Johannes Kepler, Astronomer Extraordinaire
Johannes Kepler is a brilliant mathematician and astronomer whose work has forever changed our understanding of the universe. Born in Weil der Stadt, Germany, Kepler has always been fascinated by the stars and the secrets they hold. He studied at the University of Tübingen, where he excelled in mathematics and astronomy.
- Alias – None
- Gender – Male
- Race – Human
- Occupation – Mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer
- Religion – Lutheran
- Allies – Tycho Brahe, Galileo Galilei, Michael Maestlin
- Enemies – None recorded
- Abode/ Base of operations – Prague, Austria
- Nationality – German
- Languages – German, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, English
- Alignment – Lawful neutral
- Affiliation(s) – Imperial Mathematician, Imperial Mathematician to Rudolf II
- Significant others – Barbara Müller, Susanna Reuttinger, Anna Maria Gassebauer
Despite his natural talent, Kepler faced many challenges throughout his life. He was often at odds with his contemporaries and struggled to secure steady employment. However, his passion for understanding the cosmos never waned. Through years of meticulous observation and calculation, He made groundbreaking discoveries about the motion of planets and the structure of the solar system.
As a person, Kepler is reserved and introspective. He spends much of his time lost in thought, pondering the mysteries of the universe. He is a devout Lutheran and believes that his work is a way of understanding God’s creation.
Above all, Kepler seeks to uncover the fundamental laws that govern the universe. He is driven by a desire to understand the order and beauty that underlies all of creation. Although his work is often met with skepticism and resistance, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of knowledge.
Physically, Kepler is of medium height and build, with short brown hair and a well-groomed mustache. His piercing blue eyes are always scanning the skies, searching for patterns and insights. He dresses in long, flowing robes adorned with astrological symbols and carries a quarterstaff and telescope with him at all times. Kepler’s appearance reflects his deep passion for the arcane and his unrelenting quest for understanding.
Johannes Kepler, Astronomer Extraordinaire
Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral
Armor Class: 12 (15 with Mage Armor) Hit Points: 120 (20d8 + 20) Speed: 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 (-1) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 20 (+5) | 16 (+3) | 10 (+0) |
Skills: Arcana +11, History +11
Senses: passive Perception 13
Languages: German, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, English
Challenge Rating: 12 (8,400 XP)
Actions
Quarterstaff. Melee Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) bludgeoning damage.
Fire Bolt. Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (6d6) fire damage.
Magic Missile. Ranged Spell Attack: +11 to hit, range 120 ft., three targets. Hit: 16 (4d4 + 4) force damage.
Time Stop. he can use an action to cast Time Stop, as per the spell.
Counterspell. he can use his reaction to cast Counterspell, as per the spell.
Divination. he can use his action to cast Divination, as per the spell.
Scrying. he can use his action to cast Scrying, as per the spell.
Identify. he can use his action to cast Identify, as per the spell.
Detect Magic. he can use his action to cast Detect Magic, as per the spell.
Equipment
Quarterstaff, Robes, Book of Astrology (contains notes on Kepler’s astronomical discoveries), Crystal Ball (used for divination), A gold necklace with a small telescope pendant, Ink and parchment, Spellbook containing various divination spells, 500 gold pieces
Abilities
Astronomer. he gains proficiency in the History skill and has advantage on Intelligence (History) checks related to astronomy.
Mathematician. he gains proficiency in the Arcana skill and has advantage on Intelligence (Arcana) checks related to mathematics.
Divination Mastery. his divination spells are particularly powerful, and he can choose to roll 3 d20s instead of 2 when using Portent, as per the Wizard’s Portent ability.
Mage Armor. Kepler always has the Mage Armor spell active, granting him an additional +3 bonus to his AC.
Lair Actions
Once per day, while in his observatory or laboratory, Kepler can use the following lair actions:
- Celestial Observatory. Kepler can use his action to activate the magical telescope in his observatory, allowing him to see and hear anything within 1 mile of the observatory.
- Magical Laboratory. Kepler can use his action to cast any spell he has prepared or in his spellbook, without expending a spell slot.
- Temporal Distortion. Kepler can use his action to create a temporary time rift in his laboratory, causing all creatures within a 30-foot radius to make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be affected by the Slow spell for 1 minute. Kepler is immune to the effects of this ability.
Legendary Actions
Kepler can take 3 legendary actions per round, choosing from the options below. He regains all legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Fire Bolt. Kepler can use his Fire Bolt action.
- Magic Missile.he can use his Magic Missile action.
- Teleport. Kepler can use a bonus action to teleport up to 60 feet to an unoccupied space he can see.
- Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Kepler fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.
- Spell Mastery. Kepler can use his action to cast any spell he has prepared or in his spellbook, without expending a spell slot.
- Eccentric Mind. Kepler can use his action to create a temporary zone of magical distortion, causing all creatures within a 30-foot radius to make a DC 16 Intelligence saving throw or be affected by the Confusion spell for 1 minute. Kepler is immune to the effects of this ability.
Note: Kepler’s CR is 12, which makes him a formidable foe for a party of mid- to high-level adventurers. However, he is not meant to be a traditional combat encounter. Rather, he is a powerful and eccentric wizard who can serve as a quest giver, mentor, or even an antagonist if the players cross him.