Mythic Odysseys of Theros (+deluxe Cover) PDF

MYTHIC ODYSSEYS OF
THEROS™
- .
... .
CREDITS
Lead Designers: F. Wesley Schneider, James Wyatt Brad Rigney, Sam Rowan, James Ryman, Jasper Sandner, Dan
Designers: Ari Levitch, Jeremy Crawford, Kate Baker, Bill Benham, Scott, Cynthia Sheppard, John Stanko, Zack Stella, Matt Stewart,
Orion D. Black, John Compton, Kelly Digges, James lntrocaso, Chase Stone, Raymond Swanland, Wisnu Tan, John Thacker, Cory
Adam Lee, Ben Petrisor, Jessica Price, Morrigan Robbins, Amber Trego-Erdner, Brian Valeza, Cyril Van Der Haegen, Svetlin Velinov,
Scott, Greg A. Vaughn Magali Villeneuve, Raoul Vitale, Johannes Voss, Kev Walker, Jack
Rules Developers: Jeremy Crawford, Dan Dillon, Christopher Wang, Kieran Yanner, Ryan Yee, Min Yum, James Zapata
Perkins, Ben Petrisor Cartographers: Jonas De Ro, Dyson Logos
Editors: Misty Bourne, Kim Mohan, Hannah Rose, Jessica Ross Theros World Designers: Brady Dommermuth, Doug Beyer, Kelly
Cultural Consultant: Demitrios Feredinos Digges, Ethan Fleischer, Jenna Helland, Taylor lngvarsson,
Lore Consultant: jay Annelli Jeremy Jarvis, Adam Lee, Alison Luhrs, Dawn Murin, Cynthia
Sheppard, Andrew Vallas, Richard Whitters, James Wyatt
Art Director: Kate Irwin
Senior Graphic Designer: Trish Yochum Senior Producer: Dan Tovar
Graphic Designer: Trystan Falcone Producers: Bill Benham, Robert Hawkey, Lea Heleotis
Additional Art Direction: Matt Adelsperger, Jeremy Jarvis, Kelly Product Engineer: Cynda Callaway
Digges, Dawn Murin, Andrew Vallas Imaging Technicians: Sven Bolen, Carmen Cheung, Kevin Yee
Art Administrator: David Gershman
Cover Illustrators: Jason Rainville, Kevin Tong Prepress Specialist: Jefferson Dunlap
Interior Illustrators: Steve Argyle, Volkan Baga, Ryan Barger, Steven
Belledin, Noah Bradley, Christopher Burdett, Sam Burley, Jason Franchise & Global Brand Strategy: Nathan Stewart
Chan, Yongjae Choi, Daarken, Jonas De Ro, Bastien L. Deharme, Executive Producer: Ray Winninger
Eric Deschamps, jesper Ejsing, Emrah Elmasli, Jason Felix, Evyn Director of Licensing & Publishing: Liz Schuh
Fong, Lucas Graciano, Lars Grant-West, Nils Hamm, Yeong Licensing Manager: Hilary Ross
Hao Han, Alex Horley-Orlandelli, Ralph Horsley, Tyler Jacobson, Marketing and Communications: Bart Carroll, Pelham Greene, Chris
Jaime Jones, Igor Kieryluk, Mathias Kollros, Karl Kopinski, Yigit Lindsay, Shauna Narciso, Lysa Penrose, Emi Tanji, Greg Tito,
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Willian Murai, Terese Nielsen, James Paick, David Palumbo,
Ryan Pancoast, Adam Paquette, Jung Park, Claudio Pozas, Steve Many thanks to the hundreds of playtesters whose efforts made this
Prescott, Vincent Proce, Andrea Radeck, Chris Rahn, Chris Rallis, a better book. We couldn't have created this without you!
ON THE COVER
The invulnerable hero, Haktos the Unscarred, leaps into battle with While the gods look on, the immortal struggle between Haktos
a Nyxborn hydra, taking part in the most recent telling of a myth and the hydra plays out in the stars of Nyx, a glimpse of eternity
repeated through the ages. Jason Rainville brings this legend to life. captured by Kevin Tong.
Disclaimer:
620C7893000001 EN Truly, what mo rtal's poor stri11ing can weather the scheming ofheaven?
CE
Heliod reaches for rulership; Purphoros never accepts him.
ISBN: 978-0-7869-6706-3 Kruphix but watches, and mortals are left to the whims of the fates, or
First Printing: June 2020 Torn in the claws of the furies; only a hero denies them.
-The Callapheia
9 8 7 6543 21
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, D&D, Wizards of the Coast, the dragon ampersand, Player's Handbook, Monster Manual, Dungeon Master's Guide, Theres, Magic: The Gathering, the
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prohibited without the express written permission of Wizards of the Coast.
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CONTENTS
Welcome to Theros. .... . .... . . ........................ 5 Asphodel and the Despair Lands .... 100 Archons . ... ....... ... ...... ...
. . . . . ................... .. 212
Dreams of Divinity ... ... . . .
.. ........................... 5 Odunos . ............ ........... ........ ... .
. . . ... ........ 101 Archon of Falling Stars.. ... . ............ 212
History and Myth........ .... .. .. ... .. . . . .. ....... ....... . 7 The Siren Sea .......................................... 102 Ashen Rider . . . .. .. . .... ... . .. ........ ... ...... 213
. . .
Languages ............... . . ....... .. ... ... ... ... ..

. . . . . . ....... 9 Tri tons of the Siren Sea ...... ... ....... . 102 . . . Archon Mounts ............ ....... . ... ....... .. 214
.
Dakra Isles ........................................... 102 Cerberi..... ... .. . ... 214

Ch. 1: Character Creation.. .... ... . 11 . .. ......... ........................ .
. . .. ........
Heroic Drive ........ .. . ................. ......... ....

.. ... .. 11 Skola Vale ................... .. . .
.. ...... ................... 103 Two-Headed Cerberus .. . . . . . . ........... 214
Satyrs of the Skola Vale 103 Underworld Cerberus .... ... .. 214
Supernatural Gifts . . ............ ... .... .... . 12
.................... . .. ........
...... .. ..
Skola Vale Revels. .......... ... ... ... . 103 Chimera . .. .. . . ....... ....... 216
Races ... ... . .. .. .. .. .... 17
. . .. . ... ... ......... .. .. ............. . .
. . .. ....................... ...... . .. .. .. .
Features of the Skola Vale..... ... ... 103 Colossus of Akros .. ... ..... 218
Human .. . ... ... ... . ...... 17
. . ... .................. .. .
........................ .
. ... .. . . .
The Katachthon Mountains ............ ... . 104 Demons of Theres .. . .. ......... 219
Centaur .. . . .. . ... . ... 18
. . . ............ .. .
........................ ... ... ... .. ...
The Oraniad Mountains................... ... 104 Abhorrent Overlord ... . 219

Leonin... .
. ................................................. 20 . .. . ..... ...............
Realms of the Gods................................. 105 Eater of Hope .. . . 220

Minotaur .................................................. 22 ...... ... .. .....................
Nyx . ... ........ .. . .. .... ... ... ... 105 Nightmare Shepherd. 220
Satyr... ... . . ... .............................................. 24 ................ .. . ... . .. . . . .....................
The Underworld ....... . .. .. .. ... .. 106 Eidolons.. ........................... .. ... . . 222

Triton.. .... ... .. . . . .......................................... 26 . ..... .... .. . .. . . .. . ... .....
Flitterstep Eidolon .........................222

Subclass Options.. . .. .................................. 28 Ch. 4: Creating Theros Adventures .. 109
Ghostblade Eidolon . . .... 222
College of Eloquence . . . . . ... .. . 28 God-Based Adventures .. . 109 ............. .... .
.. . .... .. . . ... . .. . .. ....................
Fleecemane Lion . . . 223

Oath of Glory.............. . .. ... ... .. .... . 29 Divine Assistance .. . . 110 .. ........................ .. .
... .. . . .. . . . ......... .. . ..... ........ .......
Giants. . .. ... .. .. .. ... .. .. 224

Background...... ... .. . . . . . . . 30 Communication ..... .. ... . 111
... .. .. . .. .. . . ................ ...
. . .... ...... .. ... ........ ... ... ........ .. . ... .. .. ......
Doomwake Giant............................. 224

Athlete ... .... .... .. .
. ... ....... ........ .. . . .. . . ....... . 31
. . .. . Omens by God . ... ... .. ....... .... ... ... ... 112
. . . . . . . .
Hundred-Handed One .................... 225

Divine Intervention.. .......... ... ........... 114
Ch. 2: Gods ofTheros 33
. . .
Harpies.................... .. . . . .. ... . 226

.............................
Divine Ordeals.. ... ... ...... ............ ... .. 114

......... .. . ... .. ..
Divine Characteristics 33
. . . . . .
.
Aphemia the Dissonant Song 226
................. ............
Athreos....................................................... 116
.......
Divine Relationships . .... 34

............. ...........
Blood-Toll Harpy. .. ... . . 226
Ephara........................................................ 120
. .. . .... ..............
Myths and Deeds ...... .. ... ... .... . .. ..... .... 35

Hippocamp .. .. .............. ... ... .... .. 227
. . . . .
Erebos . .. .... .. .. .. . . . 124

. ...... .. . . . .
Worship .. . .. ...... .. . .. ... ... ... .... 35

... ........ . . .. .. . .... .. ................
Hoplites ... ... ... ... . .... ....................... 228

............... .. .. .. . . . .. .
Heliod . .. . 128
... . . . .. .
Clerics and Champions . . . . 35

...................... .. ... ..........................
Akroan Hoplite . ... .. . . ... ... 228

.. ....... .. ....... ......
Iroas . .. 132
... .. . . .. . . .......
Piety 36 ......................... ... .............................
Meletian Hoplite .. ... ... ... ........ ... . 229

..............................................................
Karametra 136
. . . . . .
Athreos .. .. .. 37
.................................................
Setessan Hoplite . .................... .... 229

....................................... ........... .
Keranos.. . . . . .. . .. .. . ... .. ... ... .. .. 140

. ..
Ephara .. . . . 40
. . . . . .... .. .. .. .. . .. .. . ..
Hydras .. .. .. ... ... 230

. .. . .. ...............................................
Klothys... . . . .. .. . .. . 144
............ .. ..... . . ..................
.
Erebos ............. ... . 43
.. ..... ..... ........... .. ... .. . ...... ...
Ironscale Hydra ... .. .. . 230

. ... .....................................
Kruphix . . . .. .. . 148
.. .. .. .. ...............
Heliod .. ... .... ........ .... .. . 46

...... ... ....... .......... . ... ................
Polukranos . . .. . ... ....... ........ .. . 230

. . . . ...............................
Mogis ........................ ... ...... ... ........ .... ... . 152

. . .. .. . . . . ... .
Iroas . ... ... ... ........... .... ......... 49

. . . . . .
.
Leonin.................................................... 232
....................... . . . .
Nylea . ... ....... .... ........... ........ ... ..... 156

Karametra . .. . .. 52
.......... ... . . . .
.
Leonin Iconoclast......... ..... ........ ... . 232
.......................... ....... ... . ...... .
Pharika ... ... ........ ... ................ .... .... ..... 160
. .
Keranos. ... . .. .. . . 55
....... . .
Nyx-Fleece Ram ... .. .... ... ... ... . . . 233

. .................................. .. ... ... ..
Phenax ....................................................... 164

. . . . . . .. . ....
Klothys .. . . . . . . . . 58
Nymphs............. ... .......... ... ............ . 234
.. . ................. ... ............ ... ........ .
Purphoros ................................................. 168

. . . .. ...
Kruphix...... ... ... .. . 61

Alseid. ... ... .... .. .................. . . 234
. . . .... ..................................
Thassa........................................................ 172
. . . . .. . . .........
Mogis .......... .... ... ... . . . 64

Lampad...... ... ... .............. .... ... 234
. .. . . .. ..............................
Nautical Adventures ....... ... ....... .. .... ... 176

. . . . . ........
Nylea .. .. ... ....... ... ....... . . .. 67 .. . ..
Naiad .. ................... ............ .... ... 236

. .. . . . . . .... . ....................
Sailing the Sea .................................... 176

. . ........
Pharika . .... ........ .... ... .. ... . . . . . . 70

Oread........... .......... ....... .... .... .. . 237
......... . . . . . . . . .. . .....
Mystical Islands .. .. .. ... ... ... . 177

. . . . .. .....
Phenax .. .. .. .... ....... ........ 73

... .. . ...... . . .. ...
.
Oracle... ..... ... ........... .. . ................... 238
......................... . . . . . .
Underwater Adventures 179 .. .. .. .. .
Purphoros . . .... .. ........... . ... 76

....................
Phylaskia .. ... ... ... .. .. . .. ............. 239

...................... .. .. . .
Underworld Adventures ... ... . . 180

... .. . . .... .. . . .
Thassa....... .. . . ... .. ... ....... 79

. . .. ........... ..
.
Returned ............................................... 240
.. ...................... .. . . . ..
Living Descent ........ .. . .. .

...... ........ ........ . 180
Ch. 3: Realms of Gods and Mortals .... 83 Returned Drifter. .. . ... ... ... 240
Deathly Interludes .
..... ............... ........ . 180 .......... ... .. . .
The Mortal Realm .. . .. ... ... ....... . 83 Returned Palamnite :.................. 240
Journey into Death. ...... .. . 181
........... . .. .. . . ....
. . .. ................
Life in the Poleis . . .. . ... 83 Returned Sentry 240

Denizens of the Underworld .. .. . 182
............... .......... . ... ... ..............................
.. ... ..
Akros ... ....... ........ 86 Satyr. ... ... ... .. . ... ..... ... . 242
Paths of Escape ......... ........ ... .... .. .. 182
. . ........................................ . . . . .... ..... . ... . ............
. . . . .. .
Akros's Surroundings 88 Satyr Reveler... .... . . . ... .... .... . ... .... . 242
Beyond Death . ... . . . ... ....... ... ... 183
.......................... . . . . . .
. .. ... . . ... . .. . .
Pheres Lands...... .... . . .. .. . . 88 Satyr Thornbearer .. .... ... 243

Adventure: No Silent Secret .. ... .. .. 184
.. .. .. . ... ..... ... ..... ............... . .
... .. . ..
Meletis ... ........... ... ....... ... . . . ... .. . . ..

. . . . . .. . . . . . . ... ... 89 Triton ................................................. ... . . 244
Ch. S: Treasures . . . . .. ...... . 195
Meletis's Surroundings ....................... 91 ........ .. .... .... .. .. ..
Triton Shorestalker ......................... 244
Magic Items . . 195
Lagonna Grounds.... ..... .... ... . . 92 Triton Master of Waves 245
.. .................. .........................
... . . ... ....... ..................
Artifacts ... . . . .. 198

Setessa. ... ... .................................... ... ... ... 93 Typhon .. ... .. .... ... .... ... . 246
... ..................... . . ...................
. . . . . .
.. ... .. ......... . . ........ ..
Setessa's Surroundings .. ....... ... ... ... 94 . . . . Ch. 6: Friends and Foes .. ..................... 203 Woe Strider ..... ... .............. ................. 247
. . .
Oreskos........................................................ 96 Nyxborn Creatures. ....... .............. .... ... ..... 203 Mythic Monsters ...... ........... ....... .... .... .... 248 . .
Leonin of Oreskos ................................ 96 Classic Monsters ...... ... ...... ................. ... 204
. . Arasta of the Endless Web ............... . 248
Grasslands of Oreskos ........................ 97 Bestiary..................................................... 208 Hythonia the Cruel ............................. 251
Phoberos and Skophos...... .... ... ... ... ..... 98 . . . . Amphisbaena ...................................... 208 Tromokratis... ........ . .............................. 254
Minotaurs of Phoberos ........................ 98 Anvilwroughts...................................... 209
lndex . . . .. .. . .. .
. ... . . .. .. ... .
... .. ........... ................ . 256
City of Skophos...................................... 99 Anvilwrought Raptor ......................209
Badlands of Phoberos.......................... 99 Bronze Sable .................................... 210
Realms of the Returned......................... 100 Burnished Hart....... ... ... . ...... . . . . ...... . . 210 � .
The Returned....................................... 100 Gold-Forged Sentinel ...... ... . .. ..... . . .. 210 ..·
•
•
•
•
• •
.. •
.
•
l AM MEDO MAI, AGELESS AND

DEATHLESS, SEER OF ENDINGS:
l DID FORETELL THE FALL OF ALEP HNE

IN WATERY TERROR,
MOCKED BY THE FOOLISH WHO SAY THAT THE
VOICE OF THE GODS IS BUT MADNESS.
GREAT WAS ITS RUIN, AND SLAUGHTERED WERE
ALL WHO DID NOT HEED MY WARNING.
BRIGHTER THE FUTURE l NOW FORETELL,
OF BEGINNINGS, NOT ENDINGS:
HEROES ARE COMING, WHO STRIVE AGAINST
FATE'S STERN DECREES, AND WHO CARVE THEIR
OWN BRIGHT PATHWAY THROUGH HISTORY,
GREATER THAN ALL MORTAL YEARNINGS.

WELCOME TO THEROS
HEY WERE ALONE ON THE GLASSY BLUE Chapter 3 turns to the mortal world, the lands in
ocean. A waterfall stretched endlessly along which the epic adventures of Theros unfold. It covers
the three city-states of humanity, the wild lands of leonin
the horizon line. The water at the edge of the
and minotaurs, the great forests and wide plains where
world was like a placid pond, as if enjoying a satyrs revel and centaurs roam, and the seas where
last few seconds of existence before cascading over the edge tritons dwell and titanic monsters lurk. It also offers
glimpses into the divine realm of Nyx and the dismal
in a raging torrent of white-capped water.
realms of the Underworld.
Directly in front of them was Kruphix's Tree. Two enor
Chapter 4 builds on the guidelines in the Dungeon
mous trunks were separate at the base, but they arched Master's Guide, highlighting adventures set in Theros.
toward each other and joined at the top in a single leafy Maintaining a focus on the gods, it presents omens that
might launch heroes on the road to adventure, details
crown. Stars glittered beyond the waterfall, but the back
hundreds of plot hooks, includes maps of potential
ground was milky violet with tinges of deep blue. The sea adventure locations, and presents a short introductory
water that plummeted over the edge disappeared into the adventure you can use to launch your campaign.
abyss of the stars. Chapter 5 details treasures of Theros, including the

artifacts of the gods, the magical inventions of renowned
They had reached the edge of the world.
artisans, and various other devices infused with the
-Jenna Helland, Godsend magic of the world.
Finally, chapter 6 presents numerous inhabitants
The caprice of the gods. The destiny of heroes. Great of Theros. An exploration of familiar beasts from the
journeys into monster-infested wilds, and mythic odys Monster Manual and other sources-creatures with
seys to the edge of the world and back. These elements their roots in Greek mythology-details their place and
of adventure fill the realms of Theros, a new setting for unique characteristics in the lands of Theros. Several of
your DUNGEONS & DRAGONS campaign to explore. Theros's most notorious creatures, foes as legendary as
The roots of Theros lie in the myths of ancient Greece, the world's most renowned heroes, are also presented
tales dominated by gods, heroes, and monsters. This as mythic monsters, terrors designed to test even the
world was created as a setting for the MAGIC: THE GATH gods' mightiest champions.
ERING trading card game, explored in card sets begin
ning in 2013. The lands of Theros serve as an example
DREAMS OF DIVINITY
of how to take inspiration from real-world mythology
Theros possesses a unique metaphysical property:
and adapt it into a world built from the ground up for
things believed and dreamed here eventually become
fantasy adventures.
real. The collective unconscious of mortal people has
This book is your guide to Theros, its gods, its peoples
the literal power of creation, though the process unfolds
and their cities (or poleis), its threats, and its tales. It
over the course of countless centuries. Thus, the gods
also guides you through creating characters destined to
of Theros and their servants were believed, dreamed,
be legends and adventures born of this mythic setting.
and narrated into existence, materializing and becoming
Chapter 1 covers the heroes of Theros: the races,
fully real as a result of mortal belief in their power. As
class options, and backgrounds you'll need to make a
stories were told, sacrifices made, and devotion given
character. It also introduces supernatural gifts available
over ages, the gods formed and gained lives just as real
to starting characters-features that set Theros's adven
as the mortals who dreamed them into being.
turers apart as true heroes.
Does that mean that the gods of Theros are less pow
Chapter 2 introduces the gods of Theros, a squabbling
erful or less divine than the gods of other worlds? Not at
pantheon of arrogant and powerful beings who view
all. Once a dream or belief in Theros becomes reality, it
mortals as pawns in their strategic games. It also pro
is just as real as any other thing, and the gods have been
vides rules and guidelines for characters who serve as
real for a very long time. The people of Theros believe
champions of the gods, including divine benefits they
them to be divine, ageless, and all-powerful, and there
can gain as rewards for their piety.
fore they are. ., I
.. ·
WELCOME TO THEROS
5
A single individual can't do anything to make the gods
FATE AND DESTINY
less real or change the nature of a god. Threatened with
the wrath of Heliod, for example, a mortal can't simply Two closely related concepts loom large in the way
"disbelieve" the god out of existence or turn his wrath to mortals think about their place in the world: fate
kindness. It's the collective unconscious of every sapient and destiny.
being on Theros that shapes reality, and changes to that The idea of fate is that the course of each mortal's life
reality occur on the scale of ages, not moments. is predetermined, spun out in a tapestry woven by a trio
In practical terms, then, the gods of Theros are no less of semidivine women, the Fates. Gods aren't bound by
real, powerful, or important to Theros than the gods of the strands of fate, their lives and legends constantly
other worlds are to those worlds. Notably, though, these changing and endlessly uncertain. In the case of most
gods have influence only over Theros and the two planes mortals, it's thought they plod along their predetermined
connected to it: Nyx, the starry realm of the gods, and path from beginning to end, carrying out the tasks ap
the Underworld, eventual home of all die. pointed for them until they complete their journey to the
Underworld.
Gons AND DEVOTION This fairly bleak view of existence is undermined by
the heroic ideal exemplified in myths, legends, and the
The central conflict in Theros is among gods, striving
lived experience of Theros's people. Heroes, by defini
against each other over the devotion of mortals. Mortal
tion, are people who defy the predetermined course of
devotion equates to divine power: when people fervently
fate. They take their fate into their own hands and chart
pray to a god, when they piously observe the god's rites
their own courses, striding boldly into the unknown,
and sacrifices, and when they devoutly trust in the god's
striking down supposedly invincible foes, and resisting
divine might, the god becomes more powerful.
the will of gods. Their proud defiance of fate is rewarded
The competition for mortal devotion isn't necessarily
when they at last complete their mortal journeys; worthy
a zero-sum game. The people of Theros don't believe
heroes spend their afterlives in Ilysia, the fairest realm
in one particular god to the exclusion of others, and the
of the Underworld, where they finally rest from the
most pious people pray to all the gods with equal fervor.
struggle of their lives. In many cases, their works also
But a deity's goal is to increase the number of people
live on, both in the stories of future generations and re
who, when faced with peril, will call on that god for help.
peating in the night sky among the stars of Nyx.
It's that trust, that reliance, that faith that gives the gods
Destiny is different. The strands of destiny are spun
their power, not merely ideas and concepts.
from the hair of the ancient god Klothys, but they don't
Mortal beings-heroes and monsters alike-often
chart a predetermined future. Destiny establishes the
become unwitting pawns in the contests of the gods.
order of things, the hierarchy of being, the relationship
Having a powerful champion is an indication of a god's
between gods and mortals, the instincts and impulses
power-and can potentially increase the god's own
that govern mortal behavior, and other aspects of the
power. A champion who acts as an agent of a god among
way things are. Gods and mortals alike are constrained
other people helps increase those people's devotion to
by the threads of destiny. Mortals can do little to alter
the god. And if a hero should happen to strike down the
them, but more than once the arrogance and presump
agents of a rival god along the way, all the better.
tion of the gods have caused the strands of destiny to
become tangled. The god Klothys enforces the bounds
of destiny. She isn't only the spinner of destiny's strands
but also an avenging fury, punishing the foolhardy gods
who tangle them.
-
WELCOME TO THEROS
6
TH& HU1>Tl!:R
The heroes illustrated throughout this introduction

CHAMPIONS AND HEROES
are examples of heroic archetypes. The General, the
The champions of the gods number among some of the Protector, the Vanquisher, the Hunter, the Provider, the
most influential and inspirational figures in Theros. Warrior, the Slayer, the Philosopher, and others like
These mortals have personal relationships with the them are idealized figures who appear in narrative and
gods, potentially serving as divine agents in the world theatrical drama-sometimes with personal names at
or being compelled to action by immortal schemes. tached, but often without. Tales describe the Slayer de
Still others were born with divine gazes set upon them, stroying a hydra ... and a mighty cyclops, and a dragon,
whether due to their remarkable abilities or the circum and a Nyxborn giant, and a lamia, and any number of
stances of their birth. Through their lives, champions other creatures. Did one Slayer do all that? No, the
experience the blessings and curses of their divine archetype has become the repository for legends about
relationships. Some might brandish incredible powers many different heroes, all of whom are notable primarily
granted to them by the gods. Others, however, discover for slaying something.
how fickle and vindictive the gods can be. How a cham The heroes of a Theros campaign might aspire to em
pion contends with the whims of a deific patron defines ulate one of the great heroic archetypes, or they might
what makes them a hero, whether they seek incredible strive to forge an entirely new mythic identity, to be re
ways to court immortal favor or forge a path that throws membered by name in tales of glory forever.
off the bonds of destiny. Regardless of the course they
choose, the deeds of champions influence belief in the
gods, but even more so, they fill the hearts of Theros's
HISTORY AND MYTH
people with hope and wonder. When storytellers relate the history of Theros, they
More than just for their deeds, heroes fill an important always speak in the most general terms. An event of
role among the inhabitants of Theros. Legendary heroes just ten years past happened "many years ago," and
form a vast collection of well-known archetypes whose the founding of Meletis in the distant past happened
deeds create cultural touchstones and shape modern "many, many years ago." In Theros, history transforms
philosophies. They also embody the potential of mor into myth more quickly than it does in other worlds,
tals to be more than mere drops in the raging river of becoming generalized, vague, and moralistic. And be
fate. Tales of heroes teach that greatness is achievable cause the gods are so deeply involved in mortal affairs,
and that there is more to the world than what any one it's often impossible to distinguish between the myths
individual knows. The people of Theros see the truth of divine activities and the scraps of historical fact in
of this in the powers of the gods and in the immortal these records.
constellations that fill the night sky. Even as the names The origin and generations of the gods-from the pri
of individual heroes might eventually fade away, their mordial titans to the modern pantheon now worshiped
deeds live on as heroic archetypes-such as in the case in Theros-are described in chapter 2. The world's
of the nameless champion in the renowned epic, The myths also fill this book, stories that still resonate in the
Theriad. These archetypes teach and inspire, whether dreams and ambitions of Theros's people. These myths
they're represented in tales of journeys or creation, in are noted in distinct sections, with the first appearing in
sculptures rising above polis roofs, or in the temples of chapter 1. Yet the largely agreed upon history of mortal
the gods. Throughout Theros, those who seek greatness folk on Theros occurred more recently and is thought to
typically begin by deciding what heroic archetype they have unfolded as follows.
most closely align with and letting that ideal influence

- I
their fate.
..·
WELCOME TO THEROS
7
After the fall of Agnomakhos and the other archons of
AGE OF TRAX
Trax, humans and minotaurs waged a bloody war in the
Human history vaguely recalls an era just before the highlands. The poleis of Akros and Skophos were born
birth of modern human civilization, called the Age of from that bloodshed, inspired by the martial doctrines
Trax. This semi-mythical era, nestled several centuries of Iroas and Mogis rather than the legal code of Ephara.
back in the fog of historical memory, is marked by the Eventually the years of war settled into an uneasy peace
rule of supernatural beings called archons. with the badlands of Phoberos as a barrier separating
The archons of Trax are said to have come from the poleis from each other.
unknown lands to the north and established a heavy Meletis, Akros, and Skophos perpetuated the stark
handed rule over the humanoids of Theros. Many peo division between civilization and nature that was inher
ples remember this as a time of oppressive servitude, ent in the archons' rule. While most humans (and mino
when they were forced into the armies of the tyrant taurs) embraced that division, the god Karametra tried
Agnomakhos. The archons dubiously suggested that to teach people a new way of living in harmony with
their rule actually protected the weaker species-cen nature, leading to the founding of Setessa.
taurs, humans, leonin, minotaurs, and satyrs-from the
dangers of far more powerful beings. Giants, demons, AGE OF HEROES
and medusas are said to have ruled kingdoms of their
The uncounted centuries since the fall of the archons
own in those days, and tales tell of Agnomakhos leading
have been marked by the exploits of great heroes, many
his leonin soldiers to repel an invading army of giants.
of which are recorded in works of epic prose and poetry.
Dragons, krakens, and hydras are also said to have
Three major narratives remain widely retold and stud
grown to even greater size in those days than they do
ied: The Akroan War, The Callapheia , and The Theriad.
now, annihilating whole nations and carving untold ca
The epic tale of the Akroan War is only nominally a
tastrophes across the land.
history of the long siege of Akros, precipitated by the
queen of Olantin abandoning her husband and going to
BIRTH OF THE POLEIS ��
live with the Akroan king. With the war as a backdrop, a
The end of the Age of Trax corresponds roughly with the nameless poet spins tales of gods and heroes, victories
rise of the fourth and latest generation of gods, whose and tragedies. The death of the triton queen Korinna,
interests lie in the application of more abstract princi and the resulting birth of the Dakra Isles from Thassa's
ples to the realities of mortal life. Three of these gods falling tears, is a tale told incidentally, by way of compar
Ephara, Iroas, and Karametra-played significant roles ison to the grief of the Olantian king. The tale of Phenax
in the establishment of human civilization, in opposition escaping from the Underworld is told to explain the
to the archons. origin of a phalanx of the Returned that comes to fight
The goddess Ephara inspired and equipped two hu alongside the Olantian forces. And when the sphinx
man heroes, Kynaios and Tiro, to overthrow the archon oracle Medomai appears and foretells the fall of Olan
Agnomakhos. Divergent tales describe their history tin, the poet tells of Medomai's earlier prophecy of the
following the defeat of the tyrant. Some claim that they destruction of Alephne-a tragedy that could have been
warred with each other for control over the region and averted had anyone believed the sphinx's dire warning.
that only their eventual death paved the way for the The saga of Callaphe the Mariner, told in The Calla
peace that allowed the new polis of Meletis to flourish. pheiea, is a more coherent narrative focused on a single
The truth is that they ruled Meletis peacefully together, hero and her exploits. Known as the greatest mariner
established its legal code, and defended it for decades. who ever lived, Callaphe was a human trickster from
. ..
·-
WELCOME TO THEROS
8
Meletis who sailed a ship called The Monsoon. She was
the first mortal to decipher the secret patterns of the LANGUAGES
winds (provoking Thassa's ire), and she sailed over the Theros is not the most cosmopolitan of worlds, and a
edge of the world and into Nyx to claim her place among relatively small number of languages are used in its
the stars. The tales of her adventures are a mythic tour lands and sea. The citizens of the three human poleis
of the Dakra Isles and the coast lands of Theros, de (Meletis, Akros, and Setessa) speak their own dialects
scribing a panoply of creatures, nations, and marvelous of the Common language, mutually intelligible but just
phenomena-some of which still exist as described in its different enough to identify the speaker's native land.
verses, though others are lost to history or myth. Leonin and minotaurs have their own languages, and
The Theriad is a different sort of epic, closely associ tritons speak the Aquan dialect of Primordial. Centaurs
ated with the worship of Heliod. At a glance, it appears and satyrs speak distinct dialects of Sylvan, and differ
to be about a champion of Heliod who is never named ent bands of centaurs even pronounce the same words
but simply called "the Champion." A closer read, though, differently. Giants and cyclopes share one language.
reveals that the tales take place over the span of centu Dragons and sphinxes have distinct languages rarely
ries and the identity of the Champion changes from tale spoken among mortals of Theros, and the gods them
to tale. In fact, The Theriad is a compilation of tales de selves speak in a unique language that few beyond mor
scribing the exploits of many different champions of the tal oracles can understand.
sun god. It is widely believed that some tales are actually
prophecies of champions yet to come. STANDARD LANGUAGES
Language Typical Speakers Script
RECENT MEMORY
Common Humans Common
The Age of Heroes has not yet come to an end, and more
Giant Cyclopes, giants Minotaur
epics will surely be sung and written as more heroes
Leon in Leon in Common
take their destinies into their own hands and chart their
Primordial Tritons Common
paths to the stars. The heroes of recent memory-Hak
tos the Unscarred, Siona and her crew on the Pyleas, Minotaur Minotaurs Minotaur
Kytheon Iora, Elspeth and Daxos, Anax and Cymede, Sylvan Centaurs, satyrs Elvish
Ajani Goldmane, and countless others-are no less he

roic than the protagonists of age-old epics, even if their EXOTIC LANGUAGES
deeds aren't yet as widely known. Beyond individuals
Language Typical Speakers Script
a kraken attack on Meletis; the fall of the monstrous
Celestial Gods Celestial
hydra Polukranos; the Nyxborn assault on Akros; Ere
bos's titan felled by Heliod's champion; the apotheosis Draconic Dragons Draconic
and destruction of the mortal-turned-god Xenagos-the Sphinx Sphinxes

epic events of the recent past are already remembered
and retold as mythic deeds. Many of these tales are told
throughout this book, but they're only a fraction of the
myths the people of Theros share.
Like white-hot bronze on the smith's anvil, Theros is
ready to be forged by the deeds of today's heroes and
ushered into the next great era of its history.
WELCOME TO THEROS
CHARACTER CREATION
N FAIRNESS, THE GIANT HAD JUST BEEN AMPLIFYING YOUR IDEAL

awakened. Still, not everyone would be able to Many characters' ideals come directly from their service
to a god. Each god's description in chapter 2 includes a
bring down a brute twice the size of a city temple,
table you can use to determine your hero's ideal if your
even if it was in a stupor, so I guess I am a hero. character serves that god, instead of (or in addition to)
That's not to say I'm the greatest hero or would even be an ideal derived from your background. But whether
remembered once !fell, but I would not turn away being your character holds to one of those ideals, one from
the Player's Handbook or another source, or one of your
called ''A.esrias, the hero." I am stronger than others of my
own invention, try to state your ideal in the grandest
age and have always been able to easily master all manner possible terms to express your character's heroic drive.
of weapons, although for challenge I prefer to use my own
LEGENDARY BONDS
fists in combat.
The connections and goals that serve as characters'
But I boast too much. In truth, I am one of many who bonds are powerful motivators, all the more so when
are blessed with the might of Iroas, children of devout par they have supernatural origin or possess mythological
ents to whom the God of Victory has given the strength to weight. As with your character's ideal, think on a legend
ary scale as you define your character's bonds.
serve and protect the people. Everyone always said I was
What if a person mentioned in your bond is actually
born a hero. a god? Consider this twist on a bond from the urchin
-Matt Knicl, "The Hero of Iroas" background in the Player's Handbook: "I owe my sur
vival to Phenax, god of thieves, who taught me to live on
What makes a hero? Is it a quality of birth that sets the streets while disguised as another mortal urchin." In
some mortals above others? Is it a blessing from the this case, the secret divine identity of the person in the
bond makes the bond more significant.
gods? Is it a matter of fate, spun out in the strands of a
divine tapestry, charting the course of a hero's life from
TRAGIC FLAWS
miraculous birth to glorious end?
The heroes of Theros don't often conform to tidy defi
If you're reading this, the answer is that you make a
nitions of heroic morality and virtue, and they are often
hero, of course. In Theros, player characters and heroes
laid low by their own flaws. The Player's Handbook
are synonymous, being rare individuals whose deeds
encourages you to think of "anything that someone
aren't bound by fate, who willfully stray from the paths
else could exploit to bring you to ruin or cause you to
laid before them and chart their own courses.
act against your best interests." For a hero in Theros, a
This chapter describes playable races of Theros, new
tragic flaw is something that the gods themselves might
subclass options, a new background, and their places
exploit or punish, with hubris being the classic example.
in the world. It also includes a description of the super
The gods of Theros aren't so concerned about "ordi
natural gifts that set the heroes of Theros above the
nary" flaws like addiction or laziness. Rather, consider a
ordinary mortals of their world. But it begins with the
tragic flaw involving something you don't want a god to
question of what makes your character a hero.
learn or certain to provoke a god's anger.
For example, some of the flaws listed for the out
HEROIC DRIVE lander background in the Player's Handbook could
The defining characteristic of a hero in Theros is their put a character into conflict with a god. "I remember
heroic drive-the force that impels them to l ive a life every insult I've received and nurse a silent resentment
worthy of great epics. Ordinary mortals across the mul toward anyone who's ever wronged me" could cause sig
tiverse are driven to extraordinary deeds when they are nificant problems when the character nurses a grudge
called on to pursue their ideals, to protect their bonds, against a god.
and to overcome their flaws. In Theros, heroic drive A tragic flaw can also be supernatural in nature. A
stems from the same sources, but the power of fate and hermit who harbors "dark, bloodthirsty thoughts that
myth destines every character for legend; all one must my isolation and meditation failed to quell" might have a
do is act and discover their own immortal tale. sinister connection to the vicious god Mogis.
....
CHAPTER 1 I CHARACTER CREATION

11
SUPERNATURAL GIFTS NATAL OMENS
The birth of a hero is often accompan ied by s i g n s i n Nyx
Most heroes of Theros have some kind of supernatu- and Theros a l i ke. You can u se the Omens table in chapter
ral aid to help them achieve their goals. Often this aid 4 to ra ndomly determine an omen that appeared when you
comes from the gods, but some heroes might find their were born. It's up to you and you r DM to dete r m i n e the
support from other beings, such as the sphinx Medomai, omen's mean i n g.
an oracle like Atris or Kydele, or a repository of mystical
knowledge. Some heroes are born with supernatural HE ROIC DESTINY
power or born as a result of supernatural events.
Great deeds lie in your future, and it will take extraor
A character in Theros begins with one supernatural
dinary effort to kill you before you accomplish those
gift chosen from those in this section. Work with the
deeds. Choose or roll a random destiny using the Heroic
DM to decide where your character's gift came from. Is
Destiny table. Additionally, you gain the following traits.
it tied to the god you serve? Was it the result of a fateful
Defy Death. You have advantage on death sav
encounter with a sphinx or an oracle? Does it indicate
ing throws.
the nature of your birth? Each gift's description also
Hard to Kill. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but
includes a table to spark your imagination as you think
not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead.
about your character's gift.
Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you
These supernatural gifts are intended for starting
finish a long rest.
characters, but some might be bestowed by gods as re
wards for remarkable deeds.
HE R O I C DES T I N Y
ANVILWROUGHT d6 Destiny
You were forged in the fires of Purphoros's forge. Your I 'm destined to be the most s k i l led practitioner of a
appearance bears a metallic sheen and visible joints. craft or trade.

The Anvilwrought Characteristics table suggests details 2 I ' m destined to earn a pl ace a m o n g the stars of Nyx.
of your life or origins. Additionally, you gain the follow 3 I ' m destined to become a god.
ing traits.
4 I ' m destined to liberate my beloved fro m the c l utches
Constructed Resilience. You were created to have
of the Underworld.
remarkable fortitude, represented by the follow-
5 I was born while a kraken ravaged Meletis, a n d I'm
ing benefits:
destined to destroy that kraken.
You have advantage on saving throws against being
6 I 'm destined to u n cover the secret of the gods' power.
poisoned, and you have resistance to poison damage.
• You don't need to eat, drink, or breathe.
• You are immune to disease.
ICONO C LAST
• You don't need to sleep, and magic can't put No one can deny the reality of the gods of Theros, whose
you to sleep. presence and deeds are visible in the night sky and
sometimes directly in the mortal realm. But some peo
Sentry's Rest. When you take a long rest, you must
ple refute the idea that the gods are worthy of reverence.
spend at least six hours in an inactive, motionless state,
Such iconoclasts are common among the leonin, but
rather than sleeping. In this state, you appear inert, but
members of any culture can adopt this supernatural gift.
it doesn't render you unconscious, and you can see and
The Iconoclast Characteristics table presents sugges
hear as normal.
tions for why you've become an iconoclast.
Your denial of the gods gives you supernatural power
A N V I LW R OUGHT CHA RACTE R I ST I CS
to resist their influence in the world. You gain the follow
d6 Characteristic ing traits.
An oread who works in Purph oros's forge is the clos Enlightened Protection. You can cast protection from
est t h i n g I have to a parent. evil and good with this trait, targeting only yourself and
2 Purphoros made me to serve h i m . requiring no material components. Once you do so, you
3 I was created decades ago a n d , fea r i n g that I ' m grow can't cast it in this way again until you finish a long rest.
Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this trait.
i n g obsolete, recently fled Mou n t Ve l u s .
Reject the Gods. You can't gain or lose piety to any
4 Purph oros regrets my creation and wants to reforge
god. You instead gain the following traits at the charac
m e into somet h i n g better.
ter level listed in each one. Wisdom is your spellcasting
5 Purphoros i nte nded me to carry on h i s work by mak ability for any spell that you cast through these traits.
ing even greater creations of my own.
6 Someone in Mount Ve l u s i m p lanted a terrible secret ICONOCLAST HERO
wit h i n m e in order to s m uggle it out i nto the wo rld. 5th-level Iconoclas t trait
You can cast dispel magic with this trait. Once you do
so, you can't cast it in this way again until you finish a
long rest.

12
ICONOCLAST PARAGON HEROIC FEATS
11th-level Iconoclast trait If you r cam paign uses the optional feat rules from chapter
6 of the Player's Handbook, you r Dun geon Master m ight
You can cast dispel evil and good with this trait, requir
allow you to take a feat as a variant s u pernatural gi ft. You
ing no material components. Once you do so, you can't
gain one feat of your choice. T h i s l i st s u ggests twelve feats
cast it in this way again until you finish a long rest. from the Player's Handbook, but you can choose any feat
In addition, when you cast dispel magic using your yo u r DM a l lows:
Iconoclast Hero trait, you cast it as a 4th-level spell.
• A s n a ke emerged from my mouth before I took my first
breath-an omen of my gift for decepti on. (Actor)
I C ONO C LAST ARCHETYPE
I hear voices on the wind, warn i n g me of d a n ger. (Alert)
17th-level Iconoclast trait
• lroas gifted m e with physical prowess, i nten d i n g to see
You can cast antimagic field with this trait, requiring no me compete in the I roan G a mes. (Athlete)
material components. Once you do so, you can't cast it in I feel the vitality of the earth beneath my feet, and it re
this way again until you finish a long rest. freshes my strength when I rest on it. (Durable)
The stars of Nyx are never h idden from my sight, reveal
In addition, when you cast dispel magic using your
•
ing their secrets to my eyes. (Keen Mind)

Iconoclast Hero trait, you cast it as a 5th-level spell.
• I hear the echoes of the gods' speech i n every m o rtal
l a n guage and trace the patterns of Nyx in the written
I C O N O C L A S T C H A RACTE R I ST I C S word. ( L i n g u i st)
d6 Characteristic • The gods s m i le on me, but I dread the day when they
withdraw the i r favor and my luck runs out. (Lu cky)
I blame the gods for the death of those I cared about.
• As a c h i l d , I used to run through the woods and play
2 Multiple gods seek to use me to their ends, so I try to with a giant lynx-wh ich, I learned later, was a n e m i s sary
avoid a l l d i v i n e enta n gl e m ents. of Nylea. (Mobile)
3 I t 's obvious the gods are fickle a n d u nworthy of • The s u n 's l ight bri ngs what i s h idden to clear view in my
eyes. (Observant)
worsh i p .
• I ate a magical fruit that blessed me with extraord i n a ry
4 I know the world's fut u re l ies with m o rtals, not gods.
res i l i ence. (Res i l ient)
5 I ' m convi n ced the gods want me dead. I studied with a s u pernat u ral tutor. (Skilled)
6 I refu se to be a pawn in d i v i n e schemes. I was bathed in the waters of a mystic river that left
my s k i n resistant to ha rm-and gl itteri ng with star-
l i ght. (Tough)
INSCRUTABLE MYTHS OF TH EROS
The world ofTheros is al ive with myths. From stories
Like a sphinx, you have a mind like a maze, impe.netra
a bout the deeds of gods that exp l a i n the workings of the
ble to mortal scrutiny. This might be a gift or training
world to i n s p i rati onal (or caution ary) tales of heroes,
from an actual sphinx, the blessing (or curse) of a god, rem a rkable tales spread i n cou ntless ways, be they d iver
or an inexplicable talent. The Inscrutable Characteris sions, lessons, or songs. Just as in Theros, throughout this
tics table suggests options for what makes you inscruta book yo u ' l l find n u merous tales of great deeds, magical or
ble. Additionally, you gain the following trait. i g i n s , grim traged ies, and more. In each case, such myths
Psychic Shield. You have resistance to psy appear in s i debars l i ke " M yth of the Fi rst K i n gs of M eletis."
chic damage. These cues note the legendary places these stories occupy
Sphinx's Shroud. You are immune to any effect that i n the m i nds ofTheros's people and their place as tales
that endlessly p l ay out a mo n g the constellations of Nyx.
allows other creatures to sense your emotions or read
your thoughts. Wisdom ( Insight) checks made to ascer
tain your intentions or sincerity have disadvantage. NYXBORN
Born from the minds of the gods, the creatures that pop
I N S C RUTABL E CHA RACT E R I ST I CS
ulate the gods' realm are called Nyxborn. Nyxborn crea
d6 Characteristic tures resemble mortal beings, but philosophers debate
I was e d ucated by a s p h i n x i n the Dakra I sles. their true character. Are they idealized forms of mortal
2 I am a devout adh erent to o n e of M e letis's schools of beings, free from the imperfections and transience that
p h i l osophy (detailed in chapter 3). causes mortals to suffer and die? Or are they hollow and
3 I o n ly speak in the past tense, as if a l l t h i n g s I say soulless shades, lacking the authenticity and pathos that
make mortal existence worthwhile?
have a l ready transpired.
A Nyxborn is like a fragment of divinity, an idea or a
4 I have sworn a vow to al low no l i v i n g person to see
dream that is incarnate. You embody an idea-like the
b e h i n d the m a s k that covers my face at a l l t i m e s .
way leaves turn toward the sun or the feeling of ocean
5 Why wou l d n ' t I p h rase every statement as a qu estion? sand between the toes, the way the heart stirs when the
6 I was born a s p h i nx, but a god cu rsed me i nto h u m a n tide of battle changes or the sadness that lingers when
oid form and s a d d l e d m e w i t h the lim its o f mortal remembering a happy moment of childhood.
knowledge. I wo n ' t rest until I break the curse. These ideas, dreams, memories, and feelings are the
stuff Nyx is made of, and a Nyxborn is shaped from that
raw material. You might have been specifically crafted
LIFELONG COMPANION
by one of the gods to serve a certain purpose. Or your
Behind many heroes is another hero whose greatness existence could be an accident caused by a confluence of
comes from the support and love they offer. Haktos had supernatural forces. The Nyxborn Origin table offers a
his beloved Perynes, Renata was accompanied by her handful of suggestions that might explain how you came
servant Karados, and Siona sailed with her devoted to be, and the Nyxborn Quirks table describes some spe
crew. Like these partners, you are great and make
cial effects that might linger around your person.
others great. Consider the Companion Relationships
Additionally, you gain the following traits.
table when determining your legendary connection. Any
Cloak of Stars. As an action, you wrap yourself in a
relationship with another player's character requires starry cloak, appearing like a silhouette formed of the
that player's consent. Additionally, you gain the follow
night sky. When you do, attack rolls have disadvantage
ing traits.
against you. This cloak lasts for 1 minute, until you doff
Boon Aura. Your allies within 5 feet of you have ad it (no action required), or until you die. Once you use this
vantage on saving throws against being frightened or
trait, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.
charmed, provided you aren't incapacitated.
Nyxborn Resistance. You have resistance to necrotic
Companion's Protection. When a creature you can
and radiant damage.
see within 5 feet of you is hit by an attack roll, you can
use your reaction to cause the attack to hit you instead.
NYXBO R N O R I G I N
Once you use this trait, you can't do so again until you
d6 Origin
finish a long rest.
One of my parents is a nyxbor n , a nym p h , or some
COM PA N I O N R E L AT I O N SH I P S other s u pernatural creature.
d6 Relations hip 2 I was formed from Nyx by one of the gods to serve as
a divine e m issary.
Another character is my lover or dearest fri end.
3 I ' m a s i d e effect of some other divine actio n .
2 Another c h a racter is my s ib l i n g.
4 A god witnessed my b i rth, m a k i n g me what I a m .
3 Another c h a racter is my parent or c h i l d .
5 I was rescued from the Underworld a n d took on s u
4 Another character is a cham pion of my god.
pernatural characteristics w h e n I returned to l i fe.
5 After a d m i r i n g a n other ch aracter fro m afar, I've finally
6 I'm a song or other work of art brought to l ife .
won a position by their side.
6 I want noth i n g more than for a n other character to
recognize my devotion a n d love me i n return .
.
-
CHAPTER l I CHARACTER CREATION

iiEROES AND LIFELONG COMPANIONS,
KYNAIOS AND TIRO FOUNDED MELETIS AND RULED AS ITS FIRST KINGS.
NYXBO R N QU I RKS
MYTH OF THE FIRST KINGS OF MELETIS
d6 Quirk I n ages past, the peoples of what would one day become
Whenever my weapon strikes someth i ng, t h e weapon Meletis were ruled by the archon tyrant Agnomakhos. Un
gives off a shower of starry sparks. checked for generatio n s , the vicious overlord carved out a
m i ghty e m p i re. W i l l i n g to e n d u re the i m mortal's cruelty no
2 My h a i r moves as if in a perpetual breeze.
lon ger, the heroes Kynaios and Tiro-u nited by their love
3 My a n ger s m e l l s l i ke b u r n i n g autu m n leaves. of freedom and one a n other-rose to challenge h i m . The
4 When the s u n s h i nes on me j u st so, I g l i m m e r with people ra l l i ed to their cause, and t h rough strength of arms,
m a ny colors. magic, and devotion, they defeated Agnomakhos. The polis
of M eletis rose from the ruins of the archon's e m p i re, estab
5 My l a u ghte r causes nearby birds to erupt i n song.
l i s hed as a beacon of freedom and e n l ighten ment, and its
6 People who s l eep near me always d ream of t h e sea. people chose Kynaios a n d Tiro to be its first k i n g s .
O RACLE
You gain the following traits.
You possess a precious gift coveted not just by mortals
Ears of the Oracle. You can speak, read, and write
but by the gods themselves: the gift of clear communica
Celestial, the language of the gods. In addition, a god
tion between the mortal and divine realms. As an oracle,
might deliver a message through you, and you can de
you can perceive the whims of the gods and petition
cide whether to use your own voice or to allow the god's
them for glimpses of their vast insight. This gift also
voice to come through your mouth to deliver the mes
comes with a curse, though, which typically takes the
sage, translated into any language you speak.
form of dire insights. Consult the Oracle Curse table to
Oracle's Insight. The gods give you fl.ashes of insight
determine what unwanted revelations you receive.
that help you bring your efforts to fruition. When you
The gods seek mortal oracles to act as their agents. As
make an ability check, you can roll a dlO and add the
a result, most oracles devote themselves to the service
number rolled to the check. You can wait until after you
of a single god and learn to ignore the voices of all oth
roll the d20 before deciding to add the dlO, but you must
ers. Occasionally, two gods agree to share the services
decide before the OM says whether the roll succeeds or
of an oracle. Oracles who try to remain independent
fails. Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until
often find themselves pursued by the agents of evil gods
you finish a short or long rest.
who would bind them to the god's service, if necessary.
CHAPTER I I CHARACTER CREATION

15
0RACL.ES HEAR THE VOICES OF THE GOOS, A RARE GIFT
ANO SOMETIMES A CURSE.
Oracle's Piety. Your oracular abilities improve as your DIVINE ORACLE

piety score increases. Instead of gaining the piety bene Piety 50+ Oracle trait
fits associated with any god (as described in chapter 2),
You can increase your Intelligence or Wisdom score by
you gain the following traits when you reach the speci
2, as well as increasing your maximum for the chosen
fied piety score.
score by 2 .
Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for any spell that
you cast through these traits.
O R A C LE CURSE
AUGUR d8 Flaw
Piety 3+ Oracle trait I know exactly how I'm going to d ie, a n d I can't do o r
You can cast augury as a ritual with this trait. Once you say a n yt h i n g t o prevent it.
do so, you can't cast it in this way again until you finish 2 Peo ple who cons u l t m e fo r i nfo rm ation rarely believe
a long rest. the a n swers I give t h e m .
3 I 'm h a u nted b y nightmares forete l l i n g t h e deaths of
SEER
people I 've never met.
Piety 10+ Oracle trait
4 I ' m often distracted by the s i ghts a n d sounds of
You can cast divination as a ritual with this trait. Once
t h i n gs that other people can't perceive.
you do so, you can't cast it in this way again until you
5 A horrible monster in Nyx watches me constantly,
finish a long rest.
a n d I see it every time I venture outdoors .
S I BYL 6 Any t i m e I grow close to someone, I see them aged ,
Piety 25+ Oracle trait dying, or dead.
You can cast commune as a ritual with this trait. Once 7 Whenever I receive a divine vision, I get a n i ntense
you do so, you can't cast it in this way again until you pain in my head o r ch est.
finish a long rest. 8 One of the gods i n tends to u se m e as an oracle
You also can't be surprised, provided you aren't in whether I want to l i sten o r not.
capacitated .
.
-

T6
PIOUS RACES
Born with a particular connection to a deity, you have A diverse assortment of peoples dwell among the lands
been winning favor with your god since birth. Consult of Theros. Aside from humans, the races in the Player's
the Pious Quirks table to determine how your faith Handbook are unknown on Theros, unless they're visit
might influence your personality. Additionally, you gain ing from other worlds.
the following traits. This chapter provides information about the following
Pious Protection. If you fail a saving throw, you common playable races of Theros, as well as racial traits
can reroll it, and you must use the new roll. Once you for all of them except humans:
use this trait, you can't do so again until you finish a
Humans on Theros are similar to those found on other
long rest.
D&D worlds: adaptable, ambitious, and wildly diverse.
Religious Study. You have advantage on any Intelli
Centaurs employ cunning and equine strength to
gence ( Religion) check pertaining to your chosen god.
further the goals of the roaming Lagonna and
Starting Piety. You begin with a piety score of 3 with
Pheres bands.
your chosen god.
Leonin are proud lion-like hunters, many of whom live
in defiance of the gods.
Pious QU I RKS
Minotaurs are infamous for bloodthirstiness, a reputa
d6 Quirk tion even the most peaceful struggle to escape.
I often call people by the n a m e of my god (or a n other Satyrs follow their passions in the pursuit of wild revels
god) by accident. and new adventures.
2 I stay up late at n i ght watc h i n g the stars in hopes that Tritons are an enigmatic, sea-dwelling people with an
endless desire to explore.
my god will share a message with me.
3 I ' m deeply jealous of my god ' s oracles, who seem to
HUM A N
have a m o re i ntimate relatio n s h i p with my god than I
The most numerous o f Theros's mortal races, humans
can ever hope to atta i n .
embody the mortal will to carve out a place for civili
4 I d ream of o n e day enteri n g Nyx a n d being granted a
zation from the wilds. Although other, smaller settle
permanent pl ace at my god's side.
ments exist, the majority of humans are associated
5 I have no home besides the temples of my god.
with one of Theros's three major po leis: Meletis, Akros,
6 I can't prove it, but I s u s pect that my god m i ght actu and Setessa.
ally be my parent.
HUMAN NAMES
Human names tend to honor heroes or philosophers of
U NSCARRE D
old-an aspirational nudge from parent to child in the
Like the great hero Haktos, you are resistant t o physical hope that their offspring might one day live up to such a
harm. Use the Unscarred Origin table to determine how storied name.
you gained your legendary invulnerability. Additionally, Family surnames are uncommon in the human poleis,
you gain the following trait. and people with the same name must find ways to distin
Unscarred Resilience. When you take damage, you guish themselves from one another. Some attach their
can use your reaction to roll a d 1 2 . Add your Constitu place of birth or residence to their own names. A mer
tion modifier to the number rolled, and reduce the dam chant from Meletis named Brigone, for example, would
age by that total. After you use this trait, you can't use it be Brigone of Meletis. Others link their name to their
again until you finish a short or long rest. trade, like Ristos the Learned, or Alesta the Hunter.
The most prestigious names however, are those
U N S C A R RE D O R IGIN earned through deeds or temperament. These names
d6 Origin typically mark heroes, such as Hypatia of the Winged
I was bathed in hydra's blood as an i n fant, a n d my Horse, Kalogeros Doomhammer, or Ianthe the Bold.
wo u n d s cl ose too qu ickly to become mortal i nj u ries. Female Names: Agathe, Alesta, Arissa, Brigone, Cal-
2 I swal lowed a magic stone that fel l from Nyx, which laphe, Corisande, Hira, Hypatia, Iadorna, Ianthe,
made my s k i n hard as rock. Lidia, Luphea, Nymosyne, Olexa, Polyxene, Psemilla,
3 When I was wounded as a c h i l d , a god healed me.

Rakleia, Sophronia, Telphe, Tikaia, Vala
Male Names: Alkmenos, Basarios, Braulios, Dra-
N ow wou nds are reluctant to u n d o the god's work.
sus, Eocles, Hixus, Kaliaros, Kalogeros, Kanlos,
4 I was rescued fro m the Underworld, and I 'm not s u re
Kleon, Kytheon, Lanathos, Lindos, Nyklos, Phrogas,
I fu l l y retu rned to l i fe-it's always so cold.
Prokopios, Rhexenor, Ristos, Teraklos, Uremides,
5 I was born on one of the Dakra Is les. A l l my people Verenes, Zenon
are naturally res i l i e nt, a fact I d i d n 't realize u nt i l I lost
my home a n d ventu red into the wo rld.
6 I don't know who o n e or more of my parents i s , but
my res i l ie n ce (and other h i nts) provide c l u es to their
i m m ortal identity. "' .
....

CENTAUR JOU RN EYS OF D I S C OVERY
When young Lagonna centaurs become adults, they
Powerful and curious, quick to act and knowledgeable
often leave their band to travel the world on their own.
of the wider world, centaurs seek to experience life's
This time of self-discovery, called a protoporos, can
boundless bounty. The centaurs of Theros are divided
last anywhere from a few weeks to several years. The
into two groups: members of the far-traveling Lagonna
Lagonna believe that a protoporos helps young centaurs
band and the proud raiders of the Pheres band. These
find their place in the world. An omener reads the signs
bands occupy territories situated between the three ma
of fortune before sending young centaurs on their way,
jor human poleis, making them common sights to those
guiding the first steps of their journey. While most
who travel human lands. Not ones to settle in permanent
centaurs return to the band eventually, some find their
homes, though, centaurs might be found wherever there
calling elsewhere. When the Lagonna tell tales of their
are wonders to be witnessed and adventures to be had.
greatest heroes, they often speak of centaurs who found
MARKINGS OF T H E HERD their heroic destiny on a protoporos.
Though centaurs share the same basic physiology, the

PH E R E S RAIDERS
centaur bands are commonly associated with their own
The Pheres roam the wild lands between Setessa and
distinct traits.
Akros in small raiding herds. These herds are voluntary
Lagonna band centaurs tend to be sleek and muscu
associations, in contrast to the family groups of the
lar, with powerful legs built for endurance rather than
Lagonna. When necessary, several small bands join
speed. They usually have coats of a single color, often
together in a larger herd to target particularly dangerous
with a shine that can look metallic in bright light.
but resource-rich targets-be they humanoid traders or
Pheres band centaurs typically have long, nimble legs
roving, greedy monsters. Bands also join together to de
and lean bodies, and are often marked with natural
feat common threats or to hunt for game.
color patterns on their hide. Pheres centaurs sometimes
The Pheres value physical strength, speed, and prow
paint or tattoo their upper bodies to match the patterns
ess in both hunting and combat. Often a band is led by
on their lower half. Occasionally, a Pheres centaur is
the strongest and most dominant warrior, called the
born with vertical stripes on their hooves, foretelling an
charger. However, some bands elevate a tactician or
exciting and adventurous life.
strategist to this venerated position. The Pheres can be
LAGO N NA MERCHANT FAMIL I E S brutal and greedy, but they are clever as well, and under
stand the value of strategic leadership.
Lagonna centaurs travel i n small merchant family bands
called guri. These groups frequently trade with Meletis,
which provides the biggest market for their wares, but
they also do business with Setessa and smaller commu
nities within Akros's lands. LAGONNA BANO CENTAUR
The eldest member of each guros typically leads their

family. I n times of discord, the heads of the guri gather
to make decisions together. Other members of the guros
work as traders, gatherers, packers, and scouts. A guros
has several specialized roles required for success in
travel and trade: a barterer, an omener, a courser, and
preferably a koletra.
A barterer negotiates deals between the guros and
other traders. Barterers must know the customs of other
cultures and speak several different languages.
An omener is an oracle who reads messages from the
gods in the natural world and reveals how the immortals
would have the guros travel.
A courser explores new trade territory for their guros.
They are expert trackers and navigators, able to venture
deep into unexplored territory and unerringly return to
their families.
Finally, every guros tries to travel with at least one
koletra, one of the mighty, well-trained warriors of the
Lagonna who are said to have the blood of the first,
legendary centaur heroes. Koletras are said to bring
good luck to a band, but are also usually fated to die in
defense of their family. Not every guros has a koletra of
its own, and guri share their best warriors among each
other as a sign of goodwill and a way to forge bonds.

18
Other centaurs in Pheres herds work as scouts,
archers, warriors, and foragers. In addition, most
Pheres herds contain a caller and a tromper.
Pheres callers are typically druids or rangers who can
draw animal assistance to their herd. Callers often have
one or more animal allies at their side, and can speak to
animals to learn about the surrounding lands.
Trompers are the most powerful and feared warriors
of the herd. Centaur legends say that when the gods first
fashioned humans from the red mud of the eldest river,
Pheres trompers taught them how to corner and kill
prey. The story tells that, to repay this debt, humans owe
the centaurs a portion of what they catch. While humans
don't recall this arrangement, the Pheres often cite it as
justification for their raids. PHERES BAND CENTAUR
PHERES RENEGADES
Pheres band members survive by working and fighting
together, but still some centaurs choose to strike out Size. Centaurs stand between 6 and 7 feet tall, with
on their own. These renegades often feel like outsiders their equine bodies reaching about 4 feet at the withers.
in their own band. They might be pacifists, wishing to Pheres centaurs tend to be slightly larger than Lagonna
learn about other people rather than fighting them. Or centaurs. Your size is Medium.
they might feel a restlessness in their soul that nothing Here's how to determine your height and weight ran-
else can soothe. Though renegades build their own life domly, starting with rolling a size modifier:
away from the band, most retain some connection with
S ize m odifier = l d l O
their past. Some stories tell of renegades returning to
H e i ght = 6 feet + yo u r size m o d i fier i n i n c hes
help their band in times of need before disappearing
Weight i n pounds = 600 + (2d l 2 x you r size m o d i fier)
once more.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 40 feet.
CENTAUR NAMES Fey. Your creature type is fey, rather than humanoid.
Lagonna centaurs tend to favor names of three or four Charge. If you move at least 30 feet straight toward a
syllables, often borrowed from cultures they have met target and then hit it with a melee weapon attack on the
during their travels. Pheres centaurs tend to have same turn, you can immediately follow that attack with a
shorter, sharper sounding names, often appended with bonus action, making one attack against the target with
an honorific gained in battle. your hooves.
Female Lagonna Names: Honotia, Kelitia, Lileo, Meloe Hooves. Your hooves are natural melee weapons,
Male Lagonna Names: Aughus, Dririos, Ormasos, which you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit
Volien with them, you deal bludgeoning damage equal to ld4 +
Female Pheres Names: Bido, Daxa, Saya, Tesia your Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning dam
Male Pheres Names: Eno, Roth, Skelor, Stihl age normal for an unarmed strike.
Pheres Honorifics: Threekills, Razorhoof, Unsleeping, Equine Build. You count as one size larger when de
Daggereye, Silentstep termining your carrying capacity and the weight you can
push or drag.
CENTAUR TRAITS In addition, any climb that requires hands and feet is
Your centaur character has the following racial traits. especially difficult for you because of your equine legs.
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score in When you make such a climb, each foot of movement
creases by 2, and your Wisdom score increases by 1. costs you 4 extra feet instead of the normal 1 extra foot.
Age. Centaurs mature and age at about the same rate Survivor. You have proficiency in one of the following
as humans. skills of your choice: Animal Handling, Medicine, Na
Alignment. Centaurs are inclined toward neutrality. ture, or Survival.
Lagonna centaurs tend to be more lawful, while Pheres Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common
centaurs are more often chaotic. and Sylvan.
....
CHAPTER I I CHARACTER CREATION

19
LEO N I N Leonin rely on themselves and their prides. A pride is
bound together by the experience of a shared challenge
The leonin guard the shining lands of Oreskos, a golden and, in particular, the sacred act of the hunt. See chap
.
plain where even the gods rarely trespass. Prides of ter 3 for more details on Oreskos and the leonin who
these nomadic, lion-like humanoids rarely interact with call that land home.
other peoples, having all they need in their shimmering
homeland and knowing the treachery of strangers. Still, LEO N I N A N D T H E Coos
some leonin wonder what lies beyond Oreskos's border
d6 Attitude
mountains and seek to test themselves in a wider world.
I 'm a m u sed by the antics of the gods a n d their earnest,
NOBLE AND FIERC E but u ltimately deluded, mortal cham pio n s , a n d I feel
Leonin tend to b e tall compared to humans and move sm ugly s u perior i n my detachme nt.
with a boldness that suggests their physical might. 2 The medd l i n g of the gods in mortal affairs m a kes m e
Tawny fur covers leonin bodies, and some grow thick a ngry and bitter. I wish they wo u l d j u st leave u s a l l
manes ranging in shades from gold to black. While their
alo ne!
hands prove as nimble as those of other humanoids,
3 I view the gods as worthy adversaries- i n cred i bly
leonin have retractable feline claws, which they can ex
clever a n d wel l - prepared to p l ay a long game but u lti
tend instantly. This, along with their ability to produce
mately doomed to lose their games.
bone-shaking roars, gives most leonin an air that readily
4 I 'm certa i n every bad th i n g that happens can u ltimately
shifts between regal and fearsome.
Leonin often act with confidence, which can come off be b l a med on the god s , but I rol l my eyes at each new
as imperiousness. While this can reassure their allies, twist of fate and try to get on with my life.
it can also suggest defiance in the face of what they per 5 I wish that I co u l d be as n a ive as h u mans a n d other
ceive as imposed authority or unworthy experts. mortals who actua l l y t h i n k the gods are l o o k i n g out for
them. I m i ss that kind of i n n ocence.
QU I C K TO QUARREL 6 I don't talk about it a m o n g other l e o n i n , but I actu a l l y
Other peoples often perceive leonin as quick to take
revere t h e g o d s and t r y t o p l e a s e them b y my actions.
offense, intolerant of criticism, or belligerent. The truth
is that many leonin simply enjoy fighting, whether verbal
or physical. They take pleasure in argument, wrestling,
sparring, and even battle, enjoying the opportunity to
exercise their minds and bodies.
It follows, too, that leonin aren't inclined to carry
grudges. A warrior might react with sudden violence to
an insult, but when the fight is over (and the leonin's su
periority proven), the insult is forgotten-along with the
vanquished foe.
P RIDE AND SELF-RELIANCE

Few leonin devote themselves t o the service o f t h e gods.
Centuries ago, the leonin worshiped the same gods that
humans do, but after many of their prides suffered de
pravities at the hands of the tyrant Agnomakhos, most
leonin rejected the gods. It's not that they deny the exis
tence of deities; they merely see the gods as mercurial
and ultimately unworthy of adoration. The Leonin and
the Gods table suggests the range of attitudes that leo
nin might adopt toward the gods .
. ..
·-

20
LEONIN MATRONS LEAD THE PRIDES OF 0RESKOS,
PROTECTING THE PLAINS FROM INTERLOPERS.
LEONIN NAMES Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
Along with their personal names, leonin identify them Darkvision. You can see in dim light within 60 feet
selves by their pride. A member of the Flintclaw pride of you as if it were bright light and in darkness as if it
with the personal name of Ziore, for example, would were dim light. You can't discern color in darkness, only
likely style herself as Ziore of the Flintclaw. shades of gray.

Claws. Your claws are natural weapons, which you
Female Names: Aletha, Atagone, Demne, Doxia, Ecate, can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with them,
Eriz, Gragonde, Iadma, Koila, Oramne, Seza, Ziore you can deal slashing damage equal to ld4 + your
Male Names: Apto, Athoz, Baragon, Bryguz, Eremoz,
Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage
Gorioz, Grexes, Oriz, Pyxathor, Teoz, Xemnon, Xior
normal for an unarmed strike.
Pride Names: Embereye, Flintclaw, Goldenfield, Iron Hunter's Instincts. You have proficiency in one of the
mane, Starfeller, Sunguides following skills of your choice: Athletics, Intimidation,
Perception, or Survival.
L E O N I N TRAITS
Daunting Roar. As a bonus action, you can let out
Your leonin character has the following racial traits.
an especially menacing roar. Creatures of your choice
Ability Score Increase. Your Constitution score in
within 10 feet of you that can hear you must succeed on
creases by 2, and your Strength score increases by l.
a Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of you un
Age. Leonin mature and age at about the same rate
til the end of your next turn. The D C of the save equals
as humans.
8 + your proficiency bonus + your Constitution modifier.
Alignment. Leonin tend toward good alignments.
Once you use this trait, you can't use it again until you
Leonin who are focused on the pride lean toward
finish a short or long rest.
lawful good.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common
Size. Leonin are typically over 6 feet tall, with some
and Leonin.
standing over 7 feet. Your size is Medium.
Here's how to determine your height and weight ran-
domly, starting with rolling a size modifier:
Size modifie r = 2d l 0
H e i ght= 5 feet + 6 i nches + your s i ze modifier i n i n ches
.. '
Weight i n p o u n d s = 1 80 + (2d6 x you r size m o d i fier)
...·

21
criminals and monsters of unspeakable depravity. While
MINOTAUR
many groups of minotaurs still honor their villainous
The minotaurs who dwell in the badlands of Phoberos progenitors, others have abandoned their ancestors and
and the remote polis of Skophos are caught between moved beyond their crimes, seeking their fates in the
two worlds. Some follow the dark god Mogis, who has future, not the past.
tyrannized them for ages untold and shown them a trail While the inhabitants of Akros and other reaches near
of slaughter that is all many minotaurs have ever known. Phoberos, the homeland of most minotaur herds, have
Others, though, have emerged from this bloody path and engaged in endless conflicts with bloodthirsty mino
found a world that welcomes those who pursue their taurs, they know there are those who forsake Mogis's
own destinies and heroic callings. depravities. The people of Meletis, Setessa, and lands
beyond are also generally open-minded and curious
BUILT TO SURVIVE
about minotaurs who wander into their lands. Epics like
Minotaurs are barrel-chested humanoids with heads re
The Callapheia also describe multiple heroic minotaurs.
sembling those of bulls. Their horns range in size from
As a result, a minotaur traveling in the company of other
about 1 foot long to great, curling weapons easily three
non-minotaurs is likely to be accepted in any polis.
times that length. Theros minotaurs often carve their
See chapter 3 for more details on Phoberos, the mino
horns to sharpen their edges, etch symbols of power
taur polis of Skophos, and various minotaur bands.
into them, or sheathe them in bronze to prevent them
from shattering during battle. PAS S ION AND ZEAL
Thick hair extends down minotaurs' necks and pow Minotaurs are known for venting their outrage through
erful backs, and some have long patches of hair on violence, but they aren't generally quick to anger. They
their chins and cheeks. Their legs end in heavy, cloven are passionate, loving their friends and partners fiercely,
hooves, and they have long, tufted tails. Minotaur priests and they laugh loud and long at good jokes. This zeal
often adorn themselves with sacred items, be they tro also extends to their faith. Those who have avoided the
phies from fallen foes, keepsakes from their homeland, corrupting influence of Mogis gravitate toward the ser
or naturally occurring marks of their god's favor. vice of gods who share their bold nature, especially Ere
bos, Keranos, and Purphoros. Those who have rej ected
AGES OF DARKNESS
Mogis sometimes embrace his hated twin brother, Iroas.
Although minotaurs aren't evil by nature and are free to
worship any god, many are raised among those devoted MINOTAUR NAMES
to Mogis's vile whims. Myths tell that Mogis created In the labyrinthine polis of Skophos, the deeds of mi
the first minotaurs from his own followers, typically notaur champions are carved among the winding halls.
Minotaurs often name their children after these great
heroes, believing that a child will inherit the strength,
audacity, guile, or fearsomeness of a heroic namesake.
Other minotaur parents invent their own names, though,
believing in their child's potential to light a new constel
lation in Nyx with the brightness of their own soul.
The Minotaur Namesake table suggests possible qual
ities or deeds that a minotaur's namesake might have
been known for. Your character might strive to emulate
that quality or seek to forge a new legacy to be associ
ated with your name by future generations.
Female Names: Bozzri, Dhazdoro, Erinimachis, Gha

lantzo, Halafoti, Kerania, Mitevra, Philoprodis, Tavro
miki, Ypoudoris
Male Names: Bamvros, Fotiyinos, Halafotios, Kera
nios, Menetavro, Nikavros, Prodos, Rhordon, Tavro
stenes, Thyrogog
M I N OTAUR N AMESAKE
d8 Ancestor's Qualities
My na mesake defeated a m ass ive e n e my.
2 My n ames ake was known for fierce devotion to a god.
3 My n am e s a ke was a respected l eader of other warriors.
4 My n am e s a ke ran t h e e n t i re breadth of Phoberos in or-
d e r to warn t h e m i n otaurs of an Akroan attack.
5 My na m e s a ke was fa m o u s for great magical a b i l ity.
6 My n a m es a ke was a h e ro's devoted co m p a n i o n .
7 My na m e s a ke is reme m bered for i n cre d i b l e generosity.
8 My na m e s a ke was a great oracle.
""·
•.
MINOTAUR TRAITS Some legends c l a i m that M ogis created the m i n ota u rs , trans
Your minotaur character has the following racial traits. for m i n g h i s most bloodth irsty fo l lowers so that their h u l k i n g
These traits are also suitable for minotaurs in other b o d i e s resembled his o w n . H owever, w h i le the ta les t o l d i n
t h e l a byrinth-po l i s o f S kophos a ffi r m that M ogis rewarded h i s
D&D worlds where these people have avoided the de
m o s t devoted followers, they assert that these fo l l owers were
monic influence of Baphomet.
a l ready m i nota u rs , and a l l M ogis did was exalt them to an
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength score in
h o nored status. Among m i notaurs who wors h i p M o gis, these
creases by 2, and your Constitution score increases by 1 . heroes a re revered as s p i ritu a l if not l iteral ancestors. The
Age. Minotaurs mature and age a t about t h e same rate moral of this story is s i m ply that M o gis is a god who rewa rds
as humans. his faithful servants.
Alignment. Minotaurs who leave the walls of Skophos M i notaurs who don't fol l ow Mogis are q u ick to point out
have the opportunity to be free of its culture and pursue that this myth says noth i n g a bout the nature of m i notaurs.
chaotic alignments, while those who remain within The wors h i p of M ogis, they argue, is n o more i n herent to
the polis and its tyrannical regime tend toward lawful them than it is to h u m a n s , and m i n otaurs aren't destined
to a l i fe of s l a u ghter because of the c i rcu m stances of their
alignments.
creation. Perhaps most i m po rtantly, m i notaurs aren't an
Size. Minotaurs average over 6 feet in height, and they
offs h oot of h u m a n ity but a people i n their own right, and nei
have stocky builds. Your size is Medium.
ther their nature nor their destiny i s tied to a s i n gle god.
Here's how to determine your height and weight ran-
domly, starting with rolling a size modifier:
Hammering Horns. I mmediately after you hit a crea
Size modifi e r = 2d8
ture with a melee attack as part of the Attack action
H e i ght = 5 feet + 4 i nches + yo u r size m o d ifier in i nches
on your turn, you can use a bonus action to attempt to
Weight i n p o u n d s = 1 75 + (2d6 x your size modifier)
shove that target with your horns. The target must be
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet. within 5 feet of you and no more than one size larger
Horns. Your horns are natural melee weapons, which than you. Unless it succeeds on a Strength saving
you can use to make unarmed strikes. If you hit with throw against a DC equal to 8 + your proficiency bonus
them, you deal piercing damage equal to ld6 + your + your Strength modifier, you push it up to 10 feet
Strength modifier, instead of the bludgeoning damage away from you.
normal for an unarmed strike. Imposing Presence. You have proficiency in one
Goring Rush . Immediately after you use the Dash of the following skills of your choice: Intimidation or
action on your turn and move at least 20 feet, you Persuasion.
can make one melee attack with your horns as a Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common
bonus action. and Minotaur.
....
CHAPTER l I CHARACTER C REATION

23
SATYR Satyrs feel that life is to be lived and experienced with
all the senses. Satyrs see the world and everything in
Satyrs have a well-earned reputation for their good spir
it as a book of delights, and they want to explore every
its, gregarious personalities, and love of revels. Most sa
page. See chapter 3 for more details on the satyr home
tyrs are driven by simple desires, to see the world and to
land, the Skala Vale.
sample its every pleasure. While their spontaneity and
whimsy sometimes put them at odds with more stoic THE ART OF THE REVEL
peoples, satyrs rarely let the moodiness of others hinder The humans of t h e p oleis generally think of satyrs'
their own happiness. Life is a blessing from the gods, revels as raucous bacchanals, where anything and ev
after all, and the proper response to such a gift, as far as erything might happen. This picture isn't wrong, but it's
most satyrs are concerned, is to accept it with relish. incomplete: there's more to a revel than debauchery. For
satyrs, revelry is a way of life. It's the delight in small
BORN OF T H E WI LD
things: the song of a bird, a warm breeze, the smell of a
In their physical forms, satyrs embody a fusion of hu
tasty pie, relaxing by a river in the sunshine. Life freely
manoid civilization with the freedom of wild beasts.
offers these gifts, and for a satyr, they are more valuable
Generally, they look similar to humans, with a range of
than gold or glory. To revel means to forget the con
builds and features. But their goatlike horns, pointed
straints of time, to let go of the future and past, and to be
ears, and furred lower bodies sharply distinguish them.
wholly in the present moment. For satyrs, encountering
Satyrs' solid horns connect to their heads at the base of
life with all the senses honors the gods, and-most im
their skulls, while their legs end in sturdy hooves. Thick
portantly-it feels really good. Driven by instinct and in
fur covers their bodies from the waist down, shorter at
tuition, most satyrs prove unpredictable, following their
the waist and longer below the knees. Short, soft hair
sense of wonder wherever it leads.
grows down their neck and spine, along their shoulders,
and on their forearms. VERY ODD I NDEED
Satyrs are known for their eccentricities. Some people
E M BRAC I N G LIFE
spend too much time worrying over why satyrs behave
Most satyrs believe that the other peoples o f Theros
as they do. But satyrs themselves simply are as they are,
are woefully burdened with the plague of seriousness.
feeling no need to understand what drives them, much
Satyrs scoff at the efforts of polis-builders with their
less explain it to others. The Satyr Eccentricities table
laws and right angles, and they poke fun at philosophers
suggests a few tastes or proclivities your satyr character
with their endless theories and interminable discourse.
might possess.
SAT Y R ECC E N T R I C I T I E S
d8 Characteristic
Flowers are the most amazing things ever. I want to
p i c k t h e m , wear them, a n d d i scover their silent secrets.
2 There i s n 't a tree or statue that i s n 't fun to c l i m b.
3 N ot h i n g wards off bad l u c k l i ke a jolly d a nce.
4 S o meti m es t a l k i n g to a p l a nt really helps.
5 If stum ped, I sm oke a p i pe. And if I ' m going to s m o ke
a p i pe, it's goi ng to be a s p l e n d i d p i pe.
6 I i m a g i n e that my clothes are my glorious soul on d i s
p l ay fo r a l l the wo rld to behold, a n d I dress accord i n g ly.
7 H av i n g horns is the best. They are fun to deco rate, a n d
t h e y can p o p open an a m p h ora, n o p ro b l e m .
8 If I have something rea l ly i m portant to say, I always
m a ke s u re to sing it.
SATYR NAM E S
A satyr's name is a s playful and mischievous a s they are,
and each one is given when a satyr's personality shines
through. Most satyrs also give each other nicknames.
Female Names: Aliki, Avra, Chara, Dafni, Eirini, Elpida,

Irini, Kaiti, Lia, Niki, Tasia, Xeni, Yanna, Zoi
Male Names: Alekos, Dimi, Filippos, Ilias, Kyriakos,
Neofytos, Omiros, Pantelis, Spyro, Takis, Zenon
Nicknames: Bounder, Bristlechin, Clip-Clop, Dapple
back, Hopper, Nobblehorn, Orangebeard, Quickfoot,
Scruffiebutt, Sunbeam, Skiphoof, Twinkle-Eyes
SATYR TRAITS Mirthful Leaps. Whenever you make a long or high
Your satyr character has the following racial traits. jump, you can roll a d8 and add the number rolled to the
Ability Score Increase. Your Charisma score in number of feet you cover, even when making a standing
creases by 2 , and your Dexterity score increases by 1 . jump. This extra distance costs movement as normal.
Age. Satyrs mature and age a t about the same rate Reveler. You have proficiency in the Performance and
as humans. Persuasion skills, and you have proficiency with one mu
Alignment. Satyrs delight in living a life free of the sical instrument of your choice.
mantle of law. They gravitate toward being good, but Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common
some have devious streaks and enjoy causing dismay. and Sylvan.
Size. Satyrs range from just under 5 feet to about 6
feet in height, with generally slender builds. Your size
is Medium.
Here's how to determine your height and weight ran- The satyr Xenagos savored h i s reputation for pres i d i n g
domly, starting with rolling a size modifier: over t h e m o s t raucous revels h i s people h a d ever known.
H owever, when fate led him to d i s cover the nature of the
Size modifier = 2d8
gods and how they were beholden to mortals for their very
H e i ght = 4 feet + 8 i n ches + your size modifier in i n ches existence, the whole order of the world felt l i ke a j o ke-o ne at
Weight in p o u n d s = 1 0 0 + (2d4 x yo u r size modifier) h i s expense.
With i m mortal power n o l o n ge r feel i n g so out of reach,
Speed. Your base walking speed is 35 feet.
Xenagos set into motion a plan that wo uld propel him to
Fey. Your creature type is fey, rather than humanoid.
godhood. H i s victory shook the pantheon, but h i s victory was
Ram. You can use your head and horns to make un- short-lived. H e l iod d i s patched his c h a m p i o n , E l s peth, who
armed strikes. I f you hit with them, you deal bludgeon faced m a ny trials but ulti mately ki lled the god-satyr by d rivi n g
ing damage equal to ld4 + your Strength modifier. t h e s pear, Godsend, through h i s heart.
Magic Resistance. You have advantage on saving M a ny satyrs rem e m be r Xenagos as a satyr who l ived l i fe
throws against spells and other magical effects. to the fu l lest a n d who played tricks that stirred u p even the
gods. Yet, he's also an exa m p l e of how bitterness can turn a
great trick nasty and how schemes that get out of hand aren't
fu n for a nybody. What satyr wants the respon s i b i l ity of being
a god anyway?
·.
D a l a kos cons idered h i m self a triton l i ke any other-curious,
q u ick- m i n ded , maybe even blessed with exceptional clever
ness by the god s . But he was u nfocused and easily d i stracted,
his potential scattered l i ke seeds o n stone. It wasn't u ntil a
kraken rose from the ocean's deepest depths a n d began a
rampage that th reatened Dala kos 's c o m m u nity that he was
forced to focus. As the beast d rew closer, Dalakos sought
ways to turn the m o n strosity from its path . H e worked day
and night, but u ltimately his plans fa i led. All that Dalakos
knew was destroyed, obl iterated by the m i ght of the krake n .
Yet t h e kraken carried o n , m o v i n g toward a coastal h u m a n
settlement. A m i d t h e r u i n s o f h i s h o m e, Dalakos had a rev
elation. Worki n g desperately, the triton crafted a m i raculous
device, o n e that ultimately laid low the kraken a n d saved the
tow n . Today, Dalakos resides i n side the kraken's s h e l l , where
he works day a n d night, his heart broke n , but his mind for-
• ever focused on bringing his gifts to l ife.
Many tritons interpret this as an intrusion into their

domains. As a result, some warlike triton communities
respond with periodic strikes against sailors and fishing
vessels. Others believe that turnabout is fair play and so
venture onto land to hunt for meat, steal supplies from
coastal travelers, or raid dryfolk poleis for riches.
Despite the tensions between tritons and the peoples
of the surface, some tritons make their lives on land. En
chanted by the feeling of the winds, the rustle of leaves,
the ingenuity of land-dwelling inventors, or any of count
less other surface-world charms, every triton living be
yond the waves does so for their own reasons. In some
places, like the polis of Meletis, whole triton communi
TRITON ties flourish among dryfolk neighbors. See chapter 3 for
Tritons dwell throughout the Siren Sea, exploring a more details on the tritons of Meletis and the Siren Sea.
world of coral forests and secret mountains the "dry
HAN D OF THASSA
folk" of the surface world will never know. While most
While tritons pay respects to many gods, they tend to re
live their entire lives beneath the sea, they're not bound
vere Thassa, god of the sea, above all other deities. Her
to the deep. Following their inherent curiosity, some
devotees see her as the primary god of the pantheon,
tritons venture beyond the waves, seeking to explore a
believing she will bring their people to ascendancy over
whole world of wonders beyond their own.
the monsters of the sea and the poleis of the land.
BORN OF T H E SEA
DEPTHS OF C U RIO SITY
Tritons are an amphibious people, a t home i n t h e water
Many tritons are intrigued by surface culture. The cu
but mobile on dry land. Their bodies are covered in fine
rious among them venture into sunken ruins and ship
scales that range from yellowish-green through shades
wrecks, sifting through the debris for whatever grabs
of blue to deep purple. Their heads are crowned with
their attention. Often these tritons develop collections of
prominent crests, and fins sprout from their forearms,
a specific kind of object or lore, trading with one another
calves, and shoulders. Their digits are webbed, allowing
as they develop a sort of expertise in their field. Some
them to swim as quickly as they can run.
tritons approach investigations of the dryfolk with scien
Well suited to life in the deep, tritons wear little cloth
tific rigor. Such scholars often hold theories to go along
ing unless armored for battle. They fashion most of their
with their collections, hypotheses many are eager to test
clothes and other items from materials found in the
upon meeting new dryfolk.
ocean: coral, seaweed, shells, bone, sea urchin spines,
the shells of monstrous crustaceans, and so on. Having
TRITON NAMES
an old, well-developed civilization, tritons know much of
A triton's name is a symbol of choice. Upon reaching
how to refine these materials into garb as rich and weap
adulthood, a triton might shed the name they were given
ons as sturdy as any found on land.
by their parents for one of their own choosing. Some
opt to keep their name, but the majority select one that
LAND A N D SEA
represents the adult they've become. Tritons might
For centuries, dryfolk have fished t h e seas o f Theros
' .. even go on to choose yet other names, as they shift
and have used the sea's surface as a means of travel.
·.,
CHA PTER 1 I CHARACTER CREATION

from one phase of life to another, or after significant life communicate simple ideas with beasts that can breathe
events. Leaving a home community or transitioning to water. They can understand your words, though you
live among dryfolk might constitute such life c.hanges. have no special ability to understand them in return.
Tritons also have a fluid concept of gender and might Guardians of the Depths. Adapted to the frigid ocean
switch names freely as they shift gender identities. depths, you have resistance to cold damage.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common
Female Names: Amathe, Gnorcys, Leurybia, Margome-
and Primordial.
stra, Nereones, Oleia, Samathe, Saphiro, Tethene,
Theaneia, Thectra
SPELL: WALL OF WATER
Male Names: Bysseus, Cetos, Galaukus, Galiton,
3rd-level evoc ation
Kenessos, Odexes, Palamon, Pontreus, Rhe
teus, Thrasios Casting Time: 1 action
Range: 60 feet
'TRITON 'TRAITS Components: V, S , M (a drop of water)
Your triton character has the following racial traits. Duration: Concentration, up to 10 minutes
Ability Score Increase. Your Strength, Constitution,
You create a wall of water on the ground at a point you
and Charisma scores each increase by 1 .
can see within range. You can make the wall up to 30
Age. Tritons reach maturity around age 1 5 and can
feet long, 10 feet high, and 1 foot thick, or you can make
live up to 200 years. a ringed wall up to 20 feet in diameter, 20 feet high, and
Alignment. Tritons tend toward neutrality. Their cul
1 foot thick. The wall vanishes when the spell ends. The
ture encourages them to be mindful of life's currents, wall's space is difficult terrain.
knowing when to harness fate's tides and when to flow Any ranged weapon attack that enters the wall's space
along with them. has disadvantage on the attack roll, and fire damage
Size. Tritons are slightly shorter than humans, aver is halved if the fire effect passes through the wall to
aging about 5 feet tall. Your size is Medium. reach its target. Spells that deal cold damage that pass
Here's how to determine your height and weight ran- through the wall cause the area of the wall they pass
domly, starting with rolling a size modifier: through to freeze solid (at least a 5-foot-square section is
Size modifier = 2d l 0 frozen). Each 5-foot-square frozen section has AC 5 and
H e i ght = 4 feet + 6 i n ches + you r size modifier i n i n ches 15 hit points. Reducing a frozen section to 0 hit points
destroys it. When a section is destroyed, the wall's water
Weight in pounds = 90 + (2d4 x you r size modifi er)
doesn't fill it.
Speed. Your base walking speed is 30 feet, and you
have a swimming speed of 30 feet.
Amphibious. You can breathe air and water.
Control Air and Water. You can cast fog c loud with
this trait. Starting at 3rd level, you can cast gu s t of wind
with it, and starting at 5th level, you can also cast
wall of water with it (see the spell below). Once
you cast a spell with this trait, you can't cast
that spell with it again until you finish a long
rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability
for these spells.
Darkvision. You can see in dim
light within 60 feet of you as if it
were bright light and in darkness
as if it were dim light. You can't
discern color in darkness, only
shades of gray.
Emissary of the Sea.
Aquatic beasts have an ex
traordinary affinity with
your people. You can
UNFAILING I N SPIRATION
SUBCLASS OPTIONS 6th-level College ofEloquence feature
At 3rd level, a bard chooses a Bard College and a pal
Your inspiring words are so persuasive that others feel
adin chooses a Sacred Oath. This section offers the
driven to succeed. When a creature adds one of your
College of Eloquence for bards and the Oath of Glory for
Bardic Inspiration dice to its ability check, attack roli, or
paladins, expanding their options for that choice.
saving throw and the roll fails, the creature can keep the
BARD : COLLEGE OF E LO UENCE Bardic Inspiration die.
Adherents o f the College o f Eloquence master the art UNIVERSAL SPEECH

of oratory. Persuasion is regarded as a high art, and a 6th-level College ofEloquence feature
well-reasoned, well-spoken argument often proves more
You have gained the ability to make your speech intelli
persuasive than facts. These bards wield a blend of
gible to any creature. As an action, choose one or more
logic and theatrical wordplay, winning over skeptics and
creatures within 60 feet of you, up to a number equal to
detractors with logical arguments and plucking at heart
your Charisma modifier (minimum of one creature). The
strings to appeal to the emotions of audiences.
chosen creatures can magically understand you, regard
S I LVER TON GU E less of the language you speak, for 1 hour.

Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until
3rd-level College of Eloquence feature
you finish a long rest, unless you expend a spell slot to
You are a master at saying the right thing at the right
use it again.
time. When you make a Charisma ( Persuasion) or Cha
risma ( Deception) check, you can treat a d20 roll of 9 or I NFECTIOUS I NSPIRATION
lower as a 10. 14 th-level College of Eloquence feature
UNSETTLING WORDS When you successfully inspire someone, the power of

your eloquence can now spread to someone else. When
3rd-level College of Eloquence fe ature
a creature within 60 feet of you adds one of your Bardic
You can spin words laced with magic that unsettle a
Inspiration dice to its ability check, attack roll, or saving
creature and cause it to doubt itself. As a bonus action,
throw and the roll succeeds, you can use your reaction
you can expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration and
to encourage a different creature (other than yourself )
choose one creature you can see within 60 feet of you.
that can hear you within 60 feet of you, giving it a Bardic
Roll the Bardic Inspiration die. The creature must sub
Inspiration die without expending any of your Bardic
tract the number rolled from the next saving throw it
Inspiration uses.
makes before the start of your next turn.
You can use this reaction a number of times equal to
your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you re
·-
gain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
CHAPTER l J CHARACTER CREATION

PALADI N : OATH OF GLORY walking speed of any ally who starts their turn within 5
feet of you increases by 10 feet until the end of that turn.
��
Paladins who take the Oath of Glory believe they and

When you reach 18th level in this class, the range of
their companions are destined to achieve glory through
the aura increases to 10 feet.
deeds of heroism. They train diligently and encourage
their companions so they're all ready when destiny calls. GLORIOUS DEFENSE
15th-level Oath of Glory feature
TE N ETS OF GLORY
You can turn defense into a sudden strike. When you or
The tenets of the Oath of Glory drive a paladin to at
another creature you can see within 10 feet of you is hit
tempt heroics that might one day shine in legend.
by an attack rol l , you can use your reaction to grant a
Actions over Words. Strive to be known by glorious
bonus to the target's AC against that attack, potentially
deeds, not words.
causing it to miss. The bonus equals your Charisma
Challenges Are but Tests. Face hardships with cour
modifier (minimum of + 1). If the attack misses, you can
age, and encourage your allies to face them with you.
make one weapon attack against the attacker as part of
Hone the Body. Like raw stone, your body must be
this reaction, provided the attacker is within your weap
worked so its potential can be realized.
on's range.
Discipline the Soul. You must marshal the discipline
You can use this feature a number of times equal to
to overcome failings within yourself that threaten to dim
your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you re
the glory of you and your friends.
gain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
OATH SPELLS
LIVING LEGEND
3rd-level Oath of Glory feature
20th- level Oath of Glory feature
You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed in the
You can empower yourself with the legends-whether
Oath of Glory Spells table. See the Sacred Oath class
true or exaggerated-of your great deeds. As a bonus ac
feature for how oath spells work.
tion, you gain the following benefits for 1 minute:
OAT H O F G LO R Y S P E L L S • You are blessed with an otherworldly presence, gain
Paladin Level Spells ing advantage on all Charisma checks.

• Once on each of your turns when you make a
3 rd guiding bolt, heroism
weapon attack and miss, you can cause that attack to
5th enhance ability, magic weapon
hit instead.
9th haste, protection from energy
• I f you fail a saving throw, you can use your reaction to
1 3th compulsion.freedom of movement
reroll it. You must use this new roll.
1 7th commune, fla me strike
Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until
you finish a long rest, unless you expend a 5th-level spell
C H A N N E L DIVINITY
slot to use it again.
3rd-level Oath of Glory feature
You gain the following two Channel Divinity options.

See the Sacred Oath class feature for how Channel Di
vinity works.
Peerless Athlete. As a bonus action, you can use your
Channel Divinity to augment your athleticism. For the
next 10 minutes, you have advantage on Strength (Ath
letics) and Dexterity (Acrobatics) checks; you can carry,
push, drag, and lift twice as much weight as normal; and
the distance of your long and high jumps increases by
1 0 feet (this extra distance costs movement as normal).
Inspiring Smite. Immediately after you deal damage
to a creature with your Divine Smite feature, you can
use your Channel Divinity as a bonus action and dis
tribute temporary hit points to creatures of your choice
within 30 feet of you, which can include you. The total
number of temporary hit points equals 2d8 + your level
in this class, divided among the chosen creatures how
ever you like.
AURA OF ALACRITY
7th- and 18th-level Oath of Glory feature
You emanate an aura that fills you and your companions

with supernatural speed, allowing you to race across a
battlefield in formation. Your walking speed increases
by 10 feet. In addition, if you aren't incapacitated, the
BACKGROUND
Remarkable individuals from a l l walks o f life seek their
destinies among the lands of Theros, from devout ser
vants of the gods, to triumph-hungry athletes.
While the heroes of Theros might come from any of
the backgrounds presented in the Player's Handbook,
the gods have a way of interceding in the lives of those
meant for greatness. When determining your charac
ter's backstory, consider how the gods have influenced
your life. The gods are pervasive in the stories and
cultures of Theros, and even their devout followers
shouldn't feel bound to choose a faith-focused back
ground like acolyte. The gods' followers come from all
walks of life, and any heroic soul might find themselves
thrust into the midst of divine schemes.
Whether or not your character is exceptionally de
vout, consider reviewing the deities presented i n chap
ter 2 and see if you gravitate toward one. Perhaps this
god has a special interest in you, is the deity your fam
ily has hailed as a patron for generations, or embodies
values you hold close. Based on this, consider that
chapter's possibilities for how you might have earned
that immortal's favor (if indeed you have) and alternate
background ideals related to their worship-along with
other boons that might entice you into their service.
Your character doesn't need to be a follower of any of
the gods, but if you're not, there's likely a reason why
you've avoided them.
I n addition to the gods, the supernatural gifts pre
sented earlier in this chapter might influence your
background. Consider what story emerges from your
combination of supernatural gift, background, and
other choices.
Beyond these options, the athlete background pre
sented here provides a new way to seek glory through
discipline and physical prowess.
MYTHS OF THE I ROAN G AMES

Com petitors seek i n g a place a mo n g the athletes of legend
endlessly push themselves to claim victory d u r i n g Akros's
world-renowned a n n u a l contest, the I roan Games. The deeds
of past victors set a h i gh bar for those who follow.
I n recent memory, the fa m ed wrestler Lanathos bested a l l
riva l s a n d , after a day-long struggle, a w i l d Akroan b u l l .
W h e n t h e pan kratiast Nymosyne had h e r contest i nter
ru pted by a cyclops attack, she th rew her rival at the creature,
then s n apped the brute's neck with her bare h a n d s .
Perhaps m o s t d ramatical ly, t h o u g h , w a s the recent victory
of the Akroan h u nter Ari ssa. While waiti n g to c l a i m her sec·
ond place award, Arissa witnessed a Nyxborn bat·creature
snatch an i nfa nt from the crowd. The h u nter th rew her javel i n
an i m possible d i stance, skewered the bat-t h i n g, then caught
the c h i l d as it fell. Collectively, the oth e r assemb led com pet
itors gave Arissa their awards, and the h u nter clai med her
citize n s h i p among the Akroan lektoi.
Who knows what legends will u nfo l d d u ri n g next year's
l roan Games?
ATH LETE AT H L E T E P E R S O N A L I T Y TR A I T S
You strive to perfect yourself physically and in execution d8 Personality Trait

of everything you do. The thrill of competition lights fire I feel most at peace d u ri n g physical exertion, be it exer
in your blood, and the roar of the crowd drives you for cise or battle.
ward. Tales of your exploits precede you and might open 2 I d o n 't l i ke to sit idle.
doors or loosen tongues. 3 I have a d a i l y exercise routine that I refuse to break.
Whether in one of the poleis, between them, or among 4 Obstacles exist to be overco me.
the nonhuman peoples of Theros, physical contests and 5 When I see others strugg l i n g , I offer to h e l p .
those who pursue them command respect bordering on
6 I love to trade banter a n d gibes.
reverence. Athletes arise from all walks of life and all
7 Anyth i n g worth d o i n g is worth d o i n g best.
cultures and quite often cross paths with one another.
8 I get i rritated if people praise someone else and not me.
Skill Proficiencies: Acrobatics, Athletics
Languages: One of your choice
AT H L E T E I D E A L S
Tool Proficiencies: Vehicles (land)
Equipment: A bronze discus or leather ball, a lucky d6 Ideal
charm or past trophy, a set of traveler's clothes, and a Competition. I strive to test myself in a l l th i n gs.
pouch containing 10 gp (Chaotic)
2 Triumph. The best part of w i n n i n g is seei n g my riva l s
FAVORED EVENT
brought low. ( Ev i l )
While many athletes practice various games and events,
3 Camaraderie. The strongest bonds are forged through
most excel at a single form of competition. Roll or
struggle. (Good)
choose from the options in the Favored Event table to
4 People. I strive to i n s p i re my spectators. ( N eutral)
determine the athletic event in which you excel.
5 Tradition. Every game h a s r u l es , and the playing field
FAVO R E D EV E N T m u st be level. (Lawfu l )
6 Growth. Lessons h i d e i n victory and defeat. (Any)
d8 Favored Event
M a rathon
AT H L ETE BO N DS
2 Long-di stance r u n n i ng
3 Wrest l i n g d6 Bond
4 Boxi n g My tea m m ates are my fa m i ly.
5 Chariot or horse race 2 I w i l l overcome a rival a n d prove myself their better.
6 Pan kration (mixed u n a rmed combat) 3 My m istake got someone h u rt . I ' l l never m a ke that
7 H op l ite race (racing in fu l l a r m o r with a u n it) m i stake again.
8 Pentath l o n (ru n n i n g , l o n g j u m p, d i scus, jave l i n , 4 I w i l l be the best for the honor a n d glory of my home.
wrestling) 5 The person who trained me is the most i m portant
person in my wo rld.
FEATUR E : E C HOES O F VICTORY 6 I strive to l ive up to a specific hero's example.
You have attracted admiration among spectators, fellow
athletes, and trainers in the region that hosted your past AT H L E T E FLAWS
athletic victories. When visiting any settlement within
d6 Flaw
100 miles of where you grew up, there is a 50 percent
chance you can find someone there who admires I i n d u lge in a habit that threatens my reputation or my
you and is willing to provide information or tempo- health.
rary shelter. 2 I ' l l do absolutely anyt h i n g to w i n .

Between adventures, you might compete in athletic 3 I i g nore anyone who doesn't com pete a n d anyone
events sufficient enough to maintain a comfortable who loses to me.
lifestyle, as per the "Practicing a Profession" downtime 4 I have l i ngering pain from old i nj u ries.
activity in chapter 8 of the Player's Handbook. 5 Any defeat or fa i l u re on my part is beca use m y
opponent cheated.
SUGGESTED C H A RACTERISTICS
6 I m u st be the capta i n of any group I j o i n .
Competition can forge strong bonds between teammates
and rivals or ignite bitter feuds that burn outside the
arena. Athletes often apply lessons from their training to
their lives in general.
� I
....

31
GODS OF THEROS
BIRD SHRIEKED AS IT TOOK FLIGHT FROM The god Kruphix is able to confine them to Nyx, pre
a branch above her. Through the gaps in the venting any direct interaction between the gods and the
mortal world.
rustling canopy, she could see the god-forms
Likewise, the gods aren't omniscient, though they see
shift in and out of focus. The night sky was and hear everything that occurs inside their temples
known as Nyx, the realm of the gods. Every night, the heav and before their altars. They have perfect recall of ev
ens displayed fleeting visions of gods and celestial creatures. erything they experience. Certain liminal spaces-cave
mouths, shorelines, crossroads, forest edges, and so
Some lingered forjust seconds. But sometimes the pantheon
on-enable mortal voices to reach the gods as well,
enacted entire scenes for mortal eyes to witness. Lidia rarery though most gods have little reason to pay attention to
took time to step outside her home and watch the heavens, what is spoken there.
Gods can speak directly to their oracles. They can
but now there was no place else to rest her eyes. Tonight
appear in the dreams of mortals or manipulate natural
the god-forms were vivid, and her heart beat faster as she phenomena to create omens. They can also create Nyx
watched their battle unfold. born creatures to serve as messengers or emissaries.
-Jenna Helland, Godsend Gods grant their clerics the ability to cast spells, and
they can effortlessly duplicate the effect of any spell they
could grant (any spell on the cleric spell list, as well as
A pantheon of fifteen gods guides religious life on
any domain spell from their domains). They also have
Theros. From the sun and agriculture to death and pas
broad influence over aspects of the world associated
sage into the Underworld, the gods oversee the forces
with their portfolios, beyond what can be defined by
of nature and the most important aspects of mortal life.
spell effects. For example, Purphoros can make a vol
These gods are quite real to the people of Theros, who
cano erupt, and Thassa can call up a tidal wave. Gods
see them moving across the sky at night and sometimes
can bestow supernatural blessings on mortals, and they
encounter them face to face. Thus, most people perform
can lay terrible curses (such as when Mogis turned a
rituals and devotions that honor various gods, hoping to
herd of cattle into catoblepases).
win their favor and stave off their wrath. They tell and
The gods can assume any form they choose. They
retell the stories of the gods' deeds-even as they watch
most commonly appear as humanoids-the form in
those stories continue to play out in the vastness of the
which the people of Theros most easily imagine them
night sky.
but on an enormous scale. They often seem to be walk
Not every mortal serves or acknowledges the gods,
ing across the dome of the sky, with their feet disappear
though. Some philosophers in the schools of Meletis
ing just below the horizon. Any part of a god's body that
teach that the gods of the pantheon are subordinate to a
isn't directly lit takes on the appearance of the starry
higher reality, perhaps Nyx itself. And other people, par
night sky of Nyx. The gods sometimes also appear as
ticularly leonin, believe that the gods are undeserving of
animals or magical creatures, or they manifest in insub
mortal reverence.
stantial forms like sunlight or wind.
When physically present in the mortal world, a god is
DIVINE CHARACTERISTICS capable of devastating physical attacks. Heliod's spear
The gods of Theros are far more active than the deities striking the polis of Olantin caused it to sink forever into
of most D&D worlds. But that doesn't mean they are or the sea, and an errant blow from Purphoros's hammer
dinary creatures-they aren't mere mortals, nor are they shaped the mountains.
monsters that can be fought. The power of the gods exceeds that of any mortal
Further, the gods of Theros aren't omnipotent. Al being. Even so, a god killing another god-let alone a
though they are physically and magically powerful, mortal attempting the task-is virtually inconceivable.
ageless, and all but indestructible, their actions are Any kind of direct confrontation against a god by mor
bound by the decrees of Klothys. They can tangle the tals would require the assistance of at least one other
threads of destiny to a point, but they are forbidden from god, and ideally more than one, to have any hope of
overstepping their assigned places in the pantheon. success. A group of adventurers might try to convince
- .
...·
C HAPTER 2 I GODS OF THEROS

33
a group of gods to lend their aid against a god who has world, never worshiped but sometimes appeased. Myths
become a threat to the mortal world, hoping to get the recount how the gods battled and imprisoned the titans,
gods to band together to restrain or punish the offender. sealing them in a prison beneath the Underworld. Now
Kruphix or Klothys might be able to force a god into a the titans are all but forgotten in mortal imagination.
physical form that doesn't fill the sky (perhaps some Scant mention of their names and epithets appears in
thing similar to an empyrean or the tarrasque), which the oldest tales, hinting at the nightmares that birthed
could enable adventurers to battle the god, especially them. Kroxa, Titan of Death's Hunger, embodied the
if they have access to a divine weapon like the artifacts terror of death-and its insatiable gluttony for new crea
detailed in chapter 5. But defeating the god in that form tures to consume. Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath, might
would merely weaken the deity, allowing other members be seen as a direct predecessor of Keranos and Thassa,
of the pantheon to capture, bind, or punish them. but it was the incarnation of natural disaster, having
none of the creativity and thoughtfulness of those gods.
DIVINE RELATIONSHIPS Phlage, Titan of Burning Wind, was an all-consuming
The pantheon of Theros is a family-a large, often dys whirlwind of fire, and Skotha, Titan of Eternal Dark,
functional family riven with petty jealousies and rival was the utter darkness of the starless night.
ries but also held together by genuine affection, admira The oldest of the gods, often imagined as siblings or
tion, and cooperation. It is easiest, after all, for mortals as some kind of offshoot of the titans, are Kruphix and
to conceive of gods that are very much like themselves, Klothys. The origin of this second divine generation is
and the gods of Theros are very humanlike in their foi mysterious. Perhaps Klothys arose from a sense of inev
bles and their exploits. itability, a notion that the world was unfolding as it must,
The pantheon of Theros has expanded through four and thus the actions of mortals made little difference.
generations of divine evolution. Some tales describe Kruphix might have been born from a sense of mystery,
these as actual generations, suggesting (for example) supporting the idea that the workings of the universe
that the storm god, Keranos, is the literal son of Thassa, are simply incomprehensible to mortal minds. It's also
god of the sea, and Purphoros, god of the forge. Others possible that Kruphix and Klothys are a different order
describe the generations in metaphorical terms, sug of beings from either the titans or the other gods, and
gesting that Keranos represents the combination of Klothys at least has existed for unknown ages despite
Purphoros's creative energy and Thassa's deep knowl being all but forgotten among mortal folk.
edge, resulting in lightning-like flashes of inspiration (as Once mortals could imagine a world beyond the hori
well as the fury of a physical storm). In all their various zon and a course of destiny that left behind the trials of
forms, though, the myths agree on the basic structure of life, they could formulate the notions of principles, order,
the pantheon's development. and natural law. Out of those ideas, the third generation
The time of the first generation precedes the presence of deities was born: sun-crowned Heliod, deep-dwelling
of what are commonly understood to be "gods." Before Thassa, bleak-hearted Erebos, bronze-blooded Pur
mortals dreamed the gods into being, before they could phoros, and keen-eyed Nylea. These gods are known to
even imagine beings as noble as the gods, the malleable refer to each other as "brother" and "sister," though they
dream-substance of Nyx gave shape to their fears in the never speak of parents and almost certainly don't imag
form of the titans. ine Kruphix and Klothys in that role.
The titans were beings of utter chaos, representing The other eight deities, the fourth generation, repre
everything that stands against order in the mortal sent the application of abstract principles to the reality
Goos OF THEROS
Deity Alignment Suggested Cleric Domains Common Symbol
Athreos, god of passage LE Deat h , G rave'� Crescent moon
Ephara, god of the polis LN Knowledge, Light U rn pouring water
Erebos, god of the dead NE Death, Trickery Serene face

Heliod, god of the s u n LG Light Laurel crown
l roas, god of victory CG War Four-winged h e l m et
Karametra, god of h a rvests NG Life, N ature Cornucopia
Kera nos, god of storms CN Knowledge, Te mpest B l u e eye
Klothys, god of destiny N Knowledge, War Drop spi ndle
Kruphix, god of horizons N Knowledge, Trickery E ight-pointed star
Mogis, god of s l aughter CE War Four-ho rned b u l l ' s head
Nylea , god of the h u n t NG N ature Four arrows
P h a rika, god of affl iction NE Deat h , Knowledge, Life Snakes
Phenax, god of deception CN Trickery W i n ge d golden m a s k
P u rphoros, god of the forge CN Forge,'� Knowledge Double crest
Thassa, god of the sea N Knowledge, Tempest Waves
' � '� The Forge and G rave domains appear in Xanathar's Guide to Everything.
·-
CHAPTER 2 I GODS OF THEROS

34
of mortal life. For example, while Heliod stands for serves as something of a gazetteer of Theros, describing
universal moral precepts, Ephara is the god of laws, its various lands and their inhabitants, at least as they
the rules and structures that govern mortal societies. existed some centuries ago.
Nylea is the god of wild nature, predatory animals, and Finally, the deeds of the gods are sung in paeans
the change of seasons, and at the same time Karametra during their festivals. Naturally, these hymns portray
is the god of nature tamed for human use-agriculture the gods in the most favorable light, as benevolent (or at
and domestication-and of the natural cycles involved in least indifferent) and all-powerful.
human life, especially childbirth.
These gods recognize the previous generation as their WORSHIP
elders but only occasionally as parents. Iroas and Mogis
The idea of the existence of gods, as it grew in popu
are widely considered to be brothers, but few myths de
larity among the mortals of Theros, didn't bring the
scribe their parentage, and those that do contradict each
gods into being by itself. Mortal reverence and worship
other-in keeping with the nature of these eternally
turned universal ideas into deities. It wasn't until mor
warring gods.
tals trusted the gods to act on their behalf, in response
to sacrifices and prayers, that the gods took shape from
MYTHS AND DEEDS
the dream-substance of Nyx. Worship remains crucial
Countless tales tell the history, deeds, and nature of the to the power of the gods, though mortals are generally
gods. Sometimes these stories play out among the con not aware of their influence. Were a god to cease being
stellations in the night sky. They are chanted in hymns worshiped, their might would dwindle.
during the gods' festivals, inscribed in temple walls, told The most prevalent form of expressing reverence is
around campfires and hearths, and collected on scrolls. the practice of libation, pouring out a splash of wine
Some are simple fables meant to illustrate a single or water in honor of the gods. Pious people perform a
facet of a god's character or of moral behavior. Others simple rite of prayer and libation every morning and
are monumental epics, most notably The Cosmogony, a evening at a household altar or hearth, while the less de
poem by an unnamed Meletian sage that includes sev voted might still pour out a splash of wine before drink
eral (sometimes conflicting) tales of the creation of the ing the rest.
world and beyond. The defining feature of a Theran temple is a statue of
The people of Theros don't balk at contradictory a god-which the actual god can occupy and animate at
myths. Is Keranos the literal child of Thassa and Pur any time. Worshipers kneel before it, touch and kiss it,
phoros? Did he spring unbidden from Thassa's heart drape it in garlands and fine cloth, and leave offerings
when her rage grew too great for her to control? Or did before it. These acts are sometimes spontaneous out
he come into being when Purphoros tried to steal the pourings of love or gratitude, and sometimes petitions,
secrets of Kruphix? To the people of Theros, it doesn't imploring the god to cure an illness, send rain for crops,
matter whether these tales describe historical facts, and guarantee a safe journey, or perform any other favor re
each of them is true in its own way. Each tale about Ker lated to the god's sphere of influence.
anos expresses a truth about the god, about inspiration Most people aren't devoted to a single god, though
and storms and secrets. Studying each one can lead many prefer some gods over others. Someone might ask
Keranos's worshipers to a deeper understanding of and Pharika to spare a loved one from disease, then later
a closer relationship with their god. offer prayers to Karametra for a bountiful harvest or to
Various writings, usually organized around a central Thassa for safety on a sea journey.
theme, collect myths about the gods. The Origin of
Monsters is one such collection, notable as an attempt
to find commonality in a number of different tales about
CLERICS AND CHAMPIONS
the birth of dragons. It also describes how Pharika hid It's far more common for a hero to be devoted to an
secrets in the blood of basilisks, how the spirits of great individual god than it is for an ordinary mortal. A cleric
warriors are reincarnated in the form of manticores, almost always worships a single god of the pantheon
and dozens of other tales. and chooses a domain appropriate to that deity for their
The epic poem called The Theriad is another such col Divine Domain feature.
lection. It describes the exploits of various champions of Often, heroes choose to devote themselves to particu
Heliod, all of whom are simply called "the Champion," lar gods either out of piety or self-interest. Sometimes,
as if they were a single individual. Because the identities though, the gods choose champions who might not be
of the heroes aren't mentioned, the tales have more to entirely willing. Heliod, for example, takes pride in se
say about the character of Heliod than about any cham lecting only the best mortals to be his champions. He
pion's mortal deeds. doesn't care how the mortals feel about being chosen,
The Callapheia, by contrast, is about the exploits of and his demands won't be refused.
a single mortal hero, Callaphe the Mariner, who snuck Most heroes in a Theros campaign, and all clerics, are
into Mount Velus and stole Purphoros's tears, hid be assumed to devote themselves to a god's cause, acting as
hind Phenax and wrote down his secrets, and raced that god's champion. All the characters in a party might
Thassa at the edge of the world before sailing into Nyx. serve the same god, but more likely, they represent the
Tales of this sort highlight the gods' pettiness and vanity interests of different gods as they face the dangers of the
and promote the somewhat blasphemous notion that a world together.
- I
mere mortal can outwit the divine. The Callapheia also
....

35
PIETY
Being a god's champion carries no benefits in and of If you choose the Oracle supernatural gift, you gain
itself. Each god's description in this chapter paints a different rewards for your piety score, instead of the
picture of the god's typical champion, including ideas for ones normally granted by your god. This gift and its ben
how a player character might end up in that position and efits are described in chapter 1 .
provides ideals that represent the god's interests.
The gods do reward the devotion of their champions, INSPIRATION AND PIETY
though. The strength of your devotion to your god is To some extent, piety is its own reward. Behaving in
measured by your piety score. As you increase that accordance with your god's dictates and ideals inspires
score, you gain blessings from your god. you and might enable you to succeed where you might
Piety has nothing to do with faith or belief, except otherwise fail. At your DM's discretion, whenever you in
insofar as a person's thoughts and ideals drive them to crease your piety score, you might also gain inspiration,
action in a god's service. Your piety score reflects the ac reflecting the improvement in the harmony between you
tions you have taken in your god's service-actions that and your god.
the god richly rewards.
When you choose a god to worship as a beginning IMPIETY
character, your piety score related to that god is 1. Your
piety score increases by 1 when you do something to Not every hero chooses the life of a divine champion. Le
advance the god's interests or behave in accordance onin, in particular, are known for rejecting the worship
with the god's ideals. The gods expect great deeds from of gods. If you don't devote yourself to a god, you don't
their champions, so your piety score typically increases have a piety score and you gain no rewards for piety, but
only when you accomplish a significant goal (such as the you don't suffer any negative consequences.
completion of an adventure), make a significant sacrifice The Iconoclast supernatural gift (described in chapter
of your own self-interest, or otherwise when the DM 1) offers a way for characters to gain benefits similar to
sees fit. Each god's description in this chapter includes a rewards for piety without being devoted to a god.
discussion of the god's goals and ideals, which your DM
uses to judge whether you earn an increase in your piety
CHANGING Gons
score. As a general rule, you can expect to increase your If events in your character's adventuring career warrant
piety by 1 during most sessions of play, assuming that doing so, you can abandon the service of one god and
you are following your god's tenets. The DM decides the turn to a different one. Once you abandon a god's ser
amount of any increase or decrease, but a single deed vice, you can rarely go back without performing some
typically changes your piety score by only 1 point in ei act of contrition.
ther direction unless your action is very significant. Your DM decides whether your new god will accept
you as a champion and what you might have to do to
BENEFITS OF PIETY prove your commitment.
The gods bestow favors on those who prove their de When you change gods, you lose all the benefits
votion. When your piety score crosses certain thresh granted by your old one, including rewards for piety and
olds-3, 10, 25, and 50-you gain a benefit detailed in any other divine blessings. You no longer have a piety
the sections describing the gods' champions throughout score to your old god, and your piety score to your new
this chapter. If your piety score exceeds and then falls god starts at 1.
below one of those thresholds, you lose the benefit you
gained at the higher tier.
Athreos is also invoked as the god of passage, as well
as the deity with dominion over borders, boundaries,
and that which is "neither." Those who undertake jour
neys, especially dangerous ones, often drop a coin into
a fountain or a body of water in apotropaic acknowledg
ment of the River Guide. Bridges and borders are also
places where Athreos is commonly remembered, with
many such sites being marked by motifs of rivers or spir
its. Additionally, phenomena that are neither one thing
nor another, defying simple classification, are often con
sidered to be within Athreos's province-most notably
the state between life and death, but also echoes, phan
tom sensations, and the feeling of deja vu.
ATHREos's GOALS
ATHREOS Athreos endlessly works to maintain the balance be
God ofPassage tween Nyx, the Underworld, and the lands of the living.
The River Guide sees himself as a servant of the mortal
All mortals are destined to face Athreos, the River world and knows nothing of the glamor, honor, or mys
Guide, when their lives come to an end. The god of pas tery mortals often ascribe such to him. Rather, he does
sage ferries the dead across the Tartyx River, conveying what must be done, and should some cosmological con
each mortal soul to its destiny in the Underworld. For dition fall out of sorts, the River Guide and his servants
most people, Athreos embodies the greatest mysteries work with silent efficiency to restore balance.
of existence-the terror and wonder of life's last moment
and the revelation of one's ultimate fate in the afterlife. DIVINE RELATIONSHIPS
Athreos is no judge, though. The veiled, silent god un Athreos cares little for the dealings of the other gods.
dergoes no deliberations and makes no exceptions. The As long as other deities don't impinge on the border
River Guide reads the truth of each soul and bears it un between life and death, either by overstepping their
failingly to its proper place in the Underworld. There is bounds or by trying to draw the dead back into life, the
no haggling and no sympathy on Athreos's skiff, the god River Guide has little to do with them. More than once,
having heard and denied every conceivable mortal plea. this isolation has put Athreos in silent conflict with
Athreos appears as a gaunt figure cloaked in ragged Heliod and Erebos, both of whom subtly resent Athreos
robes and a collection of golden masks. What little can for limiting how much each can meddle in the other's
be seen of his body is unsettling, its gray flesh stretched realm. At the same time, the River Guide's role as a
thin over a barely human skeleton. The River Guide buffer between the two vindictive gods actively prevents
is never without his ancient staff, Katabasis, which he their grudges from exploding into divine warfare.
transforms into the ferryboat he uses to ply the Rivers Thassa bears a chilly respect for Athreos. In a time
That Ring the World. Though the deity's shrouded form before reckoning, boundaries divided the god of the
gives no clue, many mortals consider Athreos to be sea's dominion from the Tartyx River. Though the god
male, but the River Guide cares for terms or labels no of the sea quietly resents sharing even a drop of water,
more than any other force of nature. Athreos can change she considers the River Guide to be a quiet, unobtrusive
shape but rarely, if ever, takes on other forms. trespasser on her favored element and keeps her dis
tance. Were her respect to wane, though, Thassa would
ATHREOS'S INFLUENCE eagerly vie to control the Rivers That Ring the World.
Most mortals focus on the River Guide's role in their
WORSHIPING ATHREOS
own deaths. Countless mortal superstitions prescribe
ways to garner Athreos's favor, but all Athreos demands Most funeral traditions include small offerings and
of those he transports is payment: a single coin of words of reverence to Athreos. Predominant among
any minting or value. The River Guide has an expan these traditions is burying or burning the dead with a
sive definition of what constitutes a coin, from actual clay funerary mask, to "frame" the identity of the dead
stamped currency and jewelry to shiny beads or opales for Athreos, and with at least one coin, so a soul might
cent shells. Ultimately, he seems most concerned with pay Athreos to ferry them to the Underworld. Some peo
whether a mortal has prepared for death, keeping pay ple are laid to rest with large amounts of grave goods.
ment ready out of respect and as a personal memento Memorial practices vary widely by culture, from tearful,
mori. Those whose bodies are burned, buried, or oth somber affairs to lively celebrations. These rituals serve
erwise disposed of along with valuables deliberately in more as catharsis for the living than as meaningful
tended for the River Guide discover that they can make boons to Athreos, though. The River Guide cares only
use of such items when trading for Athreos's services. for the single coin he's owed by any who board his skiff.
Spirits that reach the shores of the Tartyx River unpre During the feast of the Necrologion, which gives its
pared, though, risk being stranded, as Athreos refuses name to the eighth month in the calendar of Meletis,
to ferry those who can't pay. pious souls silently spend the day reading ancient mem
oirs or writing messages for their own descendants.
..·
C HAPTER 2 J GODS OF THEROS

37
ATHREOs's CHAMPIONS EARNING A ND LOSING PIETY
Alignment: Usually lawful, often evil You increase your piety score to Athreos when you
Suggested Classes: Cleric, monk, rogue, wizard honor him or the cycle of life and death through acts
Suggested Cleric Domains: Death, Grave (described in
such as these:
Xanathar's Guide to Everything) • Providing coins and overseeing burial rites for those
Suggested Backgrounds: Hermit, sage, sailor, urchin slain during a tragedy
Most worshipers of Athreos believe death is a natural • Ensuring that the deeds and knowledge of someone
part of life, to be neither rushed toward nor run from. who has died are preserved
They seek to do their part in fulfilling the natural order, Slaying a Returned and its associated eidolon
easing the passage of the living into death. Most also re Your piety score to Athreos decreases if you diminish
spect their ancestors and honor them through tradition, the River Guide's influence in the world, impede his
ritual, and memory. work, or disrespect the dead through acts such as these:
• Denying a dying person their final rites
ATHREOS'S FAVOR • Removing wealth from a corpse or defiling a tomb
As all mortals eventually bow before him, the River • Aiding those who seek to escape from the Under
Guide doesn't seek worship. When mortal agents are world, or who already have
necessary, though, Athreos often seeks the descendants
of those who impressed him during their journey to the ATHREos's DEVOTEE
Underworld. The Athreos's Favor table offers several Piety 3+ Athreos trait
suggestions for the nature of your connection to the god. Your life is intertwined with the fate of the dead. You can
cast gentle repose with this trait, requiring no material
ATHREOS'S FAVOR
components, a number of times equal to your Wisdom
d6 Circumstance modifier (minimum of once). You regain all expended
A fa m ily m e mber d i ed bringing you i nto the wo rld. uses when you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spell
2 You don't th ink or feel as others do, finding emotions casting ability for this spell.
messy and confusing.
ATHREOS's VOTARY
3 In a brazen or desperate moment, you dared death to
Piety 10+ Athreos trait
take you-and in a way, it has.
You can cast speak with dead with this trait, requiring
4 You sent a Returned back to the U n d erworld, restoring
no material components. Once you cast the spell in this
a measure of order to the cos mos.
way, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
5 Serving Athreos is your f a m i ly tradition, a respo n s i b il Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
ity honored for co u ntless generations.
6 You have died before, and in that m o ment, you ATHREOS'S DISCIPLE
gli mpsed the mists that s u rround Athreos's skiff.
Piety 25+ Athreos trait
You can cast false life with this trait, requiring no mate
DEVOTION TO ATHREOS rial components. When you do so, you gain an additional
Servants of Athreos facilitate the passage from life into 25 temporary hit points. Once you cast the spell in this
death. As a follower of Athreos, consider the possibili way, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
ties on the Athreos's Ideals table as alternatives to those Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
suggested for your background.
CHAMPION OF THE PASSA GE
ATHREOS'S IDEALS Piety 50+ Athreos trait
d6 Ideal You can increase your Intelligence or Wisdom score by

2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2 .
Devotion. My devotion to my god is more i mportant to
me than what he stands for. (Any)
2 Tradition. H onor the dead t h rough rites of respect and
by continuing their ways. (Lawfu l )
3 Dread. M o rtals put their fear out of m ind, but through
me, they will re member the i nevitable. (Evil or neutral)
4 Apathy. Life is but a rehearsal for deat h , and it's best
not to grow too attached to it. ( N eutral)
5 Succor. I offer b a l m to the dying-which, to varying
degrees, i nc l udes all of us. (Good or neutral)
6 judgment. Violations against the order of life and death
m u st be set right. (Lawfu l )
·-

MYTHS OF ATHREOS
Athreos eternally performs a remarkable la bor, ferrying mor· Death's Denier. Some legends tell of a n ancient shade
tal souls to the U n derworld. During the River G u ide's ages of who has tarried at the banks of the Ta rtyx longer than any
toi l, he has inspired a n u m ber of legends. other-a wom a n , ancient beyond years and clad only in her
The Athrean Obols. Some claim that Athreos doesn't col· own flowing hair and sagging skin, who some passing souls
lect co ins out of greed but because he's looking fo r five spe· m i stake fo r Athreos. This figure is Solyssia, once an oracle of
cific treasures. Apocryphal writings in the U nderworld l i brary Meletis. Solyssia refuses to pay Athreos's price, or to have it
of Onei rrakthys say that Athreos was the fi rst mortal to die. paid for her. For untold centuries, she has h a rassed the newly
When he came to face the gods, he brought a si ngle treasure dead, learning a n incredible a m o u nt about the mortal world
as a n offering to each ofTheros's five m ightiest deities, hop· in the process. The o n ly t h i n g s h e's less i mpressed with than
ing to receive a peacefu l place a mong them in return. the state of the modern world i s Athreos, whom she c u rses
The gods real ized what Athreos's spirit represented: the l i ke a bitter old friend whenever the River G u ide draws near.
fi rst of an endless flood of mortal souls that would soon If any mortal has ever truly known Ath reos, it is her.
begin to join Athreos in death. U nw i l l i n g to spend eternity Eight Exceptions. Eight ti mes in the course of h i story, Ath·
sorting the endless stream of dead mortals themselves, the reos has purposely allowed a mortal to delay their death or
other gods did give Athreos a place among them, as well as temporarily return from the U n derworld. These individuals
chargi ng him with his i mpos s i ble task. They also offered h i m were restored as l iving beings (not as Returned) to complete
a meas u re o f hope. T h e gods cast Athreos's offerings back particu lar tasks. As a record of these exceptions, Athreos
into the mortal world i n the form of five coins. They prom· bears a Retu rned-like mask of each individu al. Despite cen·
ised Athreos that, once he col lected the coi ns anew, the gods turies between bargains, though, no one who Athreos has
would free the River G u ide from his service and welcome h i m made a n exception for has ever returned. As a result, the
into their ranks. Ever si nce, Ath reos h a s l a bored, both a t fer· River G u ide refuses to make another exception. H e m ight be
rying the dead and in search of h i s five lost coins, called the convinced to d o otherwise were someone to bring one of the
Athrean O bo l s . It's said that any who bri ng the River G u ide eight lost souls-such as Biaas the Poison Drinker, Dianyan
one of the coins will be rewa rded with a wish for anything H a l f-H eart, or H u ndred-Dam ned Thasmudyan-before h i m
Athreos can gra nt-even exception fro m death. fo r punishme nt.
Ephara seeks far more for her cities than mere safety.
She drives every city to aspire toward efforts that help
its people thrive. Civic responsibility is essential in
Ephara's eyes, and having an engaged citizenry is im
portant. The pursuit of knowledge is also a vital task,
and she encourages advances in philosophy and sci
ence. As the scholars in her cities obtain or derive new
knowledge, Ephara's magic scrolls grow ever longer.
Finally, art is of critical importance to a thriving city.
Ephara particularly supports architecture, the creation
of which often drives industry and sculpture, though she
doesn't scorn other varieties of artistic expression.
DIVINE RELATIONSHIPS
Ephara and Heliod have aligning interests, since they
EPHARA both value structure and justice. Ephara works toward
God of the Polis establishing judicial systems that enforce the laws and
uphold the values that Heliod holds dear.
As god of the polis, Ephara sees herself as the founder Ephara is also on good terms with Thassa, the god
of civilization. She watches over cities, protecting them of the sea, because Ephara recognizes the necessity of
from outside threats. She is credited with establishing water for a thriving polis. She also admires Purphoros's
the first code of law, which Meletis has preserved and craft, realizing the essential role of the forge and other
the other poleis have imitated. Even more important, forms of industry to build a city.
she helps cities reach their highest potential, becoming Ephara and Nylea are almost polar opposites, and
centers of scholarship, industry, and art. there is no shortage of bad blood between the god of
Ephara appears as a huge animated statue wearing a the cities and the god of the hunt. Nylea resents the
stone crown, resembling the capital of a column. When construction of every building in a place that once held
she chooses to walk about her cities at human scale, plants and animals, and Ephara has no patience for any
she often takes on the form of a human woman. In ei wild creature that encroaches on a settlement. Ephara
ther form, she is always dressed in blue and white, and looks at the wilderness and sees only wasted potential,
her expression is usually serious, but not unkind. She while Nylea looks at cities and sees only destruction.
often carries a large urn on one shoulder, with the dark, Ephara has a deep-seated hatred for Phenax. While
star-studded sky of Nyx pouring from it and dissolving Ephara can appreciate the perspective of most of her
into mist as it hits the ground. peers, she has no such understanding for those who
would deliberately try to undermine a thriving social
EPHARA'S INFLUENCE structure. Ephara opposes Phenax and what she sees as
Ephara's sphere of influence is the polis. Although wor his utter disdain for everything she stands for.
shiped in many places, she is most beloved in Meletis, Her relationship with Karametra is a difficult one from
whose citizens credit her with the city's founding. Many either perspective. Ephara approves of agriculture, a key
city walls bear Ephara's face, fashioned thus in the be ingredient for the development of cities, and both gods
lief that each of her images watches over the part of the are concerned with defense of settlements. Even so,
city it looks upon. Karametra is tied to Setessa and the wild lands, where
Ephara is strongly affiliated with the daytime, when Ephara is distrusted, and although Karametra and
cities are awake, alive, and at work. Her followers gener Nylea have their own complicated relationship, Karame
ally pray at midday, with the sounds of the city forming tra strongly favors Nylea over Ephara.
an appropriate backdrop to their rites, as industry itself
is sacred to Ephara. Many aspects of city life and culture WORSHIPING EPHARA
fall under Ephara's influence. Scholarship is closely con To an extent, Ephara's devout show their faith by going
nected to Ephara, as is art-particularly poetry, sculp about their lives and contributing to society. Midday ser
ture, and architecture. Ephara is also highly concerned vices at Ephara's temples often feature a brief prayer, fol
with civic wisdom and justice, and many politicians and lowed by a longer talk from an industrial or civic leader
other leaders seek her guidance in how to rule. on a topic of general interest. Attendants often bring
meals to eat while on a break from their jobs.
EPHARA 's GoALs Ephara's face is a common sight in cities. Marble
Ephara seeks always to further cities: establishing them, buildings, stone walls, and similar surfaces usually
protecting them, and seeing them grow. She supports feature a sculpture or relief of her visage. People often
those who build new cities and those who free others swear oaths or engage in verbal disputes in front of
from tyranny. Ephara knows that not all threats to a city these images, believing she won't let a falsehood told in
come from outside it, and she encourages her followers front of her go unpunished. Whether she actually inter
to watch out for tyranny and injustice from within. She venes is unclear, but conflicts that play out this way are
seeks for justice to prevail in civilized lands. often resolved peacefully, without a need for the justice
system to get involved.
·-

40
MYTHS OF EPHARA
Ephara's deeds demonstrate her co m m itment to the poleis from Eph ara. Other tales s u ggest that the l i b rary was actu ally
and those who seek their i mprovement. fo u n ded by a n ancient sage na med Anatheia, but'then a ter
Founding of Meletis. The city-state of Meletis was once part rible fi re destroyed the place, and along with it generations
of the archon Agnomakhos's empire. The archon ruled h i s of col lected knowledge. Once the people finished rebu i l d i n g
territory with absolute cruelty. Ephara bestowed h e r magic the structure t o start the l i b rary over, Ephara is said t o have
on the s u bj u gated populace to enable them to fight back and appeared and restored the books and scrol ls the li brary had
overth row Agnomakhos. The newly freed people then estab lost, copying the information from her perso nal scro l l s of
lis hed Meletis, as the settlement on that site is known tod ay. sacred knowledge.
The founding of Epha ra's favored city is sti l l celebrated tod ay, Savior ofAltrisos. A kraken that escaped its sea lock once
both in Meletis and elsewhere among the god's followers, as th reatened the small seaside city of Altrisos. Recently weak
the s u m mer holiday of Polidrysion, which gives its name to ened by a triton raid, the city had no defenses left and wo uld
the fo u rth month in the Meletian calendar. be destroyed by an attack. The people prayed to Ephara, and
Earthquake in Meletis. The temple of Ephara in Meletis is the large image of her face on the city's wa l l came to life. The
the god's l a rgest and grandest place of worship on Theres. It wa l l s of the city grew i mpos s i bly high and strong, and the
is kept i n perfect repair, and worn or da maged pieces of the kraken could do no more than dash its head against the im
structure a re q u ickly replaced. During an enormous earth passable barrier. The monster soon returned to the ocean to
quake, many of the structures i n Meletis crum bled . Ephara fi nd an easier meal.
kept her temple sta n d i ng throughout the m i ghty q uake, Trial ofAristhenes. A man na med Aristhenes comm itted
making it a place for Meletians to take refuge in the fo l lowing many m u rders, ta rgeting mem bers of the gove rnment and
days d u ring the aftershocks. After the cataclysm, she s h a red some of their fa m ily m e m bers. When he was a rrested and
designs from her scro l l s of sacred knowledge with the ar put to trial, he clai med that no one could fa i rly j u d ge h i m
ch itects of Meletis so they could reb u i l d the city to be m uch because every qualified j u d ge was personally affected b y the
more resistant to earthq uakes. case. Ephara herself came to the city to serve as j u d ge fo r the
The Library ofGlossion. The small town of G lossion boasts trial, si nce no one could accuse her of anything but perfect
a remarkable l i b rary that accord ing to local legend was a gift i mpartial ity, and she found Aristhenes gui lty.
ss?J
EPHARA's CHAMPIONS E ARNING A ND LOSING P IETY
You increase your piety score to Ephara when you ex
Alignment: Usually lawful, often neutral
pand the god's influence in the world in a concrete way
Suggested Classes: Bard, cleric, monk, paladin, w izard
through acts such as these:
Suggested Cleric Domains: Knowledge, Light
Suggested Backgrounds: Acolyte, athlete, guild arti- • Defending a city from a major threat
san, noble, sage, sailor, soldier, urchin • Defeating a tyrant who threatens a city's freedom
Creating a masterwork, such as a building or a poem
Most champions of Ephara believe cities represent the
•
pinnacle of achievement and do what they can to uphold Your piety score to Ephara decreases if you diminish
the law and keep society functioning. Some of the god's Ephara's influence in the world, contradict her ideals, or
most devout followers work as architects, artists, or phi let her down through acts such as these:
losophers, all striving to serve the public good.
Betraying one's trust to commit acts of corruption
or tyranny
EPHARA's FAVOR Destroying a civic institution or sowing chaos
Ephara seeks champions who will defend her cities within a city
fiercely, both from external threats and internal corrup Willfully breaking just laws for personal gain
tion. She asks them to protect not only the people, but
also the structures that comprise a polis. The circum EPHARA'S DEVOTEE
stances that led you to worship Ephara most likely in Piety 3+ Ephara trait
volved the polis you call home. The Ephara's Favor table Ephara grants you insight into how people commu
provides just a few possibilities. nicate. You can cast comprehend languages with this
trait, requiring no material component, a number of
EPHARA1S FAVOR times equal to your Intelligence modifier (minimum of
d6 Circumstance once). You regain all expended uses when you finish
You grew up in a polis l i ke M e l etis and never feel safe a long rest. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for
outside one.
this spell.
2 You grew up in a home that was next to a wa l l or a
EPHARA'S VOTARY
b u i l d i n g with Ephara's face on it, and you fe lt l i ke she Piety 10+ Ephara trait
was always looking after yo u .
You gain advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks
3 You were part of a revolution to fight off tyrants and
while you are within a city.
esta b l i s h freedom in you r city. In addition, when you fail an Intelligence check or In
4 Yo u r family m e m bers have a l l been architects, go i n g telligence saving throw, you can reroll the die, and you
back several generations, and a l l worshiped Ephara. must use the new roll. Once you use this reroll, you can't
5 You are a h ighly s k i l led poet, scholar, or philosopher, do so again until you finish a long rest.
and Ephara took notice of you r talent.
EPHARA's DISCIPLE
6 You are a civil servant or a city leader, taking an active
Piety 25+ Ephara trait
role in the welfare of yo u r home.
You can cast Mordenkainen's private sanctum with this
DEVOTION TO EPHARA trait, requiring no material components. Once you cast
the spell in this way, you can't do so again until you fin
Followers of Ephara support their cities, protecting
them while helping them thrive. As a follower of Ephara, ish a long rest. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability
for this spell.
consider the ideals on the Ephara's Ideals table as alter
natives to those suggested for your background.
CHAMPION OF THE POLIS
Piety 50+ Ephara trait
EPHARA1S IDEALS
You can increase your Intelligence or Charisma score by
d6 Ideal
Devotion. My devotion to my god is m o re important to
m e than what she stands for. (Any)
2 justice. Laws keep society fu nctioning, and I m u st see
to it that they are enforced. (Lawfu l)
3 Community. We are stronger together, and I m u st i m
prove and support m y c o m m u nity. (Lawfu l o r good)
4 Scholarship. I serve my co m m un ity and my god by
learning new information or creating a rt. (Any)
5 Civic Duty. It is my respo n s i b i l ity to serve my city.
(Lawfu l )
6 Protection. I m u s t keep my city safe from threats both
� � external and inte r n a l . (Any)
·-

42
sends mortal agents or Nyxborn monsters to kill the
worshipers of the offending gods and spread despair.
Many of Erebos's schemes target those who escape
his clutches. He regularly sends agents to retrieve the
Returned soul or the wayward eidolon of a hero of great
renown who has succeeded in returning to Theros. If
any of the dead, renowned or otherwise, escape the Un
derworld fully intact-without identities erased-Erebos
will spare nothing to make an example of the fugitive
and any who provided assistance.
Erebos loathes Heliod, who banished him to the Under
world eons ago, forever severing him from the world of
life and light. Erebos takes particular delight in profan
EREBOS -.�J£1.� ing Heliod's temples, defiling the raiment of his priests,
God of the Dead slaughtering his worshipers, and claiming the souls of
his champions. Erebos believes that Heliod will one day
Erebos is the god of death and the Underworld, lord of challenge him for control of the Underworld. He looks
all that has ever lived. He presides over the bitterness, forward to that day, certain that his lesser brother can't
envy, and eventual acceptance of those who suffer mis possibly prevail within Erebos's own territory.
fortune. His hoarding of both souls and the treasures Erebos holds a special grudge against Phenax. Phe
the dead carry into the Underworld see him worshiped nax readily teaches others how to escape the Under
by those who desire to collect and keep wealth. world as the Returned and even sneaks into the Under
Erebos's very presence is stifling, and those who world to assist them, earning him Erebos's undying ire.
come face to face with him often depart in despair. He is Pharika and Karametra understand, better than many
jealous and tyrannical within his realm, but unlike his of the other gods, that life and death are closely inter
brother Heliod, he neither blusters nor tries to expand twined. Pharika's tinctures can either extend a life or
his influence. He waits patiently, secure in the knowl snuff it out, and Karametra's planters know that reaping
edge that everything belongs to him in the end. follows sowing in turn. Although he appreciates what
Erebos most frequently appears as a slender, gray these gods have in common with him, Erebos occasion
skinned humanoid with two large, outward-curving ally feels the need to remind them that the dead are
horns, wielding an impossibly long black whip. He also his, and other gods' acceptance of death's inevitability
appears in the form of a black asp, a cloud of choking doesn't make them masters of it.
smoke, or an animated golden idol. Erebos has no true allies but operates closely with
Athreos and Klothys. Athreos is one of the few beings
E REBos's INFLUENCE Erebos trusts to be as committed as he is to ensuring
Born from Heliod's shadow and then banished to the that the passage into death is a one-way trip. Klothys,
Underworld, Erebos claimed dominion over that deso too, would see the dead remain dead, concerned as she
late realm. He sees it as his duty and his right to ensure is with the acceptance of destiny.
that those who enter his realm remain there for all time.
Within the Underworld, only the relative paradise of WORSHIPING E REBOS
Ilysia is sheltered from his influence. In the other four To many mortals, Erebos is primarily concerned not
realms of the dead, his will is law. with death, but with gold. Most of his followers down
Mortals typically fear death, yet death is the inevitable play his association with death and misfortune, instead
end of each one's time in the mortal world. Erebos, hav praying to him for material wealth. Others pray to him
ing long ago come to terms with his own banishment, because they want to be more accepting of their misfor
teaches his followers to accept the inevitability of death tune. These individuals see themselves as beyond hope
and the often unavoidable tragedies of life. of improving their lot in life, asking only that Erebos
Although Erebos forbids souls from leaving the Un grant them the strength to endure until they enter his
derworld, some escape his clutches. Generally such realm at their predestined time.
souls are beneath his notice, but he sometimes sends A smaller but more dangerous group of Erebos wor
agents to retrieve those he has particular interest in. shipers are those who actively glorify death. These cult
ists and assassins congregate in secret in communities
EREBOS'S GOALS across Theros, engaging in campaigns of violence.
Erebos wants above all to maintain his position of abso The only major festival dedicated to Erebos, called
lute authority over the realm of the dead. He lashes out the Katabasion or "the Descent," features a ceremony
at anyone who aids souls in escaping from him or other in which worshipers make a symbolic journey into the
wise tries to subvert the inevitability of death. Underworld. The supplicants enter a cave, offer prayers
Erebos is patient, usually willing to wait for souls to and sacrifices to Erebos in utter darkness, and slowly
come to him, but he does interfere in the mortal realm make their way back to the surface just before sunrise.
on occasion. When the other gods displease him, he
-·
CHAYI'ER 2 I GODS OF THEROS

43
EREBOS 'S CHAMPIONS d6 Ideal
Alignment: Usually neutral, often evil 5 Wealth. Death is forever, so I 'm go ing to get rich while
·
Suggested Classes: Cleric, fighter, rogue, wizard I still can. ( N e u tral)
Suggested Cleric Domains: Death, Trickery 6 Power. I relish havi ng mastery over life and death.
Suggested Backgrounds: Acolyte, charlatan, criminal, (Evil)
noble, urchin
Most worshipers of Erebos seek to enforce the bound EARNING A N D LOSING PIETY
ary between life and death, whether absolutely or selec You increase your piety score to Erebos when you ex
tively. They often find grim satisfaction in serving the pand the god's influence in the world in a concrete way
covetous but patient god, knowing that all will ultimately through acts such as these:
know their patron's embrace.
• Convincing a group of people to accept misfortune
EREBOS'S FAVOR • Easing someone's death or assisting with funeral
arrangements
As Erebos sees it, he already owns the soul of every liv
Retrieving a prominent figure's eidolon or Re
ing being. For him to bestow special favor or power on
turned form
a mortal would be an act of generosity, and he expects
Thwarting the schemes of Heliod
to be compensated for it. Those who rise to the ranks of
true champions of Erebos, though, embrace death and Your piety score to Erebos decreases if you diminish
their inescapable destiny in the Underworld. Did you Erebos's influence in the world, weaken his dominion
pledge yourself to Erebos by joining his priesthood, or over death, or alleviate misfortune without good cause
did you come to find his favor through a prayer of quiet through acts such as these:
desperation? The Erebos's Favor table offers a handful
• Saving a life without securing compensation
of suggestions.
for Erebos
• Forsaking your duties for personal gain or pleasure
ERE BOS'S FAVOR
Allowing a soul to escape the Underworld
d6 Circumstance
You fo l l ow Erebos seeking fi nancial s u ccess, expecti n g
EREBos's DEVOTEE
service to transl ate into rewa rd s.

Pie ty 3+ Erebos trait
2 In a moment of anguis h , you prayed to Erebos. H e As a devotee of Erebos, you have proven yourself an
granted you acceptance o fy o u r fate and his favor. executor of the Underworld's grim laws. You can call on
Erebos's favor to cast bane with this trait, requiring no
3 You were pledged to another god , but when you lost a
material components, a number of times equal to your
loved one, only turning to Erebos co u l d ease your grief.
Wisdom modifier (minimum of once). You regain all ex
4 After you recovered from a mortal inju ry, Erebos ap
pended uses when you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your
peared a n d claimed yo u r service. spellcasting ability for this spell.
5 Ever si nce the first time you saw someone die, Erebos
has whi spered in your ear. EREBOS'S VOTARY
6 You can't bear to witness suffering, so you serve Ere Pie ty 10+ Erebos trait
bos to bring peaceful ends to the u nfo rtunate. You can cast vampiric touch with this trait. Once you
cast the spell in this way, you can't do so again until you
DEVOTION TO EREBOS finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for
Just as every life ends at the same destination, many this spell.
different paths can lead a worshiper to Erebos. As a
EREBos's DISCIPLE
follower of Erebos, consider the ideals on the Erebos's
Ideals table as alternatives to those suggested for your Piety 25+ Erebos trait
background. When a soul is sent to its rightful place, you can draw
on the energy of the Underworld to empower you. When
ERE BOS'S IDEALS a creature dies within 10 feet of you, you can use your
d6 Ideal reaction to gain a number of temporary hit points equal
to your level.
Devotion. My devotion to my god is more important to
me than what h e stands fo r. (Any) CHAMPION OF THE DEA D
2 M ortality. I w i l l enforce the most i mportant law: any Piety 50+ Erebos trait
thing that lives m u st one day die. (Lawful)
You can increase your Constitution or Wisdom score by
3 Consolation. Everyone deserves the solace that comes 2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2 .
with accepti n g their destiny. (Good)
4 Acceptance. Wh atever my fate, I will embrace it with
Erebos's blessing. ( Neutral)
. ..
·-

MYTHS OF EREBOS
Erebos appears i n m a ny god-stories, often as a villain or a The Return ofDaxos. Daxos of Meletis was a powe rfu l
foil to the other gods. The stories told by h i s foll owers em oracle who heard the voices of all the gods. Daxos tragically
phasize h i s power, the wealth of the U n derworld, and the d ied at the hands of his lover, the champion of Hel iod, Els
inevita bil ity of death. peth, through the dupl icity of the satyr Xenagos. Daxos's soul
Kytheon's Escape. M any know the story of Kytheon lora, an passed into the U nderworld, and Elspeth sought Erebos's
Akroan orphan who took up Hel iod's spear and attempted to help to travel i nto Nyx. After pass ing Erebos's test for adm it
kill Erebos h i m self. The tale ends in tragedy, as Kytheon was tance, El speth demanded an additional rewa rd: she wou l d
struck down along with h i s friends. O n ly the high priests of trade her life f o r Daxos's. Erebos, always eager t o claim a
Erebos, however, know that Kytheon's soul i s n 't in the U nder champion of the sun god, agreed. El speth died shortly af-
world, having somehow escaped right before Erebos's eyes. ter her triu mph over Xenagos, whereupon Erebos kept his
Su specting that either Hel iod or Kruphix knows where Kythe word-but i n a treacherous fa s h ion, a l lowing Daxos's body to
on's soul went, Erebos will reward anyone who can tell h i m . go back to the mortal world as a Returned. Bereft of memo
Menelaia's Song_ Long ago, a master lyrist n a m e d Mene ries, he wanders aim lessly.
laia m o u rned her lover, Pero. She entered the Winter N exus, A Shadowed World. Hel iod's followers maintain that their
a cave on the edge of Setessa that leads to the U n derworld, god gave rise to Erebos by casting a shadow in the s u n 's fi rst
and pl ayed a love song to l u re Pero's soul back to the mortal light. Fo llowers of Erebos say that this tale is self-refuting. Be
world. When Erebos saw t h i s, he became fu rious, and he fore there ever was a sun, the entire world stood in shadow,
extended his whip to d raw both of the lovers back. But Me and the s h adow was Erebos-elder to Heliod. O n ly with the
nelaia was beloved of Nylea, and that god blocked Erebos's fi rst dawning was Erebos's form d i m i n ished enough that He
whip with vines. The two lovers lived long lives together. Ere l iod could overpower him, and the god of the dead has never
bos had the last word, however, tormenting both of the lov forgiven h i s upstart brother. The faithfu l of both Erebos and
ers in the U nderworld. To t h i s d ay, this t u rn of events plagues H el iod viciously argue the deta i l s of their gods' origins, some
Nylea, who seeks a way to bring the lovers peace. risking their lives in battle over which of their gods ca me i nto
being fi rst.
"
�
'
HEuon's GOALS
In Heliod's mind, he is the ruler of the gods, and he
wants merely for his rightful place to be recognized. He
imagines Nyx rebuilt as his personal palace, where all
can witness him in his glory. He considers himself a
kind and beneficent ruler-a benign autocrat, not a ty
rant-and he doesn't expect abject servility from anyone,
god or mortal. He just wants everyone to defer to his will
and carry out his orders. He believes that his decisions
are always just and right, and that if his sovereignty
were properly respected, there would be peace and or
der in Nyx and the mortal world alike.
Heliod's repeated attempts to establish himself as the
ruler of the pantheon anger Erebos and Purphoros, who
God of the Sun both have a degree of the arrogance he demonstrates.
Thassa and Nylea, by contrast, aren't bothered by
Heliod is the radiant god of the sun. According to myth, his efforts because they see themselves as being safely
he ensures that the sun rises every day to provide light outside his reach. He could declare himself the ruler of
and warmth to the world. Every inhabitant of Theros ac the pantheon, they reason, but his dictates can't alter
knowledges his dominant presence, and nearly everyone the rhythms of the sea and the cycles of nature. Thassa
at least pays lip service to the idea of giving him worship and Nylea will continue as they are, as they always have
and honor. been, whatever squabbles their brothers might have.
Pride and self-assurance radiate from Heliod as light Ephara, Karametra, and Iroas are closely aligned with
floods from the sun. He is cheerful and sociable, enjoy Heliod in attitude and philosophy. In some ways, these
ing the company of others and forming bonds easily. three gods represent the principles and the abstract
His friendship can be as easily Jost, though, turning him nature of Heliod made tangible and concrete through
from ally to enemy as the consequence of a single mis the lives of mortals. Heliod represents a divine, natural,
step or perceived betrayal. moral law; Ephara gives those laws a concrete mani
Heliod has appeared to mortals in a variety of forms, festation by establishing mortal society in the poleis.
but he prefers the appearance of a sun-bronzed male hu Heliod controls the radiant sun that makes the natural
man in his forties, dressed in a flowing tunic of golden world flourish; Karametra brings the interplay of light
cloth. His profile is noble, highlighted by a strong chin and nature to life for mortals in the practice of agricul
and a short beard, and he boasts the broad chest of a ture. And while Heliod stands for justice, Iroas actually
perfectly fit athlete. His hair is glossy black, and his fights for it, taking up arms against brutality and injus
head is crowned with a golden wreath. He is also fond tice in defense of what is good and right.
of appearing as a brilliant white pegasus or a radiant Heliod hates and fears Erebos, his dark twin and his
golden stag. In any guise, he looks lit by the sun, even shadow. He views the god of the dead as a pathetic liar
when he travels across the night sky. and coward who wallows in self-pity in his exile.
Heliod is also plagued by a nagging suspicion that
HELIOD1S INFLUENCE the true ruler of the pantheon is Kruphix, a mysterious
Heliod personifies the light of day, and by extension, being who is capable of sealing the borders between
he is associated with many metaphorical aspects of the the mortal world and the divine realm of Nyx. Kruphix
sun's circuit. is perhaps the only being who can impose limits on the
As the sun rises without fail every morning, so Heliod other gods' actions, which makes Heliod resent and fear
values faithfulness in oaths and bonds. Courtroom tes the god of horizons.
timony and marriage vows are sworn on his name, for
he can't tolerate the breaking of a solemn promise. He is WORSHIPING HELIOD
the arbiter of morality, virtue, and honor. The brilliance of Heliod's sun is impossible to ignore.
The sun's nightly descent into darkness symbolizes Thus, virtually everyone on Theros pays at least grudg
bravery and self-sacrifice-the willingness to endure the ing respect to the sun god in forms of worship that range
horrors of the dark for the sake of others. Those who from simple gestures to days-long celebrations.
protect innocents in his name receive Heliod's favor. Some families, particularly in the polis of Meletis,
As sunlight casts out darkness, Heliod's justice casts follow a practice of bowing in the direction of dawn's
out chaos and lawlessness. He is the god of the laws that first light-or winking, in a gesture of respect for the sun
govern society and the Jaws that punish the wicked. He god's luminous "eye." More dedicated worshipers offer
is interested not only in punitive justice, but also in the short litanies at dawn, noon, and dusk, acknowledging
establishment of fair and equitable relationships among the sun's passage across the sky.
people and gods, in service to the common good. He
also takes an interest in the bonds of family-the rela-
� - tionships that tie people most closely to each other.
·-
C HAPTER '2 I GODS OF THEROS

MYTHS OF H E L I O D
Many legends about Hel iod h i ghl ight h i s mercurial natu re, into the fi rst catoblepases. As a result, many animal breeders
even while accl a i m i n g h i m as a god of bravery and j u stice. prove excessively modest to t h i s day, with h u m ble-boasts
Battle with Purphoros. In his des i re to establ ish h i m self being co m mon and well understood among both buyers and
as the leader of the pantheon, Hel iod attempted to com m i s sellers. Livestock that a re "as Hel iod intended" or "praiseless
s i o n Purphoros t o rebuild N y x i n Hel iod's i m age. Angered beasts" might be considered second to none.
by Hel iod's claim to rulership, Purphoros forged the sword Road to the Sun. After a l ife in Hel iod's service, the aged
Godsend to fight Hel iod. As their conflict raged, Purphoros's oracle Solsemon depa rted on a fi n a l pilgri m age: setting forth
sword cut the fabric of Nyx, opening the bou ndary between to visit the s u n . Day after day he jou rneyed east, seeking the
the rea l m s of gods and mortals. As a result, the hydra lands from which the sun rose. H e jou rneyed far and was
Polukranos fel l to the mortal world, but Hel iod and Nylea mocked everywhere people learned of his q uest. Worse, h i s
joi ned forces to bind the hydra in the Nessian Wood. Years sight grew ever weaker as he spent days staring at t h e s u n .
later, the hydra broke free of its bonds, and Hel iod chose a Yet sti l l he traveled on. Even w h e n blind ness claimed Solse
morta l , El speth Tirel, to slay the hydra as h i s champion-us mon's sight, the oracle continued undau nted. F i n a l ly, one
ing a spear called Godsend, forged from Purphoros's sword. day, Solsemon found a warm, calm place. There, a powerfu l
Birth of Erebos. Some myths claim that Hel iod was the voice he'd heard in h i s drea m s welcomed h i m to his jour
first of the gods, though most people bel ieve that distinction ney's end. Praising Hel iod, the oracle took h i s rest, and after
belongs to Kruphix. These myths also say that when the l ight several long, contented hou rs, peacefu l ly died. Ever s i nce, the
of Hel iod's own sun fel l on h i m , Hel iod saw his s h adow and tale of Solsemon has been argued as both a parable of deter
feared it. He banished the shadow to the land beyond the m i n ation and a warn ing not to pursue that which is d ivine.
Rivers That Ring the Wo rld, and it became Erebos, god of the Spear ofHeliod. Hel iod wields the spear Khrusor, which
dead and ruler of the U nderworld. can strike any point on Theros, even in the depths of the
Origin ofthe Catoblepas. When a herder boasted that h i s U nderworld. One tale descri bes how a wrathful Hel iod used
cattle were t h e fi nest i n Theros because Hel iod a n d Nylea his spear to s m ite a human polis whose people angered h i m
had created them, the gods grew angry at this fa l sehood. He with their h u br i s : the entire city o f Olantin s u n k beneath the
liod persuaded Mogis to curse the cattle, transforming them sea when Hel iod struck it with his spear.
HELIOD 'S CHAMPIONS d6 Ideal
Alignment: Usually lawful, often good 3 Protection. I face the h o rrors of the darkness so the
Suggested Classes: Cleric, fighter, monk, paladin com m o n people d o n 't have to. (Good)
Suggested Cleric Domains: Light 4 Enforcement. Those who violate the laws that hold civi
Suggested Backgrounds: Acolyte, athlete, no- l ization together m u st be punished. (Lawfu l )
ble, soldier
5 Justice. The p u rpose of law is to esta blish fa i r a n d eq
Champions of Heliod are typically either exemplars of u itable relationships a mong people and god s . (Lawful
light, law, and truth or conflicted heroes motivated by and good)
revenge and sworn vows. Most can't imagine serving 6 Kinship. It's essential to preserve the bonds of fam
those they consider lesser gods.
i ly-my own fa m i l y first, and others after. (Lawfu l )
HEuon 's FAVO R

E A R N I N G A N D L O S I N G PIETY
Heliod seeks out champions i n the mortal world be
cause he believes that a great champion reflects well You increase your piety score to Heliod when you ex
on him. The ruler of the gods, as he imagines him pand the god's influence in the world in a concrete way
self, should have champions who represent the best through acts such as these:
of mortals. • Carrying out punishment on a fugitive from justice
That said, the reason for his initial interest in a Exacting vengeance for a significant wrong
champion isn't always obvious. What made the sun god done to you
turn his attention to you? What sets you apart from the Defending a polis from attacking monsters
masses of people who offer him prayers and sacrifice? Building or restoring a temple to Heliod
What made him think you would be a good champion?
Your piety score to Heliod decreases if you diminish
The Heliod's Favor table offers a handful of suggestions.
his influence in the world, contradict his ideals, or
Heliod can be a fickle god, but once you have devoted
make him look ridiculous or ineffectual through acts
yourself to him as a champion, he will not desert you
such as these:
as long as you remain faithful and your actions continue
to reflect well on him. • Breaking an explicit promise or oath
• Violating any just law
HELIOD1S FAVOR • Putting others at risk through your own cowardice
d6 Circumstance
HEuon 's DEVOTEE
You were born at noon on the s u m m e r solstice-per Piety 3+ Heliod trait
haps even in the m idst of H el iod's great feast.
As a devotee of Heliod, you have proven yourself a wor
2 One of you r parents is also a champion of Heliod.
thy champion of the sun god. You can call on Heliod's
3 You once rescued a pegasus that was trapped in a net, favor and cast bless with this trait, requiring no material
demonstrating yo u r courage and your respect fo r this components. Heliod's blessing manifests as a nimbus
sacred creature. around the affected creatures, causing them to shed dim
4 You proved you r mettle in a d ra m atic contest of light in a 5-foot radius until the spell ends. You can cast
strength, charisma, or a s i m i l a r q u a l ity. the spell in this way a number of times equal to your
5 C a l l i n g on H eliod to witness you, you swore an oath to
Wisdom modifier (minimum of once). You regain all ex
pended uses when you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your
end some great evi l .
spellcasting ability for this spell.
6 You have no idea why H e l iod showed interest in you,
and you m ight sometimes wish he hadn't. HEuon's VOTARY
Piety 10+ Heliod trait
D EVOTION TO H E L I O D
You can cast daylight with this trait. Once you cast the
Following Heliod means devoting yourself to the cause spell in this way, you can't do so again until you finish
of law and justice. In fact, champions of Heliod are a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for
sometimes more constant in their pursuit of those this spell.
ideals than the god himself, who can be emotional and
short-tempered. As a follower of Heliod, consider the H ELIOD'S DISCIPLE
ideals on the Heliod's Ideals table as alternatives to Piety 25+ Heliod trait
those suggested for your background.
You grow accustomed to the blazing radiance of the
sun; you have advantage on saving throws against being
HELIOD'S IDEALS
blinded, and you have resistance to fire damage.
d6 Ideal
C H A M P I O N OF THE S U N
me than what he sta nds for. (Any) Piety 50+ Heliod trait
2 Honor. I beh ave nobly and always keep my pro m i ses. You can increase your Strength or Wisdom score by 2
(Lawfu l ) and also increase your maximum for that score by 2 .
·-

Iroas values strength and determination in less deadly
pursuits, as well. He believes sports are a fine proxy for
war, as just as in a battle, superior skill and strength
lead to a victory. What Iroas truly loves is a winner.
Lastly, Iroas urges his followers to blunt the advances
of his brother, Mogis. This directive inevitably means
combat, since Iroas knows of no other way to solve prob
lems. Diplomacy isn't an act of cowardice per se, but
because it isn't an activity Iroas is prepared to engage in,
it isn't something he expects of his followers.
lROA s 's GOALS

Iroas sees existence as a series of glorious battles to
be won by both him and his followers. War is a test-
ing ground from which only the bravest and strongest
IROAS emerge. Between battles, there are feats of endurance
God of Victory and physical prowess to perform. Iroas exhorts his fol
lowers to hone their bodies and minds just as they hone
Iroas is the steadfast god of honor and victory in war. their blades. He is certain that to slacken his vigilance
When soldiers march to battle, his voice is the thun and grow lazy would guarantee his demise at the edge of
der of their footsteps and the crash of spear on shield. his brother's blood-soaked axe. Iroas pushes his follow
Soldiers, mercenaries, and athletes all pray for Iroas's ers to be ready at all times to meet conflict head-on.
favor in securing victory. Common folk pray to Iroas for
courage and fortitude in times of struggle, for his is the DIV INE RELATIONSHIPS
battle nobly fought and won. Iroas is defined by his opposition to his twin brother,
Bold and confident with a soldier's demeanor, Iroas Mogis. Although both love battle, Iroas holds an hon
is the pinnacle of martial pride and bearing. He is stoic orable and valorous view of warfare, whereas Mogis
almost to a fault, but also exhibits a wry sense of humor. lusts for carnage and butchery. Iroas firmly believes that
Those who honorably shed blood in Iroas's name can mortals will always fight, whether in war or in less con
count on his support. Cowards and oath breakers are to sequential pursuits. His charge is to ensure that war is
be despised, and traitors don't deserve mercy in battle. waged with a code of honor and to prevent his brother's
Iroas most often appears as a powerfully built centaur depravity from spreading through the world.
with a bull's body rather than a horse's, clad in gleaming Iroas holds an abiding respect for Purphoros, who
armor and wielding a spear and shield. He speaks in a girds his warriors in the products of his artifice. Iroas
booming baritone that projects power, confidence, and sees finely crafted arms as the highest form of art, sub
courage. He has been known to appear as a burly soldier lime and deadly at once. Still, Iroas finds Purphoros's
or a mighty bull before his followers. Whatever form he volatile temper and bouts of passion unbecoming of one
chooses, Iroas carries himself with precision and maj with such talent at creating weapons of war.
esty at all times and doesn't tolerate disrespect or undue Iroas champions the cause of justice and thus seeks
informality from those who would deal with him. Heliod's guidance and counsel from time to time.
During Heliod's piques of arrogance and temper, Iroas
lROAS 'S INFLUENCE is the one who advocates restraint and calm. More often
Iroas personifies the glory of victory, honorable combat, than not, the two deities agree where matters of justice
and physical competition. He is the unspoken bond and honor are concerned.
between soldiers on the eve of battle, the courage of
the standard bearer holding colors aloft in the midst of
WORSHIPING lROAS
battle, and the exultation that comes after a hard-won Iroas is interested not in pretty words, but in great
victory. Iroas pushes his followers to excel in their cho deeds. The faithful of Iroas show their piety by comport
sen fields, particularly war and athletics, and gain honor ing themselves well in contests of athleticism or skill.
through superior skill, training, and dedication. Swearing an oath to win a battle in Iroas's name and
War is, fundamentally, a terrible experience filled with failing to do so is a great shame upon a warrior, thus
pain, loss, and fear. Unfortunately, as Iroas sees it, war such a promise is never uttered lightly.
is also necessary. He sees preparing for and winning The fifth month of the Meletian calendar is Thri
life's essential battles as being of paramount importance ambion, named for an annual commemoration of the
and the highest calling one can experience. Meletian conquest of Natumbria. This victory cemented
The true warrior fights with honor, courage, and ded Meletis's control over the entire peninsula. But in Akros,
ication, and values training, discipline, strength, and the month is called Iroagonion, for the Iraan Games.
esprit de corps. In Iroas's eyes, nothing is more valuable These games are the grandest display to honor Iroas.
or honorable than a honed blade wielded by a trained To even compete in the !roan Games is considered note
warrior loyal to a just cause. This message is ingrained worthy, as the poleis send only their finest athletes. The
in the ethos of Akros, the polis that claims him as its grand prize, besides a ceremonial wreath, is the oppor
patron. His precepts and codes of conduct are incorpo tunity to be visited by Iroas himself. - '
rated in the civil and military laws of Akros. ... .

49
lROAS'S CHAMPIONS EARNING A ND LOSING P IETY
You increase your piety score to Iroas when you ex
Alignment: Usually chaotic, often good
Suggested Classes: Barbarian, cleric, fighter, pala-
din, sorcerer
Suggested Cleric Domains: War • Achieving a great victory
Suggested Backgrounds: Athlete, folk hero, soldier • Overcoming long odds honorably
• Defeating a skilled foe in single combat
Many champions of Iroas are warriors for honor and jus
• Winning a great feat of strength or skill
tice. They often seek to embody martial courage and are
motivated by strong personal codes of honor. Your piety score to Iroas decreases if you diminish
Iroas's influence in the world, contradict his ideals,
IRoAs 's FAVOR or make him look weak and cowardly through acts
Iroas has a soft spot in his heart for underdogs, even if such as these:
they lack the strength to win the fight. It is easier, he be
Showing cowardice in battle
lieves, to make a hero from a weakling who has a heroic
Besting an honorable foe through deceit
heart than it is to turn a brute into a defender of justice.
• Harming innocents or noncombatants
What's more, the victory of the strong gives them glory,
but the victory of the weak gives glory to Iroas. lROAS'S DEVOTEE
Why did Iroas seek you out as a champion? Perhaps Piety 3+ Iroas trait
you proved your courage even when victory eluded
your grasp, or you demonstrated a willingness to use As a devotee of Iroas, you have earned his favor through
your strength for good. Occasionally, Iroas's choice of a victories won in his name. You can cast compelled duel
champion has as much to do with his enmity toward Mo with this trait a number of times equal to your Charisma
gis as it does with the mortal he chooses; is there some modifier (minimum of once). You regain all expended
connection between you and the god of slaughter? The uses when you finish a long rest. Charisma is your spell
Iroas's Favor table offers a few suggestions. casting ability for this spell.
IRoAs 's VOTARY

I ROAS'S FAVOR
Piety 10+ Iroas trait
d6 Circumstance
You can cast crusader's mantle with this trait. Once you
l You were born on the eve of a major battle.
cast the spell in this way, you can't do so again until you
2 Your twin s i b l ing is a champion of Mogis. finish a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability
3 You s h owed great courage in a los ing battle. for this spell.
4 You proved yourself in a contest of strength and s k i l l at In addition, you have advantage on saving throws
the I roan G a mes. against being frightened.
5 Yo u called upon lroas to witness an oath of victory i n
lROAs 's DISCIPLE
battle, and he took notice.
Piety 25+ Iroas trait
6 Despite having been knocked down repeatedly in l i fe,
As a bonus action, you can call on Iroas's blessing, gain
you show grit and determination in a l l you do.
ing the following benefit for 1 minute or until you are
incapacitated: creatures within 30 feet of you can't gain
DEVOTION TO lROAS
advantage on attack rolls against you. Once you use this
Following Iroas means making a commitment to com
trait, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
bat in pursuit of righteous aims, not as a way of applying
coercion or domination. It also means dedicating your CHAMPION OF VICTORY
self to the pursuit of excellence, for the god of victory Piety 50+ Iroas trait
desires victorious champions. As a follower of Iroas,
You can increase your Strength or Charisma score by 2
consider the ideals on the Iroas's Ideals table as alterna
and also increase your maximum for that score by 2.
tives to those suggested for your background.
I ROAS's I DEALS
d6 Ideal
m e than what he stands fo r. (Any)
2 Courage. No fea r or pain can t u rn me away. (Any)
3 Loyalty. War for m s bonds that are more real and last-
ing than the ties of love or fa m i ly. (Any)
4 Heroism. The powerful m u st protect the weak. (Good)
5 Liberty. The strong m u stn't exploit the weak. (Chaotic)
6 Excellence. People should look to me as an exa mple of
, .. the best that m o rtal fo l k can be. (Any)
....
C H APTER 2 I GODS OF THEROS

MYTHS OF IROAS
The myths told about l roas's deeds accl a i m h i s valor and the most experienced re ligious leade rs-particu l a rly those
bravery as wel l as h i s inflexi bil ity and stubbornness. Count who have retired fro m athletic competition-warn of growing
less tales tell of h i m or his champions besting terrible beasts, addicted to triu mph. U ltimately, they teach, only l roas can
enemy armies, o r th reats to the wo rld. Sti l l other stories rise drink endlessly from the river of glory and suffer no i l l effects.
beyond accounts of his victories. M o rtals, though, can grow intoxicated by victory and sick
Bulwark ofBrotherhood. l roas carries a battle-worn bronze ened by u nattainable ideas of honor o r eternal praise. There
s h ield cal led the Bu lwark of Brotherhood. I t symbolizes the fore, wise competitors a re encou raged to seek only their
protective bond s h a red by all soldiers at war and his deter d ra u ght of glo ry-a fi n ite amount that they m ight revel i n
m i nation, i ron ical ly, to defeat his own brother. In the myth b u t that a l lows t h e m t o experience a l i fe beyond grasping for
of Rygyra the S l i n ge r, the soldier never m issed when she greatness. Those who don't find them selves upon the path to
launched stones from her magic s l i ng. Yet, even so, her every despa i r, personal harm, and the temptations of Mogis.
shot bounced off the giant m i nota u r, Raksolcs Ravage-Soul. Kalemne, Disciple oflroas. One of the greatest of l roas's
As the m i nota u r terror closed i n on her, Rygyra whi spered a champions, Kalemne is a stone giant sworn to the service
prayer to l roas and braced her fl i m sy wooden s h ield, knowing of the god of war. A warrior of tremendous strength and
it would offe r no defense aga i n st the giant's strikes. Yet, when tactical skill, she has i mposed m a rtial d i scipline on the most
the blow came, the s h ield resounded with the barest metal l i c u n ru ly of troops and has led squads of giants and m i notaurs
clang-like a pin fa l l i n g on bronze. Open ing her eyes, Rygyra to glorious victories. Her devotion to l roas i s absolute, and
discovered that her shield had transformed into a glea m i n g her com m itment to victory i s u nwavering. Countless peti
bulwark-lroas's own s h i e l d . E n raged, Raksolcs beat on t h e tioners have sought out Kalemne over the years, seeking her
shield, leaving n o t even a dent. After h o u rs o f this, the m i no aid in righting wrongs o r preventing d i sasters. Though she
ta u r collapsed, panti ng and exhausted. Only then did Rygyra sympathizes with a l l who tell her thei r tragic tales, Kalemne
emerge and strangle the brute with h i s own tongue. has co m m itted to aiding o n ly those who can defeat her in a
Draught ofGlory. Fol lowers of l roas often push their phys contest of athletic skill or a test of speed. Those who do can
ical and emotional l i m its, pursuing victory a bove all things . count on her aid, and possi bly that of her troops. Those who
Even as priests o f I roas coach their followers t o b e the best, can't m u st seek other answers to their problems.
In many ways, Karametra represents the essence of
the divine relationship with mortals: fertility and pro
tection are the nucleus of the aid mortals have always
sought from gods, and Karametra doesn't complicate
these basic needs by couching them in terms of abstract
ideals of honor or law or justice. She is the distillation
of an ancient and primal exchange: mortal devotion in
return for divine blessing.
KARAMETRAS GOALS
Karametra doesn't engage in underhanded politicking
or petty disputes. She seems to stand above the quarrels
and tumultuous rivalries of other deities, and equally
aloof from the machinations of the mortal world. Her
fundamental concern is for the well-being of mortal folk,
§"§"_:- KARAMETRA starting with their physical health but also including
God ofHarvests their need for security, love, and belonging.
Karametra is recognized as the serene, maternal god of DIVINE RELATIONSHIPS

the harvest, her arms spread wide as she offers bounty Karametra might not want to wield power over other
to her worshipers or cradles communities in her em gods, but her position of detached compassion lends
brace. Almost every human settlement contains at least her significant influence to wield as she chooses. The
a modest shrine to solicit her favor, and she is closely other gods trust her to be impartial in their disputes and
associated with Setessa, the center of her worship. honest about her motivations, and they look to her for
Wise and even-tempered, Karametra values commu wisdom and even sometimes comfort.
nity, stability, and the balance of nature. She is the god Karametra's closest relationship is with Heliod. He
of maternity, family, orphans, domestication, and agri respects her civilized demeanor, and she recognizes the
culture, as well as defense of the home and territory. vital role the sun's brilliance plays in nurturing life.
Karametra appears to mortals as a motherly figure The relationship between Karametra and Nylea is
with hair made of ordered rows of leaves that shroud respectful but strained. Nylea is disappointed by Kara
her eyes from view. She is always shown in art (and of metra's decision, as a nature deity, to subordinate nature
ten seen in Nyx) seated on her throne, which is formed to the needs of mortals. Karametra is frustrated by what
from a tangle of grape vines growing out of a collection she sees as Nylea's refusal to recognize mortal folk-and
of jugs and amphorae that surround her. An elaborately all their civilizations-as part of the natural world. De
carved wooden canopy extends above her, and a giant spite this tension, both gods encourage their worshipers
sable-her faithful companion-curls around the base of to leave offerings at each other's shrines.
the throne at her feet. In one hand, she holds a harvest The gods who provoke Karametra's sharpest disdain
er's scythe. are Iroas and Mogis, who seem devoted to the idea of
preventing mortal life from fully flourishing. War-even
KARAMETRA'S INFLUENCE if it's couched in noble terms, as Iroas's followers like to
do-is fundamentally an instrument of death, bringing
Karametra governs nature as it comes into play in the
a premature and pointless end to mortal life. That said,
lives of mortals, representing domesticated nature-a
Karametra does recognize the need to fight in defense
bounteous, nurturing provider. But she also reminds
of one's life, family, and community when they come
mortals that they are part of the natural world; they are
under attack, so she and Iroas are able to find some
animals that eat and digest and reproduce and sleep,
common ground in that matter-and in their shared ha
and Karametra is influential in all of that, as well.
tred of Mogis.
Mortals seek her favor because the fertility of nature
is necessary for their existence. It isn't her wrath they
WORSHIPING KARAMETRA
fear-she is not a god of storms or plagues-but her
withdrawal. Without her, plants, livestock, families, and The earth's fertility is essential for mortal life to con
communities simply fail to thrive. Her goodwill is a bul tinue. Those who live in the modern poleis might not be
wark against both physical starvation and starvation of as aware of that fact as those who farm their own food,
the spirit: despair, loneliness, and moral weakness. but even they long for children, know the pinch of hun
Karametra promises that spring will always come ger, and feel the turn of the seasons.
again, trees will always bear fruit, and flocks will always Prayers to Karametra focus on asserting Karame
bear young. Children will always be born, parents will tra's constancy and bounty, praising the god's love and
always care for them and be cared for in their turn. generosity. Worshipers of Karametra gather for a feast
Great fortune or adventure might not be at hand, but once a month, on the evening of the full moon, that cele
the little joys of life-the smell of spring blossoms, the brates the god's role in parenthood and community. New
sweetness of ripe fruit, the flaming beauty of autumn parents receive gifts and blessings, and young couples
leaves, the fellowship of community-can be savored. sneak away into the woods in hopes of finding sweet
berries and sweeter kisses.
C H APTER 2 I CODS OF THEROS

5�
MYTHS OF KARA M ETRA
Karametra rarely engages in legendary u ndertakings. It i s her to their work are given blessings, special treats, and a day of
un shakable rel i a b i l ity that m a kes her a popular de ity. rest. Stories say that strays fo u n d on this day are servants of
The Miraculous Field. Outside Setessa is a farm that pro Karametra and destined for great th i n gs. Others claim that
duces incredible fruits and grains that can heal il lnesses, on this day domestic a n i m a l s can speak-that is, if they have
increase ferti l ity, and stave off h u n ger for days. The field is anyth i n g they care to say to their supposed owners.
said to be Karametra's tribute to her beloved h u ma n priest, Striving for Perfection. Although Karametra delights in
Tha m uzus, who died there. While m a ny seek the fa rm , it is natu re's bounty, she ever strives to tap its greater potenti a l .
said that the vi neyard around it i s so labyri nth i ne that few H e r followers recount legends of breeders and horticultural
have ever reached its center. ists who cu ltivated remarkable new types of plants and ani
The Old Harvest. In rare, remote settlements, h igh s u m m a l s-such as the everfruit of Dakra or the storied Oraniad
m e r ceremonies acknowledge ancient rural practices devoted d ragon-hens. Yet, while Karametra looks on such i n novations
to a less merciful vision of Karametra. These com m u n ities with del ight, some other gods see them as blasphemies.
offer abundant sacrifices to the god, but also guard their The Years ofRage. The tales about Karametra don't specify
ancient rituals from outsiders, as Karametra's organ ized what ign ited the god's rage in ancient times, but they do
clergy h a rshly fo rbids d iscussion of abandoned rel igious record that for a year, she tore down her own temples and
practices. H owever, occas ional ly, a centuries-old depiction of refused to let any plants grow. The mortals of the world,
the goddess breaks, revea l i n g a n ancient icon in side, typically t h reatened with starvation, beseeched her to curb her wrath.
a prim itive mud idol of a woman bea ring a sheaf of gra i n in In an effort led by Karametra's priests, nearly all of h u m a n
one hand and a skull in the other. ity prayed for a week, neither eating nor sleeping, pra i s i n g
Partners in Possibility. The fa l l holiday known as the Karametra for her serenity and generosity. After t h a t t i m e ,
Blessing of the Beasts (or, i n Meletis, the Theri m akarion) she relented and produced a m i raculous crop of grapes that
celebrates h u mans' partnership with domestic a n i m a l s . c u red i l l ness and fed the people. Ever s i nce then, her statues
T h e horses and oxen that pull plows, the cats t h a t guard t h e have been adorned with twi ning grape vines around their left
granaries, and t h e roosters t h a t wake fa m i l ies and call them wrists in commemoration of that event.
KARAMETRA'S CHAMPIONS d6 Ideal
Alignment: Usually neutral, often good 5 Bounty. I am generous and s h a re what I have, hoping
Suggested Classes: Cleric, fighter, paladin, ranger to i mp rove the wel l-being of all arou n d me. (Good)
Suggested Cleric Domains: Life, Nature 6 Community. I strive to deepen the bonds of my fa mily,
Suggested Backgrounds: Acolyte, folk hero, guild arti- companions, and ne ighbors. (Any)
san, soldier, urchin
Most champions of Karametra are advocates of commu EARNING AND LOSING PIETY
nity and family. They typically form tight-knit squads or You increase your piety score to Karametra when you
surrogate families and take care of their people. expand the god's influence in the world in a concrete
way through acts such as these:
KARAMETRA'S FAVOR
• Turning a wild field into fertile cropland
Karametra grants her favor to champions in the mortal
• Feeding those who are starving
world who advance the cause of civilization and commu
Defending a farm from monsters
nity. She nurtures the power and influence of those who
• Building or restoring a temple to Karametra
provide food and care to others and has little patience
for those who display arrogance and self-centeredness, Your piety score to Karametra decreases if you dimin
instead elevating those who seek to elevate others. ish her influence in the world, contradict her ideals,
Although Karametra's demeanor is gentle, her call or undermine her civilizing influence through acts
to service is nonnegotiable. She lavishes fortune and such as these:
prosperity on those who serve her, but she will not be ig • Destroying a settlement's food source
nored. It is rare for her to abandon a champion, but nei Releasing and scattering domestic animals
ther will she allow a champion to abandon their service. • Diverting a water source needed for irrigation
The Karametra's Favor table offers suggestions for what • Starting a fire that threatens a settlement
might make the god of the harvest take notice of you.
KARAMETRA'S DEVOTEE
KARAM ETRA'S FAVOR Piety 3+ Karametra trait
d6 Circumstance As a devotee of Karametra, you have proven yourself
You were an orphan who wandered into one of Kara a worthy potential champion of the harvest god. As a
metra's temples seeking a meal and a safe place to bonus action, you can invoke her protection; spectral
spend the night. plants cover you, providing you with a +l bonus to AC
2 You are a v i l l age leader who sees caring for your nei gh for 1 minute. Once you use this trait, you can't use it
again until you finish a long rest.
bors as yo u r most i mportant job.
3 You pioneered an agricu ltural i n n ovation. KARAMETRA'S VOTARY
4 Though you have no c h i l d ren of yo u r own, you have Piety 10+ Karametra trait
assembled a ti ght-knit chosen fa m i ly.
You can cast create food and water with this trait. Once
5 You nearly bled to death in a fa rm field. you cast the spell in this way, you can't do so again until
6 You sought Karametra's help on behalf of yo u r co m you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting abil
m un ity d u ring a drought or natural disa ster. ity for this spell.
In addition, you have advantage on saving throws
DEVOTION TO KARAMETRA against being poisoned.
Following Karametra means dedicating yourself to car
KARAMETRA'S DISCIPLE
ing for others, promoting civilization and community,
and putting the needs of others above your own. After Piety 25+ Karametra trait
all, Karametra asks nothing for herself. As a follower By performing an hour-long ritual, you can conjure
of Karametra, consider the ideals on the Karametra's enough grapes to fill three vials (4 ounces each) of wine.
Ideals table as alternatives to those suggested for your Each vial serves as a potion of healing for 24 hours, af
background. ter which it loses this property. Once you use this trait,
you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
KARA M ETRA'S IDEALS
CHAMPION OF HARVESTS
d6 Ideal
Piety 50+ Karametra trait
You can increase your Constitution or Wisdom score by
me than what s h e sta nds for. (Any)
2 Civilization. N at u re achieves its h i ghest call ing when
h u m a n c o m m u nities m ake use of it. ( Lawfu l )
3 Humility. I put the needs of others above my own and
strive to lead through service. (Any)
4 Protection. I devote myself to ensu r i n g that the vu Iner-
� - able and the innocent can l ive in safety. (Good)

54
KERANos's GOALS
For good or ill, Keranos exists as a disruptive force. He
doesn't desire authority over other gods and, in fact,
doesn't particularly enjoy their company. Keranos finds
satisfaction in investing bright mortals with prescient
visions to see how they adapt. Those who prove them
selves decisive and intelligent, such as the missing
Queen Cymede of Akros, earn his grudging respect and
continued blessings of precognition. He finds satisfac
tion not only in granting insight, but also in expressing
the awesome fury of the storm. Where others see only
chaos and destruction in storms, he sees them as shap
ing the firmament in ways that challenge and engage
mortals. His blasts of lightning set house and forest
KERANOS ablaze, thus rendering the soil clear for new life and new
creations. His is a vision he alone is equipped to see. He
God of Storms is content to watch his divine kinfolk scheme and plot
while he looks on, stern and inscrutable.
Keranos is the god of storms and wisdom. Merciless
and impatient, Keranos is equally likely to strike out at DIVINE RELATIONSHIPS
mortals with a bolt of inspiration or a blast of lightning. Keranos is neither friendly nor sociable, so his dealings
To revere Keranos is to exult in the power of wisdom, with most of the rest of the pantheon tend to be terse,
clarity of purpose, and the fury of the storm. He is formal, and brief. This doesn't mean that no interactions
favored by tinkerers, inventors, and sailors as well as of note take place, however.
those seeking solutions to intractable problems. He Of all the gods, Thassa has the most cordial rela
doesn't tolerate the company (or the worship) of fools, tionship with Keranos. He enjoys the sea god's love of
and he despises vapidity and indecision. ancient lore, introspection, and complex patterns. The
Keranos rarely appears directly to mortals, preferring two sometimes talk for days at a time debating the flaws
to communicate through an epiphany or a crashing bolt in ancient sophistries and discussing the meaning of the
of lightning. When he does deign to manifest in the mor stars. Thassa, imperturbable and constant, makes the
tal world, Keranos prefers the form of a stout, bearded, ideal counter to the wise yet temperamental Keranos.
male human wearing a purple loincloth girdled in a Another interesting relationship exists with Purpho
mithral chain belt with a clasp in the form of a dragon's ros. The passions of the divine blacksmith run hot,
skull. His bearing is upright and stern, with a clipped, as does the need to create. The melding of Keranos's
brusque way of speaking. Particularly clever plans and inspiration with Purphoros's passion is a formidable
observations bring a hint of a smile to his face. When combination. This partnership resulted in the creation
interacting with mortals, Keranos sometimes appears of Epiphany, Keranos's mighty javelin.
in the form of a great horned owl with lightning strikes
flashing in its eyes. WORSHIPING KERANOS
KERANOS 'S INFLUENCE Keranos's name is often invoked by those amid a storm
��
who seek safety, or by someone who is faced with a par
Keranos is the embodiment of wisdom and insight un ticularly difficult problem. Only the foolhardy call out to
hindered by compassion or patience. Just as the storm Keranos frivolously or in jest, since he might well smite
vents its fury unpredictably and without warning, so the offender with a bolt from the blue.
does Keranos deliver the wisdom he chooses to impart. In Akros, where Queen Cymede actively promoted
A storm, for all its unpredictability, can still be weath the worship of Kera nos, elaborate ceremonies are con
ered by those who apply foresight and knowledge. So it ducted beginning just before the first summer thunder
is when dealing with Keranos. He rewards those who storm. Intricate, open-framed sand paintings with com
act with forethought and decisiveness and punishes the plex geometric shapes are created by dancers in flowing
reckless for their stupidity. blue silken wraps. Then, as the rains fall, the paintings
Those who seek to solve enigmas and create wonders are washed away, symbolizing the impermanence of
of art and science often invoke his name. The creative genius and the power of change. Akroan oracles strive
process is fraught with frustration, and his insights to predict the exact time of the first storm in hopes of
make short work of such hindrances as easily as the allowing enough time to stage the celebration. A similar
lightning parts a mighty oak. festival in Meletis, called the Lightning Festival, gives its
Keranos dispenses inspiration without regard for the name (Astrapion) to the third month of the year.
morality of its application. He is just as likely to reward On the last day of every month, Keranos's priests and
the shrewd general seeking to topple a polis as a gentle laity bring offerings of fish and distilled spirits to his
healer searching for a cure for a malady. Good and evil temples. The fish are cooked under a skylight open to
don't color his thinking, only action and the thrill of the stars, with a shot of spirits thrown on the fire.
birthing new ideas into the world. Furthering the act of
creating-be it ideas, weapons, art, or magic-is what
matters most.

55
KERANOS'S CHAMPIONS EARNING AND LOSING PIETY
You increase your piety score to Keranos when you ex
Alignment: Usually chaotic, often neutral
Suggested Classes: Barbarian, bard, cleric, druid, sor
cerer, wizard
Suggested Cleric Domains: Knowledge, Tempest • Solving a challenging riddle or puzzle
Suggested Backgrounds: Acolyte, entertainer, guild • Smiting the unwise and foolish in Keranos's name
artisan, noble, sage, sailor Helping a polis successfully plan for or adapt
to a threat
Most champions of Keranos are calm under pressure,
Building or restoring a temple to Keranos
creative, and clever. They often seek to challenge the sta
tus quo and thrill at wielding the power of the storm. Your piety score to Keranos decreases if you diminish
Keranos's influence in the world, contradict his ideals,
KERANOS'S FAVOR or make him look ridiculous or ineffectual through acts
Keranos chooses champions who are deliberate and such as these:
wise, yet able to bring the storm's fury when needed. He
• Jeopardizing others through rash or foolish actions
expects his champions to be aggressive and self-reliant
Willingly subverting or impeding a wise
and disdains the lazy and the foolish, who deserve what
course of action
ever ill fortune befalls them.
Failing to plan appropriately for a challenge
The god of storms is inscrutable at the best of times;
• Giving in to wanton fury and destruction
thus, it can be difficult to discern why you've earned his
favor. What prompted him to gift you with foreknowl KERANOS'S DEVOTEE
edge of important events? How have you demonstrated Piety 3+ Keranos trait
your potential? The Keranos's Favor table offers a hand
ful of suggestions. As a devotee of Keranos, you have proven your wisdom
and your allegiance to the storm lord. Once on each of
KE RANOS'S FAVOR
your turns when you hit a creature with a weapon at
tack, you can deal an extra ld6 lightning damage to the
d6 Circumstance
target. You can use this trait a number of times equal to
You were born a m i d a great storm that destroyed most your Intelligence modifier (minimum of once). You re
of yo ur vil lage. gain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
2 One of your parents was struck by l i ghtn ing.
KERANOS's VOTARY
3 As a c h i l d , you were favored by an oracle of great
Piety 10+ Keranos trait
power who saw Keranos's spark with i n yo u.
4 You solved a riddle, puzzle, or cipher that was previ When you fail an Intelligence or a Wisdom saving throw,
ously thought u n solvable.
you can reroll the die, and you must use the new roll.
Once you use this trait, you can't do so again until you
5 You were born under auspicious stars.
finish a long rest.
6 You have no idea why Keranos grants you vis i o n s , and
the burden weighs heavily on yo u r soul. KERANOS 'S DISCIPLE
Piety 25+ Keranos trait
DEVOTION TO KERA NOS The energy of the storm fills your being, granting you
Just as the storm is unpredictable and often dangerous, advantage on initiative rolls.
so is service to the lord of storms. Keranos's devotees
hatch their grand designs always with an eye on the CHAMPION OF STORMS
darkening sky. As a follower of Keranos, consider the Piety 50+ Keranos trait
ideals on the Keranos's Ideals table as alternatives to
You can increase your Intelligence or Wisdom score by
those suggested for your background.
KE RANOS'S I DEALS
d6 Ideal
Devotion. My devotion to my god i s more important to
2 Wisdom. The pursuit of knowledge a n d in sight is the
h i ghest aspiration one can achieve. (Any)
3 Foresight. Fortu n e favors the prepared, not so m uc h
the b o l d . ( N eutral or lawfu l )
4 Fury. I am the storm and will not be denied. (Chaotic) ... ·
5 Impatience. Wh atever it takes to reach an epiphany, I

w i l l do it. (Chaotic)
6 Change. There are no constants in this life. If we don't
' .. i n n ovate and adapt, we are doomed. (Chaotic)
·..
C HAPTER 2 I GODS O F THEROS

MYTHS OF KERA N OS
The myths and legends told of Keranos's deeds demonstrate wearer's sanity. Its last owner, the tormented genius Zexso
h i s wisdom and wrath, d ispensed in equal measure. the Unblinking, is said to have created a mass ive contraption
Epiphany. The l ightning bolt is a symbol of both Keranos's to assure that the l i ghtning diadem wouldn't sh atter the
fury and his abil ity to inspire. Pondering this com bination, m ind of any other mortal. The inventor's machine launched
he entreated P u rphoros to create a m ighty weapon, a javelin the diadem into the heavens, where it's said to have landed
that strikes with the fo rce of the storm. Kera nos channeled upon a griffin-inhabited island floating in the clouds.
his anger into a fu rious storm, which P u rphoros then cap· Riddle ofLightning. Once, an arrogant oracle boasted of
tured and s m ithed into a glea m ing javelin that h u m med with her infal lible insight, which fl owed from Keranos h i m self.
power. When Kera nos wants to send a message, of either Bemused, the storm lord arranged for the oracle to meet a
destruction or enl i ghtenment, Epiph any is his tool of choice. particularly cunning sphinx and engage in an epic battle of
Font of Fortunes. In ages past, Keranos created a bronze wits. The objective set forth by Keranos was to solve the Rid
font fed by a p u re mountain stream that wo uld grant great dle of Lightning, an enigma devised by Keranos hi mself. After
oracular power if one drank deeply from it. As Keranos days of deli beration, the oracle realized the answer, only to be
wanted only the wisest and most clever mortals to gain his struck down by a bolt from the heavens. Among the faithful
favor, the font l ies at the end of a series of fierce traps and nowadays, the term " Riddle of Lightning" is used to denote a
riddles. It exists both in and out of Nyx, hidden to all but the q uestion that one is better off not knowing the answer to.
most d i l i gent of seekers. Silent Storm. Occasional ly, Keranos seeks to make h i s will
Lightning Diadem. Years ago, Keranos received an ex known with a l l the su btlety of the master of storms. Should
quisitely cut sapphire set in a del icate si lver diadem as an l i ghtning strike the same point m u ltiple times yet never echo
offering. Deeply appreciative of the s k i l l and crafts manship with thunder, followers of Keranos claim that i s the way their
req u i red to create it, Keranos i m bued the gem with a spark god d raws attention to secrets he wishes to share. While
of divine geni us. Inventors and phi losophers coveted the repeat lightning strikes wo uld normally cause cons iderable
diadem, for it conferred a fraction of Keranos's inspi ration d a m age, strikes that convey the god's will often leave a
to the wearer-granting incred ible insights or fracturing the scorch in the shape of Keranos's symbol or no mark at all.
mortals in recent years. The ways in which they ravaged
reality to realize their selfish dreams has threatened
Theros, and only by untangling the strands of destiny
can Klothys set things right. The status quo she seeks to
restore, however, comes with a cost in mortal casualties
and societal upheaval that would accompany this pro
cess. She intends to humble the same institutions that
condoned or committed these crimes against Theros.
When her efforts have laid low the proud, the defiant,
and the exploitative, then Klothys will have restored the
natural order and ensured the world's survival.
Klothys views many of the gods with disdain, consid
ering them to be complicit in Xenagos's theogenesis,
Heliod's acts of arrogance, or both. She reserves special
God of Destiny contempt for Heliod and his champions, relishing every
opportunity to teach them humility.
Believed to have sprung into existence during Theros's Klothys also clashes with other gods associated with
earliest days, Klothys is the god of destiny and, along order and progress, seeing their defiance of the natural
with Kruphix, one of the plane's original deities. She order as a dangerous affront. Ephara's ravenous coloni
oversees the order of the cosmos, ensuring that all zation, Iroas's passion for overcoming insurmountable
things remain in their proper place, knowing how easily odds, and Karametra's taming of nature all run the risk
the cosmic balance could be undone if she were not of inspiring ambitious mortals who lust for ever more
vigilant. On the heels of a near-catastrophic upset of power and strain to break away from their proper place
the cosmic order-the rise to godhood and subsequent in the cosmos.
defeat of the satyr Xenagos-Klothys has emerged from Klothys respects the other gods whose interests
the Underworld for the first time in mortal memory to balance creation and destruction, such as Thassa, Pur
untangle the strands of destiny and set the world right. phoros, and Nylea, considering them better attuned to
Klothys typically appears as a woman with six curling Theros's needs and destiny's myriad outcomes. Nylea
horns and an impossibly long mane of pale hair that shares Klothys's delight in the world's natural cycles.
cascades around her horns, drapes over her eyes, and Purphoros's willingness to build and demolish appeases
spools into her spear-like weapon and the various other Klothys-as well as the fact that he despises Heliod as
spindles she carries. much as she does.
Beneath her outward calm, Klothys seethes at the Klothys's relationships with Erebos and Athreos are
way mortals and gods alike have pulled apart and complicated. Ages spent in the Underworld with Erebos
rearranged the threads of destiny to feed their petty have driven home for her how arrogant and tyrannical
ambitions. Her peaceful mien falls away in the presence he is, as ready to commit the same sins as Heliod if
of such villains. In her rage, her red-glowing eyes come given the opportunity. Even so, Erebos and Klothys
into view through the veil of her hair, and she wields maintain a level of mutual respect. Until recently, Klo
burning strands of hair as a devastating weapon. thys and Athreos were unflappable allies. But now her
emergence from the Underworld has blurred the bor
KLOTHYS 'S INFLUENCE ders between the realms, as she draws horrors into the
Klothys is the embodiment and enforcer of destiny. mortal realm with her and thereby raises Athreos's ire.
Largely forgotten after ages spent in the Underworld, Of course, Klothys trusts no other god as much as she
Klothys has only recently emerged, brimming with si does Kruphix, who also recalls Theros's earliest hours.
lent frustration at the state of Theros. The two have a deep respect for one another.
Each strand of Klothys's hair is part of the fabric of
destiny, the natural order that underpins all existence. WORSHIPING KLOTHYS
Her followers claim to see these strands woven into all Klothys doesn't trace her origins to mortal devotion, and
things, granting them understanding of cosmic truths she has languished in obscurity for almost the whole of
and insights into how the future should unfold. human history. Unlike the other gods (except Kruphix),
Klothys withdrew to the Underworld ages ago to she doesn't need worship to sustain or empower her,
keep watch over the imprisoned titans and ensure they and she doesn't seek out reverence or demand it. By and
couldn't escape and destroy the order she had estab large, mortals are irrelevant to her, except insofar as
lished. Due to this undertaking, she is also the god of they have played a role in tangling the strands of destiny
secrets best kept quiet and powers best untouched. by defying nature's order.
KLOTHYs's GOALS
Once content to oversee and preserve destiny from the
Underworld, Klothys now endeavors to undo the cos-
�· �
mic damage caused by Heliod, Xenagos, and ambitious
·-
C HAPTE R 2 I GODS OF THEROS

MYTHS OF K LOTHYS
Klothys is barely remem bered in the mortal world, having se toward, but the ruins within which it lies might give some
q uestered herself in the U nderworld while h u man civilization h i nt-caverns burrowed deep into a mountain of petrified
was i n its infancy. Some surviving myths speak of a personi bodies, the twisted obsidian corpses of h um a noids and
fied "destiny" in a way that vaguely suggests the possibil ity of a n i m a l s a l i ke.
a n actual god's involvement. Twins at War. The newly formed gods Kru p h i x and Klothys
Rage ofTitans. The greatest th reat to the you ng world of emerged from o p posite sides of the roiling tangle of possibil
Theros was the godlike race of titans, born from the same ities that eventually gave b i rth to Theros. At fi rst the two bat
swi rling chaos as the world itself. Before any order cou l d tled for s u prem acy, but they soon realized their conflict left
b e i m posed on t h e world, t h e titans had to b e contained. their you n g world vul nerable to dangers from both i n s ide and
Kruphix and Klothys worked together to i m p rison the titans out. Putting their riva l ry aside, the pair agreed it was better to
in the deepest pits of the U nderworld. Klothys voluntarily s h a re and have something than let their struggles destroy a l l
bound herself in the U nderworld to keep the titans i m pris creation.
oned, but that is, after all, the nature of destiny: once the nat Walkers ofWoe. The nightmarish creatures known as woe
u ral order of the world had been put in place and preserved, striders are said to be products of Klothys's p u n i s h ment.
no fu rther action should have been req u i red on her part to These beings descend from an age when some mortals
maintain it. learned to u n s hackle themselves from the strands of des
The Smoking Strand. H idden far from civilized coasts ti ny. To what end i s a question lost to ti me, but Klothys put
lies a strand of Klothys's hair that she pu rposefully p l u cked. a q u ick end to these blas phemers and eradicated nearly a l l
Knotted in on itself, the strand a p pears as a seet h i n g ball knowledge o f t h e i r methods. Ever s i nce, t h e shades of these
of dense s moke. Any who touch the strand risk having it accursed mortals have walked the U nderworld as woe strid
invade them, infecting them with a pern icious destiny that ers, monstrosities endlessly seeking strands of destiny that
Klothys herself tore from the natural order. N o ne can say they might use to replace their own discarded lots.
what terrible destiny the Smoking Strand drives its possessor
KLOTHYs's CHAMPIONS d6 I deal
Alignment: Usually neutral 5 Fury. The world m u st be clean sed to make way for a
Suggested Classes: Barbarian, cleric, ranger, warlock new start. (Chaotic)
Suggested Cleric Domains: Knowledge, War 6 Protection. When gods or mortals go mad with power,
Suggested Backgrounds: Folk hero, hermit, out- it's the powerless who s u ffer, a n d I mean to keep them
lander, sage safe. (Good)
Most champions of Klothys believe it is their destiny to
fulfill a particular role or seek answers to omens they EARNING AND LOSING PIET Y
struggle to understand. They are passionate about pun You increase your piety score t o Klothys when you ex
ishing those who violate the cosmological order. pand the god's influence in the world in a concrete way
KLO T H YS'S FAVOR
Defeating a creature that has stepped out of its place
Klothys hasn't had a mortal champion before. Upon
Repairing a significant wound dealt to destiny by the
emerging from the Underworld, she created a host of
•
gods' ambitions
Nyxborn agents to help her restore Theros to its proper
Teaching people about Klothys, her nature, and
path. You might be one of these so-called Agents of
•
her return
Destiny (if you choose the Nyxborn supernatural gift, de
scribed in chapter 1), single-minded in the purpose for Your piety score to Klothys decreases if you dimin
which you were made. Or you might be among the first ish her influence in the world, contradict her ideals,
of a new cadre of followers of Klothys. The Klothys's Fa or threaten the integrity of destiny through acts
vor table suggests some possible connections between such as these:
the god and a mortal follower. • Undoing a deserved punishment or curse suffered by
another creature
KLOTHYS1S FAVOR
• Willfully destroying a natural wonder
d6 Circumstance • Assisting a creature in undermining the natural order
Your fa m i l y suffered d u ri n g the rise ofXenagos, leavi ng or exploiting destiny
you with u n resolved rage.
KLO TH YS's DEVO TEE
2 You swore yo u rself to Klothys, offering your service i n
Piety 3+ Klothys trait
exchange for reprieve from a m u ndane desti ny.
As a devotee of Klothys, you can manipulate the bonds
3 Born u n d e r an i l l omen, you were vict i m i zed by your
of destiny that invisibly entangle every living thing. You
neighbors' superstitions before rea l izing that you were
can cast command with this trait a number of times
destined to serve Klothys.
equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of once). You
4 You lost a loved one to the upheaval that fo l l owed Klo regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
thys fro m the U n derwor l d . You plan ned reve nge, but Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
were awed at the sight of her and devoted yourself to
her service. KLO TH YS's VO TARY
5 You were a champion of H e l iod until the emergence of Piety 10+ Klothys trait
Klothys showed you the d a nger of H e l io d 's h u bris. You can cast clairvoyance with this trait, requiring no
6 You don't know why Klothys has s h own i nterest in you . material components. Once you cast the spell in this
way, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest.
DEVOTION TO KLO T H YS Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
To follow Klothys is to accept the natural order of the In addition, you have advantage on saving throws
cosmos and your place in it. It means accepting your against being charmed.
destiny even as you strive against the bonds of fate. As a
KLO TH YS'S DISCIPLE
follower of Klothys, consider the ideals on the Klothys's
Piety 25+ Klothys trait
Ideals table as alternatives to those suggested for your
background. You develop a second sense, allowing you to intuit the
tug and pull of destiny. You can't be surprised, provided
KLOTHYS1S IDEALS you aren't incapacitated.
d6 Ideal CHAMPION OF DESTINY

Devotion. My devotion to my god i s more important to Piety 50+ Klothys trait
m e than what she stands for. (Any)
You can increase your Strength or Wisdom score by 2
2 Stewardship. Preservation of the natura l order super and also increase your maximum for that score by 2 .
sedes the needs of civi lization. ( N eutral)
3 Humility. It is h u bris to aspire to a h i gher place in the
natural order than we are give n . (Lawful)
4 Vigilance. Those who defy or manipulate destiny are
' " m e naces that m ust be stopped. ( N eutral)
·..

60
KRUPHix's GOALS
More than any other god, Kruphix simply is. He seeks
nothing but to oversee the acquisition of knowledge,
maintain the cycles of time, and uphold the divine order.
He views his fellow gods as petty and vengeful, and he
opposes anyone who tries to obtain power that would
upset the delicate balance of the pantheon.
Kruphix is the eldest of the gods and sees it as his
responsibility to rein in the excesses of his younger
siblings. Unlike Heliod, Kruphix knows that he isn't
powerful enough to impose his will unilaterally. Instead,
he plays the other gods against one another and serves
as a mediator in their endless disputes. He takes care to
ensure that the other gods view him as impartial, which
KRUPHIX he considers essential to maintaining his authority.
God ofHorizons DIVINE RELATIONSHIPS

Kruphix strives to hold himself above the disputes of
Kruphix is the enigmatic god of mysteries, horizons, the gods, but like any other god, he has both rivals and
and the passage of time. His followers claim that he allies. Chief among the former is the sun god Heliod,
knows not only everything that is known at present, but whom Kruphix sees as an arrogant, dangerous threat to
everything that has ever been known by anyone. the balance of power among the gods. He seldom acts
Quiet surrounds Kruphix like a shroud. Standing against Heliod openly, preferring to warn others about
apart from the other gods, he speaks rarely, even to his the sun god's efforts to seize power at their expense.
most favored followers. When he does communicate, it Since every mortal soul must eventually pass beyond
is often as a barely audible whisper. Kruphix can speak the horizon and into death, Kruphix respects both
with a booming voice directly into the minds of all the Erebos and Athreos. He sees Erebos as a necessary
other gods simultaneously, though, doing so when some check on Heliod's power, and he even allowed Athreos
thing threatens the cosmic order. to continue his vital work on the fringes of the mortal
Kruphix's true form is more abstract than that of world when he bound all the other gods within the fabric
any of the other gods. He appears only in star-filled of Nyx. Erebos and Kruphix blame one another for Klo
silhouette, usually as a hooded, four-armed figure of in thys's recent emergence from the Underworld, a situa
determinate species and gender. Two of the stars in his tion neither seems able to control.
"body" often shine brightly, suggesting eyes. Kruphix's Purphoros loathes Kruphix for temporarily hob
starry silhouette sometimes takes the form of a bird bling his mind following an attack against Heliod, but
or a whale. Kruphix holds no grudge against Purphoros. That
particular punishment upset the balance too far in the
KRUPHIX 'S INFLUENCE other direction, and Kruphix is more likely to side with
Kruphix holds dominion over everything unseen or Purphoros than Heliod in the future.
unknown. He is associated with the horizon-the brink Of all the gods, only Klothys truly concerns Kruphix.
of the unknown-and with navigation. His followers in He hoped that she would remain secret and secluded in
clude scholars, sages, and a handful of sailors who have the Underworld, and he doesn't know what her emer
an inclination toward the mystical. gence portends. She is the only other god whose exis
Perfect understanding is like the horizon: easy to tence predates mortal belief, and though he is unlikely
move toward, but impossible to reach. Kruphix knows to draw her ire by manipulating destiny, he doesn't know
everything that has ever been known on Theros, so he how her return will affect the pantheon.
and only he decides which secrets should be loosed
upon the world, and which must be kept forever hidden. WORSHIPING KRUPHIX
He has existed since before mortals occupied Theros Many pray to Kruphix when they need to find something
and numbers among the few who understand the role lost, but few dedicate themselves to his worship. Cults
of mortal belief in shaping the younger gods-a concept devoted to Kruphix fiercely guard their secrets, and
even most gods don't fully comprehend. their initiates refrain from drawing attention to them
Kruphix is the only being who has the ability to seal selves. Some followers and champions of Kruphix travel
the borders between the mortal realm and Nyx. He uses the world in secret, searching for hidden truths. Many
this power to safeguard the mortal world from reck use secret signals to enable them to find safe lodging
less divine meddling and enforce the balance of power with other worshipers nearly anywhere.
among the gods and their faithful. Rituals honoring Kruphix are usually performed at
Because of his lack of followers, many mortals con boundaries, both temporal and spatial: shorelines, riv
sider Kruphix a minor god, even obscure. To the other erbanks, equinoxes, and sunsets. One of the god's great
gods, however, he is a force within the pantheon, worthy est festivals is the Agrypnion ("the Watching"), which
of both respect and wariness. marks the end of winter and the close of the year.

KRUPHIX 'S CHAMPIONS EARNING A ND LOSING PIETY
You increase your piety score to Kruphix when you ex
Alignment: Usually neutral
Suggested Classes: Bard, cleric, druid, monk,
ranger, wizard
Suggested Cleric Domains: Knowledge, Trickery Keeping a dangerous secret despite personal cost
Suggested Backgrounds: Hermit, outlander, Revealing a critical truth at an important moment
sage, sailor Mediating a major dispute or conflict
• Aiding the weak or impeding the strong
Most champions of Kruphix seek to learn the secrets
of the universe and maintain the balance of the world. Your piety score to Kruphix decreases if you diminish
They largely view the other gods as petty and seek to Kruphix's influence in the world, upset the balance of
separate themselves from divine squabbles. power, or make him look biased or petty through acts
such as these:
KRUPHix's FAVOR
Revealing a secret that should remain unknown
Kruphix's champions are less his agents than his
• Selfishly refusing to share information
charges, and he is loath to release them. Even those who
• Showing favoritism toward any other god or group
leave his service often find themselves unwittingly aid
• Furthering the aims of another god in defiance of
ing his agenda for years to come. How did you initially
Kruphix's will
attract the god's attention? The Kruphix's Favor table
offers a few suggestions. Kruphix doesn't care about the righteousness of a
cause, only about upholding impartiality in both appear
KR U PH I X 1S F AVOR ance and action. This sometimes means that his follow
ers stay out of situations that seem morally straightfor
d6 Circumstance
ward, such as refusing to help a squad of hoplites finish
Followers of Kruphix c l a i m you were born under a bi
off a band of vicious raiders.
zarre omen, but w i l l not exp l a i n what it means.
2 You were secretly i n structed in the wo rship of Kruphix KRUPHIX's DEVOTEE
by a parent o r a m entor. Piety 3+ Kruphix trait
3 You u n covered a dangerous secret d u ri n g you r studies, As a devotee of Kruphix, you have proven yourself a dev
and fo l l owers of Kruphix sought you out and recruited otee of reality's mysteries and laws. You can cast detect
you to keep the knowledge with in their ra nks. magic with this trait a number of times equal to your
4 Beset by strange drea m s , you consu lted an oracle of Intelligence modifier (minimum of once). You regain all
K r u p h ix . S i n ce then, they've only gotten stranger.
expended uses when you finish a long rest.
In addition, you know the mage hand cantrip. Intelli
5 You wanted to learn truths that only Kruphix knows.
gence is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
N ow you ' re starting to wonder if you know too m u c h .
6 You have no idea why Kruphix s h owed i nterest in you , KRUPHIX'S VOTARY
and you m i ght someti mes wish he hadn't. Piety 10+ Kruphix trait
You can cast detect thoughts with this trait, requiring
DEVOTION TO KRUPHIX no material components. Once you cast the spell in this
Kruphix doesn't demand adherence to any philosophy, way, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. In
and the reasons to follow him are as numberless as the telligence is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
stars. As a follower of Kruphix, consider the options on In addition, you have advantage on saving throws
the Kruphix's Ideals table as alternatives to those sug against being charmed.
gested for your background.
KRUPHIX'S DISCIPLE
KR U PH I X 1S IDEALS Piety 25+ Kruphix trait
d6 Ideal As a true champion of Kruphix, you can use your mage
Devotion. My devotion to my god is more important to hand cantrip to protect yourself. While your spectral
me than what he stands for. (Any) hand is within 5 feet of you, you gain a +2 bonus to your
2 Balance. Too m u c h power in any one place is a threat
AC against ranged attacks.
to us a l l . (Lawfu l )
CHAMPION OF HORIZONS
3 Selflessness. I accept the b u rden of knowledge so that Piety 50+ Kruphix trait
others don't have to. (Good)
You can increase your Constitution or Intelligence
4 Knowledge. I seek out d a n gerous secrets so that I can score by 2 and also increase your maximum for that
know the nature of reality. ( N eutral) score by 2 .
5 Power. The best thing about knowi ng a secret is get
ting to use it against everyone else. (Evil)
6 Mystery. The cosmos is more beautiful if its greatest
truths re m a i n un known. (Any)

MYTHS OF KRU PH I X
Kru phix appears i n stories i n a n ancillary role, often a s the tree at the edge of the world. I m med iately, the gods' oracles
i m partial j udge who ends a conflict between gods. I n itiates could no longer hear them, their blessi n gs faded, and the
i n Kruph ix's mystery cult know other stories i n which he plays n ight sky held only u n movi n g stars. The great S i lence of the
a more active role, i nc l u d i n g special versions of wel l-known gods serves as the backdrop fo r n u merous tales of heroism
legends, but they seldom share these tales with others. and sacrifice. M any alive today witnessed the sky go dark and
The First Nyxborn. Accord i n g to one tale, it was Kruphix, the tem ples grow q u iet. Most con s ider the Silence a terrible
not Pu rphoros, who was the fi rst to fa s h ion l iving Nyxborn m i stake that led to the rise of the u s u rper god Xenagos, but
creatures from the fabric of Nyx. Kruphix created the divine fo l lowers of Kruphix know that it was a grim necessity to pre-
artisan Nykthos and ordered h i m to b u i l d altars to the gods. vent fa r worse calam ity.
Nykthos's story i s n 't widely known among morta ls, but the Theophilian Mysteries. Some of Kruphix's worshipers don't
Shri n e to Nyx is still cal led Nykthos in h i s honor. identify with their i n scrutable deity, but with Theoph i l ia, a
Kruphix's Warning. When Purphoros attacked Hel iod in a legendary naiad who entered Nyx and whose transcendent
destructive rage, H el iod dema nded that Kruphix intervene. encounter with Kruphix each i n itiate strives to d u pl icate. The
Kru phix constrained the forge-god's m i n d and memory in naiad's j o u rney is celebrated in hushed chants as bli ndfolded
p u n i s h ment for his attack. H e warned all the gods that if they i n itiates are led across a bou n d a ry-often stepping i nto a
threatened the mortal realm with their disru ptive q u a rrels, river or over a low stone wal l , a n act that symbolizes crossing
he would bind them to Nyx for as long as he saw fit. As of the horizon. Then the b l i ndfolds are removed as the faithfu l
yet, no god h a s dared t o test Kruph ix's threat, b u t there are intone a paean to Kruphix. The hope i s that Kruphix will
certa i n l y those among them who m i ght try if they could see a choose to reveal h i m self at the climax of the ritual, whether
way to retain their own powers. by the appearance of some omen or in a personal epiphany.
The Silence. When the squabbling of the gods threatened S uch a revelation isn't always positive, though, as Kruphix
the world once more despite Kruph ix's wa rning, he etched often i m parts a gl i m pse of cos m i c truths for which mortals
all their na mes-i nc l u d i n g his own-in the bark of his great have no possible context.
��
�
mortals burn-everything comes to ruin in time, and
Mogis believes that time should be now. Only the most
brutal and savage among the mortals should survive
his chosen few. Once the world lies in ruin with his
brother dead at his feet, Mogis's goals will be achieved.
Mogis's existence is defined by his eternal struggle
against his twin brother, Iroas. (Only a handful of con
tradictory myths address the parentage of these gods,
but they are universally described as twins.) Any of Mo
gis's actions and endeavors contribute to undermining
and ultimately destroying Iroas. Any divine relationships
Mogis might enter into are born of convenience and as
--·---
a means to the end. Mogis is incapable of loyalty and
.mnm-m- MO GIS should be expected to break any pact or agreement once
God of Slaughter it has outlived its usefulness.
Erebos appreciates Mogis's single-minded desire to
Mogis is the god of slaughter, violence, and war. He is destroy because it serves as a means to bring ever more
hatred unrestrained, empathy denied, and mercy for souls into his realm. Also, Erebos occasionally steers
gotten, an entity whose very presence incites mortals to Mogis's rampages in directions that inconvenience He
violence. Soldiers fear succumbing to his blood lust lest liod. This disruption inevitably leads to Heliod calling
they dishonor themselves, but the vengeful and forsaken on Iroas to battle his brother, perpetuating the endless
call to him for the gift of his rage. He is the brother cycle of conflict between the twins.
of Iroas, god of victory, and his antithesis in matters Of all his fellow gods, Mogis holds the most respect
of warfare. for Phenax. Mogis can't help but smile at the chaos
The anger and malice radiating from Mogis is almost Phenax is able to cause and the carnage the Returned
palpable. He exercises no control over his temper or wreak on the world. Phenax has a talent for inciting con
his urges and lashes out at subordinates at the slightest flict, which allows Mogis to revel in the resulting strife.
provocation. Akroan soldiers are warned that to give Mogis harbors an abiding disrespect, verging on ha
in to his seductive battle rage is to risk becoming an tred, for Ephara and Karametra. Ephara's neat, orderly
androphage-a bloodthirsty killer wholly consumed by cities are a delight to destroy, especially given her fussy,
Mogis's fury. precise adherence to rules. Likewise, Ephara's close
Mogis cuts a terrifying figure, appearing as a four relationships with Iroas and Heliod provoke Mogis's
horned minotaur of incredible size clad in spiked disgust. Mogis disdains Karametra because she aids
bronze armor and wielding a massive ebon greataxe. He mortals and provides succor to the weak. These are acts
doesn't debase himself by appearing in other guises to of foolishness because the weak don't deserve aid-they
mortals-to behold him is to behold the cruelty of war are fodder for the strong. Setting fertile fields ablaze and
personified. He hungers endlessly to defeat his brother witnessing the resulting famine is a source of enjoyment
Iroas in combat and thus become the sole avatar of war for Mogis, though he has been surprised more than once
among mortals. by the ferocity of Karametra's reprisals.
MOGIS 'S INFLUENCE WORSHIPING MOGIS

Mogis, like his brother, governs the sphere of warfare. Mogis exhorts his followers to channel their hatred
But while Iroas thrives on the glory of honorable victory, and rage into ever greater acts of cruelty and violence.
Mogis revels in sadism, destruction, and the utter hu He demands actions over words, making his followers
miliation of the vanquished. He drives warriors to acts an active and dangerous lot. From the spurned lover
of cruelty and malice in their pursuit of victory. Only thirsting for revenge to the blood-drenched warrior on
those who have experienced the terror and violence of the battlefield, all honor Mogis with the shedding of
war truly understand the seductive nature of Mogis's blood in anger.
power. To feel rage, to be an instrument of wrath-these Minotaurs are the most ardent worshipers of
emotions override the fear of battle. In hatred there Mogis and regularly hold bloody rites in his honor.
is strength, and Mogis revels in this fact. But mortals Warchanters, the minotaur clergy of Mogis, whip their
must beware, for the price he exacts in exchange for marauders into a near-mindless frenzy before battle; the
this strength is the sacrifice of decency, honor, and ensuing slaughter gives glory to Mogis's name.
compassion. The appearance of the blood moon is a most holy
occasion for the faithful of Mogis, since the moon
MoGis 's GOA LS represents his hateful crimson eye. At such times, his
To Mogis, the world is a canvas upon which he paints in followers prepare and consume a feast of meat, either
blood. His goals are easy to understand, thus easily ful raw or barely cooked, along with copious amounts of
filled by his minions. Mogis wants to unmake the world intoxicants, followed by ritual self-mutilation-scarring
' � through savagery. Let every polis fall and the works of themselves to demonstrate their devotion to Mogis.
·-
C HAPTER 2 I GODS OF THERO S

MYTHS OF Moc 1 s
The tales o f Mogis's deeds exe m p l ify h i s need to u n m a ke, h i s Origin ofthe Minotaur. I n ages past, a warrior oftremen·
brutal ity, a n d h i s des i re to destroy h i s hated brother. dous strength sta lked the battlefield. As a lone com batant, he
The Endless Feud. One legend claims that Mogis and l roas was u n beata ble, but he suffered when groups rose to oppose
were once a si ngle being, the act of war personified. But the h i m . After one such defeat, the warrior was so fi l led with
inherent tension between honor and brutal ity in com bat wrath that he m u rdered his entire village in Mogis's name.
led to a d ichotomy of pu rpose too great for a single god to The god, delighted by this d i s play, gifted the warrior with his
reconcile. Ripping h i mself apart, the god split in two, and so own ferocity, re making him as a reflection of Mogis's wrath
did Mogis and l roas come into existence, embodiments of and an engine of destruction in combat. Th is warrior became
the two aspects of war that are forever in conflict. Though no the fi rst m i notaur, and m a ny m i notaurs sti l l wors h i p Mogis,
tales of either Mogis or l roas's faith speak of such, whispers as he i s their creator and they were made in h i s i m age.
among the servants of other gods claim that there might be a Revel in Ruin. The s u m mer festival of the Megasphagion
way to piece the fractured god back together. Doing so wou l d i s a domesticated version of Mogis's typical rites. It involves
req u i re an incred i ble feat, though, l i kely involving t h e cooper· the sacrifice of m a ny cattle to avert Mogis's wrath. The meat
ation of both Mogis and I roas them selves. is then cooked and distributed among all who attend the
Mogis's Warhound. Mogis generally fights alone, beca use festival. The grand feast that fol lows tends to devolve i nto
he often loses control of h i s temper and strikes a l lies as well a drunken revel. In some tales, individuals or com m u n ities
as foes in the heat of battle. Still, Mogis sought a creature with long-held grudges find themselves incensed d u ring the
that would go before h i m , i n sti l l i n g fea r in h i s foes before h i s festival, lead i n g them to seek violent ends to their rivalries.
m i ghty axe fel l u p o n t h e m . M ogis took a ferocious cerbe rus Wrathbringer. Shortly after his birth, Mogis decided to ere·
and bound it together with the fi res of his eternal rage. This ate a weapon with which to kill his brother. Mogis assembled
terrible new creation beca m e h i s personal harbinger and his champions and sent them out to battlefields, where they
battle com pa n ion. The god of slaughter did n 't name h i s pet, col lected the essences of rage, hatred, and blood l u st. U nder
refusing to do so until the beast had clai med a h u n d red thou· a blood-red moon, Mogis u sed those in gred ients to forge a
sand lives and so proved itself truly worthy of his esteem . black i ron greataxe of manifest violence, Wrathbringer.
M o or s 's CHAMPIONS d6 Ideal
Alignment: Usually chaotic, often evil 3 Hate. H atred of my foes warms my heart and gives m e
Suggested Classes: Barbarian, cleric, druid, power. (Any)
fighter, warlock 4 Fury. My o n l y release from l ife's end less grind is s u r
Suggested Cleric Domains: War re nderi n g to my i n n e r beast. (Evil)
Suggested Backgrounds: Athlete, criminal, out-
S Ruthlessness. The ends j u stify the means and victory i s
lander, soldier
t o be obtained a t any cost. (Evi l )
Most champions of Mogis are antiheroes motivated by 6 Pride. No one can best me in my chosen en deavor and
rage and a thirst for war. Many are tortured souls with a woe to those who try. (Any)
thirst for vengeance.
E A RNING AND LOSING PIE T Y
Mo Gis's FAVOR
You increase your piety score t o Mogis when you ex
Mogis's favor isn't difficult to earn for someone who
lacks a moral compass. Mogis demands that blood be
spilled in his service, preferably the blood of I roas's
followers. Would-be champions should realize, though, • Defeating a champion of Iroas
that the god of slaughter invests in his followers with the • Taking vengeance against a powerful foe
expectation of receiving great returns. Those who disap • Burning a polis or a settlement to the ground
point, proving themselves incapable of sufficient cruelty • Desecrating a temple to Iroas as an offering to Mogis
or bloodshed, might find themselves on the wrong end
Your piety score to Mogis decreases if you diminish
of his blade.
Mogis's influence in the world, contradict his ideals,
To Mogis, the ideal follower is one who sheds all
or make him look weak or ineffectual through acts
moral compunctions in the course of bringing suffer
such as these:
ing to the world. He also cultivates grievances and
bitterness in those not ordinarily disposed to acts of • Failing to carry out a sworn vendetta
wanton violence. Over the eons, he has found that the • Publicly displaying weakness or compassion
betrayed, the disgusted, and the disfavored are readily • Rejecting a duel or a challenge out of fear
turned to a life of murderous service, to be discarded
MoGis's DEVOTEE
just as easily if they don't satisfy him. The Mogis's Favor
table suggests a few ways that a mortal might come to Piety 3+ Mogis trait
Mogis's attention, or vice versa. As a devotee of Mogis, you have shown yourself to be a
brutal combatant. You can call on Mogis's favor and cast
Moc 1 s 's FAVOR wrathful smite with this trait. Mogis's blessing manifest
d6 Circumstance as a blood-red glow around your weapon, causing it to
shed dim light in a 5-foot radius until the spell ends. You
You were born u n der a sanguine moon , the symbol of
can cast the spell in this way a number of times equal
Mogis's red eye.
to your Constitution modifier (minimum of once). You
2 You r twin s i b l i n g is a c h a m p ion of l roas. regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
3 You s u ccessfu l ly carried out a brutal vendetta against Constitution is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
a rival fa m i ly.
4 You proved yourself d ramatically (and perhaps vio
MoGis's VOTA RY
Piety 10+ Mogis trait
lently) worthy i n a contest of strength, a feat of e n d u r
ance, or a s i m i l a r acco m p l i s h m ent. You can cast blinding smite with this trait. Once you
S You called on M ogis's power to settle o l d scores by cast the spell in this way, you can't do so again until you
becom i n g an i n strument of h i s wrath.
finish a long rest. Constitution is your spellcasting abil
ity for this spell.
6 You have no idea why Mogis chose you , but h i s hate
seeps into you r being day by day nonetheless. MoGis 's DISCIPLE
DEVOTION TO M O GIS
Countless battles and vicious visions have given you fo
Following Mogis is a definitive rejection of ethical codes
cus. You have advantage on saving throws against being
and adoption of bloodlust and rage. As a follower of
charmed or frightened.
Mogis, consider the ideals on the Mogis's Ideals table as
alternatives to those suggested for your background. CHAMPION OF SLAUGHTER
Moc 1 s 's IDEALS
You can increase your Strength or Constitution score by
d6 Ideal 2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2 .
Devotion. My devotion to my god i s more i m portant to
2 Savagery. I express my rage through combat. (Chaotic)

66
N YLEA's GoALs
Compared to the other gods, Nylea's goals are mod-
est. She wants only to keep the natural world free and
healthy, shepherd the seasons through their yearly cycle,
and enjoy the beauty of the land. But in her darker mo
ments, she realizes that the very existence of civilization
on Theros is a mounting threat to nature-perhaps even
an effort by the rest of the pantheon to destroy her. If it
were up to her, she might well wipe away all the poleis
and larger communities, leaving only scattered tribes of
mortals to live in an enforced balance with nature. She
isn't out to eradicate sapient beings, blaming her fellow
gods for the spread of civilization rather than the mor
tals themselves.
NYLEA DIVINE RELATIONSHIPS

God of the Hunt Nylea seldom comes into open conflict with the other
gods, and she would say that all her clashes with them
Nylea is the wild, carefree god of the hunt. She claims result from their encroachment on her territory. The
dominion over the whole of the natural world, particu most frequent targets of her irritation are the gods who
larly hunger and predation, the seasons, metamorphosis encourage the spread of civilization. Heliod and Ephara
and rebirth, and the forest. brought law and ambition to mortals, persuading them
Nylea is among the most gregarious of the gods, and to congregate in stone-walled cities and consider them
can be spotted frolicking joyfully with her Nyxborn lynx, selves separate from her realm.
Halma, or her favorite nymph, Theophilia. But she also Purphoros oversees some of the natural processes
savors solitude, and on the hunt she is deadly serious, of earth and fire that help Nylea's realm flourish, but
almost animalistic, in her mood. She is nearly as quick he also gave mortals the gift of bronze, enabling them
to anger as her brother Purphoros, enacting swift re to make axes and spears. In both his destructive and
venge on those who harm the natural realm. creative guises, Purphoros might threaten what Nylea
Nylea usually appears as a green-skinned dryad with holds dear. As a result, she remains wary of his designs.
woody extremities. Her hair is made of vines and leaves Nylea is disappointed in Karametra, precisely because
that change with the seasons. She might also appear as of the overlap in their spheres of influence. Karametra
a majestic specimen of any animal, most frequently a insists on transforming nature into a mockery of itself,
lynx or a wolf. When she desires stealth or solitude, she yoking once-wild beasts and contorting plants through
might take the form of a tree, usually an oak or an olive. agriculture to feed the ever-swelling population centers.
Iroas and Mogis are harbingers of warfare, which is
NYLEA'S INFLUENCE always devastating to the natural world. Nylea is virtu
Nylea is worshiped by hunters, but her concerns go far ally incapable of distinguishing between the "noble" and
beyond humanity's ability to subsist on the bounty of the "brutal" aspects of their shared bailiwick, considering
natural world. She controls the turning of the seasons. all forms of war a senseless waste of life and energy.
Usually, she ushers each one in and out on schedule, Nylea acknowledges death as a crucial part of the life
but when angered, she might refuse to change to the cycle, but scorns Erebos's obsession with the afterlife.
next season, or even call upon one out of its proper time. What matters is that nature takes nourishment from the
Mortals pray to her to ward off unseasonable weather, bodies of the deceased, not from the disposition of their
both natural and supernatural in origin. intangible souls. She blames Erebos, Athreos, and Phe
Nylea is the best archer in the world, and contests of nax in equal measure for the existence of the Returned,
archery are often held in her name. Those who hunt which she considers abominations.
their own food pray to Nylea for success, and Nylea
blesses their natural predation. Poachers and those WORSHIPING NYLEA
who kill for sport, however, know that she loathes such Mortals all over Theros pray to Nylea when they rely
activity, and they try to stay hidden from her at all costs. on hunting or nature's whims for their livelihood. Her
Nylea has personally slain many of those who killed most ardent followers are satyrs, centaurs, humans
wantonly in her sacred Nessian Wood. (particularly those who live in Setessa and in the wilds),
Nylea's association with metamorphosis makes her and nymphs of all kinds, especially dryads. Few leonin
the target of prayers from those who seek to dramati worship any of the gods, but of those who do, many favor
cally change their own nature or identity. She is wor Nylea with their prayers.
shiped by those who want to reform or transform society Nylea blesses those who are kind to animals, consid
in ways less violent than those favored by gods such as ering such acts as wordless prayers. Those who must
Purphoros and Mogis. She is also revered by those who kill a dangerous natural animal or cut down trees often
cherish the solitude and serenity of the forest. pray to Nylea for forgiveness, sometimes leaving food for
Birth falls under Nylea's influence as well, and her other animals or planting new trees as atonement.
priests often double as midwives in their communities,
blessing babies as they come into the world. ....

NYLEA'S CHAMPIONS d6 Ideal
Alignment: Usually neutral, often good 3 Freedom. I yearn to run wild. (Chaotic)
Suggested Classes: Barbarian, cleric, druid, ran ger 4 Stewardship. We m ust care for the natural world as it
Suggested Cleric Domains: Nature cares for u s . (Good)
Suggested Backgrounds: Folk hero, hermit, outlander 5 Savagery. It's eat or be eaten, a n d I plan to be the one
Most champions of Nylea understand the cycles of na with the fu l l belly. (Evi l )
ture-embracing life, death, and rebirth. They might 6 Purity. I won't s u l ly my body or my soul with the taint
commit violence when necessary but never revel in it, of civil ization. (Any)
advocating for the proper treatment of animals, plants,
and the natural world. EARNING AND LOSING PIETY
You increase your piety score to Nylea when you ex
NYLEA'S FAVOR
Nylea chooses champions who will tirelessly defend the
natural world, regardless of their mortal ties and asso
ciations. She cares more for consistency of actions than Healing a sick or injured wild animal
for vows of loyalty and expressions of devotion. Whether • Stopping those who hunt for sport or profit
you are silently devoted to her or vociferous in your Proving your worth in a contest of archery
praise, it is your actions in her name that will prompt • Slaying an aberration, a fiend, or an undead
her to continue her support-or withdraw it. Your piety score to Nylea decreases if you diminish
Because her interests are often tied to natural forces, Nylea's influence in the world, fail to defend nature, or
Nylea's attentions can be unpredictable. What made the offend her sensibilities through acts such as these:
god turn her attention to you? What act of charity or feat
of skill made her think you would be a good champion? Killing an animal for any reason other than necessity
The Nylea's Favor table offers a handful of suggestions. • Dedicating a building or making a sacrifice to any god,
including Nylea
N YLEA1S FAVOR • Protecting a city or farm from natural dangers
d6 Circumstance NYLEA'S DEVOTEE

You were born at dawn on the spring e q u i nox, a sign of Piety 3+ Nylea trait
Nylea's favor. As a devotee of Nylea, you have proven yourself a guard
2 You healed an i n j u red wolf, which then revea led itself ian of the wilds. You can cast hunter's mark with this
to be Nylea in di sguise. trait a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier
3 You won an archery contest with a truly stu n n i n g shot, (minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when
but afterward chastised onlookers who compared your you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting abil
s k i l l to Nylea's. ity for this spell.
4 Lost in the forest as a c h i l d , you were raised by wolves.
NYLEA'S VOTARY
Nylea intervened to teach you l a n guage and enable
Piety 10+ Nylea trait
you to one day take you r place in society as one of her
You can cast speak with animals with this trait a num
champions.
ber of times equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum
5 A u n icorn has appeared to you several times in yo u r
of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish
l i fe , often after protecting a n i m a l s or nature. a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for
6 You lived alone in the wi lderness for a year. In a l l that this spell.
time you never heard another mort a l 's voice, but Nylea In addition, you have advantage on saving throws
spoke to you regularly. against being poisoned.
NYLEA'S DISCIPLE
DEVOTION TO NYLEA
Nylea calls upon her followers to defend the natural
world and oppose those who would bring it harm When a beast is about to attack you, it must make a DC
through cruelty or greed. As a follower of Nylea, con 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature
sider the ideals on the Nylea's Ideals table as alterna must choose a different target, or the attack automati
tives to those suggested for your background. cally misses you. On a successful save, the creature is
immune to this trait for 24 hours.
N YLEA1S I DEALS
CHAMPION OF THE HUNT
d6 Ideal
Devotion. My devotion to my god is more i m portant to
You can increase your Dexterity or Wisdom score by 2
me than what she sta nds for. (Any)
and also increase your maximum for that score by 2 .
2 Nature. The beauty of the natu ral world fi l l s me with
seren ity. ( N eutral)
' ..
·-
C H APTER Z I GODS OF THEROS

68
MYTHS OF N Y L EA
Most of the myths about Nylea are cautionary tales about the The Three Hunters. Three you n g men from wealthy fa m i l ies
fate of morta ls who profane her sacred forests. were h u nting for sport in the N essian Wood. Nylea accosted
The First Hunt. Each spring, com m u n ities observe the them before they had taken any prey and gave each m a n a
festival of the First H u nt, the Protokynion. In ancient times, chance to bring her a gift that wou l d atone for his i ntentions.
the festival involved h u nti ng, but i n the modern form of ob The first man kil led a stag and made an offering of it in her
servance, it i s a day of picnics, outdoor ga mes, and frolicking na me, so she turned him i nto a stag to com pensate for the
that has little to do with Nylea except that it celebrates the one he had killed . The second offered wealth from his fa m i ly
fu l l floweri n g of spri ng. Ta les tell of Nylea being passingly bit coffers, so she turned h i m into a tree clinging to a cliff face
ter about the celebration a n d , a n n u a l ly, visiting a First H u nt by one root. The third, remorsefu l , threw h i m self on a bed
celebration in d i sguise. If she fi n d s herself d u l y honored of moss, and a cerulean butterfly came to rest on his hand.
d u ring the revel ry, she blesses the event and might person Ca refu lly, he carried the butterfly back to Nylea. She not only
a l ly partici pate. I f she fi nds no mention of her works, she spared h i m , but blessed h i s house and a l l his descendants.
curses those in attend ance, sometimes sending ra m paging The Tragedy ofArasta. In ages long past, N y lea loved her
beasts to d i s ru pt the event or turning participants i nto ga me d ryad compa n i o n , Arasta, as a sister and the two spread
a n i m a l s for true hu nters to stalk. wonders across Theros. One d ay, Phenax, envious of the pair
Origin ofthe Catoblepas, Another Perspective. When a and stung by some forgotten sl ight, transformed Arasta i nto
herder boasted that h i s cattle were Theros's fi nest because a terrible monster to prove that the goddess's love was based
Hel iod and Nylea had created them, Hel iod persuaded on beauty, not true kinship. Seeing the u n fa m i l i a r creature,
Mogis to curse the cattle, tra n sforming them into the first Nylea was horrified and drove her away. Shattered, Arasta
catoblepases. Hel iod had hoped to win Nylea's favor by de retreated and has terrorized the gods' servants ever s i nce. To
fending her honor in this way, but she was outraged to be as this d ay, Nylea rem a i n s deeply pai ned by Arasta's loss. Know
sociated with the creation of these abomi natio ns. To this d ay, i n g that only Phenax can u nd o the curse he laid upon the
Nylea offers a boon to anyone who h u nts down a catoblepas dryad, Nylea often sends her champions to learn the secret
and brings its head to her sacred grove. of what m ight restore her friend.
-
· 4�
,_ �
"#Jt �,�
PHARIKA's GOALS
To Pharika, Theros is an ongoing experiment and mor
tals are her agents in carrying it out. Rather than limit
her knowledge to what her own insights yield, she revels
in watching mortals decipher the world's wisdom and
unearth its hidden knowledge, and she delights in see
ing each sage interpret their findings in novel ways. She
is willing to do anything to perpetuate experimentation
and discovery, even at the cost of turning her less devout
followers into specimens.
Despite her venomous reputation, Pharika has provided
nearly every god with a cure or an otherwise essential
tonic at a crucial moment. As a result, she's rarely in
outright conflict with her fellow gods, yet she's always
God ofAffliction willing to jeopardize peace with her peers if it means
indulging some audacious new experiment.
Pharika is a god of affliction and medicine, alchemy and The gods of the Underworld have cordial relations
aging. In the earliest days of Theros, Pharika seeded with Pharika. She and Athreos enjoy each other's silent
the world with countless secret truths-mysteries of company, and Erebos appreciates her agenda, which ul
medicine, minerals with strange properties, nexuses of timately bolsters his realm. Pharika rankles somewhat
magic, and the like-which she hid among Nylea's wilds at the attention Erebos gets from dying mortals, chafing
and the shadows of Erebos's Underworld, leaving clues at their tendency to appeal to him when they could beg
where mortals might find them. It isn't altruism that her for healing or for a painless death.
drives her; she studies the innovation and suffering of Pharika and the gods of civilization cautiously ma
mortals, deciphering in them ever greater mysteries as neuver around one another's territory, with Ephara and
she treats Theros as her personal laboratory. Karametra recognizing Pharika's medicinal virtues,
Pharika typically takes the form of a green-skinned and she is always seeking subtle ways to use city-states
human woman with the lower body of a snake. Her in her experiments without provoking her peers. She
hands are thickly scaled and a pair of bronze-scaled disdains Ephara's and Karametra's desire to tame the
vipers seamlessly emerge from her chest. She is never world rather than understand it.
without her kylix, a drinking cup within which she can Pharika has her most complex relationships with the
produce virtually any medicine or toxin. When her aims gods of knowledge. Pharika loathes that Keranos gifts
require subtlety, Pharika often takes the form of a ser wisdom to the undeserving, while Kruphix represents
pent or a medusa, or sometimes an aged human. mysteries even she has yet to fathom.
Little escapes Pharika's cool gaze. Even when out No god is more precious to Pharika than Nylea. She
wardly friendly, she is cunning and calculating, watch adores Nylea as the source of nature's abundant bounty
ing for the slightest sign of weakness or desire that she and delights in Nylea's warmth. Anyone who threatens
can exploit later. Those who offend her rarely recognize or offends Nylea is likely to also earn Pharika's enmity.
their misstep until she strikes.
WORSHIPING PHARIKA
PHARI KA'S INFLUENCE
The diseased and the dying alike often make written
Pharika represents the duality of life and death distilled entreaties to Pharika for a remedy. Prayers are written
into a single draught that can serve as tonic or toxin, on scraps of paper or shards of pottery, sealed in small
depending on the dosage. She is most associated with pots, and buried in bogs, leaving them as secrets for
affliction, whether that phenomenon takes the form of others to exhume years later. Many people pray to her
a disease, a venom, a drug, or the passage of years. Her before undergoing a medical procedure, picking herbs,
cures are reliable but come at a cost. In some cases, that or confronting a venomous animal. Nights of a waxing
cost is pain as the medicine courses through the imbib crescent moon (roughly the first week of each month,
er's body. In other cases, she demands years of life, ei when a sliver of moon lingers in the early evening) are
ther from the patient's lifetime or the researcher's labor. sacred to Pharika and are thought to be an auspicious
In her oversight of life and death, Pharika acts as a time to harvest medicinal plants.
patron of alchemists. Pharmacists offer prayers to her Pharika's followers include members of several small
while crafting potions, as do the ill or infirm before mystery cults, which embrace varying aspects of her
imbibing a supposed remedy. Likewise, a body's slow divine nature. The most infamous of these is the Cult of
transformation is sacred to her, whether it be the inevi Frozen Faith, led by a medusa. Initiates receive a lethal
table effects of aging or the petrification of her medusa dose of poison, become petrified, and then are restored
children's victims. to flesh one year later. Petitioners who have Pharika's
favor emerge alive and healthy; those she doesn't care
for fail to survive the transformation.

70
MYTHS OF PHAR I KA
Ta les of Pharika emphasize her secret knowledge, with many and the truly devout i m bibe near-lethal doses of poison,
legends h i nting at apocrypha that a l istener m ight track down trusti n g Pharika to oversee their recovery. In some tales, a co
to d i scover the god's most exalted lore. bra with ra i n bow scales appears in Pha rika's tem ple and bites
Aestraste's Reward. So i m pressed was she with the deeds some i ncurable soul. The envenomed victim pitches and
of her cham pion Aestraste that Pharika offered to fi l l her babbles for three days, but their d i sjointed words prove to be
kylix with any d raught for Aestraste to i m b ibe. The champion a font of alchem ical truths, sometimes bearing the secrets to
asked to taste the nectar of pure joy, and the god obl iged. hea l i n g others around them. I n most of these myths, the vic
But when Aestraste took a sip, passion took hold of her, and tim expires at the end of these th ree days-Pharika's price for
she q uaffed the entire e l ixir. Overwhelmed with ecstasy, the sharing her secrets-but in some, the patient recovers, there
champion perished, having forgotten that too much of any· after exh ibiting remarkable resistance to ill ness and poisons.
thing-even happiness-can be fata l . Dragon Balm. Some texts of Pharika claim that with i n the
The Basilisk's Greed. I n Pharika's earliest days, h e r m i n d chemical makeup of each i nd ividual dragon l ies the cure to
overflowed with knowledge, and she retreated to a secret, one specific d i sease or ven o m . Those desperate for a cure to
verdant glen. There, she set to scri b i n g her secrets i nto the a rare affl iction often pray to the goddess to reveal the mon
garden's fru its, h i d i n g with i n each a dozen deaths and their ster that em bodies the m a lady tormenting them. S uch in
cures. When she retired wearily to bathe, a l izard crept i nto sight, though, rarely decreases the danger of dragon h u nting.
her grove and gobbled up m uch of the fru it. It's said that The Medusa's Curse. To seed the world with knowledge,
this original basilisk and its progeny are sti l l heavy with u n d i Pharika gathered her medusa children and granted a h u n
gested secrets, and that if bas i l i s k blood is d i stil led i nto i n k, dred secrets t o each, bidd ing t h e m t o h ide their revelati ons
it can be used to write out forgotten lore. throughout the mortal rea l m . Selfish ly, the medusas each
Day ofAffliction. During the fi rst week of the eleventh kept secrets for themselves, u s i n g these as cu rrency to bar
month, Me letis observes Phari ka's winter festival, the Chei ga i n with mortals. Angered that her children wo u l d hoard any
mazion. The sick and i nfirm s leep in the god's tem ples of her secrets, Pharika cursed them, so that they could never
d u ring this festival i n hopes of receivi n g a m i raculous cure, after behold their own reflections without risking death.
PHARIKA'S CHAMPIONS EARNING A ND LOSING PIETY
You increase your piety score to Pharika when you ex
Alignment: Usually neutral, often evil
Suggested Classes: Cleric, druid, ranger, rogue, war
lock, wizard
Suggested Cleric Domains: Death, Knowledge, Life Creating a cure for a dangerous affliction
Suggested Backgrounds: Criminal, guild artisan, her- Defeating a powerful foe by using poison
mit, outlander, sage Discovering or documenting an unknown people or a
poorly understood creature
Most champions of Pharika seek to uncover the world's
• Building or restoring a temple to Pharika, or a site
greatest secrets through science, alchemy, and magic.
that glorifies serpentine creatures
They are often enamored with the mysteries of life and
death, along with snakes or other venomous creatures. Your piety score to Pharika decreases if you diminish
Pharika's influence in the world, contradict her ideals,
PHARIKAS FAVOR or make her look ridiculous or ineffectual through acts
Pharika craves champions who support her ongoing such as these:
experiments, torment her enemies, and deliver cut
Destroying alchemical, medical, pathological, or simi
ting-edge aid to the suffering. Yet, just because someone
lar research
serves Pharika doesn't mean they are immune to her
• Performing a notable act of healing without exacting a
whims. Why did Pharika turn her gaze upon you, and
significant price
how did you survive long enough to earn her approval?
• Slaying a medusa or serpent
The Pharika's Favor table provides several suggestions.
PHARIKA's DEVOTEE
PHA R I KA1S FAVOR
Piety 3+ Pharika trait
d6 Circumstance
As a devotee of Pharika, you have power over affliction.
You were born in a plague-struck v i l l age's fi n a l days, You can cast ray of sickness with this trait a number
u lti mately being the only s u rvivor. of times equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of
2 Exposure to a rare toxin granted you visions of Pharika, once). You regain all expended uses when you finish
and you have sought her wisdom ever s i n ce. a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for
3 Your medical attention proved crucial to a stranger's
this spell.
s u rvival, and now yo u r acq u a i ntances period ically fa l l
PHARIKA'S VOTARY
i l l , as though Pharika i s testi ng y o u again and again.
4 A sagacious serpent once offered you g u i dance and
Pharika's blessing shields you from most maladies.
has infl ue nced your stud ies ever si nce.
You have advantage on saving throws against being poi
5 You are dyi ng. As death grows nearer, you are i n creas
soned, and you are immune to disease.
ingly adept at deciphering nature's mysteries.
6 You have no idea why Pharika showed i nterest in you, PHARIKA's DISCIPLE
and you might sometimes wish she hadn 't. Piety 25+ Pharika trait
Pharika blesses you with Pharika's Balm, an effect that
DEVOTION TO PHARIKA can cure or enfeeble. As an action, you can touch a crea
In accepting Pharika as your patron, you entrust your ture and choose one of the following:
health and your knowledge to her. As her follower, con
• The target regains hit points equal to ld8 + your Wis
sider the ideals on the Pharika's Ideals table as alterna
dom modifier, and you can cure the target of one dis
tives to those suggested for your background.
ease or neutralize one poison affecting it.
• The target must succeed on a DC 1 5 Constitution sav
PHAR I KA'S I DEALS
ing throw, or for 1 minute, the target deals only half
d6 Ideal damage with weapon attacks. The target can repeat
Devotion. My devotion to my god is more im portant to the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending
me than what she stands for. (Any) the effect on a success.
2 Scholarship. U n l ocking the natural worl d ' s secrets is a You can use this action a number of times equal to
chall enge I welcome. ( N e utral) your Wisdom modifier (minimum of once). You regain
3 Balance. My work shall save as m a ny lives as it takes, all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
balancing the deserving and the i n s ufferable. ( N eutral)
CHA M PION OF A FFLICTION
4 Immortality. Those who d i scover nature's darkest and
d i rest secrets earn the right to live forever. (Evil)
You can increase your Dexterity or Wisdom score by 2
5 Fatalism. Everyone dies. As a res ult, I may e m ploy their
brief l ives to further my agendas. (Evil)
6 Tutelage. The world is a deadly classroom, and stu
dents need an expert guide to s u rvive. ( N e utral)
C HAPTER ?. I GODS OF THEROS

7 ?.
gods. Every lie, every betrayal, delights him as it sows
discord in the world. He respects a well-planned and ex
ecuted grift or heist, sometimes rewarding able follow
ers with opportunities to serve as his champions.
As the metaphorical progenitor of the Returned, Phe
nax also takes time to provide shelter and opportunities
for his children to disrupt the mortal world.
It stands to reason that the god of secrets, deception,
and betrayal isn't close with the rest of the pantheon.
This is not to say that Phenax doesn't have active re
lationships with others in the pantheon, but his posi
PHENAX -�:r[§J,[£1 tion as the patron of lies doesn't lead to close, lasting
friendships.
God of Deception Erebos and Athreos despise Phenax, which delights
him to no end. Phenax revels in the fact that, as a lowly
Phenax is the masked patron of lies and cheats. He is
mortal, he was able to outwit both the Lord of the Un
Heliod's ethical antithesis, governing the spheres of
derworld and the River Guide. Still bitter over Phenax's
gambling, deception, and betrayal. Phenax was once
deception, Erebos concocts ways to torment the upstart
a mortal who was trapped in the Underworld, but he
god. Were he to discover a method to slay Phenax and
learned how to forsake his identity to prevent Erebos
return him to the Underworld, the god of the dead would
from detecting what he was doing. He crossed back
pursue it over all other goals.
over the Rivers That Ring the World wrapped in the
Phenax finds Heliod and Iroas overbearing and insuf
tattered cloak of Athreos, the River Guide, who ushers
ferable. Both represent ideologies diametrically opposed
the dead to their final rest. Hidden by illusion as he was,
to Phenax's, and both have followers who regularly try
neither Athreos nor Erebos could find Phenax and bring
to foil his schemes. In turn, Phenax does his best to
him back.
upend their plans through lies and deception. After all, a
Able to play whatever role the situation calls for, Phe
fair fight isn't worth fighting.
nax is a consummate actor. His incisive wit and cunning
Nowhere is Phenax's commitment to upending the
enable him to read the desires of his marks, adjusting
status quo and angering his fellow gods more evident
his approach to suit the moment. In his rare moments of
than in his role in the rise of Xenagos, the now de
candor, Phenax is calm and calculating, always looking
stroyed god of revels. Xenagos's attacks left many of the
toward his next scheme.
gods disconnected from their followers, inciting a panic
Phenax is a shadowy and mysterious figure. When ap
in Nyx. Phenax, basking in the chaos of Xenagos's plot,
pearing before mortals, he prefers the form of a willowy
found myriad ways to covertly aid him until the satyr's
humanoid with ashen gray skin, clad in elegant robes.
apotheosis. Helping another mortal ascend to godhood
He has also been known to appear in a variety of animal
was, to Phenax, the ultimate subversion of authority.
forms, including the shapes of asps, mockingbirds, or
rats. Regardless of his shape, a mask forever conceals
WORSHIPING PHENAX
the blank face of the first Returned.
Every lie is an homage to Phenax. Because his most de
PHENAX 'S INFLUENCE vout followers are criminals and gamblers, his influence
is keenly felt in gambling halls and dens of thieves. But
Subtlety and manipulation-of mind, word, and deed
everyone has their own reasons to stray from the truth
are the cornerstones of Phenax's power and his influ
at times, and thus, they also find small ways to seek
ence over mortals and immortals alike. Even gods enjoy
Phenax's favor as they go about their daily lives.
hearing what they prefer to hear instead of the truth,
Formal services to Phenax are conducted at night,
and Phenax is happy to give them what they want.
with the most sacred rituals performed on nights of the
He takes pleasure in finding ways to subvert or cor
new moon. Offerings are made to attract Phenax's favor,
rupt champions of law, order, and justice, turning them
with valuables from successful robberies, parchment
to his cause. Whether by feeding the hubris of a cham
filled with lies, or loaded dice being thrown into deep
pion of Heliod or subverting the moral code of a stalwart
crags or buried at crossroads. Such sacrifices often van
of Iroas, he tempts mortals by confronting them with
ish soon after, claimed by the god or his servants. De
seemingly inconsequential decisions, each of which of
vout criminals often offer Phenax stolen goods as part of
fers an opportunity for the person to compromise their
their preparations for premeditated crimes.
principles. One by one, these acts move the needle of
Phenax is worshiped openly in the necropoleis of
a person's moral gauge by a small amount. Over time,
Asphodel and Odunos, though the Returned who are
these choices accumulate until the individual's fall from
loyal to Erebos's agent, Tymaret, refuse to worship the
grace is complete.
god they're hunting (see chapter 3). Somber ceremonies
PHENA x 's GOALS are intoned to bless the golden funeral masks the Re
Phenax doesn't want to rule Nyx. He is the perennial turned wear.
outsider, existing only to disrupt the plans of his fellow
...
·

73
PHENAX'S CHAMPIONS EARNI N G A ND LOSING PIETY
You increase your piety score to Phenax when you ex
Alignment: Usually chaotic, often neutral
Suggested Classes: Bard, cleric, monk, rogue, wa rlock
Suggested Cleric Domains: Trickery
Suggested Backgrounds: Charlatan, criminal, enter- • Helping a fugitive escape justice
tainer, sailor (pirate), urchin • Pulling off a daring robbery
• Obstruct champions of other gods
Most champions of Phenax are exemplars of deceit, mo
• Building or restoring a temple to Phenax
tivated by greed, revenge, or a good swindle. They have
chosen to serve a mortal who ascended to godhood, pos Your piety score to Phenax decreases if you diminish
sibly because they want to emulate him. Phenax's influence in the world, contradict his ideals,
or make him look ridiculous or ineffectual through acts
PHENA x's FAVOR such as these:
Phenax expects his champions to be cunning and
• Forthrightly assisting lawgivers in their duties
self-sufficient, much as he was when he escaped the
• Swearing and then honoring an oath
Underworld. He has great respect for a sound plan that
• Bringing order in times of chaos
is craftily executed and might offer all manner of clever
assistance to mortals he deems worthy. PHE N A X 1 S DEVOTEE
What did you do to garner his attention? What set Piety 3+ Phenax trait
you apart in his eyes from petty schemers, grifters, and
criminals? What made him think you would be a good As a devotee of Phenax, you have proven yourself
champion? The Phenax's Favor table offers a handful of accomplished at deception. You can call on Phenax's
suggestions. blessing and cast disguise selfwith this trait. While the
spell is active, your shadow still resembles your origi
PHE NAX1S FAVOR nal form. You can cast the spell in this way a number
of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum
d6 Circumstance
of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish
You were born at m id n ight u nder the new moon. a long rest. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for
2 One of you r parents is a champion of Phenax. this spell.
3 You p u l led off a daring theft or escaped fro m co nfine
PHENA X ' S VOTARY
ment at a yo u n g age.
Piety 10+ Phenax trait
4 You have proven you rself a capa ble liar and te l l e r of tall
tales. Your words are inspired by Theros's greatest liar. You
have advantage on Charisma (Deception) checks.
5 You dedicated yo ur life to u p setting the bal ance of
power in a corrupt polis. PHENA x's DI SCIPLE
6 You have no idea why Phenax showed interest in you , Piety 25+ Phenax trait
and you m i ght sometimes wish he hadn't.
When you are hidden from a creature and miss it
with an attack, making the attack doesn't reveal
DEVOTION TO PHENA X
your position.
Following Phenax means devoting yourself to a life of
trickery and guile. To a champion of Phenax, a life with CHA MPION OF DECEPTION
out risk is no life at all. Some rules are meant to be bro Piety 50+ Phenax trait
ken, some secrets meant to be shared, and order must
You can increase your Dexterity or Charisma score by 2
be upended from time to time. As a follower of Phenax,
consider the ideals on the Phenax's Ideals table as alter
natives to those suggested for your background.
PHE NAX 1S IDEALS

d6 Ideal
Devotion. My devotion to my god is more i m portant to
m e than what he stands for. (Any)
2 Pragmatism. The ends j u stify the m eans; I do whatever
it takes to w i n . (Evil)
3 Duplicity. I l i e when it s u its m e , which makes things so
m uch easier. (Ch aotic)
4 Secrecy. All deception req u i res secrecy, but not a l l se
crets are meant to deceive. (Any)
5 Luck. Want more l u ck? Take more cha nces! (Chaotic) •
6 Adaptability. Plans change , circum stances go awry. I
' .. m u st bend in response to changes, not break. (Any)
·-

74
MYTHS OF P H E N A X
The tales t o l d o f Phen ax's deeds speak of h is d u p l icity, c u n souls to a great oak, making a terrifying amalgam of u ndeath
n i ng, and wit. to guard Odunos and haunt the l iving fo r eternity.
The Path ofPhenax. Phenax was once a mortal who, l i ke a l l Feud with Ny/ea. A pair of acco m p l i shed h u nters, both
mortals, passed on t o Erebos's care i n t h e U n derworld when fervent fo l l owers of Nylea, had a bet with one another to
h i s time a mong the l iving came to a n end. But Phenax found p rove who was better with a bow. After countless tests found
a way to escape the U n derworld by sacrificing his identity to them equally matched, the h u nters' rivalry d rew Phen ax's
the memory-dra i n i n g waters therein. H e was able to cross attention. Assuming the form of a d ryad, Phenax goaded
the Rivers That Ring the World wrapped i n a sh red of Athre and tau nted the hu nters. Though a m u sing at fi rst, Phen ax's
os's cloak. S i nce he had no identity, Athreos cou ld n 't detect words cut deep, making the h u nters careless. Thus, when
h i m , and thus Erebos cou l d n 't use his great lash to p u l l Phe the d ryad s u ggested a b l i ndfolded test of marks m a nship, the
nax back. When he emerged back i nto the realm of mortals, h u nters agreed. Once bl inded, Phenax positioned the h u nt
he did so as the first of the Returned. In time, others d i scov ers to shoot one another. I n the moment they fired, though,
ered this q u andary of metaphysics, which is now known as Nylea noticed Phenax's trick. She cu rved her h u nters' arrows
the Path of Phenax. m id-flight and m u ltipl ied their n u m ber. Phenax's disguise
Black Oak ofOdunos. Before Odunos became a necropolis, shattered as he was riddled with a rrows that pinned h i m to
it was a thriving city akin to Akros or Meletis. When the city a great tree. Nylea appeared to the trapped god, mocked his
fel l before Phenax's assemb led forces, some ofthe popu l ace pointless d u plicity, and warned h i m never to threaten her
begged the god of lies to spare them the touch of Erebos's fo l lowers aga i n . She then left him to struggle free from the
dread lash. Never one to m i s s a n opportun ity to cheat Ere deeply e m bedded arrows, a n escape that took him over a
bos, Phenax made a solemn pro m i se to those asking for h i s week. Duri n g that time, the god concocted plot after plot to
mercy, assuri n g t h e m that they wou ld n 't b e forced i n t o the have h i s revenge on Nylea. Some tales claim that this em
U nderworld, on his honor. Soon afterwa rd, the Returned that barrassment d i rectly led to tragedy for Nylea's favorite d ryad
had invaded the city m u rdered these people to the last one companion, while others warn that Phenax's revenge has
whereupon Phenax, true to his word, bound their bodies and o n ly j u st begun.
and anvilwrought creatures appear in the countryside.
When he is wrathful, stars vanish in molten rain, and
his hammer blows annihilate whole mountaintops.
P uRPHORos's GOALS
Purphoros acts not because of grand plans or high
ideals, but on the whims of his restless, creative mind.
On the rare occasions when he contemplates what he
would do if he were ascendant in the pantheon, his most
fervent wish is to be left alone. To Purphoros, that would
mean spending time by himself in his forge, creating
anything he desires. But it also would mean being free
to uproot mountains, topple cities, and reroute rivers
without any of the other gods interfering.
God of the Forge

Purphoros has few strong relationships with his fellow
gods, considering most of them arrogant ingrates. Ac
Purphoros is the god of the forge, the restless earth, and cording to legend, it was he who created the weapons of
fire. He rules the raw creative force that infuses sapient the gods, asking nothing in return. But his infrequent
minds. Purphoros is also the god of artisans, obsession, though memorable bouts of destructive fury have earned
and the cycle of creation and destruction. him more ill will in the pantheon than he realizes.
As a forge radiates heat in the area around it, Pur Heliod despises Purphoros's unpredictable impulses
phoros's influence provides inspiration to mortals. He even as he envies the forge god's ability to create grand
makes exquisitely crafted objects almost constantly, works. Purphoros resents Heliod's attempts to impose
sometimes absentmindedly working while he holds laws that constrain the passion of creation. In many
conversations with the other gods, only to destroy the ways, the two gods represent opposing approaches to
finished product and begin again. Impulsive and mercu the contradictions and challenges of mortal life, and
rial, Purphoros is prone to bouts of either joyous produc they have more than once fought titanic battles in Nyx.
tivity or frustrated anger. He often feels constrained by Thassa is Purphoros's closest ally in the pantheon.
the limits of imagination, yearning to realize ideas that Imbued as she is with the malleable, quenching power
seem just out of reach. of water, she knows that he can neither destroy her
Purphoros's preferred form is that of a muscular man waves nor reforge them. Because she has no fear of him,
whose coal-hued skin is mostly covered in mutable she treats him as a friend. Purphoros frequently makes
organic bronze. He might also appear in the form of a wondrous gifts for Thassa, and her underwater palace
fiery phoenix or a bull made of cooling lava, and for that holds countless unique creations of the god of the forge.
reason, both of those creatures are associated with him. Purphoros holds Kruphix in contempt for hobbling
When angered, he might appear as an enormous mass his mind after he engaged in a particularly destructive
of lava, a blazing fire, or a volcanic eruption. Mortals battle with Heliod. The forge god spent years addled and
who see Purphoros in one of those forms seldom live to incomplete. He has since recovered his faculties, but he
tell about it. mourns the things he might have made during that lost
time. Taking revenge on Kruphix would require careful
PuRPHORos's INFLUENCE planning, however, and Purphoros is unlikely to under
The raw creative force that Purphoros embodies is take such an effort unless another god goads him into it.
chaotic, but Purphoros isn't a god of unbridled chaos. Ephara and Karametra are, like Purphoros, deeply
Rather, he shows mortals how to harness that primal involved in the project of civilization. Purphoros's desire
energy, shaping it through passion and labor into some to overturn the established order with violence stands in
thing usable. stark contrast to their measured ways. As a result, Pur
Purphoros is primarily associated with forging, met phoros stands aloof from them.
allurgy, and related activities. It was his followers who
WORSHIPING P URPHOROS
first brought bronze to Theros, and a few of his most fa
vored have begun working with a new metal-iron-said Purphoros holds dominion over everything that springs
to come directly from their god's forge-fires. from mortal ingenuity. Most artisans say a small prayer
Though Purphoros is largely interested in physical to him upon beginning or completing the construction of
craft, he has influence over all forms of creation. Ker nearly anything, from swords to fortresses to ships.
anos also inspires new ideas, but it is Purphoros who Naturally, Purphoros is strongly associated with the
oversees the advancement of the craft that brings these forge, and nearly every smithy on Theros is a sort of ad
ideas to life in the world. hoc temple to him. Charms and idols of Purphoros hang
Purphoros is always ready to obliterate what is to from the walls in such places, intended both to inspire
make room for what could be, and to start the cycle the artisans and protect them against accidents. Regard
again when what could be becomes what is. When he is less of their professions, worshipers of Purphoros often
inspired, the night sky glitters with new constellations, light small fires in the god's honor, burning wooden
crafts or drawings of their inventions to gain his favor.

MYTHS OF PURPHOROS
The myths about Purphoros revolve around one of two with strips of bronze and refi l l the vessel of h i s Nyxborn twin.
themes: his wonderfu l creations or his explosive anger. Petros lacks the spark of true l ife, though, and can't speak.
The Gift ofBronze. Long ago, mortals on Theros fought H e toi l s day and n ight i n Pu rphoros's forge, making wonders
and h u nted using weapons made of stone and wood. Accord that wou ld shame any mortal s m ith but can never match Pur
ing to legend, it was a satyr s m ith na med Tecton who d i s phoros's work in beauty or origi n a l ity.
covered how to refi ne copper ore and work it into tools and The Stone Winter. I n Theros's earliest days, the people
weapons. Pu rphoros, delighted, saw this as the mortals' first vociferously honored Heliod , Nylea, and Thassa for the com
tentative steps toward true craft. Some s m iths, hastily copy forts of nature. G radual ly, Pu rphoros grew bitter that mortals
ing Tecto n 's methods, devised a way to blend copper and never acknowledged his fl ames, which kept the earth warm
arsenic i nto a crude form of bronze, but the forging method and fertile. So, Purphoros que nched the world's core. For a
was d a ngerous and often yielded defective results. year, a l i feless winter gripped the world, with neither the s u n
To reward the s m ith who took the first steps, Pu rphoros nor t h e seasons wa rming t h e corpse-ch i l l earth. U lti mately,
appea red to Tecton and granted the satyr the secret of smelt it was the mortal engineer Chersio who brought about the
ing copper and tin into true bronze. The m a n ufacture and wi nter's end. I n stead of curs i n g the situation, Chersio sought
use of bronze weapons spread across Theros, launching an a solution, creati ng a hypocaust system to bring warmth to
age in which heroes conquered the wilds and founded great her com m u n ity. Deli ghted with the i n n ovation, Purphoros
civi l izations. Bronze is sti l l the most used metal on Theros waited until Chersio com p l eted and l it her s u bstructure fu r
and will rem a i n so, at least until Pu rphoros decides that nace. When she d i d , the god returned warmth to the entire
more than a few are ready for the secret of iron. world. Today, an autu m n a l festival called the K i n d l i n g or the
Purphoros's Twin. When the world was young, Pu rphoros Forge- Lighting (the Chalcanapsion) lends its name to the
was jealous of l roas and Mogis and wanted a twin of h i s seventh month i n the Meletian calendar. D u ri n g this festival,
own. H e created Petros, a Nyxborn d o u b l e o f h i m self crafted worshipers keep a bonfire burning from sundown to s u nrise,
of divine bronze with a touch of mortal flesh. Petros aged as acknowledging that Pu rphoros warms the earth and m a kes
the eons passed, and Purphoros was forced to patch cracks the harvest possible.
P U RPHORos 's CHAMPIONS d6 Ideal
Alignment: Usually chaotic, often neutral 3 Aspiration. With Purphoros's blessing, I w i l l create
Suggested Classes: Barbarian, bard, cleric, something magnifice n t. (Any)
fighter, sorcerer 4 Change. The old m ust be swept away to make room fo r
Suggested Cleric Domains: Forge (described in Xana t h e new. (Chaotic)
thar's Guide to Everything), Knowledge
5 Generosity. I want to create thi ngs that w i l l enrich the
Suggested Backgrounds: Acolyte, entertainer,
world. (Good)
guild artisan
6 Rage. I fo l low my passions, no matter how dark they
Most champions of Purphoros are unswerving advo m i ght seem to others. (Evil)
cates of passion and creativity who change the world by
doing what they believe is right in the moment.
EARNING A ND LOSING PIETY
PuRPHORos 's FAVOR You increase your piety score to Purphoros when you
expand the god's influence in the world in a concrete
Purphoros is notoriously impulsive, often selecting
way through acts such as these:
champions based on momentary whims. Despite this
seemingly blase attitude, he is dedicated to all his cham Fighting against those who would rule over others
pions, no matter how they came into his service. • Taking decisive action on impulse
What made the forge god turn his attention to you? • Destroying something that has outlived its usefulness
What set you apart from the masses of people who • Creating something wondrous in Purphoros's name
offer him prayers and sacrifice? What whim came over
Your piety score to Purphoros decreases if you diminish
him that made you the perfect choice in the moment he
Purphoros's influence in the world, work against free
tapped you? The Purphoros's Favor table offers a hand
dom or self-expression, or allow tyranny to take hold
ful of suggestions.
Purphoros's mood is highly changeable, and having
his favor doesn't always mean having his attention. But • Following an unjust law despite your misgivings
if you follow your passions and do what you believe is • Creating something shoddy or fl.awed
right, he will stay true to you as well. • Backing down from a fight or a contest
P URPHOROS'S DEVO TEE

P U R PHOROS'S FAVOR
Piety 3+ Purphoros trait
d6 Circumstance
As a devotee of Purphoros, you have drawn the notice
M o u nt Vel u s erupted at the m o ment of your b i rt h , sig
of the forge god with your skill. You can cast shield of
n ifyi n g Purphoros's blessing of the event.
faith with this trait, requiring no material components,
2 As a yo u n g artist, you breathed the intoxicating fu mes a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier
of a vol cano and found mystical i n s p i ratio n . (minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when
3 You are an artisan who crafted a work of such high you finish a long rest.
q u a l ity that Purphoros took notice. In addition, you know the mending cantrip. Intelli
4 After you were orphaned by a fi re at your parents' gence is your spellcasting ability for these spells.
fo rge, Purphoros took you under his protection.
P URPHOROs's VOTARY
5 Your parent or mentor was a master artisan, and you
Piety 10+ Purphoros trait
also yearn to create someth i n g worthy of a god's at
You can cast heat metal with this trait, requiring no ma
tention.
terial components. Once you cast the spell in this way,
6 As a reckless youth, you joi ned a gro u p of you n g artists
you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. Intelli
and rabble-rousers who sought to tear down the estab gence is your spellcasting ability for this spell.
lished order in Purphoros's name. In addition, you have advantage on saving throws
against being knocked prone.
DEVOTION TO P URPHOROS
Purphoros encourages freedom and self-expression, so P URPHOROs 's DISCIPLE
it is only natural that his champions follow him for many Piety 25+ Purphoros trait
different reasons. As a follower of Purphoros, consider While you are standing and an effect would push you 1
the ideals on the Purphoros's Ideals table as alternatives foot or more, you can use your reaction to not be pushed.
to those suggested for your background.
CHAMPION OF THE FORGE
P U R PHOROS'S I DEA LS Piety 50+ Purphoros trait
d6 Ideal You can increase your Strength or I ntelligence score by
Devotion. My devotion to m y god is m o re i mportant to 2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2 .
me than what h e sta nds for. (Any)
2 Passion. I wi l l follow my heart and help others do the
same. (Chaotic)
·-

THASSAS GOALS
Thassa is never satisfied with the status quo, and she
also never advocates hasty, uncontrolled change. She
constantly resculpts the physical world, altering coast
lines and upending familiar trade routes. There is no ul
timate goal to this ongoing transformation; the purpose
is change itself. Thassa believes that change is essential
to existence, and she opposes anyone who tries to estab
lish or maintain a permanent order to the universe. She
aids and inspires forces of change, the rivers that wear
down mountains and the tides that claim whole con
tinents. She sometimes seems disinterested in the in
trigues of the present, even in her own current schemes,
as her thoughts drift toward what the future holds.
THASSA DIVINE RELATIONSHIPS

God of the Sea Thassa disdains the shortsightedness of her fellow
gods, most of whom have convinced themselves that
Thassa is the god of the sea, aquatic creatures, and the they can impose lasting order on the cosmos. At the
unknown depths. She also holds sway over less tangible same time, her realm is unassailable, and she believes
concepts such as ancient knowledge, long voyages, and that the changes she advocates are inevitable in the long
gradual change. term. So although Thassa frequently disagrees with the
Impassive and slow to anger, Thassa is secure in the other gods, she doesn't fear them.
knowledge that there are no mortals and few gods who Heliod considers Thassa his favorite sibling, despite
can threaten her status. Once her ire is aroused, how her unwillingness to agree with his plan for a perma
ever, it is as unstoppable as a cresting wave. She often nent order. Thassa, who rules depths that have never
speaks in the future tense, referring to what tomorrow seen the sun, considers most of Heliod's schemes point
will bring. She seldom laughs, and when she does, it is less and opposes them if they seem to threaten harm.
usually out of smugness rather than genuine mirth. Thassa took pity on Purphoros and aided him when
Thassa usually appears to mortals in the form of a Kruphix hobbled his mind, and Purphoros has not for
female triton-like being with octopus-tentacle hair and gotten it. The two of them agree that old things must
a crown of crab legs. She seldom adopts the same size make way for new things, but Purphoros's bursts of
as her followers, preferring to be seen from a distance destructive energy stand in sharp opposition to Thassa's
as she towers over the ocean. When she moves closer to gradual alterations. Purphoros regularly makes gifts for
the view of mortals, she takes many other forms, often Thassa, most recently gifting her a new spear to replace
shifting from one to another: a giant squid, an ocean her lost weapon.
storm, a school of sharks, a fog bank, or a crab, her fa Thassa has little use for the gods who oversee work
vored animal. She sometimes speaks out of the ocean it she believes best left to mortals: Ephara with her cities,
self, in droplets hissing across the surface of the waves. Karametra with her fields, Pharika with her tinctures,
Mogis and Iroas with their armies. To Thassa's mind,
THAS SA'S INFLUENCE her peers are building castles in the sand, unaware or
To most mortals, Thassa is the sea, and the sea is unmindful that the tide will sweep them away.
Thassa. The wind and waves, the tides, and the ocean's
bounty, ranging from small fish to the enormous krak WORSHIPING THASSA
ens-all these are Thassa's dominion. The sea has many Most of Thassa's dedicated worshipers are tritons, and
metaphorical aspects that Thassa oversees as well: the vast majority of tritons are wholly devoted to Thassa.
ancient knowledge, long-term change, introspection, Tritons spend much of their lives in Thassa's realm,
voyaging, and repetitive patterns such as the tides. with their god omnipresent. They weave prayers to
Thassa governs the slow changes wrought by the Thassa into nearly everything they do.
passage of time, such as the weathering of rocks and Among humans, Thassa is worshiped by those who
the erosion of beaches. Where Nylea controls the eter rely on bountiful seas for sustenance or calm waters for
nal cycle of the seasons and Kruphix monitors the flow safety. Sailors, fishers, and residents of Theros's coasts
of time, Thassa holds sway over the slow-acting but and islands all pay her at least nominal respect and
irresistible forces that alter the world over hundreds or sacrifice. Her center of worship on land is in the coastal
thousands of years. polis of Meletis, where sailors and philosophers pray to
Krakens and other behemoths of the deepest oceans her for guidance. The week-long Lyokymion festival (the
move at Thassa's command. She is protective of what Feast of the Melting Swell) marks the start of the new
she calls the greatest of her children, and she usually year by celebrating the bounty of the sea.
keeps them out of harm's way in the darkest depths. A Thassa's most fervent human worshipers offer prayers
mighty kraken sighted close to shore is a sure sign of at high and low tide. If possible, they do so at the water's
Thassa's displeasure. edge. At low tide they walk barefoot out onto the tidal
flats, relishing the touch of Thassa's seabed.

79
THAS SA'S CHAMPIONS EARNING A ND LOSING P IETY
You increase your piety score to Thassa when you ex
Alignment: Usually neutral
Suggested Classes: Cleric, fighter, rogue, wizard
Suggested Cleric Domains: Knowledge, Tempest
Suggested Backgrounds: Acolyte, outlander, • Supporting those who would reform or overturn
sage, sailor institutions
• Preventing cataclysmic change
Thassa's champions typically work on behalf of change,
• Offering a treasure to the sea
embrace new ideas, don't automatically defend the sta
Defending or maintaining a temple to Thassa
tus quo, and wish to serve the god who controls pound
ing waves and massive krakens. Your piety score to Thassa decreases if you diminish
Thassa's influence in the world, contradict her ideal of
THAss A's FAVOR gradual change, or attempt to impose artificial order
In much the same way that the sea and its secrets sim through acts such as these:
ply exist, Thassa trusts that the lives and actions of her
• Trying to keep a secret from Thassa
champions will serve her long-term goals because of
• Using magic to calm the sea's fury
their connection to her. What made the god of the sea
• Upholding an institution not devoted to Thassa
turn her attention to you or how did she show her inter
• Bowing to the desires or demands of another god
est? The Thassa's Favor table offers a few possibilities.
THA SSAS DEVOTEE
THASSA1S FAV O R Piety 3+ Thassa trait
d6 Circumstance
As a devotee of Thassa, you have proven yourself a wor
You nearly drowned in a shi pwreck, b u t Thassa a n thy representative of the god of the sea. You can cast
swered you r prayers fo r del iverance. fog clo u d with this trait. Fog created in this way smells
2 You were fo u n d on the shore as a newborn, in a basket strongly of the sea. You can cast the spell in this way
woven of ocean grasses. a number of times equal to your Intelligence modifier
3 You d reamed of a great krake n . When you followed
(minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when
you finish a long rest. Intelligence is your spellcasting
yo u r d reams to the sea, the kraken appeared to you
ability for this spell.
and gave you Thassa's blessing.
4 You grew up on a fishing boat, a n d your parents taught TH ASSAS VOTARY
you Thassa's rites. Piety 10+ Thassa trait
5 You were born with a pearl i n your mouth, an obvious You can cast blink with this trait. Once you cast the
sign ofThassa's favor. You sti l l have the pearl. spell in this way, you can't do so again until you finish
6 You have no idea why Thassa sh owed interest in you , a long rest. Intelligence is your spellcasting ability for
and you m i ght sometimes wish s h e hadn't. this spell.
DEVOTION TO THA SSA TH ASSA'S DISCIPLE
Following Thassa means devoting yourself to a particu Piety 25+ Thassa trait
lar way of perceiving the world. Thassa herself seldom You are inspired by the tempestuous, uncontrollable
takes a stand on moral issues, preferring to let matters nature of the sea; you have advantage on saving throws
play out, but her mortal champions can't usually afford against being charmed or restrained.
to be so patient. As a follower of Thassa, consider the
ideals on the Thassa's Ideals table as alternatives to CHAMPION OF THE SEA
those suggested for your background. Piety 50+ Thassa trait
You can increase your Dexterity or Intelligence score by
THASSA1S IDEALS 2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2 .
d6 Ideal
Devotion. My devotion to my god i s m o re i m portant to
me than what she stands for. (Any)
2 Knowledge. I will learn the secrets of the hidden
depths. (Any)
3 Freedom. The sea can take me anywhere, and I ' m not
go ing to tie myself down. (Chaotic)
4 Bounty. The ocean always provides, and I will s h a re its
gifts with those less fo rtun ate. (Good)
5 Change. Everyth i n g's just waiting to be something else,
including m e . (Chaotic)
6 Power. Like the waves, I answer only to Thassa. (Evi l )
CHAPTER 2 I G O D S OF THEROS
So
MYTHS OF THASSA
Tales about Thassa typica l ly demon strate that she is often Every Tear the Sea. Few myths tel l of those who escaped
patient, but never kind. Thassa's wrath. This i s n 't one of them. When the i nfa mous
Cal/aphe the False. During the last great S i lence of the explorer Rasiao fa i led to steal one ofThassa's Tidelock Pea rls,
gods, a triton appeared, i m personated a m a ri n e r na med wave-contro l l i n g treasures protected by vicious m o l l u s ks,
Callaphe, and traveled the waves aboard Callaphe's l iving she spent years avoiding the waves before fi n d i n g her way
ship, The Monsoon. This fa l se Callaphe m i s l ed the tritons back to the m a i n land. Although she'd failed to abscond with
with false prophecies and p u l led a kraken from the depths, one ofThassa's treasures, s he'd avoided the sea god's wrath,
hoping to h a rness his power. When the Silence was lifted and a claim s he valued more preciously than gold. For years,
Thassa returned to the world, she struck the i m postor down Rasiao l ived far from ocean or river, making her home in the
with such fury that she shattered her bident. Purphoros, d riest reaches ofTheros. She lived a long l ife, but on one trip
rem e m bering Thassa's kind ness to him on many occasions, to Akros to res u pply and brag, she d rowned in a bowl of ox
replaced her sacred weapon. stew. Those who found Rasiao discovered a pea rl, too l a rge
Dreams in the Deep. While Pu rphoros is renowned for h i s to pass her l i ps, lodged in her mouth. Fearing fu rther repri
end less creations and desires t o b r i n g new ideas i nto being, sal, Rasi ao's daughters committed their mother's body to the
Thassa secretly s h a res s i m i l a r creative desires. Endlessly Deyda River and Thassa's clutches. The explorer's daughters
bored with the predictable denizens of the land and s ky, i n never fo rgot that j u st as countless d rops make the sea, so
the deepest ocean trenches, Thassa wills i m mortal d reams too is every ra i n d rop, tear, and cup part ofThassa's d o m a i n .
and n ightmares into bei n g. Del icate beauty, u n d u l ating Thief's Fate. Accord i n g t o legend, a mortal s a i l o r once
grace, and tentacular terrors are b i rthed i n the absolute d a rk, stole Thassa's bident and used it to s i n k an enemy fleet.
iterate fo r generations, and suffer swift extinctions at the Thassa cared noth ing for the va n q u i shed fleet, but p u n i shed
god's whim, never knowing the s u n 's touch. Sapient mortals the sailor for his th ievery by turning his fam i l y i nto eels. The
aren't welcome i n these maddening ateliers; Thassa rem a i n s sailor tried to care for the eels, but they blamed h i m fo r their
bitterly u nwi l l i n g t o reveal her work u ntil her creations-and fate and d i sa ppea red i nto the sea, leaving the sai lor weeping
the ti me-are absolutely perfect. on the shore.
REALMS OF Gons AND MORTALS
HAT IS THE FARTHEST EXPLORED POINT ON information. Westward from those islands, some have
the known world?" Elspeth asked. successfully sailed to the edge of the world, though no
one can say for certain how far it is-the journey never
"In the east, beyond the leonin lands,
unfolds in a straight line. In theory, it is equally possible
there's another forest," Daxos told her. to sail south to the edge of the world, but those waters
"Larger even than the Nessian Forest. No one knows how are stormier and more forbidding.
The heart of mortal civilization lies in and around
far it goes."
three poleis-cities and their surrounding territories.
"What's to the west beyond the sea?" Elspeth asked.
Together the three poleis, Akros, Meletis, and Setessa,
"The world ends at the waterfall where Kruphix's Tree encompass most of the human population of Theros.
grows," he explained. "The sea falls off the edge and into the Meletis covers the whole territory of the southwestern
peninsula, Akros forms the northern frontier, and Set
void below."
essa lies at the northern edge of the wild Nessian Wood.
"My home was beyond your infmite forest," she said.
Two bands of centaurs-the Lagonna and the
-Jenna Helland, Godsend Pheres-roam the hills and grasslands between the
three poleis. The leonin hunt in the valley of Oreskos,
The world of Theros, as its inhabitants understand, in nestled between the two mountain ranges. Satyrs dwell
cludes three realms: the mortal world, the divine realm in a smaller sylvan vale northeast of the Nessian Wood.
of Nyx, and the Underworld. They are three distinct And tritons live primarily in the coastal shallows of the
planes of existence, tucked into their own pocket of the Siren Sea, though some manage to make comfortable
multiverse and shielded from the rest of the cosmos homes among the humans of Meletis.
by the power of the gods. This chapter discusses each The badlands of Phoberos, northwest of Akros, are
of these realms in turn, with a focus on the mortal the frontier where Akroan soldiers clash with mino
realm where the schemes of the gods intersect with taurs. Farther north is the minotaur city of Skophos,
mortal lives. little known to humans.
The necropoleis of Asphodel and Odunos are home to
THE MORTAL REALM the Returned-zombie-like beings who have escaped the
clutches of the underworld at the cost of their identities.
Compared to most worlds of the Material Plane, the The lands around these cities are bleak and barren, as
mortal realm of Theros is small. The known world is if the Returned brought the pall of the underworld out
barely two hundred miles across, with unexplored wil with them into the mortal realm.
derness beyond. And some unknown distance beyond
that is the edge of the world, where the sea flows off the LIFE IN THE POLEIS
disk of the world and into the starry void.
Human civilization in Theros is centered in three poleis:
The known world of Theros consists of a long stretch
Akros, Meletis, and Setessa. These poleis exemplify the
of coastline forming the eastern edge of the vast Siren
human drive to settle the land, to shape nature accord
Sea. Eastward from the sea, the land rises up to two
ing to their needs, and to organize into political struc
ridges of mountains. The lofty peaks of the second ridge
tures that can withstand the changing fortunes of the
form a barrier that few mortals have passed, so only ru
passing centuries.
mors of a vast forest describe the land beyond.
Each polis is centered in a city but includes a wide re
To the north, the coastal lands become a barren re
gion of surrounding territory, and each one has its own
gion of badlands crossed by a labyrinth of arid canyons,
distinct society and culture. To the people of Theros,
with minotaur lands beyond. The minotaurs speak of
"Meletis" is more or less synonymous with "Meletians"
impenetrable mountains rising amid a dark forest to
the polis isn't just the people who live in the city of
the north.
Meletis or even those who dwell in nearby villages; it is
The Siren Sea is studded with islands large and small.
the people who follow the Meletian way of life, wherever
The largest cluster near the mainland, called the Dakra
they might be found.
Isles, is poorly charted, and even those sailors who
.. .
attempt to explore the isles return with contradictory
.. ·
CHAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GODS AND MORTALS

EXPLORING THEROS RECREATION
Vast and varied lands comprise the world ofTheros, from The people of the poleis enjoy the opportunity for some
the territories of the great human poleis to the diz
. zying recreation, as time and money allow.
peaks of the Oraniad Mountains. The line between legend Gymnasia are popular gathering places, offering ath
and location often blurs in Theros, though. While the res
letic training as well as space for philosophical discus
idents of a polis can be relatively certain their homes will
sion and friendly socializing. A resident of the city might
remain where they left them when they venture off to work,
the specific locations of legendary sites prove more nebu
visit a gymnasium one day to exercise, the next to view
lous. Even well-known locations are typically noted refer a wrestling match between celebrated competitors, and
entially, like how the city of Neolantin is often described as the next to hear a renowned philosopher give a lecture
being along the coast, far to the southwest of Meletis. on ethics.
Some sites prove even more elusive. The Dakra Isles, Another important venue for recreation is the theater.
for example, move at the whims of the gods and so prove The works of celebrated playwrights, past and present,
impossible to map . are regularly produced by casts of professional actors.
As a result, Map 3.1 serves largely as a vaguely agreed On occasion, a storyteller, accompanied by a small
upon arrangement of locations, fuzzy borders, and general
orchestra, draws crowds to a theater for a recitation of
distances. While the scale and placement of sites are true
one of the great epics, such as The Theriad or The Cal
by mortal standards, details might change as the gods
lapheia. Such a performance might stretch over two or
please. As such, journeying between places is most reliably
conducted by employing guides or maps specific to a sin
three days.
gle destination.
If you are running a campaign in Theros, you can adjust THE MELETI AN CALENDAR
distances between locations to suit the needs of your
The astronomers and philosophers of Meletis have
adventures. The distance might not be the same for two
established a calendar that has found some adoption
successive journeys; any trek across Theros can expand
in Akros and Setessa. It divides the year into twelve
or contract to accommodate adventures and encounters
as you wish.
months of twenty-nine or thirty days, each beginning
with the new moon. About every three years, an extra
thirty-day month is added at the end of the calendar to
CITIZE N SHIP AND GOVER N M E N T
keep it aligned with the solar year.
I n every polis, civic responsibility and full protection are
The beginning of the year is considered the end of
afforded only to citizens. Citizenship is limited to those
winter, so the new year begins with the spring. Each
whose parents were both citizens of the polis. Citizens
month is holy to a specific god and named after a major
of other poleis, and their children, aren't permitted to
festival celebrated in Meletis during that month. Setessa
participate in the government of the polis. In Akros, cit
and Akros have adopted the same names even though
izens must meet one additional requirement: they must
they don't share all the same observances, with one ex
serve in the army.
ception: the fifth month (Thriambion in Meletis) is called
The three poleis have different political structures,
Iroagonion in Akros, after the Iraan Games, which are
but each one has a council elected by popular vote of the
held in that month every year.
citizenry. The Twelve, Meletis's council of philosophers,
The Meletian Calendar table summarizes the months,
is the democratically elected ruling body of the polis.
their lengths, and the god each is associated with.
Akros is ruled by a hereditary monarch who is advised
by a council of elders elected by and from among the cit
MELETIAN CALENDAR
izenry. Similarly, Setessa's Ruling Council is formed by
popular vote, and they govern the polis while its queen Month Name Length God
the goddess Karametra-is absent. Lyokymion 30 days Thassa
2 Protokynion 29 days Nylea
TRADE AND CURRENCY
3 Astra pion 30 days Keranos
Trade between Akros and Meletis is constant and pro
4 Polidrysion 29 days Ephara
ductive. Caravans make the two-day journey between
the poleis at least once a week, carrying fine Akroan 5 Thriambion 30 days lroas
metalwork and pottery to Meletis, and Meletian fabric, 6 Megasphagion 29 days Mogis
stonework, and fish northward. Both poleis mint coins 7 Chalcanapsion 30 days Purphoros
of copper, silver, and gold, with equivalent value. 8 Necrologion 29 days Athreos
Setessa trades with the other poleis as well, but less 9 Therimakarion 30 days Karametra
extensively. Its Abora Market, just inside the city gates,
10 Katabasion 29 days Erebos
is open to outsiders only on certain days, and Setessan
11 Cheimazion 30 days Pharika
merchants prefer to barter goods rather than accept
12 Agrypnion 29 days Kruphix
currency. Despite these restrictions, Setessan food,
woodwork, and trained falcons are highly valued in the 13* Anagrypnion 30 days Kruphix
other poleis. *This month occurs only once every three years.
Aside from the other human poleis, Meletis and Set
essa both trade with the centaurs of the Lagonna band.
The centaurs don't work metal, so they trade woodwork,
the produce of the plains, and woven blankets to the hu � '
man poleis in exchange for weapons and armor. ...
C HAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GODS AND M ORTALS

AKROS Elektes, is commonly used as a symbol for the lektoi as
a whole and for Akroan strength, determination, and
ONLY VICTORY ENDURES. resilience. It is a popular theme in clothing, jewelry, and
-Akroan motto weapon ornamentation, and some lektoi even wear their
hair braided into stylized ram horns.
Although the lektoi claim descent from heroes, mem
The walled polis of Akros stands defiantly atop a precip
bership in this noble class isn't strictly hereditary. Any
itous cliff. The unforgiving mountains around it serve
one can earn a place among them by claiming a victory
as a shield between its holdings and the rest of Theros.
in the annual Iroan Games. More commonly, members
Few have ever dared to attack its famed fortress, the
of lektoi families lose their place of privilege if they fail
Kolophon, and no attack has ever breached its walls. To
to fulfill their obligation to serve in the Akroan military.
the residents of Theros, the Akroans hold near-mythical
status: feared warriors produced by a culture that cen STRATIANS
ters around perfecting the mind and body for war. Their The Akroan military is formed of wandering bands of
armies have rarely tasted defeat as they expand the bor warriors (drawn from the lektoi families) known as stra
ders of Akros, seizing new lands and bounty. tians. Outside the walls of the Kolophon, the stratians
camp in the forests and fields, hunt game for food, and
PEOPLE OF AKROS train younger warriors as they go. Their tasks are to
For most of Akros's neighbors, the term "Akroan" search for monsters that have strayed into Akroan terri
evokes legendary warriors, trained from birth in every tory and to protect travelers.
martial discipline known to humankind. It brings to Stratian forces are divided into three types of duty and
mind songs of tight-knit martial bands, holding strong armed appropriately for the task before them:
in the face of unbeatable odds. It sings of a great yearly
Alamon. Rugged forces of wanderers patrol Akros's
competition that crowns the preeminent warrior-athlete
borders, defending against invasion or attack by mon
in Akros, and-by extension-the world. The majority of sters that dwell in the mountains, foothills, and bad
Akros's inhabitants, though, aren't members of its mar
lands around Akroan territory. They are armed and
tial elite. The famed warriors of Akros have the means
armored for speed and agility, allowing them to move
to devote their lives to studying and training in the ways
stealthily and strike unexpectedly.
of war because they rest atop a rigid social structure of
Lukos. The most elite forces among the stratians, the
serfs and servants that largely dwell beyond the Kolo
so-called wolves contend with threats that the Alamon
phon's walls. Those who stand at the heights of Akroan
can't handle alone. After the guerrilla tactics of the
society, or outside it, are detailed here.
Alamon have softened up a target, the heavily armored
Lukos march to finish the task.
THE MONARCHY
Oromai. The watchers are the guardians of the Kolo
Traditionally, Akros is ruled by a monarch drawn from
phon who protect the fortress from invaders and main
the lineage of lektoi. The monarchy passes from parent
tain order within its walls.
to eldest child, but any sibling or first cousin of the heir
can challenge this succession and claim the throne by FLAMESPEAKERS
besting the heir in single combat. Prominent spellcasters, the fl.amespeakers are reclusive
Currently, the monarchy is in a state of turmoil. King priests of Purphoros who revere nature spirits and who
Anax has died, and his wife, Queen Cymede, has disap inhabit fiery rifts in the mountains. The ancient practice
peared. An oracle of Keranos, the queen is said to have is viewed as primitive but powerful, and Akroans of any
transformed into a pillar of fire and vanished into the background might risk making a pilgrimage into the
wind, but until her death is certain, the lektoi are reluc mountains to hear a fiamespeaker's prophecies.
tant to name a new monarch. Anax and Cymede have no
children, so the king's niece, Taranika, acts as regent, SERVANTS AND SERFS
attempting to guide the polis through what is sure to be Lektoi who complete their military service with honor
a difficult transition. often retire to the Kolophon or their family estates and
As if the situation weren't complicated enough, ru go about the leisured life of aristocrats. Their house
mors have it that Anax isn't dead. He, or perhaps some holds are run by a class of servants made up of lektoi
shimmering Nyxborn simulacrum of him, has been seen who were unable or unwilling to undertake a military
at the head of squads of satyr hoplites, wielding an axe career. These servants lack citizenship's full privileges
that billows with smoke and drips searing lava. but retain a position of some honor thanks to their class.
Below these servants, at the bottom of Akros's social
LEKTOI hierarchy, are the serfs. Comprising the vast majority of
At the apex of Akroan society are the lektoi, the large Akros's population, the serfs largely reside outside the
warrior class of Akros. Members of this class claim protection of the Kolophon, laboring to grow the staple
descent from the seven warriors who first established crops that support Akros's citizens and its trade. A rel
the Kolophon after the fall of the archons. Though the atively small number of serfs are skilled artisans who
families now number more than seven, each one uses manage to build a more prosperous life for themselves
an animal associated with one of the seven warriors with their crafts. But even these wealthier serfs can't
as its symbol, either the ram, lion, horse, boar, badger, own the land they live on, and they enjoy few rights or
bull, or hart. The ram, associated with Akros's first king, legal protections.
C HAPTER 3 I REALMS OF G O D S A N D M O RTALS

86
NONHUMANS IN AKRO S Beyond its thick walls, the streets of Akros are dotted
Akros maintains a standoffish-and often hostile with towering statues of heroes. Red-tiled roofs soar
stance toward its neighbors, particularly the minotaurs over square-topped sandstone columns, and holy sites
of Phoberos, the leonin of Oreskos, and the centaurs of dedicated to Iroas, Purphoros, and Keranos, among the
the Pheres band. Members of those peoples rarely find other gods, are many. The architecture is formidable,
a warm welcome in Akroan territory. However, Akroans spare, and militaristic, thick with sharp, angular shapes.
respect prowess, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, and might
T E M PLE OF TRIUMPH AT AKROS
welcome any who embody such virtues. Some stratians
also seek to learn the martial practices of other peoples, At the heart of the walled city is the huge stadium
and might invite individuals or small communities to that hosts Theros's greatest sporting event, the Iraan
Akros to learn their ways. Games. A grand temple of Iroas stands beside it, serv
During the Iroan Games, everyone is welcome in the ing as the venue for award ceremonies. A wide plaza
stadium. Satyrs flock to the city to witness the competi connects the stadium to the city's outer gates, offering
tion, and some take up permanent residence, celebrat plenty of room for celebration around the annual games.
ing the outcome of one year's games until it's time to When the stadium isn't hosting the actual Iroan
start watching the next. Games, it is still used daily for training and for lesser
athletic events. Many of the buildings surrounding
FEATURES OF AKROS the stadium are dedicated to serving it: smaller train
ing facilities, providers of athletic gear, stables, and
At the center of the polis of Akros rises the Kolophon, other shops.
a mighty fortress and the seat of Akroan power. This
many-tiered structure perches upon a vast cliff, which CITADEL
drops into a deep canyon carved by the Deyda River. The uppermost tier of the city, perched on a rocky out
Nature and Akroan ingenuity conspire to make the Kol cropping at the southwestern corner of the Kolophon,
ophon one of the most intimidating fortresses in Theros. is the great citadel. The Oromai (the "watchers" who
Beyond the polis stretch craggy hills and mountains maintain order and defend the Kolophon) are quartered
broken by narrow stretches of arable plains. It is a within the citadel's imposing walls, and the monarch's
nearly impassable landscape, save for a few roads hewn palace is built atop it. Temples of Iroas, Heliod, and
through passes. Residents claim that only a fool would Keranos also adorn the top of the citadel, the latter com
attempt to invade the heartlands of Akros, yet Akroans missioned by the late Queen Cymede, built with an open
obsessively guard against invasion nonetheless. roof to give her a clear view of stormy skies. ..
.
C HAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GODS A N D M O RTALS

AKRos's SURROUNDINGS
Arable land is scattered across small plateaus and val
leys in Akros, meaning that the serf communities that
farm the land are small and just as scattered. Volcanic
rifts, landslides, and venomous animals make travel
dangerous for anyone who doesn't know the terrain, and
visitors wishing to avoid suspicion from patrolling stra
tians would be wise to stick to the roads.
OUTPOSTS
The Alamon soldiers spend most of their time patrolling
Akros's outlying areas, centering their patrols around
scattered outposts. These serve as staging grounds for
Alamon and Lukos units to prepare as they venture out
to raid or guard against monsters and invaders.
One-Eyed Pass. The outpost in One-Eyed Pass serves
to keep an Akroan eye on the large cyclops population
of the area, but the stratians also use the cyclopes to
their advantage. Any time dangerous creatures come
down from the mountains and pose a potential threat to
Akroan holdings, the Alamon harry the enemy and try
to funnel them into the pass. The cyclopes of the pass
viciously defend their territory against all intruders,
weakening or even eliminating the danger before it can
reach the Akroan outpost, where the Lukos finish off
any stragglers.
Pharagax Bridge. On the western border of Akros
gapes a massive chasm rumored to descend all the
way to the underworld and belch forth foul creatures.
The great stone bridge that spans it is the only way into
Akros from this direction. Stratians consider it a high
honor to be assigned to guard the bridge.
Titan's Stairs. These stone "stairs," seemingly carved
into the granite cliffs that protect Akros and haunted at
all times by eerie, whistling winds, provide natural ac
cess to Akros. The stratians guard it fiercely and use it
as a staging ground for invading the lowlands.
Phoberos Outposts. Several semipermanent en
campments dot the badlands between Akros and the
wilds beyond. Fresh cadres of troops come here every
month to relieve soldiers who are worn out by relent
less assaults from raiders, fire-breathing dragons, and
other threats.
Mountain Shrines. The Akroans believe that the
MYTHS OF THE AKROAN WAR gods are best worshiped at the places closest to Nyx
Centuries before the polis of Olantin sunk beneath the sea mountain peaks. Small temples and shrines are found
(a myth told in chapter 4), its queen left her husband for the throughout Akroan territory. Some are tucked in caves
king of Akros. Slighted and heartbroken, the Olantian king or nestled in crevices or canyons, while others are bare
summoned his whole host of loyal spears and sails to wage altars exposed to the elements.
war on the fortified mountain polis.
What followed was a siege that stretched on for decades. PHERES LANDS
Whole parts of Akros were destroyed and rebuilt in the fight
ing. There were heroes who knew only a life of conflict, per Between the mountains of Akros and the vast Nessian
forming feats of incredible prowess for the honor of Olantin, Wood to the southeast, Pheres-band centaurs roam
or who awed the gods with their sleepless commitment to across the dry, hilly landscape. Gathered in small bands
defending the gates of Akros. of fierce raiders, the Pheres centaurs plunder whatever
Most people today know of the event from an embel prey they can find: merchants and other travelers mov
lished account laid down in an epic poem, The Akroan War. ing between Akros and Setessa, settlers trying to eke
Although its author has been lost to time, the poem is con out an existence in the region, leonin tribes, Lagonna
sidered to be a definitive accounting of the greatest war in
band centaurs who range too far to the north, and any
history. Countless soldiers aspire to fight with the honor and
purpose that inspired the heroes of the Akroan War.
others they encounter.
C HAPTER 3 \ REALMS OF GODS A N D M O RTALS

88
MELETIS Rich fields and the bounty of the sea support most
people throughout Meletis. The people have reputations
EVIL FLOURISHES WHERE IGNORANCE THRIVES. for being accomplished weavers, skilled sailors, and
-Perisophia the philosopher cunning merchants. Books and literacy are also com
mon throughout the land, and the work of scribes, car
tographers, musicians, and storytellers is well regarded.
Meletis is a polis devoted to learning, magic, and prog
The people of Meletis believe themselves to be the
ress. It is the most populous city-state and home to
inheritors of a heroic tradition, and each person owes
progressive thinkers, pious thaumaturges, and wise
it to themselves and to society to strive for greatness.
oracles. Born from the defeat of tyranny, to this day it
Beyond Meletis's common folk, a few groups that hold
pursues the ideals of free thought, societal betterment,
noteworthy standing are detailed here.
and reinvention over stagnation and totalitarianism.
The archon Agnomakhos ruled the area that is now THE TWELVE
Meletis for centuries. Impressing those he conquered A council of philosophers called the Twelve serves as
into his legions, Agnomakhos aggressively expanded the ruling body of Meletis. They are elected by popular
his empire, spreading it as far as the forests to the east vote among the citizens of Meletis and serve for terms
and the mountains to the north. Ultimately, though, the of four years at a time. They are supposed to govern by
heroes Kynaios and Tiro overthrew the archon. From philosophical principles of justice and social order, and
the empire's ruins rose Meletis, a land that endeavors to many of them do strive to uphold the highest ideals in
reject cruelty and oppression throughout the world, and their decisions. Others are more grimly realistic, and a
guards against hypocrisy within its own borders. few are deeply corrupt, serving only their own interests.
For a time, Kynaios and Tiro ruled Meletis, striving The most senior member of the council is recognized
to govern in accordance with the highest philosophical as its leader, responsible for bringing the assembly to
and ethical principles, which ultimately led them to order and moderating its debate. Currently, this position
relinquish their power and establish a philosopher-led is held by the renowned philosopher and orator named
republic. After the kings' deaths, the council of scholars Perisophia.
known as the Twelve took up rule of the polis, with the
sage Elpidios serving as the senior member. PHILOSOPHERS
Though they aren't necessarily heroic, philosophers
PEOPLE OF MELETIS are highly valued in Meletis, which is renowned as the
The people of Meletis take pride in their city's grand center of philosophical thought. They form a privileged
architecture, especially the great temples to the gods. class, often coming from wealthy families but also sup
They value philosophy and other intellectual pursuits, ported by stipends from the polis's academies and their
especially the practice of magic. Meletis's army is own students. Different philosophical schools hold po
known for its discipline and its piety, and its navy is un litical as well as intellectual power in the polis, with five
paralleled. The city observes every one of the gods' holy schools of philosophy dominating Meletian discourse.
days in various ways, and most residents try to live as
the gods demand.
THE SEA WALL ANO STATUES OF THE POLIS1S

FOUNDERS GUARD MELETIS BAV.
Elpidians. Perisophia's optimistic Elpidian school NONHUMANS IN MELETIS
currently predominates Meletian thought and politics, Meletis strives to be a beacon to all of Theros's people.
carrying on the works of the heroic Epharan oracle Well-intentioned members of any culture are welcome
Elpidios. The Elpidian school strives to put magic and on Meletis's streets, and the polis's people work to earn
philosophy to use in improving the lives of all Meletians. the trust of their neighbors.
Elpidian mages embrace magic in all its forms. Of all the poleis, Meletis has the closest relationship
Formalists. Formalist philosophers believe in a realm with the tritons of the Siren Sea. Several communities
populated by abstract entities such as numbers and the of tritons consider the harbors of Meletis and secluded
ories. They focus their efforts on trying to improve the coastal sanctuaries their home. Many take part in work
moral fabric of the polis, hoping to create the ideal soci near and under the water that other peoples are ill
ety, where people live together in peace, and where war suited to, but increasingly tritons find work not related to
and crime disappear. the sea, with triton restaurants, chemists, and members
Uremideans. This school emphasizes logical reason of the Reverent Army being increasingly common.
ing, rhetorical excellence, and theories of ethics and vir Meletis maintains a fragile peace with centaurs of
tue. Uremideans are eminently practical governors who the Lagonna band, engaging in regular trade. It's not
seek to balance ethical ideals and realistic necessities. uncommon for small groups of centaurs to set up shop
Nykleans. Nyklean philosophers teach that reason or in the polis market for short periods, though few spend
destiny underlies all of reality, so that everything that more than a night or two in the city, most finding it
takes place must unfold just as it does. These philoso claustrophobic at best.
phers train themselves to accept and endure whatever Few leonin journey to Meletis, knowing little of the
befalls them, enjoying good fortune but not griev- land beyond what their stories remember of Agnomak
ing its loss. hos's tyranny. Even an age after the archon's rule, most
Anapsians. Anapsian philosophy embraces the fine Jeonin view Meletis as a cursed place. Those few who
delights of life: the pleasures of love and friendship, have traveled to the polis in recent years find it changed,
fine food and drink, art and music. Anapsians have with great potential for trade and cooperation, but no
few strong opinions about governance, except that Meletian or leonin has yet initiated an official dialogue
an ultimate good end should be kept front of mind in between the two peoples.
all decision. Most satyrs have little patience for Meletian philoso
phy, visiting largely out of curiosity or on elaborate larks.
THAUMATURGES
Minotaurs are rarely seen in Meletis, though those who
Meletians view magic as one of the greatest art forms, visit with peaceful intentions are welcome.
and they call the most accomplished mages thauma
turges ("wonder workers"). Many Meletian mages FEATURES OF MELETI S
are trained at the elite academy of the Dekatia, but
countless smaller schools and private tutors teach the The architectural and academic marvels of Meletis
magical arts. These lessons in magic typically include a testify to the achievements of civilized humanity. The
well-rounded education in the sciences and philosophy. streets are paved with bricks made in interlocking geo
Some thaumaturges find their magical studies aligning metric shapes, meant to demonstrate principles of both
with popular Meletian philosophies and choose the mathematics and magic. Grand temples line the streets,
schools of magic they focus on based on such teachings. testifying to the Meletians' devotion to the gods. These
The mark of a true thaumaturge, though, is a gift or rise as both mighty bastions dedicated to individual
positive omen from the gods; even the most accom deities and various neighborhood shrines devoted to the
plished student of magic can't earn the title without pantheon as a whole.
such a sign of divine approval. One mage might receive Inside the city, the wild lands feel like a remote threat.
the gift of a spear from Heliod, another could receive a Perils from the sea present more obvious dangers, but a
clockwork owl from Ephara, and still another might ex great sea wall protects the polis's port on the Bay of Me
perience a wild, creative vision from Keranos. letis, while a lengthy channel cuts through the surround
ing land to reach Meletis Harbor on the Siren Sea.
THE REVERENT A R M Y
PYRGNOS
The hoplites of Meletis practice battlefield tactics in an
environment saturated with religious devotion. The mil Many Meletians speak of the "edifice of knowledge,"
itary force of the polis is called the Reverent Army, and referring in the abstract to the sum of all learning and
aims as much to exalt the glory of the pantheon as to scholarship. Every citizen is expected to help improving
defend Meletis. The soldiers are clever and resourceful, this edifice for the good of the polis, whether through
believing their piety leads the gods to smile upon them. philosophical exploration, advancements in magical
More likely, though, their extensive training in battle technique, investigation into the nature of the gods, or
field tactics and magic gives them an edge over other perfection of techniques in crafting and trade.
soldiers, with most Meletian hoplites knowing at least a But the edifice of knowledge in Meletis is a literal
little magic. structure as well as a metaphorical one: the Pyrgnos
is a glowing stone tower standing near the coast. It is
literally formed from the collected learnings of the polis,
recorded on carved stone tablets and glowing letters
. ..
hovering in the air. At night, the Pyrgnos shines like a
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90
lighthouse where the sea wall meets the shore, gleam
MYTH OF THE FALL OF ACNOMAKHOS
ing on the waters of the Siren Sea.
From the back of his flying bull, the archon Agnomakhos led
A decade ago, the Pyrgnos was partly demolished by
armies across the face of Theros, carving out an empire that
a kraken that attacked the city, but it has been repaired stood for generations. While numerous rebellions attempted
and continues to grow, reflecting the continued learning to cast off the archon's rule, each was crushed by his armies
of the polis's citizens. of giants, leonin, and other fearsome creatures. So, when the
heroes Kynaios and Tiro sought to inspire an uprising, few
THEDEKATIA flocked to their banner.
Meletis boasts many centers of learning, but the preem Undeterred, the rebels soldiered on against impossible
inent academy for philosophers and mages is the Deka odds. Seeing their dedication to the cause of freedom, the
tia. Students who display remarkable promise over the goddess Ephara came to the heroes. She offered to aid
course of their earlier education can go on to spend up Kynaios and Tiro in their battle against the tyrant, supple
to ten years in arduous training at the Dekatia, appren menting their martial skill with a new weapon: magic.
With their new power, Kynaios and Tiro inspired the peo
ticed to master priests, thaumaturges, philosophers, and
ple to rise up against Agnomakhos, ultimately defeating his
military heroes. Those who manage to complete this de armies and striking the archon down. From their victory rose
cade of training are renowned as the wisest of the wise the polis of Meletis and the use of magic among mortals.
and the bravest of the brave, combining all the essential Agnomakhos's fall remains a point of honor in the minds
learning of the polis into one heroic package. of Meletis's people, a moment immortalized in relief upon
countless civic buildings throughout the polis.
THE OBSERVATORY
The Observatory is a tall viewing platform and a win
dowed structure offering a splendid view of the sky, MELETIS'S SURROUNDINGS
renowned as a place to study Nyx, the home of the gods.
Meletis sits on the coast of the Siren Sea, surrounded by
Special crystals shaped by thaumaturges and blessed
rivers, sparse woodlands, and vast, stepped grasslands.
by the oracles of the gods enhance the view, making
Fields of barley provide sustenance to Meletians and
it easier for observers to see the workings of the gods
their animals. Well-trod roads wind their way through
among the stars and constellations. Priests, mages, and
the region, but most locals travel along the coast in
philosophers interpret what they see in the Observatory
simple boats.
as signs and omens from the gods.
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91
MELETIAN HOLDINGS Neolantin. Though they are regarded as Meletians,
The polis of Meletis embodies the heart and mind of the people of Neolantin view themselves as citizens of
what it means to be Meletian, but the polis's lands also Olantin-a coastal polis that long ago vanished into the
includes numerous other settlements and wildernesses. sea. According to legend, an angry Heliod smote the
The people who live in these holdings are no less Mele polis with his spear, sinking it in punishment for its
tians than the inhabitants of the city, and they share the people's utter hubris. The fact that the Neolantians were
values of other Meletians even if their lifestyle affords spared this fate, they say, is evidence of their humility,
them little opportunity to study magic and philosophy. and they take special care in their sacrifices to Heliod.
Altrisos. This small walled city is famous for Ephara's Oxus. Oxus is a quiet town with a notably wealthy
intervention to protect it from a kraken, her face coming population, consisting largely of merchants who have
to life on the marble wall and making the barrier grow retired from trade with large fortunes at their disposal.
so tall that the kraken couldn't get through. Altrisos now The tomb of Kynaios and Tiro also stands in the center
has Ephara's face on nearly every building and wall in of the town, the subject of many local legends.
the entire city in gratitude. Phaela. A small fishing village, Phaela is most noted
Glossion. Glossion is a small coastal town that would as being the literal "end of the road" for travelers ven
be completely unremarkable, except that it's accumu turing south from Meletis. The rugged lands beyond are
lated a truly impressive library. The bulk of the town's rocky and scattered with forgotten ruins.
economy revolves around maintaining the library and Sitrium. This coastal town is known for the way many
meeting the needs of travelers who come to visit it. of its buildings are on stilts to accommodate the chang
Krimnos. Renowned as the home of Anapse, the ing tides. Sitrium is famed for its skilled shipwrights.
philosopher who founded the Anapsian school, the vil Thesteia. The village of Thesteia is little more than a
lage of Krimnos attracts many philosophers who share crossroads, but it's notable for its temple to Karametra.
Anapse's delight in the pleasures of a simple life. The site draws farmers from the region who offer a por
Listes. Listes is a fortress marking the northeastern tion of their crops to the god of agriculture.
border of the polis. The civilian population is hardly less
disciplined than the members of the Reverent Army sta LAGONNA GROUNDS
tioned there, and the whole population observes Iroas's At the northern edge of Meletian territory, between the
holy days together. sea and the Nessian Wood, roam the centaurs of the
Natumbria. The residents of Natumbria are famous Lagonna band. Unlike the ferocious Pheres band, the
for training sea animals as skillfully as Setessans train Lagonna-band centaurs are generally peaceful and don't
land and air animals. They train sea snakes, dolphins, engage in raids upon Meletian territory. They are fre
and even sharks on a few occasions to be combatants, quent visitors in Listes, Krimnos, and Meletis itself, and
working animals, aquatic mounts, and companions. often carry goods between Meletis and Setessa, since
they are more at home in the Nessian Wood than most
Meletian merchants.
PEOPLE FROM ACROSS THEROS VISIT MELETIS, LEAVING THEIR

MARKS ON THE POLIS'S ARCHITECTURE AND PHILOSOPHIES.
SETESSA THE RULING COUNCIL
Karametra is the queen of Setessa, but of course gods
THIS CITY SAVED ME WHEN I WAS AN ORPHANED CHILD, have more important concerns than the day-to-day
sold into chains. Now is my turn to save it. governance of a human polis. So a five-member council
attends to the daily tasks of leadership on the deity's be
-Kallias, Ophis Tower commander
half. The council is made up of the commanders of the
four prominent fortress-watchtowers that guard the po
Setessa is the favored polis of Karametra, and its build lis. These commanders are elected by popular vote: An
ings blend so perfectly into the forest that it's difficult to thousa of Leina Tower, Phaedra of Hyrax Tower, Niketa
tell the difference between inside and outside. The pop of Bassara Tower, and Kallias of Ophis Tower. The fifth
ulace lives in harmony with the thick forests, terraced member is Silverbrow, a centaur oracle who reads the
farms, and trained animals of Setessa, and they cele Kelema Veil at the Nexuses of the Seasons and advises
brate the cycle of seasons with grand holidays. action based on her visions. Anthousa is the head of the
Setessa is also unique among the poleis of Theros in council, considered Karametra's closest advisor and the
that few of its adult residents are men. Women comprise de facto ruler of the city.
the bulk of the population, holding almost all of the lead
ership roles and carrying out most work. Men are few DEFENDERS AND THE FOUR TOWERS
and far between, mostly performing roles at the polis's Karametra includes defense of the home in her do
edge. Children run freely around the polis. They're so mains, and the residents of Setessa follow suit. Setes
important, in fact, that Setessa's people take in aban san military forces are organized into four major regi
doned children from all over Theros. ments, each associated with a fortress tower.
Bassara Tower. The tower of the fox stands near the
PEOPLE OF SETES SA Summer Nexus and watches for interlopers who enter
The populace o f Setessa live i n a beautiful paradise, and the Nessian Wood without permission. During their
they're prepared to fight to the death to protect it. The training, troops there focus on archery and guerrilla tac
constant training in archery, falconry, riding, and close tics. Their leader is Niketa, a woman in her fifties who
combat can seem out of place among the idyllic forests spends most of her time in the tower since she parted
and beautiful gardens and orchards, but that is the way ways with her dryad partner.
of life in Setessa. Hyrax Tower. The tower of the falcon lies on the ridge
near the Autumn Nexus. Its regiment includes contin
GENDER IN SETESSA gents of scouts and falconers. Its leader is Phaedra, a
Setessans believe that women become heroes through nineteen-year-old master falconer and orphan from Me
martial exploits, while men do so by finding their own letis who was rescued by the Ophis regiment.
way in the world. As a result, the polis is populated Leina Tower. The tower of the lion stands near Kara
mostly by women and children. metra's temple at the heart of Setessa. Its regiment, led
When young men reach the age of fourteen, their rites by the hero Anthousa, is dedicated to the defense of the
of passage culminate in a journey called peregrination, polis and the training of its children. The Leina warriors
where they wander the world until they find a new place favor double-edged axes.
to call home. The few men who reside permanently in Ophis Tower. The tower of the serpent nestles at the
Setessa live in the Amatrophon, training and caring for center of Setessa. Its wandering warriors travel the
the animals there. Some of these men never peregri world, working on behalf of the Ruling Council. Their
nated, but others left and then returned to Setessa. leader is Kallias, who was sold into slavery as a child.
The women of the polis form a tight-knit community They lost an eye and several fingers before they were
where property is held in common. There is no mar rescued and brought to Setessa, where they have de
riage, and ancestry is traced matrilineally. voted themselves to saving others in a similar plight.
Despite the very different roles played by men and
women, Setessans are flexible when it comes to any THE "LITTLE BEARS" OF SETESSA
individual's place in that structure. Some men set out on Children in Setessa are reared by the polis as a whole
peregrination after spending a number of years identi and treated with the highest respect; their welfare is
fied as women, and some women return from peregrina paramount and their training is a significant part of ev
tion (or never undertake it) after a period of realization. ery warrior's occupation. Orphans and abandoned chil
Some people move fluidly between roles, and a few dren are sacred to Karametra, so they are brought into
choose a special role that Setessans view as standing the city and tended just as Setessa's own children are.
outside the dichotomy of gender, living in Ophis Tower. In contrast to the discipline associated with educating
The warriors of Ophis Tower are martially trained children in other poleis, Setessan youngsters enjoy tre
as women are but wander the world as men do. They mendous freedom. Called arkulli, meaning "little bears,"
gather information for the Ruling Council, search out they are welcome anywhere in the city. They often wan
routes for peregrination (including identifying sym der in and out of the temple, training grounds, the hall of
pathetic individuals and households who will mentor the Ruling Council, the market, and anywhere else their
young men at the start of their journeys), and rescue lost paths take them. Such freedom is meant to cultivate a
and abandoned children from other communities, bring curious spirit and help the children find the path they're
ing them back to Setessa. most interested in following later in life. _. I
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93
NONHUMANS I N SETES SA Autumn Nexus. Near the southern edge of Setessa,
Setessa doesn't welcome outsiders, as a rule, except the in an orchard filled with golden apples, a small cave
orphaned and abandoned children brought to live in the behind a basalt arch holds a perpetually burning flame.
polis. But the polis can be more hospitable to nonhuman Priests keep a strict rotation to ensure the fire never
outsiders than to humans (especially male humans) goes out, as it represents Purphoros's fire that keeps the
from other poleis. A few centaurs of the Lagonna band, world warm through the colder seasons and allows the
leonin, and satyrs have earned the right to live in Set autumn harvest. In addition to Purphoros, Setessans
essa. Dryads and naiads from the Nessian Wood rarely come here to worship Iroas and Mogis, when necessary.
try to enter the polis, but they are often friendly with the Winter Nexus. At the eastern edge of Setessa hides a
Bassara soldiers who patrol the forest. rocky cave that was once a lion's den. The cave contains
a burial ground and is rumored to lead all the way into
FEATURES OF SETES SA the underworld. Setessan children occasionally dare
each other to see who can make it the farthest into the
Setessa fuses nature and civilization into a single living
cave, but the morbid atmosphere usually sends the chil
organism. The polis extends from a huge tree at its cen
dren scurrying back before long. Setessans come here
ter, like the rings of a still larger tree. A dense circle of
to worship Pharika and Erebos, paying respects to the
vegetation forms the city's outer wall, with the treetops
dead or hoping to fend off death for a while yet.
magically woven together to create a barrier against
intruders. Expertly trained archers stand guard on plat ABORA MARKET
forms nestled among the upper branches. Inside these The Abora Market is a giant, open-air market just in
natural walls, patches of thick forest alternate with open side the main eastern gate of Setessa. Every day it is
spaces where the Setessans build their homes and civic thronged with citizens buying and selling food, crafts,
buildings amid the trees. Out of deference to Nylea, the and curiosities. On the seven days surrounding the
residents of Setessa never construct a building that isn't full moon, outsiders are even allowed into the market,
absolutely necessary, and their homes and buildings are though they are still prohibited from roaming the rest of
seamlessly integrated into the environment, with magic the polis. Visitors who try to explore beyond the market
coaxing vegetation to weave together into walls or roofs. are typically banned from the polis and must forfeit any
goods they brought into the city.
TEMPLE TO KARAMETRA
The most impressive part of the market is the rap
In the very center of the city is the temple to Karame
tor hall, where falconers show off the trained raptors
tra, patron of Setessa. Three ancient trees grow from
available for sale. Hunters all over Theros come to buy
an earthen rise and spiral around the heart of the city.
famous Setessan falcons.
The temple, built of glittering limestone, nestles amid
the massive trunks. Strong magical wards protect the CARYATID GROVE S
temple, since Karametra herself sits here when she vis Scattered throughout the city are several groves that
its her beloved polis. All manner of civic functions are are sacred to Karametra and Nylea, made up of slen
based in the temple, and most of them are carried out by der trees with almost humanlike forms. It is said that
Karametra's attendants. These attendants serve as heal whoever enters one of these sacred groves in search of
ers, advisors, teachers, chroniclers, and oracles. peace will find it-and take root, becoming part of the
grove. The trees here are caryatids, capable of animat
NEXU S E S OF THE SEASONS
ing in defense of the groves or the city (as animated
Four holy sites, corresponding to the four seasons,
trees) but otherwise resting in silent stillness.
stand in or near the polis and serve as temples-primar
ily for the rites of Karametra and Nylea, but also to the
SETESSA'S SURROUNDINGS
other gods to an extent. These nexus points between
the mortal world and Nyx-a phenomenon called the Beyond the city's encircling trees, the territory of Set
Kelema Veil-are where omens manifest amid star essa extends to cover about a third of the Nessian Wood
fields that glitter in the shadows and where oracles seek and a wide swath of the open chaparral. In contrast to
messages from the divine. The four nexuses are each Meletis and Akros, no villages or military outposts mark
distinct in their own ways. Setessan territory, but a few key features in the Nessian
Spring Nexus. Associated with Karametra, the Wood define the area under Setessan control.
Spring Nexus is located in a lavish garden just behind
AMATROPHON
her temple in the city of Setessa. A large arch of vines
and flowers leads into the nexus itself and stays fresh The Amatrophon encompasses a large forested region
and green all year long. Spring is the most celebratory at the northwestern edge of Setessan territory, and it
time for Setessans-a time for planting and hope. Wor provides a safe haven and training ground for the di
shipers leave gifts for both Karametra and Nylea here. verse range of animals that occupy an honored place as
Summer Nexus. Located in an olive grove west of
natural protectors in Setessan society. Experts train the
the city proper, the Summer Nexus is covered by a leafy renowned falcons of Setessa here, along with horses for
green canopy. As a shelter from summer's heat, the riding and for combat. More unusual animals are found
nexus is a favorite resting spot for people and animals here as well: trainers work with pegasi, wolves, and li
alike, and Nylea and Iroas are worshiped here. ons to get them ready to accompany Setessans in battle.
Here men live and work alongside women, collectively
training and caring for the animals that live here.

94
NES SIAN WOOD
The vast wilderness of the Nessian Wood is considered A Setessan archer n am ed N ikaia claimed that she coul d out
Nylea's domain. Its trees are as old as the world, twin shoot anyone, even N yl ea. Word of this unwise boast spread,
ing together to form an impenetrable canopy shielding an d in response N yl ea appeared at the n ext archery con test
the wood from Heliod's angry glare. Their roots stretch at the Sprin g N exus. She chall enged N ikaia to an im possible
deep into the earth, and some say they drink from the feat of archery: to shoot an arrow into one of the twin trun ks
Rivers That Ring the World, the waters of the Under of Kruphix's great tree at the edge of the worl d. N ikaia im
world. All manner of wild and magical creatures dwell mediatel y reali zed that n either refusal, fa ilure, n or success
woul d forestal l N yl ea's wrath. N on etheless, she held her head
in the Nessian Wood, far from the reach of human
high, she and N yl ea both l et fly, and both arrows hit. I m
civilization.
pressed b y the m ortal, N yl ea took N i k aia t o her sacred grove
Nylea allows limited hunting in the Nessian Wood, but an d plan ted her there as a caryatid, immobi l e but forever
she has been known to kill those who poach without her occupyin g a place of hon or.
permission. Setessa's Bassara regiment helps the god Since then, N yl ea has honored dozen s of other champi
keep an eye out for such illicit hunters, as well as any on s an d worthy mortals, blessin g them with the l on g l i ves
intruders who might bring danger upon the polis. of m ighty trees. The grown seedlings of N ikaia an d N yl ea's
Cypress Gates. A natural gap between two mountains other favored continue to share their wisdom an d protect
on the west side of the Sperche River provides access Setessa to this day.
into the Nessian Wood from the east. Ancient Setessans
carved an impenetrable fortress into the mountains to
guard the pass. Bassara patrols from Setessa still check forest, along the road from Meletis known as the Guard
in on the fortress regularly, and they occupy the fortress ian Way, the ruins of a round tower lie beside a rushing
when there is reason to suspect danger from the east. stream. This marks the greatest extent of ancient Set
More than once, though, patrols have reached the fort essa's reach. A site of rich natural beauty, with lilacs
only to find something else has taken up residence, growing along the riverbank and silver fish darting in
whether it be rowdy satyrs, grim Returned, or worse. startlingly clear water, it is abandoned by Setessa and
Hunter's Crossing. Setessa once extended its claim favored by travelers as a resting point on the road before
over more of the Nessian Wood, establishing military coming under the eaves of the forest.
outposts like those of Akros. At the western end of the "' I
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95
0 RESKOS hunt, prides dwell in lavish tent-cities, largely com
prised of tents capable of housing whole families. These
O U R WORLD STANDS ON TH REE FEET: P RI D E , DIGNITY, temporary homes surround brightly colored pavilions,
and independence. When voices claim we've lost these vir where craftspeople turn game into meals, clothing, and
materials, honoring their animal neighbors by wasting
tues, do not listen. Those are the words of thieves, convinc
nothing. While these encampments are obvious and well
ingyou you've already lost what they aim to steal. supplied, they are also heavily guarded by wary leonin.
-Liala, matron of the Sun Guides As a result, strangers who approach such camps tend to
receive cold receptions.
A vast valley of dry grasslands nestled between the
THE SPE A K E R
Katachthon and Oraniad Mountains, Oreskos is the
Each year, on the day of the first full moon after the
home of the leonin. Here roam vast herds of knot-horned
autumn equinox, matriarchs from all the leonin prides
gazelle, flocks of elephant birds, prides of lean lions, and
gather at Tethmos to select a monarch, who acts as a
a menagerie of other beasts. Predatory griffins and man
representative of the prides in the wider world. While
ticores regularly range over the region's grassy seas,
terms like "queen" or "general" are often applied to this
while beings like the anvilwroughts of Mount Velus or
leader by outsiders, the meaning of the leonin title, zib
the Nyxborn from Nykthos often experience Oreskos as
ynth, is closer to "speaker."
their first glimpse of the wider world.
As the sun rises on this festival day, the leonin gather
to renew pacts of friendship. The matriarchs of all the
LEON I N OF 0 RESKOS
prides hold council during this time. As dusk falls, the
Close-knit prides of several dozen to a few hundred leo council announces a new speaker. A fantastic celebra
nin make their homes throughout Oreskos. These com tion ensues, involving dancing, feasting, singing, public
munities treat every member as family, with all taking professions of deep feelings, and trading oaths.
equal roles in hunting, cooking, family care, and other Traditionally, the speaker reigns for a single year. As
daily responsibilities. Status in the tribe typically comes the leonin have grown less isolated, though, they have
with age and by forming relationships with other mem come to explore greater continuity in their leadership,
bers of the community, whether through childrearing, and the current speaker, Brimaz, has held the office for
friendships, romances, teaching, or otherwise. Leonin several years. One of the few men to ever be speaker, he
women tend to remain part of their mothers' prides, is broadminded, humble, and determined, with a deep
while males often leave to join new prides when they connection to the land. He is quick to seek opinions
find partners. Councils of matriarchs make decisions for from the matriarchs of the leonin prides, and often de
most prides, these leaders rising from among the oldest fers to their wisdom. While his focus has largely been
or best-respected women of the pride. within the grasslands' borders, he cautiously explores
Generally, leonin communities avoid outsiders, par engaging in trade with the human poleis
ticularly armed groups of soldiers and champions of the
gods. Many leonin suffered under the rule of the archons lRON MANE S
and at the whim of fickle gods, a grim history that taught One collection o f leonin prides, the Ironmanes, doesn't
them well-remembered lessons about trusting strangers recognize the authority of the speaker. These fearsome
or relying on deities. Most leonin understand that people warriors live in the foothills of the western Katachthon
aren't their culture, though, and individuals who prove mountains, acknowledging no authority but their own.
themselves trustworthy might find gradual acceptance The warriors of the tribe stain their fur with rust to
among the prides. Even so, leonin prides accept cen declare their status and ornament themselves with
taurs, minotaurs, and satyrs more readily than unpre claws and small bones taken from defeated opponents.
dictable humans and alien tritons. While intensely territorial, the Ironmanes sometimes
offer their services as guards or guides, though they
LEONIN COM MU N ITIES generally disdain working for anyone but other leonin.
Leonin prides typically occupy dens or mobile tent Numerous leonin fighters and rangers count themselves
cities, or possibly both at different times of the year. as Ironmanes.
Their dens commonly lie amid the foothills at the edge
of Oreskos, particularly along the Oraniads to the east. SUN GUIDE S
Dens are usually comprised of small, interconnected True children o f Oreskos, the Sun Guides have lived in
networks of underground chambers. Large, shared the grasslands for countless generations. They know the
spaces in these dens are typically decorated with rich way of Oreskos's beasts and seasons better than any.
woven textiles, bone crafts, and rich clay and crystal Both mystical and knowledgeable, the Sun Guides read
pottery. The dens are cool in the summers, but leonin the messages in plant growth and animal migrations,
are a sun-loving people and prefer to be outside-even and make their place in the natural cycle.
sleeping outdoors-whenever weather permits. Sun Guide prides might be found throughout Oreskos,
Numerous beasts migrate across Oreskos during the but most orbit the lake known as Sun's Mirror. While
spring and fall. During this time, hunters from nearly these prides sometimes seek their dens during the
every leonin pride participate in extended expeditions. harshest winters, many will spend years on the open
In some cases, the entire pride takes part, emptying plains. Many druids, monks, rangers, and sorcerers hail
their dens to journey across the plains. While on the from Sun Guide prides.
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96
SPEAKER BRIMA"l LOOKS B E YOND 0 R ESKOS AND WONDERS
IF THERE IS A FUTURE FOR HIS PEOPLE IN T H E OUTSIDE WORLD.
SWIF TCLAWS Th THMOS

Among the greatest hunters of Oreskos, the Swiftclaws Tethmos serves as the default capital for Oreskos, a
are known for speed and efficiency. Their hunts are meeting place for the tribes, and the home of leonin
known to be among the shortest and most fruitful. leaders. Stone buildings and slender windmills jut
While their martial prowess earns them respect, it also above the plain, their pale colors and metal decorations
affords many leonin more time to share tales and study shimmering in the light and changing color as the sun
the lore of their people. As a result, some of the great moves across the sky. Many leonin matriarchs and other
est leonin storytellers and historians number among wise souls retire to Tethmos to share their wisdom with
the Swiftclaws. Fighters and rogues are also common all the prides. In recent years, a few non-leonin traders
among the Swiftclaws, and many bards and wizards have been admitted into Tethmos, provoking exagger
come from these prides as well. ated tales of the leonin sages and their golden city.
GRASS LANDS OF 0RESKOS MOUN T KURE

Atop Mount Kure rises a massive temple, open-roofed
Unspoiled by roads or buildings, Oreskos is a land of
and accented in gold. This temple of Heliod, his closest
striking natural beauty, where the plains and sky appear
to Oreskos, is rarely visited, but on the god's highest
to go on forever. Craggy stone formations and ancient
holy days, worshipers journey there to commune with
ruins dot windswept grasslands and plateaus, shading
the sun god. These pilgrimages occasionally bring
into scrubby badlands, rocky hills, and unwelcoming
the god's servants into conflict with wary leonin hunt
mountains. At the sun's height, the grasslands shine like
ing nearby.
beaten gold, and the sunsets are incomparable. Magnif
icent storms spread clouds in a rainbow of colors, creat SuN's MIRROR
ing vistas exhilarating to those brave enough to weather This vast, placid lake sits at the center of Oreskos. No
them. The hills yield ancient treasures and a bounty of matter the weather around it, the lake's surface remains
precious metals and stones. At night, the movements of undisturbed, and often reflects the sunlight so brightly
Nyx are striking, but images of the gods seem to keep that it's difficult to look at. Those who approach the lake
their distance from this land where few pay them honor. and gaze into its waters usually see their own reflec
Yet most non-leonin will never see this beauty. The tions, but on rare occasions, they see visions of places
leonin prides guard their lands implacably, and without far away. The leonin claim that these visions show not
a good reason to be there-or a leonin guide to vouch for just the present, but even the past and the future. � .
one's presence-outsiders are often chased away. ..·
C HAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GOD S A N D MORTALS

97
PHOBEROS AND SKOPHOS M INOTAURS OF PHOBEROS
MOGIS RESHAPED OUR ANCESTORS , GIVING FORM :ro
Most of the minotaurs that roam the badlands of
Phoberos are outcasts from the society of Skophos.
their great rages and pains. We are not our ancestors,
They are bandits and marauders, bloodthirsty killers
though. We are god-carved for greatness, but each of us infected by the wild rage of Mogis. These minotaurs
determ ines how. have more in common with the monsters in the Mon
ster Manual than with the civilized people described in
-Gysios, Bronzebones veteran
chapter 1 of this book (including their Large size). Most
of them use only the barest minimum of technology
The western edge of Akroan territory is a region of arid tattered clothes, piecemeal armor, and heavy weapons,
canyons and caverns called Phoberos, a land of harsh all scavenged from their fallen foes. They wander alone
natural whims haunted by ravenous monsters. Fierce or gather in bands under the leadership of the strongest
bands of wild minotaurs haunt these badlands, and for among them, and in either case tend to kill any human
centuries these brutal marauders were the only mino they encounter. Three distinct bands are particularly
taurs the human poleis ever knew-which contributed to well-known by their Akroan foes.
the minotaurs' reputation as bloodthirsty brutes.
But to the north of Phoberos, far from the walls of Ak BLOODHORN M INOTAURS
ros, stands the sprawling, labyrinthine polis of Skophos. Named for their blood-caked horns, the Bloodhorn
Skophos is mentioned in a few ancient odes, but only minotaurs have ragged claws to supplement their
a handful of humans have ever beheld Skophos, and charges and gores. Gleeful in their brutality, they
hardly any have successfully navigated its labyrinthine slaughter and devour any intruders they encounter in
passageways and returned to tell of it. the badlands, and particularly value the bone marrow
The founding of Skophos and its troubled history with of young humans. They take pride in their overlarge,
Akros are the stuff of myth, and it is difficult to distin razor-sharp horns.
guish the mortal history of the two poleis from tales
of the twin gods, Iroas and Mogis. The gods warred FELHIDE MINOTAURS
with each other, their followers and champions vied for The notoriously dour Felhide minotaurs are descended
control of scarce land, and two ideals-the nobility of from the warlord Thyrogog of the Ashlands. The The
heroic struggle and victory versus the brutality of savage riad recounts the brute's defeat and the loss of his
slaughter in war-competed for a place in the mortal great axe, Goremaster. Viewing Thyrogog's defeat as
mind. Just as Mogis is the dark shadow of everything a divine sign, the warlord's descendants retreated into
Iroas stands for, so is Skophos the reflection of Akros. the Ashlands.
And Phoberos is the bloodstained battleground where Burial rites among the Felhide minotaurs involve de
the eternal conflict between the gods and their po- vouring those who fell in battle, to remove their shame
leis is waged. from memory and fuel the survivors' revenge. Should
another scavenger reach a fallen Felhide before the rest
of the band can eat the dead minotaur's remains, the
minotaurs mobilize to track down as much of their dead
comrade's body as possible.
FOR CENTURIES, THE MINOTAUR POLIS OF 5KOPHOS WAS

UNKNOWN TO OUTSIDERS. lT REMAINS UNEX PLORED.
RAGEGORE MINOTAUR S visions from both Mogis and Ephara-a school of mi
Ragegore minotaurs are the most ferocious o f their notaur philosophers aspires to a vision of Skophos
kind, deeply infected by the bloodlust of Mogis. Rage that can coexist in some measure of peace with the
gores never withdraw from a battle, entering a frenzy of wider world.
furious delight at the sight of an enemy's blood. While in
MoGi s's CHALICE
the heat of battle, a Ragegore minotaur seems to feel no
pain and barely notices wounds that would kill a human. Many grand temples to Mogis stand in Skophos, pre
Some Ragegores have been known to fall dead immedi senting a stark contrast to the crude shrines that usually
ately at the cessation of battle, their life sustained only serve as sites of worship for the god of fury. Near the
by their fury. center of the polis, one temple larger and more elaborate
than the rest serves as a holy site and the seat of the mi
CI TY OF SKOPHOS notaur government, called Mogis's Chalice.
Fires always burn in two great copper bowls on either
W hen Akroan soldiers encounter minotaurs i n ordered side of the temple entrance. Iron-spiked crenellations
squads, patrolling the badlands on predictable routes, ring the temple roof, many decorated with skulls. Red
clad in armor and wielding bronze weapons, they tend clay is smeared at the entrance and the altar, often
to speak of the "Bronzebone band," as if these mino anointed with fresh blood. Inside, a massive bronze mi
taurs were just one more faction competing for domi notaur head hangs above the black marble altar.
nance in Phoberos. But these minotaurs aren't just one Legend holds that if anyone, minotaur or otherwise,
more raiding band; they are the soldiers of Skophos, the kills a hated rival or enemy in the main room of the Tem
minotaur polis. ple to Mogis, they will be blessed by the god of wrath.
Skophos stands as a literal maze, its twisting streets Even the minotaurs of Skophos will not interfere with
carved from the red sandstone of the badlands. The such a battle, and the victor is always allowed to depart
walls of the maze rise as narrow buildings that serve without further bloodshed.
as homes, shops, and defensible fortresses for the city's
predominantly minotaur population. Mighty stone out BADLANDS OF PHOBEROS
croppings tower over the labyrinth, including temples
to Mogis (the most prominent), Erebos, Keranos, and Between Skophos and the human polis of Akros
Purphoros. The fortress-palaces of tyrants, the lairs of stretches the desolate wilderness of Phoberos. Numer
monstrous oracles, and cavernous indoor markets also ous canyons, said to have been cut in the earth during
stand as destinations at the end of confounding avenues. battles between Mogis and Iroas, crisscross the rocky
Priests and warlord champions of Mogis rule the city, badlands. As minotaurs prove adept at navigating such
with individuals serving as tyrants over city districts. natural mazes, they often make camp in these crags,
The city's rulers rarely meet in council, and when they hidden from the sun and heat. A variety of other raiders
do, the quarrelsome tyrants rarely find common cause and monsters similarly make their lairs in such places
or any basis for agreement. Only the priests of Mogis particularly cyclopes, basilisks, and harpies.
can force the city's leaders to put aside their quarrels
DEATHBELLOW CANYON
and work toward a single goal.
Deathbellow Canyon is known for its stinking bogs,
LESSER PERISTYLE cave-riddled spires, and the ominous markings of
The minotaurs of Skophos acknowledge the entire Ragegore minotaurs. At the canyon's heart yawns the
pantheon of gods, though they are far enough inland Kragma, a vast cave that resembles a screaming mouth.
that they have little cause to honor Thassa, and many of The Kragma is the grim meeting place of the Ragegore
them view Iroas as an enemy of their people. They wor minotaur bands, where these Mogis-worshiping raiders
ship a more ancient aspect of Karametra, who demands make brutal sacrifices and endlessly quarrel, their war
blood to ensure the fertility of the earth. In the shadow cries echoing through the canyon.
of Mogis's great temple, most of the gods are honored
THE STRATIAN FRONT
with some kind of violence.
Soldiers from the Akroan army monitor Phoberos and
In that context, the small temple known as the Lesser
patrol the borders of Akros, confronting any threats that
Peristyle is an oddity. Dedicated to Ephara, it is a place
might bring harm to their homeland. Such is an endless
where minotaurs debate philosophy and strive to rein
war that demands Akros's constant attention. W hile a
in the excesses of the tyrants who govern the city. The
few permanent encampments exist-like raucous Camp
existence of Skophos is a testimony to the benefits of
No Hope and the cavern Fort Sandmouth-most stra
an ordered society, as Ephara teaches, and that self-ev
tian patrols follow their own path through the badlands.
ident lesson is the strongest argument that Ephara's
handful of priests can make to justify their presence THE ASHLANDS
in the city. From that starting point, they pursue their Buried in white ash, the Ashlands offer a vivid reminder
vision of a better way of life, aspiring to nobler principles of the last time Mount Vesios erupted. Numerous un
than senseless slaughter and better governance than dead wander these lands, many not realizing that they're
iron-fisted tyranny. Under the leadership of the temple's dead as they wander half-buried ruins. These lands
priests-Haraksi, an ingenious smith and mother of are also the home of the Felhide minotaurs and the
eight, and Olakia the Torn, an oracle who experiences bleached dragon oracle known as Timedrinker.
� ·,
...·
C HAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GODS A N D M O RTALS

99
REALMS OF THE RETURNED they came upon their grisly magic, kakomanteis keep
small animals, such as rodents, snakes, and insects,
DEATH AND LIFE ARE TWO SIDES O F THE SAME COIN. close at hand to power their spells, though more potent
Opposite, but eternally connected. One cannot exist with
magical effects demand more significant sacrifices.
out the other. PALAMNITE S

-Slighos the Body-binder While most of the Returned are listless and quiet,
palamnites burn with envy and rage. They are vicious
Before becoming a god, Phenax died, passed into Ere killers, destroying what no longer brings them joy.
bos's realm, and ultimately escaped the Underworld. Palamnites burn villages, slaughter innocents, and steal
His escape route, the Path of Phenax (see chapter 4), wealth only to discard it later. Most stories of vengeful
has since been employed by rare, but over the ages in Returned stem from reports of these tortured souls.
numerable, individuals. These Returned find the world
P S EUDAM M A S
of the living far different from how they experienced
Pseudammas are cursed by fleeting memories of their
it in life-not that they remember their lives. Although
lost children. They know that they were parents in life
they've escaped from the Underworld, the Returned still
and that they will never again experience the love of
find themselves separate from the living, their memories
their child. Though their plight is heartbreaking, pseu
lost and their unnatural states striking fear in most mor
dammas turn tragedy into horror by snatching mortal
tals. As a result, most Returned come to follow certain
children and attempting to raise them. However, the
paths of behavior and gravitate toward two city-states,
Returned have forgotten the needs of the living and they
known as the necropoleis-cities of the dead.
have no concept of how to care for a child.
THE RETURNED
ASPHODEL AND THE DESPA I R LANDS
Walking the Path of Phenax doesn't restore a soul to its
The influence of the Underworld leaches life and color
life. Those who return from the Underworld are hollow
from a peninsula south of the Nessian Wood. Here, the
shells inhabited by grim and purposeless spirits. These
necropolis of Asphodel sprawls amid the bleak region
Returned are separated from their memories, which
called the Despair Lands.
become wandering eidolons (see chapter 6). They retain
The Returned of Asphodel seek to be left alone with
their personalities and skills, but each Returned tends
their ennui. They rarely leave the city, venturing out only
to be a very different being from who they once were.
when spurred by fugues of emotion or fleeting memo
Their second life is theirs to do with as they please, but
ries. The streets are dusty and rarely walked, though the
it's typically a confused, cursed life, plagued by frustra
windows of dilapidated hovels glimmer with the staring
tion, bitterness, loneliness, and melancholy. Such leads
masks of listless Returned. Asphodel is an echo of the
many Returned along dark paths.
grim cities of the Underworld, making it a tragically
ANOGRAPHER S ironic home for those who risked so much to escape the
Anographers are the scribes o f the Returned. On land of the dead.
long scrolls of bleached white parchment, they write
COLISEUM OF THE APHONAI
half-remembered names, images from dreams, and
Three ancient Returned called the Aphonai rule Aspho
descriptions of places and people that might once have
del. They wear simple, identical golden masks and long,
held meaning. Other Returned visit anographers and de
drab robes, making them nearly impossible to distin
scribe what scraps of memory they retain. Some believe
guish from one another. From the Coliseum of the Apho
hidden wisdom lies upon these scrolls, clues to ancient
nai, a perfectly circular stone building that stands at the
mysteries, or hints at the lost identities of the Returned.
heart of Asphodel, the leaders listen to cases brought be
GRAY MERCHANTS fore them and decide on the few matters of importance
Traders recognize Gray Merchants by their hooded gray to the city. Trespassers caught within the city are often
cloaks and their carts piled high with useless trinkets. brought before the Aphonai for judgment. The elder
Their wares include components for sinister rituals, jew Returned never speak, rendering their judgments only
elry stolen from graves, cursed magic items, and other in gestures.
ominous goods. In return, they demand kitchen utensils,
ORDER OF PHAIOS
worn bridles, waterlogged books, and other unremark
A cabal of mages known as the Order of Phaios defend
able trash. There's no rhyme or reason to what the Gray
Asphodel with their magic. The mages of the order de
Merchants seek, and the merchants themselves never
vote themselves to studying arcane mysteries that could
speak. They conduct business through gestures, making
never be unraveled in a single life. Like all Returned,
their unusual trades and plodding off into the shadows.
though, they have difficulty remembering what they
KAKOMANTEIS learn. For this reason, the rooms of their order's vaulted
Returned kakomanteis employ powerful magic at a hall, the Stoa of Shadows, are covered with coded en
price paid in blood. Some theorize that in life each ka gravings that collect their wisdom. While the research
komantis was a spell caster, and the trip along the Path of the Returned rarely leads them to epiphany, some of
of Phenax corrupted their abilities. Regardless of how the few living mages who have stolen into the stoa es
cape with remarkable knowledge.
CHAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GODS A N D MORTALS

100
HETO S , THE BLEAK MIRE MYTH OF TYMARET THE M U R D E R KING
Asphodel perches at the edge of a sprawling marsh When Phenax made his escape from the U n derworl d, there
called the Hetos Mire. The necropolis stands on an ele was one witness to his escape, an un remarkabl e soul called
vated piece of land surrounded by treacherous bogs and Tymaret. Sharin g what he'd seen with the god of the dead,
tangled thickets. The inhospitable territory serves the Tymaret received a cursed blessin g from Erebos: he would
Returned as a first line of defense against any intruders. be restored to the mortal world, but as a Returned, an d with
the task of slayin g Phen ax . Tymaret took up the quest, but as
Near the southern edge of Hetos stands an ages-old,
Phenax was masked, he proved difficult to locate. So Tymaret
crimson cypress called the Blood Tree. Color from
b egan slaughterin g every mortal he en coun tered, con fiden t
the tree bleeds into the surrounding bog, making the that one of these victims would be Phenax. Yet, when Phenax
swamp waters look like a charnel pit. Vicious and ven b ecame a god, he evaded his pursuer, leavin g Tymaret and
omous swamp creatures are drawn to the Blood Tree his l egions of Returned to etern ally, fruitlessly kill in Ere·
and frequently drag prey into its foul midst. bos's n ame.
0DUNOS
THE BOTHROS
The Returned of Odunos despise the living, feeling
A bottomless chasm yawns at the north edge of Odunos.
sparks of pleasure when they destroy whatever the
Nothing that has fallen into its depths has ever been re
living value, be it property or people. Within their city,
covered. After a successful raid, warriors from Odunos
armed Returned gangs roam the streets, quarreling for
usually dispose of their spoils in the Bothros-caring
no apparent reason. Beyond the city's walls, undead
nothing for their pillage. Occasionally this includes cap
raiders strike out, menacing the lands of Akros, Meletis,
tives, forced into the pit during wordless executions.
and Phoberos. These raids are led by the city's de facto
ruler, Tymaret the Murder King, a servant of Erebos CRYPTS OF THE LOST
tasked with returning Phenax to the Underworld. Know Beyond Odunos rises a cluster of tors honeycombed by
ing that Phenax could disguise himself as anyone, Ty countless tombs. Few know who were originally buried
maret slaughters all living souls, just to be thorough. in this morbid labyrinth, but the Returned care nothing
Those who would strike back against Odunos's raid for the corpses and dust. Occasionally, Returned who've
ers must venture through mires corrupted by sucking grown tired of their half-lives congregate here, waiting
bogs and necromatic horrors. Those who survive to for a final death to claim them. Some tales claim that
reach the city find it heavily guarded, its towers bris treasures lie amid the crypts, but others say that Phe
tling with sleepless guards and abominations of unliv nax first emerged from the Underworld here, and his - .
ing flesh. path could be retraced back into Erebos's domain. ..·
CHAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GODS A N D M O RTALS

IOI
THE SIREN SEA DAKRA IS LES
CALLAPHE GAZE D ON THE COASTLINE ,
The Dakra Isles were created when Thassa wept over
the death of Korinna, a triton queen killed by a human's
certain her destiny called her
harpoon. Where the god's tears fell onto the sea there
here, where the m ist-shrouded rocks sang, exploded forth an isle suffused with immortal magic
prom ising glories undreamed of. and memory. Ages later, the Dakra Isles-also called the
Isles of Enchantment-harbor strange sights and fierce
-The Ca/lapheia
monsters. Thassa's power makes it impossible to keep
an accurate chart of the islands' positions, which roam
The vast Siren Sea extends west from the known lands as they please. Thus, even the most famed locations
of Theros to the edge of the world. As Thassa's domain, appear on no map, and sailors might spot them when
the sea hides an amazing array of creatures, including or wherever Thassa wills. A few of the Dakra Isles' leg
the entire triton civilization. Its legendary dangers range endary locations are noted here, and chapter 4 presents
from deadly reefs and wandering islands to predatory guidance for creating more magical shores.
beasts and devastating krakens (see chapter 6). Ev
er-changing, the Siren Sea is a realm of impossible ARIXMETHES
sights and constant danger, the setting of legendary od Tales tell of the lost island of Arixmethes, whose popu
ysseys and the crucible of heroes. lation was wiped out by disaster. In truth, generations of
hapless humans raised their city, realizing too late that
TRI TONS OF THE SIREN SEA they'd done so upon the back of a titanic kraken. W hen
Most tritons make their homes in the Siren Sea, either the kraken Arixmethes awakened, its throes devastated
migrating with the shifting tides or raising hidden cities the city upon its back and wiped out the residents. Since
of outlandish beauty. The majority are devoted servants returning to its slumber, Arixmethes drifts where it will,
of Thassa who rigorously protect her domain, often still bearing the ruins of a legendary city upon its back.
treating surface-dwelling sailors as trespassers. Tritons
CRON EMOUTH COVE
make most of their goods from materials harvested from
the deep, but have also developed ingenious forms of This tiny island lies in the midst of perpetual doldrums
metallurgy-largely based around volcanic sea vents and holds a known gate to the Underworld. It is guarded
and chemical etching, crafting wares that rival those by a coven of sea hags who share a single tongue that is
made on land. The endless array of life and unpredict perpetually trying to escape from their clutches, wrig
gling out of reach with a mind of its own.
able changes of the sea make tritons regular witnesses
to wonders. As a result, most tritons have a natural
KETAPHOS
curiosity, ever seeking to see and learn more, but know
Famed for its role in The Callapheia, the island of Ket
they'll never fathom all the wonders of the world.
aphos supposedly exists in Nyx during the night and in
Although numerous triton cultures exist throughout
the mortal realm during the day. Callaphe and her crew
the Siren Sea, many of those closest to shore are led by
were welcomed there and fed by a band of Nyxborn cen
priests of Thassa. Triton warriors enact their leaders'
taurs when a storm drove them to the island, then found
will, with many specializing in doing battle against mas
themselves stranded on a barren rock when the sun
sive beasts or ships sailing the surface. The most wary
rose and the island shifted to the mortal realm.
communities might even employ shorethieves, tritons
adept at using magical disguises to infiltrate land-bound SKATHO S
towns to watch and steal from "dryfolk." The island of Skathos was once a sacred meeting place
for a secret cult of Pharika whose rites revolved around
consuming a magical flower native to the island. The
island is now home to the medusa queen, Hythonia (de
scribed in chapter 6).
SKOLA VALE SKOLA VALE REVELS
TASTE THE WORLD BEFORE EREBOS RI PS YOUR
Satyrs hold regular revels called rollick nights. These
lengthy festivals are full of merrymaking, contests,
tongue out.
impromptu performances, and song, all accompanied
-Thisbi, satyr dawngreet by good food and sweet drinks. Beyond these celebra
tions, tales are also told of bakkeia, revels that occur
Nestled in the highlands of the Oraniad Mountains, the in deep caves and that involve ancient sacrificial rites.
Skola Vale is blessed by Nylea, covered in lush grass, Most satyrs say these traditions were abandoned ages
and dotted with copses of trees. Satyrs roam the com ago, though.
fortable valley with no need for permanent settlements,
CULT OF HORNS
all their needs provided for by the valley's magic. Ac
cording to legend, Nylea was so taken with the valley's Some non-satyrs looking for pleasure without conse
beauty that she poured the contents of her wineskin quences visit the Skola Vale, encouraged by dawngreets
onto the vale to make it flourish forever. When wild and tales of wild revels. After spending some time with
goats drank of this wine, they became the first satyrs the satyrs, dark-humored sibyls might invite outsiders to
who made the magical land their home. join the Cult of Horns. If they agree, the non-satyr might
While the Skola Vale is a place of revelry, it isn't with be crowned with a circlet of horns, marking them as
out its dangers. The satyrs themselves can become too "stubs" (for their crown's stubby horns). A period of haz
raucous in their merrymaking, and monsters lurk in the ing follows, where the stubs are enticed to perform me
shadows of the trees and the surrounding mountains. nial or humiliating tasks. When the satyrs grow bored
or a respected, sober satyr steps in-the hazing ends,
SATYRS OF THE SKOLA VALE which typically results in the stub later waking up alone
in the mountains. Most satyrs who participate in such
The satyrs of the Skala Vale are wild and free. They ungenerous behavior are chided and are themselves
have taboos, but not laws, influence fluctuates con made to serve at the next revel, but the satyr memory for
stantly, and all are free to make merry in any way they consequences is short and the tradition persists. As for
please, so long as it doesn't impede on others' ability to former stubs, most never share details about their expe
do the same. Disagreements are typically turned into riences, their secrecy contributing to tales of dark rites
opportunities for public competition. Irreconcilable and sinister enchantments in the vale.
issues are usually solved by a strict application of "you
go over there, and you go over there." True intentional FEATURES OF THE SKOLA VALE
crimes, however, are violations known deep in the satyr
soul. If needs be, revelry can halt in an instant to help The Skola Vale is a wild place where majestic animals
someone who's been hurt, and true criminals are exiled run free, trees, vines, and bushes provide fruit, and Nyl
from the Skola Vale for life. Satyrs quickly bury negative ea's magic enhances the land. Plants and animals grow
thoughts, though, and the loss of one friend merely leads rapidly in the valley. The chaotic satyrs may upend a
them to redouble efforts to make more. copse of trees one night only to have it regrow by morn
Distinctions are few among satyrs, but several notable ing. Most of the Skala Vale consists of greenery rolling
groups are detailed here. over gentle hills. During the day, the vale's residents
hunt small game and gather wild fruit for wine. Other
DAWNGREETS predators, such as bears, lions, and roes, hunt the re
Dawngreets are satyr emissaries, explorers, and story gion as well. Some of these beasts, whether predator or
tellers sent to other communities throughout the world. prey, have become Nyxborn legends that appear again
They arrange satyr-style celebrations wherever they go, and again through the generations, either as threats
spreading their people's carefree philosophies, praising or the stuff of incredible meals. Satyrs speak of both
Nylea, sharing news, and creating friends the Skala Vale Kexosrexsos the Braided Lion and Hulp the Pork Bird
can rely on when necessary. with equal awe.
NYLEA'S FAVORED WOODLANDS

A circle of satyr druids, Nylea's Favored protect the The Skola Vale's trees grow in twisted, climbable
Skala Vale, restoring nature after damage by wildfires shapes allowing inhabitants shady places to play and
or too rowdy satyr parties. They also defend the vale by sleep. Dryads protect the largest of these trees, espe
growing dense underbrush and supporting populations cially from drunken satyr antics. During the day, the
of wild beasts at their territory's borders. copses are idyllic forests, filled with the music of pan
pipes. At night, though, the forests grow more menac
SIBYLS ing. Nocturnal monsters roam the wood-particularly
The closest people satyrs have to leaders are their chimeras, cockatrices, and harpies-striving to pick off
sibyls, who are blessed with limited ability to see into drunken satyrs wandering alone after a revel. Satyrs
the future. Sibyls warn the community when danger rarely travel alone at night, believing that noise and mu
threatens the valley, select dawngreets, and oversee the sic scare away evil, but revelers aren't always as wary as
"initiation rites" of the Cult of Horns. The oldest sibyl they should be.
is a gray-furred satyr named Cresa. She insists that the
- .
more she drinks, the further she can see into the future. -.·
C HAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GODS A N D MO RTALS

ro3
THE KATAC HTHON THE 0 RANIAD MOUNTA I NS
MOUNTA I NS The Oraniad mountains stretch along the east side of
Oreskos. While they don't share the dark reputation of
While folk wisdom holds that the eastern Oraniad their western neighbor, they are the more dangerous
Mountains are blessed by the gods, dark, older magic territory. Tall, timeless mountains, the Oraniads are
supposedly holds sway in the Katachthons. While the said to be closer to Nyx than any other point on Theros.
Katachthons are a smaller range than the Oraniads, Ancient shrines lie among the lonely peaks, their origins
they are harsher and more volcanically active, with lost to mortal memory, and their halls haunted by myste
regular avalanches, storms, and unpredictable microcli rious supernatural phenomena. A wanderer might come
mates. Clouds obscure heavenly signs, guides become upon a shrine to a forgotten god, only to find it gone
disoriented, and explorers wander in ever-smaller cir upon looking back. Travelers might also catch glimpses
cles. And above it all, dragons rule the range-fire-belch of mysterious creatures here, beings that should have
ing creatures whose bellies, it is said, are filled with the long ago passed into Nyx, or that have slipped from the
flames of Purphoros's forge. divine realm before the gods intended from them to ap
Those who live in the foothills of the Katachthons are pear upon the world.
loath to acknowledge any tales of wondrous treasure or
mysterious creatures to be found there, only repeating E M PTY EYE
a warning to travelers: if you must cross them, keep to On the western edge of the Oraniad range's widest point
the passes. The two passes, One-Eyed Pass and the stands its tallest peak, a smooth-sided, towering, extinct
Cypress Gates, aren't safe, but they are generally consid volcano. Its caldera is a gaping dark hole, and no expedi
ered less lethal than attempts to blaze one's own trail. tion sent to plumb its depths has ever returned.
MOUN T VELUS NYKTHOS

Visible from Akros, Mount Velus is an energetically ac The Nykthos is a nexus point between the mortal realm
tive volcano. The fiery mountain serves as nothing less and Nyx. The site bears the name of the first Nyxborn, a
than Purphoros's home in the mortal world. divine artisan tasked with building altars to the gods so
While the volcano has only erupted a few times since they could be worshiped by mortals.
Akros's founding, those minor catastrophes were Built on a vast plain high in the mountains, the temple
enough to demonstrate that a major eruption might forms a mighty semicircle upon a field of starry marble.
destroy the entire region. Akroans regularly leave offer Its position at the peak of Mount Carian affords it an un
ings at the foot of the volcano, and rigorously dissuade obstructed view of the horizon in all directions. Statues
travelers from venturing up to the sacred peak, hoping of gods, champions, and oracles adorn the shrine, and
to avert the great explosion they fear is coming. each deity has an altar in a distinct alcove. Towering
While some adventurers have climbed to the volcano's pillars of light rise from each altar and vanish into the
caldera, met Purphoros, and lived, the god's anger isn't starry night sky. Unseen in the heavens above, these pil
the only danger. A red dragon called Thraxes makes his lars connect to counterparts in an identical temple in the
home in the halls of Purphoros's first residence, which foyer to Nyx-the entrance, as it were, to the realm of the
the god abandoned to create a larger and more ornate gods. The few brave souls that complete a pilgrimage
home deeper in the volcano. The dragon occasionally to Nykthos and sleep on the peak experience extremely
uses the old forge to craft his own creations, melting vivid dreams of divine entities, sometimes talking with
gold from his treasure hoard. He sometimes gives these the gods themselves or gaining visions of the future.
creations to Purphoros as offerings. In exchange the god
allows the dragon to stay in the volcano. PHOENIX STAIRS
Purphoros's forge lies in the deepest part of Mount An eerie natural formation of hexagonal pillars creates a
Velus, near a vast lava pool. The massive iron forge is natural staircase up to a small volcanic peak in the Ora
surrounded by the finest ores, metals, and gems. Some niads. A phoenix makes its nest in the caldera at the top,
of the greatest treasures Purphoros ever crafted are tending its precious egg. Phoenix feathers bring high
contained in the god's residence, a forge-palace warded prices in markets across Theros, though misfortune
by an enormous, gilded iron door. Occasionally these hunts those who ascend to the creature's lair, even if
doors crack open, admitting a curious anvilwrought they succeed at obtaining only a single feather.
creature into the world, or burst wide, unleashing some
manifestation of Purphoros's fury. WIN TER'S HE ART
Among the northern Oraniads stands a blizzard-gripped
MOU N T VE SIOS mountain that resembles a volcano. What breathes forth
Mount Vesios, also known as the Little Sister, is a from the crater isn't fire, though. The caldera's interior
smaller volcano that resembles Mount Velus and erupts is coated with ice so cold it freezes anything it touches.
concurrently with Velus. A monastery on its western Even the fumes that issue forth cause instant frostbite.
slope houses scholars and spellcasters who study the At the volcano's heart stands a glass statue of a haunt
volcano, believing that through it, they might be able to ing, androgynous figure offering a diamond crown. None
control the eruptions of Mount Velus. Numerous oreads who have attempted to claim this strange gift have sur
and Akroan flamespeakers offer their omens from the vived. Even the gods prove reticent to speak of the place,
volcano's heights. denying its existence or speaking of it with shame.
·-
C HAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GODS A N D MORTALS

REALMS OF THE GODS that without it, the plane would be plunged into eternal
darkness. Several gods make their homes on the moun
The mortal world of Theros isn't the only rea�m where tain's slopes. Heliod maintains a sprawling palace of
the gods hold sway. The mortal realm is closely linked to gold and white marble, with a rooftop throne where he
two other realms, the domains of the gods themselves, receives guests. Purphoros maintains a forge beneath
Nyx and the Underworld. the mountain, where he crafts philosophies, energies,
and creations that would be impossible to manifest in
NYX the mortal world. Keranos lives near the summit of the
Nyx is an endless plane of existence where the powers mount, where he sends lightning bolts of inspiration to
of potentiality and belief hold sway. It is the realm of the manipulate forces throughout dreams and the cosmos.
gods, of belief given form, of dreams, and of rising and Nylea, too, is known to visit Mount Hiastos, maintaining
fading philosophies. From here, the pantheon of Theros a sanctuary there within an ancient, knotted wood.
watches the mortal world and guides the living. Though
the gods live in a veritable paradise, they can't sever MYS TIC SEA
themselves from the mortal world. To do so would be to This body of mist and water hides endless secrets
lose the faith of their followers, the source of their magic within its depths-both literal secrets that manifest from
and a power they will not relinquish. mortal minds and unimagined concepts not yet fully
Nyx can be perceived in the night sky, with its ev formed. Thassa's palace floats underwater, its buildings
er-changing brilliance marked by constellations and suspended in giant bubbles that drift with the currents.
cosmic phenomena. Its power slips into the world in the At its edge, in a city of divine copper and marbleized
same form, with star fields filling the shadows of Nyx hopes, Ephara makes her home.
born beings that are infused with its power (see chapter
TOVIAN FIELDS
6 for details on Nyxborn).
Nyxborn legends battle here in ceaseless, glorious war.
While Nyx is impossible to map, distinct regions do
Unlike any mortal environment, the Tovian Fields are an
exist, and some travelers have returned to the mortal
expanse of energies, the clash of opposing philosophies
realm with tales of these incredible locations.
manifesting as throngs of legendary combatants. In the
MOUNT HIASTOS midst of this riot rise the palatial war-tents of Mogis and
This drifting mountain rises in sharp relief against the Iroas, who lead the endless battle.
starry sky of Nyx, culminating in a golden orb that can Kruphix claims the borders of the Tovian Fields as
be seen from a great distance. Some speculate that this his territory. He doesn't maintain a central residence.
orb is the source of Nyx's vibrant colors and lights, and Rather, his influence binds the conflict, encompassing
all perspectives and preventing the battle from spilling
forth into the rest of Nyx.
THE UNDERWORLD THE T ARTYX R I VE R
The Tartyx forms the boundary between the mortal
The Underworld is the place of final rewards and �nd
realm and the Underworld. It is also known as the Riv
less suffering. Although many believe the Underworld
ers That Ring the World, as it is formed from the con
is literally beneath the ground, in truth the plane is
fluence of five tributaries, each originating in one of the
distinct from the mortal world, reachable only via mag
Underworld's five wards. The Tartyx is vast, with one far
ical means, hidden pathways, or by death. The souls of
shore impossible to see from the other. Countless drift
all dead sapient creatures awake on the banks of the
ing islands dot the river, some forested by leafless trees,
Tartyx, where they meet Athreos the River Guide. From
others heaped with crumbling ruins. Still others are
there, those capable of paying for his service are ferried
the domains of powerful demons and strange entities
to their new home in the Underworld.
that death proves not quite able to claim. None of these
Most imagine the Underworld's wards as being
tiny lands are hospitable to either the living or the dead.
stacked atop one another, but their actual relationships
Even the waters of the Tartyx hold their own threats,
defy mortal understanding. While the Tartyx River
both mysterious creatures that slither beneath its rip
reaches each ward, Phylias is typically defined as the
pling waters, and their own infamous power to wash
entry to the Underworld, while Tizerus is farthest from
away memories and all sense of identity.
this entrance. The other wards hold their own equal
places in between. Regardless, souls destined for each AGONAS
realm reach their destinations with equal efficiency and Agonas is the last home of warriors and soldiers who
permanency. (See chapter 2 of the Dungeon Master's battled in life without honor, as well as the souls of cow
Guide for details on planar arrangements.)
ards, mercenaries, and others who lived by the sword.
Each distinctive Underworld ward is effectively in Their cries of pain and triumph echo on the faintest
finite in scale, with the space between noteworthy lo wind, stirring bloodlust in all who hear them.
cations endlessly expanding and contracting. Traveling The clash of weapons echo over every ridge and can
between locations is typically impossible on foot. Secret yon of Agonas's rocky expanse. Great stadiums and plat
paths that defy mortal logic, magical steeds, and the forms rise from the arid landscape, some carved from
intervention of powerful Underworld denizens all might the remains of titanic ruins, others hanging from mas
speed one's travels, though. Attempting to escape the sive, rusting chains. The many theaters of battle blend
Underworld is an entirely different, nearly impossible with dwellings carved into natural rock towers, forming
matter, though (see chapter 4 for details). an extensive network of arenas and errant fortifications.
Although vast beyond understanding, the Under At the ward's heart thrums the Stadium of Dishonor.
world's most noteworthy regions are detailed here. Here fierce soldiers test their blades against one another
and against the teeth and claws of vicious monsters.
Upon arriving, dishonorable souls relegated to Agonas
are met by oreads (see chapter 6), the souls of other
dead champions, and cyclopes, who guide them to the
scene of their endless battle.
PHYLIAS
The souls that occupy Phylias were uninspired and
didn't strive for greatness in life. They plodded through
existence and left no mark upon the world through their
deeds or their deaths. In the afterlife they perform repet
itive tasks in close quarters with others just like them
selves, all in a mockery of a living community.
Artless architecture of plain, gray stone gives Phylias
an outward appearance of normalcy at first glance. But
the buildings are titanic, blocky masses of hodgepodge
construction erected seemingly without plan. Although
the structures might be impressive in size or number,
they are cold and hollow, derelict monuments in an end
less slum.
Those who arrive in Phylias are met by no one. They
are simply left to wander away and slip into a place
among the shuffling masses.
• •� SHORE OF THE TARTYX R 1 vER

and winds called the Labyrinth of Memories. This maze
In Ilysia the souls of heroic mortals and of those who of waterways confounds unwary travelers and twists
died unjustly find eternal rest and comfort. Erebos's their course into an inescapable path for eternity.
grim influence holds no sway here. When a soul reaches Nerono, sirens, naiads (see chap
Ilysia is a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. Majestic ter 6), or sphinxes might guide them into the ward.
temple-palaces stand amid lush forests, the colorful
vegetation draping luminous marble in living mantles of T I Z E RUS
flowers and sweet fruit. At the ward's heart towers the The deepest ward of the Underworld, Tizerus is the fi
Citadel of Destiny, where heroic souls gather to honor nal punishment of murderers and those who committed
the gods, trade tales of glory, and feast with worthy com unforgivable offenses against the gods themselves.
panions. They also hold elaborate physical contests in The ward is a gloomy, miserable expanse where the
which any Ilysian soul is welcome to participate. ruins of titanic architecture loom over a wasteland of
When the worthy dead arrive in Ilysia, they are wel black rock. At its center looms Erebos's palace, an om
comed by dryads, majestic chimeras, or the souls of leg inous structure of polished darkness embellished with
endary heroes. gold ornaments and streamers of crimson silk. The
god of the Underworld broods in his halls, occasionally
NERONO striking out with his lash to drag wayward souls into his
Nerono is the final home of souls haunted by their mem realm. Deep beneath the palace lies the lone glimmer of
ories and of mariners who were lost at sea. hope amid the ward's gloom: the portal called Lathos,
Vast oceans fill Nerono, a realm dotted by lonely is which leads back to the world of the living. Beyond Ere
lands and crisscrossed by aimless ships. Titanic ruins bos's palace sprawls a stinking swamp of rotting muck
and great, algae-slick chains rise out of the sea, as do and dead vegetation known as the Mire of Punishment.
the weathered hulls of legendary shipwrecks. The sky Souls trapped there suffer eternal torment at the claws
is a misty blur of color that hangs over water as still as of demons and other monstrous creatures.
glass. Despite the ocean's normally placid appearance, When souls damned to Tizerus arrive, they quickly
mighty storms often arise from nowhere, casting souls find themselves dragged away in a whirlwind of pain
into waves and whirlpools by the scores. Somewhere and terror. Demons, Underworld harpies, lamias, and
within the great oceans hides a twisting tangle of tides nightmares compete for the chance to haul the doomed
� .
away to their own personal punishments.
... .
CHAPTER 3 I REALMS OF GODS A N D M O RTALS

CREATING THEROS ADVENTURES
AN THE GODS DETERMINE MY FATE?"
CHAMPIONS AND UESTS
Elspeth asked. "What is truly the extent of
Each god's entry in this chapter begins with a discus
their power? Can they make what I want sion of the god's champions: quests for them to under
happen-if only I please them enough?" take, how you might structure a campaign around that
god's champions, and blessings the god might bestow.
"If you want a god to determine your fate, you must ask
the god for an ordeal," Sarpedon said. "They will only grant SERVING Two OR MORE MASTERS
it if they think you are worthy-whatever 'worthy' means Often, each of the characters in an adventuring party is
the champion of a different god-or no god at all. What
for them. If you accomplish it, you may request a hand in
brings the characters together? How do you motivate the
your own destiny."
whole party? Consider these options:
-Jenna Helland, Godsend
Divine Coalition. The characters represent a coalition
of gods who have joined forces against a common foe
As exemplified by the labors of Anthousa, the exploits (or cabal of enemies). For example, you might build
of Haktos the Unscarred, the wondrous inventions of a campaign around the idea that Erebos, Mogis, and
Dalakos, and Elspeth's escape from the Underworld, the Pharika are conspiring to unleash slaughter and
heroes of Theros chart their own fates-and so will the plague on the mortal realm. Perhaps heroic champi
player characters in your campaign. ons of Ephara, Heliod, Karametra, Nylea, and other
What adventures might Heliod's champions under gods unite to protect the world from this threat.
take? What villains and monsters are associated with Friendly Cooperation. If Thassa's champion helps
Phenax? How might adventurers get entangled in divine Heliod's champion today, perhaps Heliod's champion
schemes? This chapter explores these questions, pro will help Thassa's champion tomorrow. As long as the
viding abundant advice, tools, and maps for players to aims of gods aren't in opposition, those gods take no
create their own exciting stories. The options presented issue with their champions helping each other.
here expand on the material in chapter 3 of the Dungeon Together by Circumstance. A group of characters
Master's Guide to help you craft adventures for your own might find themselves on a galley foundering in a
Theros campaign. Each god of Theros's pantheon has a storm, in a polis under attack, or on the same side in
section here, describing how the deity interacts with the a war. In such a case, when divine champions contend
mortal world. Beyond the gods, tools for running nauti against a common threat, their allegiance to different
cal odysseys and descents into the Underworld appear gods might be less important than the urgency of their
in this chapter, along with an adventure that explores current situation, and they might forge lasting friend
the machinations of immortals and the dead. ships that transcend their religious allegiances.
Monsters and nonplayer characters mentioned in this
chapter can be found in this book (MOT), the Monster QUESTS
Manual (MM), Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes (MTF), A mortal champion is a vessel of divine power and an
or Volo's Guide to Monsters (VGM). When a creature's agent of divine will. A champion's role is to act as the
name appears in bold type, that's a visual cue pointing god's eyes and hands, upholding the deity's ideals and
you to the creature's stat block. If the stat block appears shaping the world to conform to those ideals.
in chapter 6, the text tells you so. In return for the gods' divine blessings, champions
are expected to do the god's bidding. The quests in each
GOD-BASED ADVENTURES god's section throughout this chapter provide examples
of tasks the gods might assign to their champions. As
Three elements combine to form the adventures re
long as at least one member of the adventuring party
counted in the epics of Theros: heroes, gods, and mon
is a champion of the god in question, these ideas might
sters. Each god's section in this chapter provides the
serve as adventure seeds.
ingredients to build your own epics: champions and
Completing a Ques t When a champion undertakes
.
blessings, villains and monsters, divine schemes, and
a quest on a god's behalf, the champion can expect a
adventure locations. .. '
reward for doing so. As long as the champion is actively
-·
CHAPTER 4 I CREATING THEROS ADVENTURES

109
pursuing the quest and upholding the god's ideals along
the way, you can increase the character's piety score,
DIVINE ASSISTANCE
using the general rule of raising it by 1 every session. STORM-TOSSED AND BROKEN, FOUNDERING,
Upon completing a quest bestowed by the god, the char
Callaphe cried out to Thassa.
acter might earn a blessing (such as those described in
Tritons came swiftly to save her,
this chapter) as well as a piety score increase.
Declining a Quest. The cost to a champion for refus bringing her north to the Lindus.
ing to accept a god's quest can be steep. Sometimes, a -The Callapheia
champion can safely put the task on hold for a time, such
as when helping another champion complete a quest for
The gods are fond of meddling in mortal affairs, and
a different god. As long as undertaking the quest isn't a
heroes sometimes call on their gods for aid in times of
matter of urgency, gods usually don't punish champions
desperate need. Spells such as divination and commune
who procrastinate. But if a champion willfully ignores a
give characters the opportunity to ask their gods for
god's quest or pursues opposite aims, they might suffer
information, and clerics who beseech their gods for as
any of the following consequences:
sistance sometimes receive miracles in answer. Heroes
The character's piety score might decrease by 1 each also have the opportunity to ask the gods for favors, af
day, or each play session, for as long as the character ter proving their worth by enduring a divine ordeal.
continues to refuse the quest. At other times, the gods take the initiative to reach out
• The god might intervene to steer the champion toward to mortal heroes, sending them on quests or meddling
the quest: Thassa could cause a storm to blow the in their adventures. Dreams, omens, and emissaries are
character's ship off course, for example, bringing the the most common means by which gods might make
champion to where the god wants them to be. their wishes known.
• In extreme instances, the god might place a magical Two crucial principles should guide your use of divine
command on the character, similar to a geas spell. involvement in your campaign:
Don't eliminate character choice. The gods can tell

GOD-BASED CAMPAIGNS
characters to do things, and even threaten to punish
Each god's entry in this chapter explores the themes and
them if they don't do things, but the gods can't control
events that could drive a campaign focused on the cham
mortal actions.
pions or agenda of that god. Typically, in a campaign
Don't eliminate risk and danger. The intervention of
centered on a god, one or more of the player characters
a god should never guarantee success or victory, nor
are champions of that god, so it's natural-and perhaps
should a god's interference portend immediate defeat.
even necessary-for them to become directly embroiled
Gods can act to change the balance of an encounter
in how events unfold.
or offer an avenue of escape, but they count on their
champions to be heroes and act accordingly.
VILLAINS AND MONSTERS
Just as many heroes serve as champions of the gods,
many villains also serve their wills. Each god's section
offers ideas for NPCs whose devotion turns their behav
ior in a villainous direction. It also provides suggestions
for the kinds of monsters that might be associated with
that god and serve as foes in an adventure. Generally,
monster suggestions exclude foes that could work for
most gods, like acolytes and priests from the Monster
Manual and oracles from chapter 6 of this book.
•
GoDs AS CAMPAIGN VILLAINS

You can build a campaign around the villainous plans
and deeds of a god, pitting the heroic adventurers
against that god's servants and emissaries throughout
their careers. Each god's entry offers suggestions on
how such a campaign might progress. Additionally, a
table of divine schemes suggests ambitions a god might
pursue, or threats they might unleash, as a campaign's
primary antagonist.
ADVENTURE LOCATIONS
Each god's section includes a map of an iconic location
often associated with a specific god. The description of
each location includes tables that list possible goals for
an adventure based there and villains the characters
might face there.
.
-

llO
COMMUNICATION don't provide omens to address unimportant questions
(unless the characters use a spell for this purpose).
Communication between the mortal world a�d the
Interpreting Omens. A degree of mystery surrounds
divine can take a variety of forms, from omens that get
every omen, but the more complex an omen is, the
mortals' attention by distorting natural phenomena to
more confusing mortals might find it. In addition, it's
face-to-face conversations between a mortal and the
sometimes not clear whether a strange occurrence in
manifestation of a god.
the natural world is the work of the gods or has some
As explained in chapter 2, the gods aren't all-knowing,
other origin.
so theoretical limits do exist on the information a god
If a character struggles to interpret the meaning of
might be able to pass on to a human champion. That
an omen, you might allow them to make a DC 14 Intel
said, the gods are tremendously knowledgeable, with
ligence or Wisdom check ( perhaps modified by profi
perfect recall of their past experiences and a reliable ciency in Arcana, Nature, or Religion) to determine the
ability to predict the short-term future. The gods don't
nature of simple omens, with a success indicating that
like to reveal their ignorance of any matter, so they
the correct message has been gleaned. Alternatively,
might give a purposefully unclear or misleading answer
characters might need to seek out oracles to interpret
rather than admit they don't know the right one.
complicated omens for them.
Omen Examples. The tables on the following pages
OMENS
provide examples of phenomena that could serve as
When the lynx-constellation paces restlessly in the
omens of the various gods. Although they each have
night sky, it is an omen that Nylea is worried. When the
their own areas of concern, any god can manipulate the
tides rise high in defiance of the natural cycle, that is
natural world as they please. You can choose a god to
an omen that Thassa is distressed. When rain falls on a
closely align the omen with and roll either a d6 or a d8
sunny day, Keranos and Heliod must be in conversation.
to get an omen associated with that god, or you can roll
Through supernatural events such as these, evidence of
a dlOO to get an omen from any of the god's omen tables
the gods' presence and influence is demonstrated, meta
at random.
phorically manifesting their divine wishes.
Weal and Woe. The gods usually send omens as ei DIVINATION
ther warnings or as signs of their favor. The response to Clerics and oracles have spells at their disposal that al
the augury spell takes the form of an omen foretelling low them to ask the gods for insight. The divination and
weal or woe, and the gods might use omens in the same
commune spells contact a god and promise a truthful
way, even without being asked to provide a sign. When
reply to the caster's questions. The reply takes the form
a divine champion sets out on a course of action, a god
of a simple "yes" or "no," a cryptic rhyme, or an omen.
might express approval or disapproval, hoping to either It might be transmitted through a disembodied voice,
encourage or dissuade the mortal. a vision only the caster can see, or any other mystical
The augury spell requests an omen. At your option,
manner. A verbal reply to a divination or commune spell
you can simply provide the short answers offered in the
must be truthful, but it might still be misleading. A god
spell description-weal, woe, weal and woe, or noth
can't speak a deliberate lie in response to either spell,
ing-but you can also describe more elaborate omens. but they can be evasive while remaining within the
The form of the response might vary depending on the
boundaries of the truth. If a character casts one of these
method of divination used, which can go beyond the in
spells more than once in the same day, however, there is
laid sticks, dragon bones, or ornate cards mentioned in
an increasing chance of receiving an unclear answer or
the spell description. Diviners in Theros look for signs
none at all (as described in the spells' entries in the Play
in the stars, in the patterns of flocks of birds in flight, in
er's Handbook). This might happen because another
the shapes of clouds, in the organs of sacrificed animals,
god, alerted to the connection between the caster and
in the sounds of thunder, in the designs left by waves on
their god by the first casting of the spell, intercepts the
sand, and through many other means. So if an oracle
second one and chooses to mislead the character. Or it
stands on a beach imploring Thassa for an augury re
could simply mean that the god is tired of the character's
garding a course of action you believe to be disastrous,
pestering and chooses not to answer.
you might describe the waves washing over the beach
and circling around the oracle's feet, leaving them com DREAMS AND VISIONS
pletely dry. (If necessary, though, you should clarify that When mortals sleep and dream, they are said to "visit
the oracle knows the answer to be "woe.") Nyx." During this time, mortals are particularly suscep
Other Messages. An omen can also have a more tible to divine contact. A god might communicate with
direct meaning beyond simply "weal" or "woe." You a sleeping mortal as if by casting dream-including
can use omens to nudge the characters to an adventure the ability to transform the mortal's dreamscape into
location, to lead them to an oracle who lives far from a nightmare. Whatever form such a dream takes, they
the polis, or to hint at the true identity of a villain. Nylea are often similar to omens, making heavy use of symbol
might cause a flock of birds to suddenly rush eastward, and metaphor.
inviting her champion to follow in that direction, or an
animal might snarl whenever the villain's name is spo
ken. Omens should communicate important messages
from the gods, something meaningful enough that dei
ties have deigned to interfere in mortal efforts. The gods
..

III
OMENS OF KRUPHIX OMENS OF PHARIKA
d6 dlOO Omen ofKruphix d6 dl 00 Omen of Pharika
53 The natural world falls utterly sile�t. 73 Hundreds of snakes, spiders, or centipedes
2 54 An aurora shimmers on the horizon. crawl from the ground.
3 55 The attention of every celestial figure in the 2 74 A strong chemical smell follows a character.
night sky is suddenly focused on one charac- 3 75 A character exhibits a disease's symptoms.
ter or place. 4 76 Leaves shrivel and turn black, while flowers
4 56 Nyx appears in the shadows of all things. pour acidic nectar.
5 57 Two extra ethereal arms sprout from a char- 5 77 A snakeskin wraps around a way marker or
acter's body. personal possession.
6 58 The night sky appears to wheel overhead as 6 78 Patterns of clouds or stars slither away, mov-
though years are streaming by. ing with an audible susurrus.
OMENS OF MOGIS OMENS OF PHENAX

d6 dlOO Omen ofMogis d6 dl 00 Omen of Phenax
59 A creature spontaneously starts bleeding, 79 Shadows move independently of whatever

their blood pooling in a bull shape. casts them, appearing to run away.
2 60 Normally harmless animals turn aggressive- 2 80 A gold mask momentarily appears over the
the smaller, the angrier. face of every living creature in sight.
3 61 Water (a stream, pool, rain, or a liquid in a 3 81 Objects, landmarks, even stars momentarily
container) turns to boiling blood. vanish, as if pilfered in plain sight.
4 62 A bestial roar erupts from over the horizon or 4 82 Everything turns shades of gray.
deep within the earth. 5 83 Creatures' mouths momentarily vanish and
5 63 The stars turn red. they can't make sounds or speak.
6 64 A character develops a ravenous hunger for 6 84 The sun momentarily melts, raining gold
raw meat. coins that vanish soon after landing.
OMENS OF NYLEA OMENS OF PURPHOROS

d8 dl 00 Omen of Nylea d8 dlOO Omen of Purphoros
65 Butterflies land on a character or fly together 85 The sound of a hammer rings in the air.
in a particular direction. 2 86 Noxious gas suddenly vents from under-
2 66 Fallen leaves blow perpendicular to the wind. ground.
3 67 The weather suddenly changes radically. 3 87 The ground or a metal object becomes un-
4 68 A colored arrow strikes nearby, arching from comfortably hot.
an impossible direction. 4 88 An animal moves in a mechanical manner.
5 69 Plants sprout and grow to maturity instantly. 5 89 Huge plumes of smoke rise from the horizon.
6 70 Trees and vines coil to hinder movement. 6 90 The earth shakes in a deliberate rhythm.
7 71 Animal tracks appear where nothing walks. 7 91 Something that was broken is reshaped into
8 72 A celestial lynx paces back and forth across something new.
the night sky. 8 92 A statue or metal object comes to life.
OMENS OF THASSA
d8 dlOO Omen ofThassa
93 A lustrous seashell or small fish appears in

someone's drink.
2 94 The tide goes out (or in) at the wrong time.
3 95 The sound of crashing waves fills the air.
4 96 Ripples in water form patterns of ships and
sea creatures.
5 97 A beautiful coral pillar rises from the earth.
6 98 A flock of dozens of noisy seabirds land.

7 99 A school of sea creatures swim in the air.
8 00 Someone starts drowning on dry land.
CHAPTER 4 I CREATING THERO ADVENTURES

DIVINE INTERVENTION weapon deals an extra ld8 radiant damage. ( Depending
on your god, it might deal a different damage type-ne
As with Callaphe the Mariner's desperate cry to Thassa,
crotic for Erebos, lightning for Keranos, or fire for Pur
heroes in dire straits sometimes implore their gods
phoros, for example.) Once you use this blessing, you
for help. Occasionally, the gods answer. Whether a re
can't use it again until you finish a long rest.
sponse is elicited by a hero's desperate prayer, a cleric's
use of the Divine Intervention class feature, or a god's EMISSARIES
decision to intervene in mortal affairs for good or ill, an A divine emissary is a creature woven from the fabric
answer can manifest in a variety of ways. of Nyx as a tool to carry out a god's divine will. Emis
saries have no will of their own; they are extensions of
BLESSINGS
their creators' divine substance, brought into the mortal
As described in chapter 7 of the Dungeon Master's
world to fulfill a specific mission. When that mission is
Guide, the gods sometimes use blessings to reward
complete, they return to Nyx.
their faithful servants for momentous deeds. Completing
While certain deities are associated with sending fa
a quest bestowed by the god is an accomplishment that
vored animals as their emissaries-such as the stag of
might merit a blessing as a reward. Occasionally, a god
ten associated with Heliod and Nylea's lynx-any animal
might also offer a blessing when sending a champion on
might be a god's emissary. In each case, divine emissar
a quest, helping them to prepare for the task ahead.
ies have a few shared characteristics:
A character retains the benefit of a blessing until it
is taken away by the god who granted it, which might • They are Nyxborn and have one or two of the Nyxborn
happen if a character's piety score is reduced. Unlike traits described in chapter 6, commonly magic resis
a magic item, a divine blessing can't be suppressed by tance and magic weapons.
an antimagic field or similar effect. There is no limit on • They're of remarkable size, being at least one size cat
the number of blessings a character can receive, but a egory larger than normal.
character can't benefit from multiple applications of a

MIRACLES
blessing at the same time.
As the simplest form of miracle, a god can produce the
If you choose to award blessings to the characters in
effect of any cleric spell or any spell associated with
your campaign, use the guidelines in the Dungeon Mas
one of the god's domains, and have the spell take effect
ter's Guide. If a blessing duplicates the effect of a magic
anywhere in the mortal realm. The gods' capabilities
item, it requires a minimum piety score based on the
aren't limited by spell lists, though, and their miraculous
rarity of the item:
intervention can have any effect you want. Direct godly
Uncommon magic item: requires piety 3 or higher intervention tends to be subtle and rare, though, as it
Rare magic item: requires piety 10 or higher attracts the attention of other gods and might encourage
Very rare magic item: requires piety 25 or higher them to meddle in their own ways.
Legendary magic item: requires piety 50 or higher
DIVINE ORDEALS
You can use these additional blessings for your cam
paign, or use them to inspire more supernatural gifts. Life as a champion of a god offers abundant opportuni
Blessing ofFarsight (Requires Piety 3+). You ties to escape life's tedium, but a mortal who wants to
have advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that truly take control of fate can request an ordeal from one
rely on sight. of the gods. An ordeal, as the name indicates, is no easy
Blessing ofProtection (Requires Piety 3+). As a task. To receive one, a candidate must accomplish at
bonus action, you can invoke your god's protection, least one near-impossible feat to even make the request:
providing you with a +l bonus to your AC for 1 minute. finding a pathway into Nyx. But the reward for triumph
Once you use this blessing, you can't use it again until is appropriate to the scale of the challenge.
the next dawn.

JOURNEY INTO NYX
Blessing ofResilience (Requires Piety 3+). When
The first stage of a divine ordeal is entering Nyx. Cal
you are about to take acid, cold, fire, lightning, or
laphe the mariner is said to have sailed her ship over
thunder damage, you can use your reaction to gain re
the waterfall at the edge of the world and right into Nyx,
sistance to that damage type until the end of your next
where she can still be seen among the constellations.
turn. Once you use this blessing, you can't use it again
Additionally, Kruphix's Temple of Mystery at the edge of
until the next dawn.
the world and the shrine of Nykthos are known to hold
Eyes ofNyx (Requires Piety 10+). As an action, you
portals that lead to the gates of Nyx.
can imbue your eyes with enhanced vision for 10 min
In theory, high-level characters can use spells such
utes. While the blessing is active, your eyes look like the
as plane shift or gate to move from the mortal realm
starry void of Nyx, and you can see invisible creatures
to Nyx. In practice, securing the proper material com
and objects within 60 feet of you that are within your
ponent to travel to Nyx through the plane shift spell is
line of sight. Once you use this blessing, you can't use it
roughly as difficult as sailing to the edge of the world,
again until the next dusk.
and Kruphix can (and usually does) prevent the gate
Weapon ofNyx (Requires Piety 10+). You can use
spell from opening a portal into Nyx.
a bonus action to cause one weapon you are holding
There might be other ways to get into Nyx, and each
to surge with divine power for 1 minute. On a hit, the
one is a challenge suited for the greatest heroes.
·-

rr4
ASK AND RECEIVE essential that you give this encounter anything more
After reaching Nyx, a hero must next ask a god for an than a narrative framing. The point is that the ordeal
ordeal. Asking for an ordeal is as simple as calling out should test whether the hero's drive can counteract their
one's intention to the god: "Erebos, I request an ordeal!" other personality traits. The god who grants an ordeal
The gods grant ordeals only to those they consider shapes it. Keranos, for example, might challenge a hero
worthy. The hero need not be a worshiper of the god with saving innocents during a dangerous storm, or
•
being beseeched, or be concerned with upholding the Thassa might throw a mortal into a dreamscape where
•
god's ideals. As a rule, any hero capable of reaching their ship is attacked by a kraken. Beyond the obvious
Nyx is worthy of receiving an ordeal in most gods' eyes. challenge, the ordeal should create tension between a
Additionally, a god will typically only grant a champion character's heroic drive and their other characteristics.
one ordeal in their lifetime-allowing more only under You can use these guidelines to determine the appro
exceptional circumstances. priate degree of challenge for elements of an ordeal:
A god might test multiple members of a group, con Combat with One Creature. Use a monster or an
fronting each with their own ordeals. Alternatively, NPC with a challenge rating equal to half the charac
champions devoted to different deities might all request ter's level.
ordeals from their own gods. Those who don't partici Combat with Multiple Creatures. Use 2d4 creatures,
pate in an ordeal, though, still have plenty to do in Nyx each of which has a challenge rating of about one-fifth
and might find themselves contacted by agents of the the character's level.
gods or that realm's other legendary inhabitants. Ability Checks. Set the DC at 20 for most checks and
25 for checks that are crucial to the ordeal.
THE ORDEAL
Assuming the god deems the hero worthy, the ordeal THE REWARD
gets under way. The hero falls into a trance and steps There's typically no penalty for failing an ordeal, but
alone into a dreamscape constructed by the god. the reward for success can be great. A character can re
Work to craft an ordeal that provides a significant quest anything from a god. Consider these examples of
challenge for the character to overcome. Fundamentally, what a god might grant to a successful hero:
an ordeal is a test of the character's heroic drive, as
A miracle or other form of divine intervention
described in chapter 1. Will the character's drive prove
•
A supernatural gift of your choice from those de

strong enough to overcome everything else?
•
scribed in chapter 1
An ordeal is a single encounter, which might involve
A magic item of a rarity appropriate to the charac
combat, interaction, a series of ability checks, or other
•
.. ..
ter's level
activities. It takes place in a dream state, so it's not ....

II5
The River Guide's mortal servants will likely find their
emotions tested-particularly their sense of morality
and their inclination toward sympathy. Any mortal
might be moved to restore a ruler whose death will ig
nite a war or by the plight of lovers separated by death.
Athreos cares not for such things, and he expects his
followers to guard the borders between life and death as
emotionlessly as he does. If one of his servants falters,
•
Athreos is quick to revoke his blessings.
ATHREOS ATHREOS1S VILLAINS

Athreos's champions readily forsake their connections
The River Guide straddles the line between life and to other mortals. Working among endless throngs of the
death, maintaining the cosmological balance with no re dead and grieving can sap one's empathy and harden
gard for the morals and emotions of mortals. Athreos's any soul. As a result, Athreos's followers make grim
champions seek to further his goals, and rarely do so opponents when they prioritize the needs of the dead
with greater sympathy than their grim patron. over the living. Their mission also makes them ready
foes of the Returned and their allies. Some seek to
ATHREOS'S CHAMPIONS achieve greater efficiency in the transition of the doomed
Athreos expects his champions to maintain the balance into death, such as by impeding medical treatment or
between the living and the dead, just as he does. Beyond wrecking warships destined for hopeless wars. Athreos
this, his servants take it upon themselves to maintain doesn't approve of utter cruelty, but neither does he par
funerary customs unique to their cultures and preserve ticularly care, so long as the dead meet him with coin.
the memories of the departed. Beyond the mortal world, The Athreos's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
the River Guide opposes any who disrupt the cycle of that might arise from among the god's followers.
life and death, behavior that occasionally brings him
into conflict with other deities-particularly Erebos and ATHREOS'S VILLAINS
Heliod, but also occasionally Phenax and Pharika. d6 Villain
The Athreos's Quests table suggests a few adventures
An oracle (see chapter 6) follows omens to find those
the god's champions might involve themselves in.
who have been resurrected, claiming they owe Ath
reos a debt.
ATHREOS1S QUESTS
2 A mercenary (gladiator) accuses a community of har
d6 Adventure Goal
boring Returned and threatens to claim their leader's
Seal a secret path that the Returned use to escape the
life to restore the balance.
Underworld.
3 A warmongering noble rallies the public against a
2 Strike against one of the necropoleis, either Asphodel
necropolis, encouraging a war between the living and
or Odunos, curtailing its growth or bringing it to ruin.
the dead.
3 Seek out a lampad nymph who has fallen in love with
4 A group of cult fanatics charges exorbitant prices for
a soul he was supposed to lead to the Underworld.
funeral rites, threatening to lead the dead astray un
4 Hunt down a rampaging cerberus and return it to its
less they're shown proper respect.
place guarding the Underworld.
5 A priest of Athreos speaks out against healers and
5 Reconsecrate a grand but neglected mausoleum, put
Pharika's followers during a plague, offering death as
ting the unquiet spirits there to rest.
the only alternative to suffering.
6 Defeat an agent of a god who seeks to f ree a loved
6 A lampad (see chapter 6) hunts the offspring of
one, a mentor, or a champion from the Underworld.
an ancient hero who escaped death, claiming they
shouldn't exist.
AN ATHREOS CAMPAIGN
Early in a campaign, Athreos's champions likely face
ATHREOS'S MONSTERS
dangerous or wayward undead, such as ghouls and
Most creatures that serve Athreos aid the god in
ghosts, or monsters that have taken up residence in sa
destroying the undead. Beyond that, the Athreos's
cred burial sites. As the story progresses, the Returned
Monsters table presents a few creatures likely to
and eidolons might feature more prominently, along
serve the god.
with situations that force champions to oppose those
seeking the souls of loved ones or the spirits of those
with work left undone. At some point, Athreos's champi
ons might come to oppose the arrogance and treachery
D
:i
of Erebos, Heliod, and Phenax, or the machinations of z
demons or the necropoleis of the Returned.

n6
ATHREOS1S MONSTERS ATHREos's DIVINE SCHEMES
Challenge Creature Source If Athreos were to have desires beyond his responsibil
l ities to the dead, he would likely keep them secret and

Giant vulture MM
act with slow, nearly invisible, deliberateness. The Ath
2 Two-headed cerberus MOT
reos's Divine Schemes table suggests just a few of the
3 Hell hound MM
god's potential objectives.
3 Lampad MOT
6 Invisible stalker MM ATHREOS1S DIVINE SCHEMES
6 Underworld cerberus MOT d4 Scheme
8 Spirit naga MM Athreos tires of his responsibilities but refuses to
9 Phylaskia MOT abandon them. Secretly, he has allowed the same
spirit to be reborn again and again, allowing it to see
ATHREOS AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN all of life and death so it might one day take his place.
Athreos sees his responsibilities as necessary, but When this apprentice disappears, Athreos refuses to
doesn't cherish them. Were there a more efficient way ferry any more souls until his student is returned.
to maintain the cycle of life and death, or to create some 2 The wealth Athreos collects in payment for his work
sort of stasis, he might pursue it. Alternatively, wittingly has gone missing, stolen from his sanctuary at the
or otherwise, Athreos might allow some less reliable end of the Tartyx River. The River Guide needs the
being to take over his labors. Regardless of the circum treasure returned swiftly, not out of greed, but as it is
stances, any change in the River Guide's role would
payment for something beyond the gods.
have dramatic effects on the living and the balance of
3 The Rivers That Ring the World are drying up. As the
power between Theros's immortals. Adventurers caught
tides recede, great ruins are revealed, rising from the
in Athreos's machinations have the potential to influ
river bottom. Athreos sends agents to the headwaters
ence nothing less than the underpinnings of existence.
of the Tartyx River, seeking the cause of the problem
Correcting any imbalance in the cycle of life and death
likely involves the assistance of other gods. If Athreos before whatever the river had kept drowned emerges.
ever truly abandons his duties, it might be necessary for 4 War between Heliod and Erebos is inevitable. Rather
another to take up his labors. Candidates could include than letting it explode unpredictably, Athreos puts a
titans or gods, but a selfless mortal might also sacrifice plan into motion to mitigate the damage. Ultimately,
themselves to become the new Athreos. all it takes to end the war is Heliod's death or Erebos
j oining the Returned.
UNDERWORLD CROSSING UNDERWORLD CROSSING MAP
The Underworld crossing shown in map 4.1 is made up
The Tartyx River is dotted with ruined temples of Ath
of two halves of a bleak, broken temple on either side of
reos on either side of its banks that serve as crossing
the Tartyx River. Each half of the temple facing the river
points between the mortal world and the Underworld.
ends in a dock. The riverbank on the mortal side is cov
Souls of the dead wait on the riverbank at these desolate
ered in gold coins. This half of the temple holds a large
places for the River Guide to appear and grant them
sanctuary with a cracked floor and sinking altar where
passage to the Underworld side.
phylaskia and cerberi stand guard. Surrounding this
The ruined temple buildings are as enigmatic as
cavernous hall, shadowy corridors that lead to the dock
their patron. No priests inhabit or care for these places,
are covered in trapped glyphs that explode with energy
though they are guarded by cerberi and phylaskia (both
and collapse ceilings when activated by the presence
described in chapter 6). When living mortals enter these
of mortals.
shrines, the buildings come alive with magic traps
The temple half on the Underworld side of the river
meant to keep the living out of the realm of the dead and
consists of twisting crypt halls that hold no bones, bod
the dead from returning to the land of the living.
ies, or other remains-only dust and guardians. These
UNDERWORLD CROSSING ADVENTURES halls give way to a second sanctuary filled with somber
funeral music-though there are no instruments in
Adventures in Underworld crossings usually involve
sight. It's said that living creatures that hear this song
the characters entering or exiting the Underworld or
are driven to the depths of despair. A massive statue of
helping or preventing someone or something from doing
Athreos watches over this chamber and the guardians
so. Souls with coin left after crossing the Tartyx often
who reside there.
discard their excess valuables upon reaching the Under
world-their treasures proving useless in the realm of
UNDERWORLD CROSSING VILLAINS
the dead. The dunes of discarded coins that pile up on
Mortals who adventure in an Underworld crossing are
the Underworld's shores might be enough to tempt mor
likely to battle foes trying to enter or escape the Under
tal treasure hunters, even at the risk of being eternally
world-or trying to prevent the characters from doing
pursued by Athreos's servants.
so. Examples of such villains appear on the Underworld
Alternatively, it might be souls rather than riches that
Crossings Villains table.
tempt adventurers to the Tartyx's banks. A spirit who
died without payment for Athreos might linger at the
UNDERWORLD CROSSINGS VILLAINS
river's edge. Perhaps adventurers seek to help such a
lost soul pass on to the Underworld, or they might offer d6 Villain
to pay for passage if a spirit shares valuable information A Returned palamnite (see chapter 6) seeks to de
with them. In either case, adventurers might offer the stroy all Underworld crossings so the dead can freely
dead help in reaching their final resting place. enter the mortal world.
The Underworld Crossing Adventures table offers 2 A conquering general captures a number of Under
ideas for adventures that could occur in such a place.
world cerberi (see chapter 6), plotting to unleash the
terrifying beasts during a war.
UNDERWORLD CROSSING ADVENTURES
3 A greedy priest of Erebos steals coins from the dead
dl2 Adventure Goal before they are buried, thereby filling a crossing with
Enter the Underworld without alerting Athreos to your stranded souls.
presence.
4 A nightmare shepherd (see chapter 6) takes over a
2 Escape the Underworld.
crossing and doesn't allow souls to pass into the
3 Force someone to lose their identity in the waters of
Underworld. As a result, they become specters that
the Tartyx River.
harass the living in the mortal world.
4 Escort a Returned sentry (see chapter 6) escaping
5 A priest of Athreos becomes annoyed with the dead
from the Underworld into the mortal world.
5 Bargain with a lampad (see chapter 6) to learn where returning and sends armies of clergy to secure the
the body of a lost hero lies entombed. mortal side of the crossing.
6 Get information from a soul waiting to be ferried to 6 A satyr reveler (see chapter 6) seeks to throw an eter
the Underworld. nal revel! By stealing coins from the dead, the satyr
7 Pay for a stranded soul to cross the Tartyx River. traps souls at his morbid, Tartyx-side bacchanal.
8 Steal a specific valuable f rom the banks of the Tartyx
River and escape unseen.
9 Sail from the crossing to a nearby, haunted island in
the center of the Tartyx River.
10 Convince an innocent spirit who keeps returning to
their mortal home to pass into the Underworld.
11 Seek an audience with Athreos.
12 Capture an Underworld cerberus (see chapter 6).

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MAP 4.1: UNDERWORLD CROSSING

ll9
•
themselves again worthy of her grace, perhaps by

making substantial improvements to a city or defeating
a major threat.
Foes in an Ephara campaign could be deadly mon
sters, corrupt politicians, or even impending natural
disasters. The reappearance of figures from a city's
past, either as Returned or Nyxborn, can also throw a
community into disorder. Who has the greater right to
rule: the current ruler or the city's legendary founder?
EPHARA EPHARA'S VILLAINS

Many see Ephara and her followers as villains, treading
Serious and knowledgeable, Ephara watches over cities,
on the wilderness to expand cities and civilization. Even
protecting them from the wilds and seeing that they de
people who live in urban environments might not be
velop in a just and beautiful way.
safe from foes who profess to be in Ephara's service.
Those who become excessively focused on rules and
EPHARA'S CHAMPIONS justice could overstep their bounds, using the law to op
The god of the polis seeks out those who would de press countercultural or nonconforming populations.
fend their cities with the same devotion that she does, The Ephara's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
fighting against threats both within and outside a that might arise from among the god's followers.
city's walls.
The Ephara's Quests table suggests a few adventures EPHARA'S VILLAINS
the god's champions might involve themselves in. d6 Villain
A neighborhood leader enacts punitive laws, prevent

EPHARA'S Q UESTS
ing people from expressing themselves.
d6 Adventure Goal
2 A guard imprisons people who worship gods op
Oust the corrupt leader of a town or a city.
posed to Ephara, such as Phenax and Nylea.
2 Reclaim a city that has been overrun by creatures of 3 A noble is building a new development directly in a
the wild.
forest, where it will displace wildlife that has lived
3 Help establish a new city in a sparsely populated there for millennia.
area. 4 A soldier begins killing people who have committed
4 Find a treasure to adorn a major landmark of a city. terrible crimes but have been acquitted because of
5 Hunt down a criminal who is causing devastating loopholes in the judicial system.
damage to a city, such as by arson. S A group of mages who follow Ephara want to build a
6 Defeat a champion of an opposed deity, most likely city on an island, heedless of the current residents.
Phenax or Nylea. 6 An oracle (see chapter 6) leads a cadre of scholars
secretly destroying work that they deem antithetical
AN EPHARA CAMPAIGN
to proper society.
A campaign centered around Ephara is almost by ne
cessity an urban campaign, and likely one that primarily
EPHARA'S MONSTERS
or entirely takes place within a single city. Ephara is
Ephara isn't often associated with monsters. Even so,
concerned with the establishment, development, and
a few monsters common in urban settings might be
protection of cities, and a campaign centered on her
involved with the deity or her worshipers. Since many
champions and goals might focus on just one of these
of Ephara's most devout followers are scholars, they
aspects over the course of the campaign.
commonly use magically constructed creatures in their
A game focused on establishment might see the char
plans. The vast majority of villains associated with
acters founding a new city, or perhaps reviving a dead
Ephara are humans: soldiers, politicians, priests, and
one. One focused on development could go beyond the
scholars who believe that Ephara's vision of a proper
basics of what a city needs to survive and get into what
city is more important than the people living in it. The
a city requires to thrive-which could easily lead to
Ephara's Monsters table presents just a few foes likely to
campaigns less focused on combat and more on social
serve the god's will.
encounters and intrigue. Lastly, a campaign focused on
defending a city could present a range of threats, from
EPHARA'S MONSTERS
external foes-like wild creatures or invading armies
Challenge Creature Source
to internal enemies-like corrupt leaders or dangerous
criminals. In any of these cases, Ephara cares about 1/8 Guard MM
protecting cities from the poison of corruption and tyr 1/2 Anvilwrought raptor MOT
anny as well as threats from armies or the wild. 3 Meletian hoplite MOT
If the characters falter in any of these major goals,
9 War priest VGM
• ..
they could lose Ephara's favor and have to prove
·-

l20
Challenge Creature Source EPHARA's DIVINE SCHEMES
Ephara's power struggles with other deities often have a
11 Gynosphinx* MM
ripple effect that touches the mortal followers of all gods
15 Hundred-handed one MOT
involved. The Ephara's Divine Schemes table presents
17 Androsphinx* MM
just a few conflicts the god might be involved in.
23 Empyrean MM
''See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros. EPHARA'S DIVINE SCHEMES
d4 Scheme
EPHARA AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN Ephara tries to curry Karametra's favor, hoping to
A campaign with Ephara as the villain might be well persuade her to use her influence over agriculture
suited to a wilderness-based campaign. Many people of to help the cities under Ephara's protection flourish.
the wilds see the patron of cities as inherently villain But Karametra, as the patron of Setessa, thinks that
ous-a colonialist monster who crushes the wilderness Ephara's focus on cities is dangerous and damaging
in the name of supposed civilization. For player charac
to the lands. Nylea lashes out at both Karametra and
ters who are affiliated with the wilderness or who wor
Ephara, believing them to be working together.
ship Nylea, Ephara makes an obvious antagonist.
2 Ephara attempts to strip Phenax of his "stolen" divin
A likely storyline with Ephara as the main villain
ity, outraged by his influence over criminals.
would involve the characters trying to stop champions of
3 A recent earthquake has changed the coastline,
Ephara from establishing a new city or expanding an ex
isting city into the wilderness, displacing the people and exposing a new island with a verdant and lush land
creatures that inhabit the area. This wilderness could scape. Ephara and Nylea are locked in a battle for
be where the characters live, or the residents of the area control over the island, with Nylea wanting it to re
might ask the characters for help. Since the followers main wilderness and Ephara seeking to build a city on
of Ephara see cities as inherently superior to other lo the fertile ground.
cations, they are unmoved by simple pleas to leave the 4 Ephara sends champions to free a city from the
wilderness as it is, and the characters likely must stop
control of tyrants who worship Mogis, god of wrath.
them by force.
Mogis retaliates by sending his armies to attack a city
under Ephara's protection.
EPHARA1S URN IS A FOUNTAIN OF BLESSINGS.

AGORA At the agora's center stands a grand fountain with a
larger-than-life sculpture depicting all the gods sharing
Many settlements in Theros have a centrally loca.ted ag
a feast. On holy days, priests invite people to wash their
ora, or public forum, where artists perform, politicians
feet in the fountain and receive blessings from the gods.
give speeches, philosophers debate, vendors hawk their
wares, and people congregate. Many agoras are sur AGORA VILLAINS
rounded by stoas, covered walkways that lead to other An agora villain could be almost any humanoid, from a
areas of the settlement. People in the agora might re corrupt politician to a common criminal thug. Some of
treat beneath the awnings for privacy and shade, while these folks use monsters to do their dirty work. Exam
others stand on the roofs of the porticos to shout mes ples of such villains appear on the Agora Villains table.
sages to the assembled crowds.
In addition to activities involving art, commerce, pol AGORA VILLAINS
itics, and religion, people come to the agora for socializ
d6 Villain
ing and learning the latest news and gossip. The crowds
An assassin murders a politician's rivals then poses
attract less savory folk, like spies and thieves. Priests of
Ephara often bless agoras because they are so central to the victims in grisly, public tableaus.
civilized life in Theros, but all the gods are usually hon 2 A group of thugs vandalizes market stalls whose
ored in these forums with statues or other works of art. owners don't pay a weekly protection fee.
3 Cultists of Pharika plot to spike the wine at a party in
AGORA ADVENTURES the agora with an experimental poison.
An agora is the perfect location for adventures where
4 A snake charmer overreaches when he unsuccessfully
roleplaying takes center stage. The characters could
attempts to control an a mphisbaena (see chapter 6)
use the crowd as cover for a clandestine meeting or as
during a performance.
an audience to rally to action. A simple shopping trip in
5 A disgraced priest of Ephara releases a horde of
an agora can turn into an adventure when a thief steals
anvilwrought creatures (see chapter 6) on a crowd
from the characters or they overhear a sinister conversa
tion. The Agora Adventures table offers ideas for adven gathered at the agora.
tures that could occur in such a place. 6 A mage politician uses enchantment magic to spread
rumors about rivals.
AGORA ADVENTURES
d12 Adventure Goal
Apprehend the ringleader of a thieves' guild who fre
quently targets people in the agora.
2 Protect a civil leader giving a speech.
3 Perform for an audience.
4 Humiliate someone giving a speech or performing.
5 Make a profit running someone's market stall.
6 Sabotage business for the entire market.
7 Eavesdrop on a private meeting under a stoa.
8 Incite a crowd to action with a public speech.
9 Debate a well-loved politician or philosopher and

convince the audience to take your side.
10 Recapture an escaped beast that was up for sale.
11 Stop a public execution.
12 Quell a riot without violence. ..
AGORA MAP
The agora shown in map 4.2 is surrounded by stoas,
with statues of different gods on their roofs overlooking
the public area. Market stalls stand in orderly lanes, and
vendors position their carts between them.
Two stages stand at either end of the forum. One is a
huge platform where performers, politicians, and phi
losophers address the crowds. The smaller stage has
steps that lead up to a higher platform. Criminals sen
tenced to death are thrown from this height onto the
ground below, where the crowd then finishes the job.
Stocks are also set up at the top of this stage for petty
criminals to be publicly humiliated.
.
-

122
Beneath the Fountain
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MAP 4.2: AGORA ...

123
Champions of Erebos who want to maintain a moral
code separate from that of their god have a difficult path
to walk. They might find themselves forced to choose be
tween what they believe is right and what their god tells
them to do. If this leads them to violate one of Erebos's
most sacred rules-by allowing a lost soul to escape,
for example-Erebos could transform into a campaign
villain. The characters might then try to atone for their
behavior or seek the protection of another god.
EREBos's VILLAINS
Erebos's sphere of influence is every bit as essential to
Jealous but patient, Erebos is a demanding master. His
life on Theros as Heliod's, but it is easy to see why many
champions know that service to him lasts not just until
take a dim view of him and his champions. The status
their deaths, but beyond that.
quo that Erebos seeks to uphold is a brutal one, based
on the tragic fact that every life ends in death.
EREBos's CHAMPIONS Followers of Erebos might become villains when they
Erebos spends most of his time and attention on the follow their god's orders, sowing despair among the
Underworld, leaving his champions to safeguard his in populace. Some become death-crazed killers or dispas
terests in the realm of the living. He might call upon his sionate murderers, unable to see the difference between
followers to punish those who escape the Underworld, dying now and dying later. Others abuse their blessings
spread despair, or thwart the schemes of other gods, to cheat death for themselves or their loved ones, and
particularly Heliod and Phenax. The Erebos's Quests still others simply want to get rich.
table suggests a few adventures the god's champions The Erebos's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
might involve themselves in. that might arise from among the god's followers.
EREBOS1S QUESTS EREeos's VILLAINS
d6 Adventure Goal d6 Villain
Capture a hero who came back to Theres as a Re A veteran bargains with Erebos to allow him to re
turned and send them back to the Underworld. main in the living world as a Returned in exchange for
2 Find out why those who die in a coastal village never a steady stream of mortal sacrifices.
arrive in the Underworld, and why the village is 2 A prominent knight of another god loses their entire
haunted by eidolons. family, then publicly turns to Erebos in hopes of being
3 Protect those who attend the funeral of a village elder reunited with loved ones in the Underworld.
in the hills near Akros, where minotaurs have dis 3 An acolyte convinces Erebos to bring her murdered
rupted recent burials. daughter back to life, but the daughter is restored as
4 Investigate an alchemist who claims to have trans a potent Returned who now terrorizes the polis.
muted lead into gold-but who might somehow be 4 A wealthy noble drives tenants out of a poor part of a
stealing it from the Underworld. polis so he can build a temple to Erebos.
S Refute the claim of a priest of Heliod who is said to S The queen of a remote settlement prays to Erebos
be immortal because of the sun god's blessing. for endless treasure, and Erebos "blesses" her by
6 Take an aging champion of lroas who has pledged turning the nearby river to liquid silver. The tyrant is
their soul to Erebos in exchange for a glorious death delighted, but everyone else in her domain suffers.
on one last foray into the wild lands. 6 A priest of Erebos terrorizes a village, convinced that
a particular Returned has taken refuge there.
AN EREBOS CAMPAIGN
A campaign structured around the player characters as EREBos's MONSTERS
champions of Erebos often invites a certain amount of Erebos has legions of fallen monsters, heroes, and
moral complexity. Perhaps heroes are brought together villains that he can send back to the world of the living
to oppose an overreach by a champion of Heliod. Or temporarily as Nyxborn. The Erebos's Monsters table
maybe they're united by some common plight such as presents just a few foes likely to serve the god's will.
plague or war, as Erebos grants his blessings to those
who determinedly face fate. From there, they might be EREBOS'S MONSTERS
drawn into helping Erebos maintain the line between
life and death by fighting against Returned raiders.
1/2 Shadow MM
2 Two-headed cerberus MOT
3 Lampad MOT
3 Nightmare MM
·-

124
Challenge Creature Source EREBOS1S DIVINE SCHEMES
s Night hag'' MM d4 Scheme
9 Aberrant overlord MOT Erebos has captured Phenax's eidolon, the identity
11 Doomwake giant MOT severed from Phenax's body when he became the first
11 Nightmare shepherd MOT Returned, and uses it to force Phenax to serve his
whims.
''See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros.
2 Erebos unleashes a deadly plague. The cure grows
EREBOS AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN only in the peaceful Underworld realm of llysia. Mor
tal champions flock to llysia, threatening to breach
The god of death is a natural villain, whether from the
the ward's sanctity and allow Erebos's influence to
beginning of the campaign or after he takes a villainous
creep in.
turn against his former champions.
3 Servants of Heliod find a stone that can raise the
As a campaign villain, Erebos will try to carry out
the worst of his schemes: sowing despair, ending lives dead in both body and soul. Enraged, Erebos sends
before their time, or supplanting Heliod. The campaign his followers to claim the stone, which Heliod's wor-
might begin with cultists of Erebos committing random shipers have claimed as a holy relic.
murders, then escalate when a prominent priest or 4 With the aid of Pharika, Erebos creates a poison ca
champion of Heliod is assassinated. Adventurers who pable of killing a god. Learning of this, the other gods
have no love for the sun god might still find cause to put try to force Erebos to relinquish the poison, but the
a stop to Erebos's terrors-particularly if he starts lash god of the dead has already deployed it in the form of
ing out against followers of other gods.
a sapient being. Now, champions of the gods scour
the world, searching for the living weapon.
EREBos's DIVINE SCHEMES
When the god of death chooses to move against the
other gods, the effects can be catastrophic. The Erebos's
Divine Schemes table suggests a few ways Erebos might
move against both gods and mortals.
EREBos's MINIONS HUNT THE RETURNED ANO

WARN THOSE WHO CONSIDER THE SA.ME FOLLY.
•
GRAVEYARD TEMPLE ADVENTURES
dlO Adventure Goal
Rob a grave or the temple's vault.
2 Protect a grave or the temple's vault from robbery.
3 Destroy a seemingly endless wave of undead pouring
forth from a graveyard.
4 Prevent the funeral of a loathed individual from being
disrupted.
5 Find an entrance to the Underworld in the graveyard.
6 Reunite a Returned sentry (see chapter 6) and their
ghostblade eidolon (see chapter 6).
7 Destroy giant spiders infesting a tomb.
8 Acquire death records for a family from a temple full
of angry spirits.
9 Escape the graveyard when undead suddenly rise and
overtake the complex.
10 Use a person's remains to raise them from the dead.
GRAVEYARD TEMPLE MAP

The temple shown in map 4.3 sits at the center of a
graveyard, which consists of underground tombs that
hold urns of ashes, individual burial plots, and a mass
grave for those who couldn't afford better. The ground
level of the temple contains a chapel with benches and
a raised dais, which holds an altar and a viewing table
for bodies of the deceased. The other chambers of the
GRAVEYARD TEMPLE temple's first floor contain the priests' quarters, offices,
Any place where the remains of the dead are interred is embalming chambers, as well as a vault.
considered a place of worship for Erebos. A graveyard The temple's cellar holds burial and financial records,
can consist of mass graves, individual burial plots, as well as tools used in the caretaking of the graveyard.
family tombs containing interment niches or urns, or a Tunnels that can be sealed with iron doors connect the
combination of all such sites honoring the dead. These cellar to all of the graveyard's tombs.
places often include a shrine to the god of death, which One of the graveyard's individual plots is marked with
is home to the graveyard's priests. a nameless marker. This grave plot doesn't contain a
During the day, the priests lead funeral rites, care for body. The most valuable treasures entrusted to the tem
the graveyard, and offer counsel to those praying for ple's care are buried in this spot.
acceptance of their fates. Larger graveyard complexes
might also have a vault for storing gold or other valu GRAVEYARD TEMPLE VILLAINS
ables, and the priests could act as financial advisors and Graveyard temple villains include those seeking to con
executors of estates, since wealth and death go hand in trol death and wealth. Examples of such figures appear
hand in Theros. on the Graveyard Temple Villains table.
At night, the restless dead might walk through the
graveyard's temple. Sometimes these dead are restless GRAVEYARD TEMPLE VILLAINS
ghosts that can't pass into the Underworld until they d6 Villain
finish a piece of business. Others might be Returned, A terrified Returned palamnite (see chapter 6) runs
lingering near their place of burial because they can't re
amok in the graveyard, having lost all sense of itself
member where else to go, or evil undead-such as spec
after finding its way back to the world.
ters and wraiths-waiting to harm any living creatures
2 A cyclops with a taste for rotting flesh digs up plots
they come across.
in the graveyard each night.
GRAVEYARD TEMPLE ADVENTURES 3 A priest removes limbs from corpses to build an con
Graveyard temple adventures are centered on death gregation of flesh golems he can't control.
and wealth. The characters could be asked to deal with
4 A gate to the Underworld releases a bloodthirsty Un
undead, protect or steal a grave's remains or treasure,
derworld cerberus (see chapter 6) into the graveyard.
or attend a funeral in the graveyard. Many graveyards
have tunnels connecting the tombs that the priests use 5 An archmage works to raise a vengeful army from the
in their caretaking duties, so exploring such a complex remains of her war-ravaged village.
can be a daunting task. The Graveyard Temple Adven 6 A mob of paranoid, inexperienced commoners hunt
tures table offers ideas for adventures that could occur for Returned but end up tormenting all strangers.
in such a place.
·-

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MAP 4.3: GRAVEYARD TEMPLE

-·

HELIOD's VILLAINS
It's easy for servants of Heliod-and even the god him
self-to take on a villainous role in the world. Heliod's
followers easily become obsessed with upholding justice
at the price of mercy, or with advancing order at the
price of freedom, turning them into vicious tyrants or
overzealous enforcers. On a smaller scale, someone
who has suffered a grievous wrong might swear an oath
of vengeance in Heliod's name and become a deadly vig
HELIOD ilante. When a follower of Heliod's righteous zeal for jus

tice turns to oppressive tyranny, Heliod himself might
send champions to stop the would-be tyrant.
As powerful as he is arrogant, Heliod believes in his
The Heliod's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
vision of a bright, orderly future and demands that his
that might arise from among the god's followers.
champions help bring it into being.
HELIOD'S CHAMPIONS HELIOD1S VILLAINS

d6 Villain
Heliod's champions are a means to accomplish his
goals. In the world, Heliod is concerned with law and A local noble imposes overwhelming punishments for
order, justice and fidelity. On a larger scale, he seeks even minor infractions of law.
to establish his superiority over the other gods, and his 2 A leader persecutes an entire population of people
mortal champions might get caught up in those schemes because of a crime committed by a single member.
in ways both large and small. 3 An assassin starts killing everyone connected to a
The Heliod's Quests table suggests a few adventures
trial after which the perpetrator was exonerated.
4 A fanatical priest tries to undermine the priests of
other gods by outlawing their holidays.
HELIOD'S QUESTS
5 A tyrant suppresses free expression, punishes
d6 Adventure Goal
protesters, and quashes any form of dissent.
Bring a shard of sunlight to a place of unending
6 A nervous oracle (see chapter 6) identifies the charac
darkness.
ters as a threat to the stability of the polis.
2 Establish law and order in a place of anarchy and
lawlessness.
HELIOD'S MONSTERS
3 Keep people safe from a natural disaster caused by
Heliod is rarely associated with deadly monsters, more
the anger of another god (such as a volcano spawned often with celestial messengers and noble creatures.
by Purphoros or a tidal wave caused by Thassa). Even so, adventures that bring characters into conflict
4 Hunt down a notorious lawbreaker who has fled from with Heliod's agents might pit them against creatures
a polis into the wilderness. such as those on the Heliod's Monsters table.
5 Triumph in a contest of strength or charisma to prove
Heliod's superiority over the other gods. HEL1oo's MONSTERS
6 Defeat a champion of another god (most likely Challenge Creature Source
Erebos, Purphoros, Phenax, or Mogis). 1/8 Noble MM
2 Centaur MM
A HELIOD CAMPAIGN
2 Griffon MM
A campaign structured around champions of Heliod
2 Pegasus MM
might cast adventurers as valiant protectors of civiliza
3 Fleecemane lion MOT
tion. Rampaging monsters, lawless agitators, hardened
criminals, oath breakers, and the champions of Heliod's 9 Cloud giant MM
divine enemies pose constant threats, and the charac 11 Roe MM

ters are charged with combating them all. 23 Empyrean MM
At the beginning of the campaign, the characters
might stand alongside other defenders of a polis against HELIOD AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN
attacking monsters and receive Heliod's blessing at a
Whether Heliod is a villain from the beginning of the
crucial moment to turn the tide of battle. Hailed as he
campaign or takes a villainous turn against his former
roes by the polis, they continue to enjoy Heliod's favor as
champions, a campaign centered on Heliod's arrogance
they vanquish one threat after another.
and peevishness brings the worst of the sun god's quali
Losing their patron's favor is the greatest danger to
ties into focus.
champions of Heliod. If the god views them as disobe
As a campaign villain, Heliod is most likely driven by
dient or comes to see them as a threat, he might turn
his desire to assert his rulership over the other gods of
against them. At that point, characters might either try
the pantheon and his kingship over everything: Nyx,
to regain his favor or seek protection with another god.

128
the mortal world, and the Underworld. He might begin, HELIOD'S DIVINE SCHEMES
through his agents, by enacting laws that make partic
d4 Scheme
ipation in Heliod's rites mandatory for the citizens of a
Heliod decides to confront Erebos in the Underworld.
polis. From there, it's a small step to suppressing the
He gathers fallen heroes around him as he marches
open worship of other gods, then trying to spread both
policies to other cities. If the characters are champions on Erebos's palace in Tizerus. Meanwhile, the sun
of other gods, they might find themselves the targets of has vanished from the sky in the mortal world, and
Heliod's agents, marked as a threat to order and stability the dead can't enter the Underworld.
in the poleis. 2 Heliod grows tired of the battles between lroas and
Such a campaign might end with the characters ap Mogis, and he decides to end their conflict by ban
peasing Heliod in some way, convincing the other gods ishing Mogis. To his surprise, both gods turn against
(especially Kruphix or Klothys) to intervene and rein in him. The resulting conflict causes the sun to rain
Heliod's hubris, or even confronting Heliod with the sup
divine blood, producing bizarre effects.
port of other gods.
3 Angry at the hubris of nobles who boast of having the
HEuon's DIVINE SCHEMES best hounds, Heliod turns all dogs into wolves and
Heliod's activities among the other gods can have a monsters that kill and run wild.
wide-ranging impact on the pantheon and the mortal 4 Heliod arms a champion with his weapon, Khrusor,
world. The Heliod's Divine Schemes table offers exam but the hero goes wild with power and tries to slay
ples of how the god might have a mythic impact on the Purphoros. The repercussions border on the cataclys
mortal world, embroiling the characters in the middle of mic, with the champion slain, Mount Velus erupting,
divine squabbles. and the spear shattered. Only Purphoros can repair
the spear, and he's hardly in the mood to do so.
1-IELIOO's SPEAR DOLES OUT HIS BLESSINGS

AS \YELL AS HIS WRATH.
• •
•
d12 Adventure Coal

7 Find out who among a crowd of people gathered at
the temple murdered a priest.
8 Disperse a mob of people who blame Heliod and his
clergy for a long drought.
9 Defend the temple's worshipers from followers of
Mogis assaulting the building.
10 Offer Heliod a burnt sacrifice to gain his blessing.
11 Offer Heliod a mass sacrifice to prevent him from
smiting a nearby settlement.
12 Find a hero's firsthand account of a battle with a
unique monster among the temple's records before a
rival group of adventurers does.
SUN TEMPLE MAP

The sun temple shown in map 4.4 presents a common
design for Heliod's holy sites. Most ceremonies take
place on the rooftop, which is surrounded by statues of
heroic figures and magnificent gardens that bloom in
the dawn light. Worshipers reach the top by climbing
stairs on the outside of the tower.
Floor-to-ceiling windows on the temple's fourth level
reveal a crypt with hundreds of funeral urns placed in
SUN TEMPLE
niches on the wall and in decorative columns. Lower
These multistory towers of worship rise atop mountains, levels hold the personal chambers of priests, as well as
hills, and the highest ground in a settlement, bringing quiet chambers where people can worship at small al
congregants as close as possible to the sun. Huge win tars or seek counsel from clergy who specialize in mat
dows, light-reflecting stone, and art depicting legendary ters of morality. The temple's ground floor contains a
heroes make every sun temple a bright, inspiring space. museum displaying heroic artifacts and accounts of epic
The rites conducted in sun temples include marriages, deeds, all of which are guarded by the ghosts of heroes
ceremonies to honor heroes, dawn worship services, interred in the crypt.
breakfast banquets, and occasionally funerals, which
typically involve a pyre for the deceased. These events SUN TEMPLE VILLAINS
are held on the temple's roof, where worshipers are clos Although sun temples are places that glorify heroic
est to the sun and can feel its warmth. deeds, they do attract villains eager to please Heliod,
defy him, or twist his tenets. Examples of such villains
SUN TEMPLE ADVENTURES appear on the Sun Temple Villains table.
Sun temples honor heroes and record their deeds.
An adventure in which the characters need to meet, SUN TEMPLE VILLAINS
research, protect, or confront a legendary figure might
d6 Villain
happen in one of these houses of worship. Additionally,
A once-heroic veteran seeking to regain his youthful
large groups gather in these temples, potentially leading
strength tries to burn attendees at a dawn banquet
to adventures involving crowds that need to be pro
tected, quelled, or investigated. The Sun Temple Adven as a sacrifice to Heliod.
tures table offers plots that could occur in such a place. 2 A secret cabal of Phenax cult fanatics infiltrates the
temple and uses details learned in private counseling
SUN TEMPLE ADVENTURES sessions to blackmail worshipers.
dl 2 Adventure Goal 3 An adult blue dragon, scarred by a champion of He
Acquire an artifact used by a legendary hero. liod, seeks to destroy all sun temples in the hopes of
2 Defend a hero being honored in a ceremony from an bringing about everlasting night.
assassination attempt. 4 A corrupt oracle (see chapter 6) of Heliod sells coun
3 Acquire the remains of a legendary hero from the terfeit heroic artifacts to those he can't see as being
temple's crypts so the person can be resurrected. destined for greatness.
4 Prevent a wedding from taking place, so the couple's 5 A lazy priest of Heliod risks bringing the god's wrath
union doesn't fulfill an ominous prophecy. down upon the entire temple.
5 Expose a celebrated hero as a fraud. 6 An archmage devoted to Heliod has created a second
6 Learn the sins of a person seeking religious counsel. sun, one which endlessly illuminates the land and
burns those she considers wicked.
' ..
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Iroas exalts winners, but even a narrow defeat is still a

defeat. An opponent who has no qualms about cheating
and using subterfuge holds an advantage over champi
ons of Iroas. If the characters sink to using dishonorable
tactics, they can expect swift retribution and loss of fa
vor in return for their weakness.
lROAs's VILLAINS
Iroas, for all his love of justice and honor, is still a god of
lROAS
war. Anyone on the opposing side of Iroas's forces can
expect to face motivated, dedicated warriors. He is also
quite stubborn and takes losing a challenge personally,
lroas expects much of his champions. Constant training sometimes declaring a vendetta if he believes the chal
and testing oneself against the strongest foes available lenge was won dishonorably.
are the hallmarks of lroas's champions. lroas's followers sometimes forsake mercy and com
passion, as matters of honor and victory are uppermost,
lROAs's CHAMPIONS making them pitiless foes. Writ small, this behavior
could show up in an overzealous young commander
lroas's champions are his generals, through whom he
who would sacrifice his unit in a hopeless battle rather
can deliver death blows to his enemies. On a daily basis,
than retreat. If a great champion of Iroas loses their
Iroas serves the causes of justice and honor. The weak
moral compass amid the horrors of war and commits
are to be protected, just laws are to be upheld, and evil
atrocities in the name of victory, Iroas himself will send
doers must be struck down in righteous anger. Iroas's
heroes to stop the fallen champion.
champions also serve as his vanguard in the eternal war
The Iroas's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
against his brother, Mogis.
The Iroas's Quests table suggests a few adventures
IROAS'S VILLAINS
IROAS'S Q UESTS d6 Villain
d6 Adventure Goal A knight in the polis guard regularly subjects his

Defeat Returned bandits who are terrorizing the polis. soldiers to extreme disciplinary techniques, leading
2 Defend a polis against a champion of Mogis. them to start a revolt.
3 Sail to a remote island to reclaim a lost weapon of 2 A general (Akroan hoplite; see chapter 6) commands
great power. a town be put to the torch for its soldiers' crimes.
4 Establish law and order in a place of anarchy and law Followers of Phenax are actually responsible for the
lessness. crimes and are framing the community so it will be

destroyed and turned into a haven for the Returned.
5 Triumph in a contest of strength or dexterity to prove
lroas's superiority over the other gods. 3 An aging athlete (gladiator) pursues sinister magic to
aid his performance at the cost of innocent lives.
6 Defeat a champion of another god (most likely Mogis,
Phenax, or Pharika).
4 The government of a polis fearful of impending war
forces farmers to join a militia, precipitating a famine
AN lROAS CAMPAIGN as crops are left untended.
A campaign focused on champions of Iroas is filled with 5 A priest tries to undermine the servants of other gods
battle, stunning acts of heroism, and valorous stands by forcing them into duels and shaming them if they
against great odds. Iroas is a god of action, and his cham lose.
pions are the tip of his spear, expected to hurl themselves 6 A gifted orator (noble) offers honest but scathing crit
at danger when it presents itself. Iroas holds a bitter icism of a champion of lroas. The champion demands
grudge against his brother Mogis, and Iroas's champions
recompense, and the orator needs support against
often counter the agents of the god of carnage.
this threat.
As the campaign begins, the characters could find
themselves on a field of battle, either as mercenaries or
lROAs's MONSTERS
sworn soldiers for a polis. Their courage at arms and
Iroas is associated with warriors of all backgrounds.
the honor they demonstrate in battle impress Iroas, and
Most of the creatures in his retinue lack subtlety and ex
he proudly bestows his blessing on them. Every subse
cel in physical combat. Adventures that bring characters
quent engagement only enhances the characters' repu
into conflict with Iroas's agents might pit them against
tation as skilled, steadfast warriors without peer. Their
monsters such as these. The Iroas's Monsters table
actions inevitably lead to a challenge from a champion
presents just a few foes likely to serve the god's will.
of Mogis who is intent on destroying the characters and
anyone they hold dear.
' -
·-

132
•
It started with a rumor. Athletes gathering in Akros for the

!roan Games whispered of a hermit in the wilderness, a mas
ter wrestler who'd brought down giants with her bare hands.
As the games commenced, the rumors continued, and ath
letic victories seemed hollow so long as the so-called best
was not there to compete.
When Kelephne did arrive, she was barefoot and had a fire
in her eyes. The rumors of her skill were not exaggerated, and
for three days, she battled a continuous stream of compet
itors. When no others would challenge her, she left without
ceremony. She was never seen again, and some speculated
she was lroas in human form.
Athletes tried for years to mimic Kelephne's techniques.
Years later, wanderers discovered a cave covered in writing.
These instructions became known as Kelephne's manual, and
her technique was called pankration-now a widely studied
style of weaponless fighting.
1- :- -
IROAS1S MONSTERS
1/8 Guard MM
•
Nyx-fleece ram MOT
2
3
Griffon
Akroan hoplite
MM
MOT
6
,
5 Gladiator MM
7 Stone giant MM
11 Roe MM
lROAS AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN

Characters are likely to raise the ire of Iroas because
they oppose his followers in battle or defy his ideals. His
anger is direct and unsubtle, much like Iroas himself.
IROAS1S DIVINE SCHEMES
Iroas might be titled the god of victory in all respects,
but he cares less about victory in competitions than he d4 Scheme
does about victory in war. In war, both mortals and gods lroas inspires a brave Akroan general to travel forth
could be blinded by the rush to victory or by cleaving with a handpicked army and confront the forces of a
to stubbornly held ideas. Although a campaign against powerful and supposedly vulnerable minotaur war
Iroas might be straightforward in how the action plays lord. The general loses despite I roas's favor, and Ak
out, the underlying causes of conflict could be quite
ros is left exposed and poorly defended before a wave
complex, involving attacks on people who may seem
of Mogis-worshiping minotaurs.
unrelated to the initial conflict. As a campaign villain,
2 Heliod, weary of the constant strife between lroas
Iroas is most likely driven by his desire to win in battle,
and Mogis, swears an oath to destroy Mogis with a
to confront Mogis, or to avenge an insult to his honor.
The campaign might end with the adventurers win godly coalition behind him. Erebos, disgusted with
ning Iroas's respect in some way, convincing the other Heliod's hubris, forms a group in support of Mogis.
gods (including Heliod if the party is interested in honor lroas, rather than accepting Heliod's aid, launches a
and justice, or Mogis if not) to blunt Iroas's anger, or grand campaign of his own against his brother.
even battle Iroas with the support of other gods. 3 Mogis arms one of his champions with an axe capa
ble of sundering the souls of mortal creatures. I roas
lROAS'S DIVINE SCHEMES
wants his champions to procure the weapon so he
Iroas isn't much of a schemer. His view of the world is
can lock it away in his armory and thwart his brother.
through the crystal-clear lens of battle-strategic and
Agents of Erebos also seek to recover the weapon on
tactical plans are unambiguous and executed with pre
cision. This isn't to say he is unaware of treachery or
their master's behalf.
z
""
unprepared for it, only that he prefers to act forthrightly 4 lroas achieves the victory he has always pursued: he
J:
u
z and decisively. The Iroas's Divine Schemes table sug kills his brother, and the world falls into chaos.
s:
� gests a few plots the god might involve himself in.

133
ARENA ARENA VILLAINS
All sorts of unsavory elements can be found in an
Across Theros, contest grounds host athletic competi
. arena-backstabbing competitors, desperate gamblers,
tions and often serve as places to worship the god Iroas.
cruel trainers, savage animals, and worse. The Arena
The grandest hippodrome in Akros holds thousands
Villains table presents just a few ne'er-do-wells who
of spectators, but more modest stadiums can be found
might frequent physical contests.
throughout the land, serving as proving grounds for ath
letes and entertainment for the rich and poor. Foot and
ARENA VILLAINS
chariot races, hurling competitions, and combat sports
d8 Villain
(wrestling, boxing, and pankration) are all common
events in arenas, especially during the Iroan Games, an A champion pankratiast (Akroan hoplite; see chapter
annual series of athletic competitions held in Akros. 6) has her cronies lock everyone in the arena. She al
lows none to leave until a challenger defeats her.
ARENA ADVENTURES 2 A minotaur frees all the beasts in the amphitheater
Adventures in an arena often feature the characters as during a well-attended event.
contestants in an athletic competition. The reward for 3 A chariot racer (gladiator) poisons members of a rival
winning could be treasure, a favor, or an audience with
team, causing them to fall asleep during competition.
a person of importance-even Iroas himself, in the case
4 A mage uses magic to spy on athletes' conversations
of the Iroan Games. The Arena Adventures table offers
and then blackmails them with the information.
5 A stone giant interrupts a session of games and de
ARENA ADVENTURES mands a chance to compete.
6 A promoter forces athletes to overexert themselves,
d8 Adventure Goal
causing dangerous accidents during competitions.
Help an unfit participant survive an athletic compe
7 An archmage enchants or polymorphs innocents,
tition.
forcing them to participate in brutal contests.
2 Convincingly lose an athletic competition so a gam
8 A druid uses the awaken spell on beasts in the arena
bler can win big.
to make them more capable competitors.
3 Sabotage a star athlete's chances of winning.
4 Attend tryouts to become members of a chariot rac
•
ing team.
5 Assassinate a person watching a competition before
the final match ends.
6 Save a wrestler from a planned murder in the arena.
7 Capture a beast that has escaped from the stadium.
8 Recover a blessed trophy and award it to a contest's
rightful victor.
ARENA MAP
The arena shown in map 4.5 has a ring of raised
benches and private boxes around its sandy floor. The
map of the arena's upper levels depicts the exterior
seating and the interior halls below (both of which are
largely mirrored on the map's opposite site). Tunnels
and trapdoors allow competitors to enter the arena
from almost any angle. A large tarpaulin attached to the
roof can be unfurled to shade the arena's audience. An
awards platform serves as a shrine to Iroas. Winners
of athletic competitions stand here to receive medals,
wreaths, rewards, the blessings of priests, and the
praise of the crowd.
Outside the arena and beneath the seats are
open areas and alcoves where vendors sell con
cessions and trinkets, along with booths for
making bets.
The space under the arena holds gymnasi
ums, an equipment hall, and several staging
areas and specialty rooms used as locker
rooms, animal pens, and separate training
areas for various creatures.
·-

1 34
:
·--• ___ __
Under the Arena 1square=10 feet

�
z
.,
I
�
I
0
z
2 - 6
>- MAP 4,s: ARENA
-·

135
At the beginning of the campaign, the characters
might discover a community in desperate straits and
receive Karametra's blessing as they restore it to a state
of safety and prosperity. Or they might find their home
destroyed, only to receive a vision from Karametra that
she's placing the community's refugees in their care.
The greatest danger to champions of Karametra is
walking the line between cultivating bounty and pro
tecting the vulnerable versus becoming greed-driven
and paternalistic. Karametra values humility, and often
KARAMETRA seeks to teach those who grow too big for their britches
sharp lessons against hubris.
All life-plant and animal-needs fertility to continue to
exist, making Karametra's constancy vital to sustaining KARAMETRA'S VILLAINS
a habitable world for mortals.
Karametra's followers can embody the best or worst of
civilization. Just as society can protect the vulnerable it
KARAMETRA'S CHAMPIONS can also reinforce injustice and give it the power of law.
Karametra's champions build community, advance Too much material wealth and security can make people
civilization, and bestow bounty wherever they go in the less inclined to empathize with those who have less, or
name of their god. Karametra seeks to provide for all, even make them believe that wealth is a sign of virtue.
end famine and desperation, and ensure that everyone Ignoring these truths can lead Karametra's followers
is supported by family and community. She isn't a de down wicked paths.
manding god, but her champions diligently court her At its worst, the worship of Karametra can be twisted
favor by trying to further her goals. into compulsory conformity. It can value nature and
The Karametra's Quests table suggests a few adven people only for what they can provide. It can care for or
tures the god's champions might involve themselves in. phans while doing nothing to remedy the circumstances
that made them orphans. It can turn defense of one's
KARAMETRA'S QUESTS community into xenophobia. It can come to treat the
wealthy as moral exemplars and the poor as moral fail
d6 Adventure Goal
ures. Karametra's followers can easily tip from valuing
Plant a fruit-bearing tree where one has never grown.
bounty to indulging in greed. Those who provide for oth
2 Save a village whose crops are failing.
ers might come to believe it gives them a right to control
3 Defend or found an orphanage. them. When followers of Karametra cease to balance
4 Teach a settlement to defend itself from wild beasts. bounty with care, they might come to align with the foes
S Reunite an orphan with living relatives. presented on the Karametra's Villains table.
6 Convince raiders to give up their ways, settle down,
KARAMETRA'S VILLAINS
found a village, and devote their lives to farming.
d6 Villain
A KARAMETRA CAMPAIGN The head of an orphanage (commoner) believes she
At first glance, a campaign in which the player charac can care for the city's children better than their par
ters are champions of Karametra might seem counter ents and works to have the other adults arrested.
intuitive, since Karametra's goals seem to promote the
2 A priest begins imposing restrictive lifestyle rules on
antithesis of an adventuring life. But her ideals might be
a nearby population in order to "civilize" them.
attractive to some adventurers, such as exiles for whom
3 A local leader (Setessan hoplite; see chapter 6) im
the idea of settling down in a safe, prosperous commu
poses harsh penalties on the poor, claiming their pov
nity can be a profoundly seductive prospect.
Karametra lavishes her favor on those who protect erty is a sign they have invited the gods' wrath.
established communities, but her most cherished cham 4 The head of a prominent family (noble) continues to
pions are those who strike out to found a new settlement exert abusive control over their adult children, citing
or bring aid to a struggling or endangered community. their role as matriarch or patriarch to justify it.
She loves most keenly those followers who embody her S A local leader (druid) forces marriages between wid
values of putting community before self by leaving their
ows and widowers to increase the population.
peaceful lives behind and looking for others to bring into
6 A polis leader (soldier) begins doing sweeps of the
the fold. And her pride in them is all the greater when
surrounding countryside to round up non-citizens
they manage to build chosen families who journey with
and put them to work supporting the community.
them to pursue the same goals.
KARAMETRA'S MONSTERS
Karametra's followers usually protect innocents from
monsters, but in certain circumstances, they might op
pose characters. The Karametra's Monsters table pres
' �
ents a few foes likely to serve the god's will.
·-

KARAMETRA'S MONSTERS blood sacrifices to please her. Karametra may send
monsters to the poleis to remind them of the dangers of
displeasing her, causing even more bloodshed. The cam
0 Awakened shrub MM
paign might end with heroes confronting Karametra or
Alseid MOT finding some other way to appease her.
Dryad MM
2 Awakened tree MOT KARAMETRA'S DIVINE SCHEMES
2 Druid MM The Karametra's Divine Schemes tables explores ways
in which the god's whims might impact the mortal world
4 Setessan hoplite MOT
and snare adventurers in divine affairs.
5 Earth elemental MM
5 Unicorn* MM KARAMETRA'S DIVINE SCHEMES
9 Treant MM
d4 Scheme
12 Archdruid VGM
Karametra's statues have covered their faces as if
,; See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theres. in despair, and nothing will grow. No one seems to
know what has caused the god of fertility to withdraw
KARAMETRA AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN her blessings from the world, but the problem must
The intrinsic wildness of nature is part of Karametra's be solved if life is to endure.
being. A campaign that paints Karametra as a villain 2 Karametra judges that mortals have over produced
might explore the ferocity that seethes inside her, a wild and moves to cull populations. She creates new plant
aspect held in check by the power of mortal belief, which species that feed on mortals, while her followers act
paints her as a gentle, mothering source of bounty. She
oddly, running off to join bloody revels or sacrificing
no longer demands blood sacrifices from her worship
each other in the fields. How many must die before
ers because they no longer believe such supplication is
balance is restored?
necessary-not because she decided to stop. In the pan
3 Karametra's civilizing influence infringes on the terri
theon, she personifies a truth that most gods don't fully
appreciate but do fear: for all the influence they might tory and freedom of other nature gods, and so Nylea
have over mortal lives, the collective force of mortal be and Pharika band together to reduce her power.
lief can reshape the gods' very nature. 4 Karametra bestows her gifts on a wild cultist or mi
As a campaign villain, Karametra might seek to notaur champion trying to encourage her older, more
return to her blood-soaked origins, sending her cham bloodthirsty worship. The faith takes hold, causing
pions to convince communities they must again make the god to make vicious demands of her followers.
KARAMETRA'S ACOLYTES GATHER THE BOUNTY OF THE
WILDS FOR THE Goo's FEASTS IN 5ETESS/\.

ARBOR WATCHTOWER WATCHTOWER MAP
The watchtower shown in map 4.6 is a roughly hexago
Sites that are sacred to Karametra, from her grand tem
nal stone tower, sculpted to help it blend in with the nat
ple in the heart of Setessa to outposts in the wild�rness,
ural landscape. Ancient trees grow into and around the
combine careful construction with natural growth. The
structure, causing branches and ivy to sprout from every
god favors towers and hanging gardens that lift the ver
level's open balconies.
dant natural world up toward Nyx in her honor. In the
The first floor houses the main entrance, guard posts,
Nessian Wood, Setessans build watchtowers that serve
and alcove shrines devoted to the seasons. Most of it is
the dual purpose of military defense and worship.
taken up by gardens of flowers and fruiting trees. A spi
WATCHTOWER ADVENTURES ral stairway ascends through all the higher levels.
The second floor has an enclosed portion with space
A watchtower adventure usually hinges on challenging
for storage, food supplies, and kitchens. A broad bal
the characters to find a way into or out of the fortress. As
cony features gardens of trees, vines, and food-bear
a military structure, a watchtower might hold secrets,
ing plants.
weapons, soldiers, and prisoners, any of which the char
The third floor looks much like the second, but has
acters could liberate or defend. If the characters take
barracks for guards and a mess hall. Some of the bal
over a watchtower, they could try to keep it for them
cony space is given over to archery targets, but most of it
selves. The Watchtower Adventures table offers ideas for
is still gardens.
adventures in such a place.
The fourth floor is similar to the last two, with rooms
for priests and a library. There are also gardens on the
WATCHTOWER ADVENTURES
balcony, perhaps featuring rarer or stranger plants.
dlO Adventure Goal
The top floor is open to the sky and is the main sanc
Guard a watchtower from assault. tuary of Karametra. A statue of the god and an altar
2 Assault a watchtower, defeating the guards defending are here. Several ancient trees form a canopy, and their
it and claiming it for a different god. trunks are sculpted to look like great heroes.
3 Steal military plans kept within a watchtower without
WATCHTOWER VILLAINS
alerting any of the guards inside.
Villains at a watchtower usually want to take over, de
4 Free a prisoner from a cell.
stroy, steal from, or infiltrate the place, or they already
5 I nfi Itrate the watchtower as spies.
occupy it and use the defensible position to crush their
6 Clear out monsters than have taken over the place. enemies. Examples of such villains appear on the
7 Steal a legendary weapon. Watchtower Villains table.
8 Steal griffon mounts.

WATCHTOWER VILLAINS
9 Find a spy among the soldiers stationed at a
watchtower. d8 Villain
10 Train soldiers at a watchtower to face an approaching A disguised abhorrent overlord (see chapter 6) con
mythic monster. vinces the soldiers in a watchtower to rise up against

the officers.
2 A medusa takes over a watchtower and conducts ex
periments on the soldiers she captures.
3 Sirens (see the harpies entry in chapter 6) call sol
diers to the top of the watchtower, then entice them
over the edge so they can feast on the corpses.
4 A flight of griffons attacks a watchtower after soldiers
steal the creatures' eggs to train the hatchlings to
serve as mounts.
5 A cyclops attacks a watchtower, eager to devour the
animals within.
6 A druid of Nylea, angered by the construction of a
watchtower in the forest, attracts a mythic beast to
the area to destroy the structure.
7 Blood-toll harpies (see chapter 6) take over a watch
tower and light its beacon to bring more victims to
the place.
8 A spy in a watchtower poisons the tower's food sup
ply in advance of an upcoming attack.
Meditation
Chamber
1 square = 5 feet
� .
MAP 4.G: ARBOR WATCHTOWER
.. ·

r39
failure or foolishness well. Should the characters dis
appoint the god, they might have to assuage Keranos's
wrath. They could accomplish this through a great feat
of wit, by laying low a powerful foe, by embarrassing a
rival god, or by discovering a great insight or secret. Un
til this is done, Keranos would be a potent adversary.
KERANOS'S VILLAINS
ll ..
Inspiration, unguided by morals and ethics, is a danger
ous force, but Keranos isn't usually concerned with mat
ters of good or evil. As such, a charismatic leader, acting
on Keranos's divinely inspired intuition, could find them
Mercurial and temperamental, Keranos personifies selves succumbing to megalomania and hubris, with
storms. Adventuring in the service of the god of storms disastrous consequences for a polis.
is often challenging but never dull. Keranos's followers can become too narrowly focused
on fulfilling dangerous prophecies without regard for
KERANOS'S CHAMPIONS loss of life. If you want to pit the characters against a
Keranos sees his champions as tools to bring insight morally gray antagonist who might have some traits or
and change to the world. He doesn't contemplate the qualities that they admire, Keranos and his followers
moral or ethical consequences of his insights, believing would work admirably.
that such concerns are beneath a god's notice. This out The Keranos's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
look might put his champions in a difficult ideological that might arise from among the god's followers.
situation, stuck between the demands of a wrathful deity
and uncomfortable moral choices. KERANOS'S VILLAINS
The Keranos's Quests table suggests a few adventures d6 Villain
An oracle (see chapter 6) foretells disaster for a polis
unless a number of innocent citizens are sacrificed.
KERANOS'S QUESTS
2 An mage servant of Keranos enhances storms as they
d6 Adventure Goal
form, threatening the countryside.
Help a genius artist who had their inspiration physi
3 An artist (commoner) creates incredible works of art
cally stolen.
whose subjects come to life and wreak havoc.
2 Break down a ruling structure that stifles ingenuity
4 An archmage who controls lightning rises to power,
and creativity.
blasting those who oppose her to smithereens.
3 Bring together lost icons of power to create an incred
S A wild-eyed oracle (see chapter 6) points to the char
ible storm with the might to halt a greater threat.
acters as harbingers of a coming disaster.
4 Find a long-lost artifact that bestows oracular visions
6 A living storm deluges an area, taking what it believes
upon the user.
is righteous revenge on a community.
S Defeat the champion of another god in a battle of
wits (perhaps Phenax, Mogis, or Klothys). KERANOS's MONSTERS
6 Find and restore a lost art form, arcane technique, or Keranos is associated with creatures that act as ex
crafting method for the glory of Keranos. tensions of his volatile temper or his sudden, blinding
insights. Adventures that bring characters into conflict
A KERANOS CAMPAIGN with Keranos's agents might pit them against monsters
A campaign focused on champions of Kera nos might such as these. The Keranos's Monsters table presents
involve acquiring oracular visions, unraveling a proph just a few foes likely to serve the god's will.
ecy, or bringing vengeance down on the storm god's
enemies. He uses his champions as agents of change KERANOS'S MONSTERS
to bring about a great epiphany, as instruments of ven Challenge Creature Source
geance against those he feels have wronged him, or as
2 Centaur MM
divine agents sent to aid his faithful.
3 Akroan hoplite MOT
As the campaign begins, the characters might be
summoned by an oracle and told of a dire prophecy 3 Blue dragon wyrmling* MM
threatening the polis. Next, they manage to avert the 5 Air elemental MM
worst consequences for the polis through their wits and 7 Theran chimera MOT
skill at arms. Now, having demonstrated their potential 9 Young blue dragon'' MM
to the polis and Keranos, they become embroiled in ever 13 Storm giant MM
grander, more dangerous prophecies, potentially draw
16 Adult blue dragon'' MM
ing in secrets of the other gods or of reality itself.
23 Ancient blue dragon* MM
It is relatively easy for a mortal to lose Keranos's favor
� *See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros.
..
because the god is quick to anger and doesn't suffer
·-

140
KERANOS AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN KERANOS1S DIVINE SCHEMES
Because Keranos doesn't readily concern him�elf with d4 Scheme

quandaries of good versus evil, it is easy to use him Bored with the temporary beauty of violent weather,
as a villain. The god might be driven by frustration at Keranos creates a massive, self-perpetuating storm.
mortals over their lack of vision, or by a consuming Over time, the storm grows out of control. Keranos is
need to trigger unrestrained creative impulses that delighted by his creation.
have far-reaching effects, by anger at a real or perceived 2 Dared by Phenax to prove that he can, Keranos in
slight. His will might be expressed through an oracle
spires eight mortals with eight ingenious ways to de
who foretells a great tragedy that involves the char
stroy the world. As a result, a genius actor, alchemist,
acters or someone they care about. As the campaign
inventor, diver, miner, sculptor, thief, and a duplici
progresses, Keranos becomes increasingly upset at
tous goat all set forth to enact their terrible brilliance.
the actions the characters take to thwart his insights or
3 Keranos finds the spread of mortal knowledge incon
their defense of the status quo and sends his agents to
enlighten them. sistent and slow. He empowers a champion to grant
The campaign might end with the adventurers unrav vast knowledge to any person or beast she touches.
eling a troublesome prophecy, proving themselves of The advent of sagacious cattle, wolves, and children
sufficient wisdom to merit respect, or when they con greatly disrupts (and unnerves) those who live in the
vince the other gods (especially Klothys) to intervene areas through which Keranos's champion travels.
and check Keranos's wrath. 4 Keranos creates a realm of his own design amid the
Dakra Isles, a place where the land and its creatures
KERANos's DIVINE SCHEMES
obey unique physical laws and strange truths. Some
Keranos doesn't interact much with the rest of the pan
of the inhabitants escape the isle and begin infecting
theon, preferring to brood and dispense epiphanies in
solitude. He is, however, easily roused to anger and goes the rest ofTheros with their alternate reality.
to extremes to satisfy real or perceived slights. The Ker

anos's Divine Schemes table explores the sorts of plots
the god might pursue.
THE MOUNTAIN TEMPLES OF KERANOS ARE CONSTANTLY

WRAPPED IN STORM CLOUDS.
ORACULAR CONFLUX ORACULAR CONFLUX MAP
The oracular confiux shown in map 4.7 has a glass
A few of Keranos's most isolated temples serve a.pur
domed roof, atop which is mounted a massive, ornate
pose beyond worship, being sites for the reading of
weather vane. During stormy services, oracles watch the
worldly signs and recording of knowledge. These orac
sky for lightning patterns that they use in predictions.
ular confiuxes provide followers of Keranos the tools
The center of the shrine contains a massive orrery.
to glean great truths, be they natural occurrences or
Connected to the orrery room is a divination chamber,
omens of the gods. Because of Keranos's connection
and situated within this chamber is the sacrifice cham
to storms and the heavens, such temples often have
ber. These areas are used for various forms of soothsay
weather vanes, telescopes, and other tools used to pre
ing and predictions, including animal sacrifice and the
dict the weather and chart the course of celestial bodies.
reading of entrails.
Each shrine has multiple methods of predicting the
Off the divination chamber is the observatory, which
future that it might offer visitors-with reading the stars,
houses a telescope, an astrolabe, and star charts. Past
the clouds, or the entrails of sacrificed animals being
that is the Shrine of Keranos, where a massive statue
particularly common. The most popular readings are
of the god is connected to a lightning rod which extends
.those conducted during thunderstorms. Crowds gather
through the roof and 100 feet into the sky. When light
in the shrines to watch oracles make predictions based
ning strikes the rod, magical iron plates in the floor tem
on rainfall, wind, thunder, and other weather measure
porarily glow in the colors of the rainbow. Oracles use
ments. In some communities, oracles actively strive
this display to predict the future.
to be struck by lightning, risking their lives to receive
Another section contains living areas for priests and
mighty messages from their god.
oracles, and the library which connects the living areas
to the orrery room contains books that can help oracles
ORACULAR CONFLUX ADVENTURES
interpret visions.
The player characters could come to an oracular shrine
for the same reason that most other people do: to re
ORACULAR CONFLUX VILLAINS
ceive a prediction about the future. They also might be
A villain in an oracular shrine is likely taking advantage
hired as bodyguards for the oracles, who often deliver
of or fighting against the predictions of the future. Ex
distressing (and perhaps incorrect) predictions to vio
amples of such villains appear on the Oracular Confiux
lent individuals. The Oracular Confiux Adventures table
Villains table.
offers ideas for adventures in such a place.
ORACULAR CON FLUX VILLAINS

ORACULAR CONFLUX ADVENTURES
d6 Villain
dl2 Adventure Goal
A bitter oracle (see chapter 6) who has foreseen her
Race an air elemental to an oracular conflux in or
imminent death gives false predictions to worshipers
der to receive a prediction of the future before the
so they will share her misery.
elemental's whirlwind obliterates all evidence of the
2 A storm giant pretends to be an avatar of Keranos
reading.
and takes over the shrine, making its worshipers his
2 Defend the shrine from a worshiper who is angry
subjects.
with an oracle for an incorrect prediction.
3 A revenant who died due to a misinterpreted proph
3 Convince an oracle to give a worshiper a particular
ecy comes back for revenge against the oracle who
false prediction.
issued it.
4 Help the addled victim of a lightning strike recover.
4 A cult fanatic from a rival shrine gets the temple's
S Recover sacrificial animals from a cyclops raider.
animals drunk on fermented fruit, throwing off their
6 Rig tools used to predict the future so that they pro
predictions.
duce a specific outcome.
S An angry athlete (gladiator) takes the conflux's ora
7 Manipulate a situation so prophesied events tran
cles hostage, demanding they alter the future after
spire within sight of a half-blind oracle.
predicting his defeat in an upcoming match.
8 Evacuate a crowded shrine during a storm when
6 An oracle (see chapter 6) makes false predictions to
lightning strike sets the temple ablaze.
convince nobles to give him money and lavish gifts.
9 Infiltrate the shrine to determine the accuracy of a
particular oracle or prediction method.
10 Steal a book of recorded predictions from the shrine.
11 Collect the materials necessary to create a revolution
ary oracular device.
12 Protect an oracle who must deliver bad news to a /
worshiper who is both influential and unpredictable.

1 square = 5 feet
MAP 4.7: ORACULAR CoNFcux

..·

143
•
with its destiny, the characters might attract followers,

incite rebellions, and clash with rivals who interpret Klo
thys's will in different ways.
Champions of Klothys are at risk of misinterpreting
their god's intentions to serve their own purposes or
selfishly demanding a greater destiny than what they
are due. This behavior could lead to Klothys retracting
her blessings or even dispatching loyal champions to de
stroy her wayward servants. Her most successful cham
pions stand to reorder errant civilizations or rebalance
KLOTHYS disrupted natural orders.
Secretive yet vindictive in enforcing her vision of destiny KLOTHYS'S VILLAINS

in Theros, Klothys not only takes umbrage at perceived Klothys emerged from the Underworld in order to re
slights but has also awakened a horde of terrors during store the natural order on Theros, creating a number of
her ascent from the Underworld. Nyxborn agents to aid her. Virtually anyone could end
up a target of the god or her agents if they stand in oppo
KLOTHYS'S CHAMPIONS sition to destiny.
The world has suffered terrible wounds from the hubris Various monsters rose from the Underworld when
of mortals and divine entities alike. Klothys directs Klothys entered the mortal realm, and her most zealous
her champions to thwart the overly ambitious, undo followers often see them as manifestations of her will.
their damage, and reinforce the natural order that sus Some might goad these terrors into attacking commu
tains Theros. nities, or foster them to further spread the god's will.
The Klothys's Quests table suggests a few adventures Klothys's most callous followers might also believe that
the god's champions might involve themselves in. society must crumble for the world to heal. If Klothys
didn't intend this, they reason, then surely she wouldn't
KLOTHYS1S QUESTS have brought so many monsters along in her wake.
The Klothys's Villains table suggests just a few foes
d6 Adventure Goal
Defeat a titan-spawned monster that has escaped the
Underworld.
KLOTHYS1S VILLAINS
2 Destroy an undead creature terrorizing a small
d6 Villain
community.
A single-minded Nyxborn assassin of Klothys hunts a
3 Punish a powerful mortal for their hubris.
hero who was raised from the dead.
4 Reestablish the balance between nature and
2 Believing in the holiness of a terrible beast, Klothys's
civilization in a particular location.
acolytes murder heroes sent to deal with it.
5 Repair the fabric of reality in a place where the
3 Certain that civilization offends fate, a priest raises a
mortal world was overlaid by Nyx during Xenagos's
herd of typhons to release on a city.
pretensions to godhood.
4 Insulted satyr revelers (see chapter 6) channel Klo
6 Defeat a champion of another god (most likely
thys's magic to drive a polis's priests into embarrass
Ephara, Heliod, or lroas).
ing debauchery.
5 An oracle (see chapter 6) knows it is a character's
A KLOTHYS CAMPAIGN
destiny to serve Klothys. The seer manufactures trag
Although followers of Klothys tend to be solitary, fate
edy for the individual to provoke this revelation.
might conspire to bring them together to execute a
grand plan or be prepared for an imminent event. A 6 A cult fanatic of Klothys believes that the characters'
campaign structured around the player characters as deeds mark them as servants of the titans, destined
champions of Klothys might cast them as anarchists, to free one of those ancient terrors.
prophets, or vigilantes committed to primal justice. The
excessive pride of gods and mortals threatens a world KLOTHYS'S MONSTERS
already weakened by Xenagos's gambit, and Klothys A variety of monstrous creatures might arise in an area
chooses champions who can restore and restabilize as a result of Klothys's influence, particularly those pre
Theros-even if doing so requires extreme measures. sented on the Klothys's Monsters table.
Klothys rarely reveals her plans. The characters might
begin the campaign by following a prophecy to a far-off KLOTHYS1S MONSTERS
land or interpreting infrequent omens to learn of nearby
threats. Such a campaign can be flexible, allowing the
1 Satyr reveler MOT
player characters freedom to explore other opportunities
before the next augury draws them back into the main 2 Satyr thornbearer MOT
storyline. As they overcome greater challenges, topple 3 Green hag MM

� .. mighty demagogues, and mold the world in accordance 4 Oracle MOT
·-

144
6 Annis hag VGM
6 Cyclops* MM
6 Underworld cerberus MOT
7 Woe strider MOT
9 Phylaskia MOT
15 Typhon MOT
* See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros.
KLOTHYS AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN

As a foe, Klothys might endeavor to reestablish the
order of the cosmos that existed before the meddling
of Xenagos and Heliod. These corrections start small,
manifesting as fires, monster infestations, or a spate of
accidental deaths. The more the characters intervene,
the more dire these events become as the god's servants
overcorrect to account for the heroes' meddling. Alter
natively, averting one disaster might naturally lead to a
greater one, at which point characters must contend not
only with the latest catastrophe but also with the accusa
tions and assaults of Klothys's tireless followers.
Ultimately, Klothys holds grudges only rarely. The
campaign might conclude when the characters identify
the moment they strayed from their destined place and
correct things in order to appease the god. Likewise, the
heroes might invoke the other gods' support to deflect
Klothys's wrath. Boldest of all, the characters might de
termine what device allowed the god to enter the mortal
realm; its destruction could hurl Klothys back into the
Underworld for untold ages to come.
KLOTHYS'S DIVINE SCHEMES

Klothys has many designs for Theros and for the futures
she has foretold that might never come to pass. The
Klothys's Divine Schemes table provides several ways in
which her foresight and fury might ensnare adventurers.
KLOTHYS'S DIVINE SCHEMES

d4 Scheme
Convinced that Heliod's boundless ambition will
destroy Theros, Klothys creates an artifact that will
destroy the sun god once he claims it as his own. She
needs mortal heroes who can demonstrate the arti
fact's power by vanquishing Erebos's servants, and in
the process stoke Heliod's envy.
2 Concerned by the spread of Meletian influence,
Klothys fills the dreams of the polis's people with
treachery. Neighbors attack neighbors, and attempts
by Ephara's followers to intervene only redirect the
violence toward the polis's patron.
3 Klothys becomes convinced that mortals giving wor· Most mortals know little of the titans, except the comforting
ship to the gods distorts their proper relationship to fact that these ancient, gigantic terrors are bound far away in
the Underworld-and are therefore nothing to worry about.
each other, and she sets out to abolish religion.
The fact that Klothys, god of destiny, personally and actively
4 Now that she has left the Underworld, Klothys knows
holds them there is unknown to most. With her spindle, Klo
it's only a matter of time until the titans escape. To thys endlessly knots and unravels the strands of destiny, con
prepare the world for the horrors of that inevitable stantly tightening the trap that keeps the titans imprisoned.
conflict, she unleashes Underworld beasts into the Were it not for her immortal vigilance, the titans might once
again claim the mortal realm as their own.
mortal realm, trusting that the mayhem will bring
forth heroes who can ultimately defeat the titans.

ABANDONED TEMPLE dl2 Adventure Goal
Abandoned temples can be found across Theros. �ome 3 Retrieve the remains of a dead humanoid from the
of these places were once houses of worship of Klothys, temple.
the nearly forgotten god of destiny, but abandoned tem 4 Kill monsters infesting the temple.
ples of many other gods also exist as the result of war, 5 Find a replacement for the temple's current guardian.
monster attacks, natural disasters, mass migration, ne 6 Consult with a hermit who lives in the temple.
glect, or the wrath of deities. 7 Stop cultists from performing a destructive ritual in
Every abandoned temple is distinctive, combining
the temple.
aspects of its patron god with the result or effect of what
8 Restore the temple to receive the patron deity's
caused it to be abandoned. You can use the Abandoned
blessing.
Temple Condition table to determine an abandoned tem
9 Find a gate to the Underworld or Nyx.
ple's present state.
10 Consult a demon living in the temple.
ABANDONED TEMPLE CONDITION 11 Discover why the temple was abandoned.

12 Restore the temple to reveal the truth hidden in its
d8 Status
architecture.
Sunken underground
2 Overgrown with plants
ABANDONED TEMPLE MAP
3 Underwater
The abandoned temple shown in map 4.8 is partially col
4 Partially collapsed
lapsed, with overturned pillars, and parts of the ceiling
5 Buried in dirt, mud, sand, or snow
sunken in to prevent passage to some areas. The abo
6 Beneath a new temple veground section is overgrown with vines and includes
7 Cracked into more than one piece the ruins of the main sanctuary, which contains mostly
8 Floating in an unstable parallel reality rubble except for a cracked altar and a headless statue.
A library of rotting books and priests' quarters contain
ABANDONED TEMPLE ADVENTURES ing skeletal remains complete this section.
An abandoned temple might contain records, special The halls are streaked with burn marks. Many of the
items, and humanoid remains, any of which adventurers rooms in this place are rubble-strewn and ruined. A pas
might be called upon to retrieve. Many of these temples sage leads to an ancient room with scrying pools filled
hold dangerous phenomena (such as gates to the Under with blood that has barely a trace of dust. A sturdy iron
world), which might have been their undoing. Monsters door protects the temple's vault.
and brigands often inhabit these ruins, as do hermits
and scholars hording secrets too dangerous to sequester ABANDONED TEMPLE VILLAINS
elsewhere. Monsters who plot alone and criminals on the run or
The Abandoned Temple Adventures table offers ideas who engage in taboo behavior are often found in aban
for adventures that could occur in such a place. doned temples. Examples of such villains appear on the
Abandoned Temple Villains table.
ABANDONED TEMPLE ADVENTURES

ABANDONED TEMPLE VILLAINS
dl2 Adventure Goal
d6 Villain
Retrieve records or a magic item left in the temple.
A depraved cult of Klothys captures victims on the
2 Demolish what's left of the temple to prevent anyone
road and brings them to the temple for ritual torture.
from retrieving the ancient secrets hidden inside.
2 A hydra slumbers within an abandoned temple, hav
ing dug a lair out of one of the collapsed sections.
3 A medusa living in an abandoned temple grants cura
tive aid to those who bring her a humanoid sacrifice.
4 A bandit captain hiding in a temple hopes to open its
vault to find treasure, not knowing that a demon is
trapped inside.
5 Blood-toll harpies make an abandoned temple their
nest and devour any creatures that get too close.
6 A gynosphinx curious about human behavior creates
a series of deadly traps in an abandoned temple and
lures adventurers to the place to witness if and how
they overcome its challenges.
.. ·,
MAP 4.8: ABANDONED TEMPLE ._.

147
Champions of Kruphix approach their work with an
impartiality that others don't always respect, and they
could find themselves the targets of vendettas by the
followers of other gods. Over the long term, they risk
learning things about their world and its gods that could
shake their faith. Some might even abandon Kruphix's
principle of balance, either to enrich themselves or to
serve what they see as the greater good. Kruphix would
then become a villain, as he sends other agents to sup
press the secrets the adventurers carry with them.
KRUPHIX'S VILLAINS
Enigmatic and patient, Kruphix influences the lives of Kruphix doesn't often act in the world, but when he
his champions in ways both subtle and profound. does, his agenda is often morally ambiguous, and his
servants' sacred quests can look like villainous schemes
KRUPHIX'S CHAMPIONS from other points of view. Kruphix often leaves his
Kruphix seldom works directly in the mortal world, pre instructions open to interpretation, and not all of his
ferring to act through his champions-when he acts at agents use this considerable latitude responsibly.
all. He might call upon his followers to suppress a dan The Kruphix's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
gerous truth, reveal a vital secret, or end a destructive that might arise from among the god's followers.
conflict. When the other gods send their champions to
circumvent divine agreements, Kruphix often calls upon KRUPHIX'S VILLAINS
his champions to set things right. d6 Villain
The Kruphix's Quests table suggests a few adventures
An oracle (see chapter 6) seeks to erase the memo
ries of an entire community, reducing them to a sim
pler, happier, more natural state.
KRUPHIX1S QUESTS
2 A gynosphinx possesses magic that can stop a ram
d6 Adventure Goal
paging monster, but refuses to share it for fear that it
Seize a powerful magic item from those who would
might be misused.
misuse it, study it, and then destroy it.
3 A former agent (spy) of Kruphix knows the location of
2 Capture a former follower of Kruphix who used secret
an unguarded portal to the Underworld and plans to
knowledge for personal gain and deliver them to
sell it to the highest bidder.
Kruphix's temple for judgment.
4 A noble sows discord among Heliod's followers,
3 Suppress all knowledge of a dangerous secret, such
believing that the sun god is the greatest threat to
as the location of a fountain of immortality, by any
harmony among the gods.
means necessary.
5 An archmage works to destroy the Temple of Mystery
4 Bring proof of a powerful conspiracy to the leaders of
to further divide Nyx from the mortal world.
a human polis while evading or defeating the agents
6 A cult fanatic of Kruphix learns that the characters
sent to stop you.
have discovered knowledge mortals were not meant
5 Investigate rumors of an unearthed divine relic and
to know and works to silence them.
decide whether it's safe to be in the mortal realm.
6 End a conflict between the followers of two other KRUPHix's MONSTERS
gods, whether by mediating, forcing a truce, or siding Kruphix is rarely associated with monsters, but those
with the weaker group to defeat the stronger one. most likely to serve him appear on the Kruphix's Mon
sters table.
A KRUPHIX CAMPAIGN
A campaign structured around champions of Kruphix KRUPHIX1S MONSTERS
can embrace moral complexity, with the adventurers Source
Challenge Creature
sometimes making choices that cause short-term harm
1/4 Blink dog MM
in the service of long-term good. They might be charged
1/2 Cockatrice MM
with destroying secret knowledge that could help peo
ple, revealing a secret that could kill someone but avert 2 Nothic MM
a larger conflict, or standing in judgment over whether 3 Phase spider MM
knowledge is safe or unsafe. 6 Invisible stalker MM
At the beginning of the campaign, the characters 7 Theran chimera MOT
might be united by their discovery of a powerful secret,
11 Gynosphinx* MM
earning Kruphix's patronage in order to keep that secret
12 Archmage MM
safe. Armed with knowledge that they alone possess,
17 Androsphinx* MM
the adventurers set out to learn more about the secret
t. ..
they share and avert dangers that only they are aware of. *See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros.
·-

KRUPHIX AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN KRUPHIX1S DIVINE SCHEMES
As a campaign villain, Kruphix is most likely t rying to d4 Scheme

_
maintain or restore the balance of power among the Shadowy forces steal a holy artifact, thought to be a
gods. He doesn't know the future, and his actions some part of the sun, from Heliod's followers. The priest
times have dire consequences that he can't predict and hood blames Phenax or Erebos, but Kruphix is behind
wouldn't willingly cause. the theft. The sun stone holds a terrible secret power,
The campaign might begin with the misbehavior of and Kruphix seeks to remove it from the mortal world
another god or gods, then escalate when Kruphix de
before it does great harm.
livers a punishment that seems out of proportion to the
2 Kruphix sends Nyxborn to torment a community.
crime. Further attempts by the other gods to circumvent
The locals are baffled, until it's revealed that miners
or reverse the punishment could be countered by more
have impeded on a cave that underpins the nature
edicts from Kruphix, perhaps even culminating in an
other great Silence. of time. Not only are mortals not welcome there, but
Just as Kruphix reins in the worst excesses of the someone has already entered, employed the passages
other gods, the best chance of foiling Kruphix as a vil there, and stolen something from the past.
lain lies in the nature of Kruphix himself. A campaign in 3 A philosopher in Meletis argues that the gods rely
which Kruphix is a villain might end with the adventur on mortals for their existence, rather than the other
ers convincing him that his current actions don't serve way around. When this idea gains adherents, Kruphix
the balance among the gods. Kruphix's mind isn't easily curses the P.Olis so that no one can speak or read.
changed, though, and the adventurers might need to
4 After a minor altercation between the gods, Kruphix
produce extraordinary testimony or evidence. Even just
declares a new Silence. He refuses to lift it unless the
reaching Kruphix in order to communicate with him
other gods agree to aid him in forcing Klothys back
could easily require the patronage of other gods.
into the Underworld.
KRUPH1x's DIVINE SCHEMES

Kruphix wants to maintain the status quo rather than
overturn it, so his schemes often begin as reactions MYTH OF THE TEMPLE AT THE WORLD'S EDGE
to the activities of another god. The Kruphix's Di- Legends say that Kruphix's holiest temple of mystery stands
at the edge of the world. Dominated by Kruphix's Tree, the
vine Schemes table presents a few examples of how
temple overhangs Nyx itself, jutting past the vast waterfall
Kruphix's inflexible judgments might have a mythic im
that marks the edge of the mortal realm. The site's precise lo
pact on the mortal world and make divine conflicts more
cation can't be found on any map, but tales claim it is one of
severe rather than less.
the few places on Theres where mortals can pass directly into
Nyx. To pass beyond the waterfall anywhere else is to tumble
into the Underworld.
TEMPLE OF MYSTERY dl2 Adventure Goal
A temple of mystery is an enigmatic location full of puz 5 Learn how a particular trap or puzzle works so it can
zles and traps, found in remote regions of Theros. It is be recreated.
believed that surviving and solving the mysteries of such 6 Solve more challenges than a rival party of adventur
a shrine earns Kruphix's respect. Some scholars claim ers who are also in the temple.
the temples aren't stationary and that finding a shrine's 7 Enter the temple and contend with a complex trap
location is the first puzzle that explorers must solve. that, over time, has developed consciousness.
The priests who care for temples of mystery tend to
8 Lead dangerous individuals into the temple and en
be as mystifying as the puzzles within the places. Each
sure they never leave.
temple typically has one caretaker-a powerful oracle
9 Question the priest to find the location of another
willing to answer questions for adventurers who can
temple of mystery.
overcome the temple's challenges. The priests are par
ticularly impressed with guests who can solve puzzles 10 Lead dangerous creatures into the temple to trap
that the oracles themselves have yet to complete. them there.
At most temples of mystery, the most valuable knowl 11 Defeat a cabal of mages that has claimed the temple.
edge and treasures are protected by the most difficult 12 Defeat a temple's challenges to get the attention of
and deadly challenges. For a few bold-or foolish-inves the gods.
tigators, the rewards are worth the risk.
TEMPLE OF MYSTERY MAP
TEMPLE OF MYSTERY ADVENTURES
The temple of mystery shown in map 4.9 presents a lab
Exploring a temple of mystery presents the opportunity
yrinth Kruphix might use to test followers and to protect
for an adventure that features puzzles and traps, though
valuable secrets of existence. The four-armed sculpture
you can also populate it with any other challenges you
at the maze's heart is said to hold a great secret, perhaps
like. The Temple of Mystery Adventures table offers
a mysterious treasure or a riddle that the statue alone
can speak. Each other chamber in the complex also
holds its own unique puzzle or trap. When solved, these
TEMPLE OF MYSTERY ADVENTURES
hazards allow one to progress, but also often impart
dl2 Adventure Goal some lesson about history, the nature of the cosmos, or
Find and repair one of the temple's challenges that the explorer themselves. While this temple exemplifies
has malfunctioned. one of Kruphix's more elaborate (and potentially deadly)
2 Seek the help of the temple's priest, who's become holy sites, no two of the god's temples are alike.
trapped in stasis due to a malfunctioning trap.

TEMPLE OF MYSTERY VILLAINS
3 Solve the puzzles in a temple to claim a magic item
A villain in a temple of mystery might seek information,
hidden inside.
enjoy torturing adventurers with traps, or have motives
4 Rescue someone trapped in the temple. as enigmatic as the place itself. Examples of such vil
lains appear on the Temple of Mystery Villains table.
TEMPLE OF MYSTERY VILLAINS

d6 Villain
A bored androsphinx asks visitors riddles with no
correct answer, then tears them apart for fun when
they respond incorrectly.
2 A mad archmage, obsessed with a mystery she can't

solve, wanders the halls of the temple and forces
those she meets to confront the puzzle.
3 A dragon disguised as a humanoid waits in the tem
ple's entrance and demands treasure from anyone
leaving.
4 The priest caring for the temple gets jealous when
ever adventurers solve a puzzle he couldn't and tries
to kill them.
5 A hero challenges adventurers to solve the temple's
mysteries faster than she can, but she has rigged
each to ensure her victory.
6 A cyclops accidentally trapped in the temple goes on
a rampage.
111\
1 square = 5 feet
.. ·�
MAP 4.9: TEMPLE OF MYSTERY
....

As the characters become immersed in their plans for
vengeance, Mogis, acting through his agents, pushes
them farther down a dark path until, at last, they realize
what they have become. The characters, now deeply
indebted to the god of slaughter, realize that he will not
release them willingly from his service. At this point, the
characters might seek freedom from Mogis's service.
Iroas or another god could take this opportunity to offer
the party aid against their former patron. Mogis might
then assume the role of campaign villain as the charac
MOGIS ters do what they must to atone.
Mogis demands deeds, not just words, from his follow MOGIS'S VILLAINS
ers-and he is by far the most bloodthirsty god of the Unquestionably, Mogis makes an excellent villain. His
pantheon. As such, Mogis and his worshipers are ideal lust for bloodshed and willingness to fight all comers
antagonists to pit heroes against. Tread carefully when makes him easy to build a campaign around if you want
using him as a patron, as his area of concern trends to a straightforward, unambiguous foe.
ward villainy rather than heroics. Mogis's followers could be anything from a disgraced
politician seeking revenge against their enemies to a
MoGis's CHAMPIONS roving band of minotaurs pillaging the countryside. Mo
Mogis's champions are extensions of his ability to wreak gis's faithful tend to be at least partially blinded by dark
havoc in the world. The god of slaughter cares only for emotions, a state that might make them easy to manipu
causing strife, and he uses his agents to heighten the late by the followers of clever deities. The servants of the
tension between the poleis, hoping to ignite an all-out god of slaughter aren't all mindless brutes, though, and
war. In part, he wants to cause so much carnage that many allow themselves to be underestimated as a ploy
his brother eventually has no choice but to face him in a to bring ruin upon their foes.
duel to the death. The Mogis's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
The Mogis's Quests table suggests a few adventures that might arise from among the god's followers.
Moc1s's VILLAINS
Moc1s's QuEsTs d8 Villain
d6 Adventure Goal A petty tyrant (gladiator) rules his populace through
Foment a war between rival poleis. threats and intimidation. His favorite pastime is forc
2 Bring about anarchy and lawlessness in a formerly ing unwilling subjects to fight in gladiatorial blood
peaceful polis. sports.
3 Organize disparate groups of bandits and criminals 2 A band of minotaurs directed by a champion of Mogis
into a cohesive fighting force. forges a trail of devastation through the countryside.
4 Hunt down a famous defender of the law who cham- 3 A serial killer (assassin) stalks the streets of the polis,
pions I roas. taking lives seemingly at random.
S Triumph in a contest of strength or endurance to 4 An oracle (see chapter 6) of Mogis marches into
prove Mogis's superiority over other gods. town and predicts doom on the populace within a
6 Defeat a champion of another god (most likely Jroas, fortnight.
Heliod, or Ephara). S Priests of lroas and Heliod are being murdered by

unknown assailants and their temples desecrated.
A Moms CAMPAIGN 6 An archmage is corrupted by Mogis and begins sum-
A campaign structured around Mogis as the party's moning demons to savage the population.
patron can be challenging, and all players must agree 7 A badly wounded caravan guard (bandit captain)
to play characters in service to the god of slaughter. You
accuses the characters of murder and banditry.
should work to create a narrative that eventually allows
8 A cabal of Mogis's cult fanatics have almost suc
the characters to perform acts of heroism. Perhaps this
ceeded in finding a way to summon Mogis's war
means the group swears a vow to Mogis to pursue some
hound to their service.
collective revenge, or maybe the group understands that
just as Mogis watches them, so does Iroas, and they'll be
courted by both gods during the campaign. Moms's MONSTERS
In one possibility, perhaps the characters start out as Mogis is associated with vicious monsters bent on
the sole survivors of a mercenary company left to die. wholesale destruction. He isn't at all concerned with
Embittered and resentful, the party swears vengeance subtlety, but rather with creating mayhem. Adventures
on their former employer, thereby catching Mogis's at that bring characters into conflict with agents of the god
tention. He offers the characters power to help them pur of slaughter might pit them against monsters from the
' � sue their quest for revenge in exchange for their fealty. Mogis's Monsters table.
·-

MOGIS1S MONSTERS MoGis's DIVINE SCHEMES
Challenge Creature Source Mogis takes a brutal hand in the affairs of gods and
l mortals. The Mogis's Divine Schemes tables presents

Death dog MM
some ways in which Mogis's unsubtle plots might have
2 Berserker MM
a mythic impact on the mortal world, catching adventur
ers up in the middle of divine vendettas.
3 Manticore MM
3 Minotaur MM MoG1s's D1v1NE SCHEMES
5 Catoblepas'' VGM d4 Scheme
6 Cyclops'' MM A champion of Mogis unites the minotaur bands and
7 Theran chimera MOT cyclops tribes of Phoberos under her banner, creating
8 Blackguard VGM a terrifying army. At Mogis's command, she leads the
''See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros. army in an all-out assault on Akros, hoping to draw
lroas into battle and defeat him once and for all.
MOGIS AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN 2 Mogis bargains with Pharika, convincing her to create
Left unchecked, Mogis and his followers would destroy elixirs that will turn his followers into invincible mon
all of creation. This situation leads to plenty of campaign sters. He sends his champions to fetch the necessary
hooks and opportunities for the characters to act hero ingredients for her.
ically in the face of classically villainous foes. 3 A bitter noble makes a pact with Mogis for power in
Mogis is obsessed with defeating his brother Iroas, exchange for carrying out a plot to ignite a war be
just as Iroas is obsessed with besting him. The char tween Meletis and Setessa. Thousands will die unless
acters could easily find themselves in the middle of the the scheme is put to rest.
brothers' war. At first, they might be swept along by
4 Mogis agrees to ally with three other gods against
events, but as they grow in power, the characters will
their rivals if they help him defeat lroas. Mogis's
become the key to checking Mogis's influence, perhaps
brother does the same. Soon the entire pantheon di
even helping Iroas triumph over his brother. Such an
vides along faction lines and prepare for the final war.
event could be fraught with unforeseen consequences
for the fate of Theros!
•
•
TEMPLES TO MOGIS CAN BE FOUND SCATTERED ACROSS

THE BADLANDS OF PHOBEROS.
CANYON SHRINE CANYON SHRINE VILLAINS
Most of the residents in a canyon shrine make excellent
Aside from the other dangers of the twisting can-
adversaries. The sapient beings are clever and cruel,
yons of Phoberos, followers of Mogis openly worship
and the monsters of animal intelligence are as savage as
and offer sacrifices to their dark god in these places.
the god of slaughter himself. Examples of such villains
Twisting cave systems run through the canyon walls,
appear on the Canyon Shrine Villains table.
offering shelter to both fugitives and monsters, and the
darkness within the caverns provides a suitable envi
CANYON SHRINE VILLAINS
ronment for the bloodthirsty deeds of the god's most
depraved servants. d8 Villain
Aminotaur captures and devours other creatures
CANYON SHRINE ADVENTURES limb by limb as part of a bizarre ritual honoring
A journey into a canyon where Mogis is worshiped can Mogis.
be an adventure full of unspeakable horrors. A group of
2 Atribe ofberserkers ride giant bats and hunt human
characters could come to a canyon shrine as armed es
oids that travel through the canyon.
corts, or would-be rescuers of captives, or to cleanse the
3 An adult blue dragon enslaves the inhabitants of the
place of its evil. The characters might also brave such a
caves, intent on building an army to conquer a neigh
gorge to hunt one of the many dangerous creatures that
haunt the area, such as a catoblepas or a chimera. The boring settlement.
Canyon Shrine Adventures table offers ideas for adven 4 Amanticore captures warriors and forces them to
tures in such a place. fight to the death for its amusement.
5 Agroup of cyclopes capture travelers and keep them
CANYON SHRINE ADVENTURES as livestock in their caves.
dlO Adventure Goal 6 Alamia lures young nobles into its cult with promises
Survive a journey through the canyon while escorting of hedonism and sells those who disappoint it to
a caravan transporting offerings to another god. other canyon inhabitants.
2 Slay a massive, blood-drunk monster that rampages 7 Avicious gynosphinx captures groups of people,
through the region. then forces one person to choose which of the others
3 Find a band of minotaurs residing in the canyon and should be devoured first.
convince them to attack a gang of undead about to 8 The victims of the canyon's inhabitants rise as
pass through on their way to attack a village. wraiths determined to end al/ life in the area.
4 Consult a hermit who lives in a hidden part of the
canyon.
5 Retrieve an item buried amid the shrine's sacrifices.
6 Destroy the shrine.
7 Negotiate with a group of Mogis's followers.
8 Convince a young aristocrat who was seduced into
joining a cult of Mogis to return home.
9 Infiltrate a cult of Mogis to learn of any raids they
have planned.
10 Steal an egg from a griffon nest in the canyon.
CANYON SHRINE MAP

Map 4.10 shows a wild canyon that is holy to Mogis.
Caves long used by bandits, minotaur raiders, and pred
atory beasts carve their ways through the craggy walls.
Many of the caves are connected, but some are isolated.
Ledges cling to the canyon's sides. Reaching some of
these natural platforms requires a dangerous climb over
jagged rocks.
The top of the canyon has a few scrubby plants, but is
otherwise barren. Flying monsters, such as chimeras,
griffons, harpies, and manticores, make nests on the
sides of the canyon. At the bottom of the gorge, a river
cuts through the stone.
A massive statue of Mogis is carved into an out-of-the
way canyon wall. Signs of a bloody battle and the stains
of countless sacrifices lie before it.
� ..
·..

154
0
1 square=lOfeet
MAP 4.10: CANYON SHRINE

-
CHAYTER 4 I .
CR.EAT! NG THEROS ADVENTU.RES
155
Nylea's dictates are simple but inflexible, and her
champions find that her favor turns to wrath if they ne
glect their duty to the forest. She might simply banish
them from the Nessian Wood, or she might become a
villain, with the characters either seeking to appease
her or trying to find a new divine patron to protect them.
NYLEA'S VILLAINS
From Nylea's perspective, her desires are benign, but
NYLEA
her unwillingness to favor sapient beings over wild ani
mals and plants sometimes makes her a figure of men
ace. Those who dwell in permanent settlements often do
Wild and unpredictable, Nylea can bring both blessings
not understand or appreciate the boundaries Nylea sets,
and hardships to the heroes whose lives she touches.
and can run afoul of her even with the best intentions.
Nylea's followers might obsess over the idea of wiping
NYLEA's CHAMPIONS out civilization, turning them into agents of destruction.
Nylea is one of the more active of the gods in the mortal On a smaller scale, they might twist her patronage of
realm, but she can't be everywhere at once. Her heroes the hunt into an excuse to enact vendettas against those
are her eyes, ears, and arrows on Theros, defending her who wrong them. Even natural creatures can become
interests anywhere and anytime she can't. threats when the balance of nature is disrupted, and
The Nylea's Quests table suggests a few adventures Nylea herself could send champions to intervene when
the god's champions might involve themselves in. her own creatures and followers turn toward evil.
The Nylea's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
NYLEA'S QUESTS that might arise from among the god's followers.
d6 Adventure Goal
NYLEA'S VILLAINS
Free a hydra that has been captured and imprisoned
d6 Villain
in a menagerie.
2 Investigate reports of unnatural horrors infesting the A Setessan hunt-leader (Setessan hoplite; see chapter
Nessian Wood. 6) swears vengeance on a poacher in the Nessian

Wood who turns out to be an Akroan general.
3 Plant a golden acorn in a distant grove guarded by
monsters. 2 A hydra goes on a rampage at the edge of the forest.
4 It must be dealt with, but a druid follower of Nylea

Find and punish an unknown perpetrator who killed a
will take vengeance on anyone who kills it outright.
unicorn, cut off its horn, and left its body to rot, and
retrieve the horn. 3 A mage who lives in a secluded grove has been using
5 a magic item to transform interlopers into boars. She

Hunt a dangerous creature for a sacred feast.
claims that Nylea gave her this item.
6 Defeat a champion of another god (most likely Kara-
metra, Heliod, or Ephara).
4 A druid uses magic on fields near the border of the
forest, creating animated plants to drive off farmers.
A NYLEA CAMPAIGN 5 A scout has taken to hunting and eating sapient be
A campaign in which the player characters are cham ings. What could have caused this gruesome turn?
pions of Nylea will feature great feats of heroism in 6 Those who follow a mysterious green unicorn inevita
defense of nature. Nylea might instruct the characters bly turn up dead, their bodies entangled in strangling
to defend a corner of the Nessian Wood, pitting them vines.
against poachers, sport hunters, unnatural abomina
tions, and ordinary people who want to develop the
wood for mortals' use. Nylea doesn't care if the char MYTH OF HALMA, NYLEA'S EMISSARY
acters are opposed by simple peasants, or by monsters One day, Nylea came upon an enormous lynx lounging in the
beyond the characters' ability to cope with. They might shade of an olive grove, blood on its maw, the carcass of a
need to get creative, calling upon Nylea's own servants colossal boar beside him. The boar had been one of Nylea's
such as hydras-to beat back the more powerful threats. favorites, and what followed was a legendary chase where the
At the beginning of the campaign, the heroes might god pursued the lynx through the heart of the Nessian Wood.
help defend Setessa from an attack that also threatens Whenever Nylea drew close, the great cat vanished into the
forest's shadows. Seasons passed as the god loosed arrow af
all of the Nessian Wood, which is their main concern.
ter arrow at the lynx, but her efforts remained fruitless. Nylea
Hailed as heroes even though their defense of the polis
eventually abandoned the hunt, only to find the feline waiting
was a secondary goal, they continue to enjoy Nylea's
for her at the edge of a stream the next evening. The hunt
favor as they confront greater threats. Perhaps they will
resumed, but with the same outcome. It continued like that
align themselves with the leaders of the polis, or maybe for some time, until Nylea began to grow fond of the beast.
Setessa will eventually find itself at odds with the wild Soon, the pair started hunting together, and the lynx, which
ideals of Nylea. she called Halma, became one of Nylea's confidants.
·-

NYLEA'S MONSTERS punishment on an entire polis for the actions of a few
Nylea's forests are home to many dangerous creatures, citizens. From there, she could easily end up in an esca
both natural and supernatural. Adventures that take lating conflict against mortals across Theros, drawing
characters into the Nessian Wood might pit them in multiple gods and threatening the idea of civilization
against monsters such as those that appear on the Nyl itself. Player characters who are champions of other
ea's Monsters table. Additionally, Nylea might turn any gods could find themselves marked for death by hunters
natural creature-from the rarest of exotic creatures who have a grudge against their patrons.
to suddenly-bloodthirsty livestock-against those who
offend her.
NYLEA's D1vrnE SCHEMES
The Nylea's Divine Schemes table suggests a few ways
NYLEA'S MONSTERS in which Nylea's whims might impact the mortal world.

NYLEA1S DIVINE SCHEMES
1/2 Scout MM
d4 Scheme
Dryad MM
When the polis of Meletis expands, clearing new land
Nyxborn brown bear* MM
for houses and crops, Nylea decides to punish the po
2 Nyxborn saber-toothed tiger* MM
lis and destroy it if necessary. Animated trees topple
2 Satyr thorn bearer MOT the walls, and Nyxborn beasts invade the city.
3 Archer VGM 2 Nylea refuses to turn winter into spring unless Kara
s Shambling mound MM metra agrees to abolish agriculture and yield all crop
s Unicorn* MM land back to the forest.
9 Treant MM 3 When tensions between Akros and Setessa peak,
12 lronscale hydra MOT Nylea blames lroas for stirring up the conflict and
19 Polukranos MOT puts Setessa under her protection, expanding the
borders of the Nessian Wood to encompass all of Set
1' See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros.
essa, creating a near-impenetrable fortress filled with
NYLEA AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN dangerous creatures.
4 Nylea abruptly vanishes. Explorers deep in the Nes
As a villain, Nylea is most likely driven by transgres
sian Wood discover her sacred grove abandoned, and
sions against her realm, whether by mortals or by other
gods. She might begin her retaliation by barring all the giant chrysalis at its heart empty. What was in the
sapient creatures from the Nessian Wood, or by visiting chrysalis? Could it have harmed Nylea? Or did she
leave with the creature-and if so, did she do that to
protect the creature, or to protect Theros?
NvLEA's SACRED LVN)( GUARDS THOSE IVHO HONOR THE
NES51i\N Wooo /\NO HUNTS THOSE IVHO DON'T.

FOREST SHRINE An old, twisted lemon tree grows near the hunters'
quarters. Bows, spears, and other hunting weapons
Forest shrines honoring Nylea are found in the wood
hang from the tree's branches alongside a beehive.
lands of Theros. These places have few features made
South of the tree is a firepit with a few boulders sur
of stone or steel. Instead, the druids and nymphs who
rounding it for seats. Nearby, a dense, flowering bush
care for the shrines use magic to direct the growth of
shaped as an altar stands before a simple log table and
plants, producing beautiful natural altars, sculptures,
wood rack used in dressing animals.
and shelters. These creations, wondrous as they are,
Several hunting blinds lie hidden in the forest sur
don't dominate the layout of a shrine, since Nylea and
rounding the shrine. From these camouflaged posts
her worshipers prefer to let nature flourish untamed at
archers keep watch for game and threats.
her holy sites.
The druids that occupy a shrine sometimes leave for FOREST SHRINE VILLAINS
days at a time to go on a mission, but they never leave Villains in a forest shrine are likely either trying to de
the place without guardians. Beasts, plants, and nymphs stroy nature or using the power of the natural world to
are always on the lookout for intruders. harm others. Examples of such figures appear on the
Forest Shrine Villains table.
FOREST SHRINE ADVENTURES
A forest shrine is a remote place with inhabitants who
FOREST SHRINE VILLAINS
are difficult to impress. Simply finding and getting per
d6 Villain
mission to enter a shrine can be an adventure in itself,
since the druids and nymphs that guard the place are A group of dryads, enraged by seeing a section of
wary of outsiders and ready to put down those who take forest burned, plots to destroy the shrine in order to
needlessly from the forest. punish the druids for failing to protect the trees.
Characters who are accepted into a forest shrine find 2 Poachers (scouts) kill the shrine's defenders and set
it to be a guarded, peaceful place, an excellent shelter their traps in the surrounding forest.
against enemies and weather. Sacred animals and hunt 3 The shrine stands in the path of a hydra on a destruc
ing weapons are protected in the shrines. The druids tive rampage.
might be willing to share knowledge and forest secrets
4 A druid who lost her spouse in a hunting accident
with those who gain their trust. The Forest Shrine
attacks any hunters who come to the shrine.
Adventures table offers ideas for adventures that could
5 A giant boar affected by the awaken spell convinces
occur in or around such a place.
the shrine's druids to cast the spell on other boars to
FOREST SHRINE ADVENTURES strike back at a contingent of hunting nobles.

6 A cult fanatic of Erebos infiltrates the shrine in dis
dlO Adventure Goal
guise and plans to kill all its plant life.
Get permission from the shrine's druids to take part
in a sacred hunt with them.
2 Prevent game hunters from killing a unicorn, and
lead the unicorn to a shrine for shelter.
3 Find a scout from the shrine who has gone missing.
4 Escape a shrine after being captured and held there
for crimes against the forest.
5 Rescue trophy hunters being tortured at a shrine.
6 Earn a druid's trust to learn a valuable secret about
the forest.
7 Retrieve a sacred weapon held in the grove.
8 Recruit the help of the shrine's druids to defeat a
group of poachers.
9 Acquire a beast companion from the shrine.
10 Defend the shrine from a group of harpies.
FOREST SHRINE MAP

The forest shrine shown in map 4.11 is a clearing
surrounded by a grove of wild olive trees. A pond at
the center is fed by streams coming from the north
and south. Arches of grapevines grow up from the
ground, each creating a small, sheltered area for
private conversations. Several bushes sculpted in the
shape of Nylea and predatory forest animals, such as
the bear and the wolf, are scattered throughout the
shrine. These plants can come to life as guardians if
� �
the shrine's protectors call upon them.
·-

•
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MAP 11.11: FOREST SHRINE ..·

159
PHARIKA'S VILLAINS
Even the most well-intentioned of Pharika's healers can
be hiding a venomous ulterior motive, and the same
hand that stitches the characters' wounds one day might
try to slit their throats the next. Pharika encourages her
followers to seek balance in administering their "cures,"
spreading afflictions to counteract excessive prosperity
at least as often as they provide life-saving help to those
on the brink of death. All the while, Pharika watches
with interest to see how mortals contend with both
good fortune and misfortune, gleaning new knowledge
through every cry of elation and every death rattle.
The god of affliction cares little for mortals, seeing them
On occasion, Pharika's followers might seem to be
as test subjects whose agony, resilience, and defiance all
beneficent when they ease others' suffering or cure a
contribute to Pharika's efforts to reveal reality 's secrets.
pandemic. Yet they do so indiscriminately, meaning that
these cures could also save the lives of terrible beasts
PHARIKA'S CHAMPIONS
and unrepentant villains.
The champions of Pharika are custodians of her exper The Pharika's VilJains table suggests a variety of foes
iments, keepers of her secrets, and practitioners of her that might arise from among the god's followers.
esoteric arts. They serve as doctors, herbalists, and ad
visors as often as they do assassins and poisoners. PHARIKA1S VILLAINS
The Pharika's Quests table suggests a few adventures
d6 Villain
A druid seeds deadly herbs into a village's fields,
PHARIKA'S QUESTS coaxing the plants to resemble farmers' crops.

2 The life of a tyrant (knight) is central to one of Phari
d6 Adventure Goal
ka's experiments in mortal suffering, so the god res
Concoct the antidote for a powerful affliction that
urrects the tyrant whenever enemies kill him.
resists conventional treatments.
3 Legend tells of a hydra with alchemical lore scribed
2 Seek out a powerful beast whose blood has unique
upon its bones. When an alchemist (mage) begins
alchemical value.
poisoning the beasts, Nylea sends dozens of hydras
3 Infiltrate the Underworld to extract a secret someone
to seek revenge, catching innocents in the fray.
carried with them to the grave.
4 A town suffering from a plague seeks a cure from a
4 Track down and eliminate someone who is trying to
cult fanatic of Pharika engaged in warlike research.
keep a radical discovery a secret.
The researcher's blessing alleviates the pox but leaves
5 Assassinate an important figure whose death would
the survivors delusional and violent.
catalyze one of Pharika's experiments.
5 After the characters witness a miracle, an apothecary
6 Perfect a perilous ritual to awaken the landscape and
(mage) seeks their blood as a medicinal ingredient.
learn how to discover its forgotten lore.
6 An archmage devotee of Pharika manages to shrink
monsters to a size so small that they effectively be
A PHARIKA CAMPAIGN
have as viruses.
Pharika delights in testing the limits of mortality, vacil
lating between helping and harming innocent subjects.
Characters working in Pharika's service might travel PHARIKA's MONSTERS
to sites of suffering and death in order to provide relief, Serpents, rare magical beings, and poisonous creatures
such as by slaying the monstrous guardians of a place number among Pharika's favorite servants, and medu
that holds the medicine needed to cure a plague. Then, sas and basilisks hold special places in her esteem. The
before leaving the area, they or the god's other servants Pharika's Monsters table presents just a few foes likely
might sow the seeds of a new threat. to serve the god's will.
Despite any aid they provide, Pharika's servants are
likely viewed with suspicion. In obtaining rare ingre PHARIKA'S MONSTERS
dients or defending researchers, the characters might Challenge Creature Source
come into conflict with those who can't see the bigger
1/4 Nyxborn giant poisonous snake* MM
picture-often followers of Heliod or Ephara. Undermin
1/2 Amphisbaena MOT
ing these faiths might be the best means of preserving
1/2 Cockatrice MM
Pharika's favorite wildernesses and laboratories.
Ultimately, Pharika might call upon servants to 2 Swarm of poisonous snakes MM
abandon worldly scruples in favor of deciphering one 3 Basilisk* MM

of Theros's great secrets. To accomplish this, the god 6 Medusa* MM
might send the characters into the Underworld or Nyx to 8 Assassin MM
answer a burning cosmic question. 8 Hydra MM

160
Challenge Creature Source PHARIKA1S DIVINE SCHEMES
8 Spirit naga MM d4 Scheme
17 Hythonia MOT Pharika creates a mind-controlling incense to manip

ulate several of Kruphix's oracles, compelling them
'� See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theros.
to reveal secrets of the cosmos. Unfortunately, her
PHARIKA AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN mutagenic mist causes them to transform into beings
they've glimpsed from beyond Theros.
As a campaign villain, Pharika might conduct exper
2 Seeking to understand more about the Returned,
iments in mortal resilience and curiosity, tests that
Pharika begins granting them elixirs meant to restore
unfold over generations. The characters might spoil one
of these experiments, making them the target of Phari their lost memories. Although this works as intended
ka's ire. While tormenting mortals might seem petty, for a rare few, most of the Returned instead experi
the perils she puts them through could also be a way of ence traumatic visions that drive them to violence.
toughening up the characters to face greater threats. As 3 Medusas the world over find themselves infected
the campaign progresses, Pharika could evolve from with a strange disease. They believe Pharika is collect
antagonist into an unlikely patron. ing their souls to harvest the secrets they hoard. The
Pharika is also an excellent partner for a range of medusas seek advocates to end Pharika's plague.
other divine antagonists, lending her support in ex
4 After losing a bet to an ambitious physician, Pharika
change for future favors. However, with the right over
loans the doctor her sacred kylix for one week and
tures and services, the characters might entreat her to
invites him to cure as many patients as he pleases. In
betray a client, turning her against a new mutual enemy.
that time, he cures death itself in a small town. Not
PHARIKA'S DIVINE SCHEMES only has this emboldened some of the town's scal
Pharika has hundreds of ongoing schemes and exper awags to commit crimes without fear of retribution,
iments, any number of which might come to fruition in but the news has also infuriated disciples of Erebos,
the near future. The Pharika's Divine Schemes table de Mogis, and Klothys. Meanwhile, Pharika watches
scribes several ways her deadly plans might complicate with delight as too much of a good medicine inspires
adventurers' lives.
distress and conflict that threaten to boil over into
surrounding regions.
'
PHARIKA S CLERICS BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE BETTER: HEALERS
BECllUSE THEY /IRE SO WELL llCQ.UlllNTEO WITH OEllTH.

HEALING POOLS underwater tunnel, which leads outward and then
upward to a dry cavern that serves as the priest's
Healing pools are naturally occurring springs and tidal
chambers.
pools said to have magical curative properties because
In crude laboratory above the pools, a stone table with
Pharika has blessed them. Sick or injured people come
restraints is used for experiments on humanoid sub
to the pools and leave an offering for the god with her
jects. The cages lining the walls are meant for beasts
priests before bathing. If Pharika deems an offering
used in experiments. Secret passages connected to
worthy, the waters rapidly cure diseases, heal wounds,
these chambers connects to the pools and the surface.
and sometimes even remove magical curses. If the
god finds the offering unworthy, the waters poison the HEALING POOLS VILLAINS
bather in some way, making their plight worse. If a per Villains at healing pools are usually interested in heal
son who wants to bathe has no offering for the god, that ing themselves, harming others, or controlling others'
individual can offer themselves or a captured beast as a access to the pools. They might also take issue with the
subject for the priest's medical experiments. strange practices of the pools' clergy. Examples of such
Many healing pools are in remote locations that are villains appear on the Healing Pools Villains table.
difficult to reach, such as hot springs at the top of a vol
cano or tidal pools on a monster-infested island. A priest HEALING POOLS VILLAINS
of Pharika, often a medusa, usually watches over the
d6 Villain
pool. The priest's chambers are often in a building or a
A group of Returned palamnites (see chapter 6)
cave near the pools. Such places are part living quarters
invade the pools, believing the waters' magic can re
and part medical and alchemical laboratory, where the
priest makes medicines and poisons and performs ex store their lost memories and mortal bodies.
periments on beasts and humanoid subjects. 2 Nereids (see chapter 6) guard the pools, making their
own judgments about who is and isn't worthy of the
HEALING POOLS ADVENTURES pools' healing magic.
Sick or injured characters might have good reason to 3 The magic waters of the pools wash out to sea and
seek out healing pools when a malady is beyond their
attract a dying kraken to the area.
ability to treat. Medical tests that are being conducted
4 An assassin barters captured humanoid test subjects
near healing pools could also present opportunities
for poison from the pools' medusa priest.
for adventures involving rare cures, new poisons, and
S A dying veteran who was poisoned by the pools
experiments gone awry. The Healing Pools Adventures
table suggests ideas for adventures in such a place. slaughters any person who is healed by the waters.
6 An oracle (see chapter 6) allows the pools' poisons to
HEALING POOLS ADVENTURES seep from the caves and contaminate a community.
dlO Adventure Goal •
.
Heal yourself or a diseased or injured party member •
in the pools.
2 Escort a sick or injured person to the pools.
3 Kill monsters taking up residence in the pools.
4 Capture people and creatures for the priests to use in
their experiments.
5 Cure the pools of a contamination.
6 Create a poison based on notes provided to you by
one of Pharika's priests and contaminate the pools.
7 Steal reagent-rich water from the pools.
8 Rescue a priest's test subject and help them undo or
adapt to the transformations they underwent due to
the priest's experiments.
9 Kill or capture an escaped beast monstrously trans
formed by the priest's experiments.
10 Retrieve materials needed to create a cure for a dis
ease and convince a priest to help you make it.
HEALING POOLS MAP

The healing pools shown in map 4.12 are located in an
underground cavern, accessible through a wide hole
in the cavern's ceiling that leads to a shaft connected
to the surface. The pools have varying shapes and
depths, with a bronze statue of Pharika holding
out a bowl for offerings overlooking many of
them. One small but deep pool contains an

r62
• • •
1 square = 5 feet
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0
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g
z
MAP 4.12: 11EALING POOLS

-·

PHENAX1S VILLAINS
Servants of Phenax dot the world, largely staying hid
den until they are needed to help spin the web of lies
that advances his plots. His servants prefer to confront
foes using guile, cunning, and planning instead of brute
force. Phenax and his champions move with purpose,
don't draw attention to themselves, and use misdirection
' ' to keep foes guessing about when and where their next
attack will come.
PH ENAX Phenax's followers could be involved in the politi-

cal machinations of a polis or the crimes of the local
thieves' guild. Investigating instances of gambling,
Cunning and deceitful, Phenax spins innumerable plots
smuggling, robbery, and fencing stolen loot might bring
across all of creation. He enjoys upsetting the natural or
the characters into opposition against Phenax and his
der of things, either by thwarting the plans of his fellow
followers. Whenever possible, servants of Phenax try
gods or secreting away information for later use.
to stage their misdeeds in a way that implicates other
faiths or groups, to stir up as much conflict and confu
PHENAX'S CHAMPIONS
sion as possible.
Phenax's champions are pawns in his grand game of The Phenax's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
lying, cheating, and deception. He takes particular plea that might arise from among the god's followers.
sure in tormenting Heliod and Iroas, whom he regards
with special scorn. Phenax's servants have a tendency PHENAX1S VILLAINS
to show up at the most inconvenient times and places.
dB Villain
The Phenax's Quests table suggests a few adventures
the god's champions might involve themselves in. A charismatic crime boss (bandit captain) unites local
gangs in a bid to seize control of the polis.
PHENAX1S QUESTS 2 A Returned palamnite (see chapter 6) wreaks havoc
d6 Adventure Goal across the countryside in Phenax's name.
Rob or defend a gambling parlor. 3 The lies of a government functionary (noble) start a
2 Destabilize or aid the government of the local polis. trade war between struggling settlements.
3 Form or foil a heretical cult of Heliod to bring discord 4 Phenax cultists establish a fake cult of Ephara in a bid
to the countryside. to start a sectarian civil war in Meletis.
4 Assassinate or protect the local magistrate who has 5 An information broker (spy) holds damaging secrets
been cracking down on Phenax worshipers. about important folk and is blackmailing them.
5 Create a grand prank built around obfuscation and 6 A group of vocal iconoclasts (nobles) are fomenting
deceit to embarrass a local government or temple. social upheaval that threatens to turn to violence.
6 Defeat a champion of another god (most likely He 7 A champion (veteran) of Heliod is threatening
liod, Erebos, or lroas). to torch a section of the polis in her hunt for a
Phenax-worshiping oath breaker.
A PHENAX CAMPAIGN 8 Folk go missing then turn up with no memory of their
Phenax fits easily into the role of primary campaign disappearance. Phenax cult fanatics are brainwashing
villain. He also might be an unconventional and exciting these souls for use as sleeper agents.
patron of the player characters. Phenax is the arche
typal outsider, and his champions might be tasked with
PHENAx's MONSTERS
disrupting the established order of a polis or aiding one
Phenax is often associated with monsters and individu
of the necropoleis in expanding or dealing with vari
als that use cleverness and guile to overcome foes. The
ous threats.
Phenax's Monsters table presents just a few foes likely
Plots and schemes are Phenax's lifeblood, suggest
to serve the god's will.
ing a complex, shifting campaign full of surprises and
twists. For example, a simple heist could be the trig
PHENAX1S MONSTERS
gering event for a series of major conflicts between two
rival temples that ends in a citywide conflagration. Challenge Creature Source
Champions of Phenax could also serve as a bulwark l Returned sentry MOT
against more aggressive gods who oppress or subjugate 3 Leucrotta VGM
others. Alternatively, the party could be a band of free 3 Slithering tracker VGM
dom fighters resisting the tyrannical ruler of their polis. 4 Returned palamnite MOT
Even though Phenax traffics in lies and deceit, a mor 5 Ghostbfade eidolon MOT
ally gray campaign can be built around the use of illicit 5 Master thief VGM
means to achieve righteous ends.
8 Assassin MM
' � 16 Phoenix MTF
·-

PHENAX AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN PHENAX1S DIVINE SCHEMES
Regardless of whether Phenax begins the campaign d4 Scheme

as a villain or turns against his champions during the Phenax finds an artifact capable of imprisoning
course of play, he presents himself as a confounding, Athreos and engages in a shadow war with Erebos,
slippery foe. causing pandemonium in the Underworld. As a result,
As a campaign villain, Phenax might be driven by a droves of Returned flood the mortal world.
desire to incite conflict against his fellow gods, usually 2 Phenax undertakes a plot to transform Erebos into one
to serve his own ends. Although Phenax doesn't desire
of the Returned. If he succeeds, the balance of life and
rulership over Nyx, he does love to hoard damaging
death will be shattered.
secrets and powerful magic. Acquiring these coveted
3 Phenax vanishes. For a time, it's believe the god has
items always involves duplicity and theft, and sometimes
been killed or grew bored and left Theres. In fact,
murder. To Phenax, the ends justify the means. Upset
though, Phenax managed to imprison another god and
ting the order of things is a worthy goal, whether it's
done as a means to a greater end or simply to enjoy the has since taken their place.
disruption caused by radical change. 4 ·Phenax dispatches a powerful agent to find a lost relic
The campaign's objective might involve determining called Deception's Edge, a dagger that enables the
what Phenax is up to and thwarting his scheme or, fail wielder to warp the minds of mortals. Once in posses
ing that, dealing with the fallout. Whatever the objective, sion of the artifact, the agent embarks on a campaign
it will require the player characters to confront a being of assassination and espionage that threatens to lead
who was clever enough to escape the Underworld. to all-out war between Akros and Meletis.
PHENAx's DrvrnE SCHEMES

Phenax's activities can have a wide-ranging impact on
both the pantheon and the mortal world. The Phenax's
Divine Schemes table offers examples of the ways in
which Phenax's duplicity might have a mythic impact,
catching adventurers in the middle of divine squabbles.
FOLLOWERS OF PHENAX HAVE LITTLE RESPECT

FOR THE REST OF THE PANTHEON.
AMPHITHEATER AMPHITHEATER VILLAINS
Liars, sneaks, and charmers often make their living as
Music, dance, poetry, drama, comedy, and satire are
performers. Examples of such villains appear on the
all performed and celebrated in the amphitheaters of
Amphitheater Villains table.
Theros. These public spaces are also the scene of secret
hand offs, private meetings, and espionage. The amphi
AMPHITHEATER VILLAINS
theater's costumes, makeup, props, and hidden halls
and entrances make it a good place for those who oper d8 Villain
ate in the shadows to do so without arousing suspicion. An actor charms nobles who see him perform into
Many performers moonlight as assassins, spies, and surrendering their fortunes.
thieves, given their talents and resources, and as such 2 The wraith of a murdered actress reenacts her death
many amphitheaters contain hidden shrines to Phenax. every night, playing the role of the murderer and tar
geting a new performer in her place.
AMPHITHEATER ADVENTURES
3 An untalented dancer (scout) poisons those with
Adventures in an amphitheater often revolve around
more skill in order to get ahead.
deception. Great performances get audiences immersed
4 A mage playwright invites political figures to see his
in what they're seeing, lowering their defenses and al
lowing pickpockets and spies to work. Backstage, the satires, then uses magic to make them react dramati
performers and staff hide stolen goods and even bodies cally, which encourages more people to see his plays.
in plain sight among legitimate props, and they craft dis 5 A leading lady is also an assassin for hire, and she
guises for use outside the theater. uses a secret room in the theater as her base.
Theaters make great settings for social adventures. 6 Burglars (veterans) masquerading as acrobats iden
In a place where the rich and poor relax together, the tify marks during their performances, then rob them
characters can impress, blackmail, bribe, or steal from
afterward.
people of all walks of life. The Amphitheater Adventures
7 A murderer (spy) who works as a prop maker hides
table presents ideas for adventures in such a place.
his weapons and victims in among pieces of the set.
8 A theater-loving mage uses a homunculus to spy on
AMPHITHEATER ADVENTURES
audience members to gain blackmail material.
dlO Adventure Goal
Steal an item from an audience member.
2 Find evidence of a crime hidden backstage.
3 Defend a theater being run by a criminal cabal from a
rival gang's assault.
4 Take the place of a group of performers on stage to
impress an audience member.
5 Assassinate an audience member during a perfor-
mance without being seen.
6 Serve as bodyguards for an audience member.
7 Learn which performers are criminals.
8 Find a spy among the audience members and deliver
a message to that person.
9 Steal costumes from the theater to infiltrate a temple
in disguise.
10 Intercept and decipher a coded message meant for
someone else.
AMPHITHEATER MAP
The amphitheater shown in map 4.13 is set in
a natural depression that provides seating
for the audience. The backstage area con
tains dressing rooms for the performers,
a prop workshop, and a storage area
filled with extra set pieces. Below, se
cret halls include space for the games
and drinking one might expect from a
typical den of iniquity, but it also dis
guises the barracks and training hall
of a thieves' guild devoted to Phenax,
a shrine, and an escape tunnel for
making a quick getaway.

r66
••
Although Purphoros is usually even-tempered, his

champions occasionally run afoul of his violent im
pulses. They might find themselves inadvertently in the
path of one of his destructive rages, or they might earn
his wrath more directly by displaying weakness or cow
ardice. Wayward champions are usually able to atone for
their deeds and regain his favor when he is in a better
temperament, but in extreme cases, they could be forced
to seek refuge with another god, thereafter contending
with Purphoros as a villain.
PURPHOROS PURPHORos's VILLAINS
Impulsive and unsubtle, Purphoros is an unpredictable
Though Purphoros's ideals are shared by many, the
force in the lives of his chosen champions.
methods he uses to advance them can be brutal. His
belief that creation necessitates destruction, combined
PURPHORos's CHAMPIONS with his cavalier attitude toward authority, make it easy
Purphoros's relationship to his champions is more for followers of the forge god to be seen as villains.
that of a patron than a ruler. He chooses champions There are many paths to villainy in the name of Pur
whose passions advance his interests in the world, and phoros. The quest for ever finer works of craft can give
he grants them his blessings to use as they see fit in rise to deadly rivalries. Resistance to lawful authority
service to him. Purphoros is eccentric, however, and can become tyranny of another sort. And when passions
he could suddenly appear to hand down commands to become inflamed, giving in to them can lead to tragedy
his champions after months or years of silence. Priests, rather than triumph. Purphoros's general hands-off
other followers of Purphoros, and regular people in attitude toward his champions means that groups of his
need might also approach the champions requesting aid. followers could easily find themselves on opposite sides
Purphoros never rebuffs followers of other gods if their in a conflict, and in extreme cases Purphoros himself
need is genuine. sends heroes to strike down those who stray.
The Purphoros's Quests table suggests a few adven The Purphoros's Villains table suggests a variety of
tures the god's champions might involve themselves in. foes that might arise from among the god's followers.
PURPHOROs's QUESTS PURPHOROS'S VILLAINS

d6 Adventure Goal d6 Villain
Clear out a monster-infested mine and help procure A cult fanatic of Purphoros turns to Mogis to enhance
precious iron ore for a master smith. his craft, engaging in bloody rituals to produce exqui
2 Protect a traveling theater troupe as they perform a site cursed weapons.
new play that glorifies Purphoros and makes another 2 An aging veteran seeks to replace her body with living
god look foolish. bronze and enlists a genius archmage of Purphoros
3 Retrieve a sacred weapon of Purphoros that has fallen to aid her. Then several of their test limbs escape.
into the hands of minotaurs. 3 A rebel (spy) plots to set fire to a temple of Heliod
4 Resist the corrupt authority of a powerful priest of and dedicate the blaze to Purphoros, driving the gods
Heliod or a cruel village elder. toward a conflict he's certain Purphoros will win.
5 Triumph in a contest of strength or crafting to bring 4 A gladiator of Purphoros partakes of the fumes at
glory to Purphoros. Mount Velus then goes on what seems to be a ram
6 Defeat a champion of another god (most likely page that contributes to a mysterious design.
Heliod, Kruphix, Phenax, or Mogis). 5 A priest of Purphoros condemns the party for treating
their weapons and tools poorly, insisting they discard
A PURPHOROS CAMPAIGN them until the heroes prove their worthiness.
A campaign structured around champions of Purphoros 6 A group of oreads (see chapter 6) seeks inspiration in
can feature the themes of freedom, self-expression, and flames. The oreads leave Purphoros's forge and con
passion, casting the adventurers as brave rebels fighting duct thorough studies of everything they burn.
against tyranny and convention. Purphoros's champions
come from many walks of life, but they are united in
PURPHOROS'S MONSTERS
their dedication to their god and his ideals.
In addition to his followers, Purphoros is associated
A Purphoros campaign might begin with the adven
with a wide range of other creatures, such as those pre
turers being called together by a priest of Purphoros or
sented on the Purphoros's Monsters table.
a master smith to lend aid with an urgent matter. From
there, the characters' victories on behalf of Purphoros
might arouse the ire of Heliod's followers. Given Pur
phoros's impulsiveness, conflict with the followers of
. �
other gods can quickly escalate from petty to violent.
·,,,.

r68
PURPHOROS'S MONSTERS PuRPHORos's DIVINE SCHEMES
Challenge Creature Source Purphoros's fits of passion can have a long-lasting im
pact on both gods and mortals. The Purphoros's Divine
1/2 Anvilwrought raptor MOT
Schemes tables outlines a few ways the god's explosive
1 Bronze sable MOT
temper might have dire consequences for the world.
2 Burnished hart MOT
4 Oread MOT PURPHOROS'S DIVINE SCHEMES
5 Gold-forged sentinel MOT
d4 Scheme
5 Fire elemental MM
Enraged at Heliod's latest insult, Purphoros causes
6 Cyclops'' MM Mount Velus to erupt. The volcano's rage doesn't
9 Fire giant MM cease, though, threatening the region.
16 Iron golem MM 2 Insulted that the other gods don't appreciate his cre
17 Adult red dragon'' MM ations, Purphoros breaks the Nyx-infused chains that
24 Ancient red dragon* MM bind the ancient red dragon Thraxes, allowing it to go
''See chapter 6 for details about these creatures in Theres. on a far-ranging rampage.
3 Gripped by sudden inspiration, Purphoros begins
PURPHOROS AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN building a massive Nyx-bronze bridge that will link
Mount Velus in the mortal world with Nyx itself. Every
As a campaign villain, Purphoros is more likely to be
driven by his impulses rather than by any coherent plan. god opposes him in this effort. Can the construction
He might begin by encouraging his champions to cre effort be sabotaged without bringing the bridge tum
ate works and spread tales that belittle the other gods. bling down on the mortal world?
When other deities retaliate against his chosen, Purpho 4 Purphoros's double, Petros, reveals an army of metal
ros reacts with rage, taking vengeance on other gods' Nyxborn creatures and unleashes them against tem
temples and priests across Theros. Assuming the player ples and settlements dedicated to other gods. The
characters are champions of other gods, they might well gods blame Purphoros for the attack, but he is too
find themselves the targets of Purphoros's rage.
proud, and too fond of Petros, to stop the attacks.
THE ORACLES OF PuRPHOROS READ THE Goo's
WILL IN EARTH, FIRE, ANO VOLCANIC FUMES.

VOLCANO TEMPLE ADVENTURES
dlO Adventure Goal
Acquire an item that wasn't up to Purphoros's stan
dards before it's cast into the lava.
2 Defend the temple from fiery zombies emerging
from tunnels connecting to a collapsed temple.
3 Steal a phoenix egg from the temple.
4 Become an apprentice to one of the priests and craft
an item in the temple.
5 Explore a ruined temple after an eruption to make
sure it is safe for others to enter.
6 Stop the temple priests from destroying well-crafted
but substandard armor and weapons that are needed
by a nearby settlement.
7 The volcano is erupting! Prevent it, or save the most
fanatical priests who refuse to leave their forges.
8 Negotiate with fire giants who want to use the tem
ple's forges.
9 Destroy a near-indestructible item in the volcano's
forges.
10 Rescue an artisan lost in the temple's twisting halls.
VOLCANO TEMPLE MAP

The volcano temple shown in map 4.14 is reached by
a switchback stair carved into the side of the volcano,
which leads to an ornate edifice sculpted into the face
of the mountain. The temple's facade features massive
pillars, two mighty statues, and a pair of towering,
VOLCANO TEMPLE bronze-bound doors. The interior holds a complex of
workshops, forges, barracks, and mines. The physical
The grandest temples of Purphoros burrow into the
and spiritual heart of the place is a large cavern where a
hearts of active volcanoes, being both places of worship
gigantic statue of Purphoros stands amid a pool of lava,
and workshops. The volcanic vapors inspire artisans
with a raised altar facing a forge where smiths can com
who worship at the top of the temple, then journey
plete their work in sight of their god.
down to glowing forges where they craft armor, jewelry,
weapons, and other works of art. The forges in a volcano VOLCANO TEMPLE VILLAINS
temple get so hot they can work almost any material,
Villains in a volcano temple are out to claim the place's
mundane or extraordinary. The faithful of Purphoros
treasures or harness the mountain's destructive power.
often work on commission or sell their works, though
Examples of such villains appear on the Volcano Temple
some create strictly for themselves.
Villains table.
Just like the treasures forged inside them, volcanic
temples are works of art. The priests who maintain the
VOLCANO TEMPLE VILLAINS
structures carve intricate designs with metal filigree in
d6 Villain
the stone walls and craft ornamental decorations that
make each temple look more like an art museum than a An adult red dragon tries to make its nest inside the
cave inside a mountain. The priests know that one day temple, attacking the artisans and priests within.
the volcano will erupt, destroying their work but provid 2 A priest of Mogis infiltrates the volcano and mars its
ing an opportunity to start afresh with newly inspired ornate halls, hoping to draw Purphoros's ire and thus
ideas when the cataclysm subsides. cause the volcano to erupt at an unexpected time,
killing everyone in the temple.
VOLCANO TEMPLE ADVENTURES
3 A obsessed cult fanatic is never satisfied with her ap
An adventure in a volcano temple incorporates the
prentices' creations and works them to death.
danger of fire, the power of divine magic, and the allure
4 A unit of defeated and desperate hoplites (see chap
of art and treasure. It is easy to get lost in the temple's
twisting, never-finished halls, minor eruptions pose a ter 6) raid the temple, steal magical weapons, and
constant threat, and former temples ruined by eruptions prepare to avenge their fallen companions.
now connect to dark places that monsters call home. 5 An apprentice artisan summons fire elementals that
Despite these hazards, the valuables most temples hold he can't control to murder his cruel master.
can be too tempting for some adventurers to pass up. 6 An iron golem forged in the temple breaks free of its
The Volcano Temple Adventures table presents ideas for maker's control and goes on a killing spree .
. ..
adventures that could occur in such a place.
·-

hail them as heroes, while others are suspicious of
them-particularly when one of the disasters they fore
tell seems likely to be Thassa's doing. They might get
caught up in the schemes of other gods' minions who
resent their growing influence over the community.
Thassa knows nothing is permanent, including her
champions' service. If they fail to uphold her wishes, she
will abandon them. In such a case, she might become a
villain, trying to thwart the characters unless they can
appease her or gain the protection of a new patron.
THASSA THASSA'S VILLAINS
Thassa's influence on the lives of her champions var
Thassa can take on a villainous role as much through
ies wildly, often influenced by her stormy whims. A
indifference as through malice. Thassa takes revenge on
champion of the god who serves dutifully might not
those who wrong her, and she doesn't particularly care
attract her attention for years. Those who displease her,
who else is harmed.
though, or who engage with those who have earned her
Thassa's followers might become villains for a vast
ire, might find themselves the uncomfortable focus of
range of reasons. Some become obsessed with recov
her attention for an extended period. ering or keeping hidden the secrets of the deep. Others
come to worship the ocean itself, with its uncaring
THASSA'S CHAMPIONS depths and half-glimpsed monsters. Still others preemp
Thassa's champions are more expressions of her de tively strike at those who risk offending the god-white
sires than the means for enacting long-term agendas. knights, overprotective of their own deity.
She disdains the status quo but also has no interest in The Thassa's Villains table suggests a variety of foes
committing to lengthy campaigns to overturn it. Rather, that might arise from among the god's followers.
her champions' work often serves her immediate inter
ests or embodies her ire about some recent slight. THA SSA1S VILLAIN S
The Thassa's Quests table suggests a few adventures d6 Villain
A triton master of waves (see chapter 6) demands
ever greater sacrifices to Thassa from merchants
THASSA1S QUE ST S
moving along a crucial trade route, threatening to
d6 Adventure Goal
sink ships that don't comply.
Help a village ofThassa's faithful evacuate to the hills
2 A former priest ofThassa kidnaps indigents and
before Thassa sends a great wave to punish the vil
plans to drown them as offerings to regain her favor.
lage's willful coastal neighbors.
3 A druid ofThassa, after being mistreated by a coastal
2 Phenax has learned the location of a sunken treasure
community, uses magic to lure a plague of giant crabs
in a flooded cave. Retrieve the treasure before his
out of the depths to take revenge.
fortune-hunters can steal it fromThassa.
4 A water elemental is trapped in a village well and has
3 Smuggle a cargo of offerings for Thassa past harbor
changed the drinking water to saltwater. It needs help
inspectors at Meletis, skirting new laws put into place
returning to the sea.
at the behest of Heliod's priesthood that ban the im
5 Sirens (see the harpies entry in chapter 6) favored by
port of items intended for sacrifice to other gods.
Thassa take up residence in a lighthouse, preventing
4 Find a magically stolen vessel sequestered high in the
its use.
mountains and return it to the ocean.
6 A ship carrying a massive pearl sacred toThassa has
5 Capture a great beast of the land and bring it to the
been sunk. Thassa's cultists want the pearl back, but
shore as an offering for a kraken.
anyone trying to retrieve it find that the god's triton
6 Humiliate a champion of another god (most likely
followers have claimed it.
Ephara, Karametra, Pharika, lroas, or Mogis).
TuAssA's MoNSTERS
A TuASSA CAMPAIGN
Any sea creature might answer Thassa's call. In addi
Thassa's interests naturally pull the characters toward
tion to any aquatic beast or being of elemental water, the
the sea, coasts, or lands affected by (or starved of) water.
Thassa's Monsters table presents a few of her servants.
She makes a fantastic patron for sea-based campaigns,
but also land-based journeys where the characters
THA S SA1S MONSTERS
might spread Thassa's desire for change and discover
ing ancient knowledge. Challenge Creature Source
The campaign might begin with Thassa warning the 1/2 Hippocamp MOT
characters about an impending attack or disaster in Siren (harpy)'' MM
volving a seaside community, leaving them to convince
2 Naiad MOT
' �
others and organize a defense. Some citizens might
·- 2 Triton shorestalker MOT

172
Challenge Creature Source THASSA's DIVINE SCHEMES
The Thassa's Divine Schemes tables offers examples of
5 Water elemental MM
how the god's whims might have ruinous impact upon
8 Triton master of waves MOT
the world.
13 Storm giant MM
17 Dragon turtle MM THASSA'S DIVINE SCHEMES
23 Kraken'' MM d4 Scheme
26 Tromokratis MOT
After a kraken is sighted near an inhabited island, a
''See chapter 6 for details about these creatures inTheres. fleet prepares to set sail from Meletis to face it. In ret
ribution, Thassa pulls the ocean back from the entire
THASSA AS CAMPAIGN VILLAIN coastline, stranding not only the fleet, but the fishing
Many of Thassa's schemes begin with some perceived boats and merchant vessels that keep the polis fed
slight, or even a genuine threat, perpetrated by one of and supplied. Thassa's oracles announce that "the
the other gods. But Thassa's acts of intervention are forest of masts must be felled" before the waters will
seldom subtle, and her resistance to change some return, but Meletis refuses to give up its navy. How
times causes her to let a situation worsen until she
can Thassa be appeased?
erupts in rage.
2 During a divine conflict, one of the gods' weapons
Thassa might begin by answering another god's offen
tumbles into the sea. Thassa refuses to return the
sive act with a display of power-which might be viewed
godly weapon, claiming it as her own, much to the
as a threat by other gods. An arrogant dictate from
Heliod or developments in a coastal community might owner's ire.
prompt Thassa to send forth a kraken, requiring that 3 Thassa turns a ship full of another god's champions
heroes fight it off. When the kraken is defeated, Thassa into dolphins as punishment for setting foot on one of
sends her champions to collect the beast's heart so they her holy isles. Can she be persuaded to change them
might resurrect the creature. Characters might then back? How will the champions' patrons respond if she
face off against Thassa's champions while they attempt refuses?
this resurrection, or fight several younger krakens her 4 When multiple gods turn against her in a dispute,
champions are training. Such a campaign might end
Thassa is enraged. She releases the locks binding ev
with the adventurers convincing other gods to placate
ery kraken in the sea, along with that of an ancient and
Thassa, or paying penance in the form of treasure, ser
mysterious kraken brood mother.
vice, or sacrifice.
THE FLOOR OF THE SIREN SEA 1s LITTERED w1TH

VESSELS THAT NAVIGATED THE WAVES UNWELCOMEO.
COASTAL TEMPLE boasts a massive coral altar where the sea god is wor
shiped. Tunnels lead to priests' quarters, private medita
Thassa's temples are often located in coastal are;is, to
tion areas, docks, and other areas well suited to the use
accommodate both her land-dwelling worshipers and
of both land-dwelling and aquatic worshipers.
her faithful who live beneath the waves, such as tritons.
These houses of worship often make use of natural COASTAL TEMPLE VILLAINS
caves and coves that demonstrate the power of the sea Villains in seaside temples often seek to harness the
over the passage of time. Wave-worn rocks, tidal pools, might of the sea or are almost alien beings that have
stalactites, stalagmites, coral reefs, and other marine crawled from the depths. Examples of such villains ap
features are all incorporated into the decor of a temple. pear on the Coastal Temple Villains table.
Most coastal temples include chambers that are un
derwater at high tide. Worshipers sit in these places COASTAL TEMPLE VILLAINS
at low tide and meditate on what the future might hold
d6 Villain
while the water rises around them. They leave offerings
A kraken threatens to destroy the temple if worship
to Thassa in these places, which are carried out to sea
as the water recedes. ers don't pay tribute to the creature.
A coastal temple is where people come to contemplate 2 A nereid (see chapter 6) hides inside the temple and
the sea, the passage of time, and the natural world while murders fishers who worship here for their crimes
enjoying the sound of the waves, the sight of the sea's against the sea.
sculptures, and the refreshing feeling of cool water. 3 A group of sirens (see the harpies entry in chapter 6)
take over the temple and lure new victims inside to
COASTAL TEMPLE ADVENTURES
drown themselves during high tide.
Fierce tides and sudden storms make coastal temples
4 A priest ofThassa falsely convinces elderly worship
potentially hostile places for the land-dwelling faithful.
ers that giving more wealth to the temple increases
No worshiper, aquatic or otherwise, is safe on the rare
the length of time they live.
occasions when a shark or something worse comes up
from the depths. 5 A giant octopus under the effects of the awaken spell
Adventurers could come to a temple to clash with a hunts in the temple at high tide.
group of Thassa's faithful, which include pirates, cultists 6 A rageful triton master of waves (see chapter 6)
who worship krakens, and other unsavory types who believes everyone in a temple is secretly serving a
sail the waves or swim beneath them. Characters might kraken and begins murdering them.
also to come to such a place to meditate and listen to
what the sea tells them. The Coastal Temple Adventures
table offers ideas for adventures in such a place.
COASTAL TEMPLE ADVENTURES

dl 2 Adventure Goal
Save land-dwelling worshipers who became trapped
inside the temple during a flood.
2 Steal an offering before it washes away.
3 Confront pirates worshiping at the temple.
4 Defend the temple from kraken-worshiping cultists.
5 Kill or drive off a hydra that has claimed the temple
as its home.
6 Help a killer whale beached in the temple.
7 Get information from a worshiper.
8 Kidnap a worshiper without making a scene.
9 Steal a magic quipper from a sacred tide pool.
10 Spy on a conversation between two worshipers.
11 Negotiate with a blue dragon that wants to claim the
temple as its lair.
12 Escape the temple as it floods.
COASTAL TEMPLE MAP

At high tide, the coastal temple shown in map 4.15
is covered in a few inches of water, some of which
gets trapped in depressions when the tide goes
out. These shallow pools sometimes contain
colorful fish, crabs, shells, and flotsam, any
of which Thassa's followers might consider
' �
to have divine meaning. The largest cavern
·-

174
NAUTICAL ADVENTURES RUNNINC NAUTICAL ADVENTURES
The Callapheia chronicles the legendary story of Cal R u n n in g adventures i nvolvi n g sh ips a n d the sea doesn't
laphe, captain of The Monsoon, whose wild adventures need to be d a u nti ng, especially not i n a world as steeped
pitted her against all manner of pirates and sea mon in magic as Theros. Knowi n g the d i fference between port
(left) and starboard (right), or a ship's bow (front) and
sters. Sailors also tell tales of the bold explorer Captain
stern (rear) isn't necessarily important to legendary he
Siona and her ship, the Pyleas, recounting her epic voy
roes, particularly when brave crews sail along with them.
ages to mystical islands. Both captains and their crews Feel free to th i n k of the ship you r heroes travel upon less
still sail the waves of Theros, their stories far from com i n the terms of a pi rate story (fu l l of commonplace duties
plete. Yet word of their deeds has inspired generations and d a ngers) a n d more l i ke a vessel in a space-faring, sci-fi
of sailors, merely hinting at the endless treasures and adventure (where m u ndane operations often fade i nto
adventures to be found at sea. This section provides an the background) . How m uch a story engages with course
overview of the wonders and dangers heroes might en setti ng, provisioni ng, periods of i n activity, and other as
counter when they venture out to sea. pects of long ocean journeys is ulti mately up to you a n d
the pl ayers t o decide, but co n s ider cleavi n g t o what t h e
group thinks i s fun rather than stretc h i n g for u n necessary
SAILING THE SEA
accu racy (whatever that m ight mean for a world as magical
Just as on land, everything in the waters of Theros exists as Theros).
on a mythic scale. While map 3 . 1 in chapter 3 suggests That said, i f you'd l i ke to add n ua n ce to you r n a utical ad
that travel across the Siren Sea should take only a few ventures i n Theros, the book Ghosts of Saltmarsh provides
days, its hazards and countless uncharted islands can more i nformation on sh ips, hazards, and environments
make what should be a journey of a month a year-long at sea as well as tables for use with na utical encounters,
mysterious islands, and other marine features. The galley
odyssey. Even a routine journey can become an epic
presented in that book m i ght a l so make a fine vessel for
adventure if the characters anger a god, such as Thassa,
you r adventu res-once you r players give it a name worthy
who can make sure the waves are never in their favor. of their legend, that is.
EMBARKING ON ADVENTURE
To begin any nautical adventure, heroes must take GETTING LOST
that first, often daunting, step away from dry land. The Many adventures at sea start with a simple premise: get
Adventures at Sea table provides a variety of story home. Whether the tale starts with characters getting
ideas that might help compel heroes to set forth upon marooned or in the aftermath of some calamity, the
the waves. characters might share the goal of getting back to where
they belong. Perhaps the characters find themselves on
ADVENTURES AT S EA an island of legend, one not found on any map, making
dlO Adventure Goal
their travels a journey through the unknown. Even if the
characters are shipwrecked on a well-known island, the
Slay a mon ster or pirates terrorizing sh ips at sea.
influence of the gods, pursuit of deadly sea beasts, will
2 Fo l low an omen that leads out to sea.
of a living vessel, or countless other challenges could
3 Seek an artifact h idden u nd erwater or on an i s l a n d .
stand in the way of them reaching home.
4 F i n d yo u r way home after gett i n g lost.
5 Find a lost temple of a god. MAI NTA I N I N G RELATIONSHIPS
6 Relocate settlers tryi n g to colon ize an i n h a bited isle. In a campaign that often changes location, it can be diffi
7 D i scover a safe route through deadly waters. cult to have recurring NPCs. If you introduce characters
8 Retrace the path of a hero lost at sea. you'd like the party to stay in touch with, consider the
9 F i n d a w h i rlpool that is a passage to the U n d erworld. following options:
10 S a i l from t h e edge o f the world i nto Nyx. • Aquatic or flying characters can visit the characters as
they travel, appearing unexpectedly.
• Magic items such as sending stones and spells such
as animal messenger allow characters to stay in touch
over long distances.
• Powerful creatures might teleport to the characters'
location-particularly those unable (or disinclined) to
share their teleportation powers.
• When the characters dream, they might meet other
creatures in Nyx.
Some of Theros's mystical islands move around on
the sea, allowing the characters to run into them and
their inhabitants multiple times .
.. ..
·-
CHAPTER 4 I CREATING TH EROS ADVENTURES

MYSTICAL ISLANDS
The Siren Sea is dotted with mysterious islands that ISLAND ENVIRONMENTS
are home to strange creatures, mysterious hermits, odd dlO Environment
phenomena, and ancient ruins. These islands make Frozen. The i s la n d is magically frozen or is a floating
fantastic adventure locations for characters exploring iceberg. Perhaps something l ies locked with i n.
uncharted oceans or those simply trying to get home.
2 Sargassum. The i s l a n d is a dense layer of seaweed
While any island might present the opportunity to rest, _
that has developed its own ecosystem of strange
weather storms, restock, and explore, the islands of
beasts and trapped sai lors.
Theros might also be worlds unto themselves, where
unlikely beings hold dominion or the gods have crafted 3 Living. The i s l a n d is actua l l y a gigantic s l u m bering
a realm to their specific whims. Such mystical islands creatu re-pote ntially unbe known to its res idents.
aren't just stops on an ocean journey; they're unique 4 Mirage. M agical phenomena s u rro u n d a m undane
lands touched by the magic of the gods. i s l and with tempti ng o r treachero u s i l l u s ions.
A mystical island could be the ultimate destination 5 Nyx Shard. The i s l and is a manifestation of Nyx, a
of a nautical adventure, or a magical interlude amid a recreation of a land from the d istant past or com·
larger seafaring campaign. When creating a mystical pletely from fiction.
island, consider how its environment and inhabitants 6 Idyllic. The island has beautiful weather and a b u n ·
contribute to making it feel like a world unto itself. Also,
d a n t fruit-so m u ch so t h a t s o m e m i ght consider
consider how the laws of nature and the gods might op
never leavi ng.
erate differently on the island, giving rise to all manner
7 Lost Ruin. The i s l a n d is all that s u rvived a c a l a m ity
of magical properties.
that destroyed a legendary city.
ISLAN D ENVIRONMENTS 8 Gateway. The i s l and is inherently magical, perhaps
While a mystical island could be a simple spur of rock being an intrusion from a biza rre demi plane o r the
and sand jutting from the ocean depths, there's the d ream of a s l eeping d e m i god.
potential to make it much more. When considering the 9 Promised Land. The i s l a n d i s a gift fro m a god t o a
very foundations of an island, consider what the gods favored ind ivid u a l or population, spec i a l l y tail ored
might have set adrift, what might have fallen from Nyx, to s u i t their wh i m s.
or what might have floated upon the seas for centuries.
10 Divine Refuge. A god created this island to be a per
The Mystical Island Environments table suggests some
sonal getaway, m a k i n g it a reflection of the world as
possibilities for the sorts of unusual islands that might
it would appear i f they were in complete control. ,,. II
be floating in the Siren Sea. .
...

177
ISLAND I N H ABITANTS
Any sort of people, from isolated societies to desperate ISLAN D MAGICAL PROPERT I E S
castaways, from monstrous predators to the last beings Beyond unusual physical compositions and strange
inhabitants, mystical islands might have magical prop • •
of their kind, might make their home in a hidden island
sanctuary. The Island Inhabitants table offers just a few erties. Effects include persistent weather, a unique law
suggestions for what sort of people might make their of physics, a curse that affects visitors, or something
home on a mystical island. stranger. When determining what magical properties
affect a mystical island, consider using any of the magi
IS LAND INHABITANTS cal effects here, either as presented or as inspiration for
magical properties of your own design.
dlO Inhabitants
Bliss Island. Those who visit the island risk being en
The Last. Creatu res that t h i n k they're the last of
chanted so they never want to leave. At the end of each
their kind-perhaps Returned, leon i n , or h u m a ns long rest it takes on this island, a visitor must succeed
make their home on the island. on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw or be unwilling to
2 First Contact. A prosperous civil ization, u n con leave the island before finishing another long rest. After
nected to the great poleis, thrives on the island. failing this saving throw three times, the creature never
3 S trangers. A species not usually con nected to willingly leaves the island and, if forcibly removed, does
Th eros dwells here-such as t h ri -kree n , yuan-ti, or everything in its power to return. A dispel evil and good
another creature from the Monster Manual. spell removes this effect from the creature.
Swine Island. Visitors to this island risk being af
4 Rivals. Two settlem ents have tu rned the island i nto
flicted by the Curse of the Swine. At the end of each long
a war zone.
rest it takes on this island, a visitor must succeed on a
5 Prisoner. A powerfu l monster or dangerous fi gure
DC 10 Wisdom saving throw or be affected by the poly
from legend is i m prisoned o n this island.
morph spell and transformed into a pig (use the boar
6 Tyrant. A powerful i nd iv i d u a l b u i lt a fortress on the stat block). The curse lasts until the visitor leaves the
isl a n d , and all other residents revere them. isle or until it is broken by a spell like remove curse.
7 Fanatics. The isla nd's residents know only one god Timeless Island. When characters leave the island
and don't appreciate visits from heretics. after spending at least 1 day there, they might find
8 The Dead. A settlement of the Returned is located that time has passed differently for the outside world.
near a n obscure passage to the U n derworld. Use the Feywild Time Warp table in chapter 2 of the
9 Memories. Everyone on the island is Nyxborn, being Dungeon Master's Guide to determine how much time
the rei ncarnation of a lost people.
has passed.
Wild Magic Island. Whenever a spell is cast on the is
10 Oracle. An oracle with a reputation for accu rate
land, the caster must roll on the Wild Magic Surge table
knowledge and pred iction l ives on the isla n d .
& - from chapter 3 of the Player's Handbook.
·-
CHAPTER 4 I C R E ATING THEROS ADVENTURES

UNDERWATER ADVENTURES UNDERWATER ADVENTURES
dl2 Plot
With vast triton realms hidden beneath the waves and
legendary ruins drowned in the deep, endless potential Seek aid or advice from the eldest member of a n
for adventure lies under the sea. Characters interested aquatic species-s uch as the fi r s t d o l p h i n .
in exploring the ocean's depths might seek the means of 2 Recover t h e treasure of a h e r o long a g o devou red b y
surviving underwater-whether such takes the form of a sea beast.
magic items or devices crafted by ingenious inventors. 3 Carry a coastal city's gifts and d i p l omatic messages
Alternatively, drowning might only be a concern of those to an u n d erwater com m u n ity.
who aren't favored by the gods, and heroes might find 4 Calm a kraken attempting to break out of its sea lock
themselves welcomed into the deep by Thassa herself.
(see chapter 6).
The riches of the deep are also vast, with the peoples
5 M a ke a sacrifice at a triton temple devoted to Thassa
of the sea hoarding strange treasures and more ships
or another god.
resting on the ocean floor than sailing its surface. How
ever characters contend with the depths and whatever 6 Tra nsform i nto a sea creature and i nfiltrate a n u n d e r-
they might seek, consider using the possibilities on the sea com m u n ity.
Underwater Adventures table to launch a party's explo 7 Convince a hero who's fallen in love with a sea
rations into the deep. dwel ler to return home.
8 Raise a s u nken city back above the waves while avoid
iJ ·. .
ing whatever now makes the place its home.
MYTH OF THE SIN Kl NC OF 0LANTIN 9 Seek information from an oracle who lives on a
•
In a ncient days, Olantin was a wealthy coastal polis along the s u nken i s l a n d i n s ide a giant bubble.
S i ren Sea. Because it was the westernmost of the great poleis
10 Seal a hole i n the sea that's a l lowi ng d e n izens of the
of old, it became associated with s u n set, and therefore, with
U n derworld ward of N erono to escape.
Heliod. A magnificent s h ri ne to the s u n god rose within the
polis, and its priests, a group known as the Triarchy, grew 11 Return a juve n i l e sea monster caught i n a fi s her's net
wealthy and powerful. to its home.
Deta i l s about what came next are u nclear, but records tell 12 Protect a priest ofThassa i ntent o n journey i n g to the
of a veil of darkness that engulfed the coast. People believed
bottom of the sea.
that Hel iod had abandoned them, and many fled the pol i s . I n
a panic, the Tri a rchy raised a n enormous ball o f l i ght into the
sky as a replacement s u n . When the darkness cleared, Hel iod
saw the fake sun and grew fu riou s . With his spear, he struck
Olanti n , shattering the city and casting its r u i n s i nto the
depths of the sea.
As THE PEOPLE OF 0 LANTIN DISCOVERED, AGES OF

PROSPERITV ANO CULTURE MEAN NOTHING IN THE
FACE OF A WRATHFUL SEA.
1 79
UNDERWORLD ADVENTURES WHAT HAPPENS WHEN You D1E?
When a soul arrives in the Underworld, it has a l l the mem
All things eventually reach their end and pass into· the ories and skills it enjoyed i n l i fe. I n a l l respects, it is iden
Underworld. That doesn't mean the heroes of Theros tical to its l iving self, i nc l u d i n g its game statistics. Though
need to accept that fate and embrace eternity quietly, souls can enjoy the acts of eating, drinki ng, and sleeping,
though. This section examines fates and features of they don't req u i re them. They feel h u nger and thirst and
the Underworld, including how the living and the dead might be torme nted by deprivation, but they don't suffer
might interact with this grim land and its inhabitants. the effects of exhaustion because of it.
Methods of escaping this supposedly final resting place Every time a soul d ies i n the U n derworld, it reani mates
of all mortal souls are also explored here, along with at the start of its next turn with l h it point per H it Die it
possesses, and it gains one level of exhaustion that can't
what adventures the Underworld holds for Theros's
be removed u n l ess the sou l returns to l i fe, at which point
bravest heroes.
all exhaustion gained i n this way van ishes. With each level
of permanent exhaustion, the sou l becomes faded and
LIVING DESCENT dull, its eyes glazi ng over more and more until they are
Sometimes the answer to a riddle is lost beyond the b l a n k, staring pools.
inky waters of the Tartyx River. When spells and sages A sou l that suffers level 6 exhaustion from the cont i n ued
appl ication of this effect petrifies i nto a statue cal led a
fail to recover some crucial bit of information, how far
misera, and it doesn't rise again.
might heroes go to recover it? One answer is to dare an
expedition into the Underworld to find what was lost.
Entering the Underworld is arguably one of the easiest precise-followers of Erebos-are also the least likely
feats imaginable-everyone ends up there when they to be interested in aiding an Underworld escape. How
die. Entering while still alive, and in such a way as to be characters turn such an oracle to their side and deter
able to walk out again, is another matter entirely. mine the accuracy of the information they receive are all
Legends tell of places where the boundary between part of such a momentous quest.
the mortal world and the Underworld is weak. These Once characters enter the Underworld and attain
paths lie beyond lands controlled by the poleis and other their goal, they still face their most daunting challenge:
civilized beings. Dark caves with tunnels leading down escape. Consult the following "Paths of Escape" section
into darkness and rivers quietly lapping at fog-shrouded for ideas on how the living might ultimately make their
gravel shores give way to the Underworld's borders. way back out of the Underworld.
Though Athreos ferries the dead across the Tartyx, he's
not above accepting a one-way fare from those who still DEATHLY INTERLUDES
breathe. Even the other fearsome Underworld guard
When a character dies, their adventures don't need to
ians that keep watch over the dead often allow the living
end. The Underworld presents an opportunity to provide
to enter. Leaving the Underworld isn't so simple, and
a sense of closure for deceased characters-as adventur
once beyond the Tartyx River the living find themselves
ers' ends tend to be quite sudden-or to give them a way
in the same predicament as the dead. Within the Under
to continue engaging in the quest while their compan
world, characters who entered bodily are still fully alive.
ions attempt to bring them back to life.
They age, suffer damage, heal naturally, and require air,
These interludes can be played as brief scenes where
food, drink, and sleep as normal. The Underworld isn't
the player of the dead character is in the spotlight and
conducive to mortal life, though, and between deadly
the rest of the group observes. Alternatively, the rest of
creatures and dangerous otherworldly environments,
the group could participate as NPCs or even monsters
the living might soon find themselves numbering among
the dead character meets and interacts with.
the dead.
Characters can pursue all manner of goals to the Un HERO'S EPILO GUE
derworld. Many center on finding something that was Most adventurers hope their lives come to an end with
lost with no other means available to recover it. Perhaps some worthy conclusion. Sometimes in the heat of bat
this means rescuing a dead soul when resurrection tle, though, that end can be abrupt and without real res
magic isn't an option or retrieving a vital piece of infor olution. An epilogue featuring a hero's soul descending
mation from someone who wasn't supposed to die. This into the Underworld, crossing the Tartyx River, and be
might even mean pursuing the soul of a player charac ing guided-or dragged-to the ward which awaits them
ter, particularly if they're somehow barred from being might create that satisfying conclusion.
returned to life through usual magical means. In such Consider memorable moments from the character's
a case, consider allowing the player to run a temporary story and how they can be reflected in the events of their
character who assists the party in the rescue or to play final descent. Maybe they see the souls of friends, allies,
their own character as a soul and let them rejoin the or loved ones who perished, whether their fates are
party to help effect their own escape. good or ill. Perhaps a villain the hero slew now exists
Regardless of why living characters might enter the as a broken misera, giving mute testament to the hero's
Underworld, those who attempt the undertaking might success. Characters who overcame their personal flaws
seek to learn more about the realm of the dead, its vari might even be confronted with symbolic or direct exam
ous wards (see chapter 3), and where the object of their ples of their past failings and rebuke their old vices in a
quest ended up. Oracles of any of the gods might aid in final, crystallizing act of growth.
' �
divining these details, but those likely to be the most
·.,,.
CHAPTER 4 I C REATING THEROS ADVE NTURES

180
FUNERARY MASKS HELP THE NEWLY DEAD RESIST THE
EROSION OF MEMORY AND IDENTITY IN THE UNDERWORLD.
THE SOUL ABIDES OURNEY INTO DEATH

When adventurers in higher tiers of play die, they can of
Those who are prepared for death, or who receive fu
ten expect to be resurrected. In these cases, an interlude
neral rites, typically have or are given a coin (or similar
where the hero gets a glimpse of the afterlife awaiting
token of value) interred with their corpse. When these
them can be powerful. From a personal standpoint, this
individuals' souls reach the banks of the Tartyx River,
sort of interlude can serve to reinforce a character's
they have with them the fare necessary to board Athre
choices and actions or offer a warning of what's to come
os's skiff and pass on to the Underworld.
if their priorities don't change.
Those who don't have a coin with them when they
For characters who embrace heroic virtues and live
die and aren't given funeral rites have no means to pay
as a beneficial force in the world, they might spend a
Athreos's toll and thus have no way of reaching their
few hours or days in the idyllic embrace of Ilysia. On the
place of rest. These lost souls primarily collect along
other hand, those who have stained their soul with dark
the Tartyx's shores where they languish or beg for coins
acts might return to life after suffering what feels like
to pay for their passage. Some wander away from the
years of torture in Tizerus's Mire of Punishment.
shore, though, becoming ghosts or other undead. Only
In either case, the character might even gain some
if their body is granted funeral rites or if the living give
helpful insight into their current predicament or a por
them payment for Athreos can such souls find rest.
tent of events to come. Maybe the soul of a long dead
sage offers guidance or a legend the hero long idolized
provides advice on how they defeated a similar threat.
Silent contemplation while sailing on the Nerono
oceans could give the character time to decipher part
of a mystery. An Underworld demon might even say
something that only one of the character's dead rivals
could have known. Whatever a character learns during
their temporary death, they can carry with them back
into the mortal world. Such might make dying one of the
most helpful things to happen in a character's greater
- .
heroic career. ..·
CHAPTER 4 I C REATING THEROS ADVENTURES

181
DENIZENS OF THE UNDERWORLD WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SOUL ESCAPES?
If a soul meets a l l the challenges set before it and slips
When a spirit reaches the Underworld, they find that from Erebos's clutches, several thi ngs l i kely happen:
they're far from alone. The nature of the Under�orld
The sou l becomes a true, physical being. It is in a new
under Erebos's rule takes its toll on even the hearti- •
version of its body, a physical man ifestation of the sou l 's

est souls. As time wears on, most of the dead feel the
perception of itself (which may or may not be identical
weight of ages and misery. Souls suffer injury and pain to its former body).
just as living creatures do, and even the dead can perish • The so u l 's former body has no further connection to the
over time or after enduring multiple deaths. The result soul; it is an i nert, em pty shel l . Casting spells on the
of these forms of spiritual weathering divides the dead body that restore it to l i fe s i m ply have no effect.
into the following groups: • Any object carried out of the U n derworld becomes a real
'
physical t h i n g in the mortal world, with all the properties
Neoliare newcomers to the Underworld-vibrant spirits
and featu res common to objects of its type.
who remember their lives and, in many cases, are
coming to terms with death.
Glazers are vacant, misery-worn souls who have en LATH OS
dured decades of existence in the Underworld. Most Hidden in the bowels of Erebos's palace is the portal
have spent far more time dead than they did alive and Lathos, which leads to the mortal world. Moreover,
remember life as little more than a faded dream. tales say that Lathos can restore a soul to life without
Misera are souls permanently turned to stone after any cost or loss of one's identity and sense of self. This
enduring numerous deaths in the Underworld. These isn't to say that Lathos is an easy path to walk, however.
corpses of the dead linger where they petrified until Erebos's most fearsome servants guard the portal. So
they crumble to dust. far, no one has succeeded in escaping through Lathos,
and the location of the portal's exit in the mortal world
PATHS OF ESCAPE is unknown.
Escaping Characters. Escaping through Lathos is
Despite the inexorable pull of Erebos's lash, even death
likely an appealing option as the portal exacts no price.
itself can end-or at least be forestalled. Simply walking
The trick is reaching it. Perhaps the characters know
out the way one entered isn't an option-Athreos refuses
some secret that Erebos covets and so might bargain for
to ferry souls back across the Tartyx. Other pathways
access. Alternatively, they might conduct an elaborate
that connect the Underworld and the living world are
infiltration of Erebos's palace. Such would be a chal
guarded by vicious creatures. Still, there are a few
lenging endeavor but also a feat worthy of legend.
means by which a dead soul can return to life.
PATH OF P H E NAX
RESURRECTION MAGIC
The god Phenax, once a mortal who died and passed
By far the simplest means of return for a dead soul is for
into the Underworld, was the first to discover a way to
someone who yet lives to cast a raise dead, resurrection,
escape, forever known as the Path of Phenax. As part of
or true resurrection spell. If a mortal is a frequent recip
his escape, he swam across the Tartyx, whose waters
ient of resurrection magic, Erebos might take a special
stripped away his identity. Without that vital part of his
interest in that soul. A soul in the clutches of Erebos
being, Phenax couldn't be detected by Athreos, and Ere
himself isn't free, so it can't be returned to life by mor
bos couldn't snare him with his great whip.
tal magic.
Since Phenax's escape, other souls have repeated his
D EMON FLIGHT dangerous journey. When mortal souls travel the Path
Creatures that fly across the Tartyx without Erebos's of Phenax, the Tartyx washes away their identities,
permission find themselves attacked by flocks of vicious symbolized by their faces, which become nothing more
monsters. The demons of the Underworld make this than blank flesh. Souls that successfully emerge on
flight with better success than most, though. By bargain the mortal side of the Tartyx River become Returned
ing or force, a demon might be convinced to carry a soul with no knowledge of their former name or past life. As
on this lengthy, dangerous flight. Should a soul manage this is a known consequence, most souls forge a gold
to survive the harrowing journey, it finds itself restored mask to carry with them. This mask becomes the proxy
to life in the mortal world. identity worn by all Returned. Souls' lost identities con
Escaping Characters. To attempt this means of es
tinue to exist, though, becoming eidolons, which scatter
cape, a party must bargain with a demon or acquire throughout the mortal realm, having no connection to
another means of flight in the Underworld. Then they'd their Returned bodies. (See chapter 6 for more informa
better be ready for the fight of their lives as demons, har tion about eidolons and the Returned.)
Escaping Characters. Traveling the Path of Phenax
pies, and other deadly foes pursue them.
can present an exciting but challenging option for most
parties, as it results in affected characters becoming a
monster of some type-either an eidolon or a Returned.
If you're comfortable with characters playing as mon
sters or retiring their characters at the end of the quest,
this can be a rewarding arc to play through. You might
also introduce some means to reunite a character's
' ..
·-
CHAPTER 4 I C R E ATING THEROS ADVE NTURES

r82
eidolon with its Returned body and restore the character
d20 Plot
to at least some semblance of their former self. This
5 M eet with yo u r family's most legendary m e m ber i n
should be a monumental undertaking, as it shakes the
llysia a n d prove yourself worthy o ft h e i r name.
foundation of Theros's division of life and death.
The exact details of Phenax's route are unclear, and 6 Steal a legendary, long-shattered treasure from its
aside from forging masks and a final swim, any number resti n g place in l lysia's Citadel of Dest i ny.
of challenges among islands in the Tartyx might com 7 Seek out a long-dead foe a n d learn how they're keep
prise the path. ing you from being magically resurrected.
8 Discover a secret from an i n famous m e m be r of your
BEYOND DEATH fam i ly who became a typhon (see chapter 6).
When a character dies, the Underworld serves as an op 9 Save a god's favored worsh i per from a cruel pu nish
portunity to allow a dead character to experience their ment in the U n d e rworld-even though they've been
own story while their companions (hopefully) try to get dead for h u n d reds of years.
the body resurrected. Consider the possibilities on the 10 Sever o n e o ft h e massive c h a i ns ofTizerus, releasi n g
Underworld Adventures table should a character find the a n cient bei n g it bi nds.
themselves trying to escape the realm of the dead. 11 Lead a n i m m ortal anvi lwrought to Erebos's palace
and convince the god to let the construct die.
UNDERWORLD ADVENTURES
12 Discover why Erebos i s no longer a l lowing certain
d20 Plot i n d iv i d u a ls to d ie.
I n Phylias, fi n d a n d barga i n for i nformation with your 13 Coerce a night hag into gra nting a morbid prophecy
least favorite dead acq u a i nt a n ce or fa m i l y mem ber. by steal i n g its eye.
2 S m uggle the p u p py of an Underworld cerberus (see 14 Learn a secret way to escape the U n d e rwo rld from
chapter 6) into the mortal wo rld. o n e of the titans.
3 F i n d a n d free a lost hero from the Labyrinth of M e m 15 F i n d t h e l ost secret o f a long-dead warlord that now
ories o n N e rono. rests with the v i l l a i n's m isera.
4 Free a legendary lost s h i p a n d the souls aboard from 16 Discover from a woe strider (see chapter 6) how to
the e n d l ess Nerono w h i r l pool they're trapped wit h i n . escape the bonds of destiny.
17 Defeat a host of legendary v i l l a i n s i n Agonas's Sta
d i u m of Dishon or.
18 Prevent one of y o u r a ncestors from transfo r m i n g i nto
an eater of hope (see chapter 6).
19 Travel to Erebos's palace a n d recover a secret from
o n e who fa iled to bargain for their release.
20 Seek out Klothys's d o m a i n and learn from her oracles
how you're destined to escape the U n d e rworld .
THOSE WHO FOLLOW THE PATH OF PHENAX

MIGHT RETURN TO THE MORTAL WORLD, BUT
THEY NEVER REGAIN THE LIVES THEY LOST. .,,. I
....
CHAPTER 4 J C REATING THEROS ADVENTURES

STORY OVERVIEW
When Phenax sent Varyas the Knowing a vision of the
oracle's impending death, the seer didn't fear-he knew
his work was just beginning.
Like all the Returned who followed him, Phenax aban
doned his past identity during his flight from the Under
world. Through ages, the god managed to recover parts
of his history, but much remained a mystery to him.
Recently, though, he discovered a hint of a truth he'd
never considered. He had to know more, but the secrets
he sought lay only in the Underworld. Phenax wouldn't
risk alerting Erebos to his interest, so he sent an agent
a soul willing to forsake life, discover his secret, and
return with the knowledge that even the god couldn't
escape with.
Varyas met his end and dutifully sought Phenax's
mystery in the Underworld. Though it took him years,
the oracle discovered what he sought. Keeping the infor-
.--""'"-..,,. mation secret and smuggling it out of the Underworld
proved challenging, though. To guard what he'd learned,
Varyas inscribed it in code upon a mask and, after multi
ple attempts, successfully followed the Path of Phenax.
When he emerged back into the mortal world, Varyas
the Returned remembered nothing of his past life, his
escape from death, or the strange symbols etched on his
mask. All he recognized of the writing scrawled on his
mask was the name "Khea."
With that, a mystery beyond life and death slipped
from a lost past into the living realm of Theros.
RUNNING THE ADVENTURE

This adventure requires the fifth edition D&D rulebooks
(Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and
Monster Manual). You should read the entire adventure
before attempting to run it. If you'd prefer to play, you
shouldn't read any farther.
• •
Text that a p pears i n a box l i ke t h i s is meant to be read
aloud or paraph rased for the p layers when their c h a rac
ters first arrive at a location or u n d e r a specific c i rc u m
stance, as described i n the text.

• •
The Monster Manual contains statistics for many of the

No SILENT SECRET creatures found in this adventure. When a creature's
name appears in bold type, that's a visual cue pointing
"No Silent Secret" is a short adventure for a party of you to the creature's stat block in the Monster Manual.
four to six 1st-level characters, who will advance to at If the stat block appears elsewhere, the adventure's text
least 2nd level by the adventure's conclusion. tells you so.
At the outset, choose which of Theros's three major
poleis-Akros, Meletis, or Setessa-you want to start ADVENTURE SUMMARY
near. Alternatively, you might allow the players to
The adventure begins with the characters discovering
choose the polis based on their character backgi;ounds.
the recently murdered Returned, Varyas, and confront
While choosing a polis allows the group to get a glimpse
ing his killers. Varyas's gold mask bears a code on it,
of their potential "hometown," this setting serves as a
one that points toward the sage Khea who lives in the
backdrop only briefly, with much of the adventure taking
nearby polis. When the characters investigate, they
place far from the safety of civilization.
learn from Khea that the writing is undecipherable
except for the first line, which refers to the legendary
Court of Orestes, a site sacred to the god Phenax. She
also notes that a recent earthquake has uncovered a

cave along the Khystonos River that could be the secret Before the characters can investigate further, read the
site's location. If so, then perhaps within lies the key to following text:
deciphering the mask, along with its own trealSures.
• •
With the information provided by Khea, the adventur
The sou n d of rac i n g hooves rises l i ke rol l i n g t h u n der
ers set forth into the wilds, where they'll face multiple
storied dangers before reaching the Court of Orestes. from the d i rection the fa l l e n r i d e r em erged. Two more
Once at the lost holy site, the characters discover an riders ro u n d the bend, both wea r i n g dark tunics. The fad
cient guardians, as well as an unliving entity with the i n g l i ght g l i nts u pon the s n a r l i n g g o l d m a s k s both wear.
potential to reveal Phenax's lost secret. •
I
•
STARTING THE ADVENTURE The riders are both Returned sentries (see chapter 6)
from the necropolis of Odunos. One wields a shortbow
Once the players are ready to begin, explain to them that rather than a sling:
their characters are among a group of travelers on the
road headed into one of Theros's great poleis. They don't Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to h it, range 80/320 ft . ,
o n e target. Hit: 5 ( l d 6 + 2) pierc i n g d a m age.
need to know each other before this scene, but it's fine if
they do. Once the players are ready, read or paraphrase These assassins have dogged Varyas across the coun
the following text: tryside. They've been sent by an influential figure in
• •
Odunos who caught wind of Varyas's agenda and who
seeks to silence any who know Phenax's secret. The or
The s u n s i n ks low in the west, stretc h i n g s h adows across
acle managed to get away from them at a ferry crossing
the wel l -traveled road only a m i l e or so from the p o l i s 's
some distance back, but not before catching several ar
edge. At your c u rrent rate, you-a long with a loose rows in the back. He remained astride his mount despite
crowd of other travelers-should reach the polis out his wounds, but Varyas expired moments before his
ski rts just before dark. horse crashed in front of the characters. His pursuers
N ot everyone's movi n g at a leisurely pace, though.
don't know that, though.
These Returned resent all living people but espe
Behind yo u , a horse ro u n d s a bend i n the road , gallop
cially those aiding their target. They assume anyone
i n g at top speed. The beast looks fra ntic, terrified and
investigating Varyas's body is assisting him and move
frot h i n g with exert i o n . U pon it sways a figure wea r i n g a to cut them down. Even if no one goes to Varyas's aid,
gold mask. The r i d e r barely ma nages to stay in the sad the riders attack the mortals closest to the body, trying
dle, his body bristl i n g with cruel black a rrows. to ensure that no witnesses escape. "Get away from the
heretic, bleeder," one Returned snarls as she strides into
B l i n d with p a n i c , the horse plows o n , threate n i n g to
battle. Both ignore any mortals' explanations and fight
tra m p l e travelers in its path . Before it c a n , though, the
to the death. Their horses bolt if their riders are slain.
beast's legs give way. Both m o u n t a n d rider to p p l e , If the battle turns against the characters, a patrol of
cra s h i n g i nto the d ust w i t h a pierc i n g w h i n ny a n d a three guards from the polis stumbles upon the scene.
sound l i ke s n a p p i n g branches. The Returned attack them as well. In the aftermath, the
• • guards are quick to rush the characters along, but they
don't interfere if anyone searches the bodies.
Give the characters a moment to react, encouraging the
players to leap into action-in the first moments after an TREASURE
accident, time is of the essence!
The Returned carry little beyond the gold funerary
Anyone who rushes to the horse and succeeds on a
masks they wear (see chapter 6) and their equipment. In
DC 10 Wisdom (Animal Handling or Medicine) check
addition, one has a pouch containing 20 sp and a broken
can tell that the animal is exhausted and suffering from
piece of pottery. Any character who succeeds on a DC 14
a multitude of minor abrasions. If it is given water, food,
Intelligence (Arcana or Religion) check recognizes the
and rest, though, the horse-a red roan mare-will re
shard as an ostraka, a shard from a clay funerary mask,
cover fully in a day. Simple tooling on the horse's bridle
which is used as currency in the Underworld. On it is
reveals the horse's name: Photina.
scratched a brief order from the assassins' commander:
Characters more interested in the rider find that he's
"Silence the heretic Varyas. His secrets must remain
dead. In fact, he's been dead for some time. The figure's
dead." This leader's identity and agenda speak toward
skin is gray, and his wounds weep black blood. His
a larger threat beyond this adventure (see "Myths to Be
mask is clearly a funerary mask, though it's cast of gold
Told" at the end of this adventure for a few possibilities).
rather than clay. Characters who succeed on a DC 10 In
telligence check recognize the strange individual as one
of the Returned, someone who has died and come back
from the Underworld. A character who removes the
victim's mask finds no face beneath it-only blank gray
flesh over a black-lipped mouth-and dozens of lines
of finely etched symbols covering its interior. Most are
written in a strange cipher, but among the unreadable
glyphs, the word "Khea" stands out prominently.
... .
CHAPTER 4 I C R EATING THEROS ADVENTURES

KHEA THE SAGE
Khea (N female human oracle; see chapter 6) dwells
in a nondescript cottage near the edge of the polis. Her
home is small and cramped, crowded with drying laven
der and histories written in dozens of languages. Khea's
a busy woman, and regardless of when the characters
arrive, she initially refuses to see them until the next
morning. If a character succeeds on a DC 16 Charisma
(Persuasion) check, though, Khea admits them imme
diately. A character has advantage on this check if they
mention that the sage's name is inscribed on the mask
of a Returned. Khea's usual consultation fee is 3 gp, but
she waives it once she becomes aware that she is some
how involved in this situation.
Khea is a sharp-witted, hearty woman who never says
what a brow furrow or eyebrow arch could convey. After
admitting the characters, judging their manners, and
pointedly telling rude individuals to wait outside, she
asks to examine the mask.
MEA N I N G I N T H E MASK
After studying the mask for some time and consulting
scrolls from her collection, Khea confirms that, other
than her name, the text is an unusual code. Even if the
characters have already deciphered the first lines of the
cipher, Khea spends some time verifying it for herself.
In short order, she translates the first stanza as: "Hid
MASK OF VARYAS from eyes of mortals and gods/Lies wither in Orestes's
(FRONT ANO BACK) rot." She says that this text is purposefully direct, being
a line from a paean to Phenax. As for the rest, Khea re
veals that not only is it a cipher, but an incomplete one;
WH AT THE DE AD SEE letters have been removed from the message in some
In the wake of the battle with the Returned, the charac indiscernible pattern. Without knowing what the other
ters have an opportunity to continue along their way. Be letters are, the writing is impossible to decode-even
fore they can, though, all of them witness an incredible with magic-since it isn't a meaningful message in its
sight: an omen from the god Phenax. partial form.
For a moment, all sounds turn to whispers, and color
drains from the world, turning everything shades of BUR I E D I N T H E COURT OF ORESTES
gray-everything except for the gleaming golden mask. Although Khea can't tell the characters much more
Seconds later, things return to normal. Any character about the cipher, she recognizes the name Orestes.
who succeeds on a DC 1 2 Intelligence (Religion) check The line of verse, she says, could refer to the Court of
recognizes it as a sign from Phenax, but its exact mean Orestes, the legendary tomb of one of Phenax's earliest
ing is unclear. If anyone else is nearby and the charac followers. Orestes was said to be a master thief and an
ters ask them about the omen, it's clear no bystanders oracle who foresaw who would become Returned. Ac
witnessed the vision. cording to myth, the site also holds "Phenax's Silence,"
A character who scrutinizes the mask finds nothing though none know if the name is that of an actual object
supernatural about it, but it is plainly marked with the or merely a poetic flourish. The fact that this readable
word "Khea" followed by line after line of cramped line begins the inscription leads Khea to surmise that
glyphs. If a character seeks out a library in the polis and the key to translating the full message lies in the tomb.
spends a day trying to decrypt the text, they can make The exact location of the Court of Orestes is lost
a DC 16 Intelligence check. On a successful check, the to history, but ancient tales hint that it lies along the
character deciphers the simplest part of the cipher: "Hid Khystonos River. This narrow river is about three
from eyes of mortals and gods/Lies wither in Orestes's days' travel away from any of the poleis. Normally such
rot." On a failure, they learn nothing. information would mean little, except that Khea has
Beyond this, the text remains undecipherable, and the heard of an earthquake that dammed the headwaters
word "Khea" is also a mystery. If a character spends an of the Khystonos deep in the Katachton Mountains. As
hour inquiring in the polis about "Khea," or succeeds on a result, the river's flow has been reduced to a trickle
a DC 10 Intelligence (History) check (characters native for nearly a month, parching the region downstream.
to the nearby polis have advantage on this check), they Although this event has deeply concerned farmers, the
determine that Khea is the name of a local sage of some discovery of ancient etchings and ruined structures
renown. Once this fact is ascertained, the way to Khea's hidden beneath the waterline has roused many schol
ivy-covered home is easy to learn or recall. ars' interest.

186
SAGE ADVICE Khea's directions take roughly three days to follow from
Beyond her suggestion about the Court of Orestes, Khea any of the three poleis, a journey of approximately 50
is a font of insights. If any of the characters mention the miles-though, owing to Theros's changeable landscape,
shared vision they experienced, Khea is certain that you may adjust this distance and place the Khystonos
they witnessed a sign from Phenax, verification of the River in the Katachthons wherever you please (see
god's ominous interest in this enigma. "Exploring Theros" in chapter 3). Khea's route avoids
Khea can also identify the name Varyas as belonging obvious dangers, but necessarily runs through untamed
to a dangerous, rabble-rousing oracle who was devoted lands. If you want to highlight features of Theros, feel
to Phenax and who died mysteriously years ago. She free to include any additional encounters you please. In
has no idea if the Returned was actually him, but Varyas any event, the two following encounters occur along the
has caused trouble for her more than once-ever since way-probably on the first and second days of the trip.
she critically savaged his supposedly satirical comedy, The journey should also provide the characters with
The Satyr's Half-Horn. She wouldn't put it past the petty ample time to get to know one another. Encourage each
priest to harass her even in death. player to share why their character is remarkable or is
Khea can also answer most questions about the polis destined for greatness. If the group comes to believe
she lives in, the lands of Theros, the gods, the Under that fate has brought a band of extraordinary individuals
world, and the Returned. If any characters balk at the together, feel free to encourage that thinking with signs
idea of seeking out the Court of Orestes, Khea explains or omens like those from earlier in the chapter.
that the gods don't look kindly upon those who ignore
their omens, and that Phenax is a particularly danger THE WATERS OF LYTH
ous enemy to make. If the threat of divine vengeance Eventually, the party crosses a vale not noted on Khea's
isn't enough to encourage them to continue, Khea offers map. Read or paraphrase the following description:
the party 200 gp per character to collect rubbings and
• •
historic artifacts from the Court of Orestes.
Once the party commits to undertaking the quest, A s h a l l ow valley l i es a m i d the rise and fa l l of the Katach
Khea provides the characters with a map and directions thon foot h i l l s . At the d e l l ' s far edge stands a great rock
to where ruins were discovered along the Khystonos. outcro p p i n g that looks vaguely l i ke a satyr's face. The
stones weep a steady flow of water, which s p reads i nto

INTO THE WILDS a serene, sky- b l u e pond. W i l l ows grow along the waters'
After meeting with Khea, the characters have an oppor s h o re, gently sway i n g in a l i ght breeze.
tunity to explore the polis they're visiting and prepare • •
however they please. During this time, they might learn
much about the place. Relate to the players any informa Upon seeing this tranquil scene, each character should
tion appropriate to the polis and its culture from chap make a DC 15 Intelligence (History) check. Those who
ter 3. Additionally, while they make preparations, the succeed recognize this as the storied Pool of Lyth. Tales
characters hear one of the tales from the Polis Rumors tell that the pool's sweet blue waters grant visions of the
table. Each rumor is followed by a note on its accuracy. drinker's deepest desires and sometimes even fulfill
Those who actively seek information might hear an ad those desires.
ditional rumor.
P O OL OF LYTH
POLIS RUM ORS There's truth to the tales of the pool's remarkable quali
ties. Those properties don't extend from some oracular
d6 Rumor
magic, though, but from one of the god Pharika's poi
Purphoros's wrath shook the mountains a n d
sons, which seep from the surrounding rocks and taint
d a m med the Khystonos River. N ow v i l l agers down the pool. Any creature that drinks from the pool must
stream s u ffer as their fi e l d s and herds lack the water succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or gain
they need to s u rvive. (Partially true) two levels of exhaustion for ld4 hours as it is overcome
2 The Akroans have i nvented a new device of war that with drowsiness and mild hallucinations.
can tear down the wa l l s of the m i ghtiest fortress. The pool is no more than 10 feet deep at its center and
They tested it i n the Katachthon M ou ntains and plan only 1 or 2 feet deep near the edges. Anyone who suc
to use it against any who don't pay tribute. (False)
ceeds on a DC 16 Wisdom (Perception) check or tries
to look beneath the pool's surface notices animal and
3 A minotaur c a l l i n g h i mself K i n g Antigonos wanders
humanoid bones barely covered by the water.
the w i l d e rness see k i n g a s u itable heir. Anyone who
can pass his test will become his s u ccessor. (True) OUTCROPPING C AVES
4 If you d r i n k from the legendary Pool of Lyth , the gods Three natural caves open near the top of the 30-foot
will grant yo u r greatest wish. (Fal se) high rock formation at the far end of the pool. These
5 G ro u ps of gol d - m a s ked Returned from O d u nos have crevices might be noticed by anyone who succeeds on a
been harassing travelers, d e m a n d i n g to know if any DC 1 2 Wisdom (Perception) check and can be reached
one's seen a Returned wa ndering alo ne. (True) by climbing with a successful DC 12 Strength (Athlet
6 An i m mense hydra, Ocyroako, is d ri n k i n g up the
ics) check. These caves serve as the lairs of the harpies
that use the pool as their killing ground.
s p r i ngs that feed the Khystonos River. (False)

1 87
D U BIOUS ORACLES
Three blood-toll harpies (see chapter 6), sisters named
Ahkno, Hakno, and Jhamp, lurk in the caves near the
pool. The mangy, dull-witted sisters think they're seers,
but they're actually just addicted to the pool's tainted wa
ters. They use the poisoned pool to attract and weaken
creatures before setting upon their prey.
The harpies notice anyone who approaches the pool.
Under the pretense of being dream interpreters, the har
pies call out and flap close to visitors, encouraging them
to drink from the supposedly magical pool so the sisters
can interpret their visions. One of the harpies, Jhamp,
is a particularly bad liar, snickering and casting obvious
glances while her sisters attempt to dupe strangers.
If someone drinks from the pool, they are affected as
previously described but might still ask the harpies to in
terpret their meaningless hallucinations. If they do, one
of the sisters relates her own deepest desires, describ
ing in detail the flavor profile and mouthfeel of eating
one of the drinker's favorite organs.
The harpies attack after most of the visitors have
drunk from the pool-or earlier if these fraudulent seers
grow frustrated.
TREASURE
Over their years of minding the pool, the harpies have
accumulated treasures in their caves. After the har
pies are defeated, any character who climbs up to the
caves and investigates finds a considerable amount of
feather-encrusted filth, along with the following items:
• A total of 39 sp
• Seven turquoise stones carved with the symbols of to the east of the Oraniad Mountains. He claims that
random deities (25 gp each) he was a great king who was cursed by Mogis after he
• A potion of climbing defied his war advisors by making his sickly but beloved
• A spell scroll of sleep child his heir. He was cast out and has since become
tragically obsessed with finding a worthy heir.
BROKEN KING ANTIGONOS Whether Antigonos's tale is true, or if he is simply a
While the characters cross the wilderness of the Katach victim of his own fantasies, is unclear. The threat the
thon foothills, the following encounter takes place. Read wanderer poses, though, certainly isn't. After telling his
or paraphrase this description: story, he asks the strongest-looking Medium character
to submit to his test, believing the gods placed the group
• •
in his path for a purpose.
A scree-choked g u l l y runs between rugged h i l l s , a d ry
strea m bed that offers a route t h rough the r i s i n g rocks. TEST OF T H E AMPHORA
A bend in the steep bl u ffs h i des what l i es ahead, but the Antigonos believes that the true heir of his kingdom will
sound of hacking coughs comes from a ro u n d this corner. fit perfectly in the enormous amphora he carries, an an
• •
cient relic he found deep in the Oraniad Mountains. The
container is of sufficient size to hold a Medium creature,
Just around the corner, some 30 feet from the lead party but only one that fits perfectly is acceptable for the pur
member, rests the minotaur known as Broken King pose of the test. Antigonos judges what defines a perfect
Antigonos. He is old and decrepit, garbed in ancient fit, holding test-takers to inscrutable standards. The
finery worn to tatters. A dented crown rests on his brow, minotaur also doesn't reveal that anyone who doesn't fit
and one of his horns ends in a j agged stump. He drags the amphora must be punished, being trimmed to size
a rusty greataxe in the dirt, and tied to his back is a if they're too large or having their extra space filled in if
30-pound, clay amphora painted with images of warring they're too small. Only someone who fits perfectly might
hoplites-all of whom have had horns crudely painted be deemed the king's rightful heir.
on them to make them look like minotaurs. The broad Antigonos allows any Medium creature to attempt the
mouthed amphora is large enough to hold roughly 55 test. Doing so requires the creature to climb into the am
gallons of wine. phora while Antigonos holds it upright. After someone
When Antigonos spies the characters, he hails them, has entered the amphora, roll a d20 and consult the Test
introduces himself, and explains his quest to find an of the Amphora table to determine the results.
,· �
heir to his kingdom-a land he says is a week's travel
·-
I !"I
188
TEST OF THE AM PHORA
THE C OURT O F ORESTES
d20 Result
On the third day of following Khea's directions, the
1 -9 The character is too s m a l l . Antigonos tries to solve
party reaches the Khystonos. Its riverbed is nearly dry,
this pro b l e m by scoop i n g several p o u n d s of d i rt into the river reduced to a muddy trickle. After following
the a m phora, req u i r i n g the creature to make a D C 1 5 the lethargic flow for the better part of a day, the adven
Constitution saving th row. O n a fa i l ed save, the crea turers reach a bend where several prominent rocks jut
ture is b l i nded, restrained, and begi ns to s u ffocate from the mud. These stones mark the entrance to the
(see chapter 8 of the Player's Handbook) . O n a s u c Court of Orestes.
cess , it is affected as if it had been h it 9.y Antigonos's
Amphora attack.
COURT OF ORESTES FEATURES
1 0-1 9 The creature is too l a rge. Antigonos tries to trim Beyond the entrance along the Khystonos River, the
them down to size by atta c k i n g the creature with his Court of Orestes is a crumbling, centuries-old tomb.
greataxe. Inside, its walls are made of thick stone blocks, and the
20 The creature fits! Antigonos declares it h i s heir. H e
ceiling is about 10 feet high. Unless otherwise noted, the
crypt's doors have no hinges; each is a rectangular slab
bestows h i s crow n , robes, a n d belt pouch o n the
that requires a successful DC 12 Strength (Athletics)
creature, then bows before wandering off.
check to shimmy out of place.
When the Khystonos is at its full height, the Court
If no one participates in Antigonos's test, the minotaur of Orestes is underwater. Since the river's damming,
respects their decision and wanders off dejectedly. though, much of the water has emptied through vari
ous cracks in the stonework. Some of the tomb is still
CONTENDING WITH ANTIGONOS
partially flooded, though, holding roughly 2 feet of river
Broken King Antigonos is a minotaur with 38 hit points
water. Flooded areas are marked on map 4.16 and count
remaining and who has disadvantage on attack rolls
as difficult terrain.
due to his decrepit state. He has the following addi
tional action:
COURT OF ORESTES LOCATIONS
Amphora. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one M e
The area around the Court of Orestes and its interior
d i u m or s m a l l e r creature. Hit: 8 ( l d8 + 4) bludgeo n i ng d a m age.
locations are identified on map 4.16.
If there is not a l ready a creature i n side the am phora, the target
is restrained i nside. As an action, the restra i n ed creature can
1 . KHYSTONOS RIVERBA NK
make a D C 1 4 Dexterity (Acrobatics) check, escaping from the
When the party approaches this area from the south for
a m phora on a s u ccess. The effect also ends i f the am phora is
the first time, assuming sufficient illumination, they can
destroyed. The a m phora h a s AC 8 , 20 hit points, a n d i m m u n ity
see the tomb entrance from at least 60 feet away. When
to poison a n d psychic d a mage.
the structure comes within sight, read the following text:
In addition to taking action against those who don't fit
• •
inside his amphora, Antigonos attacks any characters
A s h a l low stream fi l l s o n l y a fraction of the riverbed . At
who insult him or try to rob him. Despite his age, he
can still muster a flash of his past prowess. He gets dis a b e n d , an u n natural arrangement of m u d -caked stones
tracted easily, though, using his greataxe and amphora j uts from the exposed riverbank. I t a p pears to be a crude
(if it is empty) on random targets. If the party attacks sto n e l i ntel a n d posts s u pporting a recta n g u l a r slab
him for attempting to harm a character, he curses them ro ughly fo u r feet wide a n d six feet high.
for trying to impede the will of the gods and retaliates.
• •
If the party doesn't attack the minotaur, he calms
down after a few rounds. The minotaur is clearly a vic The water here is roughly 30 feet wide and 2 feet deep.
tim of Mogis's cruelty. Any character who proposes Anti Though the river can be easily forded, the shallow wa
gonos follow their deity instead of remaining in Mogis's ters count as difficult terrain.
shadow, or suggests a similar course, can make a DC 14 Amid the muck and gravel on the northern bank hides
Charisma (Persuasion) check. If they succeed, Antigo a deadly predator, an amphisbaena (see chapter 6). The
nos abandons his amphora, then goes off to learn more serpent has concealed itself as it watches for prey, the
about his potential new god. Even if the character fails mud covering its body granting it advantage on Dex
this check, the minotaur turns thoughtful and departs. terity (Stealth) checks made to hide. The amphisbaena
However the party contends with Antigonos, grant targets the first creature to approach the stone slab.
them experience for having overcome the minotaur. Once the serpent is dealt with, anyone who examines
the rock formation quickly realizes it's a door. Opening
TREASURE or otherwise investigating the door knocks free the dirt
In addition to his battered pewter and silver crown encrusting it, revealing an ancient etching of a phoenix
(worth 85 gp), amphora (worth 25 gp to the right buyer, wearing a mask rising from a pile of bones.
such as a vintner), and tattered robes (worthless), Anti
gonos carries a backpack worn at his belt like a pouch.
It holds 16 cp, a large carnelian (worth 75 gp), and an
etching of a bookish-looking minotaur youth. - .
... .
CHAPTER 4 I C REATING THEROS A DVENTUR E S

189
1 square = 5 feet
MAP 4.16: COURT OF ORESTES
2 . ANTE C HA M B E R 3 . VI EWING ROOM

• • • •
The scent of warm, h u m i d rot s m others t h i s d i s m a l G rave n i ches a n d a l coves h o l d i n g fu nerary u rns l i n e the
cham ber. M o s a i c s cover t h e wa l l s , their colors faded a n d w a l l s of this cham ber. The cei l i n g i n the northern part of
i m ages scram bled b y lost t i l es. A thick layer of m u d cov the room h a s collapsed, b u ry i n g much of the area. At its
ers the floor, as we l l as stairs that descend to the east. A center, a broken marble bier sta n d s atop a short d a i s .
stone s l a b b l ocks the way to the north. • •
• •
This room once served as a place to view the remains
The mosaics here once depicted the feats of Orestes, a of those who died in Phenax's service and offer final
scoundrel-hero who devoted his life to Phenax. Among prayers. The bodies this room once held have rotted
the images, Orestes is portrayed stealing the sun from away in their burial niches, and the urns hold only gray
above the polis of Setessa, tricking a cerberus into de muck. Any character who sifts through the goo must
vouring itself, stealing a kraken's heart, and racing a succeed on a DC 1 1 Constitution saving throw for each
skiff ahead of the River Guide, Athreos. All the mosaics niche or urn they search or contract sewer plague (see
are ruined now, but they can be repaired enough to re chapter 8 of the Dungeon Master 's Guide).
veal the gist of what they depicted if a creature spends Treasure. Amid the rotted remains on each of the six
an hour searching through the mud to find the missing stacked burial niches lie small bits of jewelry, gold teeth,
pieces. Doing so provides no special insight but reveals or ancient coins, with each haul worth 2d4 gp.
a few details of the life of the legendary character who
4. FLOODED CATAC O M B
lies interred within these halls.
If a worshiper of Phenax enters the room, though, that • •
creature sees the mosaics in their complete, original g

The sta i rs descend i nto a b u r i a l c h a m be r part i a l l y
forms-resplendent in gold and shades of royal purple. �"
flooded w i t h m u ddy water. Ancient s t o n e wa l l s d ivide "
z
If that creature touches any of the images, it hears the
these cataco m b s , many l i n ed with grave niches h o l d i n g 5
name "Orestes" whispered in its mind. Then the illusion
z
vanishes, revealing the mosaics' actual state. ro ughly h u manoid s h a p e s wrapped i n tattered l i n e n . <(
Q
M o re than one of t h e s e grim parcels floats freely i n t h e ;!:

($
stagnant water. "
g
• • z
' . 51
>
0
·,,.

190
These catacombs serve as the burial place of lesser Phe 5. C RYPTS OF THE DEATH LESS
nax worshipers who earned the honor of being interred
•
near Orestes. Two feet of water fill the room, making the
entire area difficult terrain. Sta i rs ascend to a h a l l l i n ed with door fra mes barred by
Most of the bodies interred here have rotted away, rusted grates. An i ron brazier, its sides scul pted with
only their wood-and-linen burial dressings holding fu rious-looking faces, stands i n the m i d d l e of the h a l l ,
their shapes. If the characters move through the water, m i dway a l o n g i t s length. N ot far beyo nd, the cei l i n g h a s
their effort causes a few floating bodies to drift through
c o l l a p s e d , b u rying whatever l ies there.
the muck, bumping into walls and passersby. They are
• •
harmless but unsettling nonetheless.
In addition to the bodies, three Returned sentries These crypts hold the bodies of Phenax worshipers who
(see chapter 6) lurk here. These Returned are tritons were expected to return from the afterlife. None did.
and, in addition to the statistics of a normal Returned Brazier. The brazier that once lit this hall is sculpted
sentry, each can breathe water and has a swim speed with faces reminiscent of the masks the Returned wear.
of 30 feet. Decades ago, anticipating Varyas's mission, Any character who examines the brazier and succeeds
Phenax sent these Returned a vision instructing them to on a DC 12 Intelligence (Investigation) check notices
locate the tomb and guard it. The sentries infiltrated the that one of the faces is smiling, and that it's looking
crypt while it was submerged and waited here, drifting south toward crypt D.
in a torpor. Expecting Varyas, the sentries attempt to Crypts. There are five largely intact crypts here, four
ambush any non-Returned who enter the catacombs. of which are sealed by rusty metal grates. The grate of
These Returned are fanatics and fight to the death. each crypt can be wrenched free or otherwise bypassed
The stone slab on the east wall can be moved aside to with a successful DC 14 Strength (Athletics) check.
allow access to area 5, but any check to do so is made Beyond, each crypt holds a stone sarcophagus engraved
with disadvantage because of the room's standing water. with a name and depictions of the occupant's most in
Age and water compromised the slab door leading to famous feats. The lid of a sarcophagus can be opened
area 6, which now stands askew. with a successful DC 12 Strength (Athletics) check
Treasure. Each of the Returned sentries wears a though the partially buried sarcophagi in crypts C and E
piscine, gold funerary mask (see chapter 6). The bodies need to be dug out before they can be opened, taking 10
here bear no grave goods and deteriorate if disturbed. minutes for each one.
The crypts contain the remains of the following
ne'er-do-wells:
Crypt A holds Yerda Ever-Coin, who paid her debts with
stolen stars.
Crypt B holds "Cyclops" Phelnidus, beloved by numer
als and friend of dice.
Crypt C holds Solt, who was born Returned.
Crypt D holds Gathus Gadus, who could whisper any
one and anything to sleep.
Crypt E is empty. The name on the sarcophagus is vio
lently scratched out, and the engraved images are of
robed figures lamenting the loss of their eyes.
Secret Door. In the back wall of crypt D is a slightly
askew secret door. Any character who looks into crypt
D and succeeds on a DC 14 Wisdom (Perception) check
notices the secret door. Those who enter the crypt im
mediately notice what looks like a crooked wall. The
secret door opens easily.
Treasure. Aside from the drenched skeletons within,
crypts A and D each hold only a mundane clay burial
mask. The skeleton in crypt B wears an eyepatch that
is actually a two-birds sling (see chapter 5). Crypt C
contains a small body wearing a sorrowful silver burial
mask worth 50 gp.
C HAPTER 4 I C REATIN G T H E R O S ADVENTURES

• r91
6. S H R I N E OF P H E NAX the living realm as Returned. Soon after they arrived,
. . though, Varyas's eidolon entered the tomb. Antiophes
• •
and Callisos hope to capture the errant soul and deliver
M uch o f the ce i l i ng i n the southwestern part of this
it to Athreos, but the spirit has avoided them so far.
chamber has col lapsed i nto the rot-ti n ged water part i a l l y When the characters arrive, only Antiophes is in the
fi l l i n g t h i s roo m . I n a l coves fl a n k i n g the door t o the n o rth room. The whisper-voiced lampad tries to enlist them
stand twin life-sized statues of a fi g u re wea r i n g a b u r i a l in opening Orestes's sarcophagus, where the eidolon
is hiding. Those who refuse, or who want to use the
mask. B o t h reach out, as if t o accept or offer a gift.
eidolon for their own ends, earn Antiophes's wrath. The
• •
lampad attacks, using his Corpse Stride ability to tele
Much of this shrine has been destroyed, its altar and port between locations in the tomb-particularly areas
most of its trappings ruined by earth and time. The two 4, 5, 7, and 8. If seriously wounded, Antiophes teleports
statues depict the god Phenax; the depictions are slight to area 8 and tells his overprotective partner, Callisos,
ly disturbing but harmless. The 2-foot-deep standing what has happened. Both of the lampads then return to
water here makes the entire room difficult terrain. try to drive the characters off.
Obscured by water and debris, a mosaic covers the Eidolon. Varyas's ftitterstep eidolon (see chapter 6)
floor between the statues. Only a great effort would dwells in this room. It doesn't know why, but it was at
reveal the ancient artwork. Any Phenax worshiper who tracted to the tomb after returning from death. It doesn't
enters the room, however, sees the mosaic clearly, its know how much time has passed since then, but even
tiles depicting coins falling from a crumbling skull. tually it encountered the menacing lampad Antiophes,
Secret Door. The east wall bears a secret door. Any who threatened to deliver the eidolon to Athreos. To
character who succeeds on a DC 18 Wisdom (Percep escape the lampad, the eidolon hid inside Orestes's sar
tion) check notices a movable wall panel. cophagus, where it has lurked ever since.
Sarcophagus. The sarcophagus holds the skeleton of
7. TOM B OF ORESTES Orestes, a few grave goods, and Varyas's cowering eido
lon. Additionally, it possesses two magical properties .
• •
First, the sarcophagus is blessed by Phenax with a
This c h a m ber's ancient maso n ry rises to form a corbe l l ed
ward against defilement. The lid is supernaturally heavy,
dome. At the room's center l i es a pool of s l u d ge. A broad requiring a successful DC 20 Strength (Athletics) check
sarcophagus rises from the pool, its lid caked in crum to dislodge. Any creature who worships Phenax, though,
b l i n g c a n d l e wax a n d rotted offerings. Wh atever rites or who wears a funerary mask, finds the lid to be far ·
were performed her� were overseen by a la rger-t h a n - l i fe

lighter, gaining a +10 b onus on this check.
Additionally, reliefs on the sarcophagus depict Phe
statue i n the a l cove to the south, a sculpture d e p i ct i n g · ·
nax worshipers and Returned, as well as a prominent
the u p per body of a g r i m , m a s ked m a n . The statue . image of blood dripping onto scales bearing a Returned
reaches out, as if to accept what it h a s been offered . mask. Images of pale drops hover over a skeleton, while
To the east, a portion of the to m b's wall h a s collapsed, black drops loom over a Returned. Any character who
expos i n g a deep crevasse in the rock. succeeds at a DC 15 Intelligence (Religion) check learns
• •
that the sarcophagus itself bears a measure of Orestes's
oracular gifts. If blood is spilled on the lid, it turns black
This chamber serves as the resting place of the if the blood's owner is destined to become a Returned.
oracle-thief Orestes. According to legend, Orestes could Most of the time, spilled blood doesn't change color.
divine how long someone would live by reading a pool of If a character drips their blood upon the sarcophagus
·
the person's blood. Those who, in his vision, bled black lid, though, you can decide if their blood turns black or
were destined to one day follow the Path of Phenax, not-choosing if you want the character's story to go in
coming back from death as Returned. After Orestes's that direction (and you think the character's player will
death, his tomb was consecrated as a holy site by Phe accept it), or rolling a dlO and having it turn black on a
nax's followers, in part due to Orestes's sarcophagus 1. The ramifications of this revelation are up to you.
taking on the oracle's powers of prophecy. Development. If the characters open Orestes's sar
The room's domed ceiling rises 20 feet. The area cophagus, they find Varyas's eidolon inside. The eidolon
around Orestes's sarcophagus is difficult terrain, not be is a cowardly creature that tries to flee if attacked. Even
cause of the shallow, murky water there, but because of through its flickering form, though, its general shape
the hundreds of stray bones that lie beneath the water suggests the form and mask of Varyas the Returned.
the remains of animals sacrificed to Phenax. Any character who succeeds on a DC 14 Intelligence
More than the dead dwell in Orestes's tomb, though. (Investigation) check recognizes the spirit as Varyas's
Lampads. Two unsettlingly attractive lampads (see eidolon, and realizes it might be Phenax's Silence. If
chapter 6) named Antiophes and Callisos recently hap the characters protect the eidolon or use it for their own
pen�d upon Orestes's tomb, gaining access through the ends, Antiophes treats this as an affront and attacks.
collapsed eastern wall. They discovered the magical After any resulting battle with the lampads, the party
sarcophagus here and hoped to use it in service to can converse with Varyas's eidolon, who lethargically
the god Athreos, helping to predict which souls would agrees to leave with them and help decipher the mes
' - eventually try to escape the Underworld and reenter sage on Varyas's mask (see "Deciphering the Mask").
.
-
C HAPTER 4 I C REAT I N G THEROS ADVENTURES

192
Treasure. Aside from Orestes's ancient bones, the tell. Consult the Secrets of Phenax table, which presents
sarcophagus holds gold burial jewelry: an amulet (worth several options for what divine secret Varyas's eidolon
65 gp), a cloak clasp (worth 35 gp), and a broad arm might relate. The veracity of this secret is up to you to
band bearing green tourmalines etched to look like ser decide, and learning more about it might color future
pentine eyes (worth 150 gp). Additionally, Orestes's clay adventures of your own design.
burial mask is sculpted with a look of wide-eyed shock.
The mask functions as slippers of spider climbing. SECRETS OF PHENAX
d6 Result
8 . CAVE A N D TU N N E L As a morta l , Phenax was destined to free the Tita ns
• • from the U n d erworld. M orta l s k i l led h i m to save
On the cru m b l i n g eastern wall of the to m b is a ro ugh· themselves. The gods let h i m escape the U n d e rwo rld
edged h o l e t h at leads to an u n even cavity i n t h e earth. to save themse lves. W h at w i l l Phenax do if he learns
of h i s true destiny?
Two ancient u r n s and beds of crushed bones l i e i n s i d e .
2 A secret deity l a n g u i shes on an island j u st beyond
To the s o u t h , a narrow t u n n e l stretches i nto darkness.
where the Tartyx cascades off the wo rld's edge. There
• •
stands a d i l a p idated palace where Ph enax hid fo r a
Antiophes and Callisos use this cave as their dwelling, time d u ri n g h i s escape from the U n derworld. The pal-
heaping bones here to suit their tastes. Callisos spends ace's ruler is noth i n g less than Phenax's eidolon.
much time here, etching grimly poetic prayers to Ath 3 Phenax has triplet offs p r i n g, t h ree s o u l s that the god
reos on the walls with ink and bone chisels. If called to of deception abandoned in the U n d e rworld. Erebos
battle by Antiophes, or if audible conflict continues in
hides these s o u l s , valuing them as hostages-if Phe·
area 7 for more than 3 rounds, Callisos enters the fray.
nax ever rem e m bers that they exist.
The tunnel here leads to a cave system that, after
4 Phenax's blood l i n e co ntinues. The god 's m a ny-times·
days of travel, eventually winds through the lair of the
over gra ndch i l dren l ive as master thieves and n u m ber
wolf-toothed night hag, Stolsluko, then to the shores of
the Tartyx River. Details of these endless chambers are among the few souls who m i ght be able to steal Phe·
beyond the scope of this adventure. nax's place among the gods for their own .
Treasure. There are two 2-foot-tall lekythoi (jugs used 5 T h e secret t o Phenax's i m mortality l i e s i n t h e U nder·
in some burial rites) in this room. One holds muddy world and is accessi ble only by those who have d ied,
ashes that Callisos employs as ink. The other contains come back, and j o u rn eyed to the U n d erworld o n ce
a quantity of amber liquid amounting to three potions of more. By discovering t h i s secret, any Returned cou l d
healing-sacrifices to Phenax pilfered from the nearby become a god.
tomb. The potions can be collected in empty containers
6 Phenax i s dyi n g, his immo rtality flawed. Over the
the characters might have with them, or the full urn
ages, he has m a n i p u l ated destiny and his own blood·
(weighing 15 pounds) can be taken.
l i n e to bring about the existence of a bei ng that has
the potential to re invigorate him for another epoch:
DECIPHER ING THE MASK one of the characters.
Characters curious about the nature o f Phenax's Silence
find no grand prize in the Court of Orestes. Rather than More of the eidolon's secrets might be coaxed forth,
great wealth, the seer Orestes vaguely predicted the but doing that requires patient conversations, greater
events that would transpire here. As a result, his proph insights into Varyas's schemes, or intervention from
ecy and the resulting legend of Phenax's Silence fore Phenax's other servants (or even the god himself), all of
shadowed the memories the god lost when returning which might be the goals of future adventures.
from the Underworld and the first step to giving those
memories voice once more: Varyas's eidolon.
With the aid of both the eidolon and Varyas's mask, a MYTHS TO BE TOLD
character can start the process of revealing the message If the party has uncovered the secret of Varyas's mask
written on the mask. While Varyas's eidolon doesn't and the mysteries being smuggled out of the Under
remember the message's contents, it retains the ability world, consider whether each character has earned an
to interpret the cipher-though, possibly in piecemeal increase to their piety score (see chapter 2). Where the
or half-accurate terms. Deciphering the mask is an story goes next is up to you. To guide the characters to
elaborate process, and keeping the eidolon on task is a their next adventure, consider the following questions:
time-consuming endeavor, requiring that a character • If Varyas was enlisted by Phenax to discover his se
spend an hour and succeed on a DC 14 Charisma (In crets, what else might the god have told the sage?
timidation or Persuasion) check. On a failed check, the • What other secrets might Varyas's eidolon know? Per
eidolon rambles, sharing disjointed half-memories and haps an oracle, like Khea, could coax forth more?
dreamy opinions about its surroundings. On a success, Someone in league with the Returned had Varyas
the eidolon reveals a snippet of the cipher's meaning. killed. Who could it be-agents of Odunos, followers of
What the eidolon reveals is a worthy secret ... and one Erebos, or perhaps Tymaret the Murder King himself?
left to you to choose, depending on the story you want to And what might their intentions toward the party be? .. •

19 3
TREASURES
HE SUN GOD REACHED OUT AND PUT HIS a +l spear might have been carried by a company of
hand upon Kytheon's shoulder. "You proved hoplite veterans that went missing during their quest
to reach the edge of the world. Wands might be crafted
your worth as a warrior in the attack on your
from legendary sources, while potions might bear
polis, but it is time to prove yourself worthy the seals of famed alchemists or include signature
to be my champion." He reached up to the sunlit sky, and reagents-like a pegasus feather in a potion of flying.
The Remarkable Origins table offers just a few ways to
the light coalesced around his fist. It elongated and took the
suggest a magic item's remarkable pedigree without al
shape of a spear that resembled the god's own weapon.
tering its magical properties.
"With this spear, destroy the titan. This is what I task you Certain treasures might also be the objects of heroic
with. This is your ordeal." quests. For example, one might not be considered a true
hero until one follows in the footsteps of past legends
Igitheon gaped, both at the spear and at the task the god
and either makes or claims one's own magical garment
had set before him. from the wool of a Nyx-fleece ram (see chapter 6). You
-Ari Levitch, "Gideon: Kytheon lora of Akros" can also use the tables in chapter 7 of the Dungeon Mas
ter's Guide to help further inspire the story you create
On Theros, magic items carry reputations as rich and for a magic item.
storied as those who wield them. They might take form
in the god-realm of Nyx, spring from Purphoros's forge REMARKABLE ORIGINS
in Mount Velus, or come from legendary mortal smiths. dl2 Origin
Some crafters create great works to put an end to a The item bears the name or emblem of a lost troop
specific peril, while others create to honor the gods.
of Akroan stratians (described in chapter 3).
The most renowned works are the weapons of the gods
2 The item is etched with a name or prayer written in
themselves, treasures synonymous with divine power
Celestial (the language of the gods).
that forge legends with their every use.
3 The item looks like it's been at the bottom of the sea
for a hundred years but functions perfectly.
MAGIC ITEMS 4 The item is wrapped in handwritten scrolls, suggest·
The following sections explore some of the magic items
ing it was once possessed by a founder of one of Me·
that heroes might encounter during their adventures
letis's philosophical schools (described in chapter 3).
across Theros. These treasures might serve as rewards
5 The item bears a design or sculpted feature sugges·
for heroic deeds, or they could spur the gods' champions
tive of a Returned mask.
toward great acts. All the gods have access to mighty
6 A knotted cover or grip depicts colorful birds or styl·
troves of storied items, which they have few qualms
about granting to their favored servants-or reclaiming ized herd animals from the plains of Oreskos.
when their usefulness is over. 7 The item is at least partially made from the heart·
wood of a Setessan caryatid (described in chapter 3).
GIFTS OF THE GODS The wood regularly sprouts fresh leaves, or its whorls
Just as the heroes of Theros carry great destinies, so suggest humanoid features.
too do many of the magic items they encounter. The 8 The item rests among the remains of its former
common folk don't typically possess magic items, yet owner, who thanks (or curses) those who take it.
adventurers come across them with some regularity 9 The item is at least partially made of iron.
further evidencing the divine favor most enjoy. Nearly 10 Whoever first touches the item receives an omen
every magic item was created with a purpose and often from the god who watches over it (see chapter 4 for
carries with it a role in some greater story, whether an
details on omens).
epic long ended or one yet untold.
11 The item lies in a crater, as if it fell from the heavens.
As DM, feel free to make ordinary magic items feel
12 The item glimmers with the stars of Nyx and is a per·
like they have significant history and purpose. Even
feet facsimile of an item used by a legendary hero.
....
CHAPTER 5 I TREASURES
195
FLYING CHARIOT
MAGIC ITEM DESCRIPTIONS HELM OF THE Gons

Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement)
This section presents an assortment of magic items in
alphabetical order. See the Dungeon Master's Guide for While wearing this helm, you know whether there is a
the rules on magic items. celestial or fiend within 30 feet of you, as well as where
the creature is located, provided the creature isn't be
FLYING CHARIOT hind total cover.
Wondrous item, rare Whenever you finish a long rest while wearing the
helm, you can pray to one of the gods listed on the Helm
The chariot's riders and creatures pulling the chariot
of the Gods table and store the listed spell in the helm,
gain a +1 bonus to their AC.
replacing any spell that is already stored there. The save
If this magic chariot is pulled by one or more flying
DC for the spell is 13.
creatures, it too can fly.
The helm has 3 charges. To cast a spell from the helm,
you must expend 1 charge, and the helm regains ld3
CHARIOTS
charges daily at dawn.
Chariots and the creatures pulling them work like con
trolled mounts, as described in the mounted combat
HELM OF THE Goos
rules in the Player's Handbook, but with the following
differences: God Spell
• Mounting or dismounting a chariot costs you 5 feet of Athreos protection from evil and good
movement, rather than a number of feet equal to half Ephara sanctuary
your speed.
Erebos inflict wounds
• Being mounted on a chariot grants you half cover.
Heliod guiding bolt
• A chariot's speed is equal to the speed of the slowest
creature pulling it. lroas heroism
• If multiple creatures are pulling the chariot, they all act Karametra goodberry
on the same initiative, and they must take the same ac
Keranos thunderous smite
tion on their turn.
Klothys entangle
Kruphix dissonant whispers
Mogis hellish rebuke
God Spell PYXIS OF PANDEMONIUM
Nylea faeriefire Wondrous item, legendary
Pharika lesser restoration A creature that touches this ornate wooden vessel for 1
Phenax charm person minute gains the benefits of a short rest. That creature
also gains the effects of the bless spell until the creature
Purphoros searing smite
finishes a short or long rest. The creature can't gain
Thassa identify
these benefits again until it finishes a long rest.
If the vessel is opened, roll on the Pyxis of Pandemo
MOLTEN BRONZE SKIN nium table to determine what happens. Any spells cast
Armor (breastplate, half plate, or plate), rare (requires by the vessel have a spell save DC of 17. One minute
attunement) after the vessel is opened, it disappears. It reappears,
This magical armor appears as a jug of molten bronze. sealed, in a random location on the same plane of exis
When you attune to it, the bronze adheres and contours tence 24 hours later.
to your skin. The armor can be worn under normal Curse. Any creature that gains the benefit of a short
clothes, but it doesn't impede bodily functions. Once you rest from the vessel hears cloying telepathic whispers
put it on, it can't be removed unless you choose to do so. emanating it. That creature must make a DC 17 Wis
While wearing the armor, you have resistance to fire dom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature is
damage. The armor also doesn't impose disadvantage charmed by the vessel for 1 hour. The charmed creature
on Dexterity (Stealth) checks. does everything it can to open the vessel as soon as pos
sible. On a successful save, the creature is immune to
POTION OF AQUEOUS FORM the vessel's whispers for 24 hours.
Potion, rare
When you drink this potion, you transform into a pool of PYXIS OF PANDEMONIUM
water. You return to your true form after 10 minutes or if d8 Calamity
you are incapacitated or die. Androphagia. Each creature within 60 feet of the ves
You're under the following effects while in this form:
sel must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw
Liquid Movement. You have a swimming speed of 30 or go berserk for l minute. The berserk creature
feet. You can move over or through other liquids. You must begin its turn using the Attack action to make
can enter and occupy the space of another creature. one melee or ranged attack (its choice) against the
You can rise up to your normal height, and you can
creature nearest to it. The berserk creature can re
pass through even Tiny openings. You extinguish non
peat the save at the end of its turn, ending the effect
magical flames in any space you enter.·
on itself on a success.
Watery Resilience. You have resistance to nonmagical
damage. You also have advantage on Strength, Dex
2 Bile Blight. The vessel casts the harm spell on each
terity, and Constitution saving throws. creature within 30 feet of it.
Limitations. You can't talk, attack, cast spells, or acti 3 Flood. The vessel casts the tsunami spell at a point
vate magic items. Any objects you were carrying or of the DM's choice within 120 feet of it.
wearing meld into your new form and are inaccessi 4 Medusa's Gaze. The vessel casts the flesh to stone
ble, though you continue to be affected by anything spell on each creature within 30 feet of it.
you're wearing, such as armor.
Pvx1s OF
PANDEMONIUM
d8 Calamity ARTIFACTS
5 Labyrinth. The vessel casts the maze spell on each Miraculous relics fill the tales of Theros. Among these
creature within 30 feet of it. legendary items, none are more renowned than the
6 Nightmare. Tendrils of shadow seep from the vessel weapons of the gods themselves. These artifacts em
and form into ld4 shadow demons (see the Monster body divine will and the power of Nyx. Where they
Manual for their stat block), which appear in unoc appear, these weapons change the tide of wars and the
cupied spaces within 30 feet of it and are hostile. course of history.
Typically a deity bestows their weapon only on a
7 Swarming Insects. The vessel casts the insect plague
favored champion or devotee. Depending on the cham
spell, centered on itself and with a radius of 30 feet.
pion's piety score, the mortal can tap into hidden prop
8 Unbridled Revel. The vessel casts the Otto's irresist
erties of the weapon (see chapter 2 for details on piety).
ible dance spell on each creature within 30 feet of it. Alternatively, those who don't worship the weapon's
divine owner often find themselves cursed for their lack
SIREN SONG LYRE of proper devotion.
Wondrous item, rare (requires attunement) Occasionally a god's weapon might fall into the wrong
You can use an action to play this lyre and cast one of hands or go missing entirely, sparking fantastic quests.
the following spells from it: animal friendship, charm Consult the Weapons of the Gods Adventures table
person, enthrall, suggestion. If the spell requires a sav for suggestions of the sort of quests these artifacts
ing throw, the spell save DC is 13. might inspire.
Once the instrument has been used to cast a spell, it
can't be used to cast that spell again until the next dawn. WEAPONS OF THE Goos ADVENTURES
d6 Plot
SLING BULLETS OF ALTHEMONE
Steal a god's weapon to lay low one of that god's
Weapon (sling bullet), very rare
servants-a creature that can only be harmed by its
The sling bullets come in a pouch, which contains ld4 + creator's wrath.
4 bullets. Roll on the Magic Sling Bullets table for each
2 Recover a god's weapon that has been stolen by
bullet to determine its magical property.
another god's champion in an attempt to frame the
You have a +2 bonus to attack and damage rolls made
weapon's owner for cruel acts.
with each of these bullets. If a bullet misses its target,
the bullet teleports back into the pouch. Once a bullet 3 Wrest back a god's weapon from a divine champion
hits a target, the bullet loses its magic. who needed it but refuses to return it.
4 Destroy a god's weapon and channel the energy re
MAGIC SLING BULLETS leased to create a new magic item or work a miracle.
d4 Bullet 5 Reforge a god's weapon after an incredible feat
Banishment. A creature that takes damage from this caused it to shatter.
bullet must succeed on a DC 15 Charisma saving 6 A god's weapon has gained sentience (see "Sentient
throw or be banished as though affected by the ban Magic Items" in chapter 7 of the Dungeon Master's
ishment spell. Guide). Determine whether to use it, return it to its
2 Fulguration. On a hit, this bullet deals an extra 2d8 creator, or help it grow into its own being.
lightning damage to its target. All other creatures
within 10 feet of the target must each succeed on a ARTIFACT DESCRIPTIONS
DC 15 Constitution saving throw or take ld8 thunder
This section presents an assortment of artifacts in al
damage. phabetical order. See the Dungeon Master's Guide for
3 Stunning. On a hit, this bullet deals an extra ldlO the rules on artifacts.
force damage, and the target is stunned until the
end of your next turn. AKMON, HAMMER OF PURPHOROS
4 Tracking. A creature that takes damage from this Weapon (warhammer), artifact (requires attunement)
bullet is marked with a glowing rune where the bul Purphoros's hammer works wonders and disasters,
let hit. The mark lasts 24 hours. While the creature the god of the forge using it to craft ground-breaking
is marked, you always know the direction to it. marvels and dangerous inventions in equal measure.
Purphoros rarely bestows Akmon on mortals but occa
Two-BIRDS SLING
sionally leaves it unattended at his forge in Mount Velus.
When Purphoros does permit a mortal to use the ham
Weapon (sling), rare
mer, it's usually so they might bring an important work
You have a +l bonus to attack and damage rolls made into being, wreck a force of destruction, or forge some
with this weapon. thing remarkable somewhere the god isn't welcome.
When you make a ranged attack with this sling and hit Hammer of the Forge. This magic warhammer
a target, you can cause the ammunition to ricochet to grants a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with
ward a second target within 10 feet of the first, and then it. When you hit with an attack using it, the target takes
.. ..
make a ranged attack against the second target. an extra 3d10 fire damage.
·..
198
Bident of the Deep. Thassa's signature weapon
thrums with the icy currents of the deep ocean. This
weapon functions as a trident that grants a +3 bonus
to attack and damage rolls made with it. When you hit
with an attack using the bident, the target takes an extra
2d10 cold damage.
Blessing of the Deep. If you are a worshiper of
Thassa, you gain all the following benefits for which you
have the required piety:
Piety 10+. You can breathe underwater, and you gain a
swimming speed of 60 feet.
Piety 25+. The bident has 1 randomly determined minor
beneficial property.
Piety 50+. The bident has 1 randomly determined major
If you aren't a worshiper of Thassa, the bident has 1
AKMON, liAMMER OF PuRPHORos
minor detrimental property and 1 major detrimental
property, both randomly determined.
See "Artifacts" in chapter 7 of the Dungeon Master's
Blessing of the Forge. If you are a worshiper of Pur Guide for details on randomly determined properties.
phoros, you gain all the following benefits for which you Command the Deep. The bident holds the power to
have the required piety: command the waves and its creatures. As an action, you
Piety 10+. The hammer has 1 randomly determined mi can change the condition of the sea within 1 mile of you,
nor beneficial property. creating strong winds and heavy rain that cause violent
Piety 25+. The hammer has 1 randomly determined ma waves (see "Weather at Sea" in chapter 5 of the Dun
jor beneficial property. geon Master's Guide) or calming a storm. In either case,
Piety 50+. The hammer has 1 additional randomly de the unnatural weather lasts for 1 hour before returning
termined major beneficial property. to normal. Once used, this property of the bident can't
be used again until the next dusk.
If you aren't a worshiper of Purphoros, the hammer has
Additionally, you can cast the dominate monster spell
2 randomly determined minor detrimental properties.
(save DC 18) from the bident, but only on beasts and
monstrosities that have an innate swimming speed.
Guide for details on randomly determined properties.
Once used, this property of the bident can't be used
Reforged. While holding the hammer, you have re
again until the next dusk.
sistance to fire damage and are immune to exhaustion.
Additionally, you have proficiency with smith's tools and
have advantage on all ability checks made using them.
SpeJJs. While the hammer is on your person, you can
use an action to cast one of the following spells (save DEKELLA,
DC 18): animate objects, heat metal, fabricate, magic B1DENT OF THASSA
weapon, mending, shatter. Once you use the hammer to
cast a spell, the spell can't be cast again from it until the
next dusk.
Destroying the Hammer. To destroy the hammer,
it must be taken to the realm of Tizerus, in the Under
world. There it must be coated in clay from the Mire of
Punishment. The heat of the hammer hardens the clay,
which fuses to it after one month. Once fully hardened,
the clay-covered hammer must be swallowed and di
gested by a kraken.
DEKELLA, BIDENT OF THASSA

Weapon (trident), artifact (requires attunement)
Thassa wields Dekella, a two-pronged weapon
gifted to her by Purphoros. When the god of the
sea bestows her weapon on a mortal, it's of-
ten so they might work her will far from the
ocean, right some wrong affecting those
she'd prefer not to harm, or give a mor
tal a glimpse of her terrible respon
sibilities.
Arrows ofthe Seasons. The four arrows-each asso
ciated with a season-that accompany this bow can be
EPHIX.15,. fired only from it. Each arrow disappears immediately
Bow OF NvLEA after it's used, and it reappears in the quiver at the next
dusk. The save DC against spells cast with the arrows is
18. Each arrow has a unique property:
Spring. As an action, you can fire this arrow, targeting
a beast or a plant creature you can see within 320
feet of you. On a hit, the arrow deals no damage,
and the target gains the benefits of the awaken spell
for 8 hours.
Summer. As an action, you can fire this arrow at an un
occupied space on the ground that you can see within
320 feet of you, no attack roll required. A Nyxborn
lynx is summoned in that space (use the stat block for
a tiger with the Nyxborn traits from chapter 6). The
lynx understands your verbal commands and obeys
them as best it can, and it takes its turns immediately
after yours. The emissary remains for 1 hour before
fading away.
Autumn. As an action, you can fire this arrow at a space
on the ground that you can see within 320 feet of
you, no attack roll required, casting the wall ofthorns
spell there.
Winter. As an action, you can fire this arrow at a space
that you can see within 320 feet of you, no attack roll
Aquatic Metamorphosis. You can cast the true poly required, casting the ice storm spell there.
morph spell (save DC 18) from the bident, but you must Destroying the Bow. The bow can't be destroyed
cast it on a creature to turn it into a kind of creature that without first destroying all its arrows. The winter arrow
has an innate swimming speed. Once used, this prop must be fed to a cerberus on the winter solstice. The
erty of the bident can't be used again until the next dusk. spring arrow must be planted at the base of a Black Oak
Destroying the Bident. To destroy the bident, it must of Asphodel on the spring equinox. The summer arrow
be heated by the breath of an ancient red dragon and must be broken by a sea giant on the summer solstice.
then, while still hot, immersed in the Tartyx River. Then the autumn arrow must be shot into the carcass of
a hydra on the autumnal equinox. When all four arrows
EPHrxrs , Bow OF NYLEA
are destroyed, the bow and quiver dissolve into dust.
Weapon (shortbow), artifact (requires attunement)
Nylea wields the shortbow Ephixis, the bow whose ar KHRUSOR, SPEAR OF HELIOD
rows herald the turning of the seasons. Nylea is quick Weapon (spear), artifact (requires attunement)
to let her favored followers borrow her bow, particularly Heliod wields Khrusor, a spear blessed with the power
when they intend to use it to perform great deeds, put an of the sun. In his hands, it can be pitched from Nyx to
end to foul creatures, or cast down the arrogant. any point on Theros. When Heliod lends his weapon to
Bow ofthe Wild. This divine weapon includes a a mortal, it's typically so they can perform some great
shortbow and a quiver with four arrows, each tied to one work in his name or as a test of their worthiness.
of the four seasons. You gain a +3 bonus to attack and Spear ofthe Sun. This spear grants a +3 bonus to
damage rolls made with this bow, and you suffer no dis attack and damage rolls made with it. When you hit with
advantage when attacking at the weapon's long range. an attack using this spear, the target takes an extra 2d8
Additionally, Ephixis scores a critical hit on a d20 roll radiant damage.
of 19 or 20. Blessing of the Sun. If you are a worshiper of Heliod,
Blessing ofthe Wild. If you are a worshiper of Nylea, you gain all the following benefits for which you have the
you gain all the following benefits for which you have the required piety:
required piety:
Piety 3+. You gain 15 temporary hit points each dawn.
Piety 10+. The bow has 1 randomly determined minor Piety 10+. The spear has 1 randomly determined minor
beneficial property. beneficial property.
Piety 25+. The bow has 1 randomly determined major Piety 25+. The spear has 1 additional randomly deter
beneficial property. mined minor beneficial property.
If you aren't a worshiper of Nylea, the bow has I ran Piety 50+. The spear has 1 randomly determined major
domly determined major detrimental property. beneficial property.
See "Artifacts" in chapter 7 of the Dungeon Master's If you aren't a worshiper of Heliod, the spear has 2 ran
Guide for details on randomly determined properties. domly determined major detrimental properties.
·..
200
Luminous. The spear sheds bright light in a 30-foot
radius and dim light for an additional 30 feet. The light
is sunlight.
Sun's Retaliation. When you take damage from a
creature within 5 feet of you, you can use your reaction
to make a melee attack with the spear against that crea
ture. On a hit, the spear deals damage as normal, and
the creature is blinded until the start of its next turn.
This property of the spear can't be used again until the
next dawn.
Spe/Js. The spear has 10 charges. While holding it,
you can use an action to expend 1 or more of its charges
to cast one of the following spells (save DC 18) from it:
guiding bolt (1 charge), daylight (3 charges, targeting the
tip of the spear only), sunbeam (6 charges). The spear
regains ld6+4 expended charges daily at dawn.
Destroying the Spear. If taken to Erebos's palace in
Tizerus, and used to sacrifice a champion of Heliod to
MAST IX,
Erebos, Khrusor is either destroyed or fundamentally
WHIP OF EREBOS
twisted to Erebos's service.
MASTIX, WHIP OF EREBOS

Weapon (whip), artifact (requires attunement)
regain hit points equal to half the amount of necrotic
Erebos wields Mastix, a whip capable of extending like damage dealt.
an impossibly long shadow. In the hands of the god of Additionally, when you make an attack with the whip
the dead, the whip snares the reluctant dead and drags on your turn, you can increase the range of the attack
them into his realm. When Erebos grants his weapon to 300 feet. This property of the weapon can't be used
to a mortal follower, it's typically to reclaim a powerful again until the next dusk.
soul or to humiliate Heliod. Blessing ofthe Dead. If you are a worshiper of Ere
Whip ofthe Dead. Erebos's whip seethes with the bos, you gain all the following benefits for which you
enervating energy of the Underworld. This magic whip have the required piety:
grants a +3 bonus to attack and damage rolls made
Piety 1+. The whip has 1 randomly determined minor
with it. When you hit with an attack using this whip,
detrimental property-a burden Erebos imposes to
the target takes an extra 2d8 necrotic damage and you
test his faithful.
Piety 25+. The whip has 1 randomly determined major
Piety 50+. The whip has 1 additional randomly deter
mined major beneficial property.
KHRUSOR,
If you aren't a worshiper of Erebos, the whip has 2 ran
SPEAR OF HELIOO domly determined major detrimental properties.
Erebos's Claim. While carrying the whip, you can
use an action to cast either circle of death or dominate
monster (targeting only undead) from the whip. The save
DC for these spells is 18. Once you use the whip to cast
a spell, that spell can't be cast from it again until the
next dusk.
Destroying the Whip. To destroy the whip, it must be
taken to the heights of Mount Hiastos in Nyx, unraveled
by a Returned, and left to bask in continual daylight for
one month.
- I
...·
201
FRIENDS AND FOES
S THEY SO OFTEN DO, DESTRUCTION AND You can use the Nyxborn Monster Origin table to
help you decide what brought a Nyxborn creature into
creation intermingled. As Purphoros cut
existence.
into Nyx, he rattled the celestial creatures
that populated the night sky. He accidental/y NYX B O R N M O N S T E R O RIG I N
dislodged Polukranos, the World Eater,Jrom its heaven/y d6 Origin
perch. The fifty-headed monster plunged toward the mortal A god created the creature to serve as an emissary.
realm, leaving a trail of Nyx blazing in the sky. 2 The creature formed as the side effect of some other
divine action.
Heliodjoined with Nylea, God of the Hunt, who cast vines
3 The creature escaped from the Underworld.
beneath the hydra's body to ease its harsh entrance into the
4 The creature took shape from the tales told about it.
world. The hydra materialized in the valley and was mo 5 A god made the creature to serve as a pet or mount.
mentari/y stunned into stillness. Though much diminished 6 The creature took shape from d reams or n ightmares.
in size, the hydra could still destroy every human city unless
it was immediate/y contained. Together the gods trapped NYXB ORN STAT I STICS
the hydra inside a cavern deep under the Nessian Forest. Any type of creature might be Nyxborn. A Nyxborn crea
-Jenna Helland, Godsend ture has the normal statistics for its kind, but usually
has a special characteristic, a magical quality that sets it
apart. When creating Nyxborn creatures, you can sum
This chapter provides stat blocks for a variety of crea
marize their Nyxborn traits as Magic Resistance, as in
tures unique to Theros, including mythic monsters-leg
the Nyxborn Traits table. Alternatively, if you'd like more
endary beings intended to serve as peerless threats. It
variety, roll on that table to randomly determine the dis
also includes lore relevant to monsters from the Monster
tinctive characteristic of a Nyxborn creature, or choose
Manual that appear on Theros.
one of these or similar traits.
NYXBORN CREATURE S NYX B O R N TR AITS

Just as the gods are born of Nyx, so are many creatures. d6 Trait
Nyxborn creatures are beings of legend, some the Magic Resistance. The creature's Nyxborn natu re gives
subjects of hopeful dreams and others the product of
it advantage on savi ng th rows against spells and other
nightmares. They come into existence as the result of
magical effects.
divine action, as the expression of abstract ideals, or as
2 Light Sensitivity. A creature of the night sky, the Nyx·
manifestations of the strength of shared belief. As mor
tals continue to tell their tales of creatures that never born has disadvantage on attack roll s , as well as on
were and repeat legends that glorify historic individuals, Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on sight, while it
Nyxborn creatures of those stories might arise. is in bright light.
Whether monsters, manifestations of long-dead mor 3 Immutable Form. The Nyxborn creature is the philo
tals, or other beings, Nyxborn creatures share certain sophical ideal of its kind. It is i m m u n e to any spell or
characteristics: they resemble ordinary mortal crea effect that would alter its form.
tures, but any part of their body that isn't lit by direct 4 Magic Weapons. The Nyxborn creature's weapon at
light shows the starry gleam of Nyx. Nyxborn creatures tacks are magical.
typically act as the direct servants of one of the gods, 5 Nyx Step. The Nyxborn can move through other crea
but occasionally they escape from the realm of Nyx and
tures and objects as if they were d ifficult terra i n . It
pursue their own goals-which might be as simple as
takes 5 ( l d l O) force damage i f it ends its turn inside an
violent rampage, or as complex as a far-reaching plan to
object.
break the power of the gods.
6 Starlight Form. The Nyxborn glows with the soft light
of the n ight sky, shedding dim light i n a 1 5 -foot radius. .. •
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C HAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S AND FOES

203
CYCLOPES WOULD RATHER STEAL T H E BOUNTY O F
SMALLER: BEINGS THAN T O I L THEMSELVES.
C LAS SIC MONSTERS C ATOBLEPAS

Numerous creatures hold special places in the lives and Legends tell o f a human herder who bragged that his
myths of Theros's people. Some are beings said to have cattle were the finest in all of Theros. When the gods
been created by the gods-often for special purposes or heard this, Heliod, Nylea, and Mogis became involved
as divine punishments. Others roam particular territo in laying a curse that afflicted the mortal and his cattle,
ries-lands that have become synonymous with a mon giving rise to the first catoblepas. How the gods were
strous population. And still other monsters are in some involved, though, and for what honorable or petty rea
way unique to Theros, exhibiting appearances, behav sons, the gods' faithful-particularly those of Heliod and
iors, and abilities seen few other places in existence. Nylea-greatly debate (see chapter 2). Regardless, cato
This section explores Theros's most noteworthy mon blepases are widely viewed as cursed creatures, which
strous myths and uriosities unique to this world. If a only Mogis's faithful hold in wicked esteem.
monster appears differently on Theros than elsewhere The catoblepas appears in Volo's Guide to Monsters.
in the multiverse, those differences are noted here.
Should those differences be significant enough to alter CYCLOPS
a creature's statistics, those changes are detailed here, The human polis of Akros maintains an outpost in the
as well. If a monster is from a collection other than the Katachthon Mountains to keep an eye on the cyclops
Monster Manual, its source is listed in its description. population around One-Eyed Pass (see chapter 3). From
the cyclopes' perspective, the Akroan soldiers provide a
BAS I L I S K reliable source of food, for the soldiers herd approaching
Legends told among the worshipers of Pharika describe enemies into cyclops territory rather than fighting these
how the god hid a treasure trove of secrets in basilisk foes themselves. Thus, the cyclopes attack the Akroans
blood, inspiring her followers to seek ways to reveal the just enough to keep the humans afraid of them, but not
truths hidden among organs and scales. Healers dilute so much that they eliminate them or drive them off.
the blood to use in potions, and oracles employ it in divi Similarly, cyclopes who prey on sheep learn never
nation rituals. to eat the shepherd. Like the pit of a fruit, a discarded
Basilisks on Theros have only four legs but are sta shepherd will eventually "grow" a new flock to feed
tistically identical to the monster described in the Mon the cyclopes.
ster Manual.

204
D RAGON wealth, or flattery, a dragon might share its interpreta
tions of omens-either those it has witnessed or sights
The dragons of Theros are barely capable of �peech and mortals relate to them. Roll on the omens tables in chap
sow destruction either individually or by forcing minions ter 4 to determine what the dragon has seen. How the
to carry out their will. Only red and blue dragons exist
dragon interprets these visions is up to you.
on Theros, and both are brutish tyrants that leave devas
tation in their wake. KRA K E N
BLUE DRAGONS Krakens number among the most terrifying denizens
Blue dragons live along the ocean shore in cliffside of the sea, their wrath capable of ruining entire poleis.
caves, from where they scan the waves for prey that Under normal circumstances, each kraken is bound by
swims or flies into their territory. Many experienced sea a sea lock, a magical effect that restricts its travel. The
captains know the blue dragon lairs along the coastlines area encompassed by the lock is large enough to enable
they ply and chart routes to avoid draconic scrutiny. the kraken to feed but prevents these near-immortal
beings from raiding densely populated regions. Some
RED DRAGONS stories claim that a seaquake or other natural disaster
Red dragons soar over mountain slopes and lowland val might break a sea lock and free the kraken to rage as
leys, feasting on cattle and those who tend herds. They it pleases. Other tales, though, suggest that sea locks
often lair in dangerous mountain caves or volcanoes. emanate from ancient coral weapons buried in the
Akroans revere red dragons and employ their images in ocean depths and that keep a kraken tied within a few
the design of their armor, believing that the creatures hundred miles.
embody the drive for power and dominion. Akroans
sometimes settle near a red dragon's lair, forging tenu NADIR KRAKENS
ous alliances by making sacrifices of cattle or prisoners The largest and most devastating krakens, nadir krak
to gain its favor and protection. ens, dwell in the deepest ocean trenches. These krakens
are unique beings, of which the terrifying Tromokratis
IMMORTAL PERSPECTIVE (described in the "Mythic Monsters" section of this
Despite their arrogance and viciousness, dragons are chapter) numbers among the most feared. When a na
long-lived and perceptive. Their age and patience al dir kraken breaks free of its sea lock and rises to the
lows them to divine signs amid violent weather and the surface, continents are redrawn, civilizations collapse,
rotation of constellations. For worthy sacrifices of food, and eras end.
UNLEASHED FROM THE DARKEST OCEAN DEPTHS, EACH

NADIR KRAKEN IS A UNIQUE AQUATIC NIGHTMARE.
LAM IA The medusas of Theros differ from those in the Mon
ster Manual in that they have long, serpentine bodies
When rage and despair at the gods' misdeeds consume
in place of legs. A medusa uses the stat block from the
a mortal mind, a lamia comes into being. Most la�ias in
Monster Manual with the following altered and addi
Theros are Nyxborn (described earlier in this chapter),
tional actions:
owing their existence to their own twisted imagination,
which has changed their physical nature to reflect their Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to h it, reach l 0 ft., one
internal self. Lamias have wildly varying physical forms, target. Hit: 7 (2d6) bl udgeon i ng damage, and the target i s
ranging from a feline shape similar to the lamia in the grappled (escape DC 1 1) if it is a Large or smaller creature. Un
til this grapple ends, the target is restrai n ed, and the medusa
Monster Manual to a more serpentine form similar to a
can't constrict another target.
yuan-ti. In each case, the lamia's body reflects the crea
ture's corrupted instincts and predatory nature. Multiattack. The med u sa makes either three melee attacks
one with its snake hair, one to constrict, and one with its
M E D USA shortsword-or two ranged attacks with its longbow.
Medusas (often called gorgons on Theros) are closely as
NIGHT HAG
sociated with Pharika, the god of poison and medicine.
Pharika has charged her favored servants with guarding Night hags on Theros appear as leathery-faced crones
secrets of life, health, and immortality that are too pow that hold their single eye within their withered lips as
erful to be known by those who lack the wisdom to use they stare with eyeless sockets. They usually build their
them properly. Those who approach a medusa with hu huts in the Underworld, particularly around the tower
mility and worthy offerings might receive the creature's ing pillars of basalt and granite within the Mire of Pun
favor. The medusa might propose a dangerous quest to ishment (see chapter 3). There, amid the lamentations
fetch some rare ingredient or legendary relic, promising of those who have offended the gods, night hags inhale
to reward success with a bit of Pharika's knowledge. the smoke of toxic balefires. They follow the visions
This information might lead to a cure for a plague, an the smoke invokes to the dreams of vulnerable mortals
alchemical breakthrough, or a secret of the cosmos. where they sow the seeds of folly.
A night hag senses the world around her with sensi
tive fingers, keen hearing, and the single eye she typ
ically holds in her mouth. When a night hag uses her
powers to transform, her eye often becomes a bauble or
fROM THE FOULEST REACHES OF THE UNDERWORLD,
N IGHT HAGS INVADE THE DREAMS OF MORTALS.

piece of jewelry she keeps close at all times.
ALTHOUGH T HEY POSSESS GREAT WISDOM, SPH INXES WON'T
SHARE T HEIR SECRETS WITH JUST ANYONE,
SPH I NX THE WANDERING ORACLE

Throughout history, the wise and ancient androsphinx
Sphinxes typically dwell in island sanctums, especially
Medomai has appeared in Meletis during moments of
in the far reaches of the Dakra Isles. Many develop
historical import, such as religious ceremonies, cor
schools of philosophy or academic methods that they
onations, and the onset of wars. For decades, he has
share with students they deem worthy, their ideas re
brought his cryptic knowledge of future events to the
markable enough to seem akin to magic. Their age and
people, but since his predictions tend to be dire, his ar
wisdom also often allows them to predict what's to come
rival is generally viewed as a bad omen.
as effectively as any oracle.
RIDDLES OF THE SPHINX UN ICORN

A sphinx might ask riddles to explore the cleverness, Unicorns on Theros are closely tied to the mysteries of
thought processes, and humility of those who seek to Nyx. They often appear in the dreams of those doing the
learn from them. These inquiries help the sphinx gauge work of goodly gods. In such dreams, they might guide
a would-be student's mettle before allowing them access the weary to solace, the forlorn to joy, and the heroic to
to its secrets. The following are just a few riddles (along their destiny. In the waking world, they often provide
with their answers) that a sphinx might use to test a the same aid, sometimes appearing to step from dreams
visitor's wit: into reality. Those who follow unicorns might find the
treasures of lost heroes, hallowed ruins, or grand omens
The more of these you take, the more you leave be
from the gods.
•
hind. (Steps)
What has six faces, but no mouth, has twenty-one
eyes, but cannot see? (A die)
What turns everything but does not move? (A mirror)
The more there is, the less you see. (Darkness)
• What is stronger than the gods, more terrifying than
the demons, the poor have it, the rich need it, and if
you eat it, you die? (Nothing)
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C HAPTER 6 I FRIE N D S AND FOES

207
BESTIARY
The following pages include descriptions and stat·
blocks for inhabitants of Theros. The majority are
presented in alphabetical order. At the end of this sec
tion, you'll find a selection of mythic monsters, foes
designed to pose challenges worthy of legend.
STAT BLO C K S BY
CREATURE TYPE
The following list categorizes the creatures in this
chapter by creature type. Creatures marked with an
asterisk appear in the "Mythic Monsters" section later
in this chapter.
ABERRATION HUMANOID
Woe strider Akroan hopl ite
Leo n i n iconoclast
CELESTIAL
M e l etian hoplite
Arch on of fallen stars
Oracle
Ashen rider
Setessan hoplite
Winged bull
Triton master of waves
Wi nged lion
Triton shorestalker
CONSTRUCT
MONSTROSITY
Anvilwrought raptor
Amphisbaena
Bronze sable
Aphemia
Burnished heart
Arasta''
Colossus of Akros
Blood-toll harpy AM P H I SBA E NA
Gold-forged sentinel
Fleecemane lion The amphisbaena has a head at either end of its ser
FIEND
H i ppocamp pentine body, and each head sports venomous fangs.
Hython ia* To move, an amphisbaena uses one mouth to grip the
Abhorrent overlord
l ronscale hydra neck of its other head, forming a hoop that rolls over
Eater of hope
Nyx-fleece ram the ground.
N i ghtmare shepherd
Polu kranos
FEY Theran chimera AMPHISBAENA
Alseid Tromokratis* Medium monstrosity, unaligned
Lam pad Two-headed cerberus
N aiad Typhon Armor Class 1 4
Hit Points 1 1 (2d8 + 2)
Oread U nderworld cerberus
Speed 30 ft., swim 30 ft.
Satyr reveler
UNDEAD
Satyr thornbearer STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Fl itterstep eidolon 14 (+2) 18 (+4) 1 2 (+l ) 3 (-4) 10 (+O) 3 (-4)
GIANT G hostblade eidolon
Doomwake giant Phylaskia Skills Perception +4
H u ndred-handed one Retu rned drifter Senses blindsight 10 ft., passive Perception 1 4
Returned palamn ite Languages-
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Returned sentry
Two Heads. The amphisbaena has advantage on saving th rows

against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned,
and knocked unconscious.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The amph isbaena makes two bite attacks.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft., one tar·
get. Hit: 6 ( l d4 + 4) piercing damage and 4 (ld6 + 1) poi
son damage.

208
ANVILWROUGHTS
The first anvilwroughts were created b y the god o f the
forge, Purphoros. He gave the secret of breathing life
into these metal creatures to his most devoted followers
so they could mimic his works and invent new forms at
their own forges. ANVILWROUGHT RAPTOR
Some anvilwroughts are vigilant guardians at holy Tiny construct, unaligned
shrines, others serve as familiars and messengers, and
a few were created to emulate beauty found among the Armor Class 1 4 (natural armor)
animals of the mortal world. Each exhibits abilities Hit Points 18 (4d4 + 8)
suited to its role, with some behaving like companion Speed l 0 ft., fly 60 ft.
able creatures or stoic guardians.
A few extremely rare and valuable anvilwroughts were STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA
crafted by the hand of Purphoros himself. A number 1 2 (+l) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 3 (-4) 1 4 (+2) l (-5)
of these magnificent creations are now heirlooms of
Skills Perception +4
monarchs; others are lost to the sands of time or are
Damage Immunities fi re , poison
guarded by ancient monsters. Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, paralyzed,
Constructed Nature. An anvilwrought doesn't require petrified, poisoned
air, food, drink, or sleep. Senses darkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 4
Languages understands o n e language o f its creator but can't
ANVILWROUGHT RAPTOR speak
Challenge 1/2 ( 1 00 XP)
Prized among Meletis's thaumaturges, anvilwrought
raptors are often crafted in the form of a hawk or an
Keen Sight. The raptor has advantage on Wisdom (Perception)
owl. Most serve as messengers and spies, flying over
checks that rely on sight.
the busy streets or high over the land while carrying or
seeking vital information for their masters. Recorded Mimicry. The raptor can mimic any sound, including
voices, it has heard i n the last 24 hours. A creature that hears
VARIANT: ANVILWROUCHT RAPTOR FAMILIAR the sounds can tell they are i m itations with a successful DC 1 2
Some anvilwrought raptors are created expressly to be fa. Wisdom ( I n sight) check.
m i l iars. Such creatures have the fol lowing trait.
Familiar. The anvilwrought can serve another creature ACTIONS
as a fam i l iar, form ing a magical , telepathic bond with its Multiattack. The raptor makes two attacks with its beak.
wi l l i ng master. While the two are bonded, the master can
sense what the anvilwrought senses, as long as they are Beak. Mefee Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
withi n l mile of each other. Hit: 5 (ld4 + 3) piercing damage.
C HAPTER 6 I F R I E N D S AND FOES

209
BRONZE SABLE
Medium construct, unaligned
Armor Class 1 5 (natural armor)

H it Points 32 (5d8 + 10)
Speed 30 ft. , climb 30 ft.
BRON ZE SABLE STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA

13 (+l) 16 (+3) 15 (+2) 3 (-4) 14 (+2) l (-5)
The first bronze sables were presented to Karametra as
a gift by Purphoros to serve primarily as guardians in Skills Stealth +5
Karametra's temples. But as others have been created, Damage Immunities fi re, poison
some have been used as nimble scouts, always on alert Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, paralyzed,
for danger. petrified, poisoned
Senses darkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 2
BUR N I S H E D H A RT Languages understands o n e language o f its creator but can't
speak
Among the first anvilwroughts to be forged by Purpho Challenge l (200 XP)
ros, elegant burnished harts wander the mortal realm
in search of new sights to bring back to the god of the False Appearance. While the sable remains motion less, it is in·
forge. On every trip from Mount Velus, where Purphoros disti nguishable from a normal statue.
has his forge, they seek out the far reaches of the world
so they can witness beauty in all its forms, then later Pack Tactics. The sable has advantage on a n attack roll against
a creature if at least one of the sable's al l ies is with i n 5 feet of
reunite with their creator, their minds filled with tales of
the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
how life's splendor continues to develop.
Surprise Attack. If the sable surprises a creature and h its it with
GOLD-FORGED S E N T I N E L an attack during the first round of com bat, the target takes an
extra 10 (3d6) damage from the attack.
The original purpose of gold-forged sentinels is a mys
tery, and of all Purphoros's original anvilwroughts, this
ACTIONS
construct is the most difficult to control. A sentinel often
operates without a master, stalking the high places of Multiattack. The sable makes two bite attacks.
the mortal world or waiting, still as a statue, for what Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
could be decades before reanimating to carry out their Hit: 7 ( l d 8 + 3) piercing damage.
mysterious purpose.
C H APTER 6 I FRI E N D S AND FOES

2IO
GOLD-FORGED SENTINEL
GOLD-FORGED SENTINEL
Large construct, unaligned
Medium construct, unaligned Armor Class 1 6 (natural armor)

Hit Points 76 (8d 1 0 + 32)
Speed 40 ft., fly 60 ft.
Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Hit Points 45 (6d8 + 1 8)
Speed 50 ft. STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
1 8 (+4) 13 (+2) 19 (+4) 3 (-4) 16 (+3) 10 (+O)
STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA
1 7 (+3) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) 3 (-4) 15 (+2) 1 (-5) Skills Perception +6
Damage Immunities fire, poison
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, paralyzed,
petrified, poisoned
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, paralyzed,
petrified, poisoned
Languages understands o n e language o f its creator b u t can't
Senses darkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 12
speak
Languages u nderstands one language of its creator but can't
Challenge 5 (1 ,800 XP)
speak
Challenge 2 (450 X P)
Charge. If the sentinel moves at least 20 feet straight toward
a target and then h its it with a ram attack on the same turn,
Charge. If the hart moves at least 20 feet straight toward a
the target takes a n extra 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage. I f the
target and then hits it with an antlers attack on the same turn,
target is a creature, it m ust succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving
the target takes an extra 7 (2d6) fi re damage. If the target is a
throw or be knocked prone.
creature, it must succeed on a DC 1 3 Strength sav i n g throw or
be knocked prone. Spell Turning. The senti nel has advantage on savi n g throws
aga i n st any spell that targets only the sentinel (not an area). If
Heated Body. A creatu re that touches the hart or hits it with a
the senti nel's saving throw succeeds and the spell is of 4th level
melee attack while within 5 feet of it takes 5 ( l d l O) fire damage.
or lower, the spell has no effect on the senti nel and i n stead
Sure-Footed. The hart has advantage on Strength and Dexterity targets the caster.
saving throws made against effects that would knock it prone.
ACTIONS
ACTIONS Multiattack. The senti nel makes two ram attacks.
Multiattack. The hart makes two attacks: one with its antlers
Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
and one with its hooves.
Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) bludgeon ing damage.
Antlers. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
Fire Breath (Recharge 5-6). The sentinel exhales fire i n a
Hit: 7 ( l d 8 + 3) piercing damage.
1 5-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 1 5
Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target. Dexterity sav i n g throw, taking 2 7 (6d8) fire damage o n a failed
Hit: 5 ( l d4 + 3) b l udgeoning damage plus 2 (ld4) fi re damage. save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
.
..
C HAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S A N D FOES

211
•
ARC HONS
The mysterious conquerors known as archons
once ruled vast empires. These armored war
lords saw themselves as champions of merciless
justice, and they ruled with iron fists. But their
dominance ultimately came to an end. As the
archon overlords toppled, they scattered to the
fringes of the world, and their holdings developed
into the poleis of today.
Even though the age of archons is long past,
many wonder if the few surviving archons might
someday attempt to reestablish their empire or
if they are truly resigned to their lesser role in
the world.
ARCHON OF FALLI NG STA R S

The epic accounting of the world's earliest histories
called The Cosmogony recounts the battle between
a group of the gods' champions and a mighty archon,
which took place at the mysterious eastern edge of the
world. Defeated, the falling archon is said to have met
the rising sun. But Heliod showed mercy to the penitent
archon, who swore to uphold justice and righteousness
in the world's wildest places. As a sign of his mercy, He
liod gave the archon a spear that rivaled his own in its
brilliance. This was the first archon of falling stars.
ARCHON OF FALLING STARS Dexterity sav i n g throws. I f the arch on i s reduced to 0 hit
points while riding its mount, the mount is reduced to 0 h it
Medium celestial, lawful good
points as wel l .
Armor Class 18 (plate) Radiant Rebirth (Recharges after a Long Rest). If t h e archon
Hit Points 144 ( 1 7d8 + 68) is reduced to 0 h it points, it regai n s 30 hit points and springs
Speed 30 ft. back to its feet with a burst of radiance. Each creature of the
archon's choice within 30 feet of it must succeed on a DC 16
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Constitution saving throw, or the creature takes 1 3 (3d8) rad i·
20 (+5) 1 5 (+2) 19 (+4) 15 (+2) 21 (+5) 19 (+4) ant damage and i s b l i nded u ntil the start of the archon's turn.
Saving Throws Str +9, Con +8, Wis +9, Cha +8 ACTIONS
Skills Arcan a +6, H istory +6, Insight +9, Perception +9
Damage Immunities rad iant
Multiattack. The archon makes two attacks with its ra
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened diant spear.
Senses truesight 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 9 Radiant Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 10 ft.,
Languages all one target. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) piercing damage plus 10 (3d6)
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
radiant damage.
Innate Spellcasting. The archon's spellcasting ability is Wis LEGENDARY ACTIONS

dom (spell save DC 1 7, +9 to hit with spell attacks). The archon
The archon can take 3 legendary actions, choosi n g from the
can i nnately cast the following spells, req uiring no material
options below. Only one legendary action option can be used
components:
at a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The ar·
At w i l l : command, guiding bolt, spare the dying ch on regai n s spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
l/day each: crusader's mantle, spirit guardians
Attack. The archon makes a rad iant spear attack or casts
Magic Resistance. The archon has advantage on saving throws guiding bolt.
against spells and other magical effects. Coordinated Assault (Costs 2 Actions). The archon makes a ra
diant spear attack, and then its mou nt can use its reaction to
Mount. If the arch on isn't mou nted, it can use a bonus action make a melee weapon attack.
to magically teleport onto the creature serv i n g as its mount, Return to Nyx (Costs 3 Actions). The archon causes a corpse it
provided the archon and its mount are on the same plane of can see within 30 feet of it to burst i nto a shower of radiant
existence. When it teleports, the archon appears astride the stars leaving no trace of it behind. Everything it is weari ng or
mount, along with any equipment it is wearing or carrying. carrying remains. Each creature within 1 0 feet of the corpse
While mounted and not i ncapacitated, the archon can't when it bursts must succeed on a DC 16 Dexterity savi n g
be su rprised, and both it and its mount have advantage on th row or take 22 (4dl0) radiant damage.
CHAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S A N D FOES

2I2
ASHEN RIDER
The fall of the ancient archon empires left some archons
bitter and resentful. Seeking to avoid the spread of hu
man civilization, these archons made their way to the
Underworld. The horrors of the place broke their minds,
bodies, and spirits and twisted them into the terrifying
archons known as ashen riders. When they ride forth
upon the mortal world, terrified mortals make offerings
in a desperate attempt to appease them, but the ashen .
riders aren't merciful, and they delight in reducing the . .
paragons of the mortal world to ash.

•.
ASHEN RIDER Dexterity saving throws. I f the ashen rider is reduced to 0 hit
points while riding its mount, the mount is reduced to 0 h it
Medium celestial, lawful evil
points as wel l .
Armor Class 1 8 (plate)
ACTIONS
Hit Points 1 78 (21 d8 + 84)
Speed 30 ft. Multiattack. The ashen rider makes three attacks with its
ashen blade or two attacks with its bolt of ash.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
Ashen Blade. Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to h it, reach 1 0 ft., one
20 (+5) 16 (+3) 19 (+4) 15 (+2) 21 (+5) 1 8 (+4)
target. Hit: 1 4 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage plus 1 3 (2d l 2) rad i
ant damage.
Saving Throws Str +1 0, Con +9, Wis +1 0, Cha +9
Skills H istory +7, I nsight + 10, Perception + 1 0 Bolt of Ash. Ranged Spell Attack: + 10 to h it, range 1 20 ft. , one
Damage Immunities thunder creature. Hit: 22 (4dl0) necrotic damage, and the target can't
Condition Immunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened regain hit points until the start of the ashen rider's next turn.
Senses truesight 1 20 ft., passive Perception 20
Languages all LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Challenge 16 (1 5 ,000 XP)
The ashen rider can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
the options below. Only one lege ndary action option can
Aura of Silence. When a creature starts its turn within 30 feet of
be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's
the ashen rider, the rider can force that creature to make a DC
turn. The rider regains spent legendary actions at the start
1 8 Wisdom saving throw ifthe rider can see it. On a successfu l
of its turn.
save, the creature i s i m m u n e to this aura for the next 2 4 hours.
On a failed save, the creature can't speak and is deafened until Attack. The ashen rider makes an attack using its ashen blade
the start of its next turn. or bolt of ash.
Coordinated Assault (Costs 2 Actions). The ashen rider makes
Innate Spellcasting. The ashen rider's spellcasting a b i l ity is an attack using its ashen blade or bolt of ash, and then its
Wisdom (s pell save DC 18). The rider can i n n ately cast the fol mount can use its reaction to make a melee weapon attack.
lowing spel ls, requiring no material components: Reduce to Ash (Costs 3 Actions). The ashen rider targets a crea
At will: command, compelled duel ture it can see with i n 60 feet of it. The target must succeed
l /day each: banishment, blade barrier on a DC 18 Constitution savi ng th row, or it takes 27 (5dl0)
necrotic damage and its hit point maxi mum is reduced by an
Mount. If the ashen rider isn't mounted, it can use a bonus amount equal to the necrotic damage take n . This reduction
action to magical ly teleport onto the creature serving as its lasts until the target fi n ishes a long rest. I f the target's hit
mount, provided the ashen rider and its mount are on the point maxi m u m is reduced to 0, its body and everyth ing it is
same plane of existence. When it teleports, the ashen rider ap wearing and carryi ng, except for magic items, are reduced to
pears astride the mount along with any equ ipment it is wearing ash. A creature reduced to ash can't be revived by any means
or carrying. short of a wish s pe l l .
Whi l e mounted and not i n capacitated, the ashen rider can't
be surprised, and both it and its mount have advantage on

ARCHON MOUNTS
Archons always ride into battle on fearsome winged
mounts. Some legends suggest that the mount is ac
tually a physical manifestation of the archon's will,
allowing the pair to act with a single mind. The two
most common archon mounts are winged bulls and
winged lions.
WINGED BULL
Large celestial, unaligned
Armor Class 12
H it Points 95 ( l O d l O + 40)
Speed 60 ft., fly 60 ft.

20 (+5) 1 4 (+2) 18 (+4) 6 (-2) 10 (+O) 5 (-3)
Senses passive Perception 10

Languages understands Celestial but can't speak
Challenge 4 (l ,lOO XP)
Charge. I f the bull moves at least 20 feet straight toward a crea

ture and then h its it with a gore attack on the same turn, the
target takes an extra 19 (3dl2) pierc i n g damage.
Two-11EADED CERBERUS
ACTIONS
Gore. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one target.
C ERBERI
Hit: 18 (2d l 2 + 5) piercing damage. Feared b y the living and the dead, cerberi patrol both
banks of the Tartyx River. These multiheaded hounds of
the Underworld breathe gouts of molten rock that sear
WINGED LION and imprison those who trespass upon the borders of
life and death. Most cerberi have a boundless hunger for
Large celestial, unaligned
fresh meat, especially the flesh of humanoids. Villains
Armor Class 13 have been known to exploit that hunger by luring cerberi
Hit Points 1 14 (12d l 0 + 48) away from the river and setting them loose on mortal
Speed 60 ft., fly 60 ft. settlements.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Two-HEADED C E R B E RUS

20 (+5) 16 (+3) 18 (+4) 6 (-2) 1 4 (+2) 5 (-3)
Thought to be a lesser breed of cerberi that have inter
bred with mortal wolves, two-headed cerberi typically
Languages u nderstands Celestial but can't speak roam the mortal side of the Tartyx River. There they
Challenge 4 (l ,100 X P) generally ignore-or only modestly menace-the souls
of the dead. Such isn't the case for mortals, though, and
Pounce. I f the lion moves at least 20 feet straight toward a they eagerly set upon those who tread too close to the
creature and then hits it with a claw attack on the same turn, Underworld's borders.
that target must succeed on a DC l 5 Strength saving throw or
be knocked prone. I f the target i s prone, the lion can make one UNDE RWORLD C ER B E RUS
bite attack against it as a bonus action. Three-headed cerberi dwell deep in the Underworld.
Terrifying and cunning, they guard portals between the
ACTIONS
wards of the Underworld, Erebos's greatest treasures,
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: and noteworthy souls who might attempt to escape the
16 (2dl0 + 5) piercing damage. realm of the dead. Three-headed cerberi commonly
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one target. serve demons, but if left to their own devices, they often
Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage. herd wily souls into labyrinthine Underworld wilder
nesses, then hunt them for sport.
·.,.
CHAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S AND FOES

214
UNDERWORLD CERBERUS
UNDERWORLD CERBERUS
Medium monstrosity, lawful evil Large monstrosity, lawful evil
Armor Class 1 2 Armor Class 1 6 (natural armor)

Hit Points 3 9 (6d8 + 1 2) Hit Points 1 04 ( l l d l O + 44)
Speed 40 ft. Speed 60 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA
1 5 (+2) 14 (+2) 14 (+2) 3 (-4) 13 (+l) 6 (-2) 19 (+4) 12 (+l ) 18 (+4) 10 (+O) 16 (+3) 9 (-1)
Skills Perception +5, Stealth +4 Skills Ath l etics +7, Perception +9, Stealth +4
Damage Immunities fire, necrotic Damage Immunities fi re, necrotic
Condition Immunities b l inded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion, Condition Immunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion ,
fr ightened, stu n ned frightened, stunned
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 1 5 Senses truesight 30 ft., passive Perception 1 9
Languages- Languages u nderstands a l l languages but can't speak
Challenge 2 (450 X P) Challenge 6 (2,300 XP)
Aggressive. As a bonus action, the cerberus can move up to its Aggressive. As a bonus action, the cerberus can move up to its
speed toward a hostil e creature that it can see. speed toward a hostile creature that it can see.
Multiheaded. The cerberus can't be surprised, and it has ad Multiheaded. The cerberus can't be su rprised , and it has ad
vantage on sav i n g th rows against being knocked unconscious. vantage o n saving throws against being knocked unconscious.
Pack Tactics. The cerberus has advantage on an attack rol l Pack Tactics. The cerberus has advantage on an attack rol l
against a creature i f a t least one o ft h e cerberus's allies i s within against a creature i f a t least o n e o ft h e cerberus's a l l ies is within
5 feet of the creature and the ally i s n't incapacitated. 5 feet of the creature and the ally isn't i ncapacitated.
A C TIO N S A CTI O N S
Multiattack. The cerberus makes two bite attacks. Multiattack. The cerberus makes three bite attacks.
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target. Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit:
Hit: 5 ( l d 6 + 2) piercing damage plus 2 (l d4) fire damage. 1 1 (2d 6 + 4) piercing damage plus 3 (l d6) fi re damage.
Breath Weapon (Recharge 5-6). The cerberus exhales a 1 5 -foot Breath Weapon (Recharge 5-6). The cerberus exhal es a 30-foot
cone of molten rock. Each creature in the cone must make a cone of molten rock. Each creature in the cone must make a
DC 1 2 Dexterity saving throw, taking 10 (3d6) fire damage on a DC 1 5 Dexterity saving th row, taking 21 (6d6) fi re damage on a
fai led save, or half as much damage on a successful one. On a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. On a
fai led save, a creature is also restrained by the hardening rock. failed save, a creature is also restrai ned by the hardening rock.
A creature can make a DC 12 Strength (Athletics) check as an A creature can make a DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check as an
action, freeing itself or a creature with i n reach fr om the rock o n action, freeing itself or a creature within reach fr om the rock o n
a success. T h e rock has A C 1 7 and 1 0 hit points, and it i s im a success. T h e rock h a s A C 1 7 and 2 0 hit points, and it i s i m
mune to fi re, poison, and psychic damage. m u n e t o fi re, poison, and psychic damage. •

215
Nyx exist, as unrestrained magical energy often causes
C HI M ERA more chimeras to appear in a region. As such chaotic
The term chimera applies to a wide variety of disparate magic is inherent to a chimera's being, these monsters
monsters that combine the features of multiple beasts. often manage to shrug off spells cast against them.
While many artistic depictions represent chimeras as an
amalgam of lion, ram, and dragon, these beasts appear C USTOM I ZI N G A C H IM E RA
with nearly endless variations.
The Theran chimera stat block presents one possible
The Akroans tell a tale of the first chimera's origin,
chimera configuration. You may customize these statis
wherein the god Keranos sought to test Nylea's favor
tics to design your own unique chimera. To do so, simply
ite champion, Renata of Setessa, by creating a beast
roll once on one or all of the following tables. Results
so deadly that even she would balk at trying to hunt
from the Body Composition table adjust the Theran
it. When Renata slayed this lion-ram-dragon creation
chimera as described, while results on the Breath Weap
effortlessly, Keranos created another combination of
ons, Head Attacks, and Tail Attacks tables replace those
deadlier beasts to challenge her. She slayed that beast,
respective actions in the stat block. Theran chimeras
too. Despite countless attempts, Keranos was unable to
always have the Claws action. If the results of multiple
create a beast that Renata couldn't best.
tables conflict, chose your preferred result.
Chimeras typically roam the deep wilds of the world,
constantly seeking a lair that would perfectly suit one of BO DY COM P O S I TIO N
its heads, but then finding it unsatisfying to two-thirds
of its being. As a result, a hungry chimera might appear d4 Attack
out of a clear sky to pick off prey nearly anywhere. This Plains Creature. The c h i me ra's body is that of a large
threat grows even more significant in regions where lowland creature, such as a b u l l or a bear, and it lacks
magic runs rampant or where portals to the realm of wings and a flying speed. The c h i m era is especially re
si lient, gai n i n g resistance to cold and fire damage.
ThERAN CHIMERA 2 Coast Creature. The chimera's body is that of a coastal
Large monstrosity, unaligned or aquatic creature, such as a heron or a shark. The
chimera gains a swi m m i ng speed equal to its walking
Armor Class 1 5 (natural armor) speed and can breathe air and water.
Hit Points 95 ( l Od l O + 40)
3 Mountain Creature. The chimera's body is that of
Speed 30 ft. , fly 60 ft.
a mou ntain-dwel l i n g creature, such as a ram or a
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA d ragon. The chimera doesn't provoke an opportun ity
1 8 (+4) 1 3 (+l ) 19 (+4) 3 (-4) 14 (+2) 10 (+O) attack when it flies out of an enemy's reach.
4 Swamp Creature. The chi mera's body is that of a
Saving Throws Con +7, Wis +5
swamp creature or a cavern-dweller, such as a giant
Skills Perception +5
Senses darkvision 60 ft. , passive Perception l 5 l izard or spider. The chimera gains a climbing speed
Languages u nderstands Draconic but can't speak equal to its walking speed and it can c l i m b difficult
Challenge 7 (2,900 XP) surfaces, including upside down on ceilings, without
n eedi n g to make a n ability check.
Spell Turning. The chi mera has advantage on a savi ng throw
against any spell that targets only the chimera (not an area) .
HEA D ATTACK S
If the ch imera's savi ng th row is successful and the spell is of
4th level or lower, the spell has no effect on the chimera and d4 Attack
i nstead targets the caster. Bull Horns. If the chimera moves at least 20 feet
straight toward a target and then h its it with a head
ACTIONS
attack on the same turn, the target takes an extra 7
Multiattack. The chimera makes three attacks: one with its
(2d6) piercing damage. If the target is a creature, it
claws, one with its head, and one with its tai l . When its breath
m ust succeed on a DC l 5 Strength saving throw or be
weapon is available, it can use the breath i n place of its head or
its claws. knocked prone.
2 Shark Bite. The chimera has advantage on a h ead at
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. , one target.
tack rol l against any creature that doesn't have a l l its
Hit: 13 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage.
hit points.
Head. Mefee Weapon Attack: +7 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target. 3 U nicorn Horn. The chi mera's head attack is magical
Hit: 10 ( l d l 2 + 4) pierci n g damage.
and deals an extra 4 ( l d8) radiant damage.
Tail. Mefee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 10 ft. , one target. 4 Cockatrice Beak. A creature hit by the chimera's head
Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. attack must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving
Breath Weapon (Recharge 5-6). The chimera exhales fire i n a th row or be restrai ned as it begi ns to turn to stone. The
1 5 -foot cone. Each creature in that area m ust make a DC 1 5 restra ined creature must repeat the savi ng throw at the
Dexterity saving throw, taking 3 2 (5dl2) fi re damage o n a failed end of its next turn. On a success, the effect ends. On
save, or half as much damage on a successfu l one. a fa i l u re, the creature is petrified for 24 hours.
C HAPTER 6 J FRI E N D S AND F O E S

216
B R E AT H W E A PO N S
d4 Attack
Lightning Breath (Recharge 5-6). The chi mera exhal es
l ightn i n g in a 60-foot l i n e that is 5 feet wide. Each crea
ture in that l i n e must make a DC 15 Dexterity sav i n g
TAIL ATTACK S
throw, t a k i n g 36 (8d8) l ightn i n g damage o n a fai led
save, or half as much damage on a successful one. d4 Attack
2 Tidal Wave Breath (Recharge 5-6). The chimera has a n Venomous Tail. The chimera's tail ends i n a snake's
aquatic creature's head that exhales a torrent o f acidic h ead or a stinger, which deals piercing damage i n stead
water i n a 60-foot l i n e that is 5 feet wide. Each creature of bl udgeoning damage. In addition, when the chimera
i n the l i n e must make a DC 15 Dexterity sav i n g throw. h its a creature with its tail, the creature must succeed
On failed save, a creature takes 27 (5dl0) acid damage on a DC 1 5 Constitution saving throw or become poi
and i s knocked prone. On a successful save, it takes soned for l m i n ute. A poisoned target can repeat the
half as m uch damage and isn't knocked prone. savi n g th row at the end of each of its turns, ending the
3 Venom Spray (Recharge 5-6). The ch i mera has a ven effect on itself on a success.
omous creature's head that exhales a spray of poison 2 Perplexing Tail. The c h i mera has an additional head
in a 1 5 -foot cone. Each creature i n that area must where its tail should be. The chimera loses its tail
succeed on a DC 1 5 Constitution saving throw or be attack and makes two head attacks when it takes the
poisoned fo r l m i n ute. While poisoned i n this way, a M u ltiattack action. Use the H ead Attacks table to de
target takes 35 (l Od6) poison damage at the start of termine the nature of the new head.
each of its turns. A target can repeat the saving th row 3 Shark Tail. The chi mera's tail is a large fi n . When the
at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on c h i mera h its a creature with its tail, the creature i s also
itself on a success. pushed u p to 10 feet away.
4 Necrotic Breath (Recharge 5-6). The c h imera exhal es 4 Constricting Tail. The c h imera's tail can constrict prey.
necrotic energy i n a 15-foot cone. Each creature in that If the chimera h its a creature with its tail, the target i s
area must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution sav i n g grappled (escape DC 1 5) if it is Large or smaller. U n t i l
th row, or it takes 31 (7d8) necrotic damage and is un this grapple e n d s , the target i s restrained, and t h e chi
able to regain hit points until the end of its next turn. mera can't use its tail on another target.
.
..
C HAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S AN D FOES

2r7
COLOSSUS OF AKROS
Gargantuan construct, unaligned

Hit Points 350 (20d20 + 1 40)
Speed 60 ft.

28 (+9) 10 (+O) 25 (+7) 3 (-4) 11 (+O) 1 (-5)
Saving Throws Str +16, Con +14

Skills Athletics +16, Perception +7
Damage Immunities fi re, poison, psychic; bludgeo n i ng,
piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Condition I mmunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, stu n ned, unconscious
Languages understands Common and Celestial but can't speak
Challenge 2 3 (50,000 XP)
Crumbling Destruction. When the colossus d rops to 0 h it

points, it crumbles and is destroyed. Any creature on the
ground within 30 feet of the crumbling statue must make a DC
22 Dexterity savi ng throw, taking 22 (4d l 0) bludgeo n i n g dam·
age and 22 (4d l 0) fire damage on a fa iled save, or half as much
damage on a successful one.
Fire Absorption. Whenever the colossus is subjected to fire

damage, it takes no damage and i n stead regains a n u m ber of
hit points equal to the fire damage dealt.
Immutable Form. The colossus i s i m m u n e to any spell or effect

that would alter its form.
Magic Weapons. The colossus's weapon attacks are magical.

Siege Monster. The colossus deals double damage to objects
and structures.
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The colossus of Akros makes two melee attacks.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: + 16 to h it, reach 1 5
ft., o r range 200/600 ft., one target. Hit: 2 3 (4d6 + 9) piercing
damage, or 27 (4d8 + 9) piercing damage if used with two
hands to make a me lee attack. If the colossus makes a ranged
attack with this spear, the spear magically retu rns to its hand
after the attack.
C OLO S SU S OF AKRO S Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 6 to h it, reach 15 ft., one target.
An enormous golem of bronze and iron overlooks the
path leading to the polis of Akros. Though it is rarely Flames of Akros (Recharge 6). Magical flames issue from the co
called on to defend the polis, the sight of its towering lossus toward up to three creatures the colossus can see within
90 feet of it. Each target m ust make a DC 24 Dexterity savi ng
form is enough to ease the minds of the populace. In
throw, taking 36 (8d8) fire damage on a failed save, or half as
truly desperate times, priests of Purphoros work their
much damage on a successful one. On a failed save, a target
magic to call the colossus to life, whereupon the earth
also magically catches fire for 1 m i n ute. At the end of each of
rumbles as it steps down from its twin plinths to place
its turns thereafter, the burning target repeats the savi ng throw.
itself before the threat. It takes 1 8 (4d8) fi re damage on a failed save, and the effect
Constructed Nature. The colossus of Akros doesn't ends on a successful one.
.
require air, food, drink, or sleep.
-

218
D E MONS OF THE RO S
Some foul souls can't let go of the miserable lives they
had. Having been despicable in life, these spirits fester
in death. The worst of these hateful dead, through ages
of bitterness, gradually transform into fiends, the tor
mentors of the Underworld. The people of Theros know
these fiends as demons.
Immortal Nature. A demon of Theros doesn't require
food, drink, or sleep.
ABHORRENT OVERLORD
Abhorrent overlords are gaunt, bipedal creatures whose
gray, leathery skin is in stark contrast to the gleaming
jewelry made of Underworld gold that they adorn them
selves with. Their appetite for pain and death is eclipsed
only by their greed; these fiends delight in searching out
treasure and slaughtering all who stand in their way.
Fell Minions. Harpies, vultures, crows, and other
flying scavengers are attracted to an overlord's pres
•
ence, drawn by its evil and the promise of warm meat.
An abhorrent overlord has no sense of loyalty or ca
maraderie toward these sycophants and often devours
members of its retinue, yet more of the same continue to
flock around the demon, offering fealty and squabbling
for scraps.
ABHORRENT OVERLORD d i rection to that site. If the gold is being moved, it knows the
d i rection of the movement. It can't locate gold if any th ickness
large fiend, lawful evil
of clay or lead, even a thin sheet, blocks a direct path between
Armor Class 1 6 (natural armor) it and the gold.
Hit Points 1 36 ( 1 6d l 0 + 48) Magic Resistance. The abhorrent overlord has advantage on
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. savi ng throws against spells and other magical effects.
STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA AC T I O N S

20 (+5) 18 (+4) 1 6 (+3) 1 5 (+2) 1 4 (+2) 16 (+3)
Multiattack. The abhorrent overlord makes two attacks with
its claws.
Saving Throws Con +7, Cha +7
Skills Deception +7, I ntimidation +7, Persuasion +7 Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one target.
Damage Resistances cold, necrotic Hit: 14 (2d8 + 5) slash ing damage plus 14 (4d6) necrotic dam
Damage Immunities poison age. The abhorrent overlord rega i n s hit points equal to half the
Condition Immunities poisoned amount of necrotic damage dealt if the target i s a creature .
•
Languages Abyssal, Common, I nfernal Storm of Crows (Recharge 6). The abhorrent overlord conjures a
Challenge 9 (5,000 XP) swarm of spectral crows and harpies i n a 20-foot-radius sphere
centered on a point the overlord can see within 1 20 feet of it.
Innate Spe/lcasting. The abhorrent overlord's spellcasti ng The sphere rema i n s for l m i n ute or until the overlord loses
a b i l ity i s Charisma (spell save DC 1 5) . It can i n nately cast the concentration (as if concentrati ng on a spell), and its area is
fol lowi n g spells, requiring no material com ponents: l ightly obscured and d ifficult terrai n .
A n y creature that moves i nto t h e area for t h e fi rst t i m e o n a
l/day each: confusion, crown of madness, suggestion
turn or starts its turn there must make a DC 1 5 Constitution
Insatiable Greed. The abhorrent overlord can sense the pres saving th row. A creature takes 16 (3d l 0) slashing damage plus
ence of gold within 1 ,000 feet of itself. It can determine which 16 (3dl 0) psychic damage o n a failed save, or half as much
location has the greatest amount of gold and can sense the damage o n a successful one.
CHAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S A N D F O E S
219
EATER QF HOPE
On Theres, the term "demon" encompasses all fiends.
An eater o f hope i s bitter to the core, resentful o f all The people ofTheros m ight refer to "demons" or "devi ls"
forms of life and joy. Although these demons can strike i nterchangeably, having no u nderstand ing of the difference
down most foes, they prefer to let terror and despair between fiendish species or d istant n i ghtmarish planes. A
overtake their victims first, letting their victims mari pit fiend m ight be i nterpreted by Theros's mortals as one
nate in fear before the fiend devours them. of the U nderworld's countless demonic denizens, while a
balor meeting a Theres demon on some other plane might
Twister of Wills. Being obsessed with wealth and
consider it a rarity from some undiscovered Abyssal layer.
dominating lesser beings, eaters of hope hoard treasure
I n general, feel free to use whatever fiends you wish when
for the sole purpose of tempting and manipulating mor
tel l i n g stories in Theres-the U nderworld's a big place
tals. They revel in using creatures' greed to turn them with room for all the incarnate wickedness you desire.
against one another and their own best interests.
EATER OF HOPE to that site. I f the gold is being moved, it knows the d i rection
of the movement. It can't locate gold if any thickness of clay
Large fiend, lawful evil
or lead, even a thin sheet, blocks a d i rect path between it
Armor Class 1 7 (natural armor) and the gold.
Hit Points 90 (12dl0 + 24) Magic Resistance. The eater of hope has advantage on saving
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. throws against spells and other magical effects.
STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA AC T I O N S

1 9 (+4) 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 1 2 (+l) 1 1 (+O) 16 (+3)
Multiattack. The eater of hope makes two attacks with
its claws.
Saving Throws Con +5, Cha +6
Skills Deception +6, I ntimidation +6, Persuasion +6 Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
Damage Resistances cold, necrotic Hit: 8 ( l d 8 + 4) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) necrotic damage.
Damage Immunities poison
Condition Immunities poisoned Breath of Hopelessness (Recharge 5-6). The eater of hope ex
Senses darkvision 1 20 ft. , passive Perception 1 0 hales a m iasma of U nderworld winds in a 30-foot cone. Each
Languages Abyssal , Common, I nfernal creature in that area must make a DC 1 4 Charisma savi ng
Challenge 6 (2, 300 X P) throw. O n a fai led save, the target takes 26 (4dl 2) necrotic
damage and is cursed for l m i n ute. While cursed in this way,
Insatiable Greed. The eater of hope can sense the presence of the target takes an extra 6 (l dl 2) necrotic damage whenever
gold with i n 1 ,000 feet of itself. It can determ ine which location the eater of hope hits it with a n attack. On a successful save,
has the greatest amount of gold and can sense the d i rection the target takes half as much damage and isn't cursed.

220
NIGH T M A R E S H E PH E RD
A nightmare shepherd is a gaunt, ashen fiend
with leathery wings. It carries a shepherd's crook,
which it uses to direct a flock of wandering dead
that it torments and occasionally feeds upon.
Overseers ofthe Underworld. Nightmare shep
herds are Nyxborn, drawn from the god-energy
of Erebos to be guides of the dead, shepherding
them to one of the five wards of the Underworld
where they will spend their dismal eternity. They
prey upon souls who wander from their rightful
places in the Underworld.
NIGHTMARE SHEPHERD Innate Spellcasting. The shepherd 's spellcasting ability is

Charisma (spell save DC 1 7) . It can i n n ately cast the following
Large fiend, lawful evil
s pe l l s , requiring no material components:
Armor Class 18 (natural armor) l /day each: confusion, dispel magic, hold person, suggestion
Hit Points 1 33 (14dl0 + 56)
Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft. Magic Resistance. The shepherd has advantage on saving
throws against spells and other magical effects.
STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA A C TI O N S
1 9 (+4) 1 5 (+2) 18 (+4) 14 (+2) 17 (+3) 20 (+5)
Multiattack. The shepherd makes two attacks: one with its
Saving Throws Con +8, Wis +7 claws and one with its staff.
Skills Arcana +6, Deception +9, Perception +7, Persuasion +9
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one tar
Damage Resistances cold, necrotic
Damage Immunities poison get. Hit: 1 3 (2d8 + 4) slashing damage plus 1 6 (3d l 0) ne
Condition Immunities poisoned crotic damage.
Senses darkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 7 Staff. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Languages Abyssal , Common, I nfernal Hit: 11 (2d 6 + 4) bl udgeoning damage, or 13 (2d8 + 4) blud
Challenge 11 (7,200 XP) geon ing damage if used with two hands, plus 26 (4d l 2) psy
chic damage.
Aura of Nightmares. U n dead creatures with in 30 feet of the
shepherd gain a +5 bonus to attack and damage rol ls. When Herd the Underworld (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).
any other creature that isn't u ndead or a construct starts its The shepherd pulls twisted souls from the U n derworld; l d 6
turn withi n 30 feet of the shepherd, that creature m ust suc s hadows (without Sunlight Weakness; see t h e Monster Manual)
ceed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or take 11 (2d l 0) psy arise i n u noccupied spaces with in 20 feet of the shepherd . The
chic damage. shadows act right after the shepherd on the same in itiative
count and fight until they're destroyed. They d isappear when
the shepherd dies. '
C H APTER 6 I FRI E N D S A N D FOES

221
E I D OLON S
When a mortal soul traumatically sacrifices its identity
in order to escape the Underworld as a Returned ; its
identity manifests as a spirit-like eidolon. While eidolons
possess many of the skills and details related to their
past lives, they're disconnected from those experiences,
choosing to wander the world or brood in haunts they're
drawn to in death. They care nothing for morbid re
unions with their lost bodies or Returned remnants.
Of the various types of eidolons, flitterstep eidolons
are the most common and wander without purpose.
Ghostblade eidolons typically arise from fallen warriors
and believe they're endlessly embroiled in great battles.
Undead Nature. An eidolon doesn't require air, food,
drink, or sleep.
FLITTERSTEP EIDOLON
Medium undead, any alignment
Armor Class 1 4
Hit Points 44 (8d8 + 8J
Speed 40 ft.

8 (-1) 18 (+4J 13 (+l) 1 1 (+OJ 1 2 (+l) 10 (+OJ
Skills Perception +3, Stealth +8

Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and
slashing from nonmagical attacks
Damage I m munities poison
Medium undead, any alignment
Condition Immunities charmed , exhaustion , frightened,
grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, restrained
Armor Class 1 2
Hit Points S S (10d8 + l OJ
Languages the languages it knew in life
Speed 30 ft.
Challenge 3 (700 XPJ

Blurred Form. Attack rolls against the eidolon a re made with
1 6 (+3J 15 (+2) 12 (+l J 1 3 (+lJ 12 (+lJ 14 (+2)
d isadvantage u nless the eidolon i s i ncapacitated .
Evasion. If the eidolon is subjected to an effect that allows it Skills Acrobatics +5, Athletics +6, Perception +4
to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, the Damage Resistances necrotic; bludgeon in g, piercing, and
eidolon i n stead takes no damage if it succeeds on the savi ng slash i ng from nonmagical attacks
th row, and only half damage if it fai l s . It can't use this trait if it's Damage Immunities poison
i n capacitated. Condition I mmunities charmed, exhaustion, frightened,
grappled, paralyzed, petrified, poisoned, restrained
Incorporeal Movement. The eidolon can move through other Senses passive Perception 14
creatures and objects as i f they were d ifficult terrain. It takes 5 Languages the languages it knew in life
( 1 d l 0) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object. Challenge 5 ( 1 , 800 XP)
Turn Resistance. The eidolon has advantage o n saving throws

Blurred Form. Attack rolls against the eidolon are made with
agai nst any effect that turns u ndead.
disadvantage u n less the e idolon i s incapacitated.
ACTIONS Incorporeal Movement. The eidolon can move through other
Multiattack. T h e e i d o l o n makes two melee attacks. I m medi creatures and objects as if they were d ifficult terrai n . It takes 5
ately before or after o n e of its attacks, it can use Flitterstep if it ( l d l O) force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.
i s available.
Turn Resistance. The eidolon has advantage on savin g throws
Flickering Dagger. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft., again st any effect that turns u ndead.
one target. Hit: 6 ( l d4 + 4) piercing damage plus 3 ( l d6) psy
chic damage. ACTIONS
Multiattack. T h e eidolon makes two ghostblade attacks.
Flitterstep (Recharge 5-6). The eidolon magically teleports to
an unoccupied space it can see withi n 30 feet of it. If it makes Chostblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft.,
an attack immediately after teleporti ng, it has advantage on the one target. Hit: 8 ( l d 8 + 3) slashing damage plus 1 1 (2dl0)
attack roll. force damage.
C H APTER 6 I FRI E N D S A N O FOES

222
FLEE C E MA N E LION
Twice the size of normal lions and with resplendent
manes of silvery or golden hair, fleecemane lions prowl
and protect sites imbued with the power of Nyx. While
the specifics of these massive lions' connection to Nyx
is unclear, many myths tell of the deadly predators
stalking mortals and spreading fear until they're ulti
mately defeated by a brave hunter. As a result, overcom
ing a fleecemane lion is widely considered an early step
on the road to becoming a true hero.
F LEECEMANE LION Spell Turning. The l ion has advantage o n saving throws aga i n st
any spell that targets only the l ion (not an area). If the lion's
Large monstrosity, unaligned
saving th row succeeds and the spell i s of 4th level or lower, the
Armor Class 1 5 (natural armor) spell has no effect on the l ion and i n stead targets the caster.
Hit Points 45 (6d10 + 12)
ACT I O N S
Speed 50 ft.
Multiattack. The lion makes two attacks: one with its bite and
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA one with its claw.
19 (+4) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 6 (-2) 14 (+2) 1 0 (+O)
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 8 ( l d 8 + 4) piercing damage.
Saving Throws Str +6, Con +4
Skills Perception +4, Stealth +5 Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
Senses passive Perception 1 4 Hit: 7 ( l d 6 + 4) slashing da mage.
Languages -
Challenge 3 (700 XP) LEG E N DARY ACTI O N S
The lion c a n take 2 legendary actions, choos i n g from the op
Keen Smell. The lion has advantage on Wisdom (Perception)
tions below. Only one legendary action option can be used at
checks that rely on smell.
a time and only at the end of another creature's turn. The l ion
Pounce. If the lion moves at least 20 feet straight toward a regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn .
creature and then h its it with a claw attack on the same turn, Claw. The lion makes one claw attack.
that target must succeed on a DC 1 4 Strength saving throw or Roar (Costs 2 Actions). The lion emits a magical roar. Each
be knocked prone. If the target is prone, the lion can make one creature within 60 feet of the lion that can hear the roar m u st
bite attack against it as a bonus action. succeed on a DC 12 Wisdom savin g throw or be frightened of
the l ion u ntil the end of the l ion's next turn.
Running Leap. With a 1 0 -foot r u n n i n g start, the lion can long
jump up to 25 feet.
...·

223
Huge giant, lawful evil

Hit Points 1 62 ( l 3 d l 2 + 78)
Speed 40 ft.

24 (+7) 12 (+l) 22 (+6) 1 2 (+1) 14 (+2) 16 (+3)
Saving Throws Con + l 0, Wis +6

· ' · · Skills I ntimidation +7, Perception +6
Damage Immunities necrotic, poison
GIANTS Condition Immunities frightened, poisoned
A spectrum of giants claims territory across Theros, Senses darkvision 1 20 ft. , passive Perception 1 6
drawing strength from aspects of the world itself-from Languages G iant
ancient stone and roiling flames to the depths of the Challenge 1 1 (7,200 XP)
seas and skies. Unlike many creatures of legend, most
giants owe their existence not to Nyx and the dreams Aura of Erebos. Any creature that starts its turn within 10 feet of
of mortals, but to natural forces in the land. As a result, the giant m u st succeed on a DC 1 8 Constitution savi ng throw,
Theran giants are typically infused with the elements or it takes 1 0 (3d6) necrotic damage and can't regai n hit points
they embody, which might manifest as flaming beards, until the start of its next turn. On a successful savi ng th row, the
creature is immune to the giant's Aura of Erebos for 24 hours.
frozen skin, hair crackling with lightning, or other pri
mal incarnations. Magic Resistance. The giant has advantage on saving throws
Beyond these primal giants, though, other giants fill against spells and other magical effects.
the tales of Theros.
ACTIONS
D O O M WA K E GIANT Multiattack. The giant makes two slam attacks.
Belief is a powerful force in Theros, capable o f bringing Slam. Melee Weapon Attack: + 11 to hit, reach 15 ft., one tar
about wonders and changing the world-but not always get. Hit: 20 (3d8 + 7) bludgeoning damage plus 10 (3d6)
for the better. Doomwake giants arise from pernicious necrotic damage.
fears that infect a whole city or region. If enough mor
tals dread destruction for long enough, their terror can Noxious Gust (Recharge 5-6). The giant exhales a m ighty
gust that creates a blast of deadly m ist in a 60-foot l i n e that
manifest as one of these massive Nyxborn beings. Once
is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 1 8
unleashed, a doomwake giant goes on a rampage, ful
Constitution savi ng throw. O n a failed save, the creature takes
filling the prophecy mortals believed into being. After
36 (8d8) necrotic damage and is knocked prone. On a suc
doing so, these terrors typically roam to the edges of the
cessful save, a creature takes half as much damage and isn't
world, where they either fade away over time or become
. .. knocked prone .
legends that take on their own terrible life.
·-

2 24
••
HUNDRED-HANDED ONE
Huge giant, lawful neutral
Armor Class 1 5 (natu ral armor)

Hit Points 243 ( 1 8d l 2 + 1 26)
Speed 40 ft.

HUN D R E D - H A N D E D O N E 26 (+8) 1 5 (+2) 25 (+7) 1 4 (+2) 1 6 (+3) 16 (+3)
Extra pairs of arms magically orbit the bodies of

Saving Throws Con + 1 2, Wis +8
the titanic, nearly forgotten artisans known as hun Skills Intim idation +8, Perception +8
dred-handed ones. These giants often dwell in remote Condition Immunities frightened
mountains and seaside cliffs, where they carve their Senses darkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 8
memories into the ancient stone, covering their territo Languages G iant
ries with intricate reliefs and massive statues of bygone Challenge 15 ( 1 3 ,000 X P)
ages. Some linger near ancient temples and palaces,
ruins they once raised to the gods or archons of old. Reactive. The giant can take one reaction on every turn
Artisans ofthe Archons. Legend has it that the hun i n a combat.
dred-handed ones were once a tribe of giant artisans,
Vigilant. The giant can't be surprised.
prized by archon tyrants for their ability as stone cut
ters and smiths. The archons became greedy for more ACTIONS
splendid monuments to their greatness. Some believed
Multiattack. The giant makes fou r longsword attacks or two
the grandest testaments to their glory were being de
rock attacks.
nied them by their servants' unremarkable forms. So
the archons performed dark rituals, robbing the power Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +13 to hit, reach 15 ft., one
of ancient, slumbering giants and using it to transform target. Hit: 21 (3d8 + 8) slashing damage.
their servants. This primal energy granted the archons' Rock. Ranged Weapon Attack: + 13 to h it, range 60/240 ft. , one
agents numerous limbs-the better to raise the archons' target. Hit: 30 (4d l 0 + 8) b l udgeon i n g damage. If the target i s a
monuments and fortresses. creature, it must succeed on a DC 21 Strength saving throw or
Yet many of the transformed giants refused to be part be knocked prone.
of the archons' war machine. Seeking to escape their
masters, they fled into the wilderness. The furious ar REACTIONS
chons' magic pursued them, cursing them with an end Deflect Attack. The giant adds 5 to its AC aga i n st one weapon
less will to create, but no one to create for and none who attack that would hit it. To do so, the giant m ust see the at
would ever appreciate or use the art and architecture tacker and be wielding a melee weapon .
they created.
C HAPTER 6 I FRIE N D S A N D FOES

225
HARPI E S
Cruel, corpse-eating creatures, harpies endlessly seek
their next meal, careless of whether it comes from the
living or the dead. With equal zeal, these vicious scaven
gers set upon travelers or claw open fresh graves, strip
ping bodies of riches and flesh. Then they carry back
any treasures or appealing bones they find to reeking
nests situated in cramped caves or rotten trees.
A PH E M I A T H E D I S S ONAN T S ONG
The notorious Nyxborn harpy Aphemia prowls the
marshy wastes around the necropolis of Asphodel. Her
shrill songs enthrall the necropolis's undead inhabi
tants, which she leads on raids to waylay unsuspecting •
travelers and settlements.
BLOOD -TOLL H A R PY
Murderous gangs of harpies collect in grim places
across Theros, preying on any who pass by. Many mer
chants face regular losses at the harpies' claws, com
mon casualties often referred to as a "blood toll."
SIRENS
Sirens are a kind of beautiful harpy with h u m a n like bodies,
bird wi ngs and legs, and bright plumage i n shades of bl ue,
pu rple, and green. They use the stat block of the harpy in
the Monster Manual, using their luring song to mesmerize
their prey and draw it near. Siren songs prove exceptionally
dangerous to sai lors, who risk steering their s h i ps onto
reefs in an attempt to reach the sou rce of the melody.
APHEMIA Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one tar
get. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) piercing damage plus 1 3 (3d8) ne
Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil
crotic damage.
Armor Class 1 5 (natural armor) Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit Points 52 (8d8 + 16) Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) slashing damage.
Speed 20 ft. , fly 50 ft.
Discordant Song. Aphemia shrieks a cacophony of magical
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA sounds. Each h u manoid within 1 20 feet of her must succeed on
13 (+1) 16 (+3) 1 5 (+2) 13 (+1) 14 (+2) 16 (+3) a DC 1 4 Wisdom savi ng throw or be frightened of her until the
song ends. A frightened creature takes 7 (2d6) psychic damage
Saving Throws Dex +6, Cha +6 at the start of its turn while Aphemia is si nging. A frightened
Skills Arcana +4, Intimidation +6, Perception +5 creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its
Damage Resistances n ecrotic turns, e n d i n g the effect o n itself o n a success. I f a creature's
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened saving throw i s successful or the effect ends for it, the crea
Senses darkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 5 ture is i m m u n e to Aphemia's D iscordant Song for the next 24
Languages Common hours. Aphemia must take a bonus action on her subsequent
Challenge 5 ( 1 , 800 X P) turns to continue singing. She can stop singing at any time.
The song ends if Aphemia i s incapacitated or dies.
Legendary Resistance (2/Day). If Aphemia fails a saving th row,
she can choose to succeed i nstead. Grave Calling Song. Aphemia i ntones a low, growl i n g magical
melody. Every u ndead within 300 feet of her must succeed on
Magic Resistance. Aphemia has advantage on saving throws a DC 1 4 Wisdom saving throw or fal l under her control until
against spells and other magical effects. the song ends. Aphemia m u st take a bonus action on her
su bsequent turns to continue s inging, and she can mentally
ACTIONS com mand the u ndead under her control as part of the same
Multiattack. Aphemia makes two attacks: one with her bite bon us action. She can stop singing at any time. The song ends
� .. and one with her claws. if Aphemia is incapacitated or dies.
·...

H I PPO C A M P
Noble steeds of the sea, hippocamps feature in count
less tales as guides and mounts to tritons and other
ocean-faring heroes. While these curious but cautious
filPPOCl\MP
aquatic equines naturally travel in herds, many hold val
ued places in triton society. Considered to be servants of
Thassa, hippocamps are often unpredictable, but their
great speed and strength can prove awe-inspiring when
harnessed by the god's will.
BLOOD-TOLL H ARPY HIPPOCAMP

Medium monstrosity, chaotic evil
Large monstrosity, chaotic good
Armor Class 1 1
Hit Points 9 (2d8) Armor Class 1 3 (natural armor)
Speed 20 ft., fly 40 ft. H it Points 22 (4dl0)
12 (+l) 13 (+l ) 10 (+O) 6 (-2) 11 (+O) STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA
13 (+l)
14 (+2) 15 (+2) 1 1 (+O) 5 (-3) 1 0 (+O) 6 (-2)
Skills I ntimidation +3
Senses passive Perception 1 0 Damage Resistances cold
Languages Common Senses darkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 0
Challenge 1 /8 (25 XP) Languages -
Challenge 1/2 ( 1 00 XP)
Blood Frenzy. The harpy has advantage o n melee attack rolls
Amphibious. The hippocamp can breathe air and water.
agai nst any creature that doesn't have all its hit points.
Charge. If the hippocamp moves at least 20 feet straight toward
Dark Devotion. The harpy has advantage on savi ng throws
a target and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, the
against being charmed or frightened.
target takes a n extra 7 (2d6) bludgeo n i ng damage. I f the target
ACTIONS is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 12 Strength saving throw
or be knocked prone.
Multiattack. The harpy makes two melee attacks: one with its
bite and one with its claws. ACTIONS
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one target. Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 3 ( l d4 + l) piercing damage. Hit: 9 (2d 6 + 2) bl udgeo n i ng damage.
Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. , one target. Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 3 ( l d 4 + l) slashing damage. Hit: 5 ( l d 6 + 2) bludgeo n i n g damage. '
C HAPTER 6 I F R I E N D S AND FOES

22 7
HOPLITE S
Hoplites are highly trained warriors, versed not only
AK R O A N HO P L I T E U NIT N AM E S
in strategy and tactics but in the glorification of the
warrior's spirit, the basis of an ethos that forges an un d8 Name
breakable bond between members of a military unit. In Spears of l roas
combat, hoplites typically work in groups and use coor 2 Iron Fangs
dinated tactics to win victories. 3 Arrows of Anax
The three Hoplite Unit Names tables present the
4 The U n broken
sorts of titles used by hoplite contingents hailing from
5 Anvil of Purphoros
Theros's great poleis. Consider using these names for
military forces characters encounter during their adven 6 Skewering Squad
tures or that they were once a part of. 7 Shield of Akros
8 Cymede's Heart
AKROAN HOPLITE
Akroan hoplites, also called stratians, number among M E L E T I A N HO P LITE U N I T N AM E S
the fiercest soldiers on Theros. They train relentlessly d8 Name
and possess unflinching resolve. In the annals of Akros,
Kraken's Claw
tales abound of squads of stratians that defended a key
location against a much larger force or crept behind en 2 Hands of justice
emy lines and wreaked havoc in the opposing army. 3 Thassa's Spear
4 Ephara's Shield
M E LETIAN HOPLITE 5 Kindred of the Deep
Meletian hoplites use a combination of cunning, faith, 6 Riders of H eliod
and magic to defend their coastal home. Most of these 7 Keepers of Pyrgnos
skilled soldiers serve in the Reverent Army, the defend 8 The Skysworn
ers of Meletis, which uses an array of proven strategies
and flexible troop formations to gain the advantage over
S E T E S S A N H O P LITE U N I T N AM E S
foes. Bolstered by trained griffon and pegasus steeds,
they strike foes where they least expect. d8 Name
Nylea's Arrows
S E T E S SAN HOPLITE 2 The Watchers
Most Setessan hoplites begin their training as hunters, 3 Fangs of Ophis
making them skilled in traversing the woods and adept 4 The Swiftswords
at both guerrilla tactics and archery. Their strategies 5 Karametra's Wolves
often emulate the favored servants of Nylea-especially
6 Defenders of the G rove
wild beasts like wolves and lynxes. Typically a few sol
7 Bronze Blades
diers harry an enemy while the rest capitalize on their
foe's distraction. 8 The J ackals
AKROAN HOPLITE move within 5 feet of it. When the hop lite hits a creature with
an opportun ity attack using its spear, the creature takes a n ex
Medium humanoid (any), any alignment
tra 4 (1 d8) piercing damage, and the creature's speed becomes
Armor Class 1 8 (breastplate, shield) 0 for the rest of the turn.
ACTIONS
Speed 30 ft.
Multiattack. The hopl ite makes three melee attacks or two
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA ranged attacks.
1 6 (+3) 1 6 (+3) 14 (+2) 11 (+O) 14 (+2) 13 (+l )
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, reach 5 ft., or
range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (ld6 + 3) piercing damage, or
Saving Throws Str +5, Dex +5
7 ( l d8 + 3) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a
Senses passive Perception 1 2
melee attack.
Languages Common
Challenge 3 (700 XP) Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, reach 5 ft., one
creature. Hit: 5 (ld4 + 3) bludgeo n i ng damage. If the target
Hold the Line. While the hoplite is holding a spear, other crea is a Medium or smaller creature, it m u st succeed on a DC 1 3
tures provoke an opportunity attack from the hoplite when they Strength savi ng throw or b e knocked prone.
C HAPTER 6 I F RI E N D S AND FOES

228
Armor Class 1 8 (breastplate, shield)

H it Points 49 (9d8 + 9)
Speed 30 ft.

16 (+3) 14 (+2) 12 (+l) 1 6 (+3) 13 (+l ) 1 1 (+0)
Saving Throws Dex +4, I nt +5

Skills Arcan a +5, H istory +5, Perception +3
Senses passive Perception 1 3 SETESSAN HOPLITE
Languages Common Medium humanoid (any), any alignment
Challenge 3 (700 XP)
Armor Class 1 6 (leather, shield)
Spellcasting. The hoplite is a 3rd-level spellcaster. Its spellcast H it Points 58 (9d8 + 1 8)
i n g ability is I ntel l i gence (spell save DC 1 3 , +5 to hit with spell Speed 30 ft.
attacks). I t has the fol lowi n g wizard spells prepared:
Cantrips (at will): mage hand, minor illusion, ray offrost (see
14 (+2) 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 1 3 (+l ) 1 6 (+3) 11 (+O)
"Actions" below)
l st level (4 slots) : color spray, expeditious retreat, sleep
Saving Throws Dex +5, Wis +5
2nd level (2 slots): blur, cloud ofdaggers, invisibility
Skills Acrobatics +5, Perception +5, Su rvival +5
ACTIONS . Senses passive Perception 1 5
Languages Common
Multiattack. The hopl ite makes three weapon attacks. It can Challenge 4 (l , l OO XP)
replace one weapon attack with ray offrost.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 Pack Tactics. The hopl ite has advantage on an attack rol l
ft., one target. Hit: 6 ( l d 6 + 3) piercin g damage, or 7 ( l d8 against a creature i f a t least o n e o ft h e hoplite's allies i s within
+ 3) piercing damage if used with two hands to make a me 5 feet of the hop l ite and the ally i s n 't incapacitated.
lee attack.
ACTIONS
Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, reach 5 ft., one
Multiattack. The hoplite makes two scimitar attacks or two
creature. Hit: 5 ( l d4 + 3) bl udgeoning damage. If the target
longbow attacks.
is a Med i u m or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 1 3
Strength savi ng throw o r b e knocked prone. Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. , one target.
Hit: 6 ( l d 6 + 3) slashing damage plus 10 (3d6) poison damage.
Ray of Frost (Cantrip). Ranged Spell Attack: +5 to h it, range 60
ft., one creature. Hit: 4 (l d8) cold damage, and the target's Longbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, range 1 5 0/600 ft. ,
speed is reduced by 10 feet until the start of the hoplite's one target. Hit: 7 ( l d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 1 0 (3d6) poi
next turn. son damage. - .
... .
C HAPTER 6 I FRI E N DS AND FOES

229
lRONSCALE HYDRA
HYDRAS l RO N S CALE HYDRA

What krakens are to the sea and dragons are to the sky, Five-headed ironscale hydras lurk i n the wild places of
hydras are to the lands of Theros. Various hydras dwell the world, being common foes for heroes seeking to test
at the fringes of civilization, from the bog-dwelling hy their mettle against terrors worthy of the gods' notice.
dras known across the multiverse to massive ironscale Most ironscale hydras inhabit lakes and boggy caverns,
hydras that lurk in deep wildernesses. Beyond even from which they hunt unwary creatures that come for a
these exist serpentine horrors born of the whims of foul drink or swim.
gods, like the legendary hydra Polukranos.
Territorial Terrors. During their early years, hydras POLUKRANO S
feed their rapid growth by terrorizing the land. When Polukranos, called the World Eater, is the mortal
they grow large enough, they look for a territory to claim manifestation of the eternal ideal of a hydra. In its first
as their own. Often, they steal lairs from other monsters incarnation, it fell from Nyx to the mortal world, and so
in prolonged, devastating battles. great were its size and strength that the gods Nylea and
Vicious Growth. Soon after a hydra claims a territory, Heliod combined their power to bind the monster deep
it typically buries itself, entering a period of hibernation within the Nessian Wood. That incarnation was slain,
during which it continues to grow. When it awakens, it but the eternal ideal remains. A new incarnation of the
goes on a feeding rampage, so beginning the cycle once World Eater is a fearsome omen, as the monster only ap
again. These rhythms of destruction sometimes become pears when the pillars of the world tremble and terrible
so ingrained in the minds and lore of a people that, even things are afoot in the realm of the gods. Its rampages
after a hydra's defeat, the beast might reappear as a often presage an age of menace for all civilization.
' ..
Nyxborn being and begin its legend anew.
·-
CHAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S A N D FOES

230
I RONSCALE HYDRA Multiple Heads. The hydra has five heads. While it has more
than one head, the hydra has advantage on saving throws
Gargantuan monstrosity, unaligned
against being b l i n ded, charmed, deafened, frightened,
Armor Class 1 7 (natural armor) stu n ned, or knocked u nconscious.
Hit Points 181 (l l d20 + 66) Whenever the hydra takes 3S or more damage i n a single
Speed 40 ft., swim 40 ft. turn, one of its heads dies. I f all its heads d ie, the hydra d ies.
At the end of its turn, it grows two heads for each of its heads
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA that died si nce its last turn, u n less it has taken fi re damage
22 (+6) 10 (+O) 22 (+6) 2 (-4) 10 (+O) 7 (-2) s ince its last turn. The hydra regai n s 10 hit poi nts for each head
regrown in this way.
Skills Perception +8 Reactive Heads. For each head the hydra has beyond one,
Damage Immunities acid
it gets an extra reaction that can be used only for opportu
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 1 8
nity attacks.
Languages -
Challenge 1 2 (8,400 XP) Wakeful. While the hydra sleeps, at least one of its
heads is awake.
Acidic Blood. When the hydra takes piercing or slashing dam
age, each creature within S feet of the hydra takes 9 (2d8) ACT I ONS
acid damage. Multiattack. The hydra makes as many bite attacks as it
Hold Breath. The hydra can hold its breath for l hour. has heads .
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: + 1 0 t o h it, reach l S ft. , o n e target.

H it: 1 7 (2dl 0 + 6) piercing damage.
POLUKRANOS Reactive Heads. For each head Polukranos has beyond one, it
gets a n extra reaction that can be used only to make opportu
Gargantuan monstrosity, unaligned
n ity attacks.
Armor Class 1 7 (natural armor) Siege Monster. Polukranos deals double damage to objects and
Hit Points 232 (l Sd20 + 7S) structures.
Speed SO ft., swim SO ft.
Wakeful. While Polukranos sleeps, at least one of its
STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA heads is awake.
2S (+7) lS (+2) 21 (+S) 4 (-3) 14 (+2) 10 (+0)
AC T I ONS
Skills Perception + 1 4 Multiattack. Pol ukranos makes as many bite attacks as it
Damage I mmunities acid has heads.
Languages - Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: + 13 to h it, reach l S ft., one target.
Challenge 1 9 (22,000 XP) Hit: 18 (2d l 0 + 7) piercing damage.
Stomp. Melee Weapon Attack: + 13 to h it, reach l S ft. , one tar
Acidic Blood. When Polukranos takes piercing or slashing dam get. Hit: 16 (2d8 + 7) bludgeo n i ng damage.
age, each creature within S feet of Pol u kranos takes 10 (3d6)
acid da mage. Tail. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 3 to hit, reach lS ft., one target.
Hit: 18 (2d l 0 + 7) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a crea
Hold Breath. Pol u kranos can hold its breath for l hour. ture, it must succeed on a DC 21 Strength savi ng throw or be
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Pol ukranos fai l s a savi ng pushed up to 20 feet away from Polukranos.
throw, it can choose to succeed i n stead.
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Multiple Heads. Polu kranos has five heads. While it has
Polu kranos can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the op
more than one head, Polu kranos has advantage on savi ng
tions below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a
throws against being bl inded, charmed, deafened, frightened,
time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Polukranos
stunned, or knocked unconscious.
regai n s spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
Whenever Pol ukranos takes 40 or more damage in a si ngle
turn, one of its heads d ies. I f all its heads die, Polukranos dies. Detect. Polukranos makes a Wisdom (Perception) check.
At the end of its turn, it grows two heads for each of its heads Tail Swipe. Polu kranos makes a tail attack.
that died s i n ce its last turn, unless it has taken 40 or more fi re Trampling Charge (Costs 3 Actions). Polukranos moves up to
damage s i n ce its last turn. Polukranos regains 20 hit points for SO feet i n a straight l i n e and can move through the space of
each head regrown i n this way. any creature H u ge or smaller. The fi rst time it enters each
creature's space during this move, it can make a stomp at
tack against that creature.
.. ·
CHAPTER 6 I FRIENDS AND FOES

2 31
Medium humanoid (leonin), any alignment
Armor Class 1 7 ( U n a rmored Defe nse)

Speed 40 ft.

•.
1 4 (+2) 1 8 (+4) 16 (+3) 1 3 (+l ) 17 (+3) 1 0 (+O)
Saving Throws Dex +7, Wis +6

Skills Arcana +4, I ns ight +6, Intimidation +3, Stealth +7,
Survival +6
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 1 3
LEONIN Languages Common, Leon i n
Challenge 5 (l ,800 XP)
Prides of leonin roam the plains of Oreskos, protecting
the land and its creatures from interlopers, both mortal
Evasion. If the l eo n i n i s su bjected to a n effect that allows it
and immortal. As many leonin suffered at the hands of
to make a Dexterity savi ng throw to take only half damage, it
archon tyrants in ages past, today their prides largely
instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving th row,
avoid contact with other peoples and spurn the gods that and o n ly half damage if it fai l s . It can't use this trait if it's in·
ignored their plight. Since then, the leonin have flour capacitated.
ished, finding strength in their bonds with one another
and the land. Only in recent times have some leonin Innate Spellcasting. The leonin's spellcasti ng ability i s Wisdom
started guardedly looking beyond their homeland and (spell save DC 14). It can i n nately cast the following spells, re
wondering what role they might take in the wider world. quiring no material components:
Most leonin hunters are tribal warriors, but those l/day each: banishment, detect evil and good
who hunt the servants of the gods rather than game are
Unarmored Defense. While the leo n i n is wearing no armor and
known as leonin iconoclasts.
wielding no shield, its AC i ncludes its Wisdom mod ifier.
LEON I N ICONO CLAST ACTIONS

While leonin don't deny the existence o f the gods, most Multiattack. The leonin makes three weapon attacks.
denounce them, believing the deities are more likely
to spread doom than peace and bounty. Some leonin, Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
known as iconoclasts, devote themselves to thwarting Hit: 11 (2d6 + 4) slashing damage plus 7 (2d6) force damage.
the gods by hunting down their followers and all things Dart. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to h it, range 20/60 ft. , one tar
born of Nyx that impede on Oreskos and the safety of get. Hit: 6 ( l d4 + 4) piercing damage.
the leonin prides.
·..

232
NYX-FLE E C E RAM
Touched by the gods, Nyx-fleece rams grow remarkable
magical wool. This makes the beasts valuable to heroes
and scoundrels alike, who would use their wool for ei
ther protection or profit. Divine servants guard the few
NYX-FLEECE RAM
Medium monstrosity, unaligned
herds of Nyx-fleece rams dwelling among Theros's lofti
est peaks, assuring they don't fall into unworthy hands. Armor Class 14 (natural armor)
Magic Fleece. If someone shears a Nyx-fleece ram Hit Points 27 (5d8 + 5)
without damaging the creature, the fleece can be made Speed 40 ft.
into a magic garment. A wearer who is attuned to the
garment, as to a magic item, receives the favor of the STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA
gods in the form of a magical benefit. Use the Powers 16 (+3) 14 (+2) 1 2 (+1 ) 3 (-4) 1 3 (+l) 10 (+O)
of the Fleece table to determine the property of a newly
created garment. Senses passive Perception 1 1
Languages -
POW E R S O F T H E F L E E C E
d6 Property Charge. If the ram moves at least 20 feet straight toward a
Protection. The wearer gains a +1 bonus to AC and target and then hits it with a ram attack on the same turn, the
saving throws. target takes a n extra 5 (2d4) bludgeon i n g damage. I f the target
is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 1 3 Strength saving throw
2 Power ofNyx. The wearer has advantage on a l l Cha
or be knocked prone.
risma (Persuasion) checks.
3 Calming Presence. The wearer can cast calm emotions Magic Resistance. The ram has advantage on saving th rows
once per day (save DC 1 3) . against spells and other magical effects.
4 Trail of Flowers. Wherever the wearer of the fleece Sure-Footed. The ram has advantage o n Strength and Dexterity
walks, flowers spring up magically beh i nd them. The savi ng th rows against effects that would knock it prone.
flowers wilt away after 1 hour.
ACTIONS
5 Animal Affinity. Any non-evil wearer of the fleece can
cast animal friendship once per day (save DC 1 3) . Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. , one tar
get. Hit: 8 (2d4 + 3) bludgeoning damage plus 3 (l d6)
6 Abundance of Food. The wearer can cast create food
force damage.
- I
and water once per day.
..·

233
ALS E I D
NYM P H S Touched with the golden light of the sun, alseids inhabit
Divine servants that inhabit unspoiled corners of the meadows, plains, and lands of cultivated natural beauty.
world, nymphs protect places of natural power and in Many live in closer proximity to human civilization than
fuse their surroundings with the magic of Nyx. Some other nymphs. Farmers are grateful for the presence of
are benevolent and aid those who live off the land, while alseids on their lands and often leave them offerings of
others embody violent aspects of nature. In either case, mead, honey, flowers, and dates in return for protecting
nymphs generally avoid other sapient creatures, pre their flocks and making their crops more abundant.
ferring to mind the cycles of nature, the daily interplay
of wild animals, or other cosmic forces. Occasionally,
LAM PA D
though, groups of the same kind of nymphs congregate Lampads guard the shadowed paths of the world, depths
in a place of natural power or beauty. In times of spe typically trod by souls destined for the Underworld.
cial need, deities tied to facets of nature might employ These rarely seen nymphs assist Athreos in guiding the
nymphs as messengers, guardians, or scouts. dead, moving among the spirits that collect along the
The nymphs of Theros include the following myste Tartyx River and reclaiming wayward souls that try to
rious beings, as well as dryads ( presented in the Mon slip back to the mortal world. This means lampads are
ster Manual). most often spotted in graveyards, crumbling crypts, and
Immortal Nature. A nymph doesn't require food, tunnels that bore deep into the earth, and near portals
drink, or sleep. to the Underworld.
C HAPTER 6 \ FRI E N D S AND FOES

2 34
Medium fey, neutral evil

Speed 30 ft.

1 2 (+l) 13 (+l) 14 (+2) 1 1 (+O) 12 (+l) 18 (+4)
Skills Deception +6, Intimidation +6

Medium fey, chaotic good Damage Resistances necrotic
Armor Class 1 5 (natural armor) Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
Hit Points 22 (4d8 + 4) Senses passive Perception 1 1
Speed 30 ft. Languages Common, Sylvan
15 (+2) 1 0 (+O) 12 (+l) 1 3 (+l) 14 (+2) 18 (+4) Corpse Stride. Once on its turn, the lam pad can use 10 feet
of its movement to step magically i nto one creature's corpse
Skills Persuasion +6 within its reach and emerge from a second creature's corpse
Damage Resistances radiant with i n 60 feet of the first corpse, appearing in an unoccupied
Damage Immunities poison space within 5 feet of the second corpse. Both corpses must be
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned Medium or bigger.
Languages Common, Sylvan Innate Spellcasting. The lampad's spellcasting abil ity is Cha
Challenge l (200 X P) risma (+6 to hit with spell attacks). I t can i n nately cast the fol
lowing s pells, requiring no material components:
Hide in Plain Sight. The alseid has advantage on Dexterity
At will: chill touch (see "Actions" below), gentle repose
(Stealth) checks made to hide while it is i n grassland.
Magic Resistance. The lam pad has advantage on saving throws
Innate Spellcasting. The alseid's spel lcasting ability is Charisma against spells and other magical effects.
(spell save DC 1 4) . I t can i n nately cast the fol lowing s pe l l s , re
quiring no material components: ACTIONS
3/day each: cure wounds, charm person, sleep Multiattack. The lam pad attacks twice with its necrotic touch
l/day each: calm emotions, lesser restoration, plant growth or chill touch.
Magic Resistance. The alseid has advantage on saving throws Necrotic Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
against spells and other magical effects. target. Hit: 9 ( l d l O + 4) necrotic damage.
ACTIONS Chill Touch (Cantrip). Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to h it, range 1 20

ft., one creature. Hit: 9 (2d8) necrotic damage, and the target
Multiattack. The alseid makes two rad iant touch attacks.
can't regain hit points until the start of the l ampad's next turn.
Radiant Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft., one I f the target i s u ndead , it has d isadvantage on attack rol ls
target. Hit: 9 (ldlO + 4) rad iant damage. against the lam pad until the end of the lampad's next turn.
C HAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S A N D F O E S
235
Medium fey, chaotic neutral

Hit Points 31 (7d8)
NAIAD
Naiads live i n and near water. They might b e spotted
among rivers and lakes, on isolated shores, or amid STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA
coral labyrinths and deep sea fumaroles. Wherever riv 10 (+O) 1 6 (+3) 11 (+O) 1 5 (+2) 10 (+O) 18 (+4)
ers and seas show their variety and force, naiads gather
to revel in nature's might. Individual naiads often grow Skills Persuasion +6, Sleight of Hand +5
fixated with a single type or body of water, potentially Damage Resistances psychic
preferring a deep sea trench, coastline, or river system
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
above all others. Over time, such a resident nymph often
becomes connected with their aquatic home through Languages Common, Sylvan
sightings and stories, becoming a guardian of the place Challenge 2 (450 XP)
and, in effect, a manifestation of its personality.
Aquatic Collectors. Curious by nature, naiads often Amphibious. The naiad can breathe air and water.
seek out what the seas and rivers claim. As a result, they
might be found among sunken ruins and shipwrecks, Innate Spel/casting. The naiad's spellcasting abil ity is Charisma
sifting through the remains for whatever catches their (spell save DC 14). I t can i n nately cast the fol lowi n g spells, re
quiring no material components:
eye. Living creatures aren't exempt from this curiosity,
either. Naiads are known to befriend aquatic creatures, At w i l l : minor illusion
or even to keep modest menageries. The occasional 3/day: phantasmal force
star-crossed castaway has even been known to become l/day each: fly, hypnotic pattern
part of such collections. Invisible in Water. The naiad is i nvisible while fu lly im
Secret Routes ofthe Sea. Sailors across the world mersed i n water.
claim that naiads know all the secret aquatic routes of
Theros. Using this hidden system of currents and arter Magic Resistance. The naiad has advantage on saving throws
agai nst spell s and other magical effects.
ies, a ship might reach any destination in record time,
be it across the sea or along a river a hundred miles A CTI O N S
inland. Naiads do nothing to dissuade sailors from this
belief, and certainly numerous reports tell of charmed Multiattack. The naiad makes two psychic touch attacks.
nymphs leading lost seafarers home. Yet, if tales of na Psychic Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +6 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one tar
iad-led galleys appearing amid the headwaters of moun get. Hit: 9 ( l d l O + 4) psychic damage.
tain rivers are true, only the nymphs know for sure.
·-
CHAPTER 6 I F R I E N D S A N D FOES
Medium fey, chaotic evil

Speed 30 ft.

14 (+2) 1 4 (+2) 12 (+l ) 1 1 (+0) 13 (+l ) 1 8 (+4)
Skills Athletics +4, Acrobatics +4, Performance +6

Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned
Languages Common, Sylvan
0READ Challenge 4 (l , 1 00 XP)
Aggressive oreads number among the most danger-

Innate Spellcasting. The oread's spellcasting abil ity is Charisma
ous nymphs, as they embody the wild might of flames, (spell save DC 14, +6 to hit with spell attacks). It can i n nately
volcanism, and the hidden forces of the earth. These cast the fol lowing spel ls, requiring no material components:
creatures typically dwell in remote mountain crags and
near volcanoes, where they caper among the forces of At will: fire bolt (see "Actions" below)
dissolution and rebirth. During avalanches and volcanic 3/day: burning hands
l /day each: hellish rebuke (see " Reactions" below) , scorching ray
eruptions, groups of oreads might race ahead of the de
struction, dancing, singing, and doing what they can to Invisible in Fire. The oread is i nvisible while fully
maximize the impending devastation. immersed i n fi re.
Honor Among Fey. Hearkening back to some ages-old
Magic Resistance. The oread has advantage on saving th rows
conflict, oreads refuse to knowingly destroy any land against spells and other magical effects.
inhabited by another nymph. While they won't work to
alter the natural course of destruction, neither will they ACTIONS
make another nymph's home part of any calamity they
Multiattack. The oread attacks twice with its fiery touch or
encourage. As a result, part of what makes an alseid's fire bolt.
field or a dryad's grove seem so blessed is that oreads go
out of their way to leave such sites alone. Fiery Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one tar
Tales ofFire. The followers of Purphoros regard ore get. Hit: 9 ( l d l O + 4) fi re damage.
ads with special reverence, as myths tell of cagey smiths Fire Bolt (Cantrip). Ranged Spell Attack: +6 to h it, range 1 20 ft. ,
befriending these nymphs and convincing them to aid in one target. Hit: 5 ( l d l O) fi re damage.
creating phenomenal works. In some tales, a smith finds
an oread and allows it to relish in the destruction of a REACTIONS
novel or remarkable item. In recompense, the oread pro Hellish Rebuke (2nd-Level Spell; 1/Day). When the oread is
vides the smith with materials drawn from the burning damaged by a creature within 60 feet of the oread that it can
heart of the world, allowing the smith to create an even see, the creature that damaged the oread must make a DC 14
greater wonder. In more tales, though, a smith pursues Dexterity savi ng throw, taking 16 (3d l 0) fi re damage on a failed
an oread, then later the mortal's associates find familiar save, or half as much damage on a successful one. ,,. '
tools and a heap of ashes.

23 7
Armor Class 1 5 (Blessings of the Gods)

Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA •

10 (+O) 14 (+2) 1 2 (+l) 13 (+l ) 16 (+3) 1 5 (+2)
Saving Throws Wis +5, Cha +4

Skills I nsight +5, Persuasion +4, Religion +5
ORAC LE Languages Celestial, Common
Oracles posses the ability to interpret the patterns and Challenge 4 ( 1 ,100 XP)
language of Nyx, divining from it the flow of fates and
the will of the gods. Most of these gifted-or cursed Blessings of the Gods. While the oracle is wearing no armor and
mortals communicate with a single god, interpreting wieldi n g no shield, its AC i ncludes its Wisdom modifier. I n ad
their intentions for the wider world. Others aren't d ition, a creature that h its the oracle with a melee attack while
aligned with a god and observe the night sky, reading with i n 5 feet of it takes 9 (2d8) force damage.
Nyx like a vast, cryptic scroll for insights. Innate Spellcasting. The oracle's spellcasting ability is Wisdom
Divine Influence. Just as oracles seek insights from (spell save DC 13, +5 to hit with spell attacks). It can i n nately
interpreting the divine, so too do gods occasionally seek cast the fol lowi n g spells, requiring no material components:
to manipulate the world through oracles. Sometimes a
At will: guidance, light, thaumaturgy
god might speak directly, be it with dramatic manifes
3/day each: bless, guiding bolt, healing word, hold person
tations or direct possession of their servant. Although a l /day each: augury, scrying
deity's words might be steeped in metaphors, should a
god wish to make their intentions clear, they often find ACTIONS
dramatic ways to make their thoughts known. Eldritch Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
Interpreters ofSigns. Oracles possess unparalleled target. Hit: 6 ( l d 6 + 3) force damage.
experience in divining godly whims from cryptic visions
and mundane forces. Those who receive divine omens R E ACTIONS
(such as those presented in chapter 4) might seek out Divine Insight (3/Day). When the oracle or a creature it can
an oracle to gain a clearer vision of the god's intentions. see makes an attack rol l , a saving throw, or a n ability check,
Finding an oracle, though, or one experienced in inter the oracle can cause the rol l to be made with advantage or
preting certain types of visions, might prove to be an d i sadvantage.
adventure in its own right.
·-

P HYLASKIA
These armored skeletal spirits guard the borders of the
Underworld and its various wards. Sleepless and mer
ciless, they scrutinize all who would pass, and they slay
those who defy them.
Undead Nature. A phylaskia doesn't require air, food,
drink, or sleep.
disadvantage on saving th rows and its speed i s halved u ntil the

PHYLASKIA
Large undead, lawful neutral start of its next turn.
Undead Fortitude. I f damage reduces the phylaskia to 0 hit

Armor Class 1 8 (plate) points, it must make a Constitution saving throw with a DC
Hit Points 1 04 ( l l d l O + 44) equal to 5 + the damage taken, u n less the damage is radiant
Speed 40 ft. or from a critical hit. On a success, the phylaskia d rops to l hit
point instead.
20 (+5) 15 (+2) 18 (+4) 1 0 (+0) 1 6 (+3) 1 4 (+2) Vigilant. The phylaskia can't be su rprised.
A CTI O N S
Saving Throws Con +8, Wis +7
Skills I nsight +7, Perception +7 Multiattack. The phylaskia makes two longsword attacks and
Damage I mmunities necrotic, poison uses its Strength Dra i n once.
Condition I mmunities blinded, charmed, deafened, exhaustion,
frightened, poisoned Longsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to h it, reach 1 0 ft., one
Senses truesight 1 20 ft., passive Perception 17 target. Hit: 1 4 (2d8 + 5) slashing damage, or 1 6 (2d l 0 + 5)
Languages a l l slashing damage if used with two hands, plus 11 (2dl 0) ne
Challenge 9 (5 ,000 X P) crotic damage.
Strength Drain. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to h it, reach 5 ft., one

Gatekeeper's Aura. Any creature that starts its turn within
creature. Hit: 12 (2d6 + 5) necrotic damage. U n less the target
1 0 feet of the phylaskia must make a DC 15 Wisdom savi ng
is i m m u n e to necrotic damage, its Strength score i s reduced by
throw. On a successful save, the creature is immune to this
l d4. The target dies if this reduces its Strength to 0. Otherwise,
aura for the next 24 hours. On a failed save, the creature has
the red uction lasts u ntil the target fi n ishes a short or long rest.
-·

2 39
of life, impeded by distraction and ennui. Despite this,
R ETURNE D even the most languorous Returned defend themselves
Returned have escaped the Underworld and dwell. if threatened and might be pressed into the service of
among the living once more, but their second lives are their more willful brethren.
rarely what they expected-not that they remember what
it was they expected. As a result of having followed the RETU R N E D PALAM N ITE
Path of Phenax (see chapter 4), the Returned lose their
Even death and the loss o f their identities can't erase
identities, which manifest as separate beings known as
the rage that inspires Returned palamnites. These Re
eidolons. The experience of escaping the Underworld
turned led violent Jives, existences filled with such pain
also causes them to lose their faces, which become
and hatred that violence now suffuses their deathless
expressionless surfaces with empty eye sockets and
bodies. Such makes them exceptionally dangerous to
gaping mouths. These blank surfaces they cover with
the living, as these aimless killers know only suffering
distinctive golden masks.
and seek to spread it whenever the opportunity arises.
Returned reenter the world blank and undead. No lon
While palamnites might wander the world as danger
ger possessing the ability to form long-term memories,
ous, lone murderers, many gravitate to Odunos, where
they generally can't build meaningful relationships or
they serve the vicious will of Tymaret the Murder King
establish new lives. Instead, most experience fleeting
(see chapter 3).
emotions and follow hollow routines, their existences
reduced to shadow plays without weight or substance.
RETUR N E D SENTRY
Returned Masks. Adventurers who defeat Returned
foes might marvel at their fortune in claiming such rich Most new or purposeless Returned are easily manipu
spoils after a battle. The mask of a Returned is worth lated into serving their more forceful brethren. Having
approximately 100 gp, based on its composition and purpose forced upon them, these Returned perform
craftsmanship. However, selling a Returned mask isn't simple, artless tasks with middling efficiency. Their
a simple matter of cashing it in for coin. Most people on one virtue is their tirelessness, which makes them
Theros know the tales of the Returned and want noth exceptional guards. In the necropoleis, this sees many
ing to do with such cursed relics or with those who try Returned employed as sentries, though they might also
to traffic in them. Finding an unscrupulous merchant be messengers or laborers. If threatened, groups of
willing to trade for Returned masks is rare, as the items these Returned work well together, sharing the unified
are effectively another sapient being's face. Convincing goals of overcoming their foes and getting back to the
a merchant to buy a Returned mask, or dealing with the task at hand.
ramifications of such a sale, might prove to be an adven
ture in itself. RETURNED DRIFTER
Returned Nature. The Returned are undead. They Medium undead, lawful neutral
need water and air but not food or sleep. They think and
speak and even feel emotions based on their new expe Armor Class 1 3 (leather armor)
riences, but given their circumstances, those emotions Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2)
tend to be muted. Speed 30 ft.
RETU R N E D D R I FTER STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA

14 (+2) 15 (+2) 12 (+l) 10 (+O) 12 (+l) 11 (+O)
Many Returned are pitiable souls who managed to
escape from the Underworld only to find themselves
Damage Resistances necrotic
stripped of the passions that motivated their flight. Lack Damage I mmunities poison
ing purpose and shunned by the living, these Returned Condition Immunities poisoned
typically seek places where they'll be left in peace, such Senses passive Perception 1 1
as lonely tombs or the necropoleis of Asphodel and Languages the languages i t knew i n life
Odunos. There they go through half-hearted parodies Challenge 1/4 (SO XP)
VARIANT: RETURNED K AK OMANTIS Turn Resistance. The Retu rned has advantage on saving th rows
again st any effect that turns undead.
Although the dead typically recall l ittle of their l ives,
some have an obsession with magic that survives both Unreadable Face. The Retu rned i s i m m u n e to any effect that
death and reb i rth as a Returned. These Returned, called wou ld sense its emotions or read its thoughts. Wisdom ( I n
kakomanteis, use thei r magical prowess to control the en s ight) checks t o ascertai n t h e Returned's intentions or s i n cerity
ergy that suffuses the U nderworld. A Returned kakomantis are made with disadvantage.
has the statistics of a Returned palamn ite and uses the
following action option in place of M u ltiattack: AC T I O N S
Underworld Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +4 to h it, range 1 20 Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to h it, reach 5 ft., one
ft., one creature. Hit: 1 3 (2d8 + 2) necrotic damage, and target. Hit: 5 ( l d 6 + 2) slashing damage plus 3 (l d6) poi·
the target can't regain h it points u ntil the start of the son damage.
Returned's next turn. If the target i s missing any of its hit
points, it i n stead takes 1 7 (2d l 2 + 2) necrotic damage. Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/ 1 20 ft., one
target. Hit: 4 ( l d 4 + 2) bludgeoning damage.
·-
C HAPTER 6 I F R I E N D S A N D FOES
Medium undead, lawful evil
Medium undead, chaotic evil
Armor Class 1 5 (leather armor, s hield)
Armor Class 1 5 (natural armor) Hit Points 22 (4d8 + 4)
Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20) Speed 30 ft.
Speed 30 ft.
STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA 1 6 (+3) 1 5 (+2) 12 (+l ) 10 (+0) 12 (+l) 1 1 (+O)
10 (+O) 17 (+3) 14 (+2) 1 3 (+l) 1 2 (+ l ) 1 5 (+2)
Damage Resistances necrotic
Skills Acrobatics +5, Ath letics +2, Stealth +5 Damage Immunities poison
Damage Resistances necrotic Condition Immunities poisoned
Damage Immunities poison Senses passive Perception 1 1
Condition Immunities poisoned Languages the languages it knew i n life
Senses passive Perception 1 1 Challenge 1 (200 XP)
Languages the languages i t knew i n life
Challenge 4 (1 , 1 00 XP) Pack Tactics. The Return ed has advantage on an attack rol l
against a creature i f a t least one o f t h e Returned's a l l ies i s
Fleeting Anger. If another creature deals damage to the Re with i n 5 feet o ft h e creature a n d t h e a l l y isn't incapacitated.
turned, the Returned makes attack rol l s with advantage until
Turn Resistance. The Retu rned has advantage on savi ng throws
the end of its next turn.
against any effect that turns u ndead.
Turn Resistance. The Returned has advantage on savi ng th rows
Unreadable Face. The Returned i s i m m u n e to any effect that
against any effect that turns undead.
would sense its emotions or read its thoughts. Wisdom ( I n
Unreadable Face. The Return ed i s i m m u n e to any effect that sight) checks t o ascertain the Returned's i ntentions o r si ncerity
wou ld sense its emotions o r read its thoughts. Wisdom ( I n are made with d isadvantage.
sight) checks t o ascertai n t h e Returned's intentions or s i n cerity
are made with disadvantage. ACTIONS
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. o r
ACTIONS range 20/60 ft . , one target. Hit: 6 ( l d 6 + 3 ) piercing damage, o r
Multiattack. The Retu rned makes two shortsword attacks. 7 (1 d8 + 3) piercing damage if used with two h a n d s t o make a
melee attack, plus 7 (2d6) poison damage.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one
target. Hit: 6 ( l d 6 + 3) piercing damage plus 1 0 (3d6) poi Sling. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 30/ 1 20 ft., one
son damage. target. Hit: 4 ( l d4 + 2) bludgeo n i ng damage.
. ..
...
C HAPTER 6 I FRIEN D S AN D FOES

241
•.
• I
•• ..
• •
•
•
.
•
•
Medium fey, chaotic neutral
Armor Class 1 3
Hit Points 3 3 (6d8 + 6)
Speed 40 ft.
SATYR STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA

12 (+l) 16 (+3) 13 (+l ) 1 2 (+l ) 10 (+O) 16 (+3)
While most satyrs are known for their high spirits, love
of revels, and gregarious personalities, these outgoing
Skills Acrobatics +5, Performance +7, Stealth +5
people are neither naive nor defenseless. Some satyrs Senses passive Perception 1 0
delightedly torment stuffy individuals or pull pranks on Languages Common, Sylvan
the unwary, pastimes that can predictably lead to scuf Challenge l (200 XP)
fles. If a satyr can't talk their way out of a conflict-or
diffuse it with a good-natured distraction-they readily Enthralling Performance. If the satyr performs for at least l
defend themselves, their friends, and their homes in the mi nute, it chooses up to fo u r h u manoids with in 60 feet of it
Skola Vale. With diversions aside, satyrs bend their clev who watched or l i stened to the enti re performance. Each target
erness toward tactics and methods of ending conflicts must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom savi ng throw or be charmed.
as swiftly as possible. This often means turning the While charmed i n this way, the target idol izes the satyr and will
same skills that make them famed celebrants toward take part i n the satyr's revels. The charmed condition ends for
battle, be it captivating performances or the aim devel the creature after l hour, if it takes any damage, if the satyr at
oped through endless games of skill. Once a threat is tacks the target, or if the target witnesses the satyr attacking or
overcome, though, satyrs are quick to engage in their damaging any of the target's a l l ies.
favorite part of battle: the victory celebration. Magic Resistance. The satyr has advantage on saving th rows
against spells and other magical effects.
SATYR REVELER
Sleepless Reveler. Magic can't put the satyr to sleep.
Pursuing lives o f endless reverie, satyr revelers eagerly
participate in celebrations wherever they find them. A CTI O N S
Their boisterous natures go far toward tempting others
Multiattack. The satyr makes two ram attacks o r two short
to eat, drink, and carouse with them. Faced with stodg bow attacks.
ier individuals or outright rivals, satyr revelers don't
balk at using the magic of their music, dance, or other Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one target.
performances to charm opponents into joining their Hit: 6 (2d4 + l) bludgeoning damage.
festivities. In the aftermath, these satyrs' foes are more Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, range 80/320 ft. ,
likely to suffer embarrassment and groggy mornings one target. Hit: 6 ( l d 6 + 3) piercing damage.
than any lasting harm.
·-

24 2
SATYR THORNBEARER
Not all satyrs live lives o f pure whimsy. When forced to
defend their friends and homes, satyr thornbearers are
quick to take up their bows and strike against danger.
Particularly amid the dense trees of the Skola Vale,
these satyr skirmishers cooperate in loose teams, using
guerrilla tactics to harass foes then melt back into the
forest. The blessings of Nylea aid the satyrs in protect
ing their home, and a single arrow from a thornbearer's
bow might rain down like a volley from a whole army.
Sleepless Reveler. Magic can't put the satyr to sleep.

SATYR ThORNBEARER
Medium fey, chaotic neutral AC T I O N S
Armor Class 1 5 (leather armor) Multiattack. The satyr makes three ram attacks o r three short
Hit Points 38 (7d8 + 7) bow attacks.
Speed 40 ft.
Ram. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft. , one target.
Hit: 6 (2d4 + 1) bludgeo n i n g damage.
12 (+l) 18 (+4) 12 (+l ) 1 1 (+O) 1 3 (+l) 1 4 (+2) Shortbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, range 80/320 ft. ,
one target. Hit: 7 ( l d 6 + 4 ) piercing damage.
Skills Perception +5, Performance +6, Stealth +6
Senses passive Perception 1 5 Hail ofArrows (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). The satyr
Languages Common, Sylvan fi res an arrow that magically transforms into a flurry of missiles
Challenge 2 (450 XP) i n a 30-foot cone. Each creature i n that area must make a DC
1 4 Dexterity savi ng throw, taking 1 7 (Sd6) piercing damage on
Magic Resistance. The satyr has advantage on savi ng th rows a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
agai nst spel l s and other magical effects. � #
... .
C HAPTER 6 I FRIENDS AND FOES

2 43
Medium humanoid (triton), neutral evil
Armor Class 1 3
Hit Points 3 2 (5d8 + 1 0)

11 (+O) 1 6 (+3) 14 (+2) 10 (+O) 15 (+2) 11 (+O)
Skills N ature +4, Perception +4, Stealth +5

Damage Resistances cold
Senses darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common, Primordial
TRITON
Clever, far-ranging people o f the sea, tritons live rich Amphibious. The triton can breathe air and water.
lives unknown to most land-dwelling individuals. While Innate Spellcasting. The triton's spel lcasting abi lity is Wisdom
the waves separate most tritons from land-dwellers, (spell save DC 12). It can i n n ately cast the following spells, re
occasionally the inhabitants of the surface and the deep q u i ri n g no material components:
come into conflict. In such cases, tritons prove skilled at
l/day each : fog cloud, gust of wind
sabotaging ocean-going vessels, employing water-based
magic, and otherwise whipping up the fury of the sea. Nimble Escape. The triton can take the D i sengage or H i d e ac·
Few dare insult tritons in their home environment, but tions as a bon u s action on each of its turns.
those who do and survive often learn that the tritons'
wrath doesn't end at the shore. ACTIONS
Multiattack. The triton makes two u rchin-spine
TRITON S HORE STALKER shortsword attacks.
Some insults don't wash away with the tides. When sur Urchin-Spine Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit,
face dwellers threaten the safety of triton communities, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (ld6 + 3) piercing damage plus
impede upon Thassa's holiest depths, or steal the trea l 0 (3d6) poison damage. I f the damage reduces a creature to
sures of the deep, triton shorestalkers seek vengeance. 0 hit points, that creature is stable but poisoned for l hour,
Using speed and poison harvested from deadly sea even after rega i n i n g hit points, and is paralyzed while poisoned
beasts, these triton assassins slip into shallow waters i n this way.
and strike when least expected. Often, surface dwellers Poisoned Spine. Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to h it, range 30/60
don't even realize they've been attacked by shorestalk ft. , one target. Hit: 5 (l d4 + 3) piercing damage plus l 0 (3d6)
ers, chalking disappearances and deaths up to the innu poison da mage.
.
-
merable dangers of the sea.
C H APTER 6 I F R I E N D S AN D FOES
2 44
TRITON MASTER OF WAVE S
Triton masters of waves sculpt storms and change the
tides, bending the sea to their will. Drawing forth living
currents and the icy cold of the deep, these mages make
the ocean their ally, using it to defend their people or
enact Thassa's wishes. While dire threats from the land
might bring them to coastal shallows, most masters of
waves keep to the ocean's depths.
Although many masters of waves resent land-dwellers
and strike out at those who trespass upon their waters,
most are devoted followers of the sea god. Those who
share their faith or who bear earnest offerings to Thassa
might defuse the tritons' ire-that is, if they survive the
deadly winds and waves that typically herald these sea
guardians' appearance.
TRITON MASTER OF WAVE S Summon Water Weird (Recharges after a Short or Long Rest).
Medium humanoid (triton), neutral As a bonus action, the triton magically summons l d4 water
weirds (see the Monster Manual). The summoned weirds ap
Armor Class 1 5 (natural armor) pear i n u noccupied spaces i n water with i n 60 feet of the trito n .
Hit Points 105 (14d8 + 42) The water wei rds act immediately after t h e triton on t h e same
Speed 30 ft. , swim 30 ft. i n itiative count and fight until they're destroyed . They d isappear
if the triton dies.
1 6 (+3) 1 1 (+O) 16 (+3) 10 (+O) 12 (+l ) 19 (+4)
ACTIONS
Multiattack. The triton makes two attacks using Wave Touch
Saves Dex +3, I nt +3, Cha +7 and casts ray offrost.
Skills Ath letics +6, N ature +6, S u rvival +4
Damage Resistances cold, fire Wave Touch. Melee Spell Attack: +7 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one tar
Senses darkvision 60 ft. , passive Perception 1 1 get. Hit: 22 (4dl 0) cold damage.
Languages Com mon, Primord i a l Ray of Frost (Cantrip). Ranged Spell Attack: +7 to h it, range
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP) 60 ft. , one creature. Hit: 13 (3d8) cold damage, and the tar
get's speed i s reduced by 1 0 feet u ntil the start of the triton's
Amphibious. The triton can breathe air and water. next turn.
Innate Spellcasting. The triton's spel lcasti ng ability is Charisma
REACTIONS
(spell save DC 1 5 , +7 to hit with spell attacks). I t can i n n ately
cast the fol lowing spell s , requiring no material components: Frigid Shield. When a creature the triton can see targets the
triton with a n attack, the triton gains 1 0 temporary hit points. If
At will: ray offrost (see "Actions" below)
the attack h its and reduces the temporary hit points to 0, each
2/day: cone of cold
creature within 5 feet of the triton takes 9 (2d8) cold damage.
l/day each: fog cloud, gust of wind, wind wall " '

245
TYPHON
Titanic horrors of writhing flesh and gnashing maws,
typhons slither through the Underworld seeking only to
consume. Once the souls of mortal warlords and cruel
tyrants, typhons come into being over ages of fester
•
ing bitterness and rage. Over time, these souls twist
into eternally ravenous monstrosities, which rampage
through the realm of the dead, consuming souls by
the thousands. The Underworld remains their prison, •
though, and most would relish nothing more than to es •
cape and slaughter the living once more.
Regeneration. The typhon regai n s 20 hit points at the start of

TYPHON
its turn. If it takes rad iant damage, this trait doesn't fu nction
Huge monstrosity, chaotic evil
at the start of its next turn. The typhon d ies only if it starts its
turn with 0 hit points and doesn't regenerate.
Hit Points 1 9 5 ( 1 7d l 2 + 85)
ACTIONS
Speed 40 ft.
Multiattack. The typhon makes three attacks: one with its
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA Flu rry of B ites, one to constrict, and one with its maw.
24 (+7) 10 (+0) 20 (+5) 7 (-2) 12 (+1) 13 (+l )
Flurry of Bites. Melee Weapon Attack: + 12 to h it, reach 10 ft. ,
o n e target. Hit: 35 ( 8 d 6 + 7) piercing d amage.
Saving Throws Con +10
Damage I mmunities acid , necrotic Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 2 to h it, reach 15 ft. , one
Senses darkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 1 Large or smaller creature. Hit: 17 (3d6 + 7) bludgeoning dam
Languages Common age, and the target is grappled (escape DC 1 9) . U ntil this grap
Challenge 15 ( 1 3 ,000 X P) ple ends, the target i s restrained and takes 17 (3d6 + 7) blud
geon ing damage at the start of each of its turns. The typhon
Keen Smell. The typhon has advantage on Wisdom (Percep can have up to two creatures constricted.
tion) checks that rely on smell.
Maw. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 2 to h it, reach 1 0 ft., one target.
Hit: 26 (3dl2 + 7) piercing d amage plus 19 (3d l 2) acid damage.
C HAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S A N D F O E S
WOE STRI DER
Woe striders form from the souls o f those who've bro
ken the bonds of destiny. Over centuries, these cosmic
blasphemers transform into hunched, long-limbed hor
rors, Sadistic things, woe striders seek ways to reweave
themselves into the tapestry of destiny. This leads them
to search for answers within the bowels of other beings,
performing murderous haruspicy in pursuit of their dis
carded cosmic purpose. When they fail to find answers,
their unnatural cries cause reality to shudder, under
mining magic and sane minds alike.
At the start of each of its turns, the woe strider decides which
WOE STRIDER
way the cone faces and whether its mouth i s open or closed.
Large aberration, chaotic evil
AC T I O N S
Hit Points 1 1 0 ( 1 3d l 0 + 39) Multiattack. The woe strider makes two claw attacks and one
Speed 40 ft., c l i m b 40 ft. bite attack. If both claws hit the same creature, the target is
grappled (escape DC 14).
Claw. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 1 0 ft., one target.
1 8 (+4) 15 (+2) 1 6 (+3) 8 (-1) 1 4 (+2) 14 (+2)
Hit: 7 ( l d 6 + 4) slash i n g damage p l u s 3 ( l d 6) psychic damage.
Skills Intim idation +S, Perception +S Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to h it, reach 5 ft., one creature
Condition I mmunities frightened that is grappled, incapacitated, or restrai ned. Hit: 1 3 (2d8 + 4)
Senses darkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 5 piercing damage plus 1 6 (3dl0) psychic damage. In addition,
Languages telepathy 1 20 ft. each magic item the creature is carrying that i s n 't a n artifact
Challenge 7 (2,900 X P) has its magical properties suppressed for 1 m i n ute.
Antimagic Cone. The woe strider's open mouth creates an area

of anti magic, as i n the antimagicfield spel l, in a 60-foot cone.
"' *
... .
C H A PTER 6 I FRI E N D S AN D FOES

2 47
resources, or provides it with new actions to use. As
MYTHIC MON STERS a result, the battle becomes deadlier and rages on for
This section describes three o f Theros's most infamous longer than most combat encounters. Each monster fea
terrors, beings whose might and dreadful deeds set tures an "As a Mythic Encounter" section that highlights
them apart as menaces of legendary proportions. While its mythic trait, notes how using it changes the difficulty
many of Theros's greatest myths arise from storied ter of the encounter and the rewards, and includes read
rors-like the hydra Polukranos or the dreaded titans aloud text you can use mid-battle to signal a terrifying
the monsters in this section have a feature that sets shift in the conflict.
them apart: mythic traits.
Mythic traits transform battles into truly legendary ARASTA OF T H E E N D LE S S WE B
confrontations, well suited to the climactic battles at the
A victim of the gods' petty rivalries, Arasta was once
ends of adventures or whole campaigns. Mythic traits
one of Nylea's most beloved dryad companions. Phe
are optional; they don't need to be used during combat
nax's bitterness saw her transformed into an arachnid
with these monsters. If you so choose, you may simply
monstrosity and driven into the darkest depths of the
ignore a monster's mythic trait and mythic actions. If
Nessian Wood. Now she broods on her unjust fate and
you wish to increase a battle's stakes, though, using a
the fickleness of the gods who left her cursed with mon
monster's mythic trait results in some mid-battle twist
strous immortality.
that changes the way the monster behaves, restores its
a DC 21 Constitution savi ng throw, taking 32 ( S d l 2) poison

ARASTA
damage on a failed save, o r half as much damage o n a success
Huge monstrosity, neutral evil
fu l one. I f the damage reduces the target to 0 hit points, the
ta rget i s stable but poisoned for l hour, even after rega i n i n g hit
Armor Class 1 9 (natu ral armor)
points, and is paralyzed while poisoned i n this way.
Hit Points 300 (24dl 2 + 1 44)
Speed 40 ft., c l i m b 40 ft. Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: + 14 to hit, reach 5 ft. , one target.
24 (+7) 1 6 (+3) 23 (+6) 1 5 (+2) 22 (+6) 1 7 (+3) Web of Hair (Recharge 4-6). Arasta u n leashes her h a i r i n the
form of webbing that fi l l s a 30-foot cube next to her. The web
Saving Throws Dex + l 0, Con +1 3 , Wis +1 3 i s difficult terra i n , its area i s l i ghtly obscured, and it lasts for
Skills Arcan a +9, Deception +1 0, Intimidation +1 0, Nature +9, l minute. Any creature that moves into the web or that starts
Perception +1 3 , Stealth + 1 0 its turn there must make a DC 21 Dexterity savi ng th row. On a
Damage Resistances b l u dgeoning, piercing, and slashi n g from failed save, the creature is restrained while i n the web. A crea
non magical attacks ture can use an action to make a DC 21 Strength check. On a
Damage Immunities acid, poison success, it can free itself or a creature within 5 feet of it that is
Condition Immunities poisoned restrained by the web.
Senses b l i n dsight 60 ft., darkvision 1 20 ft., passive This webbing is i m m u ne to all damage except magical fi re .
Perception 23 A 5-foot c u b e o f t h e w e b i s destroyed if it takes at least 2 0 fi re
Languages Celestial, Com mon, Sylvan damage from a spell or other magical source on a single turn.
Challenge 21 (33,000 XP)
LEGENDARY ACTIONS
Armor of Spiders (Mythic Trait; Recharges after a Short or Long
Arasta can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options
Rest). If Arasta is reduced to 0 hit points, she doesn't die or fal l
below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time
u nconscious. I n stead , she regains 200 h i t points. I n additio n ,
and only at the end of another creature's turn. Arasta regains
Arasta's c h i ld ren immediately swarm over her body t o protect
spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.
her, granting her 100 temporary hit points.
Claws. Arasta makes one attack with her claws.
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). I f Arasta fa i l s a saving th row,
Swarm (Costs 2 Actions). Arasta causes two swarms of spiders
she can choose to succeed i nstead. (see the Monster Manual) to appear i n u noccu pied spaces
Magic Resistance. Arasta has advantage on saving th rows with i n 5 feet of her.
against spells and other magical effects. Toxic Web (Costs 3 Actions). Each creature restrai ned by Aras
ta's Web of H a i r takes 18 (4d8) poison damage.
Spider Climb. Arasta can climb d ifficult s u rfaces, includ
i n g u pside down on cei l i n gs, without need i n g to make a n M YTH IC ACTIONS
ability check. If Arasta's mythic trait is active, she can use the options below
as legendary actions, as long as she has temporary hit points
Web Walker. Arasta ignores movement restrictions caused
from her Armor of Spiders.
by webbing.
Swipe. Arasta makes two attacks with her claws.
ACTIONS Web of Hair (Costs 2 Actions). Arasta recharges Web of H a i r
Multiattack. Arasta makes three attacks: one with her bite and and u s e s it.
two with her claws. Nyx Weave (Costs 2 Actions). Each creature restrai ned by Aras
ta's Web of H a i r m ust succeed on a DC 21 Constitution sav
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +14 to h it, reach 5 ft. , one creature. ing throw, or the creature takes 26 (4d l 2) force damage and
Hit: 20 (3d8 + 7) piercing damage, and the target must make any spell of 6th level or lower on it ends.

ARASTA AS A MYTHIC ENCOUNTER The n ightmarish arach nid unleashes a shriek that sounds l i ke
Arasta is a formidable enemy under normal circum a thousand spider carapaces scarring slate. I n response, the
stances, but to give characters a truly mythic challenge, ground ripples and bursts over the monster, reveal ing itself
you can have her call on her Armor of Spiders. Her use as a wave of countless spiders. The tiny arach nids swarm the
of this trait signals a drastic turn in the encounter, as
larger horror, gird i ng it i n skittering bodies.
Arasta summons her arachnid children to protect her.
While she has temporary hit points from this trait, she
can choose one of her mythic actions when she uses a Fighting Arasta as a mythic encounter is equivalent to
legendary action. taking on two challenge rating 2 1 creatures in one en
Read or paraphrase the following text when Arasta counter. Award a party 66,000 XP for defeating Arasta
uses her Armor of Spiders trait: after she uses Armor of Spiders.
Arasta appears as a gigantic spiderlike creature, her Lair Actions. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative
few humanoid features made monstrous by cruel magic ties), Arasta can take a lair action to cause one of the
and ages of hatred. Webs fill her lair deep in the Nessian following effects. She can't use the same effect two
Wood, sticky strands made not of silk but of her own rounds in a row.
endless hair. In her darkened realm, Arasta broods on • Arasta learns about any creature touching her webs.
her hatred of the gods and their servants. She doesn't Each creature restrained by a web or Arasta's Web of
do so alone, though, as innumerable arachnids fawn Hair must make a DC 2 1 Intelligence saving throw.
over her, serving as her eyes throughout the wilderness, On a failed save, Arasta gains knowledge of a crea
disposing of victims trapped within her hair, and sacri ture's name, race, where they consider home, and
ficing themselves in her defense if they must. what brought them to her web.
See "Myths of Nylea" in chapter 2 for more details on • Arasta casts the giant insect spell (spiders only).
the tragedy of Arasta. It lasts until she uses this lair action again or un
til she dies.
ARASTA's LAIR
Arasta lives in an enormous, gnarled olive tree called Regional Effects. The region containing Arasta's lair
Enorasi, which was planted millennia ago by Klothys. It is warped by her presence, which creates one or more of
is said that those who eat of its fruit can see glimpses of the following effects:
the future. Eating the fruit brings with it a risk, though, • Spiders and insects within 1 mile of Arasta's lair
for those who Klothys finds unworthy might be driven serve as her eyes and ears. Birds and other flying
mad. There, within Enorasi's hollow trunk, Arasta creatures are absent from the skies and occasionally
awaits the next would-be prophet to make her meal. Her found trapped in webs.
webs stretch beyond the branches of the tree and carpet Within 1 mile of Arasta's lair, webs fill all 10-foot
the forest floor of her realm. cubes of open space, so long as the webs can be an
Path to the Underworld. Tales are told of forlorn chored between two solid masses (such as walls or
souls who, because of grief or madness over the loss of a trees). The webs are flammable. Any webs exposed
loved one, have sought out Arasta's lair, as it is rumored to fire burn away in 1 round. Any destroyed webs are
that some of the strands of her web are anchored near magically repaired at the next dawn.
the edge of the Underworld and can enable a traveler to
reach that realm's ashen shores. If Arasta dies, the spiders and insects lose their super
But those who enter her domain unbidden almost natural link to her. The webs remain, but they dissolve
never go unnoticed, for Arasta can sense the slightest vi within ldlO days.
bration along her web hair, and her children act as spies
on her behalf.
....

2 50
HYT H O N I A T H E C RU E L • Hythonia briefly animates creatures that have been
petrified by her gaze. Each statue attacks one creature
Theros's reclusive medusas often delight in collecting
within 5 feet of it, with a +1 1 bonus to hit and dealing
and expanding their galleries of petrified victims. Unlike 10 (3d6) bludgeoning damage on a hit. If a Medium or
other medusas, Hythonia isn't merely a collector; she's smaller creature takes this damage, it is also grappled
an artist. (escape DC 1 5).
When Hythonia came to the island of Skathos, the in Hythonia causes spectral snakes to erupt from a point
habitants worshiped her as an avatar of the god Pharika. she can see within 150 feet of her. Each creature
The cultists eagerly offered themselves up to the medu within 20 feet of that point must succeed on a DC 19
sa's petrifying gaze in hopes of gaining Pharika's favor. Constitution saving throw or take 5 (2d4) piercing
Seeing herself surrounded by willing devotees, Hytho damage and become poisoned until the end of its next
nia formulated a cruel plan. After encouraging them turn. While poisoned in this way, the creature has
to engage in wild rituals, Hythonia began turning her disadvantage on Intelligence checks and Intelligence
followers to stone, weaving their forms to create a grisly saving throws, and it behaves as if under the effect of
throne made of their petrified bodies. the confusion spell.
While the medusa's victims have dwindled, tales of
the medusa queen and the divine secrets she hoards Regional Effects. The region containing Hythonia's
have not. Hythonia eagerly trades the mysteries she lair is warped by her presence, which creates one or
knows but demands a constant price: a beautiful individ more of the following effects:
ual to become part of her throne. • A large population of snakes dwells in the region.
• Trees within 1 mile of the lair are petrified wood.
HYTHONIA'S LAIR
Plants that stay within 500 feet of the lair for 1 day
Hythonia makes her lair on Skathos, an island where turn to stone.
a secret sect of worshipers dedicated to Pharika previ • Small bodies of water within 1 mile of the lair become
ously hoarded secrets and engaged in dark rituals. poisonous. A creature that drinks the water must suc
Island ofPotent Magic. Although Skathos's location ceed on a DC 1 9 Constitution saving throw or become
remains a mystery, stories tell of the island's magical poisoned for 8 hours. An affected creature can repeat
plants and Hythonia's various treasures. Hythonia en the saving throw at the end of each hour.
courages such rumors by letting lone survivors escape
her realm, letting the ravings of survivors tempt more
playthings into her clutches.
Lair Actions. On initiative count 20 (losing initiative
ties), Hythonia can take a lair action to cause one of
the following effects. She can't use the same effect two
rounds in a row:
•
•
• •
HYTHONIA
Large monstrosity, lawful evil Multiattack. Hythonia makes three attacks: one with her claws,
one to constrict, and one with her snaky h a i r.
Hit Points 199 (2l d l 0 + 84) Claws. Melee Weapon Attack: + 1 1 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
Speed 40 ft., c l i m b 40 ft., swim 40 ft. Hit: 9 ( l d 8 + 5) slashing d amage plus 4 (l d8) poison damage.
Constrict. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 1 to hit, reach 15 ft., one
Large or smaller creature. Hit: 16 (2d l 0 + 5) bludgeon ing
21 (+S) 1 7 (+3) 19 (+4) 1 4 (+2) 16 (+3) 1 8 (+4)
damage, and the target is grappled (escape DC 1 9) . U ntil this
grapple ends, the target is restrained a n d takes 1 5 (3d6 + 5)
Saving Throws Str +1 1 , Con +1 0, Cha +10
b l udgeoning damage at the start of each of its turns, and Hy
Skills Deception +10, Insight +9, Perception +9, Stealth +9
thonia can't constrict another target.
Condition I mmunities charmed, frightened, poisoned Snaky Hair. Melee Weapon Attack: + 11 to h it, reach 10 ft., one
Senses d a rkvision 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 9 target. Hit: 31 (4dl 2 + 5) bludgeon i n g damage, and Hythonia
Languages Common can pull the target up to 5 feet closer to her if it i s a Large or
Challenge 17 (1 8 ,000 X P) smaller creature.
Innate Spellcasting. Hythonia's spellcasting abil ity is Charisma LEGENDARY ACTIONS

(spel l save DC 1 8) . She can i n n ately cast animate objects once H ythonia can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the
per day requ iring no material components.
options below. She can take only one legendary action at a
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Hythonia fai l s a saving th row, time and only at the end of another creature's turn. Hythonia
she can choose to succeed instead. rega i n s spent legend a ry actions at the start of her turn.
Petrifying Gaze. When a creature that can see Hythonia's eyes Move. Hythonia moves up to her speed without provoking op
starts its turn with i n 30 feet of h e r, Hythonia can force it to portun ity attacks.
make a DC 1 8 Constitution savi ng th row if she i s n 't i ncapaci Snaky Hair. Hythonia makes one attack with her snaky h a i r.
tated and can see the creature. If the savi ng throw fails by 5 or Petrified Earth (Costs 2 Actions). Hythonia causes stone s pikes
more, the creature i s i nstantly petrified. Otherwise, on a fai led to erupt from the ground i n a 30-foot radius centered o n her.
The area becomes difficult terrain until the start of her next
save the creature begi n s to turn to stone and is restrained. The
turn. Any creature, other than Hythonia, takes 9 (2d8) pierc
restrained creature m ust repeat the savin g throw at the end
i n g damage for every 5 feet it moves on those spikes.
of its next turn, becoming petrified on a fai l u re or ending the
effect on a success. The petrification lasts u ntil the creature is MYTHIC ACTIO NS
freed by the greater restoration spell or other magic.
If Hythonia's mythic trait is active, she can use the options be
U n less surprised , a creature can avert its eyes to avoid the
low as legendary actions for 1 hour after using Shed Skin.
saving throw at the start of its turn. If the creature does so, it
can't see Hythonia u ntil the start of its next turn, when it can Numbing Claws. Hythonia makes two attacks with her claws.
avert its eyes aga i n . If the creature looks at Hythonia i n the If both attacks hit the same creature, it takes an extra 7 (2d6)
meantime, it must immediately make the save. poison damage and m u st succeed on a DC 18 Constitutio n
I f Hythonia sees herself reflected on a polished su rface savi ng throw or become paralyzed u n t i l the start o f h e r
withi n 30 feet of her a n d in an area of bright light, she is af next turn.
fected by her own gaze. Look at Me (Costs 3 Actions). Hythonia can fo rce a sighted
creature she has grappled to see her eyes and be affected by
Shed Skin (Mythic Trait; Recharges after a Short or Long Rest). her gaze.
If Hythonia is reduced to 0 hit points, she doesn't die or fal l
u nconscious. I n stead, she sheds her skin, regains 1 99 hit
points, and moves up to her speed without provoking opportu
nity attacks.

252
HYTHONIA AS A MYTHIC ENCOUNTER The medusa's s k i n cracks, turns a l ifeless gray, and s hatters!
Hythonia serves as a potent threat against even high The monster crumbles to dust-but what clatters to the
leve.1 characters, but you can increase the challenge by ground i s n 't scale and bone, but hollow stone. The sound
using the Shed Skin trait. When this happens, Hythonia
of rippl i n g coi l s precedes the medusa rising up anew, the
heals many of her wounds and slips away from danger,
last of her shed s k i n d ropping away, revealing gl iste n in g, un
and then she can choose one of her mythic actions when
she uses a legendary action. scarred sca les.
You might foreshadow Hythonia using her mythic trait
by describing her skin cracking and turning pale as she Fighting Hythonia as a mythic encounter is equivalent
suffers wounds. Read or paraphrase the following text to taking on two challenge rating 17 creatures in one
when Hythonia finally uses her Shed Skin trait: encounter. Award a party 36,000 XP for defeating Hy
thonia after she uses Shed Skin.
TROM OKRATIS Rough Waters. Tromokratis is a particularly can
tankerous nadir kraken that has claimed all the sea
Most krakens roam the seas, shattering hulls and scat
as its territory. A tumultuous sea is often attributed to
tering fleets, but the kraken Tromokratis notoriously Tromokratis battling another kraken to assert its claim.
vents its wrath on coastal settlements. Whether it acts Often, before a journey, sailors blow conch-shell horns
at the command of the god Thassa or to sate its- own · in the belief that the sound will soothe nearby krakens.
hunger, Tromokratis numbers among the most feared The Horn ofHumenades. Legend speaks of a magic
threats in the sea, having no fixed lair and wandering horn that the hero Humenades used in ancient times to
where it will. In recent memory, the massive menace summon Tromokratis to lay waste to a cursed city lost to
rose from the waves to topple the Pyrgnos, Meletis's evil ways. The horn was so powerful that, after the city
great repository of scholarly knowledge. Since that day, was destroyed, Humenades took it to Tizerus and buried
the polis keeps a watch specifically for Tromokratis. it under a stone near the palace of Erebos.
is a creature, it is grappled (escape DC 26). U ntil the grapple

ThOMOKRATIS ends, the target is restrained, and Tromokratis can't use this
Gargantuan monstrosity (titan), a n y alignment
attack on anyone else.
Armor Class 22 (natural armor) Tail.Melee Weapon Attack: + 18 to hit, reach 20 ft., one target.
Hit Points 409 (21d20 + 1 89) Hit:23 (3d8 + 10) bludgeon i n g damage, and if the target is a
Speed 30 ft., swim 80 ft. creature, it is knocked prone.
STR DEX CON I NT WIS CHA Tentacle Grasp. Melee Weapon Attack: + 18 to h it, reach 20 ft.,
30 (+10) 11 (+0) 29 (+9) 22 (+6) 11 (+O) 10 (+O) one creature. Hit: 20 (3d6 + 1 0) b l udgeo n i n g damage, and the
target is grappled (escape DC 26). If the target doesn't escape
Saving Throws I nt + 14, Wis +8 by the end of its next turn, Tromokrati s throws the target u p to
Damage Resistances cold, l ightni n g, thunder 60 feet i n a straight l i ne. The target lands prone and takes 21
Damage Immunities fi re; bludgeo n i n g, pierc i n g, and slashing (6d6) b l udgeon i n g damage.
from nonmagical attacks
Bite. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 8 to h it, reach 5 ft., one target.
Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, paralyzed,
restrained Hit: 29 (3d12 + 1 0) piercing damage. If the target is a Large or
Senses b l i nd sight 1 20 ft., passive Perception 1 0 smaller creature gra p p led by Tromokratis, that creature is swal
Languages - lowed, and the grapple ends. W h i l e swallowed, the creature i s
Challenge 26 (90,000 XP) bli nded and restrained, it has total cover against attacks a n d
other effects outside Tromokratis, and it takes 42 (1 2d6) acid
Amphibious. Tromokratis can breathe air and water. damage at the start of each of Tromokratis's turns.
l f Tromokratis takes 50 damage or more on a single turn
Hearts of the Kraken (Mythic Trait; Recharges after a Short from a creature inside it, Tromokratis mu st succeed on a DC 20
or Long Rest). When Tromokratis is reduced to 0 hit points, it Constitution savin g throw at the end of that turn or regurgitate
doesn't die or fal l u nconscious. Instead , the damage creates all swa l lowed creatures, which fal l prone in a space within 1 0
cracks i n its carapace, revealing its hearts. Tromokratis has feet ofTromokratis. lfTromokratis dies, a swa l lowed creature
four hearts: two on its chest, one on its back, and one at the i s n o longer restrained by it and can escape from the corpse by
base of its tail. A heart has an AC of 22 and 1 00 hit points. It is using 15 feet of movement, exiting prone.
i m m u ne to bl udgeon i ng, piercing, and slashing damage from
non magical attacks, and it is i m m u n e to a l l cond itions. If it LEGENDARY ACTIONS
is forced to make a saving throw, treat its abil ity scores as 1 0
Tromokratis can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from
(+O). I f i t fi n ishes a short o r long rest, the carapace heals, any
the options below. Only one legendary action option can
destroyed hearts regenerate, and the hearts are covered aga i n .
be used at a time and only at the end of another creature's
Tromokratis dies when a l l t h e hearts a r e destroyed.
turn. Tromokratis regains spent legendary actions at the start
Legendary Resistance (3/Day). l f Tromokratis fails a saving of its turn.
throw, it can choose to succeed i n stead . Move. Tromokratis moves u p to half its speed.
Magic Weapons. Tromokratis's weapon attacks are magical. Tail. Tromokratis makes one tail attack.
Bite (Costs 3 Actions). Tromokratis makes one bite attack.
Siege Monster. Tromokratis deals double damage to objects
and structures. M Y T H IC ACTIONS
lfTromokratis's mythic trait is active, it can use the options
Spell-Resistant Carapace. Tromokratis has advantage o n saving
below as l egendary actions for l hour after using H earts of
throws against spells, and any creature that makes a spell at
the Krake n .
tack agai nst Tromokratis has disadvantage on the attack rol l .
Rampage. Tromokratis makes two attacks: one with i t s t a i l and
ACTIONS one with its tentacle grasp.
Multiattack. Tromokratis makes three attacks: one with its p i n Coral G rowth (Costs 2 Actions). Each creature within 10 feet
cer, o n e with i t s tai l , and o n e with i t s tentacle grasp. ofTromokratis m ust make a DC 25 Dexterity savi ng th row,
taking 1 3 (3d8) slashing damage on a fai led save, or half as
Pincer. Melee Weapon Attack: +1 8 to h it, reach 20 ft. , one tar much damage on a successfu l one. Until the start of its next
get. Hit: 20 (3d6 + 1 0) bludgeoning damage, and if the target turn, Tromokrati s and its hearts gain a +2 bonus to AC.
CHAPTER 6 I FRI E N D S AND FOES

2 54
TROMOKRATIS AS A MYTHIC ENCOUNTER The tita n i c monster's carapace cracks, revea l i n g a p u l s i ng,
Tromokratis numbers among the most powerful crea red-purple h eart bu ried amid h eaps of blubber and m u scle.
tures a group of adventurers might face. If you wish to Fissures run across the beast's ancient shell, reveal i n g three
make an encounter with the kraken truly legendary, other m ighty, ichor-slick orga n s . The sea terror thrashes,
Tromokratis might use its Hearts of the Kraken mythic
c h a n n e l i n g pain i nto fury.
trait. When this happens, it calls upon a reserve of
strength just as it appears to be vanquished. After its
hearts are exposed, Tromokratis can choose one of its Fighting Tromokratis as a mythic encounter is equiva
mythic actions when it uses a legendary action. lent to taking on two CR 26 creatures in one encounter.
Read or paraphrase the following text when Award a party 180,000 XP for defeating Tromokratis
Tromokratis uses its Hearts of the Kraken trait: after it uses Hearts of the Kraken.
INDEX
Agonas, 1 06
Akroan War, The, 88
Fleecemane lion, 223
Glossion, 4 1 , 92
Medusa, 70, 7 1 , 206
Meletis, 89
Phylaskia, 239
Phylias, 1 06
MYT H S
Akros, 86 Gods, 33 Minotaur, 2 2 , 65, 98 Piety, 36 Akroan War, The, 88
Alseid, 234 Adventures, 1 09 Miracles, 1 1 4 Polukranos, 230 Athreos, 39
Altrisos, 4 1 , 92 Assistance, 1 1 0 Mire of Punishment, 1 07 Purphoros, 7 6 Dalakos and the Kraken,
Amatrophon, 94 Divine weapons, 1 98 Mogis, 64 Adventures, 1 68 26
Amphisbaena, 208 Gods as villains, 1 1 0 Adventures, 1 5 2 Champions, 78 Ephara, 4 1
Androphage, 64 Intervention, 1 1 4 Champions, 66 Quests, 1 09 Erebos, 45
Anvilwroughts 1 2, 209 Serving multiple, 109 Mount Hiastos, 105 Returned, 73, 1 00, 240 Fall of Agnomakhos, 91
Aphemia, 226 Gorgon, see medusa Mount Kure, 97 Reverent Army, The, 90 First Kings of Meletis,
Arasta, 69, 248 Harpies, 226 Mount Velus, 1 04 Satyr, 24, 103, 242 15
Archons, 8, 2 1 2 Heliod, 46 Mount Vesios, 1 04 Sea lock, 205 Halma, Nylea's
Mounts, 2 1 4 Adventures, 1 28 Mystic Sea, 1 05 Setessa, 93 Emissary, 1 56
Ashlands, The, 99 Champions, 48 Mystical islands, 1 7 7 Siren Sea, 1 0 2 Heliod, 4 7
Asphodel, 1 00 Heroic archetypes, 7 Natumbria, 92 Sirens, 226 Iraan Games, The, 30
Athlete, 3 1 Heroic drive, 1 1 Nautical adventures, Sitrium, 92 Iroas, 51
Athreos, 39, 1 8 1 Hetos, 1 0 1 176 Skala Vale, 1 0 3 Karametra, 5 3
Adventures, 1 1 6 Hippocamp, 2 2 7 Neolantin, 92 Skophos, 99 Kelephne the Victor, 133
Champions, 38 History, 7 Nerono, 1 0 7 Sphinx, 207 Keranos, 57
Basilisk, 7 1 , 204 Hoplites, 228 Nessian Wood, 95 Stadium of Dishonor, Klothys, 59
Bassara Tower, 93 Humans, 1 7 Nexuses of the Seasons, 1 06 Klothys and the Titans,
Blessings, 1 1 4 Hundred-handed one, 94 Stratian, 86 145
Calendar, 85 225 Naiad, 236 Stratian Front, The, 99 Kruphix, 63
Caryatid, 94 Hunter's Crossing, 9 5 Night hag, 206 Sun's Mirror, 97 Mogis, 65
Catoblepas, 4 7 , 69, 204 Hydras, 230 Nylea, 67 Supernatural gifts, 1 2 Mogis and the
Centaur, 1 8 Hyrax Tower, 93 Adventures, 1 56 Tartyx River, 106, 180 Minotaurs, 2 3
Lagonna band, 92 Hythonia, 2 5 1 Champions, 68 Tethmos, 97 Nikaia the First Caryatid,
Pheres band, 88 Ilysia, 107 Nylea's Favored, 103 Thassa, 79 95
Cerberus, 65, 2 1 4 Iraan Games, The, 49, Nymphs, 234 Adventures, 1 7 2 Nylea, 6 9
Chimera, 2 1 6 87 Nyx, 1 05 , 1 1 4 Champions, 80 Pharika, 7 1
Citadel of Destiny, 1 0 7 Iroas, 49 Nyxborn, 1 4, 63, 203 Thaumaturges, 90 Phenax, 75
College o f Eloquence, 2 8 Adventures, 132 Nyx-fleece ram, 233 Thesteia, 92 Purphoros, 77
Colossus of Akros, 2 1 8 Champions, 50 Nykthos, 104 Titans, 34, 58, 1 45 Sinking of Olantin, The,
Crypts of the Lost, 1 0 1 Karametra, 52 Oath of Glory, 29 Titan's Stairs, 88 179
Cult of Horns, 1 03 Adventures, 1 36 Odunos, 1 01 Tizerus, 1 07 Temple at the World's
Cyclops, 88, 204 Champions, 54 Olantin, 88, 92, 1 7 9 Tovian Fields, 1 0 5 Edge, The, 1 49
Cypress Gates, 95 Katachthon Mountains, Omens, 1 1 1 , 1 1 2 Triton, 26, 1 09, 244 Thassa, 81
Dakra Isles, 8, 85 , 1 0 2 1 04 One-Eyed Pass, 88 Tromokratis, 254 Tymaret the Murder
Dawngreets, 1 03 Keranos, 55 Ophis Tower, 93 Twelve, The, 89 King, 1 0 1
Deathbellow Canyon, 99 Adventures, 1 40 Oracle, 1 5 , 238 Typhon, 246 Xenagos the Satyr God,
Demons of Theros, 1 82, Champions, 56 Ordeals, 1 1 4 Underwater adventures, 25
219 Klothys, 58 Oread, 237 1 79
Despair Lands, 1 00 Adventures, 1 4 4 Oraniad Mountains, 104 Underworld, The, 1 06
Destiny, 6, 58 Champions, 6 0 Oreskos, 96 Adventures, 1 80
Divination, 1 1 1 , 1 4 2 Kraken, 2 0 5 Oxus, 92 Denizens, 1 8 2
Doomwake giant, 2 2 4 Nadir, 2 0 5 Path o f Phenax, 75, 1 82 Unicorn, 207
Dragon, 35, 7 1 , 99, 104, Krimnos, 92 Phaela 92 Wall of water (spell), 2 7
205 Kruphix, 61 Pharagax Bridge, 88 Winter's Heart, 104
Eidolons, 1 82 , 222 Adventures, 1 48 Pharika, 70 Woe strider, 59, 24 7
Emissaries, 1 1 4, 1 56 Champions, 62 Adventures, 160
Empty Eye, 104 Lagonna Grounds, 92 Champions, 72
Ephara, 40 Lamia, 206 Phenax, 7 3
Adventures, 1 20 Lampad, 234 Adventures, 1 6 4
Champions, 4 2 Languages, 9 Champions, 7 4
Erebos, 43 Lathos, 1 07, 1 82 Phoenix Stairs, 104
Adventures, 1 2 4 Leina Tower, 93 Pheres Lands, 88
Champions, 44 Lektoi, 86 Philosophy, 89
Fate, 6 Leonin, 20, 96, 232 Phoberos, 98
Flarnespeaker, 86, 104 Listes, 92 Outposts, 88
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MYTHIC ODYSSEYS OF

Languages ............... . . ....... .. ... ... ... ... ..

Dakra Isles ........................................... 102 Cerberi..... ... .. . ... 214

Heroic Drive ........ .. . ................. ......... ....

The Oraniad Mountains................... ... 104 Abhorrent Overlord ... . 219

Realms of the Gods................................. 105 Eater of Hope .. . . 220

The Underworld ....... . .. .. .. ... .. 106 Eidolons.. ........................... .. ... . . 222

Flitterstep Eidolon .........................222

Fleecemane Lion . . . 223

Giants. . .. ... .. .. .. ... .. .. 224

Doomwake Giant............................. 224

Hundred-Handed One .................... 225

Harpies.................... .. . . . .. ... . 226

Divine Ordeals.. ... ... ...... ............ ... .. 114

Divine Relationships . .... 34

Myths and Deeds ...... .. ... ... .... . .. ..... .... 35

Erebos . .. .... .. .. .. . . . 124

Worship .. . .. ...... .. . .. ... ... ... .... 35

Hoplites ... ... ... ... . .... ....................... 228

Clerics and Champions . . . . 35

Akroan Hoplite . ... .. . . ... ... 228

Piety 36 ......................... ... .............................

Meletian Hoplite .. ... ... ... ........ ... . 229

Setessan Hoplite . .................... .... 229

Keranos.. . . . . .. . .. .. . ... .. ... ... .. .. 140

Hydras .. .. .. ... ... 230

Ironscale Hydra ... .. .. . 230

Heliod .. ... .... ........ .... .. . 46

Polukranos . . .. . ... ....... ........ .. . 230

Mogis ........................ ... ...... ... ........ .... ... . 152

Iroas . ... ... ... ........... .... ......... 49

Nylea . ... ....... .... ........... ........ ... ..... 156

Nyx-Fleece Ram ... .. .... ... ... ... . . . 233

Phenax ....................................................... 164

Purphoros ................................................. 168

Kruphix...... ... ... .. . 61

Mogis .......... .... ... ... . . . 64

Nautical Adventures ....... ... ....... .. .... ... 176

Nylea .. .. ... ....... ... ....... . . .. 67 .. . ..

Naiad .. ................... ............ .... ... 236

Sailing the Sea .................................... 176

Pharika . .... ........ .... ... .. ... . . . . . . 70

Mystical Islands .. .. .. ... ... ... . 177

Phenax .. .. .. .... ....... ........ 73

Underwater Adventures 179 .. .. .. .. .

Purphoros . . .... .. ........... . ... 76

Phylaskia .. ... ... ... .. .. . .. ............. 239

Underworld Adventures ... ... . . 180

Thassa....... .. . . ... .. ... ....... 79

Living Descent ........ .. . .. .

Life in the Poleis . . .. . ... 83 Returned Sentry 240

Pheres Lands...... .... . . .. .. . . 88 Satyr Thornbearer .. .... ... 243

Meletis ... ........... ... ....... ... . . . ... .. . . ..

Artifacts ... . . . .. 198

l AM MEDO MAI, AGELESS AND

l DID FORETELL THE FALL OF ALEP HNE

MOCKED BY THE FOOLISH WHO SAY THAT THE

VOICE OF THE GODS IS BUT MADNESS.

GREAT WAS ITS RUIN, AND SLAUGHTERED WERE

Ajani Goldmane, and countless others-are no less he

Female Names: Bozzri, Dhazdoro, Erinimachis, Gha

OAT H O F G LO R Y S P E L L S • You are blessed with an otherworldly presence, gain