Laocoön, Seer of Troy

“Fatal Warning: The Tragic Tale of Laocoön and the Trojan Horse Revealed!”

• Alias: None known
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Priest, Seer
• Religion: Devoted to the gods of the Hellenic Pantheon, particularly Apollo and Athena
• Allies: Fellow priests, citizens of Troy
• Enemies: Those who threaten Troy’s safety
• Abode/Base of Operations: Resided in Troy, near the city’s temples
• Nationality: Trojan
• Languages: Ancient Greek, Troyan dialect
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Affiliation(s): Troy, Temple of Apollo
• Significant Others: None specified

In the heart of ancient Troy, Laocoön emerges as a revered priest and skilled seer. His presence commands respect, and his wisdom is sought by both royalty and commoners alike. Dedicated to safeguarding his city, he stands as a beacon of caution, ever vigilant against hidden threats that could bring ruin upon his people.

With a voice that resonates with authority, Laocoön strives to decipher the cryptic messages of the gods. He yearns to ensure the safety and prosperity of Troy, using his insights to guide its leaders and citizens. His deep connection with the divine grants him a unique insight into the intricate tapestry of fate that weaves the destinies of gods and mortals together.

Yet as the fates would have it, Laocoön’s unwavering devotion will entangle him in a web of destiny that reaches far beyond his control. Despite his best efforts, he finds himself embroiled in a series of events that lead to a dire prophecy—of a colossal wooden horse concealing treacherous intent. This unwitting priest becomes a pivotal figure in the city’s saga, his actions forever linked to an iconic tragedy that echoes through the annals of history.

Amidst the turmoil and uncertainty that engulfs Troy, Laocoön’s character remains resolute. His determination to protect his city and decipher the intentions of the gods is unwavering. With each step he takes, he both personifies the wisdom of Troy and becomes a tragic symbol of the powerlessness of mortals against the whims of fate.

Laocoön, Seer of Troy

Medium Humanoid (Human), Neutral Good

Armor Class 12 (Wisdom modifier + Dexterity modifier) Hit Points 78 (12d8 + 24) Speed 30 ft.

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

Saving Throws Wis +7, Cha +6 Skills Insight +7, Religion +6, Arcana +6 Senses Passive Perception 14 Languages Common, Ancient Greek Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)

Spellcasting. Laocoön is a 12th-level spellcaster. His spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 15, +7 to hit with spell attacks). Laocoön has the following cleric spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): Guidance, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy
• 1st level (4 slots): Bless, Command, Cure Wounds, Detect Evil and Good
• 2nd level (3 slots): Augury, Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Spiritual Weapon
• 3rd level (3 slots): Beacon of Hope, Dispel Magic, Spirit Guardians
• 4th level (3 slots): Death Ward, Freedom of Movement, Guardian of Faith
• 5th level (2 slots): Commune, Greater Restoration
• 6th level (1 slot): Blade Barrier, Heal
• 7th level (1 slot): Etherealness

Actions

Mace. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) bludgeoning damage.

Channel Divinity: Divine Guidance (1/Short Rest). Laocoön can use his Channel Divinity to gain advantage on a Wisdom (Insight) or Intelligence (Religion) check.

Channel Divinity: Visions of Fate (1/Short Rest). Laocoön can use his Channel Divinity to touch a willing creature, granting them advantage on their next saving throw or ability check.

Turn Undead. Laocoön presents his holy symbol and speaks a prayer, forcing undead within 30 feet of him that can see or hear him to make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the undead are turned for 1 minute or until they take damage.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Laocoön can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:

Divine Insight. Laocoön imparts a brief vision of the future to an ally within 30 feet. The ally gains advantage on their next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.

Spiritual Guidance. Laocoön blesses a 20-foot radius area, allowing allies within the area to add a d4 to attack rolls and saving throws for 1 minute.

Equipment

Laocoön wears simple robes adorned with intricate symbols of the gods. He wields a mace. He carries a holy symbol of Apollo, a sacred scroll of prophecies, and a vial of sacred oil used for anointing during rituals.

Roleplaying Notes

Laocoön exudes an air of mysticism and wisdom, his eyes often gazing into the unseen. He is deeply devoted to the gods and maintains a connection with the divine through his visions and spells. Laocoön’s demeanor is calm and introspective, reflecting his profound understanding of the balance between mortals and the divine. He seeks to guide his people with his prophetic insights and protect them from the dangers that threaten Troy. His loyalty to his city and his faith in the gods drive him to confront challenges that others may shy away from, always striving to ensure the survival and prosperity of his beloved Troy.

Currently in the World

Laocoön, a middle-aged Trojan priest with a commanding presence, stands tall and proud in his ceremonial robes adorned with symbols of his devotion to the gods. His weathered face bears the marks of wisdom and experience, with furrowed brows and a strong jawline that reflect the weight of his responsibilities. His deep-set eyes hold a spark of intelligence, hinting at the depths of his knowledge as a seer and spiritual guide.

Currently, Laocoön is engaged in a solemn ritual at the heart of the grand Temple of Apollo in Troy. The flickering torchlight casts an ethereal glow upon his features as he performs the sacred rites. His hands move gracefully through the air, weaving intricate patterns that symbolize his connection to the divine. His surroundings are richly decorated with intricate carvings and ornate altars, all dedicated to the gods he serves.

Despite the gravity of his actions, there’s a sense of determination and unwavering faith in Laocoön’s demeanor. His movements are deliberate, and his expression is one of serene focus. The temple’s ambiance is suffused with an air of reverence, and the flickering flames seem to dance in harmony with the priest’s purposeful motions. Laocoön’s mood is one of deep concentration, as he seeks to commune with the gods and interpret their will for the future of Troy.

In Myth

Laocoön was a prominent figure in Greek mythology, known for his ill-fated role in the events surrounding the Trojan War. He was a priest of Apollo and a respected seer in the city of Troy. Laocoön’s story is intertwined with the famous tale of the Trojan Horse, a cunning stratagem devised by the Greeks to infiltrate the heavily fortified city of Troy.

As the Trojan War raged on, the Greeks devised a plan to break the stalemate. They built a massive wooden horse, the Trojan Horse, which they presented as an offering to the goddess Athena to ensure safe passage home. However, the hollow interior of the horse concealed a select group of Greek warriors. The Trojans, unaware of this deceit, brought the horse into their city as a symbol of victory.

Laocoön, gifted with the power of prophecy, sensed the deception. When he saw the colossal wooden horse being wheeled into Troy, he famously warned his fellow Trojans, “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts!” He urged them not to trust the seemingly generous gesture from their enemies. Laocoön’s caution was rooted in his knowledge of divine machinations and his fear of the Greeks’ trickery.

To silence Laocoön’s warnings and prevent his counsel from dissuading the Trojans, the gods intervened. According to some versions of the myth, the sea god Poseidon sent two serpents to attack Laocoön and his sons. The serpents emerged from the sea and coiled around the priest and his sons, inflicting a gruesome and fatal fate upon them. The Trojans, interpreting this as a divine punishment for defying the will of the gods, were swayed to believe that the Greeks’ offering was indeed sincere.

As a result, the Trojans celebrated their supposed victory and brought the Trojan Horse within the city’s walls. This event marked a pivotal turning point in the Trojan War. While the city slept, the Greek warriors concealed within the horse emerged and opened the gates for the Greek army, leading to the fall of Troy.

Laocoön’s tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of ignoring the counsel of the wise and the consequences of underestimating the power of deception and divine intervention. His warning, “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts,” has become an enduring adage that signifies skepticism and the importance of questioning the intentions of others.