Buy me a coffeeAdmetus, 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, Favored King of Pherae 5e
Admetus, Favored King of Pherae, Pathfinder
Admetus, Favored King of Pherae
Medium humanoid (human), lawful good
Challenge: 10 (5,900 XP)
Proficiency Bonus: +4
Role: Noble Hero, Divine-Blessed Ruler
Armor Class: 18 (Breastplate of Divine Favor)
Hit Points: 168 (24d8 + 48)
Speed: 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 20 (+5) |
Saving Throws: Wis +7, Cha +9
Skills: Insight +7, Persuasion +13, History +6, Religion +6
Senses: Passive Perception 13
Languages: Common, Celestial, Ancient Greek (optional flavor)
Divine Aura (Mythic Trait): While Admetus is alive, friendly creatures within 10 feet have advantage on death saving throws and saving throws against being frightened.
Equipment of Legend
- Breastplate of Divine Favor (wondrous, uncommon) – Gifted by Apollo, grants +1 AC and resistance to necrotic damage.
- Ring of Renewed Fate (wondrous, rare) – Once per long rest, if Admetus would drop to 0 HP, he may instead drop to 1 HP. When this occurs, all allies within 10 feet regain 10 HP.
- Spear of Thessalian Command (magic weapon, uncommon) – A +1 spear that grants proficiency in Charisma saving throws while wielded.
Actions
Multiattack
Admetus makes two melee weapon attacks.
Spear of Thessalian Command
Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target.
Hit: 8 (1d6 + 5) piercing damage, plus 4 (1d8) radiant damage.
Call to Heroism (Recharge 5–6)
Admetus chooses up to three creatures that can hear him within 60 feet. For 1 minute, they gain:
- Temporary HP equal to Admetus’ Charisma modifier (5),
- Advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened,
- An immediate reaction to move up to half their speed.
Divine Intercession (1/Day)
Admetus casts mass healing word (5th level) without components. Charisma is his spellcasting ability (spell save DC 17).
Reactions
Shield the Sacrifice
When an ally within 10 feet of Admetus is reduced to 0 HP, Admetus may take the damage instead, if he can see the ally.
Legendary Actions
Admetus can take 2 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. Only one legendary action can be used at a time, and only at the end of another creature’s turn. He regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Inspire Ally. One creature within 30 feet gains advantage on their next ability check or saving throw.
- Commanding Word. One creature of Admetus’ choice within 60 feet may use their reaction to move up to half their speed or make a weapon attack.
- Renewed Resolve (Costs 2 Actions). Admetus ends one condition affecting himself or an ally within 10 feet.
Lair Actions (Throne of Pherae)
If encountered in his palace or sacred grounds, Admetus can use the environment to his advantage. On initiative count 20 (losing ties), he may take one of the following lair actions:
- Echo of Sacrifice. One creature at 0 HP within 60 feet regains 1 HP and is stabilized.
- Noble Authority. All hostile creatures within 30 feet must succeed on a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on attacks until the start of their next turn.
Mythic Background
Admetus is remembered not only for his nobility and fairness but for being loved by a god. Apollo served him in humility, and when Death came for him, it was his wife Alcestis who died in his place. His tragic wisdom, enduring love, and divine connections make him a rare example of a mortal elevated not by strength alone, but by moral greatness.
Admetus, Favored King of Pherae CR 10
XP 9,600
Male human noble 6/paladin 4
LG Medium humanoid (human)
Init +1; Senses Perception +10
DEFENSE
AC 23, touch 11, flat-footed 22 (+7 armor, +1 Dex, +2 deflection, +3 shield)
hp 105 (10 HD; 6d8+4d10+30)
Fort +11, Ref +6, Will +11
Defensive Abilities aura of courage, divine grace, lay on hands (4/day, 2d6), selfless sacrifice*
DR 5/evil; Immune fear, disease (divine), charm (while aura active)
OFFENSE
Speed 30 ft.
Melee +1 spear of Thessalian command +13/+8 (1d8+3/×3)
Special Attacks smite evil 2/day (+5 to hit, +4 damage, bypass DR), inspiring presence*, divine bond (weapon), channel positive energy 2/day (DC 16, 4d6)
TACTICS
Before Combat Casts protection from evil, readies aura abilities.
During Combat Opens with smite evil and inspiring presence, uses lay on hands tactically.
Morale Fights valiantly to defend others, but yields to prevent senseless loss.
STATISTICS
Str 14, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 14, Cha 20
Base Atk +8; CMB +10; CMD 21
Feats Leadership, Weapon Focus (spear), Iron Will, Toughness, Shield Focus, Selective Channeling, Extra Lay on Hands
Skills Diplomacy +19, Sense Motive +15, Knowledge (nobility) +12, Heal +10, Ride +9, Knowledge (religion) +10
Languages Common, Celestial, Ancient Greek
SQ aura of good, divine bond (weapon +1), inspiring leader aura*, mercy (fatigued), noble obligation*, selfless sacrifice*
GEAR
+1 breastplate of divine favor (resist necrotic effects), +1 heavy steel shield, +1 spear of Thessalian command, ring of protection +2, cloak of resistance +2, ring of renewed fate*, royal signet, scroll of restoration, 250 gp
SPECIAL ABILITIES
Inspiring Presence (Su)
All allies within 20 feet gain +2 morale bonus on saves vs. fear and charm. Once per day, Admetus can rally all allies within range, granting them temporary HP equal to his Cha modifier (5) for 1 minute.
Spear of Thessalian Command (Su)
This +1 spear grants the wielder a +2 competence bonus to Diplomacy while held. When commanding troops, allies within 60 feet gain +1 morale bonus to attack and Will saves for 1 minute (1/day).
Ring of Renewed Fate (Su)
Once per day, if Admetus would be reduced to 0 HP or killed, he instead remains at 1 HP, and all allies within 10 feet are healed for 10 HP.
Noble Obligation (Ex)
As a standard action, Admetus can forgo an attack to grant an adjacent ally an immediate saving throw against any one condition or spell.
Selfless Sacrifice (Ex)
Once per day, Admetus can intercept an attack or harmful effect targeting an adjacent ally, redirecting it to himself.
DESCRIPTION
Admetus is no mere noble—he is a mortal who earned the favor of Apollo through humility, virtue, and wisdom. His rule is guided by compassion and valor, not cruelty or greed. His bearing radiates divine dignity; adorned in gleaming armor with eyes that hold the weight of sacrifice, he walks the line between king and myth.
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.