Admetus, the Benevolent King: Ruling with Compassion and Wisdom

“The Sacrificing King: Witness the harrowing trials of Admetus, a ruler torn between duty and love, in a heart-wrenching quest for eternal happiness.”

• Alias: None known.
• Gender: Male.
• Race: Human.
• Occupation: King of Pherae.
• Religion: Worshiper of the Greek pantheon.
• Allies: Various political allies and advisers within his kingdom.
• Enemies: Potential enemies may include neighboring kingdoms, rivals for power, or those who seek to destabilize his rule.
• Abode/Base of Operations: The royal palace in Pherae, the capital of his kingdom.
• Nationality: Greek.
• Languages: Common (Greek).
• Alignment: Lawful Good.
• Affiliation(s): The kingdom of Pherae and its subjects.
• Significant Others: Alcestis, his late wife, who sacrificed herself to save him from death.

Admetus is a noble and respected king, known for his wisdom and compassion. As the ruler of Pherae, he holds the weight of responsibility upon his shoulders, striving to ensure the prosperity and well-being of his people. Despite his noble status, Admetus possesses a humble and gentle demeanor, always putting the needs of others before his own.

Born into a life of privilege, Admetus was taught from a young age the importance of duty and sacrifice. His father instilled in him a sense of responsibility, urging him to make decisions for the greater good of his kingdom. Admetus took this guidance to heart, dedicating himself to the welfare of his subjects.

However, Admetus’s life took an unexpected turn when he encountered a great challenge—a prophecy foretold that he could only escape death if someone willingly sacrificed their own life in his place. This revelation shook him to the core, presenting an unimaginable moral dilemma.

Driven by his love for his people, Admetus made the difficult choice to accept the sacrifice of his loyal wife, Alcestis. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, he wrestles with the burden of knowing that his own life was spared at the cost of his beloved companion. This profound loss has left a lasting impact on Admetus, shaping his character and fueling his quest for redemption.

Driven by remorse and the desire to honor Alcestis’s sacrifice, Admetus strives to be a just and compassionate ruler. He seeks to create a kingdom where his subjects can live in peace and prosperity, free from the hardships that plagued him. Admetus believes that by dedicating himself to the well-being of his people, he can somehow repay the debt he owes to his late wife.

Haunted by the weight of his choices, Admetus yearns for inner peace and absolution. He seeks guidance from the gods, hoping to find solace and forgiveness for the decisions he was forced to make. As he navigates the challenges of rulership, Admetus remains steadfast in his pursuit of a better future, striving to transform his kingdom into a beacon of hope and justice.

In the face of adversity, Admetus draws strength from the memory of Alcestis and the love they shared. His journey is one of self-discovery, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of a legacy that honors the sacrifice of the woman he cherished above all else.

Admetus, King of Pherae Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral

Armor Class: 18 (bronze breastplate, hoplon shield) Hit Points: 185 (20d8 + 90) Speed: 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
18 (+4)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)	15 (+2)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)

Saving Throws: Str +8, Con +8, Wis +7 Skills: Athletics +8, History +6, Intimidation +8, Perception +7 Senses: Passive Perception 17 Languages: Common, Ancient Greek Challenge: 10 (5,900 XP)

Traits

• Regal Presence. Admetus exudes an aura of authority and confidence. He has advantage on Charisma (Intimidation) checks when dealing with creatures of lower Challenge Rating.

Actions

• Xiphos. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 12 (1d8 + 8) slashing damage.
• Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d4 + 8) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a Medium or smaller creature, it must succeed on a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

Legendary Actions Admetus can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action option can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Admetus regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

• Command Allies. Admetus issues a command to one ally within 60 feet that can hear him. The ally can immediately use its reaction to make one weapon attack.
• Inspiring Presence (Costs 2 Actions). Admetus inspires his allies, granting them advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw within the next minute.
• Majestic Roar (Costs 3 Actions). Admetus lets out a powerful roar, causing all enemies within 30 feet to make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, they are frightened for 1 minute. The frightened creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Equipment

• Chiton of Kings
• Hoplon Shield
• Xiphos Sword
• Royal Scepter
• Laurel Wreath
• Toga Regalis
• Royal Signet Ring

Magical Items

• Crown of Authority
• Amulet of Leadership
• Ring of Protection

Admetus is a formidable king known for his leadership and regal bearing. He is adorned in the finest royal attire and wields a powerful xiphos sword and a sturdy hoplon shield. His presence commands respect, and his actions inspire those around him. With his legendary actions, he can rally his allies and strike fear into the hearts of his enemies. Admetus seeks to maintain peace and order in his kingdom while upholding his noble lineage and ensuring the prosperity of his people.

Currently in the World

Admetus is a tall and regal figure, with a dignified presence that befits a king. His noble countenance is framed by a well-groomed beard and thick, flowing hair that has started to show streaks of gray. His piercing blue eyes exude a combination of wisdom and weariness, hinting at the burdens of leadership he carries.

Currently, Admetus sits upon his ornate throne in the grand hall of the palace, engaged in the affairs of his kingdom. The room is adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of valor and heroism, symbolizing the noble aspirations of Pherae. Sunlight filters through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the marble floor.

Admetus wears a robe of royal purple, embroidered with gold thread, signifying his status as king. Over his shoulder rests a cape of crimson, bearing the emblem of Pherae—a stylized sunburst. His hands rest on the armrests of his throne, displaying a sign of authority tempered by a sense of responsibility.

Despite the weight of his responsibilities, Admetus maintains a composed demeanor, his face expressing a mix of determination and concern. His furrowed brow reveals the weight of difficult decisions he must make for the betterment of his people. Deep lines etched on his face tell the tale of his experiences and the sacrifices he has made.

In this moment, his mood is contemplative, as he ponders the challenges and opportunities that lie before him. He seeks to lead his kingdom with wisdom, justice, and compassion, striving to create a prosperous and harmonious realm for his subjects.

In Myth

Admetus was famed for his hospitality and justice. When Apollo was sentenced to a year of servitude to a mortal as punishment for killing a Cyclops, the god chose Admetus’ home and became his herdsman.

Apollo also helped Admetus win the hand of the princess Alcestis, the daughter of Pelias, the king of Iolcus. Alcestis had so many suitors that Pelias set an apparently impossible task to the suitors — to win the hand of Alcestis, they must yoke a boar and a lion to a chariot. Apollo harnessed the yoke with the animals and Admetus drove the chariot to Pelias, and thus married Alcestis.

Admetus, however, neglected to sacrifice to Artemis. The offended goddess filled the bridal chamber with snakes and again, Apollo came to Admetus’ aid. Apollo advised Admetus to sacrifice to Artemis, and the goddess removed the snakes.

The greatest aid Apollo gave to Admetus was persuading the Fates to reprieve Admetus of his fated day of death. Apollo made the Fates drunk, and the Fates agreed to reprieve Admetus if he could find someone to die in his place. Admetus initially believed that one of his aged parents would happily take their son’s place of death. When they were unwilling, Alcestis instead died for Admetus.

The situation was saved by Heracles, who rested at Pherae on his way towards the man-eating Mares of Diomedes. Told of Admetus’ situation, Heracles entered Alcetis’ tomb. He wrestled with Thanatos until the god agreed to release Alcetis, then led her back into the mortal world.

The most famous of Admetus’ children was Eumelus, who led a contingent from Pherae to fight in the Trojan War.