Adapa, the Ancient Sage

“Discover the Ancient Mesopotamian Sage, Adapa: The Mortal Man who Outwitted the Gods!”

• Alias: Adapa
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human (with divine heritage)
• Occupation: Sage, Scholar, Seeker of Knowledge
• Religion: Worshiper of the Mesopotamian pantheon, particularly associated with the god Enki (Ea)
• Allies: Enki (his divine father), fellow scholars and intellectuals, individuals seeking wisdom and knowledge
• Enemies: Jealous gods, rivals in the pursuit of knowledge, those who seek to suppress or hoard knowledge
• Abode/Base of Operations: Resided in the ancient city of Eridu, considered one of the earliest urban centers in Mesopotamia, but also traveled extensively in search of wisdom and understanding
• Nationality: Ancient Mesopotamian (Sumerian or Akkadian)
• Languages: Sumerian, Akkadian, and other ancient languages of Mesopotamia
• Alignment: Neutral or Neutral Good
• Affiliation(s): The scholarly and intellectual community, temples and schools of knowledge
• Significant Others: No specific romantic partner is mentioned in the mythological accounts, but Adapa is associated with a lineage of wise individuals and considered an ancestor figure to humanity.

Adapa, a legendary figure in ancient Mesopotamian mythology, is a mortal man endowed with extraordinary wisdom and knowledge. As the son of the god Enki, he possesses a unique blend of mortal and divine qualities. Adapa is driven by a thirst for understanding the mysteries of the world and seeks to navigate the complex web of gods, humans, and the forces that shape their existence.

Raised under the tutelage of Enki, Adapa is instilled with profound intellect and a deep understanding of the arts, crafts, and natural phenomena. His insatiable curiosity compels him to explore the boundaries of human knowledge, delving into the secrets of the cosmos, unraveling the intricacies of nature, and deciphering the enigmatic symbols of the gods.

Motivated by a desire to unlock the true potential of humanity, Adapa dedicates himself to the pursuit of wisdom and seeks to bridge the gap between mortals and immortals. He strives to attain divine insight, not for personal gain or power, but to elevate the human race and bring enlightenment to his fellow beings.

However, Adapa’s path is riddled with challenges and trials, as he encounters powerful gods, enigmatic beings, and cosmic forces that test his intellect and resilience. He finds himself entangled in the intricate politics of the divine realm, where he must navigate treacherous intrigues and negotiate the delicate balance between mortal limitations and divine aspirations.

Driven by a noble purpose, Adapa’s ultimate goal is to unravel the mysteries of existence, gaining the wisdom to reshape the destiny of humanity. In his quest, he confronts the gods themselves, challenges established norms, and strives to become a bridge between mortals and the divine realm. Adapa’s journey is one of intellectual enlightenment, moral dilemmas, and the eternal struggle to transcend the boundaries of mortal existence.

Adapa, the Ancient Sage

Medium humanoid (human), neutral alignment

Armor Class: 14 (natural armor) Hit Points: 120 (16d8 + 48) Speed: 30 ft.

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

Saving Throws: Int +9, Wis +8 Skills: Arcana +9, History +9, Insight +8, Investigation +9 Senses: Passive Perception 14 Languages: Common, Sumerian, Akkadian Challenge: 10 (5,900 XP)

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

Actions

Staff of Ancient Lore. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8 + 4) bludgeoning damage. On a successful hit, the target must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be affected by Feeblemind for 1 minute.

Arcane Blast. Ranged Spell Attack: +9 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (2d6 + 3) force damage.

Lore Keeper’s Insight (Recharge 5-6). He imparts his vast knowledge onto a willing creature within 30 feet. The target gains advantage on their next Intelligence or Wisdom ability check or saving throw within the next minute.

Legendary Actions

Adapa 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. Adapa regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Arcane Barrier. He shields himself or a willing ally within 30 feet, granting them a +2 bonus to AC until the start of Adapa’s next turn.

Ancient Wisdom. He imparts a piece of ancient wisdom to a willing creature within 30 feet. The target gains advantage on their next ability check or saving throw before the end of their next turn.

Summon Scroll. He conjures a magical scroll that releases a burst of arcane energy. Each creature within a 20-foot radius of the scroll’s location must make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw, taking 14 (4d6) force damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Equipment

• Robes of the Ancient Scribe (provides a +1 bonus to AC, grants advantage on Arcana and History checks)
• Staff of Ancient Lore (functions as a +1 quarterstaff, allows the casting of Identify and Legend Lore once per day)
• Spellbook containing a wide array of arcane knowledge and rituals

Legendary Magic Item

Tablet of Cosmic Insights: This ancient artifact holds the wisdom of the heavens, granting Adapa unparalleled understanding of the cosmos. It allows Adapa to cast Commune once per day and grants him advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.

Description

Adapa, the Ancient Sage, is a venerable figure draped in flowing robes adorned with ancient symbols and inscriptions. His eyes gleam with arcane knowledge, and his voice carries the weight of countless years of study. Currently, he is poring over ancient texts in a dimly lit chamber, surrounded by towering bookshelves filled with scrolls and tomes. His surroundings are filled with an air of mystery and the faint scent of incense. Despite the weight of his knowledge, Adapa’s demeanor is calm and serene, as he continues to seek enlightenment and unravel the secrets of the universe.

Plot Hooks

• The Lost Prophecy: He possesses knowledge of a long-lost prophecy that foretells a cataclysmic event. The players must seek his guidance to uncover the prophecy’s meaning and prevent the impending disaster.
• The Astral Codex: His brows furrow in concentration, his fingers trace the intricate lines as he deciphers the ancient text, seeks a group of skilled adventurers to help him retrieve a stolen codex containing celestial knowledge. Its theft threatens the delicate balance of the cosmos, and Adapa needs their assistance to reclaim it.
• The Forbidden Tome: Legends speak of a forbidden tome that holds forbidden knowledge and untold power. Adapa is known to be the only one who has deciphered fragments of its secrets, and he enlists the players to aid him in finding the remaining pages.
• The Divine Messenger: He claims to have received a message from a deity or celestial being, urging him to find worthy champions to undertake a perilous quest. The players must prove themselves to Adapa in order to gain his trust and be deemed worthy of the divine task.
• The Primordial Tablets: He possesses fragments of ancient tablets believed to predate recorded history. These tablets hold the key to understanding the origin of magic itself, and the players are tasked with helping Adapa locate the missing pieces.
• The Celestial Observatory: He requires assistance in activating a long-forgotten celestial observatory, said to reveal hidden cosmic knowledge. The players must gather rare materials and decipher ancient star charts to aid Adapa in unlocking its secrets.
• The Tower of Wisdom: He invites the players to explore his legendary tower of wisdom, a multidimensional structure filled with arcane puzzles and trials. They must prove their intellect and bravery to uncover hidden knowledge and earn Adapa’s favor.
• The Serpent of Knowledge: He seeks a legendary artifact known as the Serpent’s Eye, said to grant unparalleled insight and understanding. The players must navigate treacherous realms and outsmart cunning adversaries to secure the artifact for Adapa’s research.
• The Forbidden Food and Drink: He shares a tale of consuming forbidden food and drink that granted him brief access to divine knowledge. He tasks the players with locating the same forbidden sustenance, promising them glimpses into forgotten secrets if they succeed.
• The Divine Trial: He conducts a series of intellectual and magical challenges, testing the players’ knowledge and problem-solving abilities. If they prove themselves worthy, Adapa promises to share ancient secrets and grant them a glimpse into the higher mysteries.

These hooks provide unique opportunities for players to engage with Adapa and delve into the depths of ancient wisdom and arcane mysteries.

Currently in the World

Adapa, a distinguished figure, stands tall at around six feet with a lean and strong build. His olive skin carries the marks of a life spent in the pursuit of knowledge, adorned with subtle wrinkles that speak of his wisdom and experience. His neatly trimmed beard, streaked with gray, frames a face etched with an air of introspection and intellectual depth. Adapa’s piercing, deep-set eyes, the color of warm chestnuts, reflect a profound curiosity and a spark of unquenchable intellect.

Currently, He sits in his study, surrounded by shelves lined with ancient scrolls, tablets, and meticulously organized texts. The soft glow of candlelight dances across the room, casting gentle shadows on the weathered wooden surfaces. The scent of papyrus and ink fills the air, mingling with the faint aroma of exotic incense.

Engrossed in his studies, he diligently pores over a newly acquired tablet, deciphering the cryptic cuneiform script etched upon its surface. His brows furrow in concentration, and his fingers trace the intricate lines as he deciphers the ancient text, unraveling the secrets within.

The room exudes an atmosphere of scholarly tranquility, a sanctuary where he delves deep into the realms of history, cosmology, and arcane knowledge. The walls are adorned with maps, charts, and illustrations depicting celestial bodies, constellations, and intricate diagrams of divine rituals.

Adapa’s current mood is one of intense focus and intellectual excitement, driven by a thirst for discovery and a desire to unlock the mysteries of the universe. His passion for knowledge fuels his every waking moment, and his determination to expand the boundaries of human understanding shines through his attentive gaze.

In this serene and scholarly environment, Adapa’s spirit is alight with the pursuit of wisdom, ever eager to uncover ancient truths and reveal the interconnected tapestry of the mortal and divine realms.