Eros — Greek God of Love and Desire
One arrow may bind two strangers together; another can make a king despise the person he once loved. Eros enters the world wherever longing becomes strong enough to reshape a life, a court or a kingdom.
At a Glance
- Identity
- Eros, divine power of attraction, desire and love
- Tradition
- Hellenic Pantheon
- Mythic versions
- Primordial Eros in some early cosmogonies; the youthful companion or son of Aphrodite in later tales
- Roman names
- Cupid and Amor
- Alignment
- Chaotic Good in this setting; desire does not guarantee kindness or consent
- Divine seat
- Olympian court and sanctuaries of desire in the world
- Close powers
- Aphrodite, Himeros, Anteros and the Erotes
- Sacred signs
- Bow and arrows, torch, wings and affectionate pairings
- Divine relic
- Golden Bow of Desire, a campaign interpretation of his arrows
- Cleric guidance
- Love- and charm-themed campaign options; choose published domains separately by rules edition
What Is Happening Right Now?
The Arrows at Florence. A diplomat offers the characters two enchanted arrows: one inspires irresistible fascination, the other sharp revulsion. Both have been stolen from an Eros shrine, and a powerful household plans to use them at a betrothal feast to force a political marriage. Lucrezia, the intended bride, asks the party to recover the arrows without harming the unwitting groom. The players may steal the relics back, expose their patron or bargain with Eros to remove an enchantment that no one consented to bear. The outcome must preserve the mortals’ choices rather than treating coercion as love.
Further Adventures
The Masks of Corinth. An acting troupe’s wooden masks begin transferring affection and bitter hatred between performers and patrons. The stage manager, Dione, suspects a wealthy patron bribed a spirit to control the audience. The party can destroy the masks, negotiate with the spirit or expose the patron during the final performance; each approach saves different people and leaves different relationships changed.
Himeros at the Harbour. In the Aegean port of Chios, a ship’s captain has paid to have the longing for home erased from his crew. His daughter Myrto asks the party to recover the enchantment’s source before the vessel sails into a war. The sailors may prefer their freedom to return, or a safe voyage with their memories restored: the heroes must secure an honest choice rather than dictate one.
Divine Mechanics
Each of the four editions below gives Eros a distinct divine manifestation. Choose the rules for your game; the cleric domain lists are separate from the god’s personal magic.
Eros, Golden Archer of Desire
Medium Celestial (Deity), Chaotic Good; Challenge 30 (155,000 XP); Proficiency Bonus +9.
Armor Class 26 (divine ward); Hit Points 620 (40d10 + 400); Speed 50 ft., Fly 100 ft. (Hover); Initiative +10 (20).
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 30 (+10) | 30 (+10) | 28 (+9) | 28 (+9) | 34 (+12) |
Saving Throws Dex +19, Con +19, Wis +18, Cha +21; Skills Insight +18, Perception +18, Persuasion +21; Resistances Psychic, Radiant; Immunities Poison; Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned; Senses Truesight 240 ft., Passive Perception 28; Languages All, Telepathy 240 ft.
Traits
Divine Immortality. The destruction of this manifestation does not destroy Eros. Magic Resistance. Advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects. Legendary Resistance (4/Day). Eros can succeed on a failed saving throw.
Arrows of Attachment. A creature Charmed by Eros cannot be compelled to harm itself or sign away its freedom by this trait. An unwilling creature can repeat a saving throw against an Eros-specific charm at the end of each of its turns, ending that effect on a success; equal-ranked divine protections apply.
Spellcasting. Charisma (spell save DC 29, +21 to hit with spell attacks); no material components. At Will: Charm Person, Calm Emotions, Detect Thoughts, Disguise Self, Message, Minor Illusion; 3/Day Each: Greater Invisibility, Hypnotic Pattern, Mass Suggestion, Modify Memory; 1/Day Each: Dominate Monster, Etherealness, Foresight. Concentration, casting time and spell duration remain as printed.
Actions
Multiattack. Eros makes three Golden Arrow attacks.
Golden Arrow. Ranged Spell Attack: +21 to hit, range 180 ft., one creature. Hit: 34 (4d10 + 12) Psychic damage plus 18 (4d8) Radiant damage.
Arrow of Longing (Recharge 5–6). One creature within 150 feet makes a DC 29 Wisdom saving throw. On failure it takes 55 (10d10) Psychic damage and is Charmed by Eros until the end of its next turn; on success it takes half damage without being Charmed. The creature repeats the saving throw at the end of its turn, ending the effect on success, and becomes immune to this power for 24 hours after succeeding.
Arrow of Aversion (1/Day). Two creatures Eros can see within 120 feet each make a DC 29 Wisdom saving throw. A creature failing takes 36 (8d8) Psychic damage and cannot willingly move closer to the other chosen creature until the end of its next turn. Creatures that succeed take half damage and are unaffected by the aversion.
Bonus Actions and Reactions
Heart’s Flight (Bonus Action). Eros flies up to half his flying Speed without provoking Opportunity Attacks. Unbidden Thought (Reaction; 3/Day). When a creature within 120 feet succeeds on a saving throw against Eros’s spell, Eros forces one reroll; the creature must use the new result.
Legendary Actions
Eros has 3 legendary actions, used one at a time at the end of another creature’s turn; he regains them at the start of his turn. Arrow. Make a Golden Arrow attack. Wingbeat (Costs 2). Move or fly up to 50 feet without provoking Opportunity Attacks. Reveal the Heart (Costs 3). One creature within 90 feet must succeed on a DC 29 Charisma saving throw or be unable to benefit from Advantage on attacks until the end of its next turn.
Divine Estate and Cleric Domain
At initiative count 20 (losing ties) in his own court, Eros can reveal a hidden charm, release a non-divine enchantment from a willing creature, or grant allies within 30 feet Advantage on their next Wisdom saving throw. An effect cannot repeat in consecutive rounds. Local omens of longing are not permission for the god or his clergy to coerce worshippers.
Trickery Domain (2024): Cleric Level 3—Charm Person, Disguise Self, Invisibility, Pass without Trace; 5—Hypnotic Pattern, Nondetection; 7—Confusion, Dimension Door; 9—Dominate Person, Modify Memory. These spells belong to his clerics rather than his own spell uses.
Eros, Archer of Attraction
Medium celestial (deity), chaotic good; Challenge 28 (120,000 XP); Proficiency Bonus +8.
Armor Class 25 (divine ward); Hit Points 522 (36d10 + 324); Speed 50 ft., fly 100 ft. (hover).
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 28 (+9) | 28 (+9) | 26 (+8) | 28 (+9) | 32 (+11) |
Saving Throws Dex +17, Con +17, Wis +17, Cha +19; Skills Insight +17, Perception +17, Persuasion +19; Damage Resistances psychic, radiant; Damage Immunities poison; Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, poisoned; Senses truesight 240 ft., passive Perception 27; Languages all, telepathy 240 ft.
Traits
Divine Immortality. A defeated manifestation returns to the Olympian court. Magic Resistance. Advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects. Legendary Resistance (4/Day). Eros can succeed on a failed save.
Innate Spellcasting. Charisma (spell save DC 27, +19 to hit with spell attacks); material components are not required. At will—charm person, detect thoughts, disguise self, message, minor illusion; 3/day each—calm emotions, greater invisibility, mass suggestion, modify memory; 1/day each—dominate monster, etherealness, foresight. Normal concentration and casting times still apply.
Actions
Multiattack. Eros makes three Love’s Arrow attacks. Love’s Arrow. Ranged Spell Attack: +19 to hit, range 180 ft., one target. Hit: 33 (4d10 + 11) psychic damage plus 18 (4d8) radiant damage.
Arrow of Desire (Recharge 5–6). A creature within 150 feet must succeed on a DC 27 Wisdom saving throw or take 55 (10d10) psychic damage and become charmed by Eros until the end of its next turn. Success halves damage and prevents the charm. The creature repeats the saving throw at the end of its turn, becoming immune to Arrow of Desire for 24 hours on success.
Arrow of Aversion (1/Day). Two creatures Eros sees within 120 feet make DC 27 Wisdom saves. On failure each takes 36 (8d8) psychic damage and cannot willingly move nearer to the other until the end of its next turn. A successful save halves damage and prevents aversion.
Legendary Actions
Eros has three legendary actions, one at a time at the end of another creature’s turn, regaining them at the start of his. Arrow. One Love’s Arrow attack. Heart’s Flight (Costs 2). Fly up to 50 feet without provoking opportunity attacks. Untangle (Costs 3). End one charm effect of 5th level or lower on a willing creature within 60 feet.
Divine Estate and Cleric Domain
At initiative count 20 (losing ties), in his own sanctuary Eros may expose a magically compelled affection, shelter a willing guest from an unwanted enchantment for a round, or create an illusory path between two doors.
Trickery Domain (2014): Cleric Level 1—charm person, disguise self; 3—mirror image, pass without trace; 5—blink, dispel magic; 7—dimension door, polymorph; 9—dominate person, modify memory. The cleric receives these spells; Eros’s personal repertoire remains separate.
Eros, Winged Archer of the Erotes CR 28/MR 10
XP custom divine encounter; CG Medium outsider (chaotic, good, extraplanar, mythic).
Init +13; Senses true seeing 240 ft., darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +48; Aura unbidden desire (60 ft.).
Defense
AC 44, touch 29, flat-footed 35 (+9 Dex, +15 natural, +10 deflection); hp 522 (36d10 + 324); Fort +31, Ref +31, Will +31; DR 15/epic; Immune poison, fear; Resist cold 20, fire 20; SR 40.
Offense
Speed 50 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect); Melee +5 short sword +46/+41/+36/+31 (1d6+10 piercing); Ranged +5 composite shortbow +51/+46/+41/+36 (1d6+10 piercing plus 4d8 force); Space 5 ft.; Reach 5 ft.; Special Attacks arrow of longing, arrow of aversion, archery feats.
Spell-Like Abilities CL 28th, concentration +39; Charisma-based save DC 21 + spell level (+2 for enchantments from Spell Focus feats). At will—charm person, calm emotions, disguise self; 3/day each—charm monster, heroism, suggestion, greater invisibility; 1/day each—dominate monster, foresight. Normal action economy and spell limitations apply.
Statistics
Str 20, Dex 28, Con 28, Int 26, Wis 28, Cha 32; Base Atk +36; CMB +41; CMD 60; Feats Combat Casting, Deadly Aim, Great Fortitude, Greater Spell Focus (enchantment), Improved Critical (shortbow), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Manyshot, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Quicken Spell-Like Ability (charm monster), Rapid Shot, Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Spell Focus (enchantment), Spell Penetration, Toughness, Weapon Focus (shortbow); Skills Diplomacy +53, Fly +48, Knowledge (planes) +47, Perception +48, Perform (dance) +50, Sense Motive +48; Languages all; SQ mythic power 10/day (surge +1d12), divine immortality.
Special Abilities
Arrow of Longing (Su; 3/Day). One creature struck by Eros’s bow must succeed at a DC 39 Will save or be fascinated by a creature it sees until the end of its next turn; any threatening action against it ends fascination. A creature that succeeds is immune for 24 hours. The DC is Charisma-based.
Arrow of Aversion (Su; 1/Day). Two visible creatures within 120 feet must each succeed on a DC 39 Will save or become unable to approach one another willingly for 1 round. A successful save prevents aversion.
Unbidden Desire (Su). Creatures within 60 feet receive a +4 circumstance bonus to Diplomacy checks made to express an authentic emotion, and a –4 penalty on Bluff checks to feign affection. This aura has no power to compel marriage or override an unwilling creature’s agency.
Cleric Domains and Domain Spells
Domains Charm, Chaos, Good. Charm domain spells (levels 1–9): charm person, calm emotions, suggestion, heroism, charm monster, geas/quest, insanity, demand, dominate monster. Domain spells are available to Eros’s clerics; the listed deity spell-like abilities do not inherit extra uses.
Divine Estate and Regional Effects
In his sanctuary Eros can release one consenting mortal from an enchantment, reveal a concealed passion, or create a clear path between former enemies. He cannot compel the outcome of their negotiation.
Eros, Divine Archer of Desire
Chaotic Good Medium outsider (chaotic, good, extraplanar); Divine Rank 16 (greater deity). Portfolio attraction, desire, longing, love; Domains Charm, Chaos, Good; Favored Weapon shortbow.
Combat Statistics
Hit Dice 20d8 outsider + 20d6 bard + 400 (680 hp, maximum result per divine Hit Die); Initiative +14 (+10 Dex, +4 Improved Initiative); Speed 50 ft., fly 100 ft. (perfect); Armor Class 66 (+10 Dex, +18 natural, +12 deflection, +16 divine), touch 48, flat-footed 56; Base Attack/Grapple +20 base, +10 epic attack / +52 grapple (including divine rank 16); Attack +5 divine composite shortbow +62 ranged (1d6+11 piercing plus 4d8 force); Full Attack shortbow +62/+57/+52/+47 ranged; Space/Reach 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks spell-like abilities, bard spells, sacred arrows, salient divine abilities; Special Qualities Divine Rank 16, greater-deity divine aura, immortality, portfolio sense, remote sensing, godly realm, DR 30/epic, SR 48, divine immunities; Saves Fort +50, Ref +50, Will +50; Abilities Str 22, Dex 30, Con 30, Int 28, Wis 30, Cha 34.
Skills Diplomacy +74, Perform (dance) +71, Knowledge (the planes) +68, Listen +69, Sense Motive +69, Spot +69; Feats Combat Casting, Great Fortitude, Greater Spell Focus (enchantment), Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Lightning Reflexes, Manyshot, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Spell Focus (enchantment), Toughness, Weapon Focus (shortbow); Languages all.
Magic and Divine Powers
Bard Spells Known CL 20th, Charisma-based save DC 22 + spell level (24 + level for enchantments). Example known spells by level: 0—dancing lights, message, prestidigitation; 1—charm person, disguise self, silent image; 2—calm emotions, detect thoughts, suggestion; 3—good hope, major image; 4—charm monster, freedom of movement; 5—greater heroism, mind fog; 6—mass suggestion, irresistible dance. Uses bard spells per day at 20th level; other spells known may be selected from the bard list.
Domain Spell-Like Abilities The granted Charm, Chaos and Good domain spells may be used at will under the divine-rank rules, CL 26th; save DC 38 + spell level (10 + Cha 12 + rank 16). Salient Divine Abilities Divine Weapon Focus (shortbow), Divine Shield, Alter Reality and Know Secrets. Sacred Arrows (Su). Eros can deal a further 4d8 force damage with each divine shortbow hit; the additional damage does not override enchantment immunities.
Greater Deity. Eros takes the maximum result on qualifying attacks, saves, checks and damage under the published greater-deity rules; a critical threat still requires its roll. The +16 divine-rank bonuses have been included in his entries.
Domains and Godly Realm
Charm domain spells (levels 1–9): charm person, calm emotions, suggestion, heroism, charm monster, geas/quest, insanity, demand, dominate monster. This progression follows the compatible 3.5e Charm variant. Other granted domains follow their own printed lists; domain spells are distinct from bard spells.
Within a 100-mile radius of his own Outer Plane estate Eros can shape permitted divine-realm traits. He may expose a deceitful enchantment or release a charmed visitor, but cannot choose the visitor’s genuine feelings afterward.
Original Game Statistics
The four divine manifestations and the Golden Bow are original SpiralWorlds adaptations for play, not official or playtested deity statistics; ancient literary sources are listed below. Pathfinder’s Charm spell sequence and the compatible D&D 3.5e Charm domain were checked against their respective rules.
Ancient Sources
Some early Greek cosmogonies describe Eros as a primordial power, while later traditions depict the youthful archer alongside or as the son of Aphrodite. These are distinct mythic treatments, not one unquestioned genealogy. See Primordial Eros and the youthful Eros. The arrows and Florence intrigue here are original campaign adaptations.
Eros is the Greek god of love and attraction, known for using his arrows to instill passion and desire in mortals and gods alike.
Expanded worship, relics and campaign traditions
These traditions include setting-specific relics, cult customs and proposed festival dates. They should not be read as a uniform ancient Greek cult calendar.
- Deity Title: God of Love and Desire
- Deity Symbol: Bow and arrow
- Home Plane: Olympus
- Deity Level: Greater Deity
- Alignment: Chaotic Good
- Aliases: Cupid, Amor
- Superior: None
- Traditional Allies: Aphrodite, Himeros, Hymenaios, Dionysus
- Traditional Foes: Atë, Phobos, Deimos
- Divine Artifact: Golden Bow and Arrow
- Servants: Erotes, Himeros, Anteros, Pothos
- Servitor Creatures: Doves, Swans, Butterflies
- Sacred Animal: Dove
- Manifestations: Appearances of doves, butterflies, and swans, sudden feelings of love and passion, sudden appearances of people’s ideal romantic partners
- Signs of Favor: Increased chance of finding romantic love, increased fertility, protection from harm in romantic relationships
- Worshipers: Lovers, artists, poets, musicians
- Cleric Alignments: Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral, Neutral Good
- Specialty Priests: Matchmakers, love spell casters
- Holy Days: Aphrodisia (February 6), the Eroteia (July 19), the Himeria (September 2)
- Portfolio: Love, passion, desire, fertility
- Domains: Chaos, Good, Charm, Pleasure, Passion
- Favored Weapon: Shortbow
- Favored Class: Bard
- Favored Race: Halfling
- Duties of the Priesthood: Performing marriages, matchmaking, love spell casting, promoting love and romance
- Major Cult/Temple Sites: The Temple of Eros in Thespiae, Greece; The Temple of Eros in Rome, Italy
- Benefits: The ability to cast spells related to love and passion, divine guidance in romantic relationships, protection from harm in romantic relationships, increased chance of finding romantic love.
Eros is the Greek god of love and desire, and is often depicted as a handsome young man with wings, carrying a bow and arrows. He is known for his ability to make mortals and immortals alike fall deeply in love with one another, as well as for causing chaos and mischief with his arrows.
He is a charming and mischievous deity, always looking for ways to stir up passion and desire in others. He delights in playing matchmaker and causing unlikely pairs to fall in love, but he also enjoys causing chaos and confusion with his arrows, often leaving a trail of heartbroken victims in his wake.
Despite his playful and carefree demeanor, Eros is also deeply sensitive and emotional. He has been known to fall deeply in love himself, and can become jealous and possessive when he feels that his affections are not returned. His main goal is to spread love and desire throughout the world, but he also desires to find his own true love and experience the depth of emotion that he is capable of creating in others.
He often interacts with other gods and goddesses in Greek mythology, particularly Aphrodite, the goddess of love, with whom he shares a close relationship. He is also often depicted alongside his mother, the goddess of beauty, and his brothers, Anteros and Himeros, who represent reciprocal and unrequited love, respectively.
Eros, God of Love and Desire
Medium celestial, chaotic good
Armor Class: 20 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 300 (24d8 + 168)
Speed: 50 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 (+7) | 28 (+9) | 22 (+6) | 24 (+7) | 24 (+7) | 30 (+10) |
Skills: Arcana +16, Deception +20, Insight +16, Perception +16, Persuasion +20
Senses: truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 26
Languages: all, telepathy 120 ft.
Divine Magic. He has access to all spells from the Chaos, Good, Charm, Pleasure, and Passion domains.
Innate Spellcasting. He can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:
- At will: detect magic, dispel magic, fly, light, message, prestidigitation, tongues
- 3/day each: bless, charm person, detect evil and good, detect thoughts, suggestion
- 1/day each: dominate person, geas, mass cure wounds, mass suggestion, true polymorph
Legendary Resistance (3/day). If he fails a saving throw, he can choose to succeed instead.
Magic Weapons. His attacks are considered magical.
Actions
Multiattack. Eros can use his Frightful Presence. He then makes three attacks: one with his arrow and two with his shortsword.
Arrow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 21 (4d8 + 3) piercing damage plus 16 (3d10) psychic damage. The target must make a DC 24 Wisdom saving throw or fall under Eros’ Charm spell.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d6 + 8) piercing damage plus 16 (3d10) psychic damage. The target must make a DC 24 Wisdom saving throw or fall under Eros’ Charm spell.
Frightful Presence. Each creature of Eros’ choice within 120 feet of him and aware of him must succeed on a DC 24 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. If a creature’s saving throw is successful or the effect ends for it, the creature is immune to Eros’ Frightful Presence for the next 24 hours.
Charm. Eros targets one creature he can see within 30 feet of him. If the target can see him, it must succeed on a DC 24 Wisdom saving throw against this magic or be charmed by him for 1 hour. If the target’s saving throw is successful, the target is immune to Eros’ Charm for the next 24 hours.
Divine Intervention. He can use his divine intervention once per week.
Legendary Actions
Eros 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. Eros regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Arrow Attack. He makes one arrow attack.
- Charm. He uses his Charm action.
- Winged Flight (Costs 2 Actions). He flies up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
Regional Effects
- The region containing Eros’ lair is imbued with powerful magic, which creates the following effects:
- Love and Desire. The region is filled with an air of love and desire. Creatures that come within 1 mile of Eros’ lair must succeed on a DC 24 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Eros for 24 hours. This effect does not work on creatures that cannot fall in love or experience desire.
- Celestial Blessing. Plants within 1 mile of Eros’ lair grow stronger, faster, and healthier. Crops yield a bountiful harvest, and flowers bloom year-round. Creatures in the region have advantage on saving throws against diseases and poisons.
Lair Actions
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Eros can take a lair action to cause one of the following effects; he can’t use the same effect two rounds in a row:
- Love’s Veil. Eros creates an area of effect within 60 feet of him that is filled with a magical veil of love. Creatures within the area must succeed on a DC 24 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by him for 1 hour.
- Heart’s Desire. Eros causes one creature within 120 feet of him to become obsessed with a single object or creature of his choice. The creature must succeed on a DC 24 Wisdom saving throw or spend its next turn moving towards the object or creature of Eros’ choice.
- Passionate Flame. Eros creates a 30-foot sphere of intense passion and love. Creatures within the sphere must succeed on a DC 24 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by him for 1 minute.
Challenge Rating 25 (75,000 XP).
Related Video Perspectives
These supplementary video perspectives remain available after the reference entry:
- Eros: mythology video
- Eros: mythological traditions
- Eros: additional interpretation
- Eros: further reading by video
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