Areion, The Kitharode

“Legendary Musician Rescued by Dolphins: Arion’s Incredible Tale!”

• Alias: The Kitharode
• Gender: Male
• Race: Greek
• Occupation: Kitharode (Musician/Poet), herald of the sea
• Religion: Worshipper of Poseidon
• Allies: The people of Lesbos, particularly Periander, tyrant of Corinth
• Enemies: Avaricious sailors who plotted against him, Pirates who kidnapped him
• Abode/Base of operations: Predominantly at the court of Periander in Corinth
• Nationality: Greek
• Languages: Ancient Greek
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Affiliation(s): Worshipper of Dionysus, associated with the court of Periander
• Significant others: Not mentioned in historical accounts

Arion, a poet and musician from Greece, is known for his remarkable contributions to the world of music and poetry. His story, one steeped in myth and legend, paints the portrait of a creative soul whose very essence is intertwined with the arts. Arion’s journey through life is a tale of inspiration and perseverance that transcends time and space.

Arion’s deepest fear is the prospect of a world silenced, devoid of the harmonious notes and lyrical verses that weave through the tapestry of human existence. The thought of stories left untold and songs left unsung haunts his spirit. In this fear, he finds the unwavering motivation to continue creating, to ensure that the melodies of his lyre and the verses of his poetry resonate through the ages.

At his core, Arion is a character driven by an unquenchable passion for his craft. He lives to craft melodies that stir the soul, transporting listeners to otherworldly realms where emotions are given voice through the music. His verses are not mere words but intricate threads that bind together the human experience, connecting hearts and minds across generations.

Arion’s ultimate aspiration is to inspire others through his art. He seeks to ignite the human spirit with the magic of his music, creating an enduring connection between creator and audience. Through his songs and poetry, he endeavors to leave a lasting legacy in the realm of artistic expression. His life’s purpose is to bring joy, solace, and inspiration to all those who have the privilege of experiencing his creative gifts.

Arion

Medium humanoid (Human), lawful neutral

Armor Class 14 (without armor)

Hit Points 110 (20d8 + 20)

Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	18 (+4)	12 (+1)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	20 (+5)

Saving Throws DEX +8, CHA +8

Skills Acrobatics +8, Performance +8

Senses Passive Perception 13

Languages Common, Ancient Greek

Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Background: Entertainer

Evasion. When Arion is subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take half damage on a success, he takes no damage on a success and half damage on a failure.

Cunning Action. Arion can use a bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide.

Fey Ancestry. Arion has advantage on saving throws against being charmed and can’t be put to sleep by magic.

Versatile Performer. Arion can add his proficiency bonus to any ability check made as part of a performance.

Spellcasting. Arion is a 10th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). Arion has the following spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): Mage Hand, Minor Illusion, Prestidigitation, Vicious Mockery
• 1st level (4 slots): Charm Person, Feather Fall, Cure Wounds
• 2nd level (3 slots): Hold Person, Invisibility, Mirror Image
• 3rd level (3 slots): Counterspell, Major Image
• 4th level (3 slots): Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility
• 5th level (2 slots): Teleportation Circle, Geas

Actions

Multiattack. Arion makes two melee attacks or casts a spell.

Kithara Strike. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage.

Dithyramb Chorus (Recharge 5-6). Arion begins an enchanting performance that captivates his audience. All creatures within 30 feet of Arion must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become charmed by him for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to Arion’s Dithyramb Chorus for the next 24 hours.

Bardic Inspiration (3/Short Rest). Arion can use a bonus action to choose one creature other than himself within 60 feet who can hear him. That creature gains an inspiration die (d8) to roll when making an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check. The creature can wait until after it rolls before deciding to use the inspiration die, but must decide before the DM says whether the roll succeeds or fails. Once the inspiration die is rolled, it is lost. A creature can have only one inspiration die at a time.

Reactions

Elegy’s Resilience. When Arion takes damage, he can use his reaction to expend one use of Bardic Inspiration, rolling the die and reducing the damage by the number rolled plus his Charisma modifier.

Lair Actions

Arion’s lair is an area filled with enchanting melodies and decorations from various cultures. He can use the following lair actions:

• Arion can choose any number of creatures within his lair to regain 20 hit points.
• Arion can cast the Silent Image spell without expending a spell slot.
• Arion can change the lighting and mood in his lair, creating dim light or full illumination as he wishes.

Equipment

Arion carries a masterwork kithara, a pouch of gold dust worth 100 gp (used for casting spells), a signet ring, common clothes, a belt pouch, and 25 gp.

Magical Items

Arion possesses a Lyre of Building, which he can use to create and repair structures with the power of his music.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Arion fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.

Lore Master. Arion has proficiency in Arcana, History, and Religion.

Currently in the World

Areion is a striking figure in Greek attire, draped in a flowing chiton, a traditional Greek robe, which is a pristine shade of white. His clothing is adorned with intricate patterns of dolphins, waves, and lyres, symbolizing his deep connection to music and the sea.

Currently, Areion stands tall, wielding a finely crafted kithara, a stringed musical instrument, with his skillful fingers plucking the strings to create enchanting melodies. His lustrous, wavy hair, the color of sun-kissed golden wheat, cascades down his shoulders, framing a face of classic Greek features. His expressive eyes shimmer with a wisdom acquired through years of composing and performing music.

Areion’s surroundings are the vast, sun-drenched landscape of ancient Greece, with rolling hills and distant views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. He stands on a marble pedestal, part of an open-air amphitheater, which reverberates with the sweet sound of his kithara’s music. His mood is one of artistic inspiration, as he pours his heart and soul into his music, filling the air with divine melodies that evoke the beauty of the Greek landscape and the power of music to convey emotion.

In Myth

An immortal herald of the sea once a mortal bard son of Poseidon and the nymph Oncaea. On a voyage from Tarentum to Corinth, the ship Areion was aboard was had crashed and was sinking, but he was saved by his father, who turned him into a dolphin. Since then, he has been a deity of the sea who aids all those victim to shipwreck.

He also has the ability to turn into a talking horse filled with amazing swiftness and back into a man.