Ancaeus of Samos, the Vineyard King

“Heroic King of Samos and Argonaut: The Tragic Tale of Ancaeus!”

• Alias: Ancaeus of Samos
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human (Greek)
• Occupation: King of Samos, Argonaut, Helmsman
• Religion: Hellenic Pantheon, Poseidon
• Allies: Fellow Argonauts, the people of Samos
• Enemies: Fate, symbolized by the seer’s prophecy
• Abode/Base of Operations: The island of Samos
• Nationality: Samian (from the island of Samos)
• Languages: Ancient Greek
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Affiliation(s): Leader of the Samians, member of the Argonauts
• Significant Others: Samia (wife), Perilaus, Enudus, Samus, Alitherses, Parthenope (children), Poseidon (father), Astypalaea (mother)

In the world of Greek mythology, Ancaeus, the valiant king of the island of Samos, emerges as a prominent figure. His lineage traces back to the mighty Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Astypalaea, while some accounts suggest his mother was Althaea, daughter of Thestius. Ancaeus was not only a ruler but also a skilled helmsman, a talent that would come to define his heroic journey.

Amidst his rule over Samos, Ancaeus faced a curious prophecy that lingered in the air like an unquenchable thirst. A seer foretold that he would never taste the wine produced from his own vineyard, a bitter omen for an island celebrated for its exquisite wine. Determined to defy fate, Ancaeus embarked on a daring adventure – he joined the legendary crew of the Argonauts.

His quest was twofold: to seek both glory and a chance to prove the seer wrong. Ancaeus, fueled by a spirit of defiance, returned home victorious, greeted by the sweet aroma of ripe grapes and the allure of the prized Samian wine. With a sense of triumph, he raised a cup, ready to savor the taste he had longed for. The seer’s ominous words echoed in his mind as he prepared to take that fateful sip.

Yet, destiny took an unforeseen turn. A sudden alarm spread across the vineyard, a wild boar running rampant, threatening the very vines that had yielded the precious grapes. Ancaeus, driven by his innate heroism, abandoned the cup and rushed to confront the menace. In the blink of an eye, tragedy struck, and he met his end at the tusks of the furious boar.

Ancaeus of Samos, brave and resolute, was a man whose actions were guided by a desire to defy the predictions that loomed over him. He yearned not only for personal achievement but also for the chance to prove that the future could be shaped by one’s actions. His untimely demise remains a testament to the intricate interplay of fate and courage in the realm of Greek mythology.

Ancaeus of Samos

Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral

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Armor Class 14 (studded leather) Hit Points 76 (9d8 + 36) Speed 30 ft.

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STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
16 (+3)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)

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Skills Athletics +5, Perception +4 Senses passive Perception 14 Languages Common, Ancient Greek Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)

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Background: Argonaut. Ancaeus gains proficiency in vehicles (water).

Indomitable Spirit. Ancaeus has advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

Heroic Leadership. Friendly creatures within 30 feet of Ancaeus gain a +2 bonus to saving throws against being frightened.

Samosian King’s Authority. Ancaeus is considered a ruler in Samos, and he is respected as such. He can request shelter and aid from Samos’ inhabitants and may expect to receive it unless they are hostile to him or his allies.

Vineyard Expertise. Ancaeus has proficiency with winemaking tools and can produce high-quality wine from harvested grapes.

Actions

Multiattack. Ancaeus makes two melee attacks.

• Ancestral Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 3) slashing damage.
• Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: The target must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be pushed up to 10 feet away and knocked prone.

Reactions

• Heroic Defense. When an allied creature within 10 feet of Ancaeus is hit by an attack, he can use his shield to intercept the blow, taking the damage instead. He must declare this reaction before damage is rolled.
• Uncanny Dodge. When an attacker Ancaeus can see hits him with an attack, he can use his reaction to halve the attack’s damage against him.
• Shielded Ally. When a creature within 5 feet of Ancaeus is targeted by an attack, he can impose disadvantage on the attack roll as a reaction, using his shield to protect his ally.

Equipment. Studded leather, ancestral sword, shield, embroidered tunic, royal cape, winemaking tools, Mediterranean map.

Samosian Vineyard’s Blessing (Magic Item, Rare). A magical amphora that can produce wine on command, even in the harshest conditions. Once per day, Ancaeus can uncork the amphora, producing enough wine to fill a large cask (approximately 300 bottles) instantly. The wine is of exceptional quality and can be used for bartering or as a gift to gain favor.

CR Level 5 (1,800 XP)

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Ancaeus of Samos, the king and Argonaut, is a heroic figure known for his helmsmanship, bravery, and tragic end. With his Indomitable Spirit and Heroic Leadership, he embodies courage and charisma. Equipped with his ancestral sword and shield, he defends his allies and land with valor. His winemaking expertise, embodied by the Samosian Vineyard’s Blessing, pays homage to his famous vineyard, while his background as an Argonaut signifies his seafaring prowess and leadership among heroes. Ancaeus is a formidable leader and protector of his people, ready to face any challenges that come his way.

Currently in the World

Ancaeus of Samos stands as a proud and robust figure. He possesses a towering stature, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. His tanned and weathered skin reflects years of exposure to the elements, indicative of a life at sea and on the shores of Samos. Ancaeus sports a thick, dark beard that frames his stern face, while his wavy, dark hair cascades down to his shoulders.

Currently, Ancaeus is dressed in the attire befitting a king of Samos and a skilled Argonaut. He wears a regal tunic of deep azure, adorned with intricate gold embroidery that represents the waves of the sea. Over this, a rich crimson cape billows behind him, signifying both his royal lineage and his adventurous spirit.

Ancaeus is often found in the great hall of his Samian palace, where he rules as a benevolent king. The hall is adorned with maritime motifs and trophies of his adventures as an Argonaut. A large map of the Mediterranean, charting his heroic voyages, dominates one wall.

His mood is typically one of unwavering determination, coupled with a hint of melancholy. He harbors a strong desire to explore new horizons and bring honor to his homeland, but a fateful prophecy has left a shadow over his heart. Nevertheless, Ancaeus remains resolute in the face of adversity, ready to face any challenge that may come his way.