heroes of mythic greece for merp

1.0HEROES OF MYTHIC GREECE FOR MERP

Editor's note: This article is a supplement to the article "Mythic Greece for MERP" and its addendum on the Trojans, which appeared in the May 1999 and December 1999 issues of The Guild Companion, respectively. The first "Heroes of Mythic Greece" article appeared in the November 1999 issue, the second in January 2001.

This section provides character information on the legendary Heroes of Mythic Greece and recounts tales of their deeds and exploits.

The descriptions of the heroes are divided into three sections. The first provides a brief history of the hero. Please note, however, that there are numerous variations upon and holes within the myths. Where variations differ and holes appear, logic, imagination, interpretations of various variations, or even pure fantasy are used to file in the holes. Therefore, if some fact or detail about a hero seems implausible, it should by all means be changed. In addition, the history of the hero is just a summary of events with many details being left out. For an in-depth character overview of a particular hero, consult any Greek Mythology book. All references to years parallel the Mythic Greece timeline. The suggested year for playing is 296.

The second section provides the heroes' personal traits, such as appearance and personality. This section also details what the hero is doing in Year 296, the year recommended for adventuring. In a few instances, the hero has died, retired, or is too young to adventure with the PC party.

The third section provides MERP and RM game statistics. Due to the nature of Special Powers, unusually high stats are common. In MERP statistics, when a hero is using his Statistic Power, affected stats are modified in parentheses. For example, when Meleager is using his Great Vitality, his OB changes from 122 to 165, denoted 122 (165). For RM, the situation is slightly different, because RM handles Statistic Powers by using the stat potential rules and thereby makes an accounting for them.

2.0 Asbolus (Charcoal)

Asbolus the Centaur is the soothsayer and chieftain of the Centaurs living in the Thessaly region. He lives near the human city of Lapithae and grows up near humans. Around Year 260, Asbolus and several other chieftains band together and successfully fight several battles with nearby human kingdoms to establish a land of the Centaurs' own in Thessaly. He establishes a thriving trade with the city of Lapithae. Peirithous, King of Lapithae, has blood ties with some of the nearby Centaur princes.

In 273, Asbolus, while visiting his friend Chiron in Mount Pelion, encounters the Centaur Pholus. Pholus has entertained the human hero Heracles and has opened jars of wine given as gifts by the Dionysus, the god of wine. The strong smell of the wine intoxicates Asbolus. He and others attempt to take the wine by force from Heracles and Pholus. The struggle ends with Chiron mortally wounded and countless Centaurs dead, including Pholus. Asbolus leaves Mount Pelion in sorrow and never returns to the mountain again in his life.

Six years later, Asbolus and several other Centaur chieftains are invited to the wedding of their dear friend and distant cousin King Peirithous of Lapithae. Many famous guests attend the

wedding, including Nestor, Prince of Pylos; Theseus, King of Athens; Caeneus of Lapithae; crafty Nessus, a Centaur prince from near Lapithae; and the mighty Eurytus, chieftain of the Centaurs in Thessaly. During the ceremony, wine is brought out and Centaurs unaccustomed to it begin to fight with the other guests. While intoxicated, Eurytus jumps onto the wedding stage and attempts to rape the bride. Asbolus, who had learned his lesson on Mount Pelion and who is a good friend of Peirithous, attempts without success to hold Eurytus back. But Eurytus, through his sheer size and brute strength, kills the bride. Heavy fighting breaks out which lasts all through the night. Although he attempts to calm the situation, Asbolus is wounded and flees with several other Centaurs. The battle becomes known as the Lapith–Centaur Fight and marks the beginning of the feud between Lapiths and Centaurs. In the battle, many died on both sides, but the Centaurs lost and suffered the most.

In the ensuing months, war breaks out. Asbolus acts as the Centaurs' chief augur and surgeon. At this time, Asbolus reveals to Nessus that he will die by the arrows of a nine-fingered man. With no such man in sight, Nessus wreaks havoc on the Lapiths until Heracles, who has only nine fingers, passes by and fights on the side of the Lapiths.

With two of the greatest heroes, Theseus and Heracles, fighting against them, the Centaurs are doomed. Many fall to the heroes' clubs and arrows. Asbolus understands that the Centaurs will have to declare a truce until Heracles and Theseus leave. The Centaurs withdraw from Lapith territory and wait until the heroes leave.

The following year, Theseus and Peirithous leave Lapithae to go to the Underworld to kidnap Persephone, the goddess of Tartarus, while Heracles joins the Argo. Asbolus and the other chiefs gather their forces, invade the Lapith territory, and defeat the Lapith army. As the result, Asbolus regains his lands, the fruitful trade and openness the two cultures once had has ended.

In the following years, Asbolus continues to counsel the Thessalian Centaurs as their chief augur and surgeon in the area. He also fights in several skirmishes with the Lapiths. Some are successes; others are disappointments. He maintains his hold on his land to his old age. He dies of old age in Year 312.

2.1 Asbolus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Asbolus appears as a thirty-year-old Centaur. He is a black stallion with black woolly hair, shining green eyes, and dark skin on his human half. He is thickly built, thoughtful, and energetic. Asbolus, like other forest folk, mistrusts humans, although he realizes that forming ties with humans could be beneficial. Other Centaurs often seek his advice and help. He is a skilled surgeon and augur. Hera occasionally watches over him; he is a Priest for the Centaurs in the region. Ares sporadically hunts him since Asbolus tends to favor peace and nurture trade ties with the local human population. He counts Nessus, Chiron, and various local river gods and nymphs as friends. He carries a spear and bow during times of war.

2.2 Asbolus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Animist Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: HeraRace: Centaur Home: Thessaly Hunter: AresLevel: 10 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 122 (186) AT/DB: No/30 Shield NoMelee OB: 75 (128) sp Missile OB: 60 bw MM: 15

Stats: ST 100 (110), CO 100 (120), AG 75, IT 95, IG 92, PR 82, AP 68. All stats in parentheses denote ability when using Special Powers.

Skills: Administration 20, Boxing 65, Climb 50, Foraging 35, First Aid 45, Leadership 30, Music 35, Public Speaking 45, Priest (Apollo) 20, Omen Reading 50, Signaling 20, Sky Watching 40, Stalk/Hide 86, Geography 30, Thessaly Lore 20, Trap Building 55, Herb Lore 40, Animal Lore 20.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 20 (×2). Base Spells 20, Directed Spells 55. Knows "Sound/Light Ways," "Nature Lore," "Protections," "Detection Mastery," "Spell Defense," "Surface Ways," "Direct Channeling," "Bone/Muscle Ways," and "Organs Ways" to 10 th

level.

2.3 Asbolus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Astrologer Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: HeraRace: Centaur Home: Thessaly Hunter: AresLevel: 10 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 165 AT/DB: 3/30 Shield NoMelee OB: 100 sp Missile OB: 60 bw MM: 15

Stats: CO 110, AG 75, SD 92, ME 96, RE 92, ST 105, QU 75, PR 82, EM 88, IN 95, AP 68. Special Power stats are included in Rolemaster potentials.

Skills: Administration 20, Boxing 65, Climb 50, Foraging 35, First Aid 45, Leadership 30, Music 35, Public Speaking 45, Priest (Apollo) 20, Omen Reading 50, Signaling 20, Sky Watching 40, Stalk/Hide 86, Geography 30, Thessaly Lore 20, Trap Building 55, Herb Lore 40, Animal Lore 20.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 20 (×2). Base Spells 20, Directed Spells 55. Knows "Light Ways," "Concussion's Ways," "Purification," "Detection Mastery," "Spell Defense," "Blood Law," "Bone Law," "Muscle Law," "Way of the Voice," "Holy Vision," "Starlights," and "Starsense" to 10th level.

2.4 Asbolus: Items

Asbolus' Staff: This staff of dark, twisted wood acts as a ×2 PP multiplier and can be used as a +10 quarterstaff.

3.0 Achilles (Lipless)

No hero is brasher, more frightening in combat, and more skillful than Achilles. He is the greatest hero of the Trojan War; only Hector the Trojan prince is more feared on the battlefield. Achilles comes from a mighty lineage. His father is the hero Peleus, who marries one of the most powerful Nereids in Mythic Greece, Thetis. Achilles is born in Year 298. One story claims that, a few days after Achilles' birth, Thetis takes the infant in the night to the fireplace to burn his skin. Thetis is mighty in magic and wants to perform a magical ritual to make Achilles immortal, like her. However, Peleus awakes upon hearing the cries of his son and begins searching for the infant throughout the palace. To his astonishment, he sees his wife holding the baby Achilles by the ankle, slowly dipping him into the fire. Peleus, not knowing what his wife is doing, angrily snatches the infant from Thetis' hands. Thetis becomes enraged that her husband, a mere mortal,

has interfered with her ritual; without a word, she vanishes before Peleus' eyes. Thus, the child is named Achilles, which means "lipless," because he never placed his lips on his mother's breasts. Peleus is left to raise the child. However, Peleus sends Achilles at the age of five to Chiron to be raised by the master teacher. Chiron instructs the young Achilles in the arts of riding, hunting, pipe playing, healing, and the strategy of war. The Muse Calliope teaches him how to sing, which he does at his father's banquets when he comes to visit. It is said that the young Achilles marks himself a great warrior at an early age. By the age of six, he has killed his first boar, much to the surprise of Chiron. Since then, Chiron allows the boy to hunt with the Centaurs. He is further impressed with the young child's speed, because he keeps up with the Centaurs.

Meanwhile, Thetis, possessing the skill of prophecy, knows that if her son should ever go to war, he will never return alive. In 313, the call of war spreads across Hellas. Meneleus' wife Helen is kidnapped, and he calls upon the swearers of the Oath of Tyndareus to retrieve his wife from Troy. Several kingdoms respond. Partocilus and Ajax, cousins of Achilles, have taken the Oath and are obliged to go to war. Thetis, fearful that her son might want to go with his cousins, takes Achilles, now a young man, from Chiron. She disguises Achilles as a girl and leaves him at the court of Lycomedes. During his stint as a "girl," Achilles has an affair with one of Lycomedes' daughters, Deidameia, which produces a child first named Pyrhus, later to be named Neoptolemus.

Seers and wise men foretell that Troy will never fall without the presence of Peleus' son. Therefore, Odysseus, Nestor, and Ajax are sent to find the young Achilles. Eventually, after a long search, they are told that they can find Achilles on the isle of Scyros. Upon their arrival, King Lycomedes agrees to allow the heroes to search his palace. They never detect Achilles, but Odysseus conceives a plan to bring out Achilles from his hiding place. He lays a pile of gifts in the middle of the court. Most of the gifts are jewels and beautiful dresses, but he also leaves a sword and spears among the jewelry. Then Odysseus orders a trumpet blast and a call-to-arms to sound an attack by pirates on the palace. As soon as the trumpet sounds, one of the "girls" seizes the sword and spear, yelling for the would-be pirates to come in. Of course, this is Achilles in disguise. Once discovered, Achilles, who had wanted to join his cousins anyway, agrees to join the expedition and promptly sends a messenger to Phthia to call the Myrmidons to battle.

At Troy, Achilles proves to be the mightiest warrior on the field. For nine years, Achilles goes about sacking towns and cities allied to Troy. Achilles' mere presence on the battlefield brings terror to the Trojans and their allies.

In the tenth year, the Achaeans concentrate their efforts on Troy. Agamemnon, commander-in-chief of the Achaean forces, takes the beautiful seer Chrysies in a nearby raid. Agamemnon refuses to ransom her to her father, Chryses, who is a Trojan sage of some importance. Chryses in turn invokes Apollo for aid. Apollo responds and begins shooting the Achaeans with deadly arrows, killing hundreds. Agamemnon relents and returns the young woman to Chryses, but he recoups his loss by seizing another beautiful woman, Briseis, who had also been captured during that same raid. However, Achilles had taken Briseis captive, and she was in his care. Agamemnon's actions infuriate Achilles, who announces that he will withdraw his forces from the battlefield until Briseis is returned. All the Achaean leaders worry because Achilles is their best warrior and his Myrmidons are legendary for their fighting prowess. They plead with Agamemnon to return Briseis, but he still refuses to return the woman.

When the Trojans hear that Achilles and his Myrmidons have withdrawn, they are ecstatic. Hector, commander-in-chief and champion of the Trojan forces, assails the Achaeans with a vengeance, nearly succeeding in burning the Achaeans' ships. At this point, Patroclus, a cousin

and dear friend of Achilles, begs him to return to the battlefield with his troops. Achilles refuses but agrees that Patroclus can wear his armor and command the Myrmidons in his stead. Thus, Patroclus, disguised in Achilles' armor, returns to battle leading the Myrmidons. Patroclus is able to turn the tide of the battle. He nearly captures Troy by himself, but Hector rushes to stop him at the gates and kills him. The battle swings to favor the Trojans once more.

It takes some time before Achilles hears of his dear friend's death. When he does, he rolls in the dust in grief. He vows vengeance on Hector and makes peace with Agamemnon. Thetis gives Achilles a new magical suit of armor made by the god-smith Hephaestus, since Hector has stripped Achilles' own weapons and armor from Patroclus. After several other exploits, Achilles eventually defeats Hector in single combat before the walls of Troy.

After Hector's death, Achilles sallies forth onto the battlefield of Troy, destroying the Trojans' champions one after another, including Pentheselia, the Amazon Queen, and Memmon, Prince of Ethiopia. However, Achilles the mighty warrior will also meet his end. Paris, brother of Hector and abductor of Helen, shoots an arrow at Achilles' ankle, which strikes his vulnerable spot, killing the young warrior near the gates of Troy.

3.1 Achilles: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

Obviously, PC heroes adventuring in Year 296 will never meet Achilles, as he is not born until 298, two years after the suggested game time. However, the GM could have the PC heroes play at a later period so as to meet the young Achilles at Mount Pelion or Achilles the mighty warrior during the Trojan War. (For their sakes, if they do meet him during the war, the PC heroes had best be on the Achaean side!)

Throughout his relatively short life, Achilles appears as a very attractive man with an Olympic-class muscular build, strawberry-blond hair, and deep blue eyes. He is very confident in his abilities, which could give others the impression that he is thick-headed or arrogant. The truth is that he is very proud and trusts only a few important individuals in his life. He has been secluded from the human world for much of his life and has therefore developed a Centaurish opinion of men in general. He is prone to mood-swings. When angry, he can be quite barbaric and destructive. When happy, he can be the most generous and warm-hearted of persons. He holds true to his convictions regardless of the consequences. His true friends are those from his childhood, Patroclus and Ajax who visit him during his stay with Chiron and hunt with him. Chiron and the other forest creatures with whom he grows up and from whom he learns so much are also close to him. His other close friends are his uncle Telamon, his father Peleus, and his advisor Phoenix. He is not fond of Agamemnon.

Achilles is unusual in that he has two Watchers. Thetis, his mother, Watches Achilles, but also sways Zeus to act on her behalf, since she is a minor god and was once Zeus' lover. She has other friends among the more powerful gods and gets them to act on her behalf also. For example, she requests Hephaestus to quickly create armor for her son. Thus, Zeus and Thetis are listed. Achilles' Hunter is Apollo, who grows tired of Achilles' brash ways and eventually aids Paris in defeating him. Achilles is a priest of Apollo, but during the Trojan War, Apollo forsakes him and he cannot cast any spells.

During his time in Mount Pelion, Achilles is clothed in typical Achaean garments. When hunting, he carries an ashen spear made by Chiron. During the Trojan War, Achilles acquires much of his father's magical equipment and horses (see Peleus). Hector takes this equipment when he slays Patroclus. At Thetis' request, Hephaestus creates a new set of armor and weapons.

In addition, Hephaestus previously constructed his father's chariot and his horses are Great Horses (Poseidon's Horses). The Poseidon's horses were given to his father when he married Thetis. They are wise, immortal, and able to talk and to run across rough terrain as if it were smooth. Their stamina is much greater than that of any mortal horse. On occasion, they counsel Achilles.

3.2 Achilles: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: Zeus, ThetisRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: ApolloLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Prowess, Impenetrable SkinHits: 140 AT/DB: CH/60 Shield YesMelee OB: 160 (209) sp Missile OB: 110 (153) sp MM: 25 (50)

Homes include Phthia and Mount Pelion.

Stats: ST 100 (112), CO 94, AG 100 (110), IT 60, IG 81, PR 100, AP 94. All stats in parentheses denote value when using Special Powers.

Skills: Ambush 5, Animal Handling 35, Boxing 82, Foraging 40, First Aid 40, Gambling 20, Dancing 30, Jumping 35, Lyre 45, Tracking 88, Perception 40, Priest 10, Riding 79, Running 30, Sailing 20, Singing 48, Swimming 91, Weather Watching 40, Herb Lore 20, Geography 20, Animal lore 20, Centaur Lore 30, Greek 5, Luwian 4, Minoan 3.

Spells: Patron: Apollo (Calliope). PP 20 (×2). Knows the Bard list "Controlling Songs," the Animist list "Bone/Muscle Ways," and the Open Channeling list "Surface Ways" to 5 th

level.

Spell Power: Impenetrable Skin {Level 5 • Any • Any • Continuous}: Grants the hero tough skin that acts as chain armor. The hero's skin also acts as a continuous "Resist Elements" spell from the "Protection" list. There is, however, a drawback: Achilles' ankles are unprotected areas that if hit (as specified in the critical table or a 10% chance) add +10 to the attacker's critical roll. These areas cannot be covered with armor (this can be explained as a magical or psychological limitation). They are located near a main artery and are at least 3" in radius.

3.3 Achilles: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: Zeus, ThetisRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: ApolloLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Prowess, Impenetrable SkinHits: 140 AT/DB: CH/60 Shield YesMelee OB: 209 sp Missile OB: 153 sp MM: 45

Homes include Phthia and Mount Pelion.


Skills: Ambush 5, Animal Handling 35, Boxing 82, Foraging 40, First Aid 40, Gambling 20, Dancing 30, Jumping 35, Lyre 45, Tracking 88, Perception 40, Priest 10, Riding 79, Running 30, Sailing 20, Singing 48, Swimming 91, Weather Watching 40, Herb Lore 20, Geography 20, Animal lore 20, Centaur Lore 30, Greek 5/5, Luwian 4/4, Minoan 3/3.

Spells: Patron: Apollo (Calliope). PP 20 (×2). Knows the Bard list "Controlling Songs" and the Closed Channeling lists "Bone Law" and "Muscle Law" to 5th level.

Spell Power: Impenetrable Skin {Level 5 • Any • Any • Continuous}: Grants the hero tough skin that acts as chain armor. The hero's skin also acts as a continuous "Resist Elements" spell from the "Protection" list. There is, however, a drawback: Achilles' ankles are unprotected areas that if hit (as specified in the critical table or a 10% chance) add +10 to the attacker's critical roll. These areas cannot be covered with armor (this can be explained as a magical or psychological limitation). They are located near a main artery and are at least 3" in radius.

3.4 Achilles: Items

Ashen Spear of Sharpness: Its shaft was created by Chiron and polished by Athena, its tip was cast in gold by Hephaestus, and its handle has been engraved with golden leaflike designs. This +20 spear was originally given to Peleus as a wedding present but has been passed on to Achilles.

Golden Armor. Hephaestus, god of smiths and fire, created Peleus' armor. All armor equipment is half the normal weight and is +30. The golden armor acts as plate armor but weighs as chain mail. This set of armor was given to Peleus as a wedding gift, then given to Achilles for the Trojan War. Achilles loses the first set of golden armor, which Hephaestus replaces with a lesser set, +20. (He has only a few days to complete the second set.) This set includes armor and shield.

Hunter's Sword: This sword was forged by Mythic Greece's greatest smith and inventor, Daedalus, and was first given to Peleus who later passed it on to his son. Geometric designs and images of sea life with gold and blue coloring decorate this +20 magical sword. It was created to aid hunters in their hunts. It provides the hunter with a tingling sensation that directs him towards any one typical prey animal (i.e., a large mammal), adding +40 to his Tracking skill.

Golden Chariot: This magical chariot was also given to Peleus by the gods as a wedding present. It is made of a light golden-color metallic alloy with flower and horse designs marked on either side in silver and white colors. It was made in such a way as to ease the handling of horses and adds +20 to Riding (i.e., Charioteering) to the charioteer.

Muse's Ring: This beautiful jeweled ring was given to Achilles by the Muse Calliope. Unbeknownst to Achilles, it is magical, acting as a ×2 PP multiplier and adding +10 to Singing activity.

3.5 Achilles: Great Horses

Name Lvl Size MM Hits AT DB Shld Melee OB NotesBalius 9 L 45 165 No 30 N 75MBa Hellas Lore/History 50Xanthus 8 L 40 177 No 30 N 80MBa Hellas Lore/History 55

Both Great Horses are intelligent and have the ability to speak Greek. They can run across rough terrain with no difficulty. They are essentially immortal, although violence or depression can kill them.

4.0 Agamemnon (Very Resolute)

Agamemnon is considered the most powerful king in Hellas during his time. He is named commander-in-chief and supreme king of the Achaean forces during the Trojan War. Agamemnon comes from a famous family that can call several gods as their grandparents. However, with all of his power, he still falls to Thyestes' curse. That curse begins with his father Atreus and his uncle Thyestes.

In 265, King Sthenelus of Mycenae dies. The Mycenaeans vote between the two noble sons of Pelops, Atreus and Thyestes to be king. Through trickery and adultery, Thyestes wins the throne. However the gods did not favor Thyestes and he loses the Mycenaean throne to brother. Upon winning the throne, Atreus learns that his wife had cheated with this brother. In a rage, Atreus butchers Thyestes’ children and tricks Thyestes into eating their flesh. Disgusted and ashamed, Thyestes curses Atreus and his children. This curse became the famous Curse of Atreus. Atreus will spend the rest of his life searching for his brother.

Atreus has three wives. His first wife, Aerope, conceives two sons, Agamemnon and Menelaus, and one daughter, Anaxibia. She dies some time later. His second wife bears no children while his third wife, Pelopia, conceives a son, Aegisthus whom Arteus thinks is his own. In reality, Thyestes is the father.

Agamemnon, elder of the two brothers, was born in 273. When Agamemnon and Menelaus became young men, they went to the Oracle of Delphi, where they find Thyestes and bring him back to Mycenae. Arteus imprisons his brother and ordered Aegisthus to kill him. Thyestes reveals that he is his father and persuades him to kill Atreus. Thyestes takes the throne. Atreus' sons Agamemnon and Menelaus escape the coup and flee to the court of King Oeneus of Calydon where they are welcomed. Some time later, King Tyndareus of Sparta deposes Thyestes, who flees with his son and installs Agamemnon on the throne of Mycenae.

In 294, Agamemnon sacks the small city of Pisa and kills its king, Tantalus, in order to marry by force Tantalus' wife Clytemnestra, a woman of renowned beauty. Tyndareus, her father, sanctions the marriage despite the fact that his sons Castor and Polydeuces have misgivings about Agamemnon. Their unhappy marriage produces three daughters and a son named Orestes.

Two years later, Menelaus marries another daughter of Tyndareus, the famous Helen, and moves to Sparta. In 313, Paris of Troy kidnaps Helen, and Menelaus turns to his older brother for help. Agamemnon organizes and leads the Achaean forces to Troy. There, Agamemnon is accounted to be one of the best warriors on the Achaean side. After ten grueling years, Agamemnon is able to marshal his forces to victory and take Troy. He takes Priam's daughter Cassandra, a prominent seer of Troy, as his prize.

While Agamemnon is at war, Aegisthus returns to Mycenae and conspires with Clytemnestra to kill Agamemnon when he returns. Clytemnestra has many reasons to be disloyal to her husband. Despite her noble descent, he treated her as a serving girl, which upset her greatly. In addition, Agamemnon sacrificed their daughter before sailing to Troy. (Actually, Artemis took the girl right before the sacrifice and made everyone believed she was sacrificed.) Therefore, it should be no surprise that she would willingly conspire with Aegisthus to murder her husband. Unlike his fellow heroes, Agamemnon returns home with relative ease, only to be hacked to death in the bathroom by his wife. A bloody coup soon follows. All of Agamemnon's soldiers and supporters

are massacred and Thyestes' curse is fulfilled. Eventually, Agamemnon's son Orestes avenges him.

4.1 Agamemnon: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In Year 296, at the age of 23, Agamemnon is the wealthiest king in Hellas. He is big, haughty, greedy, and grasping beyond his years. At present, Clytemnestra is very unhappy with their marriage. Agamemnon has made some very powerful friends who include King Tyndareus of Sparta, King Oeneus of Calydon, King Nestor of Pylos, whom he greatly respects, and Prince Odysseus of Ithaca. He also has a few grudges with Ajax and Achilles. The Dioscuri—Castor and Polydeuces—distrust Agamemnon. Clytemnestra, sister to the Dioscuri, complains constantly about Agamemnon's treatment. Because Agamemnon belongs to the royal line of Atreus, his Watcher is Zeus. Aphrodite, for obvious reasons, is his Hunter. In times of war, Agamemnon wears full Achaean battle gear of two spears, a sword, a chariot, and shield.

4.2 Agamemnon: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 12 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 133 (199) AT/DB: PL/50 Shield YesMelee OB: 129 (172) sp Missile OB: 85 sp MM: 10 (35)

Homes: Mycenae, Calydon, and Sparta.

Stats: ST 100 (110), CO 100 (120), AG 75, IT 76, IG 80, PR 80, AP 77.

Skills: Animal Handling 30, Boxing 52, Climb 90, Foraging 25, First Aid 20, Gambling 25, Riding 68, Stalk/Hide 70, Leadership 30, Seduction 30, Tracking 88, Perception 48, Omen Reading 25, Sailing 25, Swimming 78, Trickery 40, War Tactics 25, Woodcraft 15, Wrestling 78, Hellas Lore 30.

4.3 Agamemnon: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 12 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 165 AT/DB: PL/50 Shield YesMelee OB: 157 sp Missile OB: 85 sp MM: 20


Stats: ST 100 (110), CO 100 (120), AG 75, IT 76, IG 80, PR 80, AP 77.

Skills: Animal Handling 30, Boxing 52, Climb 90, Foraging 25, First Aid 20, Gambling 25, Riding 68, Stalk/Hide 70, Leadership 30, Seduction 30, Tracking 88, Perception 48, Omen Reading 25, Sailing 25, Swimming 78, Trickery 40, War Tactics 25, Woodcraft 15, Wrestling 78, Hellas Lore 30.

4.4 Agamemnon: Items

Scepter of Atreus: This scepter made by Hephaestus is Agamemnon's emblem of power as commander of the Greek forces at Troy. Hephaestus gave it to Zeus, who gave it to Hermes,

who in turn gave it to Pelops, from whom it descended to Agamemnon. The scepter appears as a golden studded scepter with various images from Zeus’ exploits. It is magical and provides the user with a +15 to influence skills. It also helps protect the user from all mind or influence spells, adding +15 to RR's. In combat, it is treated as a +20 mace.

Cinyan’s Armor: This armor was given to Agamemnon during his youth by then the King of Crete, Cinyan. It is beautifully layered bronzed panoply with silver inlaids. The cuirass is magicient piece of work with enameled snakes on it. This armor will protect it’s wearer from all poison and protects as a +15 Plate armor but encumbers as Chain armor.

Agamemnon otherwise possesses +5 equipment.

5.0 Ajax the Greater (Of the Earth)

Second only to his beloved cousin Achilles, Ajax is considered the greatest fighter on the Greek side during the Trojan War. Ajax, born in Year 287 on the island of Salamis, is the son of the great hero Telamon, King of Salamis, and his wife, Queen Periboea. While visiting his great friend Telamon, Hercules swaddles the infant Ajax in the hide of the Nemean Lion, which makes Ajax's flesh impenetrable except at the neck and armpits.

Ajax grows to be a very tall, well-built man. Like many of his peers, he seeks the hand of Helen hand in marriage, so he takes the Oath of Tyndareus. When Helen is kidnapped in 313, Meneleus calls upon all of the Oath-takers to help him rescue his wife. So compelled, Ajax sets off with his half-brother Teucer—who is sent to watch him—and many ships. Ajax is by far the tallest man on the Trojan field. His size alone is enough to make Trojans scramble away from him, but it is his huge shield and partnership with Teucer that make him famous. The shield, famous for its size, conceals Ajax and Teucer from enemy arrows and spears. The two become a fighting team; Teucer shoots arrows from behind the shield while Ajax fights those who come close. The two commit many exploits and deeds.

Ajax plays an important part in the war. Before the final assault on Troy, he commands several raids against the towns of Asia Minor (modern Turkey) allied to Troy. He lays waste to the Thracian Chersonese, which is ruled by a son-in-law of King Priam of Troy. He attacks a Phrygian town belonging to King Teleutas and carries off his daughter, Tecmessa. She bears a son, Eurysaces, to Ajax during the war. Ajax also hunts the Trojan flocks on Mount Ida and in the countryside. He even fights the mighty Hector to a draw in single combat.

Ajax is very close to his cousin Achilles; the two have hunted together since childhood. When Achilles dies in the heat of combat, Ajax charges in, picks up Achilles' body, carries it to safety, then stops to mourn for his cousin. Meanwhile, the Trojans and their allies, who surround Achilles' body and attempt to despoil it, shoot a hail of arrows at Ajax and nearly succeed in killing him.

After Achilles' funeral, his armor is offered as prize to the "next best warrior." Many of Ajax's soldiers and friends think Ajax should automatically receive the armor because Ajax and Achilles shared a great bond of friendship and were family. Nevertheless, a contest is held to determine the best warrior. Through trickery and politics, the judges award the armor to Odysseus, who later gives the armor to Achilles' son. Upon hearing the result of the contest, Ajax flies into a fit of rage, vowing that the Achaeans will regret their decision. Later that night, he sneaks about the camp, planning to slaughter the Achaeans while they sleep. However, Athena hears of the plan and casts a spell on him. Ajax goes about hacking and thrusting at what he thinks are the

Achaean captains. When the spell lifts later in the morning, he realizes that he has slaughtered a whole flock of sheep instead. Totally ashamed of what he has done, Ajax walks to a secluded cave near the shore and throws himself on his sword. Thus ends the tragic life of the Great Ajax.

5.1 Ajax the Greater: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Ajax is a small, chubby child with a mop of hair who lives with his father, King Telamon of Salamis. When he grows up, Ajax is a very tall, handsome man with curly brown hair and brown eyes. He is by far the tallest man on the Achaean side during the Trojan War. He has lily-white skin with a very powerfully built body, wide shoulders, and thick arms and legs.

While living in his father's kingdom, Ajax dresses as a typical Achaean prince in robes and sandals. Shades of purple and bright blue are his favorite colors. During his hunting trips with his brothers and cousins, he sports leather armor and a mighty ashen spear, which is given to him by one of Chiron's Centaurs. During the Trojan War, in addition to his ashen spear and Achaean war gear, Ajax carries his famous shield, which is huge by Achaean standards, large enough to protect two men. Due to its size, the shield actually works as a wall against Ajax's enemies.

Ajax is not a very clever or intelligent man. He prefers to bash his enemies into submission than to try using trickery or smarts. He prefers wrestling and hunting to reading poetry or playing a lyre. He is the archetype of the Achaean hero, good-natured, boastful to the point of offending the gods and others, straightforward, down-to-earth, and loyal to friends and fierce to enemies. He dislikes political intrigue or sly persons. His closest friends, most of whom are also brothers or cousins, are Teucer, Peleus (his uncle), Achilles, Patroclus, and Ajax the Lesser. He is not fond of Odysseus, Meneleus, or Agamemnon. Since Ajax governs an island, his Watcher is Poseidon, who admires his strength and down-to-earth nature. Ajax lacks a constant Hunter; however, in the end, the goddess Athena tricks Ajax, which event ultimately causes his doom. Therefore, Ajax's Hunter varies.

5.2 Ajax the Greater: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: PoseidonRace: Achaean Home: Salamis Hunter: Varies

Level: 17 Special Powers: Great Strength, Impenetrable SkinHits: 160 AT/DB: CH/10 Shield Yes (+40)Melee OB: 145 (211) sp Missile OB: 120 sp MM: 10 (40)

Stats: ST 100 (120), CO 100, AG 78, IT 58, IG 62, PR 88, AP 92. All stats in parentheses denote value when using Special Powers.

Skills: Wrestling 104, Climb 90, Foraging 30, Gambling 25, Tracking 48, Tumbling 40, Swimming 88, Sailing 35, Boxing 86.

Spell Power: Impenetrable Skin {Level 5 • Any • Any • Continuous}: Grants the hero tough skin that acts as chain armor. The hero's skin also acts as a continuous "Resist Elements" spell from the "Protection" list. There is, however, a drawback: Ajax's armpits and neck are unprotected areas that if hit (as specified in the critical table or a 10% chance) add +10 to the attacker's critical roll. These areas cannot be covered with armor (this can be explained as a magical or psychological limitation). They are located near a weak point and are at least 3" in radius.

5.3 Ajax the Greater: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: PoseidonRace: Achaean Home: Salamis Hunter: VariesLevel: 17 Special Powers: Great Strength, Impenetrable SkinHits: 160 AT/DB: CH/10 Shield Yes (+40)Melee OB: 206 sp Missile OB: 120 sp MM: 10 (40)

Stats: CO 100, AG 78, SD 74, RE 68, ME 62, ST 117, QU 75, PR 88, EM 57, IN 58, AP 92. Special Power stats are included in Rolemaster potentials.

Skills: Wrestling 104, Climb 90, Foraging 30, Gambling 25, Tracking 48, Tumbling 40, Swimming 88, Sailing 35, Boxing 86.

Spell Power: Impenetrable Skin {Level 5 • Any • Any • Continuous}: Grants the hero tough skin that acts as chain armor. The hero's skin also acts as a continuous "Resist Elements" spell from the "Protection" list. There is, however, a drawback: Ajax's armpits and neck are unprotected areas that if hit (as specified in the critical table or a 10% chance) add +10 to the attacker's critical roll. These areas cannot be covered with armor (this can be explained as a magical or psychological limitation). They are located near a weak point and are at least 3" in radius.

5.4 Ajax the Greater: Items

Ashen Spear of Sharpness: This +10 enchanted spear is given to Ajax during a visit to his cousin Achilles at Mount Pelion.1

Shield of Ajax: This huge +40 shield has seven layers of ox-hide and one of bronze. Geometric designs cover its face and it has a picture of Athena in its center. Ajax later removes the image, thus incurring Athena's wrath. It is so large that it requires a +30 strength bonus to carry. It is built specifically for Ajax and is large enough to cover two individuals.

6.0 Autolycos (Very Wolf)

Autolycos, born in Year 207, is famous for his skill in trickery. He is the son of the god Hermes and the princess Chione. Throughout his life, Autolycos has performed many amazing feats of thievery. His specialty is to magically alter the appearance of stolen cattle and horses, which he later sells to unsuspecting customers. Sometime around Year 240, Autolycos, along with his brothers, decides to make Mount Parnassus his permanent hideout. In 296, Odysseus, his grandson, visits Autolycos. While hunting with Autolycos' brothers, Odysseus is severely injured by a boar. Autolycos cares for his grandson and brings him back to health. In the interim, he bestows on Odysseus many gifts.

6.1 Autolycos: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 298, Autolycos is of average appearance and appears as a stocky, red-haired man with an easygoing smile. Like his father, Hermes, Autolycos is a shrewd man who enjoys a good thrill. He has already amassed a large quantity of wealth, but still goes on raids where he performs feats

1 Items of Sharpness add +10 to all MERP critical rolls or add a level of severity to all RM criticals (E becomes F = E + A, separate rolls).

of thievery just for the adrenaline rush. He has become a legend and the mere mention of his name sends chills to kings counting their treasure. Due to his fame, Autolycos has made many enemies. Others who have never met him in person are immediately suspicious of him once named. This suspicion has earned him Helios as his "Hunter"; he fears that Autolycos is looking for a way to steal his prized cattle.

Autolycos is something of a magician, and uses magic to his advantage while adventuring. He is often seen carrying a dirk and a spear and wearing Achaean leather armor. By 298, Autolycos appears as a man in his mid-forties. He still partakes in adventures, but his age is beginning to show. Despite his mischievous ways, his family plays an important role in Autolycos' life. They are his pride and joy and he remains closely bonded to them. He loves very much his grandson Odysseus, whom he named. Barring the intervention of Fate, Autolycos will die of old age in 311.

6.2 Autolycos: MERP Statistics

Profession: Thief Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: HermesRace: Achaean Home: Mt. Parnassus Hunter: HeliosLevel: 17 Special Powers: MetamorphosisHits: 115 AT/DB: RL/55 Shield YesMelee OB: 130 sw Missile OB: 90 sp MM: 20

Stats: ST 92, CO 88, AG 100, IT 91, IG 88, PR 82, AP 81.

Skills: Acting 35, Ambush 17, Animal Handling 30, Wrestling 94, Climb 90, Disguises 40, Foraging 30, First Aid 55, Gambling 85, Music 30, Stalk/Hide 116, Tracking 68, Tumbling 40, Priest of Hermes 30, Perception 110, Singing 20, Swimming 78, Trap Building 50, Trickery 99, Used Items 40, Horse lore 20, Hellas Lore 25.

Spells: Patron: Hermes. 17 PP. Base Spell 0, Directed Spell 15. Knows "Sound/Light Ways" and "Detection Mastery" to 10th level.

Spell Power: Metamorphosis {Level 5 • Underworld • Any • Once a day}: Hero may alter the size or color of any number of domestic animals whose total levels are less than or equal to the hero's level. Domestic animals must make a RR against a 5th level attack.

6.3 Autolycos: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Thief Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: HermesRace: Achaean Home: Mt. Parnassus Hunter: HeliosLevel: 17 Special Powers: MetamorphosisHits: 115 AT/DB: 9/55 Shield YesMelee OB: 130 sw Missile OB: 90 sp MM: 20

Stats: CO 88, AG 100, SD 84, RE 88, ME 82, ST 92, QU 100, PR 82, EM 87, IN 91, AP 81.

Skills: Acting 35, Ambush 17, Animal Handling 30, Wrestling 94, Climb 90, Disguises 40, Foraging 30, First Aid 55, Gambling 85, Music 30, Stalk/Hide 116, Tracking 68, Tumbling

40, Priest of Hermes 30, Perception 110, Singing 20, Swimming 78, Trap Building 50, Trickery 99, Attunement 40, Horse Lore 20, Hellas Lore 25.

Spells: Patron: Hermes. 17 PP. Base Spell 0, Directed Spell 10. Knows "Sound Ways" and "Detection Mastery" to 10th level.

Spell Power: Metamorphosis {Level 5 • Underworld • Any • Once a day}: Hero may alter the size or color of any number of domestic animals whose total levels are less than or equal to the hero's level. Domestic animals must resist a 5th level attack.

6.4 Autolycos: Items

+15 Magic Sword.

+10 Rigid Leather Armor

7.0 Bellerophon (Bearing Darts)

In about Year 240 a son named Hipponous is born to the queen of King Glaucus of Corinth, son of the crafty Sisyphus and Eurymede. Favored by Athena, Hipponous grows up gifted with charm and masculine beauty. He excels in sports and becomes a favorite at sporting events. In 261, Hipponous accidentally kills a man and is forced to leave the city of Corinth. He travels to Tiryns, where he is purified of his crime by the king and changes his name to Bellerophon. Initially, the king of Tiryns is delighted to host such a charming man. However, with time, he grows jealous as his citizens to pay more attention to Bellerophon and his prowess in sports than to him.

In 264, the Queen of Tiryns falls deeply in love with Bellerophon and attempts to seduce him, but he turns her away. Insulted and humiliated, she falsely accuses Bellerophon of trying to seduce her. The king, upon hearing the story, grows incensed, but dares not kill his own houseguest for fear of breaking xenia.2 Therefore, the king sends the young man to his friend, King Iobates of Lycia, with a sealed letter, which asks the Lycian king to kill the bearer of the letter.

Upon receiving the letter, King Iobates refuses to kill such a polite young man outright. Instead, he challenges Bellerophon to destroy the Chimera, a terrible monster ravishing the kingdom—hoping that the monster will kill him because no man had ever fought the monster and lived. With the advice of Polyeidus the seer, Bellerophon captures and tames Pegasus, the flying horse. Riding Pegasus high above the Chimera, Bellerophon riddles the monster with arrows from above and kills it.

Astonished by Bellerophon's success, King Iobates sends him against the Solymians, who are threatening his kingdom—hoping that they will rid him of Bellerophon. However, Bellerophon riding Pegasus defeats the Solymians. In the following year, 266, Iobates sends him against the Amazons, whom he conquerors. In 267, the king commands him to go against the mighty pirate Cheimarrhus and his band of Carian pirates, who were threatening Lycian trade routes. Again, Bellerophon defeats the pirates and Cheimarrhus in single combat.

2 Xenia is a customary law that forbids hosts from harming their guests. Breaking the law can result in punishment by the gods, particularly Zeus, who established it, or the Furies.

Showing no gratitude to Bellerophon for ridding his kingdom of all its monsters and threats, King Iobates sends his palace guards to ambush Bellerophon, who happens to be returning on foot. Bellerophon kills all the guards. At last, Iobates, now convinced of Bellerophon's innocence and virtue, produces the letter and demands an exact account of the affair. Upon learning the truth, he asks for forgiveness and offers his daughter, Philonoe, to Bellerophon in marriage and makes him heir to the throne. Together, Bellerophon and Philonoe produce many children.

In 278, at the height of his prestige, Bellerophon undertakes a flight to Olympus to reside with the gods, but Zeus sends a gadfly. It stings Pegasus, making him rear, sending Bellerophon crashing to the earth. Ashamed, lonely, and disdained by the gods, he begins roaming Hellas 3 as a beggar, dreaming of his glory days.

7.1 Bellerophon: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

During his youth, Bellerophon appears as an attractive man with a muscular build, blond hair, and light blue eyes. He is very confident in his abilities, to the point of being boastful. Ironically, when it comes to women, he is terribly modest, which has earned him Aphrodite as his Hunter. In 296, he is nothing more than a bum begging for alms, lacking the confidence that he once had. With some work (on a PC's part?) and reevaluation of his life, Bellerophon could again join the adventuring arena.

During his adventuring days, Bellerophon wears Achaean clothes and is always seen with a sword—although he normally fights with Achaean armor and a bow while riding on the back of Pegasus. His old friend, Polyeidus, a seer who gives him counsel, aids him. He possesses the magical Golden Bridle that was given to him by Athena to tame Pegasus. However, he loses it when he falls from Pegasus and Zeus recruits the horse as his carrier. In 296, Bellerophon is dressed in rags and his only weapon is a long knife. In a few years, barring the intervention of Fate, Bellerophon will die from loss of spirit.

7.2 Bellerophon: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 18 Special Powers: Great Prowess, Resist ElementsHits: 147 AT/DB: CH/50 Shield YesMelee OB: 150 (190) sw Missile OB: 143 (185) lb MM: 30 (60)

Homes include Corinth, Tiryns, Lycia, and Hellas as a wanderer.


Skills: Ambush 10, Animal Handling 65, Boxing 82, Foraging 30, First Aid 20, Gambling 10, Dancing 30, Jumping 35, Tracking 88, Perception 40, Riding 149, Running 40, Sailing 40, Swimming 111, Weather Watching 40, Lycian Lore 20, Horse Lore 30, Greek 5, Luwian 4, Minoan 3.

Spell Power: Resist Elements {Level 5 • Any • Any • Continuous}: The hero's skin acts as a continuous "Resist Elements" spell from the "Protection" list except that the hero has a +20 to RR.

3 Hellas is the Greek name of Greece.

7.3 Bellerophon: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 18 Special Powers: Great Prowess, Resist ElementsHits: 147 AT/DB: 16/50 Shield YesMelee OB: 190 sw Missile OB: 185 lb MM: 40

Homes include Corinth, Tiryns, Lycia, and Hellas as a wanderer.


Skills: Ambush 10, Animal Handling 65, Boxing 82, Foraging 30, First Aid 20, Gambling 10, Dancing 30, Jumping 35, Tracking 88, Perception 40, Riding 149, Running 40, Sailing 40, Swimming 111, Weather Watching 40, Lycian Lore 20, Horse Lore 30, Greek 8/8, Luwian 6/6, Minoan 5/5.


7.4 Bellerophon: Items

Golden Bridle: A gift from Athena that provides the rider and his mount with several magical benefits when placed over the mount's head. For the rider, it acts as a magical 10 th

level "Calm" spell effect on the animal, enabling the rider to receive a bonus of +20 to tame the beast and befriend it. It also provides the rider with +20 to appropriate Animal Handling and Riding skills. To the mount it provides extra protection from all mind-affecting and fear spells by adding 10 levels to the mount's level for RR purposes. Bellerophon loses this item when he tries to fly to Mount Olympus.

Before 278, Bellerophon carries a +10 bow.

After 278, Bellerophon carries only a rusty long knife.

8.0 Calypso (Hidden)

Born in Year 200, Calypso is the daughter of the Titan Atlas and the Nereid Pleione. She is reared at the edge of the world in an area called Beyond the Ocean.4 In 287, when her father fights alongside the Giants against the Olympians and loses, she leaves her home with some of her friends and supporters and founds an island, which she called Ogygia. She later enables the island to move about the seas and eventually reaches the Mediterranean Sea. She is visited often by Tritons, Nereids, some of which are her sisters, and shipwrecked humans, whom she finds fascinating. During Year 315, she rescues the hero Odysseus and keeps him on her island for seven years. She attempts to persuade Odysseus to stay with her with promises of immortality and happiness, but the gods inevitably tell her to let Odysseus go.

4 A mystical region far beyond the great unknown seas, not visited by many mortals. (For further readings see Mythic Greece: The Age of Heroes.)

8.1 Calypso: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Calypso lives on the island Ogygia and travels about the sea. She is a friendly, polite, and extremely beautiful woman. She is small in stature with brown skin color and deep blue eyes that seem to flash. She typically wears graceful Achaean dress of the highest quality and carries no weapons. If faced with the possibility of combat, she will use her spells or transform herself into various objects and creatures and use her formidable wrestling abilities.

She is a powerful user of magic, and is a Priestess of Poseidon. As a Nereid, she is immortal. However, unlike most of her kind, the Olympians count her as a goddess, though her power is not on par with that of the average god. She has assisted heroes in the past and tends to incur the wrath of their Hunters on occasion. Her father, Atlas, watches her.

Calypso's island is an idyllic place with gardens, forests, and fountains. She lives in a deep cave with several rooms, which open on wild gardens, a sacred wood with great trees and streams that flow over the turf. She spends her time spinning and weaving with her serving girls, who are also Nymphs; they sing as they work. Calypso is a little lonely and she helps shipwrecked sailors whenever they become marooned on her island. Sometimes she entices them to stay and forget about their troubles and past lives. Eventually, her spell wears off and they move on. She finds humans fascinating and exotic.

8.2 Calypso: MERP Statistics

Profession: Animist Hero Status: Demigoddess Watcher: AtlasRace: Nereid Home: Ogygia Hunter: SpecialLevel: 20 Special Powers: Nereid AbilitiesHits: 100 AT/DB: No/40 Shield NoMelee OB: 100 wr Missile OB: N/A MM: 35

Hunters: Minions of various gods who are Hunters to the mortals she helps.


Skills: Acrobatic 50, Animal Handling (of the sea) 40, Cookery 20, Climb 77, Cloth-Making 30, Dancing 40, Dagger 95, Dyeing 40, Foraging 45, Singing 50, Omen Reading 55, Riding (Sea Animals) 60, Seduction 45, Jumping 30, Stalk/Hide 96, Tracking 54, Perception 64, Priest (Poseidon) 40, Public Speaking 40, Wrestling 100 (See Melee OB), Swimming 138, Sea Animal Lore 50, Geography 40, Leadership 25, Legend & Lore 70, Trickery 40.

Spell Power: Nereid Abilities: Each Nereid has her Special Power chosen for her. This is automatically the Open Channeling spell list "Protections," except that the list is modified: the level 1–3 spells are omitted, the level 4 spell Resist Elements becomes level 3, and the level 6 and 7 spells are each lowered by two levels. In addition, a new level 2 spell is added from "Nature's Movement," Swimming True. The Nereid's spells from her Special Power cost no Power Points and have unlimited duration. For example, since Underwater Breathing is on the list, she can breathe water and air interchangeably and never needs to consciously change between the two media; if knocked unconscious in the air and dumped into the water, she will automatically breathe the water with no difficulty.

Special Abilities: Sea Animal Sensitivity: No sea-animal will harm Calypso unless provoked. Godly Powers: She can grant and performs powers, to a lesser degree, of the Olympian gods.

Spells: Patron: Poseidon. PP 40 (×2). Base Spells 40, Directed Spells 75. Knows "Barrier Law," "Detection Mastery," "Nature's Law," "Locating Ways," "Lore," "Protections," "Nature's Movement," "Plant Mastery," and "Nature's Protection" to 10th level.

8.3 Calypso: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Animist Hero Status: Demigoddess Watcher: AtlasRace: Nereid Home: Ogygia Hunter: SpecialLevel: 20 Special Powers: Nereid AbilitiesHits: 100 AT/DB: 1/40 Shield NoMelee OB: 100 wr Missile OB: N/A MM: 35

Hunters: Minions of various gods who are Hunters to the mortals she helps.

Stats: CO 89, AG 98, SD 90, ME 92, RE 90, ST 85, QU 98, PR 94, EM 90, IN 94, AP 100.

Skills: Acrobatic 50, Animal Handling (of the sea) 40, Cookery 20, Climb 77, Cloth-Making 30, Dancing 40, Dagger 95, Dyeing 40, Foraging 45, Singing 50, Omen Reading 55, Riding (Sea Animals) 60, Seduction 45, Jumping 30, Stalk/Hide 96, Tracking 54, Perception 64, Priest (Poseidon) 40, Public Speaking 40, Wrestling 100 (See Melee OB), Swimming 138, Sea Animal Lore 50, Geography 40, Leadership 25, Legend & Lore 70, Trickery 40.

Spell Power: Nereid Abilities: Each Nereid has her Special Power chosen for her. This is automatically the Open Channeling spell list "Protections," except that the list is modified: the level 1–3 spells are omitted, the level 4 spell Resist Elements becomes level 3, and the level 6 and 7 spells are each lowered by two levels. In addition, a new level 2 spell is added from "Nature's Movement," Swimming True. The Nereid's spells from her Special Power cost no Power Points and have unlimited duration. For example, since Underwater Breathing is on the list, she can breathe water and air interchangeably and never needs to consciously change between the two media; if knocked unconscious in the air and dumped into the water, she will automatically breathe the water with no difficulty.

Special Abilities: Sea Animal Sensitivity: No sea-animal will harm Calypso unless provoked. Godly Powers: She can grant and performs powers, to a lesser degree, of the Olympian gods.

Spells: Patron: Poseidon. PP 40 (×2). Base Spells 40, Directed Spells 75. Knows "Barrier Law," "Detection Mastery," "Nature's Law," "Locating Ways," "Lore," "Protections," "Nature's Movement," "Plant Mastery," "Nature's Protection," and "Shifting" to 20 th level. Also knows "Gas Manipulation" and "Liquid Manipulation" to 15th level.

8.4 Calypso: Items

Floating Island "Ogygia": Ogygia is a small subtropical island with a large mountain in the center. It can float at a rate of 25 miles per week. The island is embedded with a 15 th level forgetfulness spell affecting all mortals on it. This spell creates an illusion of happiness in the minds of the mortals, which in turns stirs a yearning to stay on the island and forget their homelands.

Sea-Blue Amulet: This magical amulet was given to Calypso by her father Atlas. It acts a ×2 PP multiplier and provides the wearer with a +10 to DB and all RR's.

Weaving Tools: These are magical and double the normal rate of weaving.

9.0 Chiron (Hand)

One day, the Titan Chronus saw the lovely Nereid Philyra and fell into a raging lust for her. Finding the Titan equally attractive, they lay together. However, Chronus' wife Rhea caught the two in the act. Chronus turned into a stallion and galloped away, leaving Philyra pregnant with Chiron, a creature half horse and half man. This event happened on the isle of Philyra, named after Chiron's mother, in Year 150.

During his childhood, Chiron encountered Apollo, who saw great potential in the child. Apollo and his sister Artemis began teaching the child the arts. After his tutelage, Chiron decided to leave Philyra and reside in Thrace. There he lived for a few years, until at last he moved to Thessaly, where he established a Centaur kingdom of his own on Mount Pelion in Year 184. At first, he began to teach the local human monarch's sons in an effort to establish warm relations with his human neighbors. As time went by, word of his knowledge and skill in magic began to spread. He soon began attracting many sons and a few daughters of all the prominent monarchs of Hellas. He taught some of the greatest heroes of Mythic Greece, including Jason, Asclepius, Heracles, and Achilles. Not only did he teach human children, but those of other races as well.

In 273, a terrible event happens (barring the intervention of Fate). Heracles, returning from his fourth labor, gets into a fight with the local Centaurs. During the melee, he accidentally wounds Chiron with one of his famous poison arrows. Any mortal would die from the wound, but due to his divine heritage and skill in magic, Chiron manages to live—albeit with pain. Heracles, a former pupil of Chiron, apologizes sincerely and promises to right the wrong. Many years later, during his eleventh labor, Heracles frees the Titan Prometheus, who agrees to make Chiron mortal so that he can die peacefully. However, Prometheus will not meet Chiron to fulfill his promise until Year 313.

In the interim, Peleus, a pupil and friend of Chiron, asks Chiron to care for his son Achilles. He stays under the tutelage of Chiron for many years until Thetis, Achilles' mother, takes him to the Scyros Islands.

9.1 Chiron: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

Known best for his skills in medicine and magic and his knowledge on a variety of subjects, Chiron is considered to be the greatest Centaur of the Age of Heroes. As King of Mount Pelion, Chiron rules with wisdom. His kingdom interacts peacefully with many human kingdoms and has developed close ties of friendship with them. Chiron is wise, virtuous, and tolerant of others. He is respected as a great sage by all including the gods for his knowledge and sincerity. Many of his pupils have become his closest friends. Heracles, Peleus, Teleamon, and Jason all have strong attachments to Chiron. Ares is Chiron's Hunter because of his aversion to Chiron's integrity and virtue.

Chiron is a Centaur. He appears to be a chestnut stallion with brown, almost auburn, hair and dark green eyes on his human parts. He is quite tall for a Centaur and has a hardy physique and constitution. Throughout his long life, Chiron appears to be a middle-aged Centaur. He is a very thoughtful Centaur who thinks carefully before doing anything rash. He does carry weapons, usually a bow and a spear, and loves to hunt or meditate on his studies while wandering. He

fathers numerous children, most of whom become Seers or Animists. In 296, Chiron still lives at Mount Pelion. Although he will generally not venture far from his mountain, he may assist PC's by either giving them an item or, more probably, healing or advice. Barring the intervention of Fate, in 313 Prometheus will agree to take Chiron's immortality from him, allowing Chiron to die.

9.2 Chiron: MERP Statistics

Profession: Animist Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: ApolloRace: Centaur Home: Mt. Pelion Hunter: AresLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Vitality, Great VisionHits: 161 (227) AT/DB: NO/15 Shield NoMelee OB: 90 (139) sp Missile OB: 100 lb MM: 15


Skills: Ambush 10, Animal Handling 30, Astronomy 50, Boxing 85, Cookery 50, Foraging 73, First Aid 80, Fletching 30, Public Speaking 30, Priest (Apollo) 40, Philosophy 35, Law 40, Music 42, Pipe Playing 28, Singing 20, Teaching 90, Smithing 75, Stalk/Hide 66, Tracking 98, Perception 62, Trap Building 45, Weather Watching 30, Star-Gazing 58, Storytelling 50, Omen Reading 56, Leather Crafts 45, Use Items 72, War Tactics 55, Wood Crafts 55, Leadership 25, Centaur Lore 60, Hellas Lore 40, Geography 50, Math 40, Plant Lore 60, Animal Lore 60, Forest Lore 40, Phrygian 3, Amazon 3, Minoan 4, Pelasgian 4, Thracian 5, Greek 5, Sintarn 5.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 60 (×2). Base Spell 40. Directed Spell 90. Knows "Path Mastery," "Purification," and "Nature's Ways" to 5th level; and "Direct Channeling," "Bone/Muscle Ways," "Blood Ways," "Organ Ways," "Detection Ways," "Sound/Light Ways," "Calm Spirits," "Protections," "Spell Defense," and "Nature Lore" to 10th level.

Spell Power: Great Vision {Level 5 • Any • All Except Satyrs and Sileni • Special}: The hero's vision is increased twofold; this part of the Spell Power is treated as Continuous. Great Vision also allows the hero to see through illusions and the disguises of gods, or to see invisible objects, if the target fails a RR vs. level 5. This ability can only be attempted once per day.

9.3 Chiron: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Animist Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: ApolloRace: Centaur Home: Mt. Pelion Hunter: AresLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Vitality, Great VisionHits: 227 AT/DB: 1/15 Shield NoMelee OB: 139 sp Missile OB: 100 lb MM: 15

Stats: CO 120, AG 88, SD 90, ME 95, RE 94, ST 112, QU 88, EM 98, IN 100, PR 92, AP 78. Special Power stats are included in Rolemaster potentials.

Skills: Ambush 10, Animal Handling 30, Astronomy 50, Boxing 85, Cookery 50, Foraging 73, First Aid 80, Fletching 30, Jumping 40, Public Speaking 30, Priest (Apollo) 40, Philosophy 35, Law 40, Music 42, Pipe Playing 28, Singing 20, Teaching 90, Smithing 75, Stalk/Hide 66, Tracking 98, Perception 62, Trap Building 45, Weather Watching 30, Star-Gazing 58, Storytelling 50, Omen Reading 56, Leather Crafts 45, Attunement 72, Tactics 55, Wood Crafts 55, Leadership 25, Centaur Lore 60, Hellas Lore 40, Geography 50, Math 40,

Plant Lore 60, Animal Lore 60, Forest Lore 40, Phrygian 5/5, Amazon 5/5, Minoan 6/6, Pelasgian 6/6, Thracian 8/8, Greek 8/8, Sintarn 8/8.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 60 (×2). Base Spell 40. Directed Spell 90. Knows "Path Mastery," "Inner Wall," "Purification," and "Nature Ways" to 5th level; "Bone Law," "Muscle Law," "Blood Law," "Organ Law," "Nerve Law," "Calm Spirits," "Holy Vision," "Light Ways," and "Lore" to 10th level; "Protections," "Way of the Voice," "Starlights," and "Star Sense" to 15th level; and "Herb Mastery," "Nature Lore," "Spell Defense," and "Detection Ways" to 20th level.

Spell Power: Great Vision {Level 5 • Any • All Except Satyrs and Sileni • Special}: The hero's vision is increased twofold; this part of the Spell Power is treated as Continuous. Great Vision also allows the hero to see through illusions and the disguises of gods, or to see invisible objects, if the target fails a RR vs. level 5. This ability can only be attempted once per day.

9.4 Chiron: Items

+20 Ashen Spear of Sharpness5

+20 Magic Bow

+15 Staff of Chiron: Appears as a normal walking stick, though over seven feet in length. The staff acts as a ×2 PP multiplier, and provides its user with the power to double the potency of any one herb three times a day. It also gives its user a +15 bonus to all healing-type and Astrologer spells.

10.0 Crotus (Rhythmic Beat)

In 187, the lustful god Pan and Eupheme, a Dryad and nurse to the Muses, mated to produce a Centaur named Crotus. Soon the Muses discovered that Crotus had a knack for music and other arts. Therefore, they took it upon themselves to teach him. Crotus was an avid pupil, but what he loved most was to hunt during the day and to sing at night under the stars. Still, he was the darling of the Muses. He was loved so much that when he died of old age in Year 330, he was put into the sky in the form of the constellation Sagittarius the Archer.

10.1 Crotus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

Carefree and easygoing, Crotus is a tall, strongly built Centaur with exotic features. He has a milky, grayish stallion look with gray human hair to match. His complexion is pale and his eyes are a cool steel-gray color. He can be easily found near Mount Helicon, where the Muses live, hunting or singing in the forest. His favorite activities are hunting, singing, and playing the lyre. When hunting or traveling, he commonly carries a bow, at which he is very skilled, and a staff. Ares despises Crotus because he fails to live up to the stereotype of the barbaric Centaur. Therefore, Ares is his Hunter. His close friends are the Muses, various Centaurs and Satyrs, and Chiron, whom he visits on occasion. Muses do not actually "watch" heroes; instead, they plead with Apollo for his intervention. Thus, Crotus' Watcher is Apollo.


10.2 Crotus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Ranger Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ApolloRace: Centaur Home: Mt. Helicon Hunter: AresLevel: 11 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 140 (206) AT/DB: NO/25 Shield NoMelee OB: 110 (153) st Missile OB: 120 lb MM: 20


Skills: Acting 38, Ambush 10, Astronomy 25, Dancing 50, Wrestling 75, Foraging 33, First Aid 50, Fletching 30, History 40, Public Speaking 20, Priest (Apollo) 20, Philosophy 15, Law 20, Music 25, Lyre Playing 58, Running 35, Singing 35, Stalk/Hide 86, Tracking 88, Perception 60, Trap Building 45, Weather Watching 20, Star-Gazing 35, Storytelling 20, Omen Reading 26, Wood Crafts 35, Centaur Lore 20, Hellas Lore 20, Geography 30, Plant Lore 20, Animal Lore 20, Forest Lore 30.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 22 (×2). Directed Spell 30. Knows "Path Mastery" and "Nature Ways," "Bone/Muscle Ways," "Detection Ways," "Sound/Light Ways," "Calm Spirits," "Protections," "Spell Defense," and "Nature Lore" to 10th level.

10.3 Crotus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Ranger Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ApolloRace: Centaur Home: Mt. Helicon Hunter: AresLevel: 11 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 189 AT/DB: 1/25 Shield NoMelee OB: 146 st Missile OB: 120 lb MM: 20


Skills: Acting 38, Ambush 10, Astronomy 25, Dancing 50, Wrestling 75, Foraging 33, First Aid 50, Fletching 30, History 40, Public Speaking 20, Priest (Apollo) 20, Philosophy 15, Law 20, Music 25, Lyre Playing 58, Running 35, Singing 35, Stalk/Hide 86, Tracking 88, Perception 60, Trap Building 45, Weather Watching 20, Star-Gazing 35, Storytelling 20, Omen Reading 26, Wood Crafts 35, Centaur Lore 20, Hellas Lore 20, Geography 30, Plant Lore 20, Animal Lore 20, Forest Lore 30.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 22 (×2). Directed Spell 30. Knows "Path Mastery," "Inner Walls," "Nature Ways," "Concussion Ways," "Detection Ways," "Light Ways," "Calm Spirits," and "Spell Defense" to 10th level; and "Bone Law," "Muscle Law," and "Lore" to 5 th

level.

10.4 Crotus: Items

Crotus' Bow: Given to him as a gift by the Muses. It is enchanted, +20, and only fumbles on a 1.

Magic Talisman: Given to Crotus as a gift by the Muses. It is a neckband set with an emerald in its center. It gives +10 to DB and +10 to all spell RR.

Enchanted Armband: Given to Crotus as a gift by the Muses. It is a decorated Cretan band that acts as a ×2 PP multiplier for Rangers.

11.0 Daedalus (Cunningly)

As the greatest artist, architect, sculptor, and inventor of Mythic Greece, Daedalus is a man before his time. He was born in Year 240 into the most famous Athenian family, the House of Cecrops, which his parents, Eupalamus his father and his mother, Alcippe are members.6

Daedalus spends much of his youth in Athens dazzling the inhabitants with his ingenuity and restless curiosity. His fame grew so much that he became swamp with commissions and takes his young nephew, Talos, as his assistant. As time passes, Talos became just as famous as Daedalus for his inventiveness. Daedalus struck with jealous murders young Talos by throwing him off a hilltop. He is caught in the act and banished from the city in the Year 260.

Daedalus with nothing but the clothes on his back flew to the court of King Minos II in Knossos, Crete. At the time, King Minos II is the most powerful king in all of Hellas. It was during his stay at King Minos II court that Daedalus to began to dabble in magic. It was also during this time that he would fall in love with a slave named, Naucrate. Together they had a son named, Icarus. He eventually buys her freedom and three live together happily for some time.

Some time before Daedalus' arrival at Knossos, Minos II prayed to Poseidon for a great beast to sacrifice. Poseidon then sends him an enormous snow-white bull, called the Cretan Bull. However, Minos cherishes the bull, relents on his promise, and sacrifices another in its place. In response, Poseidon curses Minos' wife Pasiphae with a passion for the bull. While Minos is away fighting a war with Athens, she turns to Daedalus for help in constructing a cow-shaped mechanical device with which she mates with the bull. She later gives birth to the Minotaur. When Minos returned victorious, he was furious with Daedalus and forces him to build a labyrinth underneath his palace. Minos then, imprisoned the Minotaur in the labyrinth and fed his political enemies to it.

In Year 278, Daedalus tests Minos' hospitality again when he tells the secret of the maze to Ariadne, Minos' daughter, who in turn tells the secret to Theseus. Theseus kills the Minotaur, escapes from the labyrinth, and flees Crete with Ariadne. Minos throws Daedalus and Icarus into the labyrinth and sells Naucrate back into slavery. In order to escape he builds two sets of birdlike wings made with wax for himself and Icarus. The two fly across the Aegean Sea, but Icarus flies too high and too close to the sun causing the wax holding Icarus' wings together to melt. He falls into the sea and drowns. Heartbroken and dejected, Daedalus lands in Athens, where Theseus shelters him for some time. The following year, during another war between Athens and Crete, Daedalus escapes to Sicily (Thrinacia) and lives under the care of King Cocalas, who like King Minos II before, is happy to host such a famous scholar.

Minos becomes obsessed with catching Daedalus, and not knowing where he can be found, devises a plan to find him. He sends messengers throughout Hellas and beyond with a challenge: Whoever can lace a string through an intricate phial will win much fame and treasure. One messenger reaches the court of King Cocalas, whereupon the King puts Daedalus to the task. Daedalus succeeds in stringing the phial by tying the string onto an ant, which wanders through the phial. King Cocalas announces the successful completion of the task as his own. The messenger returns to Minos proclaiming that Cocalas has succeeded in stringing the phial. Minos

6 Cecrops was an early King of Athens.

knows that only Daedalus would have been able to solve the puzzle. He gathers half the Cretan fleet and sails to Sicily, where he demands that Daedalus be turned over to him. Cocalas agreed to surrender Daedalus and promises to entertain Minos while Daedalus is being brought to him. While Minos relaxes in a bath, Cocalas' daughters, following their father's orders, pour boiling water over Minos and kill him. Cocalas then orders a sneak-attack upon the Cretan fleet harbored in the city. The majority of the fleet is burned and the survivors flee to Crete or its colonies.

After this event, Daedalus attempts to locate his wife to no avail. In Year 300, he leaves Sicily for Sardinia, where he joins Iolaus, the nephew of Heracles. There he continues to build and study until he dies of old age.

11.1 Daedalus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Daedalus is an average Achaean fifty-year-old man with a thick gray beard, gray hair, and shining beady eyes. For his old age, he is still slightly muscular and has a hardy constitution. He does carry a sword and knows how to use it. He is usually seen carrying an array of strange devices, which are his tools. His laboratory is filled with a throng of wondrous mechanical devices; some work, others do not.

At that time, Daedalus lives in Sicily, making works of art, machines, and toys for King Cocalas and his daughters. His goods are highly prized and hotly traded; he is often consulted on matters of craftsmanship and engineering. He is something of a user of magic although he does not openly display his magical powers. These often take the forms of potions or the creation of an enchanted device, for example, the birdlike wings that allowed him to escape Crete. He is a very capable craftsman and can create weapons and armor with a +20 bonus. He has a weakness for helping attractive women that has gotten him into trouble in the past, which suggests that his Hunter is Aphrodite. He is a Priest of Apollo; his Watcher is Athena, the goddess of crafts.

11.2 Daedalus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Sage (Scholar)7 Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 15 Special Powers: Greater Skill (15 Skill Ranks in Crafts)Hits: 75 AT/DB: No/15 Shield NoMelee OB: 50 sw Missile OB: 10 sp MM: 10

Homes: Athens, Crete, Sicily, and Olbia (in sequence).


Skills: Art & Architecture 100, Appraisal 35, Engineering 95, First Aid 35, Medicine 45, Lock Making 75, Leather working 70, Rope Making 70, Trap building 70, Goldsmith 75, Smith 85, Sculpting 55, Geography 50, Physics 65, Math 55, Priest 20, Perception 100, Read Runes 50, Use Items 75, Stalk/Hide 45, Sailing 40, Trading 40, Weather Watching 55 Climb 53, Swimming 58.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 45. Directed Spell 30. Knows "Item Lore," "Lore," "Nature's Lore," and "Spell Defense," to 10th level.

11.3 Daedalus: Rolemaster Statistics

7 This is an Optional Profession in the MERP. See Appendix A-6, under "Optional Material."

Profession: Sage Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 15 Special Powers: Greater Skill (15 Skill Ranks in Crafts)Hits: 75 AT/DB: No/15 Shield NoMelee OB: 50 sw Missile OB: 10 sp MM: 10

Homes: Athens, Crete, Sicily, and Olbia (in sequence).


Skills: Art & Architecture 100, Appraisal 35, Engineering 95, First Aid 35, Medicine 45, Lock Making 75, Leather working 70, Rope Making 70, Trap building 70, Goldsmith 75, Smith 85, Sculpting 55, Geography 50, Physics 65, Math 55, Priest 20, Perception 100, Read Runes 50, Use Items 75, Stalk/Hide 45, Sailing 40, Trading 40, Weather Watching 55 Climb 53, Swimming 58.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 45. Directed Spell 30. Knows "Item Lore," "Lore," "Spell Defense," "Delving," "Analysis," "Lore's Master," "Absorb Knowledge," and "Weave Tales" to 10th level.

11.4 Daedalus: Items

Cretan Talisman: Given to Daedalus by his wife Naucrate just before she is sold back into slavery, this item appears as a dark blue, geometric design of a seashell. Daedalus wears it every day as a reminder of his wife and son. Little does he know that it provides him with a +10 bonus to DB and Channeling RR's.

Daedalus' Sword: Daedalus made this ivory-handled sword himself; it is magical with a +20 bonus to OB. The jewel in the pommel has a separate enchantment that makes the weapon a Sword of Sharpness.8

12.0 Diomedes (Godlike Cunning of Argos)

Born into exile in the city of Argos in Year 280, Diomedes is the son of the great warrior-king Tydeus, once King of Calydon. When his son is four, Tydeus leaves to adventure in the famous military expedition called "The Seven against Thebes." There, along with many other heroes, Tydeus dies in battle. Deipyle, Diomedes' mother, raises the child under the care of King Adrastus of Argos. Adrastus is a returning hero of the failed expedition; he raises the child as a member of his own family. Upon approaching manhood, Diomedes, now a young prince of Argos, vows revenge for his father's death.

In 298, with the backing of King Theseus, Diomedes and the seven sons of the famous Seven assemble a small army to capture to Thebes. They call their expedition "The Epigoni." Where their fathers failed, they succeed; Thebes falls with much bloodshed. Diomedes performs many exploits and becomes famous for his valor and prowess with the spear. During the siege of Thebes, Adrastus and his son Aegialeus die in a battle. Upon Diomedes' return to Argos, the people name him King of Argos. He marries Adrastus' daughter Aegialeia.


Barely a man, Diomedes is now king of one of the more powerful cities of Hellas. For fifteen years, Diomedes reigns as King of Argos, bringing much wealth and stability to the city. However, Diomedes will be drawn into war again—he will bring his kingdom into the Trojan War.

In that war, he distinguishes himself as one of the best strategists after Nestor and Odysseus. Diomedes is the usual companion of Odysseus in most of the latter's important undertakings in the final stages of the war. Among his more spectacular feats are single combats with the love-goddess Aphrodite and the war-god Ares. He sends both home wounded to Mount Olympus.

After the fall of Troy, Diomedes, who has earned the hatred of Aphrodite, struggles to return safely. During a terrible storm, his fleet of ships is marooned on the Lycian coast. King Lycus, an ally of Troy during the war, captures Diomedes and his crew. Lycus intends to sacrifice Diomedes to Ares, but the princess Callirrloe helps him escape with a few of his men. After a series of mishaps and adventures, Diomedes finally returns home to Argos, only to learn that his wife Aegialeia has lived in adultery with one of the local nobles named Commetes. With the help of Athena, Diomedes defeats Commetes and Aegialeia to regain his kingdom.9

Soon afterwards, Diomedes hears that his grandfather, Oeneus, at the time King of Corinth, needs help in subduing a rebellion. Diomedes, along with a small army, assists his grandfather in successfully putting down the rebellion. For a few years thereafter, Diomedes reigns in peace. However, Argos never fully recovers from the Trojan War and the wars fought at Diomedes' return. In Year 350, a roving tribe called the People of the Seas begins to besiege much of Hellas. Argos is one of the first cities to be assailed. With a portion of the population, Diomedes flees to Italy, to an area called Daunia, where he marries King Daunus' daughter Euippe. He builds a city there and establishes a kingdom. He dies at a very old age.

12.1 Diomedes: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Diomedes is a young noble of Argos who is famous for being the son of a great warrior. He is constantly reminded of his father's exploits and tries to live up to the expectations that arise from his being the son of a great warrior. He travels frequently and loves to hunt boar and to raid other cities. Diomedes is not what most would call an attractive man; he is rather average looking, with brown hair and eyes and medium build and height. For much of his life, he fights in wars or participates in raids. He knows military strategy well and becomes famous for his skill in fighting. He beats Ares, the god of war, in single combat. He is a man of war, not slow to anger, though a fluent speaker.

He is an intelligent man with an eye to exploit any opportunity. In combat, he carries his father's sword and possesses golden armor with the crest of a boar. He has many friends and is on a friendly basis with most of the neighboring kingdoms. His close friends are Theseus and Odysseus, with whom he shares many adventures. His Watcher is Athena; she values his prowess in war and his military cunning. His Hunter is Aphrodite; she detests Diomedes for attacking her and her lover Ares in the war.

9 This storyline follows the Homeric version in which Diomedes arrives home with no problems. It contradicts other versions in which Diomedes is forced by Commetes and Aegialeia to flee from his home country to Italy.

12.2 Diomedes: MERP Statistics

Profession: Rogue Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: Argos Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 14 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 125 (191) AT/DB: PL/30 Shield YesMelee OB: 126 (164) sp Missile OB: 100 sp MM: 15


Skills: Ambush 10, Animal Handling 30, Boxing 68, Disguises 34, Foraging 23, First Aid 20, Omen Reading 30, Public Speaking 35, Seduction 30, Stalk/Hide 66, Tracking 58, Politics 35, Perception 38, War Tactics 35, Wood Crafts 35, Hellas Lore 25, Leadership 25, Minoan 4, Pelasgian 5,Thracian 3, Greek 5, Latin 2.

12.3 Diomedes: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Rogue Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: Argos Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 14 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 161 AT/DB: 18/30 Shield YesMelee OB: 161 sp Missile OB: 100 sp MM: 15


Skills: Ambush 10, Animal Handling 30, Boxing 68, Disguises 34, Foraging 23, First Aid 20, Omen Reading 30, Public Speaking 35, Seduction 30, Stalk/Hide 66, Tracking 58, Politics 35 Perception 38, War Tactics 35, Wood Crafts 35, Hellas Lore 25, Leadership 25, Minoan 4, Pelasgian 5,Thracian 3, Greek 5, Latin 2.

12.4 Diomedes: Items

+10 Ashen Spear.

Sword of Tydeus: A skilled smith created this sword for Diomedes' father Tydeus. It bears designs of a lion and a boar. It is of magical make, +15.

Golden Armor: This golden armor bears a crest of a boar on the breast. It protects as Plate Armor but encumbers as Chain Armor and is magical, +15. It was created by a mortal smith but blessed by Athena, who gave it to Tydeus. When he dies, it passes to Diomedes.

13.0 Idas and Lynceus (Of Mt. Idas and Sharp Eyes)

One of the greatest pairs of twins in Mythic Greece, Idas and Lynceus are the rivals of another famous set of twins, their cousins Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux). Idas becomes a famous spearman while Lynceus becomes famous for his eyesight; he can see perfectly for miles away even in the depths of the seas. They are born a year before their rival twins in Year 246. King Aphareus of Messene is the father of Lynceus, but Poseidon is the father of Idas. The king thinks

the twins are both his sons and raises them as such, though in truth Poseidon had laid with Aphareus' wife Arene on the same night as did the king.

From the beginning, the twins are inseparable. Wherever Lynceus goes, Idas is sure to follow. Their childhood playmates are another set of twins from nearby Sparta, Castor and Polydeuces, whose father was reputed to be Zeus. As they grow up, their childhood friends become their friendly rivals, with each set of twins trying to outdo the other. Together, they raid other kingdoms, adventure, kill bandits, and war.

In Year 267, the Leucippides, priestesses of Athena and Artemis, are betrothed to Idas and Lynceus. However, Castor and Polydeuces kidnap the pair and take them to Sparta. Although Idas and Lynceus do not retaliate, the act strains their friendship with Castor and Polydeuces. Nevertheless, the two sets still adventure together. In 273, they hunt the Calydonian Boar. A few years later, they sail on the Argo, where Idas is reputed to be the second-best spearman among the Argonauts behind only the mighty Meleager. In both of these adventures, Idas and Lynceus play significant parts.

In 270, Idas falls in love with a beautiful princess, Marpessa, the daughter of King Evenus of Aetolia. The king loves his daughter very much and does not want to lose her. He therefore challenges all suitors to a chariot race. Whoever can beat him in the race will win his daughter's hand; those who fail will lose their heads. Already, several suitors have lost and their heads are spiked on stakes outside the palace walls to remind future suitors of the consequences. Idas asks Poseidon, his father, for a set of Great Horses, which he is granted. He then challenges Evenus to a race and wins. In despair, Evenus drowns his horses and himself in a nearby river soon after the race.

Idas promptly takes Marpessa to Messene. When he reaches Messene, Apollo, who like Idas has fallen in love with Marpessa, tries to take her by force. Quickly, Idas challenges Apollo to a duel. Before they can come to blows, Zeus parts them and rules that Marpessa should decide whom she prefers to marry. Marpessa, fearing that Apollo will leave her when she grows old, chooses Idas. The two promptly marry.

Idas' marriage does not change the twins' ways. They continue a life of high adventures and cattle raids. At one point, they take a small force to Mysia, a kingdom in Asia Minor, to take the throne. They are eventually beaten back by a son of Heracles, Telephus—who will later be named king for saving the kingdom—but not before they acquire much loot and treasure, which they bring back to Messene.

In 313, their rivalry with Castor and Polydeuces turns ugly. All four participate in a successful cattle raid in Arcadia. They argue over the spoils, which leads to a fight. Idas kills Castor, then Polydeuces kills both Idas and Lynceus.

13.1 Idas and Lynceus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Idas and Lynceus live in Messene and can be found either at their (mortal) father's palace while sleeping and dining or out adventuring while stealing cattle, killing bandits, visiting friends, or joining other people's quests. In other words, they tend to be out and about Hellas looking for adventure and hard-won honor. Both brothers are typical Achaean heroes, loving war and the honor of hard-won treasure. Although Idas is outspoken and hotheaded whereas Lynceus is tactful and a fluent speaker, their strongest trait is their intense devotion to one another. Their closest friends are Castor and Polydeuces.

In appearance, the brothers are identical twins. Both are tall, fair-haired, tanned, well built, energetic, and active. They are both watched by Poseidon and therefore are Greater Heroes. Since he lost Marpessa to Idas, Apollo has borne a grudge against the brothers, especially Idas, and has asked Helios to Hunt the brothers. Apollo would prefer to shoot them full of arrows; however, he is forbidden to hunt the brothers by order of Zeus. When adventuring, Idas and Lynceus are found in a chariot pulled by a pair of Great Horses. Lynceus often acts as Idas' charioteer. They are typically in full armor gear, with each carrying two spears and a sword. Idas carries a bow and is quite good using it.

13.2 Idas: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: PoseidonRace: Achaean Home: Messene Hunter: HeliosLevel: 14 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 123 (189) AT/DB: CH/30 Shield YesMelee OB: 132 (168) sp Missile OB: 100 bw MM: 15


Skills: Ambush 8, Boxing 78, Foraging 30, First Aid 20, Leadership 30, Gambling 25, Geography 20, Riding 66, Seduction 30, Stalk/Hide 66, Tracking 68, Trickery 30, Perception 28, Wood Crafts 15, Hellas Lore 15.

13.3 Idas: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: PoseidonRace: Achaean Home: Messene Hunter: HeliosLevel: 14 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 160 AT/DB: 16/30 Shield YesMelee OB: 165 sp Missile OB: 100 bw MM: 15


Skills: Ambush 8, Boxing 78, Foraging 30, First Aid 20, Leadership 30, Gambling 25, Geography 20, Riding 66, Seduction 30, Stalk/Hide 66, Tracking 68, Trickery 30, Perception 28, Wood Crafts 15, Hellas Lore 15.

13.4 Lynceus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: PoseidonRace: Achaean Home: Messene Hunter: HeliosLevel: 8 Special Powers: Great VisionHits: 91 AT/DB: CH/30 Shield YesMelee OB: 95 sp Missile OB: 70 sp MM: 15


Skills: Ambush 8, Foraging 30, Leadership 30, Charioteer 58, Gambling 25, Geography 20, Riding 76, Stalk/Hide 66, Tracking 68, Perception 48, Public Speaking 30, Trickery 30, War Tactics 25, Wrestling 50, Leather Crafts 15, Horse Lore 20.

Spell Power: Great Vision {Level 5 • Any • All Except Satyrs and Sileni • Special}: Hero's vision is increased twofold; this part of the Spell Power is treated as Continuous. Great Vision also allows the hero to see through illusions and the disguises of gods, or to see invisible objects, if the target fails a RR vs. level 5. This ability can only be attempted once per day.

13.5 Lynceus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: PoseidonRace: Achaean Home: Messene Hunter: HeliosLevel: 8 Special Powers: Great VisionHits: 91 AT/DB: 16/30 Shield YesMelee OB: 95 sp Missile OB: 70 sp MM: 15

Stats: CO 85, AG 80, SD 60, ME 75, RE 78, ST 90, QU 80, EM 70, IN 70, PR 80, AP 80.

Skills: Ambush 8, Foraging 30, Leadership 30, Charioteer 58, Gambling 25, Geography 20, Riding 76, Stalk/Hide 66, Tracking 68, Perception 48, Public Speaking 30, Trickery 30, War Tactics 25, Wrestling 50, Leather Crafts 15, Horse Lore 20.

Spell Power: Great Vision {Level 5 • Any • All Except Satyrs and Sileni • Special}: Hero's vision is increased twofold; this part of the Spell Power is treated as Continuous. Great Vision also allows the hero to see through illusions and the disguises of gods, or to see invisible objects, if the target fails a RR vs. level 5. This ability can only be attempted once per day.

13.6 Idas and Lynceus: Items

Both carry and use normal Achaean gear.

Their chariot is pulled by two of Poseidon's Horses (Great Horses). These horses have the ability to run on rough terrain as if it were normal and possess greater stamina than any normal horse. (For more on Poseidon's Horses, read their description in "Fabled Monsters of Mythic Greece," July 2000.)

Idas carries a well-constructed +10 bow.

14.0 Idomeneus (Knowing One)

During the Trojan War, no hero is braver or more handsome than Idomeneus. Born in Year 270 as son of Deucalion, Prince of Crete, Idomeneus grows up to be a man well liked by his peers. Ironically, he does not grow up in Crete, but in Athens.

In 278, King Minos II of Crete sends his son Prince Deucalion to wage war on Athens in retribution for the death of the Minotaur. Initially, the war goes well for Crete. Deucalion takes the war directly to Athens. There he is killed; his death turns the tide of the war so that by the end of the year King Theseus of Athens takes Knossos, the capital of Crete, by force and captures

Minos' grandson Idomeneus. Meanwhile, Minos has taken the other half of the Cretan fleet to Sicily to capture Daedalus. The daughters of the king of Sicily, who is loath to part with Daedalus and his magical toys, murder Minos. With the Cretan military crushed, Theseus becomes the regent of Crete and raises Idomeneus in Athens.

Idomeneus grows up to be a very handsome man. Like most of the prominent young princes of his generation, Idomeneus pursues the hand of Helen and takes the oath to defend her when she is finally given in marriage to Menelaus.

In 292, Theseus abdicates the throne of Crete, allowing Idomeneus to take up the scepter of kingship. Idomeneus and Theseus remain on friendly terms. Upon arriving in Crete, Idomeneus finds a child lying exposed on a hilltop, left to die. He takes the child to be raised as his own and names him Leucus. A few years later, Idomeneus marries Meda, a beautiful Cretan of noble descent; together they beget several children.

In 313, the Trojan War begins. Although he is a little old, Idomeneus, bound by his oath, agrees to go to war. He trusts Leucus to safeguard the throne until he returns. Idomeneus is made co-commander of the Achaean forces. He sends a hundred ships to Troy for the war, one of the largest fleets in the Achaean alliance. At Troy, Idomeneus performs bravely and is one of the handsomest men on the Achaean side. When Hector challenges the heroes of the Achaean forces, Idomeneus is one of the few to dare accept the challenge. Also, he is one of the few selected to hide in the wooden horse to sack the city.

After the war, he returns home. On the way, a strong storm blows his fleet off course. Idomeneus promises Poseidon that he will sacrifice the first thing he sees in Crete if he returns safely. Poseidon hears his prayers and grants him his request; the rest of the return trip goes without incident.

Upon landing in Crete, Idomeneus is instantly greeted by his son, who has been eagerly waiting for his father's return. Forsaking his promise, Idomeneus fakes the sacrifice of his son and sends the child away. Meanwhile, Meda has fallen in love with Leucus while Idomeneus was at Troy. Leucus has planned to usurp the throne. However, when he hears that Idomeneus has arrived early and knows about the affair, Leucus panics and kills Meda and Idomeneus' daughter. Idomeneus in retaliation storms the palace, blinds Leucus, and regains the throne. Idomeneus lacks the heart to expel Leucus outright as he knows that no court in Hellas will shelter him. He therefore banishes him from Knossos to another Cretan city.

Meanwhile, the gods grow angry over Idomeneus' ruse to deprive them of a sacrifice. In 334, they plague the land with disease and famine. A year passes with no end to the plague in sight. Idomeneus attempts to placate the gods through various ways, to no avail. In time, the people begin to grow restless. Leucus, although blind, emerges as the voice of the opposition. In 336, the Cretan people expel Idomeneus. With a group of loyal followers he settles in Italy and builds a city there, where he is made king. He dies soon after the completion of the city.

14.1 Idomeneus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In Year 296, Idomeneus is King of Crete. Although in decline, Crete is still one of the mightiest kingdoms in Hellas. He has recently married Meda and she is pregnant with their first child. Although Idomeneus was raised in Athens, he wears the traditional Cretan clothing. He is clean-shaven and wears makeup and jewelry, as do most male Cretans. Idomeneus appears as a tall, very handsome man with dark hair and sallow features. He speaks Greek with a native Athenian

accent and fluent Minoan. While he lived in Athens, the Minoan nobility made sure he was instructed in Minoan customs and culture. He is outgoing, talkative, and pleasant. In battle armor, he wears the design of the black rooster on his round shield. His helmet is garnished with boar tusks. He is skilled with the spear and knows how to use the Cretan double axe. He is on a friendly basis with most of the kings in Hellas, especially with Menelaus, and maintains close ties with Athens. His Watcher and Hunter is Poseidon. Poseidon takes Idomeneus' actions and words literally; unintended consequences are the result.

14.2 Idomeneus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: PoseidonRace: Minoan Home: Athens, Crete Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 12 Special Powers: Great ProwessHits: 110 AT/DB: CH/30 Shield Yes (+15)Melee OB: 120 (163) sp Missile OB: 100 (143) sp MM: 15 (45)


Skills: Ambush 5, Acrobatics 30, Animal Handling 35, Battle Axe 147, Boxing 75, Bull Leaping 20, Foraging 20, Dancing 30, Jumping 30, Lyre 25, Tracking 58, Perception 30, Riding 69, Sailing 45, Singing 28, Swimming 91, Weather Watching 30, Geography 30, Centaur Lore 30, Greek 5, Amazon 3, Minoan 5, Phoenician 2.

14.3 Idomeneus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: PoseidonRace: Minoan Home: Athens, Crete Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 12 Special Powers: Great ProwessHits: 110 AT/DB: 16/30 Shield Yes (+15)Melee OB: 148 sp Missile OB: 124 sp MM: 30


Skills: Ambush 5, Acrobatics 30, Animal Handling 35, Battle Axe 147, Boxing 75, Bull Leaping 20, Foraging 20, Dancing 30, Jumping 30, Lyre 25, Tracking 58, Perception 30, Riding 69, Sailing 45, Singing 28, Swimming 91, Weather Watching 30, Geography 30, Centaur Lore 30, Greek 5, Amazon 3, Minoan 5, Phoenician 2.

14.4 Idomeneus: Items

Rooster Shield: This shield is emblazoned with a black rooster, a scared animal to Helios (the Sun Titan), who is a distant relative of Idomeneus. The shield is an heirloom and provides the wearer with +15 DB and immunity to all heat attacks.

Boar Tusk Helmet. This traditional Cretan helmet adds +5 to DB.

15.0 Iolaus (People of the Land)

Even before the concept of "the sidekick" is conceived, Iolaus is faithfully helping his uncle, Hercules. Whenever Iolaus is near, one can guess that Hercules will shortly follow. Hercules,

not Iolaus, will gain all the glory and fame of their deeds. Iolaus, throughout all of his life, will be under the shadow of Mythic Greece's greatest hero. But he could care less, as the two become more than just family, but steadfast friends.

Born in Year 264 in Thebes, Iolaus is the son of Hercules' half-brother Iphicles. Iolaus spends his childhood in Thebes. Although he is not gifted with great muscles or speed, Hercules will continuously ask Iolaus to assist him in his labors. On several occasions, Iolaus acts as Hercules' charioteer; he becomes known for his riding abilities. During Hercules' second labor, Iolaus faces the Hydra and sears its many heads as Hercules chops them off. On the fifth labor, Iolaus aids Hercules in cleaning the stables of the rich King Augeus by rerouting the nearby rivers into the stables. On Hercules' ninth labor, Iolaus sets sail to Amazonia to aid Hercules in capturing the magical Girdle of Ares.

After Hercules' labors, in 287, Hercules again calls upon Iolaus for assistance in avenging King Laomedon of Troy. Again, Hercules' nephew complies and sets sail for Troy, which they sack. On his return, Hercules divorces his wife Megara, who has borne him no more sons, and gives her in marriage to his nephew Iolaus. Sometime after the wedding, Hercules sees an omen in a dream. He insists that Iolaus lead forty of his sons (fathered on the Thespian princess, among others) and their families to Sardinia to settle it. Iolaus does so, after defeating the local king. Iolaus founds the city of Olbia, where he is named king.

15.1 Iolaus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Iolaus is King of Olbia. His followers hold him in great respect because he actually adventured with Heracles. He is considered by many to be among the best charioteers to have ever lived. He won the prize at the first Olympic Games and at the funeral games in honor of Pelias. A relatively good-natured man, Iolaus is really modest and unassuming. Like most Achaeans, he enjoys a good adventure. He loves his wife Megara. He appears as a thirty-something man with blond hair peppered with white at the temples. He is always clean-shaven, which is unusual for an adult Achaean male. His followers hold the same custom. Compared to the average Achaean, Iolaus does not have the same stereotypical attitudes about women that his contemporaries have. In fact, Iolaus is very progressive, and rules his kingdom in much the same way. He is a Lesser Hero; as such he lacks a Watcher or Hunter. His friends are Telamon, Peleus, Chiron, Daedalus, Theseus, and of course the mighty Hercules. He has also made friends with several of the forest races in Sardinia. He is often seen wearing a leather cuirass with a spear that was given to him by Hercules. When at war, Iolaus wears chain armor and a shield. Like Hercules, Iolaus has learned many different skills that have proven useful at odd times.

15.2 Iolaus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Rogue Hero Status: Lesser Hero Watcher: N/ARace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: N/ALevel: 11 Special Powers: NoneHits: 101 AT/DB: RL/25 Shield YesMelee OB: 90 sp Missile OB: 88 lb MM: 20

Homes include Thebes and Olbia.


Skills: Wrestling 55, Cooking 15, Engineering 15, Foraging 20, First Aid 30, Public Speaking 20, Music 25, Riding 89, Singing 35, Stalk/Hide 56, Tracking 58, Perception 32,

Trap Building 15, Storytelling 20, Omen Reading 26, Wood Crafts 35, Hellas Lore 20, Geography 30, Law 15, Leather Working 25.

15.3 Iolaus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Rogue Hero Status: Lesser Hero Watcher: N/ARace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: N/ALevel: 11 Special Powers: NoneHits: 101 AT/DB: RL/25 Shield YesMelee OB: 90 sp Missile OB: 88 lb MM: 20


Skills: Wrestling 55, Cooking 15, Engineering 15, Foraging 20, First Aid 30, Public Speaking 20, Music 25, Riding 89, Singing 35, Stalk/Hide 56, Tracking 58, Perception 32, Trap Building 15, Storytelling 20, Omen Reading 26, Wood Crafts 35, Hellas Lore 20, Geography 30, Law 15, Leather Working 25.

15.4 Iolaus: Items

+10 Sword: Picked up during one of Iolaus' adventures with Heracles.

+5 Spear: Also picked up during one of his adventures.

16.0 Hector (Stay)

The warrior more noble and just than Hector has never lived. The strongest and eldest of King Priam's fifty children, Hector is also considered the most noble, valiant, and courageous of all of his siblings. As a youth, Hector shows great promise as an athlete, winning several athletic events during Troy's annual sporting events. By the time of the Trojan War, Hector's fame as a brave and just warrior has grown so great that several of the Achaean heroes avoid him on the battlefield. He is considered by many to be the second-greatest warrior of the Trojan War, the first being Achilles. For ten years, Hector is the commander-in-chief of the Trojan army. He performs many feats of valor, fights the mighty Great Ajax in single combat to a draw, lights the Achaeans' ships on fire, and kills Achilles' cousin and best friend Patroclus the spearman. For this act, Hector incurs the rage of Achilles, who subsequently seeks him out on the battlefield and kills him with the aid of Athena.

16.1 Hector: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Hector appears as a strikingly beautiful and youthful-looking man with an Apollonian body. Tall in stature, with dark features, Hector has jet-black hair and dark eyes. Hector is extremely honest, noble, and, more than any hero except for perhaps Theseus, he is a true leader to his people. He is one of the few men to give a commoner, Polydamas, a voice in his city council. During the Trojan War, he fights reluctantly, more out of duty to his city and people than to his royal family. He is married to a very forward-thinking and intelligent woman, Andromede, who bears him a son late in his life. He loves his family very much and is every bit the family man. The people of Troy admire Hector for his virtues and his charisma. He has many friends among the Trojans' allies, such as Sarpedon and Glaucus. He strongly dislikes his brother Paris, whom he feels is the cause of war. His Watcher is Apollo and his Hunter is Hera.

While not at war, Hector favors the bright colors of the traditional Trojan costumes. He hunts often with spear and bow. While at war, Hector carries a round shield and a bright silver helmet, a gift of Apollo. His two horses, Xanthus and Podargus, are considered by many to be the best bred and trained in Troy. Xanthus is seventh level while Podargus is fifth level. By the time of the Trojan War, Hector has not aged much due to the noble bloodline of the house of Priam. He appears as a strong twenty-five-year-old man during much of his life.

16.2 Hector: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ApolloRace: Trojan Home: Troy Hunter: HeraLevel: 18 Special Powers: Great ProwessHits: 148 AT/DB: CH/50 Shield YesMelee OB: 136 (181) sp Missile OB: 107 (150) sp MM: 25 (50)

Stats: ST 100 (110), CO 96, AG 90 (110), IT 88, IG 80, PR 82, AP 88. All stats in parentheses denote ability when using Special Powers.

Skills: Administration 20, Ambush 10, Animal Handling 55, Boxing 65, Climb 90, Foraging 55, First Aid 15, Javelin 121, Hunting 55, Running 25, Stalk/Hide 86, Sailing 20, Swimming 88, Trap Building 55, War Tactics 25, Wrestling 80, Animal Lore 20, Horse Lore 20, Trojan Lore 40.

16.3 Hector: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ApolloRace: Trojan Home: Troy Hunter: HeraLevel: 18 Special Powers: Great ProwessHits: 148 AT/DB: CH/50 Shield YesMelee OB: 178 sp Missile OB: 147 sp MM: 40


Skills: Administration 20, Ambush 10, Animal Handling 55, Boxing 65, Climb 90, Foraging 55, First Aid 15, Javelin 121, Hunting 55, Running 25, Stalk/Hide 86, Sailing 20, Swimming 88, Trap Building 55, War Tactics 25, Wrestling 80, Animal Lore 20, Horse Lore 20, Trojan Lore 40.

16.4 Hector: Items

+10 Spear.

Silver Helmet: Given to Hector by Apollo, it is made from a silver alloy. The magical helmet protects as +20 to DB and negates 60% of all neck and head injuries. It also negates all penalties associated with wearing a helmet.

16.5 Hector: Horses

Name Lvl Size MM Hits AT DB Shld Melee OB NotesXanthus 6 L 35 155 No 30 N 60MBa +20 to Riding/CharioteeringPodargus 5 L 35 145 No 30 N 55MBa +20 to Riding/Charioteering

17.0 Meleager (Guinea Fowl)

Born around Year 256 as the son of the war god Ares and Queen Althaea of Calydon, Meleager will become one of the best-known heroes of Hellas. On the seventh day after Meleager's birth, the Fates appear to Althaea and point to the log burning in the fireplace. "When that log is consumed," they say, "your son will die." Quickly, Althaea takes the log and keeps it safe in a chest.

As the years pass by, the child Meleager becomes a pupil of the great sage Chiron. While still a teenager, Meleager joins the Argonauts as the youngest member of the expedition. Returning a hero, he marries Cleopatra, daughter of Idas, a companion and friend from the Argo. Together, they have one daughter.

In 277 (barring act of Fate), a terrible event takes place in Calydon. Oeneus, Meleager's foster-father and King of Calydon, unwisely forgets to offer Artemis a harvest sacrifice. The angry goddess sends a huge boar, called the Calydon Boar, to ravish the kingdom. The fiery boar destroys much of the countryside and kills several innocent people. Unable to stop it with his own guards, the king calls for help. Many heroes, including Jason, captain of the Argo; Theseus, King of Athens; Atalanta, the great huntress; and Peleus, father of Achilles; answer the call. The heroes nominate Meleager as leader of the hunt, afterwards called the Calydon Hunt. During the hunt, several heroes fall, some to the tusks of the boar, others to their companions' spears gone astray. But after Atalanta draws first blood, Meleager finally throws the killing blow.

Later that day, a dispute breaks out between Meleager and his uncles, who had also joined the hunt, about to whom the boar's pelt should be awarded. Meleager contends that the pelt should belong to Atalanta, since she had drawn first blood by shooting out the eye of the beast. But the uncles, not wanting a woman to win the prize, declare that Meleager should win the prize for the deathblow—and if he were to refuse the prize then they, as his relatives, should claim it. The debate turns ugly and Meleager is forced to kill some of his uncles.

The next year, the surviving uncles declare war on Calydon and march into the city. Meleager valiantly defends the city and kills his remaining uncles. His mother Althaea, grieved by the loss of all her brothers, rushes to the magic log and angrily throws it into the fireplace to be consumed. So dies the hero Meleager.

17.1 Meleager: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

Meleager is a strikingly beautiful and youthful-looking man. Tall in stature with a lean, athletic build, Meleager has curly brown hair and stunning green eyes. He typically wears Achaean leather armor and can be found hunting in Calydon with a spear and a dagger. During times of war, Meleager wears typical Achaean war-gear. A free thinker with fiery, individualistic traits, Meleager is unusual for an Achaean in that he lacks any of the prejudices common among Achaeans. He judges people based on their merits and honesty. Meleager allows Atalanta to join the hunt despite objections from his uncles and other expedition members. He is also a very passionate person about his beliefs. Meleager lacks a true Hunter. Since the magic log determines his fate and life, it acts as his "hunter." (Therefore, the Fates can be called indirect Hunters.) Meleager has many friends, including Atalanta, Idas, Heracles, Theseus, and Peleus. In 283, Heracles will encounter the ghost of Meleager during his 12 th labor in the underworld. Meleager will persuade Heracles to marry his sister Deianara.

17.2 Meleager: MERP Statistics

Profession: Ranger Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: AresRace: Achaean Home: Calydon Hunter: (Special)Level: 12 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 114 (180) AT/DB: RL/35 Shield YesMelee OB: 122 (165) sp Missile OB: 137 sp MM: 20


Skills: Ambush 10, Animal Handling 55, Boxing 65, Climb 90, Foraging 55, First Aid 15, Javelin 121, Hunting 55, Stalk/Hide 86, Tracking 118, Perception 75, Sailing 30, Swimming 88, Trap Building 55, War Tactics 25, Wrestling 80, Animal Lore 20, Forest Lore 35, Calydon Lore 40.

17.3 Meleager: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Ranger Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: AresRace: Achaean Home: Calydon Hunter: (Special)Level: 12 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 156 AT/DB: 9/35 Shield YesMelee OB: 154 sp Missile OB: 137 sp MM: 20


Skills: Ambush 10, Animal Handling 55, Boxing 65, Climb 90, Foraging 55, First Aid 15, Javelin 121, Hunting 55, Stalk/Hide 86, Tracking 118, Perception 75, Sailing 30, Swimming 88, Trap Building 55, Tactics 25, Wrestling 80, Animal Lore 20, Forest Lore 35, Calydon Lore 40.

17.4 Meleager: Items

+10 Spear.

18.0 Menelaus (Might of the People)

Menelaus is best known as the husband of Helen, the most beautiful mortal woman in all of Mythic Greece. Much of his story parallels that of Agamemnon. Unlike Agamemnon, the curse of Thyestes did not affect Menelaus. However, he did experience great anguish in his life. He was born in Year 277 to Atreus and Aerope.

When a young teenager, Menelaus goes with Agamemnon to the Oracle of Delphi, as was the custom for young princes and heroes at the time, to figure out their destinies. While there, they find their father's brother and mortal enemy Thyestes. They bring him back to Mycenae, where he is promptly imprisoned. Atreus, delighted to be able to finally rid himself of his archenemy, orders his youngest son Aegisthus to kill Thyestes. Instead, Thyestes reveals to Aegisthus that he is his father and persuades him to kill Atreus. A bloody coup takes place and Menelaus, along with his brother, flees to the court of King Oeneus of Calydon. Thyestes becomes King of Mycenae. The following year, Tyndareus, King of Sparta and foster-father of Helen, assists the brothers in recapturing the city and installs Agamemnon as King of Mycenae. Tyndareus

develops close ties with the brothers and Menelaus becomes ambassador for his brother in Sparta. During this time, he develops a friendly relationship with Helen and her brothers, Castor and Polydeuces. Later, he asks for Helen's hand in marriage.

In 294, Menelaus returns to Mycenae to assist his brother's assault on the small city of Pisa. Agamemnon marries Clytemnestra, a woman of renowned beauty, and a daughter of Tyndareus. Two years later, Helen chooses Menelaus, her friend, from various suitors to be her husband. He then moves permanently to Sparta. For several years, the two live happily married. They hunt, sing, and dance together, and their marriage produces many children.

This happiness is destroyed when Paris, a prince of Troy, arrives while Menelaus is away visiting his friend Idomeneus in Crete and abducts Helen. When Menelaus receives news of his wife's abduction, he hastily leaves Crete and returns to Sparta. He calls upon all the suitors of Helen, who had sworn to help whoever of their number was chosen. He then turns to his brother, Agamemnon, who is the wealthiest and one of the most powerful kings in Hellas, for help. Together, they organize a large force of former suitors and heroes to sail to retrieve Helen.

Another terrible event takes place shortly after Menelaus returns to Sparta. His brothers-in-law, Castor and Polydeuces, fall in combat to their cousins. King Tyndareus, who has saved the throne for his sons, promptly abdicates in favor of Menelaus. Thus, Menelaus, like Agamemnon albeit to a lesser degree, becomes king of a powerful city. His older brother is given the title of commander-in-chief and marshals the Greek forces. In 313, the Greeks set sail to Troy and wage war for ten years. In the tenth year, the Greek forces sack Troy and return Helen to her husband.

At Troy, Menelaus distinguishes himself as a valiant warrior. Among some of his more spectacular deeds, he fights and badly wounds Paris in single combat. In fact, Paris was so heavily wounded that only Aphrodite could heal him. He also bravely faces the Trojan prince Aeneas, a famous warrior. He is the first to come forward and fight to regain the dead body of Patroclus despite the heavy concentration of Trojan spears and swords. During the capture of the city, he kills the Trojan prince Deiphobus and rescues Helen.

On his return trip home, he is caught by a storm that carries him to Crete, where most of his ships founder. He sails on to Egypt, where he stays for five years, acquiring much wealth. Upon leaving, he becomes becalmed on the Island of Pharos, where he consults with the sea-god Proteus on how to return to Sparta. Menelaus follows Proteus' advice and returns to Sparta in 330, eight years after the end of the war.

Menelaus lives to a ripe old age. When he dies in 350, he is carried off alive to the Elysian fields, the Greek version of Paradise.

18.1 Menelaus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Menelaus and Helen are newlyweds. He becomes a Prince of Sparta and is well liked by the King and his sons, Castor and Polydeuces. Menelaus is an attractive redheaded man with extraordinary manners and a generous heart. He is gentle and soft-spoken. He counts among his friends Castor, Polydeuces, Idas, Lynceus, Idomeneus, his brother Agamemnon, Nestor, Antilochus son of Nestor, Diomedes, and Tyndareus. Normally he wears a tunic of bright colors, but in times of war he carries the normal Achaean gear. Although he is much loved by the gods he is not Watched or Hunted by them. Therefore, Menelaus is a Lesser Hero. Zeus personally bestows the honor of going directly to the Elysian Fields upon him.

18.2 Menelaus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Lesser Hero Watcher: N/ARace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: N/ALevel: 9 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 90 AT/DB: CH/30 Shield NoMelee OB: 95 sw Missile OB: 75 sp MM: 15



Skills: Acting 30, Animal Handling 40, Boxing 65, Cookery 20, Climb 67, Lyre 20, Riding 60, Stalk/Hide 56, Sailing 40, Tracking 55, Perception 30, Public Speaking 20, Swimming 78, Hellas Lore 30, Leadership 15, History 30.

18.3 Menelaus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Lesser Hero Watcher: N/ARace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: N/ALevel: 9 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 90 AT/DB: 14/30 Shield NoMelee OB: 95 sw Missile OB: 75 sp MM: 15



Skills: Acting 30, Animal Handling 40, Boxing 65, Cookery 20, Climb 67, Lyre 20, Riding 60, Stalk/Hide 56, Sailing 40, Tracking 55, Perception 30, Public Speaking 20, Swimming 78, Hellas Lore 30, Leadership 15, History 30.

18.4 Menelaus: Items

Menelaus uses normal Achaean equipment.

19.0 Nestor (Newly Speaking?)

Nestor, the oldest active warrior during the Trojan War, is the youngest son of many siblings. Born in Year 255, Nestor's parents are King Neleus and Queen Chlois of Pylos. Of all his siblings, Nestor is considered to be the best warrior and the most virtuous. Taught in the art of war by the great Chiron, Nestor is quite the adventurer during his youth. He is active in nearly every major quest or event. He sails on the Argo, hunts the Calydon Boar, and attends the wedding of Piritheus, which leads to a famous fight between the Lapiths and the Centaurs. In between all these adventures, Nestor marries a beautiful and witty princess by the name of Eurydice. Together, they have many children, including the great Antilochous, who dies defending his father in the Trojan War, and the lionhearted Thrasymedes.

Barring an act of Fate, Nestor's life changes dramatically in 298. Heracles, in revenge for Nestor aiding Heracles' enemy King Aegeus, attacks Pylos with an army while Nestor is away. During the attack, Heracles kills King Neleus and his many sons. When Nestor returns, Heracles installs Nestor as king. Heracles' attack left Pylos weak and in shambles. The King of Elis takes

advantage of the situation and imposes his rule by military might on Pylos. Nestor retaliates by raiding Elis' herds. Angered by Nestor's rash raids, the king assembles a large army championed by the mighty warrior Amerynceus. Nestor gathers an army from what men and funds he can find and confronts the Elean army. With Athena's aid, Nestor single-handedly routs the Eleans and kills their commander, saving his kingdom from subjugation or destruction. He returns to his kingdom and spends the next few years rebuilding Pylos to its former glory.

19.1 Nestor: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Nestor appears as a man in his thirties. He is tall and thin, with a strength that defies his thin appearance. His hair is dark brown and his eyes are bright green. Nestor is a well-liked man because of his honesty, fairness, and wisdom. He rules his kingdom fairly and wisely. He loves to chat about past deeds and is considered long-winded by some, but his advice is constantly sought even for the smallest of matters. He has many friends, but some of his closest include Heracles, Theseus, Pirithous, Peleus, Diomedes, and Odysseus. He is very close to his sons, especially to his firstborn, Antilochous. In public, he always wears his armor and carries either a spear or a sword. In 296, Poseidon is his Hunter because Nestor badly defeated the Eleans, of which city Poseidon is patron. However, by the time of the Trojan War, Poseidon has forgiven Nestor, so the identity of his Hunter is subject to GM discretion. Nestor fights in the Trojan War and (barring act of Fate) returns safely to Pylos, where he lives out the rest of his long life until Year 360. Agamemnon, the supreme commander of the Achaeans, constantly seeks his wisdom and advice.

Note: These stats reflect his prowess in the Year 296. During the Trojan War, due to old age, his hits and Melee is one third less that presented below.

19.2 Nestor: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: Pylos Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 16 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 120 (186) AT/DB: CH/50 Shield Yes (10)Melee OB: 133 (176) sp Missile OB: 120 sp MM: 10 (25)


Skills: Ambush 8, Animal Handling 50, Appraisal 20, Boxing 65, Cookery 30, Gambling 50, Climb 80, Foraging 55, First Aid 30, Omen Reading 45, Riding 103, Stalk/Hide 66, Sailing 60, Tracking 78, Perception 84, Public Speaking 50, Swimming 88, War Tactics 60, Weather Watching 40, Horse Lore 40, Leadership 35, Hellas Lore 30, History 30.

19.3 Nestor: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: Pylos Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 16 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 177 AT/DB: 16/50 Shield Yes (10)Melee OB: 176 sp Missile OB: 120 sp MM: 20

Stats: CO 115, AG 87, SD 90, ME 82, EM 90, ST 110, QU 88, PR 82, EM 88, IN 92, AP 80. Special Power stats are included in Rolemaster potentials.

Skills: Ambush 8, Animal Handling 50, Appraisal 20, Boxing 65, Cookery 30, Gambling 50, Climb 80, Foraging 55, First Aid 30, Omen Reading (Divination) 45, Riding 103, Stalk/Hide 66, Sailing 60, Tracking 78, Perception 84, Public Speaking 50, Swimming 88, Tactics 60, Weather-Watching 40, Horse Lore 40, Leadership 35, Hellas Lore 30, History 30.

19.4 Nestor: Items

+10 Spear.

Golden Shield: This mighty shield contains an outer layer of gold crafted with images of horses and chariots. The shield is so well made that it provides +10 to DB.

20.0 Odysseus (Angry One)

In Year 279, Laertes, King of Ithaca, a great fighter in his youth, and his wife Anticleia have a son, Odysseus, so named by his grandfather, the great thief Autolycos. A slave, Eurycleia, raises Odysseus. In 296, while on a boar hunt, Odysseus is badly wounded. He recovers and his grandfather bestows many gifts upon him. In 298, Odysseus is sent on a mission to Messene and encountered Iphitus, son of the famous archer Eurytus, who befriends him. Iphitus gives Odysseus his father Eurytus' great bow.

Later that year, Odysseus, like so many of his fellow princes, seeks the hand of Helen in marriage. However, being a prince from a poor kingdom, Odysseus realizes his chances of marriage with Helen are small, so he arranges a deal with Helen's foster-father Tyndareus. By its terms, Tyndareus will aid Odysseus in his pursuit for the hand of Penelope in marriage. In return, Odysseus advises Tyndareus how to give his foster-daughter to one prince without the others becoming jealous and declaring war on Tyndareus' kingdom. Following Odysseus' advice, Tyndareus forces Helen's suitors to pledge an oath to defend Helen's chosen husband in time of need. This oath will later haunt Odysseus because it will force him to leave his kingdom and family to rescue Helen from Troy.

In 298, Odysseus becomes King of Ithaca and with Tyndareus' aid marries the intelligent and pretty Penelope, daughter of the Spartan King Icarius. Their marriage produces one son, Telemachus. In 313 (barring a major act of Fate), Paris of Troy kidnaps Helen, which ignites the Trojan War. Although not eager to join the war, Odysseus does so with great reluctance. An oracle tells him that if he goes to Troy he will not return until the 20th year afterwards.

Odysseus plays an important role in the Trojan War, which lasts ten years. Troy ultimately falls due to Odysseus' wooden-horse scheme, and at last the Greeks depart for home. But for three years, Odysseus is blown around the Mediterranean, experiencing many adventures with the Cicones, the lotus-eaters, the Cyclops, Aeolus the wind god, the Laestygonians who destroy much of his fleet, and the sorceress Circe, who transforms his crew into animals and sends Odysseus to the Underworld. When Odysseus leaves Circe, he encounters the singing Sirens, monsters that lure men to their deaths through singing. He also escapes the wrath of the sea-monsters Scylla and Charybdis and finally arrives on Thrinacia, the isle of the sun god Helios. There, his men, despite Odysseus' warnings to the contrary, feast on the sun god's cattle. He flees the isle and his last ship is destroyed by a storm. He survives the storm to land on the island belonging to Calypso, where he is marooned for seven years.

In Odysseus' absence, suitors from the lands surrounding Ithaca begin to take up permanent residence in his palace in an effort to persuade Penelope to marry one of them. Penelope delays their advances through her shrewdness and tricks.

In the twentieth year of his absence, Athena demands that Calypso release Odysseus. He sails away, but Poseidon, who is still enraged over Odysseus' rash comments (which got him cursed in the first place) and the blinding of Poseidon's son the Cyclops creates a storm, which sweeps the exhausted Odysseus to Scherie, home of the Phaeacians. There, Nausicau, daughter of King Alcinous, saves him and brings him to her parents' palace. After he reveals himself to be the famous Odysseus, the Phaeacians provide him with a ship and gifts.

Odysseus returns to Ithaca in Year 333. Athena warns him about the suitors and disguises him as a beggar. After many cautious doings, Odysseus reveals himself to his son Telemachus, who is now a young man. Together, they plan on how to take revenge on the many suitors. Still disguised as a beggar, Odysseus ventures to the palace, where the unsuspecting suitors abuse him. His nursemaid Eurycleia discovers his identity, but she promises to not reveal it and to aid him. Through her advice, Penelope announces that she will set up a test: whichever suitor can string Odysseus' bow (originally the bow of Eurytus) and shoot an arrow through twelve axe-heads will win her hand in marriage.

With that contest in mind, Odysseus and his son plot the destruction of the suitors. During the contest, none of the suitors prove able to string the bow. Odysseus persuades the suitors to let him, a beggar, take the test. He strings the bow and shoots the arrow through the axes. Helped by his son and a few trusted servants, Odysseus locks the door to the chamber and slaughters the suitors. Odysseus then reveals his identity to Penelope and the two are reunited. The next day, Odysseus makes plans to forcibly repel the suitor's gathered relatives. After a brief engagement, peace is restored, and Odysseus' family and kingdom are restored to him. In 342 (barring act of Fate), Odysseus is accidentally killed by Telegonus, his son by Circe.

20.1 Odysseus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

Odysseus is a Machiavellian personality to whom the ends justify the means. Because of this, he has been called ruthless and uncaring. He is a very crafty and clever man who at the same time is very proud and takes insults personally. He often exacts terrible revenge for minor insults done to him, while at other times he acts rashly to boost his own ego. The result of all of this causes him many problems and makes him few friends but many enemies. He even makes disparaging remarks about Poseidon, for which Poseidon later makes him pay dearly. Still, Odysseus is a thinking man. He prefers to use his wit to reach a solution than brute strength.

In appearance, Odysseus is a short, stocky man with fiery red hair. His eyes are blue and gleam with intelligence. Although his appearance is average, he possesses a natural charisma that causes other men to listen and to admire him. He is always seen wearing Achaean armor and carrying a sword and a bow. He has few true friends, but they are close. They include Diomedes, Nestor, and Eurycleia, his nursemaid and caregiver. Penelope, his wife, is strongly devoted to him.

In 296, Odysseus is a young man who will not reach his full potential until the Trojan War. Before sailing to Troy, Odysseus is always seen with his hunting dog, called Argus. The two are inseparable during his youth. They hunt and adventure together. It was Argus that alerted Odysseus grandfather, Autolycos, that the boar had badly harmed Odysseus. Argus is a large

brown hunting dog with the intelligence that almost seems human like. The dog will only answer to Odysseus unless told by his master to do otherwise.

20.2 Odysseus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Thief Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: Ithaca Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Cunning, SwimmingHits: 124 AT/DB: CH/45 Shield YesMelee OB: 136 sw Missile OB: 114 lb MM: 20

Stats: ST 90, CO 95, AG 90, IT 100 (110), IG 100 (120), PR 95, AP 75. All stats in parentheses denote ability when using Special Powers.

Skills: Acting 45, Ambush 18, Animal Handling 30, Boxing 52, Climb 110, Disguises 45, Foraging 25, First Aid 30, Gambling 45, Riding 88, Stalk/Hide 110, Tracking 98, Perception 88, Politics 60, Public Speaking 60, Omen Reading 25, Sailing 55, Swimming 101, Trickery 80, War Tactics 40, Woodcraft 35, Wrestling 110, Sea Lore 30, Hellas Lore 30.

Spell Power: Swimming {Level 5 • Earth or Sea • Any • Continuous}: Hero is able to swim without tiring at twice the normal rate.

20.3 Odysseus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Thief Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: AthenaRace: Achaean Home: Ithaca Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Cunning, SwimmingHits: 124 AT/DB: 16/45 Shield YesMelee OB: 136 sw Missile OB: 114 lb MM: 20

Stats: CO 95, AG 90, SD 50, ME 100, RE 120, ST 90, PR 95, IN 110, EM 100, AP 75. Special Power stats are included in Rolemaster potentials.

Skills: Acting 45, Ambush 18, Animal Handling 30, Boxing 52, Climb 110, Disguises 45, Foraging 25, First Aid 30, Gambling 45, Riding 88, Stalk/Hide 110, Tracking 98, Perception 88, Politics 60, Public Speaking 60, Omen Reading (Divinations) 25, Sailing 55, Swimming 101, Trickery 80, War Tactics 40, Woodcraft 35, Wrestling 110, Sea Lore 30, Hellas Lore 30.

Spell Power: Swimming {Level 5 • Earth or Sea • Any • Continuous}: Hero is able to swim without tiring at twice the normal rate.

20.4 Odysseus: Items

Bow of Eurytus: This famous bow was originally given to a hero named Eurytus, known for his skill in archery, by the god Apollo. Later it was passed on to Eurytus' son, who in turn gives it to Odysseus. The bow was made by Apollo and appears to be constructed from some sort of golden wood. It is enchanted, +20, and has double the normal range.

+10 Shield and Armor: Given to Odysseus by his grandfather Autolycos. He loses them shortly after the Trojan War.

Name Lvl Size MM Hits AT DB Shld Melee OB Notes

Argus 5 M 30 110 No 30 N 65/MCl 80/LBi Intelligent, very loyal to Odysseus,+50 to tracking and Perception

21.0 Orpheus (Of the River Bank)

In Year 245, Orpheus is born to Oegrus, King of Thrace, and Calliope, Muse of Poetry and Eloquence.10 Apollo gives him a lyre and the Muses teach him how to use it. Orpheus' singing becomes so sweet and beautiful that even the trees and rocks are said to bend down to hear his songs. In 207, Orpheus goes to Mount Pelion to learn how to use a sword and other arts from the great teacher Chiron. After completing his lessons, he leaves Mount Pelion to live in Egypt, where he entertains the Pharaohs with his music. A few years later, Orpheus returns to Hellas and, at the urging of Chiron, volunteers to be an Argonaut. On that quest, Orpheus performs many deeds, including overpowering the Sirens' magical songs with his own, causing a few Sirens to commit suicide. On his return to Hellas, Orpheus marries the Dryad Eurydice and becomes King of the Cicones in Thrace.

For many years, Orpheus is a very happy man. His songs reflect his happiness and make his Dryad wife happy. However, in 282, a terrible mishap occurs, barring a major act of Fate. While gathering flowers and herbs, Eurydice encounters the beekeeper Aristaeus, a famous magician. Upon seeing the Dryad, Aristaeus attempts to rape her, but Eurydice flees. While fleeing, she accidentally steps on a snake. The snake bites her, and subsequently she dies shortly thereafter. Orpheus hears her screams from a distance and chases after her. Upon seeing his beloved die, Orpheus boldly descends to Tartarus, the underworld, to fetch his love back. With his lyre in hand, Orpheus sings his way through the dark chambers, charming the ferryman god, Charon, to take him across the River Styx. Still playing the lyre and singing, he calms the three-headed dog and guardian of the Underworld, Cerberus. Upon reaching the palace of Hades and Persephone, he asks Hades to give him leave to bring his wife Eurydice back to the world of the living. Hades, charmed by his music, agrees to Orpheus' demands, on the condition that he cannot look at her until they have both reached the upper world. Orpheus agrees, and Eurydice, hearing his music, follows him. When they have nearly reached the exit of the Underworld, Orpheus wonders if Eurydice is following, he turns back to see if she is following. But as soon as he does so, she vanishes back to the Underworld.

Orpheus is devastated. He abdicates from his kingship and begins to wander throughout Thrace, singing sad songs of lost loves. A few years later, in 298, Orpheus begins preaching the glory of Apollo. About that same time, Dionysus comes to Thrace seeking followers. However, Orpheus holds sway over many people. Angered by Orpheus' ignorance of him, Dionysus sends his Maenads, crazed women, to attack Orpheus, who caught unaware and unarmed, is ripped from limb to limb. Dionysus' fellow gods are angry at his rash action, but before they have a chance to destroy the Maenads, Dionysus turns them into oak trees.

Now it is said that Orpheus' head floated downstream to the sea, then landed on Lesbos, where it prophesied until Apollo tired of it; then some of Apollo's followers on Lesbos buried it in Year 300.

10 One of seven sister goddesses. They are patrons of the arts and humanities and part of Apollo's retinue.

21.1 Orpheus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

A tall, lanky man with unkempt hair and a wild look in his eyes, Orpheus is commonly clothed in a robe and sandals. He is always seen carrying his lyre and a shortsword for protection. He studied music and the lyre under Chiron, and he knows how to use it. Considered to be the greatest bard of all time, Orpheus' magical voice can sway even the despondent Hades. Orpheus possesses a moody personality subject to extremes. At one moment, he can be seen joyously singing away, and in another, he can seem sullen and cool to others. While married to Eurydice, Orpheus is a cheerful person. After her death, Orpheus becomes despondent and sings songs of sorrow. His eyes and his voice project the pain he endures. After Eurydice's death, Aphrodite becomes Orpheus' Hunter because he rejects the love of other Dryads and human women. His friends include Chiron, local Dryads, Idas, Jason, and Peleus.

21.2 Orpheus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Bard Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: ApolloRace: Thracian11 Home: Thrace Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Hearing, Great Skill (15 ranks in music)Hits: 110 AT/DB: No/50 Shield NoMelee OB: 97 ssw Missile OB: 88 lb MM: 10 (25)


Skills: Acting 70, Animal Handling 30, Appraisal 20, Bard Craft 102, Boxing 45, Cookery 30, Climb 80, Foraging 35, First Aid 30, Lyre 120, Mediation 60, Omen Reading 75, Riding 80, Stalk/Hide 66, Sailing 40, Singing 110, Music 130, Tracking 70, Perception 74, Priest (Apollo) 55, Public Speaking 50, Swimming 78, Use Items 90, Weather Watching 40, Horse Lore 20, Hellas Lore 30, Symbol Lore 45, Leadership 35, History 30.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 60 (×2). Base Spell 20. Directed Spell 70. Knows "Controlling Songs," "Item Lore," "Lore," "Spell Defense," "Calm Spirits," "Sound/Light Ways," "Purification," and "Detection Mastery" to 10th level. He also knows "Concussion Ways" to 5th level.

Spell Power: Great Hearing {Level 5 • Any • All Except Satyrs and Sileni • Continuous}: Hero can hear at twice the normal hearing range and has a +30 bonus to hearing perception rolls. Note: The bonus is not added into the Perception stat.

21.3 Orpheus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Bard Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: ApolloRace: Thracian Home: Thrace Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Hearing, Great Skill (15 ranks in music)Hits: 110 AT/DB: 1/50 Shield NoMelee OB: 97 ssw Missile OB: 88 lb MM: 10 (25)


Skills: Acting 70, Animal Handling 30, Appraisal 20, Bard Craft 102, Boxing 45, Cookery 30, Climb 80, Foraging 35, First Aid 30, Lyre 120, Mediation 60, Omen Reading

11 Thracians are humans living on the plains of northern Hellas. They possess a semi-nomadic culture centered on a hero cult and a horse cult.

(Divination) 75, Riding 80, Stalk/Hide 66, Sailing 40, Singing 110, Music 130, Tracking 70, Perception 74, Priest (Apollo) 55, Public Speaking 50, Swimming 78, Attunement 90, Weather-Watching 40, Horse Lore 20, Hellas Lore 30, Symbol Lore 45, Leadership 35, History 30.

Spells: Patron: Apollo. PP 60 (×2). Base Spell 20. Directed Spell 70. Knows "Controlling Songs," "Item Lore," "Lore," "Calm Spirits," "Spell Defense," and "Light Ways" to 20 th level. He also knows "Purification," "Detection Mastery," "Spell Resistance," "Brilliance," "Self Healing," "Delving," "True Sight," "Mind Perception," and "Mind Vision" to 10th level; "Future Visions" and "Past Visions" to 15th level; and "Concussion Ways" to 5th level.

Spell Power: Great Hearing {Level 5 • Any • All Except Satyrs and Sileni • Continuous}: Hero can hear at twice the normal hearing range and has a +30 bonus to hearing perception rolls. Note: The bonus is not added into the Perception stat.

21.4 Orpheus: Items

Lyre of Orpheus: Given to Orpheus as a youth by Apollo. It appears as a magical, silver-coated lyre with an ivory base. It grants the user +20 to Bard spell rolls, doubles the range of songs and Bard spells, and functions as a ×2 PP multiplier for Bards.

Short sword.

22.0 Patroclus (Glory of the Father)

Patroclus is the cousin and inseparable companion of the great Achilles. The two men are happiest in each other's company. Patroclus shares Achilles' passions of the heart and adventure but lacks Achilles' strength and speed. Although not as gifted as Achilles, Patroclus is a formidable warrior in his own right. Through his years hunting and practicing with Achilles, Patroclus becomes one of the best spearmen in Hellas. The only area in which he beat Achilles is in his age; Patroclus is older than Achilles. He was born as the son of Prince Menoetius of Opus, but early in his life, Patroclus accidentally kills another young prince over a game of dice. In 304, Patroclus flees Opus to go to King Peleus' court. He has already visited Achilles at Mount Pelion often, but at Peleus' court, the two become almost inseparable. When Thetis takes Achilles to the isles of Sycros, Patroclus goes also, but as a houseguest. When Achilles is discovered, Patroclus agrees to be Achilles' charioteer in the Trojan War. Together, Achilles and Patroclus sack many cities during the war and perform many wondrous feats.

In the tenth year of the war, Achilles grows angry with King Agamemnon and refuses to fight. Patroclus begs Achilles to let him fight in his place and lead the Myrmidon contingents into battle. Achilles agrees reluctantly. Patroclus dons Achilles' armor and weapons and ventures forth into battle. Prior to that time, the Trojans have been routing the Achaeans. No sooner does Patroclus step onto the battlefield than the battle turns to the Achaeans' favor. The Trojans, who think that Patroclus is Achilles, flee back toward the city. Patroclus is intoxicated by the possibility of victory. He races towards Troy and attempts to sack the city; he almost breaches the city wall. Hector rushes to stop him at the gates and kills him. The battle swings over to the Trojans once more; Patroclus' body is despoiled of Achilles' weapons and armor.

22.1 Patroclus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Patroclus is a young man. He looks much like Achilles but has dirty blond hair and is not as tall or as muscular as Achilles. In fact, an observer might mistake the two for brothers. He shares Achilles' temperament but is a bit wiser. He also shares his love of hunting. Patroclus has many friends, but his closest include Ajax, Antilochous, Peleus, Telamon, Nestor, and Diomedes. In battle, he wears the traditional Achaean gear. Patroclus is a Lesser Hero; therefore, he lacks a Watcher and a Hunter.

22.2 Patroclus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Lesser Hero Watcher: N/ARace: Achaean Home: Phthia Hunter: N/ALevel: 12 Special Powers: NoneHits: 121 AT/DB: CH/30 Shield YesMelee OB: 110 sp Missile OB: 88 sp MM: 15


Skills: Ambush 8, Animal Handling 50, Boxing 35, Cookery 30, Gambling 20, Climb 80, Foraging 15, Riding 77, Stalk/Hide 56, Tracking 58, Perception 34, Public Speaking 20, Swimming 48, Weather Watching 40, History 20.

22.3 Patroclus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Lesser Hero Watcher: N/ARace: Achaean Home: Phthia Hunter: N/ALevel: 12 Special Powers: NoneHits: 121 AT/DB: CH/30 Shield YesMelee OB: 110 sp Missile OB: 88 sp MM: 15

Stats: CO 100, AG 87, SD 67, ME 72, EM 70, ST 94, QU 88, PR 82, EM 78, IN 68, AP 80.


22.4 Patroclus: Items

+10 Spear.

+10 Shield and Armor.

23.0 Peleus (Muddy)

Peleus is best known as the father of the greatest hero in the Trojan War, Achilles. However, during his youth, Peleus is a sacker of cities and performer of many great deeds. Peleus is born to King Aeacus and Queen Endeis of Aegina in Year 240. He grows up on the isle with his two brothers, Telamon and Phocus. In 273, Peleus and Telamon join the crew of the Argo. (Phocus was away with his mother.) It was on this voyage that the two brothers meet and befriend the mighty Heracles. When Heracles searches for his friend Hylas, Peleus and Telamon advocate waiting for the mighty hero. However, their counsel is not followed and the Argo leaves Heracles

behind. Nevertheless, they develop a lifelong friendship with Heracles. From time to time, Peleus and his brother assist Heracles in his adventures.

When they return to Aegina, they are heroes to the local population. However, Phocus is the favorite of Aeacus. He is gifted with beauty, athletic ability, and integrity. During athletic events, it is Phocus who wins the majority of the events, stealing the spotlight from the other brothers. As time passes, Peleus and Telamon grow envious of their brother Phocus, and they plot to kill him. It is not known whether they actually go through with their plans; what is known is that in 277 Phocus dies of foul play and the two brothers flee the island in fear of their father's rage.

Peleus goes to the court of Actor, King of Phthia, where his adopted son Eurytion purifies Peleus from the murder of Phocus. Later in the year, Actor, impressed by the young man, gives Peleus his daughter Polymela in marriage and a part of the kingdom. Their union produces no children. Soon after, a messenger comes to the court requesting the services of the kingdom's greatest warriors to hunt the Calydonian Boar, which is wasting the countryside of a nearby kingdom. Peleus and Eurytion agree to go. During the hunt, Peleus accidentally kills Eurytion. He is forced to flee again to Iolcus, where King Acastus, whom Peleus had befriended as an Argonaut, purifies him.

In 280, Heracles visits Peleus and asks for assistance with his ninth task, to fetch the Girdle of Ares worn by the Amazon Queen Hippolyta. Peleus and Telamon agree to help and journey with Heracles. In 287, Peleus agrees to again help Heracles in a major expedition to sack Troy to avenge for an insult given by the Trojan King Laomedon. On his return, Acastus' wife, who has fallen deeply in love with the young hero, attempts to seduce Peleus. When he refused her advances, she goes and tells his wife Polymela, "He intends to leave you and marry my beautiful daughter, who will give birth to a heir." Soon after, Polymela, who has not given Peleus any children, commits suicide.

But Acastus' wife does not stop there; she goes and tells her husband that Peleus attempted to seduce her while Acastus was away during one of his hunting trips. Angry that his guest would insult him such a manner, Acastus challenges Peleus to a hunting contest on Mount Pelion, a dangerous place because the Centaurs often kill trespassers in their mountains. Acastus plans to leave Peleus there during the night to fend for himself. Peleus is in a state of shock and thinks that the hunting trip is to keep his mind off his wife's tragedy. Both hunters are well known for their skills; they have hunted together several times. So, Peleus is keen to prove who is the best hunter. In the contest, Peleus is able to beat Acastus. However, during the night, Acastus takes Peleus' magic sword (forged by the great inventor and smith Daedalus), hides it, and leaves him asleep. Peleus awakes unarmed, alone, and surrounded by hostile Centaurs. They intend to slaughter him then and there, but Chiron, their king, stops them. Chiron befriends the young man and finds his magic sword. Peleus finally recognizes the treachery of Acastus and his wife when Chiron tells Peleus the truth behind his wife's suicide and Acastus' actions. Peleus vows vengeance for his dead wife.

For many years, Peleus lives on Mount Pelion, befriending the Centaurs and Nymphs that live there, even assisting the Centaurs on their raids on nearby human kingdoms, especially Iolcus. From these raids, Peleus acquires a large herd of cattle to send to Phthia as an indemnity for his accidental killing of Eurytion; King Actor refuses the cattle, leaving them to roam the open fields. In 290, Peleus, with the help of Chiron, recruits some Myrmidons from Aegina and sacks Phthia, killing Actor. He becomes its king. During his rule, Peleus allows Myrmidon immigrants from

Aegina and the surrounding lands to settle Phthia to strengthen his hold on the kingdom. Henceforth, he is referred to as the King of the Myrmidons.

While Peleus was enjoying his stay on Mount Pelion, a gorgeous Nereid named Thetis was being courted by several gods. Upon hearing a prophecy stating that Thetis was fated to have a son who would be greater by far than his father, the gods agreed to stop courting the Nereid. They feared that a son sired by one of them might challenge the rule of the gods, just as Zeus and his brothers and sisters had challenged their parents' rule.

Around Year 297, they agree to pair Thetis with the noblest mortal. At the time, Peleus is considered the noblest man in Hellas. Chiron foresees that Thetis will resent marrying a mortal; therefore, he suggests that Peleus ambush the Nereid as she lies on the beach. This he does; Thetis resists mightily, changing into various forms—a bull, lion, fire, and water. But Peleus holds fast to her, having been warned beforehand by Chiron what to expect. Eventually, impressed by the mortal's strength, determination, and persistence, Thetis agrees to marry him. Their wedding is celebrated outside Chiron's cave on Mount Pelion. All the gods, Nereids, and centaurs attend the ceremony and shower many gifts upon the newlyweds. It is at this wedding that Eris, goddess of discord, throws the golden apple, which begins the Trojan War.

In 298, Thetis has a child, Achilles. She begins the process of performing a magical ritual to make the child immortal. Peleus, thinking she is harming the child, disrupts the ritual, angering Thetis. She leaves him to raise the child by himself. He does until Achilles grows to a young boy, then sends him to the care of Chiron. (See Achilles, §3.0.)

In 300, Peleus returns to Iolcus to avenge himself with an army of Myrmidons and some friends. He captures the city and slays King Acastus and his wife in single combat. He then becomes King of Iolcus. In the succeeding years, Thetis, regrets her rash actions and visits the now aging king every so often, never to stay for very long. Even so, in those years, Thetis and Peleus live happily for some time.

In 313, the call of war spreads across Hellas. Too old to fight in the Trojan War himself, Peleus gives his son Achilles his golden armor, ashen spear, and magical talking horses, all of which had been his wedding gifts from the gods. He sends a large Myrmidon fleet with Achilles to command. However, he faces political instability at home. With most of his army overseas and Achilles and Thetis in Troy, Acastus' son begins to openly revolt against Peleus' rule. Eventually, Acastus' sons expel Peleus from Iolcus. When word comes of Achilles' death, he is expelled from Phthia as well. He flees to Mount Pelion where the Centaurs grant him refuge.

Soon after the sack of Troy, Thetis hears of her beloved's plight. She sends a message to him instructing him to visit the cave where he had first mastered her, and wait there until she takes him away to live with her forever in the sea. Peleus goes to the cave and watches the passing ships, hoping one of them might be carrying his grandson, Neoptolemus, returning from Troy. Peleus grows impatient and charters a ship for a voyage to Molossia, where he hears his grandson might be. However, a storm drives his vessel to the island of Icos. There he dies and is buried, thus forfeiting the immortality Thetis had promised her beloved. Thetis cries again, losing her second love in life.

23.1 Peleus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In Year 296, Peleus appears to be a youthful, thirty-something-year-old attractive man, although really fifty-six years old, with bushy dark hair and eyes. Peleus at this time is King of Phthia. At

court, Peleus treats all guests with respect and entertains visiting Nymphs, Centaurs, and such Heroes as Heracles, quite regularly. Peleus prefers being in the outdoors enjoying a hunt or sleeping under a tree than being constrained in a palace. His prowess in hunting is renowned throughout Hellas. He allows the Myrmidons much leeway in running the kingdom, which will prove to be his downfall when the majority of them are sent to fight in the Trojan War, allowing Acastus' sons to take over. Peleus is an agreeable person with a natural charm that puts people at ease. He is thrifty, patient, and possesses a tenacity that would make a Centaur proud. He makes fast friends and is very loyal to them. He is also not a person to double-cross, since he tends to hold a grudge for a very long time. At present, he has no wife and is feeling a little lonely, which may account for his many adventures and trips to Mount Pelion.

He is always seen carrying his magical sword and a spear. He favors outdoors garments with a leather jerkin as protection. He has many friends whom he has made during the course of his adventures and travels. Among the more famous of them are Chiron, to whom his fortunes are tied, Telamon his brother, Heracles with whom he adventures, the Dioscuri, Jason, and Iolaus. He counts many forest races as friends as well. All Centaurs consider Peleus a friend. Centaurs sometimes give him the designation "Centaur friend." Peleus will never harm a Centaur or let others harm them in the presence of his court. He will always attempt to aid Centaurs. As he is the grandson of Zeus (Zeus fathered Aeacus) and is closely associated with the Myrmidons, Peleus' Watcher is Zeus. Because Peleus does not call upon Aphrodite during his blessings, Aphrodite is his Hunter. His failures in his love life and his problems resulting from women derive from Aphrodite's interventions.

23.2 Peleus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Ranger Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 13 Special Powers: HunterHits: 124 AT/DB: CH/45 Shield YesMelee OB: 122 sw Missile OB: 102 sp MM: 20

Homes include Aegina, Mount Pelion, and Phthia.


Skills: Ambush 8, Animal Handling 30, Boxing 52, Climb 90, Foraging 25, First Aid 20, Gambling 25, Riding 68, Stalk/Hide 70, Tracking 88, Perception 48, Priest (Poseidon) 20, Omen Reading 35, Sailing 25, Swimming 78, Trickery 20, War Tactics 20, Woodcraft 15, Wrestling 78, Centaur Lore 30.

Spells: Patron: Poseidon. PP 13 (×2). Directed Spell 20. Knows "Path Mastery," "Nature Ways," "Nature's Guises," "Moving Ways," and "Nature's Law," to 5th level.

Spell Power: Hunter {Level 5 • Earth, Underworld, Sky • All Except Satyrs and Sileni • Once a Day}: Hero is surrounded by a 1' radius field through which sound cannot travel. The field is centered on the Hero and moves with him.

23.3 Peleus: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Ranger Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 13 Special Powers: HunterHits: 124 AT/DB: CH/45 Shield YesMelee OB: 122 sw Missile OB: 102 sp MM: 20

Homes include Aegina, Mount Pelion, and Phthia.

Stats: CO 95, AG 90, SD 70, ME 88, RE 80, ST 90, PR 90, IN 78, EM 84, AP 85.

Skills: Ambush 8, Animal Handling 30, Boxing 52, Climb 90, Foraging 25, First Aid 20, Gambling 25, Riding 68, Stalk/Hide 70, Tracking 88, Priest (Poseidon) 20 Perception 48, Omen Reading 35, Sailing 25, Swimming 78, Trickery 20, War Tactics 20, Woodcraft 15, Wrestling 78, Centaur Lore 30.

Spells: Patron: Poseidon. PP 13 (×2). Directed Spell 30. Knows "Path Mastery," "Inner Walls," "Nature Ways," "Nature's Guises," "Moving Ways," and "Nature's Law," to 5th level.

Spell Power: Hunter {Level 5 • Earth, Underworld, Sky • All Except Satyrs and Sileni • Once a Day}: Hero is surrounded by a 1' radius field through which sound cannot travel. The field is centered on the Hero and moves with him.

23.4 Peleus: Items

Ashen Spear of Sharpness: Its shaft was created by Chiron and polished by Athena, its tip was cast in gold by Hephaestus, and its handle has been engraved with golden leaflike designs. This +20 spear was given to Peleus as a wedding present; it will pass on to Achilles.

Golden Armor. Hephaestus, god of smiths and fire, created Peleus' armor. All armor equipment is half the normal weight and is +30. The golden armor acts as plate armor but weighs as chain mail. This set of armor was given to Peleus as a wedding gift; it will be given to Achilles for the Trojan War.

Hunter's Sword: This sword was forged by Mythic Greece's greatest smith and inventor, Daedalus, and was first given to Peleus, who will later pass it on to his son. Geometric designs and images of sea life with gold and blue coloring decorate this +20 magical sword. It was created to aid hunters in their hunts. It provides the hunter with a tingling sensation that directs him towards any one typical prey animal (i.e., a large mammal), adding +40 to his Tracking skill.

Golden Chariot: This magical chariot was also given to Peleus by the gods as a wedding present. It is made of a light golden-color metallic alloy with flower and horse designs marked on either side in silver and white colors. It was made in such a way as to ease the handling of horses and adds +20 to Riding (i.e., Charioteering) to the charioteer.

Enchanted Armband: This decorated Cretan band was given to Peleus by Chiron. It acts as a ×2 PP multiplier for Rangers.

23.5 Peleus: Great Horses

Name Lvl Size MM Hits AT DB Shld Melee OB NotesBalius 9 L 45 165 No 30 N 75MBa Hellas Lore/History 50Xanthus 8 L 40 177 No 30 N 80MBa Hellas Lore/History 55

Both Great Horses are intelligent and have the ability to speak Greek. They can run across rough terrain with no difficulty. They are essentially immortal, although violence or depression can kill them.

24.0 Perseus (Destroyer)

In Year 157, Acrisius, King of Argos, fathers a daughter, Danae. He desperately wants a son, so he consults an oracle who tells him, "You will produce no son, and your grandson will kill you." Frightened, he attempts to forestall Fate by building a dungeon to house his daughter. This dungeon was locked from the outside and prevented anyone from ever going to see her. Zeus, witnessing the events as they unfold, falls in love with Danae. In Year 186, Zeus takes the form of a shower of gold, enters the dungeon, and approaches Danae, who bears Perseus.

When Acrisius learns that his daughter has borne a male child, he flies into a rage. He immediately orders them into a large chest and cast into the sea to drift aimlessly. Danae and Perseus do not drown, but are rescued by a fisherman named Dictys who encounters the floating chest while fishing off the coast of Seriphos. There, Dictys cares for Danae and Perseus.

It so happens that Dictys' brother, Polydectes, is king of the island. He falls in love with Danae. Initially, he accepts her refusal of his advances, but as time goes by, Polydectes becomes impatient and his advances become forceful. However, Perseus always defends his mother. Polydectes therefore pretends that he wishes to marry Hippodamia, daughter of a great king. As a wedding gift, he demands a horse from every young man on the island. Perseus, being a fisherman, has no horse. Instead, he declares in public that he will bring anything else the king wants; as an afterthought (act of Fate?) he includes the words, "including the Gorgon's head." Immediately the king replies, "Fine, get that for me."

No one had ever returned from an encounter with the three Gorgons. These hideous creatures had once been beautiful maidens, but they had been transformed for some past insult to the gods. (One version of the legend says they had been priestesses of Aphrodite, but dared to compare their beauty to hers.) The Gorgons were so hideous that their gaze alone could turn a man into stone. Only the Gorgon named Medusa was mortal; her two sisters were immortal (see Mythic Greece: The Age of Heroes). It was said that even if a person did succeed in destroying Medusa, escape from her evil sisters would be impossible. Therefore, Polydectes thought that ordering Perseus to obtain the Gorgon's head would be a sure way of getting rid of him.

In 210, Perseus sets off, not knowing where the Gorgons live nor how to kill one. The gods look favorably on him, however. Athena, at the request of Zeus, appears to Perseus and advises him on his best course of action. Following her advice, Perseus seeks out the three Wise Hags called Graiai who live "Beyond the Ocean." After a lengthy dispute, the Graiai tell Perseus where he can find the Stygian Nymphs, who will aid him in his quest. He then travels to the Nymphs, who gave him several magical items, including winged sandals that enable him to fly, and Hades' helmet that makes him invisible. (Some versions add a magical sword and mirrored shield.)

Perseus flies to the Gorgons' home and chops off the head of Medusa. Made invisible by Hades' helmet, he escapes from the Gorgons' palace or temple while Medusa's sisters howl, scream, and search desperately for their sister's slayer.

At sunset, Perseus grows exhausted and decides to land near the palace of the Titan Atlas. But Atlas is rude and insolent to Perseus, so Perseus shows him Medusa's head, which turns him into stone. Being a Titan, Atlas recovers in a few years.

Perseus then flies to Ethiopia, to the city of Joppa. There, King Cepheus' daughter Andromeda has been chained to a rock to be killed by a sea serpent. Andromeda's mother Cassiopeia had boasted that her daughters were more beautiful than the Nereids were. Insulted, the Nereids complain to Poseidon, who in turn sends a sea serpent to ravish the city. An oracle tells Cepheus that the sacrifice of his daughter will end the onslaught of the sea serpent. This is the circumstance in which Perseus sees Andromeda. Immediately, he falls in love with the woman. He flies to her parents, who are watching from a nearby cliff, and offers to save the woman in exchange for her hand in marriage. They accept. Perseus then beheads the monster. Afterwards, the king and queen have second thoughts about marrying their daughter to a stranger, but Andromeda insists on fulfilling her side of the bargain.

Unfortunately, King Cepheus had already agreed to offer his daughter's hand to a powerful noble named Agenor. During the wedding, Agenor and his supporters storm into the proceedings, denounce the wedding, and attack Perseus. He fights valiantly, dispatching several supporters, but they are too great in number. Perseus therefore takes out the Gorgon's head, and Agenor and his supporters are all turned to stone.

After the wedding, Perseus, taking Andromeda with him, hurriedly returns to Seriphos. There he finds his mother and Dictys threatened by Polydectes. They have taken shelter in a nearby temple. Perseus goes to the king's palace claiming to possess the Gorgon's head. Polydectes and his companions, not believing his story, insult Perseus, but he shows them the head and turns everyone, including Polydectes, into stone.

Perseus then installs Dictys as King of Seriphos and sets sail for Argos with his mother, his wife, and a party of Cyclopes. (He had befriended a group of skilled Cyclopes while a teenager.) King Acrisius hears of Perseus' approach to Argos. Remembering the oracle, he flees from Argos to Larissa. Perseus is named King of Argos in his grandfather's absence in 210.

In 215, Perseus is invited to a funeral game in Larissa, where his grandfather is unwittingly attending. In the disc event, Perseus' disc flies off course and strikes Acrisius, killing him instantly. Too full of remorse to rule his grandfather's kingdom after accidentally killing him, Perseus exchanges the rulership of Argos with King Megapenthes of Tiryns. Afterwards, Perseus rules Tiryns while Megapenthes rules Argos.

In the following years, Perseus enlarges his kingdom through wars and colonization. In 215, Perseus founds Mycenae, where the Cyclopes build its massive walls. A few years later, Perseus takes the great city of Troezen in war. During the intervening years, Andromeda and Perseus have three sons, Electryon, Alcaeus, and Sthenelus; and a daughter, Gorgophone. Around 240, Perseus abdicates from the throne and retires from public life, then dies many years later. The gods love him so much that his image and his wife's are placed in the constellations.

24.1 Perseus: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

Perseus is a handsome man; he sports a deep tan from all those years spent fishing for Dictys. Of average height with a muscular build, Perseus has dark brown hair and gray eyes. In his youth, Perseus typically goes bare-chested with a cloth covering his loins. When adventuring, he typically wears Achaean armor and a sword. The magical items he carries on the Gorgon quest are returned shortly after he leaves Seriphos. Perseus is a plain man with a down-to-earth personality. He is very honest and hard working. For an Achaean, he is quite modest. As a ruler, Perseus is fair and conservative. Among his friends are Megapenthes, Dictys, and a group of skilled Cyclopes. By Year 296, he and his wife have already died and their images have been placed in the night sky as constellations. (Their spirits reside in the Elysian Fields.)

24.2 Perseus: MERP Statistics

Profession: Rogue Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: Seriphos, Tiryns Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Vitality, Predict StormsHits: 130 (196) AT/DB: PL/70 Shield YesMelee OB: 155 (198) sw Missile OB: 125 lb MM: 25 (45)

Stats: ST 100 (110), CO 100 (120), AG 95, IT 81, IG 72, PR 88, AP 86. All stats in parentheses denote value when using Special Powers.

Skills: Ambush 10, Architecture 50, Boxing 98, Climb 107, Cooking 45, Dancing 36, Foraging 65, Leadership 30, Rope Making 35, Sailing 65, Smithing 30, Stalk/Hide 106, Tracking 88, Perception 60, Swimming 102, Tumbling 50, War Tactics 44, Weather Watching 55, Woodcraft 55, Sea Lore 30, Ethiopian 5.

Spell Power: Predict Storms {Level 5 • Any • Any • Three Times Per Day}: The hero is able to accurately predict storms—type, strength, and wind direction—during three one-hour periods per day.

24.3 Perseus in Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Rogue Hero Status: Demigod Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: Seriphos, Tiryns Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 20 Special Powers: Great Vitality, Predict StormsHits: 196 AT/DB: 18/70 Shield YesMelee OB: 198 sw Missile OB: 125 lb MM: 35


Skills: Ambush 10, Architecture 50, Boxing 98, Climb 107, Cooking 45, Dancing 36, Foraging 65, Leadership 30, Rope-Making 35, Sailing 65, Smithing 30, Stalk/Hide 106, Tracking 88, Perception 60, Swimming 102, Tumbling 50, Tactics 44, Weather-Watching 55, Woodcraft 55, Sea Lore 30, Ethiopian 8/8.

Spell Power: Predict Storms {Level 5 • Any • Any • Three Times Per Day}: The hero is able to accurately predict storms—type, strength, and wind direction—during three one-hour periods per day.

24.4 Perseus: Items

Perseus carries the following items during the Gorgon Quest. They are given back to Hermes and the Nymphs after its completion.

Hades' Helmet: A black helmet with gold rims, enchanted to +30 DB, which allows its wearer to become invisible.

Sword of Sharpness: A long golden sword with an ivory handle. It is powerfully enchanted to +30, indestructible, and has the Sharpness enchantment. (RM option: Add the Holy enchantment, targeted against enemies of Zeus or Athena.)

Aegis: A fabulous shield blessed by Athena, made from an indestructible material and enchanted to +30. It is silver in appearance and weighs only half the weight of a normal shield. Its inner wall can be used as a mirror. After the Gorgon Quest, the face of Medusa is merged into Aegis, granting it even greater powers, and it becomes known as the Gorgonion.

Magic Wallet: It appears to be a lion-skin bag, but allows the hero to store any number of items weighing up to 200 lb each by minimizing them to fit into the bag. The bag always weighs 2.5 lb no matter how many items are stored in it.

Winged Sandals: These allowing the wearer to fly at the base rate of 75'/rnd, following the normal stamina rules for walking.

After the Gorgon Quest items are returned, Perseus carries the following:

+15 Magic Sword: Created by the Cyclopes, this sword weighs half the normal sword weight.

+15 Magic Armor: Created by the Cyclopes, this armor looks like and weighs as much as normal Achaean mail, but protects as plate armor (AT 18).

+15 Shield of Abas: Abas, a hero known for skill on the battlefield, was Perseus' grandfather. His shield was passed on to Perseus. It has a grotesque face emblazoned on its cover, which causes all opponents who view it to resist a 3rd level Fear spell.

25.0 Pentheselia (Forcing Men To Mourn)

Pentheselia was born around Year 265 as one of the daughters of Ares and the Amazon Queen Otrere. Later one of three Amazon queens, Pentheselia rules Chadesia. She is the most beautiful of all of her sisters. In 284 (barring an act of Fate), Pentheselia accidentally shoots one of her sisters while hunting. The Furies punish her, forcing her to seek refuge in Troy. There, King Priam of Troy purifies her. Later, to return the favor, Pentheselia leads a force of Amazons to aid Priam during the Trojan War. After performing many exploits, she dies there by the hand of Achilles.

25.1 Pentheselia: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

Proud and strong of character, Pentheselia is a strikingly beautiful Amazon, tall, with dark hair and a warlike spirit attributable to her father Ares. Her eyes are a shocking sea-blue color. As is

also true of her sister Orithyia, Poseidon is Pentheselia's hunter. She uses typical Amazon weapons, a spear, an axe, and a bow. Her father Ares gave her armor to her as a gift and she rides a Great Horse given to her by the wife of Boreas, a king of Thrace.

25.2 Pentheselia: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Heroine Watcher: AresRace: Amazon Home: Amazonia, Troy Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 16 Special Powers: Resist ElementsHits: 135 AT/DB: PL/60 Shield YesMelee OB: 141 sp Missile OB: 95 lb MM: 20


Skills: Acrobatics 55, Ambush 5, Animal Handling 40, Axe 133, Wrestling 65, Climb 80, Dancing 25, Foraging 55, First Aid 15, Hunting 25, Leadership 30, Riding 121, Running 40, Stalk/Hide 56, Tracking 78, Tumbling 50, Perception 40, Swimming 68, War Tactics 38, Amazon Lore 40, Horse Lore 45.

Spell Power: Resist Elements {Level 5 • Any • Any • Continuous}: The hero's skin acts as a continuous "Resist Elements" spell from the "Protection" list, except that the hero has a +20 to RR.

25.3 Pentheselia: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Heroine Watcher: AresRace: Amazon Home: Amazonia, Troy Hunter: PoseidonLevel: 16 Special Powers: Resist ElementsHits: 135 AT/DB: 18/60 Shield YesMelee OB: 141 sp Missile OB: 95 lb MM: 20


Skills: Acrobatics 55, Ambush 5, Animal Handling 40, Axe 133, Wrestling 65, Climb 80, Dancing 25, Foraging 55, First Aid 15, Hunting 25, Leadership 30, Riding 121, Running 40, Stalk/Hide 56, Tracking 78, Tumbling 50, Perception 40, Swimming 68, Tactics 38, Amazon Lore 40, Horse Lore 45.


25.4 Pentheselia: Items

+10 Spear

Silver Armor, this armor was a gift of Ares to Pentheselia. It is of silver in color with horse designs sprinkle across the cuirass and acts +15 plates armor and encumber as Rigid Leather. Her greaves are of gold color.

She also carries a double axe and rides a Great Horse.

26.0 Sarpedon (Rejoicing in Wooden Ark)

The bravest and most gallant warrior on the Trojan side, Sarpedon is the son of Zeus and the Princess Laodameia of Lycia, a Minoan kingdom in Asia Minor. Prince Evander of Lycia, a son of another famous Sarpedon of Crete, raises the child as his own. In Year 296, the king of Lycia dies and two of Sarpedon's uncles strive for the vacant throne. The local merchants, wanting to avoid a civil war, ask Sarpedon, who has already distinguished himself as a just and fair young man, to be king. Under his reign, Lycia continues to become a prosperous trading country, competing heavily with Rhodes, a nearby island.

In 313, King Priam of Troy asks his ally Sarpedon for help in the Trojan War. Sarpedon agrees and takes a large part of the Lycian army to Troy. There he distinguishes himself as a brave warrior. Among some of his exploits, he slays King Tleopelemus of Rhodes in single combat. Later, Sarpedon meets his death fighting Patroclus. He is loved so much by Zeus that before his dead body can be despoiled by the Achaeans, Zeus transports it to Lycia, where Sarpedon's body can receive the proper burial rites.

26.1 Sarpedon: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Sarpedon is only fifteen years old, though he appears to be in his early twenties. He rules the kingdom of Lycia well under the advice of his two uncles, who had been competing for the kingdom. His people respect his noble carriage as king. He is tall, powerfully built, and very handsome, with dark features and sallow skin. Zeus watches over him because he is his father. Hera hunts him because his birth results from Zeus' infidelity. Despite his Minoan heritage, Sarpedon wears full Achaean battle gear when at war or adventuring, which includes a chariot, two spears, sword, and armor. In 296, Sarpedon is a Level 5 Typical King (for more information, read "Fabled Monsters of Mythic Greece (July 2000), or the Rolemaster Campaign Classic Mythic Greece: Age of Heroes). The stats presented below date from his Trojan War exploits a decade later.

26.2 Sarpedon: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Minoan Home: Lycia Hunter: HeraLevel: 13 Special Powers: Greater VitalityHits: 121 (187) AT/DB: CH/30 Shield Yes (+10)Melee OB: 110 (153) sp Missile OB: 88 sp MM: 15



26.3 Sarpedon: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Minoan Home: Lycia Hunter: HeraLevel: 13 Special Powers: Greater VitalityHits: 160 AT/DB: 14/30 Shield Yes (+10)Melee OB: 140 sp Missile OB: 88 sp MM: 15

Stats: CO 110, AG 90, SD 77, ME 72, EM 70, ST 106, QU 90, PR 90, EM 78, IN 78, AP 90. Special Power stats are included in Rolemaster potentials.


26.4 Sarpedon: Items

+10 Spear.

+10 Shield and Armor.

27.0 Teiresias (He Who Delights in Sights)

Perhaps one of the greatest soothsayers in Mythic Greece, Teiresias played an instrumental and tragic part in every major event in the history of Thebes, a major city in central Hellas. 12

Teiresias is born in the early years of the Age of Heroes, Year 88, and lives to be over 200 years old. He finally dies in 298 at the sacking of Thebes. He is the son of Everes and the Dryad Chariclo, a daughter of Zeus. He spends his childhood in the countryside. His mother, being powerful in the ways of magic, teaches him magic.

Upon reaching manhood, Teiresias sets out to the newly constructed city of Thebes, which will be his home for the rest of his long life. Along the way, he happens upon two snakes mating. He strikes one and instantly he turns into a woman. For several years, he remains a woman until one day he happens upon the same scene again. He strikes one of the snakes again and becomes a man once more.

Shortly thereafter, he mediates a dispute between Zeus and Hera, siding with Zeus. As a reward, Zeus grants him the powers of prophecy and long life. At this time, he becomes a devoted priest of Zeus for the city of Thebes. His skill in prophecy gains him fame in the city and soon he becomes the Kings of Thebes' personal soothsayer; he outlives several kings and queens. He holds that position for the rest of his long life.

While still a young man, Teiresias ventures out of the city to visit his mother. Upon the way, he happens to hear someone singing. He looks between the bushes to spy Athena, the goddess of crafts, nude, and washing in a pool. When she catches sight of him, she immediately makes him blind. The Dryad Chariclo protests the act to the gods, saying her son had unintentionally spied on Athena. Had he known she was there, he would never have dared spy on her. Athena is moved. She takes a serpent and orders it to lick Teiresias' ears. From that time on, Teiresias understands the speech of birds. She also gives him a magical cornel-wood staff, which will serve as a walking stick as he grows older.

Owing to his long life, Teiresias is connected with practically all of the events of Thebes. Teiresias counsels King Pentheus, one of Thebes' earlier kings, to welcome Dionysus, the god of wine. He does not accept this counsel and pays with his life for angering the god. Generations later, Teiresias also reveals to King Oedipus that he has killed his father, Laius, and has married his own mother, Jocasta, thus fulfilling an ancient prophecy. Teiresias is even consulted about

12 The Thebes of Greece has no real relationship to the city of the same name in Egypt.

smaller matters; he advises Alcmene, mother of Heracles and resident of Thebes, on how to raise her son.

In later times, during the campaign of the Seven Against Thebes,13 Teiresias prophesies that the city will be saved if one of the original descendants of Thebes sacrifices himself. Soon after that war, he advises King Creon to allow Antigone to bury the enemy, particularly her brother, who was one of the chief heroes. During the assault of the Epigoni, 14 he advises the Thebans to commence negotiations for peace and to take flight during the armistice. During the assault of the Epigoni, he knows that his time is near, since he is fated to live so long as the city does. He dies later that night when the city is evacuated, for reasons unknown, with his staff found missing.

In the Underworld, Teiresias retains his reason and his gift as a soothsayer, although the departed souls of most others are accustomed to flit aimlessly about as gibbering shades. It is in this capacity that Odysseus visits him for consultation on how best to return home from the Trojan War.

27.1 Teiresias: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Teiresias is a hunched old man with a long white beard and milky-glass eyes. He is led around by his daughter, Manto, also a soothsayer of some repute. He is constantly sought after by visiting princes and kings for his counsel on various matters. He is normally aloof and distant because he has seen much sorrow in his life. Zeus watches over him; he is a priest of Zeus. His Hunter is special—Hera, angry with Teiresias for siding with Zeus, has cursed him to the city of Thebes. He is tied to Thebes in much the same way as Dryads are tied to their trees or other natural features. Teiresias cannot leave the city for long periods; when the city is destroyed so is he. Therefore, his life is tied to the everyday life of the city. He can feel the city's sorrows and happiness within him. His only possession is his staff, which he carries wherever he goes. His two daughters and his grandson, Periclymenos, a Theban hero, love him very much.

27.2 Teiresias: MERP Statistics

Profession: Animist Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: Thebes Hunter: SpecialLevel: 18 Special Powers: Speak to Animals (Birds)Hits: 50 AT/DB: No/10 Shield NoMelee OB: N/A Missile OB: N/A MM: 0


Skills: Administration 20, Cooking 25, Public Speaking 50, First Aid 55, Music 25, Singing 25, Perception 50 (through senses other than sight), Priest (Zeus) 40, Storytelling 50, Omen Reading 70, Wood Crafts 30, Hellas Lore 50, Nymph Lore 40, Thebes Lore 60, Geography 40, Use Items 88, Law 55, Leather Working 25, Legend & Lore 50, Minoan 5, Pelasgian 5, Sintian 4, Greek 5.

Spell Power: Speak to Animals {Level 5 • Fertility • Any • Continuous}: Hero can speak to animals (in this case, specifically birds).

13 A military expedition led by seven heroes to reclaim the throne of Thebes for Polyiences, a son of Oedipus.

14 A military expedition led by the sons of the original Seven Against Thebes.

Spells: Patron: Zeus. PP 36 (×3). Base Spells 36, Directed Spells 78. Knows "Sound/Light Ways," "Nature Lore," "Protections," and "Detection Mastery" to 10th level.

27.3 Teiresias: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Astrologer Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: Thebes Hunter: SpecialLevel: 18 Special Powers: Speak to Animals (Birds)Hits: 50 AT/DB: 1/10 Shield NoMelee OB: N/A Missile OB: N/A MM: 0


Skills: Administration 20, Cooking 25, Public Speaking 50, First Aid 55, Music 25, Singing 25, Perception 50 (through senses other than sight), Priest (Zeus) 40, Storytelling 50, Omen Reading 70, Wood Crafts 30, Hellas Lore 50, Nymph Lore 40, Thebes Lore 60, Geography 40, Use Items 88, Law 55, Leather Working 25, Legend & Lore 50, Minoan 5, Pelasgian 5, Sintian 4, Greek 5.

Spell Power: Speak to Animals {Level 5 • Fertility • Any • Continuous}: Hero can speak to animals (in this case, specifically birds).

Spells: Patron: Zeus. PP 36 (×3). Base Spells 36, Directed Spells 78. Knows "Light Ways," "Weather Ways," "Detection Mastery," "Locating Ways," "Lore," "Protections," "Time's Bridge," "True Perception," and "Holy Vision" to 20th level.

27.4 Teiresias: Items

Athena's Staff: This staff is made from magical cornel wood. It gives a +20 bonus to all Animist and Astrologer Spells, acts as a ×3 PP multiplier for those two professions, and can be used as a +20 quarterstaff.

28.0 Telamon (He Who Suffers)

Like Peleus, Telamon is best known as the father of two of the greatest heroes of the Trojan War, Ajax and Teucer. However, during his youth, Telamon is a sacker of cities and performer of many great deeds. Born to King Aeacus and Queen Endeis of Aegina in Year 237, Telamon grows up on the isle with his two brothers, Peleus and Phocus. In 273, Telamon and Peleus join the crew of the Argo. (Phocus is away with his mother.) It was on this voyage that they meet and befriend the mighty Heracles. When Heracles searches for his friend Hylas, Peleus and Telamon advocate waiting for the mighty hero. However, their counsel is not followed and the Argo leaves Heracles. Nevertheless, they develop a lifelong friendship with Heracles. From time to time, Telamon and his brother assist Heracles in his adventures.

When they return to Aegina, they are heroes to the local population. However, Phocus is the favorite of Aeacus. He is gifted with beauty, athletic ability, and integrity. During athletic events, it is Phocus who wins the majority of the events, stealing the spotlight from his brothers. As time passes, the Telamon and Peleus grow envious of Phocus; they plot to kill him. It is not known whether they actually go through with it. What is known is that in 277, Phocus dies of foul play and the two brothers flee the island in fear of their father's rage.

Telamon goes to the court of Cychreus, King of Salamis, a nearby island. There the king purifies him from the murder of Phocus. Telamon sends a message denying any part in the murder; nevertheless, Aeacus forbids him from setting foot on the island of Aegina, although he does permit him to plead his case. Prohibited from landing on the isle, Telamon sets about to build a mole in a harbor from which he pleads his case. Still, Aeacus rejects his persuasive plea that Phocus' death was accidental. Telamon returns to Salamis.

Later in the year, a messenger comes to the court requesting the services of the kingdom's greatest warriors to hunt the Calydonian Boar, which is ravishing the countryside. Telamon goes and hunts with his brother Peleus. When he returns, he marries Glauce, the king's daughter; the marriage produces no children. In 279, King Cychreus dies and Telamon rules. Years later, Glauce falls ill and dies. Telamon, who loved both Cychreus and Glauce very much, becomes depressed.

In Year 280, Heracles visits Telamon and asks for assistance with his ninth task, to fetch the Girdle of Ares worn by the Amazon Queen Hippolyta. Along with his brother Peleus, Telamon agrees to help and journeys with Heracles. On his return, he marries Periboea of Athens, who bears him the Great Ajax in Year 287.

Later in 280, Telamon agrees to again help Heracles in a major expedition to sack Troy to avenge for an insult given by the Trojan King Laomedon. Telamon first breaches the walls of Troy by picking up a huge stone and flinging it at the walls. This breaks down the wall. Telamon races to be the first to enter Troy. He nearly succeeds, but sees Heracles racing behind him angrily drawing his sword. Realizing he is in mortal danger, Telamon stops then and there and begins to raise an altar of stone from the crumbled wall of Troy. Heracles, with his sword drawn and anger in his voice, cries out, "What are you doing?" Telamon replies, "I am building an altar to you, the Sacker of Troy." With that, Heracles hurriedly thanks Telamon and sacks the city. For his valor, Heracles gives Laomedon's daughter Hesione to Telamon; she bears him a son named Teucer.

Years later, when Troy has regained its former wealth and power, a delegation is sent with Prince Antenor and Anchises (father of Aeneas) as its leaders. They demand the return of Hesione, who is now the sister of the king, Priam. Telamon refuses and sends the delegation away. It is this event that allows Paris of Troy to kidnap Helen with the full support of the Trojan court, sparking the Trojan War. The following year, Hesione flees Salamis, pregnant with her second child by Telamon, to Miletus on the coast of Asia Minor, where the local king finds her and raises the son as his own. Ironically, this child will be killed by none other than Achilles and Ajax, his cousin and half-brother, during the Trojan War.

In 290, Peleus asks Telamon for help in attacking Phthia. He agrees to go and asks other heroes to help also. Together, they sack Phthia and install Peleus as king. Telamon helps his brother again in 300 in plundering Iolcus.

In 313, the call of war spreads across Hellas. Too old to fight in the Trojan War himself, Telamon sends his two sons to war wage war in Troy. Of the two, Teucer returns alive; Ajax commits suicide. (See Ajax, §5.0.) Like Aeacus forty years earlier, Telamon flies into a rage and accuses Teucer of committing fratricide and leaving his grandson (and Teucer's nephew) Eurysaces behind. Telamon expels his son from the island. Like Telamon, Teucer pleads his case and sends messenger after messenger to regain his father's favor, but to no avail. Eventually, Eurysaces does reach Salamis and stays as heir to the throne. Telamon dies in Year 335 at the age of 98. Eurysaces is named King of Salamis.

28.1 Telamon: Personality, Appearance, and Notes

In 296, Telamon appears as a tall, fair-looking man of thirty, although he is more than forty years old. Telamon favors bright colors of purple and blue in clothing when at court and wears traditional Achaean armor when adventuring. He often carries a Cretan battle-axe and a sword, both of high quality. He has two sons, Ajax and Teucer, whom he loves very much. He has suffered a great deal in life: He was banished by his father, whom he loved very much; Cychreus, whom he treated as an uncle, died; and his first wife died an early death. These experiences have humbled Telamon and he realizes that life can be difficult. He understands that the gods' whims and wishes dictate life. However, he is a very passionate man when it comes to his family and close friends. He helps Peleus in all of his trials and helps his good friend Heracles whenever he has the chance. Telamon is on good terms with Theseus of Athens, Chiron, the Dioscuri, Heracles, Iolaus, Jason, Phaidimos of Phoenicia, several of the former Argonauts, and of course his brother Peleus. Through the years, he has been on unfavorable terms with King Acastus, who wronged his brother, and his father. As he is the grandson of Zeus (Zeus fathered Aeacus), Telamon's Watcher is Zeus. Like his brother, Telamon's Hunter is Aphrodite. His failures in his love life and problems resulting from women have been the result of Aphrodite's interventions.

28.2 Telamon: MERP Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 10 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 100 (143) AT/DB: CH/30 Shield NoMelee OB: 110 (153) sw Missile OB: 75 sp MM: 10 (25)

Homes include Aegina, Phthia, and Salamis.


Skills: Acting 30, Animal Handling 40, Boxing 65, Cookery 20, Climb 67, Foraging 15, Lyre 20, Omen Reading 15, Riding 50, Stalk/Hide 56, Sailing 40, Tracking 34, Perception 44, Public Speaking 40, Swimming 78, Hellas Lore 30, Leadership 35, History 30.

28.3 Telamon: Rolemaster Statistics

Profession: Warrior Hero Status: Greater Hero Watcher: ZeusRace: Achaean Home: See below Hunter: AphroditeLevel: 10 Special Powers: Great VitalityHits: 143 AT/DB: CH/30 Shield NoMelee OB: 134 sw Missile OB: 75 sp MM: 15

Homes include Aegina, Phthia, and Salamis.


Skills: Acting 30, Animal Handling 40, Boxing 65, Cookery 20, Climb 67, Foraging 15, Lyre 20, Omen Reading 15, Riding 50, Stalk/Hide 56, Sailing 40, Tracking 34, Perception 44, Public Speaking 40, Swimming 78, Hellas Lore 30, Leadership 35, History 30.

28.4 Telamon: Items

+10 Shield and Armor acquired through his adventures.

+10 Sword and Cretan battle-axe.

29.0 Table of Heroes of Mythic Greece Name Lvl MM Hits AT DB Shld Melee OB NotesTelamon 10 15 143 CH 30 N 134sw 75sp Achaean, Warrior. Greater Hero. Great VitalityKing of Samilis, Exceptionally made equipment +10

Autolycos 17 20 115 SL 55 Y 130sw 90sp Achaean, Thief. Greater Hero. Metamorphosis Renown Thief, +15 Magic sword, +10 Rigid Leather Armor

Bellerophon 18 45 147 CH 50 Y 190sw 185Lb Achaean, Warrior. Demigod. Great VitalityOnce a great Hero, now a wandering bum, a rusty long knife.

Chiron 20 15 227 No 15 N 139sp 100Lb Centaur, Astrolger. Demigod. Great Vitality, Great SightKing of Mount Pelion, Renown Teacher. +20 Ashen Spear of Sharpness, +20 Magic Bow, Staff of Chiron; *2PP, *2 the potency of herbs, +15 to OB & Healing skills and spells. PP60 (*2) Knows 16 Enlightening Spells.

Crotus 11 20 189 No 25 N 146st 120lb Centaur, Ranger. Greater Hero. Great VitalityLoves archery and singing. +20 magic bow, Enchanted Armband *2PP, Magic Talisman +10 DB & RR. PP22 (*2) Knows 12 Enlightening Spells.

Meleager 12 20 156 SL 35 Y 154sp 137sp Achaean, Ranger Greater Hero. Great VitalityPrince of Calydon. +10 Spear.

Nestor 16 20 177 CH 50 Y10 176Sp 120Sp Achaean. Warrior. Greater Hero. Great VitalityKing of Plyos. Polite, talkative & knowledgeable. Will serve in the Trojan War but with stats reduce to 1/3. +10 equipment.

Odysseus 20 20 124 CH 45 Y 136Sw 114Lb Achaean.Rogue Demigod. Great Cunning, SwimmingPrince of Ithaca. Grandson of Autolycus. Witty and sly. Bow of Eurytus; +20 magical and doubles range of the bow. +10 equipment. Best friend is his dog named Argus.

Orpheus 20 20 110 No 50 N 97Sw 88Lb Thracian, Bard. Demigod. Great Hearing, Great SkillRenown Bard. Magic Lyre *2 PP for Bards, +20 to Bard Spells, doubles range of song and Bard spells. PP 60 (*2) Knows 18 Enlightening Spells.

Perseus 20 35 196 PL 70 Y 198Sw 125Lb Achaean. Rogue. Demigod. Great Prowess, WeatherOne of the greatest Monster slayers of Mythic Greece. Numerous magical items. Items after the Gorgon Quest. +15 Magic Sword and Armor. +15 Shield of Abas cast 3rd level fear spell on opponents viewing the shield.

Petheselia 16 20 135 CH 40 Y 141Sp 95Lb Amazon, Warrior. Greater Hero. Resist ElementsAmazon Queen. Very Brave and Beautiful. +10 Equipment. Great Horse.

Theseus 20 30 160 CH 60 Y 202Cl 130Sp Achaean, Rogue. Demigod. Great Prowess, Swimming

Progressive King of Athens. +10 Magic Sword of Aegeus. +20 bronze bound club. Saddles of Walking; allows wearer to walk twice as far without tiring. +20 Enchanted Sword given to him by Daedalus, of sharpness. +15 equipment made by Daedalus.

Orithyia 15 20 165 CH 20 Y 127ha 90Lb Amazon. Warrior. Greater Hero. ProphecyAmazon Queen who invaded Athens. +5 hand axe.

Medea 20 10 44 No 0 N 50da -- Achaean. Mentalist. Demigoddess. Restore YouthTravels widely. A sun shaped talisman is magical and *2PP. Carries Herbs & Potions. PP 40 (*2) Knows 8 Underworld Spells to 20th level.

Jason 10 25 100 CH 30 Y 130sp 75sp Achaean. Warrior. Greater Hero. Great VitalityA drunk. Was the great Captain of the Argo.

Deianara 5 15 60 SL 5 N 85br 75sb Achaean. Warrior. Lesser Heroine.Current wife of Heracles.

Circe 20 10 45 No 15 N 40da --- Achaean. Sorceress. Demigoddess. TransformationEmerald Necklace is magical and provides +15 to DB. Sun Ring acts as *3 PP. Immortal, PP30 (*3) Knows 6 Enlightening Spells to 20th.

Atalanta 10 20 110 SL 20 N 90sp 110lb Achaean. Warrior. Greater Heroine. Speak to Bear+15 Bow.

Castor 12 15 125 CH 30 Y 116sp 71lb Achaean. Warrior. Lesser Hero.Adventurous Prince of Sparta. Twin brother to Polydeuces.

Name Lvl MM Hits AT DB Shld Melee OB NotesAsclepius 20 10 150 RL 0 N 50sp 5sp Achaean. Cleric. Demigod. Healing The greatest healer of Mythic Greece. Staff provides users with +15 to all healing spells, *3PP, +15 to OB. Possess numerous herbs and potions. PP60 (*3) Knows 10 Enlightening spells.

Daedalus 15 5 75 No 25 N 50sw 10sp Achaean. Sage. Greater Hero. Great SkillA wondrous scientist. Cretan Talisman provides +10 DB and Channeling RR. Daedalus Sword, +20 of magical make, of sharpness. Knows 8 Enlightening spells to 10th level.

Idomeneus 12 30 110 CH 30 Y 148sp 124sp Minoan. Warrior. Greater Hero. Great VitalityKing of Crete, a friend of Theseus Brave and very honorable. Rooster Shield, emblem of a black rooster, +15 DB. Boar tusk helmet of Cretan make +5 to DB.

Idas 14 15 160 CH 30 Y 165sp 100bw Achaean. Warrior. Greater Hero. Great VitalityPrince of Messene, twin brother of Lynceus. Brash and outspoken. Owes a pair of Great Horses. A well constructed bow of +10 make.

Lynceus 8 15 91 CH 30 Y 95sp 70sp Achaean. Warrior. Greater Hero. Great SightPrince of Messene. Twin brother of Idas. Brash and hasty.

Teiresias 20 0 50 No 10 N N/A Achaean. Astrologer. Greater Hero. SpecialAn old bent blind prophet of Thebes. Athena's Staff, bestows +20 to all Astrologer spells and is *3PP. It can also be used as a +20 staff for OB. PP60 (*3) Knows 8 Sky spells to 20th level.

Asbolus 10 15 163 No 30 N 100st 60bw Centaur. Astrologer. Greater Hero. Great VitalityA wise centaur. Staff, acts as *2 PP and +15 to OB. PP20 (*2) Knows 12 Enlightening spells.

Sarpedon 13 15 140 CH 30 Y 140sp 88sp Minoan. Warrior. Greater Hero. Great VitalityYoung King of Lycia. +10 Equipment.

Agamemnon 13 20 124 PL 50 Y 122sw 102sp Achaean. Warrior. Greater Hero. Great VitalityThe most powerful king of Hellas. Arrogant. Sceptre of Artues a emblem of power, made by Hephaestus. Golden Chariot, given to him by the gods as a gift, adds +20 to charioteering (substitute of riding). Ciryan’s Armor +15 Plate Armor. +5 equipment.

Menelaus 9 15 90 CH 30 N 95sw 75sp Achaean. Warrior. Lesser Hero.Brother to Agamemnon. A fiery red head.

Calypso 20 35 100 No 40 N 100wrest. Nereid. Animist. Demigoddess. Animal Senistivity

A very powerful Demigoddess, the gods considered her a lesser equal. Godly powers. Sea-blue Amulet acts as a *2PP and +10DB and RR. Numerous magical weaving tools. Floating Island named Ogygia, can control the movement of the island. PP40 (*2) Knows 10 Sea spells.

Polydeuces 18 10 180 CH 30 Y 158sp 91sp Achaean. Warrior. Greater Hero. Great VitalityAdventurous Prince of Sparta. Twin brother to Castor. +5 spear.

Ajax 17 25 160 CH 10 Y40 206sp 120sp Achaean. Warrior. Demigod. Great Strength, Impen. SkinA very large man. Cousin to Achilles. +10 Ashen Spear of Sharpness. Shield of Ajax, a very man size shield of +40 to DB.

Achilles 20 45 140 CH 60 Y 209sp 153sp Achaean. Warrior. Demigod. Great Prowess, Impen SkinPrince of Phthia. +20 Ashen Spear of Sharpness, Golden Armor +30DB, Hunter's Sword, +20 magical sword and adds +40 to tracking. Muse's Ring, *2PP and adds +10 singing. Two Great Horses. PP20 (*2) Knows 3 Enlightening spells to 5th level.

Diomedes 14 15 161 PL 30 Y 161sp 100sp Achaean. Rogue. Greater Hero. Great VitalityA cunning King served in numerous wars. King of Argos. +10 Ashen Spear. +15 Sword of Tyedeus of magical make. Golden Armor +15 DB enchanted.

Iolaus 11 20 101 RL 25 N 90sp 88lb Achaean. Rogue. Lesser Hero.Nephew and friend of Heracles. +10 Sword and +5 spear.

Hector 18 40 148 CH 50 Y 178sp 147sp Trojan. Warrior. Greater Hero. Great ProwessNoble and honorable Prince of Trojan. +10 equipment. Silver Helmet +20 DB and negates 60% of all neck and head injuries, a gift from Apollo.

Patroclus 12 15 121 CH 30 Y 110sp 88sp Achaean. Warrior. Lesser Hero. Companion of Achilles. +10 equipment.

Name Lvl MM Hits AT DB Shld Melee OB NotesPeleus 13 20 124 RL 45 Y 122sw 102sp Achaean. Ranger. Greater Hero. HunterFather of Achilles. King of Phthia. +20 Ashen Spear of Sharpness, Golden Armor +30DB, Hunter's Sword, +20 magical sword and adds +40 to tracking. Enchanted Armband, *2PP. Two Great Horses. PP13 (*2) Knows 6 Earth spells to 5th level.

Heracles 20 15 220 PL 40 N 190cl 145lb Achaean. Warrior. Demigod.Travels constantly in search of adventure. +25 Zeus Blessed (Holy) Bow; *2 range. Neneam Lion Skin acts as Plate Armor but encumbers as nothing and +20 to DB. The headgear acts as helmet, provides +10 to DB, and negates 50% of all head criticals. Highly poisonous arrows.

heroes of mythic greece for merp

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