Copernicus, Astronomer Extraordinaire
Copernicus is a brilliant astronomer and mathematician who is best known for proposing the heliocentric model of the universe, which stated that the sun, rather than the Earth, was at the center of the solar system.
- Alias – Nicolaus Copernicus, sometimes referred to as Mikolaj Kopernik.
- Gender – Male.
- Race – Human.
- Occupation – Astronomer, mathematician, physician, and canon.
- Religion – Follower of Hesperus
- Allies – Some members of the Church, other scholars and intellectuals, and some of his students.
- Enemies – The conservative faction of the Church, some members of the scientific community who opposed his ideas, and some aristocrats who disagreed with his political views.
- Abode/Base of operations – Copernicus was born and lived in Torun, Poland. Later, he lived in several places, including Krakow, Bologna, and Frombork, where he spent most of his life.
- Nationality – Polish.
- Languages – Copernicus spoke and wrote in Latin, Polish, German, and Italian.
- Alignment – Neutral good.
- Affiliation(s) – Copernicus was affiliated with the Catholic Church, but he also maintained close ties with the Polish royal court and other political and intellectual circles.
- Significant others – Copernicus was not married and had no children. He did, however, have close friendships with several women throughout his life, including Anna Schilling and Elisabeth Hevelius.
He was born in Torun, Poland, and was the youngest of four children. Copernicus’ father died when he was young, leaving him to be raised by his mother and uncle.
From a young age, Copernicus was fascinated by the stars and the cosmos. He studied astronomy and mathematics at the University of Krakow, where he excelled in his studies. After completing his education, he returned to Torun, where he worked as a church administrator and pursued his love of astronomy in his spare time.
Despite his interest in astronomy, he initially believed in the geocentric model of the universe, which held that the Earth was at the center of the solar system. However, he began to question this belief and developed a new model that placed the sun at the center of the universe. This theory challenged the prevailing views of the time and caused controversy among both religious and scientific communities.
As a character, Copernicus is a brilliant and dedicated scholar who is driven by a deep curiosity and desire to understand the workings of the universe. He is also deeply religious and sees his work as a way to better understand and appreciate God’s creation.
Physically, Copernicus is tall and thin, with sharp features and a stern expression. He has dark hair and piercing eyes that seem to see straight through to the heart of the cosmos.
Despite the controversy and resistance he faced during his lifetime, Copernicus remained committed to his work and his beliefs. He continued to refine and develop his heliocentric model of the universe until his death, leaving behind a legacy that revolutionized the field of astronomy and laid the groundwork for modern scientific thinking.
Copernicus, Astronomer Extraordinaire
Medium humanoid (human), neutral good
Armor Class 15 (padded armor)
Hit Points 80 (20d8)
Speed 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 (+0) | 14 (+2) | 10 (+0) | 20 (+5) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) |
Saving Throws Intelligence +9, Wisdom +7
Skills Arcana +9, History +9, Investigation +9, Perception +7
Senses passive Perception 17
Languages Copernicus can speak and write in Latin, Polish, German, and Italian.
Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)
Abilities
Genius Mind. He has a brilliant intellect, which grants him a +2 bonus to all Intelligence-based skill checks.
Astronomical Knowledge. He has unparalleled knowledge of the stars and planets, which grants him a +2 bonus to all Intelligence-based skill checks related to astronomy.
Precision Strike. Copernicus can choose to make a precision strike with his rapier, sacrificing his extra attack to deal an extra 3d8 damage on a hit.
Actions
Multiattack. Copernicus makes two attacks with his rapier.
- Rapier. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d8+4) piercing damage.
- Comet Strike. Ranged Spell Attack: +9 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 27 (6d8) bludgeoning damage. Copernicus calls upon the power of a passing comet to strike down his enemies. A comet streaks across the sky and slams into the target, dealing damage and leaving them dazed for one round. The target must make a DC 16 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of their next turn.
- Star Chart. Copernicus consults his trusty book of star charts and astronomical observations, gaining insight into the movements of the stars and planets. As an action, he can choose one creature within 60 feet and make an Intelligence (Arcana) check contested by the creature’s Wisdom (Insight) check. If Copernicus wins the contest, he gains knowledge of the creature’s astrological sign and can use this knowledge to gain advantage on attack rolls against them for the next minute. If the creature wins the contest, they gain advantage on attack rolls against Copernicus for the next minute as they anticipate his moves based on his own astrological sign.
- Dispel Magic (1/day). Copernicus attempts to end a spell on a creature he can see within 120 feet of him. The target must make a DC 16 ability check using its spellcasting ability. On a successful check, the spell ends.
Reactions
Counterspell. Copernicus can use his reaction to attempt to interrupt a creature in the process of casting a spell. He must make an ability check using his Intelligence modifier plus his proficiency bonus. The DC for the check is equal to 10 + the spell’s level. On a success, the creature’s spell fails and has no effect.
Legendary Actions. Copernicus 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. he regains spent legendary actions at the start of its turn.
- Planetary Shift. Copernicus calls upon the power of the stars to shift the alignment of the planets in the sky. As a legendary action, he can cause all creatures within 60 feet to make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be knocked prone as the ground shifts beneath their feet.
- Shooting Star. Copernicus creates a shooting star that streaks across the sky, illuminating the battlefield and dazzling his enemies. As a legendary action, he can cause all creatures within 60 feet to make a DC 16 Dexterity saving throw or be blinded for one round as they are momentarily stunned by the spectacle.
- Black Hole. Copernicus conjures a miniature black hole that sucks in nearby creatures and objects. As a legendary action, he can cause all creatures within 30 feet to make a DC 16 Strength saving throw or be pulled 10 feet towards the black hole and take 22 (4d8+4) force damage. Any objects weighing less than 200 pounds are also pulled towards the black hole and disappear into its gravitational pull.
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Copernicus can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects:
- Gaze of the Stars. Copernicus points to a star in the sky, and all creatures within 60 feet must make a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute. The charmed creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
- Divine Inspiration. Copernicus can take a bonus action to grant himself or one ally within 60 feet advantage on their next attack roll, ability check, or saving throw.
- Astronomical Interference. Copernicus can use his celestial globe to disrupt the movement of celestial objects. Each creature within a 30-foot radius centered on Copernicus must make a DC 16 Intelligence saving throw or suffer 22 (4d8+4) psychic damage and be unable to take reactions until the end of their next turn.
Equipment
Padded armor, Rapier, Book of star charts and astronomical observations, Spyglass, Compass, Sextant
Magic Items
- Celestial Globe. This magical item allows Copernicus to see the positions of the stars and planets in real-time, granting him advantage on all Intelligence-based skill checks related to astronomy.
- Ring of Protection. This magical ring grants Copernicus a +1 bonus to his AC and saving throws.
- Cloak of the Stars. This enchanted cloak grants Copernicus resistance to radiant damage and allows him to cast the Light cantrip at will.
CR level
Based on his powerful magic and combat abilities, Copernicus would be considered a CR 12 challenge for a group of four adventurers of 12th level. His expertise in astronomy and precision strikes make him a formidable opponent, but his limited use of spells and lair actions balance out his combat abilities.