the Mediterranean Sea and Oceanids, Nymphs of the Ocean

Nereids and Oceanids are essentially the same, in that they are nymphs of bodies of saltwater. The Nereids were the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris and would often accompany Poseidon. Amphitrite was a Nereid who was the consort of Poseidon.They were friendly and helpful to sailors. Meanwhile, the Oceanids were the three thousand daughters of Oceanus and Tethys. They also had three thousand sons called the Potamoi, the gods of rivers and streams.

**Cantrips (at will):** gust, shape water, thunderclap

**1st level (4 slots):** create/destroy water, thunderwave, zephyr strike

**2nd level (3 slots):** gust of wind, levitate, enthrall

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Olympians and Titans</div>

\pagebreakNum

### Ladon, Hundred-Headed Dragon
Ladon is a huge serpent whose body branches forth into a hundred necks that end with one hundred sets of venomous fangs. Because of its many heads, Ladron never truly sleeps since a few heads always maintain a watchful sentry. Each of its one hundred heads can speak a different language. Hera appointed Ladon to be the guardian of the golden apples. While he is always watchful and dedicated to keeping thieves away from his charge, he is not very bright and easily duped.

\columnbreak
___
> ## Ladon
>*Huge Dragon, Unaligned*
> ___
> - **Armor Class** 13 (Natural Armor)
> - **Hit Points** 110 (13d10+39)
> - **Speed** 40 ft.
>___
>|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA|
>|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
>|19 (+4)|10 (+0)|16 (+3)|5 (-3)|12 (+1)|6 (-6)|
>___
> - **Skills** Perception +4
> - **Condition Immunities** Sleep
> - **Senses** Darkvision 60 ft.
> - **Languages** Every Language
> - **Challenge** 6 (2,300 XP)
> ___
>**Multiple Heads.** Ladon has one hundred heads. While it has more than one head, he has advantage on saving throws against being Blinded, Charmed, Deafened, Frightened, Stunned, and knocked Unconscious. Ladon's heads do not grow back if cut off.
>
>**Wakeful.** While Ladon sleeps, at least one of its heads is awake.
> ### Actions
> ***Hundred Headed Thrash*** As a full round action, Ladon can make one melee attack against every creature within range.
>
> ***Venomous Bite.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +7 to hit, Reach 10 ft., one target. *Hit:* 11 (2d6 + 4) piercing damage. The target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw, taking 24 (7d6) poison damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
>

<div class='footnote'>The Heroic Age | Olympians and Titans</div>

\pagebreakNum

## Polyphemus the Cyclops
The cyclops Polyphemus was the son of Poseidon and the Sicilian sea nymph Thoosa. He lives in a cave on the island Thrinacia (modern day Sicily). He is joined on the island by a few other Cyclopes who live as shepherds. They have no real society on the island, living with their wives in caves with their goats and sheep.

>"We came to the land of the Cyclopes race, arrogant lawless beings who leave their livelihoods to the deathless gods and never use their own hands to sow or plow; yet with no sowing and no plowing, the crops all grow for them-- wheat and barley and grapes that yield wine from ample clusters, swelled by the showers of Zeus. They have no assemblies to debate in, they have no ancestral ordinances; they live in arching caves on the tops of high hills, and the head of each family heeds no other, but makes his own ordinances for wife and children." 
><div align="right">
>-Homer, The Odyssey

Polyphemus is not just some dumb savage, he is also a man in love. He is in love with the the beautiful nereid Galatea (not the Galatea statue by Pygmallion). She is the goddess of calm seas, and is often seen off the coast of Thrinacia. He played music for her and offered her milk and cheese, but she spurned his advances. Instead she fell in love with a handsome Sicilian youth named Akis. In a jealous rage Polyphemus crushed him with a boulder. He still pines for Galatea.

\columnbreak

___
> ## Polyphemus
>*Huge Giant, Chaotic Neutral*
> ___
> - **Armor Class** 13 (Natural Armor)
> - **Hit Points** 115 (10d12+50)
> - **Speed** 40 ft.
>___
>|STR|DEX|CON|INT|WIS|CHA|
>|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|
>|21 (+5)|8 (-1)|20 (+5)|8 (-1)|8 (-1)|8 (-1)|
>___
> - **Skills** Perception +3, Athletics +8
> - **Senses** Darkvision 60 ft
> - **Languages** Ancient Greek, Giant
> - **Challenge** 5 1,800 XP
> ___
>
> ### Actions
> ***Multiattack.*** Polyphemus makes two greatclub attacks
>
> ***Greatclub.*** *Melee Weapon Attack:* +8 to hit, 10 ft. reach, one target. *Hit:* 18 (3d8+5) bludgeoning damage.
>
>***Boulder.*** *Ranged Weapon Attack:* +8 to hit, range 60/240 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (3d10+5) bludgeoning damage.
>
>### Reactions
> **Rock Catching.** If a rock or similar object is hurled at Polyphempus, he can, with a successful DC 10 Dexterity saving throw, catch the missile and take no damage from it.

\pagebreakNum

# Annotated Bibliography

### Books
**Bulfinch, Thomas. *Bulfinch’s Mythology: Complete and Unabridged.* (New York: Random House, 1993).**

*Bulfinch's Mythology* is a classic retelling of Greek myth. It includes poems and prose. It is the perfect resource for someone who is already somewhat familiar with Greek myth, or has already read Hamilton's *Mythology*, and they wish to step deeper into the pool. Some of the names are in Latin but that should not stop you.

**Dickinson, Oliver. *The Aegean Bronze Age.* (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1994).**

This is an amazing resource for any GM trying to better understand the time period. It is a dense work more focused on archaeology than history, but it helps to set the stage for how these people lived. The mythologies do not focus on what types of food the Achaeans had available, but Dickinson's book gives us an image of what life was like, while backing it up with archaeological data.

**Harris, Stephen L. and Gloria Platzner. *Classical Mythology: Images and Insights.* (Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Company, 1995).**

This college textbook is very valuable. First it has a lot of information about how mythologies are presented and its nature. Then it also includes epic poems like *The Iliad* and plays like *Agamenmnon* or *Oedipus Rex*. As a historian I love turning to the primary sources, and this book provides a wealth of poems and plays in one book.

**Hamilton, Edith. *Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes.* (New York: Warner Books, 1942).**

This book is required reading in many High School English classes. If a GM wants to introduce their players to the topic then Hamilton is the way to do that. She retells the myths in an accessible way. It is a great resource to give to players who are in Jr. High or High School.

**Price, Simon, and Emily Kearns. *The Oxford Dictionary of Classical Myth & Religion.* (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003).**

This is a great desk resource for the GM trying to come up with interesting NPCs or Monsters. It is exhaustive with interesting information about many topics. It has everything from Achilles to Zeus. It also includes maps and genealogies of the gods.

**Schofield, Louise. *The Mycenaeans.* (Los Angeles: Getty Publications, 2007).**

This book is a history and archaeological record of the Mycenaeans. It has a lot of excellent photographs and was made with the help of the British Museum and the Getty Museum. It is useful for players and GMs to help visualize what the world is like. What sort of armor did they wear? What about the shape of their swords and spears? This book shows us how the Mycenaeans lived and what they made.

**Strauss, Barry. *The Trojan War.* (New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2006).**

This book is a retelling of the Trojan war with the assumption that it really happened. Strauss removes the gods and mythologies and instead tries to tell the story in combination with historical record and archaeological data. It is a short, quick read that provides a lot of background data.

**Shanower, Eric. *Age of Bronze, Vol. 1: A Thousand Ships.* (Portland: Image Comics, 2001).**

**--------. *Age of Bronze, Vol. 2: Sacrifice.* (Portland: Image Comics, 2005).**

**--------. *Age of Bronze, Vol. 3: Betrayal.* (Portland: Image Comics, 2007).**

**--------.  *Age of Bronze, Vol. 3.B: Betrayal Part 2.* (Portland: Image Comics, 2013).**

Eric Shanower's comic series about the Trojan war is essentially required reading for any GM running The Heroic Age. I cannot stress enough how influential his beautiful artwork is to capturing the feel of the Aegean Bronze Age. He combines drama and historical accuracy to create something really special. My only lament is that he wipes away the more fantastically gods and nymphs to create a more historical story. That being said, it is an amazing work.

### Films and Television

***Clash of the Titans* (1981)** There have been lots of movies about Greek mythology. Mystery Science Theater 3,000 showcased Hercules starring Steve Reeves and countless other Italian produced Greek myth adventure films. However, the original Clash of the Titans really brings together an amazing cast (Maggie Smith as Thetis, Laurence Olivier as Zeus, it even has Burgess Meredith). Ray Harryhausen’s special effects were cutting edge for the time, and the film captures the high adventure feel for this campaign.

***Troy* (2004)** This film is pretty good. It has a great cast (Brian Cox as Agamemnon, Brad Pitt as Achilles, Orlando Bloom as Paris, and Eric Bana as Hector). This film tries to focus on the more realistic aspects of the Trojan war, ignoring the fantastical elements. It helps to give a sense of the characters who were alive at the time.

***Troy: Fall of a City* (2018)** This TV series is the most recent large budget production about the Trojan War. It provides excellent depictions of Olympians and their involvement in the conflict while also exploring the psychology of the characters more deeply than other movies.

***Clash of the Titans* (2010) and *Wrath of the Titans* (2012)**
While these two films are not exactly high class cinema, they are fun. If you are looking to get someone excited about the campaign setting and did not want to show them the original *Clash of the Titans* with Harry Hamlin, this is a good place to look. The adventures in the film reflect a lot of the themes and feel portrayed in the game.

\pagebreakNum

-Hector of Troy
 
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