Meleager, Hero of Calydon

“Unravel the Legendary Tale of Meleager: Heroic Feats and Tragic Destiny Await!”

• Alias: None
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Prince, Warrior
• Religion: Hellenic Pantheon  (Devotion to Olympian gods)
• Allies: Atalanta, Jason, Argonauts, Heroes of the Calydonian Hunt
• Enemies: Toxeus, Plexippus, Calydonian Boar
• Abode/Base of Operations: Calydon, Aetolia
• Nationality: Greek
• Languages: Greek
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Affiliation(s): Royal Family of Calydon, Argonauts
• Significant Others: Cleopatra, Atalanta

Meleager, born of the royal lineage of Calydon, was destined for greatness from the moment of his birth. The ominous prophecy foretold by the Fates hung over him like a shadow, yet his mother’s swift action spared him from an early demise. Althaea’s act of defiance preserved her son’s life, though it would ultimately lead to tragedy.

As Meleager matured, his valor and martial prowess became renowned throughout the land. His union with Cleopatra, daughter of the hero Idas, cemented his status as a noble prince. However, his heart belonged to another—Atalanta, the fierce huntress who captured his affections.

When the Calydonian boar terrorized the countryside, Meleager heeded the call to arms, leading a band of heroes in pursuit of the monstrous beast. Amidst the chaos of battle, Atalanta’s skill proved pivotal, earning her the honor of drawing first blood. Yet, Meleager’s act of generosity in awarding her the prized hide sparked bitter resentment among his maternal uncles, Toxeus and Plexippus.

The brewing conflict erupted into violence, with Meleager confronting his kin in a fatal clash. Fuelled by passion and fury, he struck down his adversaries and defended Atalanta’s honor. However, his actions would seal his own fate, as Althaea, consumed by grief and vengeance, unleashed the dormant brand upon the hearth.

In an instant, Meleager’s life was extinguished, his legacy forever intertwined with the tragic tale of love and loss. Yet, his exploits would live on in legend, immortalizing him as a hero of Calydon and a valiant Argonaut who sailed alongside Jason on the storied voyage of the Argo.

Meleager, Hero of Calydon

Medium humanoid (human), neutral good

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Armor Class 18 (breastplate)

Hit Points 168 (24d8 + 48)

Speed 30 ft.

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

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Saving Throws Str +8, Con +7

Skills Athletics +8, Perception +5, Persuasion +7

Senses passive Perception 15

Languages Common, Ancient Greek

Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

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Actions

• Multiattack. He makes two spear attacks.
• Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.
• Boar’s Roar (Recharge 5-6). He lets out a mighty roar, inspiring courage in his allies. All friendly creatures within 30 feet of Meleager gain advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw.

Legendary Actions He 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. Meleager regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

• Attack. He makes one spear attack.
• Inspiring Shout (Costs 2 Actions). He shouts words of encouragement, granting an ally within 30 feet advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw.
• Defensive Maneuver. He takes the Dodge action until the start of his next turn.

Equipment

• Breastplate
• Spear

Abilities

• Heroic Inspiration. His bravery inspires those around him. Allies within 30 feet gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws as long as they can see or hear Meleager.
• Calydonian Boar’s Bane. He deals an additional 1d6 damage to beasts and monstrosities, particularly boars.
• Fateful Brand. Once per long rest, if Meleager is reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, he can drop to 1 hit point instead. This ability cannot be used if the cause of the damage is fire-based.

Reactions

• Protective Shield. When an ally within 5 feet of Meleager is attacked, he can use his reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll.

Lair Actions Meleager’s presence emboldens his allies and terrifies his enemies. When fighting within his home or a location closely associated with him, Meleager can take the following lair actions:

• Call to Arms. Meleager rallies his allies, granting them an additional 10 feet of movement and allowing them to make a weapon attack as a bonus action on their next turn.
• Intimidating Presence. Meleager lets out a fearsome roar, forcing all hostile creatures within 30 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 15) or become frightened until the end of their next turn.
• Heroic Shield. Meleager grants advantage on saving throws against fear to all friendly creatures within 30 feet.