Epona (Rhiannon), Goddess of Horses and Abundance

“Discover the Mystical Goddess Epona: Protector of Horses, Bringer of Abundance!”

• Pantheon: Celtic Mythology
• Deity Title: Epona, Goddess of Horses and Abundance
• Deity Symbol: A horse
• Home Plane: The Verdant Meadows of Annwn
• Deity Level: Intermediate Deity
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Aliases: None
• Superior: The Morrigan
• Traditional Allies: Cernunnos, Rhiannon, Brigid, Lugh
• Traditional Foes: Balor, Crom Cruach, Bres
• Divine Artifact: The Bridle of Enchantment
• Servants: The Wild Riders
• Servitor Creatures: Divine Steeds
• Sacred Animal: Horses and other Equines
• Manifestations: Radiant golden hair, ethereal connection with horses, gentle presence during times of travel and abundance
• Signs of Favor: Flourishing crops, safe journeys, divine intervention during battles, the appearance of horses in dreams or visions
• Worshipers: Horse breeders, farmers, travelers, knights, adventurers, those seeking abundance and protection
• Cleric Alignments: Neutral Good, Chaotic Good, Lawful Good
• Specialty Priests: Druids, Knights of Epona
• Holy Days: Equinoxes and Solstices, Eponalia (February 18th), Festivals during planting and harvest seasons
• Portfolio: Horses, Abundance, Fertility, Travel, Protection
• Domains: Life, Nature, Travel, War
• Favored Weapon: Lance
• Favored Class: Paladin
• Favored Race: Humans and Elves
• Duties of the Priesthood: Caring for horses, guiding travelers, ensuring abundance and prosperity, promoting harmony with nature
• Major Cult/Temple Sites: The Sacred Stables of Carthage, The Meadow Sanctuaries of Glastonbury
• Benefits: Divine spells related to protection, healing, and nature, a bond with horses and animals, enhanced guidance during travel and exploration

Epona, the radiant goddess of horses and abundance, holds a special place in the hearts of the Celtic people. Her role in mythology revolves around her connection to horses, which were considered sacred animals, embodying freedom, power, and endurance. As the protector of horses and their riders, Epona ensures safe journeys and a strong bond between humans and these noble creatures.

Epona’s actions are driven by her deep love for the natural world and her desire to nurture harmony and prosperity. She is often depicted riding gracefully alongside her beloved horses, symbolizing her ability to guide and protect travelers on their journeys. Additionally, her association with fertility and abundance grants her the role of a fertility goddess, bringing bountiful harvests and prosperity to her worshipers.

Her divine purpose is to foster a sense of unity between humans and nature, encouraging respect for all living beings and the cycles of life. Through her teachings, Epona inspires compassion, empathy, and the appreciation of life’s gifts. She hopes to guide individuals towards embracing their connection to the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding of the environment and the importance of living in harmony with it.

Epona’s influence extends beyond the Celtic realms, and she is admired and revered by many across cultures who value the relationship between humans and animals. Her legacy as a compassionate and nurturing deity endures through generations, leaving an everlasting impact on those who seek her guidance and blessings.

Physical Description of Epona: Epona is a radiant goddess who exudes a captivating aura of grace and strength. Standing tall and regal, she possesses an ethereal beauty that reflects the bond she shares with horses and the natural world. Her long, flowing hair, the color of golden wheat, cascades down her back like a shimmering waterfall, and her eyes, as deep and mysterious as the night sky, hold a spark of gentle wisdom. Adorned in a flowing white gown adorned with intricate Celtic motifs, she wears a crown of intertwined horse manes, symbolizing her divine connection to these majestic creatures.

With every step she takes, there is an air of tranquility and harmony around her. Her touch is gentle, yet firm, like the caress of a gentle breeze on a sunny day. Epona’s voice is melodious and soothing, capable of calming even the most restless spirits.

Epona, Goddess of Horses and Fertility

Medium Celestial, Neutral Good

Armor Class 30 (Natural Armor) Hit Points 750 (40d20 + 360) Speed 60 ft., fly 120 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
30 (+10)	30 (+10)	30 (+10)	28 (+9)	30 (+10)	30 (+10)

Saving Throws Str +20, Dex +20, Con +20, Int +19, Wis +20, Cha +20 Skills Perception +20, Insight +20, Persuasion +20 Damage Resistances radiant, necrotic; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks Damage Immunities thunder, force, psychic Condition Immunities charmed, frightened, paralyzed Senses truesight 120 ft., passive Perception 30 Languages All, Telepathy 120 ft. Challenge 33 (102,000 XP)

Divine Aura. Epona’s presence emanates an aura of serenity and protection. Creatures friendly to Epona gain advantage on all saving throws and have resistance to radiant and necrotic damage while within 30 feet of her.

Legendary Resistance (3/Day). If Epona fails a saving throw, she can choose to succeed instead.

Magic Resistance. She has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Magic Weapons. Her weapon attacks are magical.

Divine Sight. Epona can see invisible creatures and objects, and can see into the Ethereal Plane, out to a range of 120 feet.

Actions

Moonblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +20 to hit, reach 10 ft., one target. Hit: 65 (10d10 + 10) slashing damage plus 35 (10d6) radiant damage. The target must succeed on a DC 25 Constitution saving throw or be stunned until the end of Epona’s next turn.

Ethereal Hooves. Melee Weapon Attack: +20 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 65 (10d10 + 10) bludgeoning damage. The target must succeed on a DC 25 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. Additionally, if the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 25 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Epona until the end of her next turn.

Divine Radiance (Recharge 5-6). Epona unleashes a brilliant burst of radiant energy in a 60-foot radius. Each creature in that area must make a DC 28 Dexterity saving throw, taking 90 (20d8) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much on a successful one.

Legendary Actions

Epona 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. Epona regains spent legendary actions at the start of her turn.

• Hoof Strike. She makes one Ethereal Hooves attack.
• Lunar Blessing (Costs 2 Actions). She grants advantage on the next attack roll or saving throw made by a friendly creature within 60 feet.
• Heavenly Ascendance (Costs 3 Actions). She temporarily increases her movement speed to 120 feet and gains immunity to all conditions and damage for 1 minute.

Lair Actions

On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Epona takes a lair action to cause one of the following effects; she can’t use the same effect two rounds in a row:

• Moonlit Veil. She creates an area of magical moonlight that grants advantage on all attacks and saving throws for friendly creatures within it until the start of her next turn.
• Celestial Steed. She summons a celestial horse to fight alongside her for 1 minute. The steed has the statistics of a Pegasus, and it obeys Epona’s commands.
• Ethereal Resilience. She shrouds herself in ethereal energy, gaining resistance to all damage until the start of her next turn.

Regional Effects

Epona’s presence infuses the surrounding area with magical effects. The following effects apply within 6 miles of Epona’s presence:

• Moonlight shines even on the darkest nights, providing bright light in a 120-foot radius and dim light for an additional 120 feet.
• All friendly creatures within the area gain advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks, and all plants and crops flourish, producing bountiful harvests.
• Epona’s divine protection extends to her followers, who gain advantage on all saving throws against fear effects.
• Celestial horses and other benevolent creatures are drawn to the area, and they can be summoned by Epona or her followers to aid in times of need.
• The area is naturally blessed and protected, making it difficult for evil creatures to enter or remain for long periods. Evil creatures suffer disadvantage on all attack rolls while within the area.

Currently in the World

In the lush meadows of ancient Celtic lands, Epona, the radiant goddess of horses and abundance, comes to life. From the moment of her creation, she emerges as a guiding light for her people, revered for her grace and her mystical connection to the noble horses that roam the vast landscapes. Epona roams freely through the verdant fields, her golden hair dancing in the breeze as she interacts with her equine companions.

As the centuries unfold, Epona’s influence grows, intertwining her fate with that of her worshipers. She becomes a symbol of hope and protection for travelers embarking on perilous journeys, their hearts filled with faith in her watchful eye. The Celtic people honor her with festivals and offerings, recognizing the prosperity she bestows upon their crops and her role as a fertility goddess.

During tumultuous times, when wars threaten to engulf the lands, Epona’s strength and courage shine through. She emerges as a warrior protector, guiding noble knights and warriors who ride under her banner. Her divine aura empowers them with unmatched valor, and she leads them to victory in the face of adversity.

As the world evolves and new beliefs emerge, Epona’s legacy endures. Her influence reaches beyond the Celtic lands, embraced by those who seek harmony with nature and a bond with animals. Her symbols adorn banners and shields in battles, symbolizing her enduring protection.

In the year 1450, the winds of change sweep across the world. Epona’s grace extends beyond the European borders, her name whispered in reverence by sailors seeking safe voyages. Though the world faces tumultuous times, Epona remains steadfast, her desire to protect and nurture her worshipers undiminished.

In this era of exploration and discovery, Epona’s divine artifacts, powerful relics with ancient magic, find their way into the hands of courageous explorers and knights seeking her blessings. These artifacts harness her wisdom, bestowing visions of distant lands and guiding them towards new horizons.

As the goddess of transformation, she uses her unique abilities to inspire individuals to find their true paths. She appears in dreams, offering glimpses of destiny and guidance. Her presence empowers artists and musicians to create masterpieces that captivate the hearts of their audiences.

Amidst the complexity of the 1450s, her goals remain true. She seeks to foster a deep connection between her worshipers and nature, reminding them of their responsibilities as stewards of the earth. Her desire is to instill empathy and compassion in the hearts of humanity, uniting them in a shared vision of harmony and respect for all living beings.

Though the world is filled with challenges and uncertainties, Epona’s strength as a guardian and protector remains unwavering. In the hearts of her worshipers, she is a beacon of hope, a symbol of courage, and a source of eternal inspiration. As long as the world turns, Epona’s legacy endures, illuminating the path towards a future guided by compassion and unity.