Aeneas, the Fated Hero: Guided by the Gods on a Journey of Destiny

“From Exiled Prince to Heroic Warrior: The Epic Journey of Aeneas!”

• Alias: None
• Gender: Male
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Warrior, Leader
• Religion: Devout follower of the gods, particularly Aphrodite and Apollo
• Allies: Trojan warriors, the gods
• Enemies: Greeks, enemies of Troy
• Abode/Base of Operations: Troy, various locations during his wanderings
• Nationality: Trojan
• Languages: Trojan, Greek
• Alignment: Lawful Good
• Affiliation(s): Trojans, Trojan royal family
• Significant Others: Creusa (wife), Dido (former lover), Lavinia (wife)

In the war-ravaged world of ancient Troy, a noble and valiant warrior emerges—Aeneas. He is the son of the goddess Venus and the mortal Anchises, a union that sets him apart with divine lineage. Born into a city beset by conflict, Aeneas carries the weight of his people’s hopes and dreams upon his shoulders. His journey is one of great significance, driven by a profound sense of duty and a burning desire to fulfill his destiny.

Aeneas is a man of unwavering resolve, embodying the virtues of honor, bravery, and loyalty. He fights with unmatched courage on the battlefield, leading his fellow Trojans with a commanding presence. Despite the turmoil and chaos surrounding him, he remains steadfast in his principles, guided by a strong moral compass.

Driven by a higher purpose, Aeneas sets forth on a perilous journey after the fall of Troy. His mission is clear—to seek a new home for his people, to establish a prosperous and peaceful future. He carries with him the weight of his ancestry and the divine will of the gods, who have tasked him with a grand destiny.

Throughout his odyssey, Aeneas encounters a myriad of challenges and obstacles. He faces treacherous seas, hostile lands, and confrontations with both mortals and gods. Yet, he persists, fueled by an unwavering determination to forge a new path for his people.

Aeneas’s unwavering devotion to his family and his people is a driving force behind his actions. He seeks to protect and provide for his loved ones, ensuring their safety and prosperity. His journey is not solely for personal gain but for the betterment of all who follow him.

As Aeneas navigates the tumultuous world of ancient mythology, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of a promised land—a place where his people can thrive and establish a new Troy. His unwavering commitment to his mission and his unwavering faith in the gods make him a figure of legendary stature, an icon of determination, and a symbol of hope in a time of chaos.

Aeneas

Medium humanoid (human), lawful good

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Armor Class 18 (breastplate, shield) Hit Points 180 (20d10 + 60) Speed 30 ft.

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

Saving Throws Str +8, Con +7 Skills Athletics +8, Perception +6 Senses passive Perception 16 Languages Common, Trojan

Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)

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Actions Multiattack. Aeneas makes two melee attacks.

+2 Trojan Sword. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 7) slashing damage.

Shield Bash. Melee Weapon Attack: +9 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6 + 4) bludgeoning damage. If the target is a creature, it must succeed on a DC 15 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

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Legendary Actions Aeneas 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. Aeneas regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Unyielding Defense. Aeneas gains 5 temporary hit points.

Heroic Strike. Aeneas makes one melee attack with his Trojan Sword.

Inspiring Presence (Costs 2 Actions). Aeneas grants allies within 30 feet advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw.

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Equipment

• +2 Trojan Sword (longsword)
• Shield of Aeneas (magical shield)
• Breastplate
• Trojan War Helm
• Cloak of Troy
• Boots of the Wanderer
• Signet Ring of the Trojan Prince
• Amulet of Aphrodite’s Blessing

Legendary Magic Item

• Shield of Aeneas: This magical shield grants Aeneas advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects, and once per day, he can use a reaction to impose disadvantage on an attack roll against him or an adjacent ally.

Description Aeneas, the noble Trojan prince, stands tall with a regal presence. He is adorned in a finely crafted breastplate, bearing the emblems of Troy. Aeneas wields a formidable +2 Trojan Sword, a weapon passed down through his lineage. His trusty Shield of Aeneas, a symbol of divine favor, offers unparalleled protection. Aeneas embodies the spirit of a leader and a warrior, his piercing eyes reflecting both determination and wisdom. Currently, he commands a loyal band of Trojan survivors, guiding them through the aftermath of the fall of Troy. Aeneas’s surroundings vary, but his unwavering resolve to secure a new homeland for his people drives his actions and decisions.

CR Level Aeneas is a formidable warrior and a prominent figure in the Trojan saga. With his legendary equipment and strategic skills, he poses a significant challenge to any adventurers. Aeneas is best suited for encounters with a challenge rating of 12, requiring resourcefulness and teamwork to overcome.

Currently in the World

Aeneas stands tall and proud, his muscular frame displaying the strength and endurance of a seasoned warrior. He has a regal bearing, exuding an air of authority and leadership. His eyes, a deep and penetrating brown, hold a mix of determination and wisdom, a testament to his experiences.

Currently, Aeneas finds himself in the midst of a battlefield. His armor, adorned with intricate Trojan designs, gleams under the sun as it reflects the hardships of his journey. He wields a magnificent golden sword, a symbol of his lineage and divine favor. His shield, emblazoned with the emblem of Troy, provides protection against the onslaught of enemy attacks.

Surrounded by his loyal Trojan warriors, Aeneas commands the battlefield with strategic precision. His voice resonates with confidence and courage, inspiring his comrades to fight alongside him. His movements are swift and calculated, his every action a testament to his years of training and experience.

Despite the chaos of battle, Aeneas maintains a focused and composed demeanor. His eyes are sharp and observant, analyzing the battlefield and making split-second decisions. He remains steadfast, driven by his duty to protect his people and fulfill his destiny.

A sense of determination and resilience radiates from Aeneas. He is fueled by a deep desire to forge a new home for his people, to ensure the survival of Troy and its legacy. Though the weight of his responsibilities may bear heavily upon him, he carries himself with unwavering resolve, guided by the divine prophecies and his unyielding belief in his mission.

In Myth

A Trojan hero, the son of prince Anchises and the goddess Aphrodite. His father was the cousin of King Priam of Troy. His journey from Troy,(led by Aphrodite his mother) led to the founding of the city that would one day become Rome.

Aeneas is the leader of the Dardanians (allies of the Trojans), and a principal lieutenant of Hector, son of the Trojan king Priam. Aeneas’s mother Aphrodite frequently comes to his aid on the battlefield: he is also a favorite of Apollo. Aphrodite and Apollo rescue Aeneas from combat with Diomedes of Argos, who nearly kills him, and carry him away to Pergamos for healing. Even Poseidon, who normally favors the Greeks, comes to Aeneas’s rescue when the latter falls under the assault of Achilles, noting that Aeneas, though from a junior branch of the royal family, is destined to become king of the Trojan people.

Aeneas is one of the few Trojans who were not killed in battle or enslaved when Troy fell. When Troy was sacked by the Greeks, Aeneas, seeing the futility of defending a razed city, gathered a groupof suvivors who then traveled to Italy and became progenitors of the Romans. They included his trumpeter Misenus, his father Anchises, his friends Achates, Sergestus and Acmon, the healer Iapyx, his son Ascanius, and their guide Mimas. He carried with him the Lares and Penates, the statues of the household gods of Troy, and transplanted them to Italy.

(From here on, the Greek myths make room for the Roman mythology, so the Roman names of the gods will be used). After a brief, but fierce storm sent up against the group at Juno’s request, Aeneas and his fleet made landfall at Carthage. Aeneas had a brief affair with the Carthaginian queen Elissa, also known as Dido, who proposed that the Trojans settle in her land and that she and Aeneas reign jointly over their peoples. Once again, this was in favor of Juno, who was told of the fact that her favorite city would eventually be defeated by the Trojans’ descendants.

However, the messenger god Mercury was sent by Jupiter and Venus to remind Aeneas of his journey and his purpose, thus compelling him to leave secretly and continue on his way. When Dido learned of this, she ordered a funeral pyre to be constructed for herself; and standing on it, she uttered a curse that forever would pit Carthage against Rome. She then committed suicide by stabbing herself and falling on the pyre. When Aeneas later traveled to Hades, he called to her ghost but she neither spoke nor acknowledged him.

The company stopped on the island of Sicily during the course of their journey. After the first trip, before the Trojans went to Carthage, Achaemenides, one of Odysseus‘ crew who had been left behind, traveled with them. After visiting Carthage, the Trojans returned to Sicily where they were welcomed by Acestes, king of the region and son of the river Crinisus by a Dardanian woman.

Soon after arriving in Italy, Aeneas made war against the city of Falerii. Latinus, king of the Latins, welcomed Aeneas’s army of exiled Trojans and let them reorganize their life in Latium. His daughter Lavinia had been promised to Turnus, king of the Rutuli, but Latinus received a prophecy that Lavinia would be betrothed to one from another land – namely, Aeneas. Latinus heeded the prophecy, and Turnus consequently declared war on Aeneas at the urging of Juno, who was aligned with King Tarchon of the Etruscans and Queen Amata of the Latins. Aeneas’ forces prevailed. Turnus was killed and his people were captured. According to Livy Aeneas was victorious but Latinus died in the war. Aeneas founded the city of Lavinium, named after his wife. He later welcomed Dido’s sister, Anna Perenna, who then committed suicide after learning of Lavinia’s jealousy.

After his death, his mother, Venus asked Jupiter to make her son immortal. Jupiter agreed and the river god Numicius cleansed Aeneas of all his mortal parts and Venus anointed him with Ambrosia and Nectar, making him a god. Aeneas was recognized as the god Indiges.

Family and legendary descendants

Aeneas had an extensive family tree. His wet-nurse was Caieta, and he is the father of Ascanius with Creusa, and of Silvius with Lavinia. The former, also known as Iulus, founded Alba Longa and was the first in a long series of kings. Romulus and Remus were both descendants of Aeneas through their mother Aphrodite, making Aeneas progenitor of the Roman people. Some early sources call him their father or grandfather. The Julian family of Rome, most notably Julius Cæsar and Augustus, traced their lineage to Ascanius and Aeneas. The legendary kings of Britain also trace their family through a grandson of Aeneas, Brutus.

The legend of Aeneas (Virgil,The Aeneid)

Aeneas started from a country in Asia with his followers in search of the land of his ancestors. Moved on by destiny, he wandered round the seven seas for many years carrying his home gods (1.31-32). Aeneas’ father appeared to him in a vision and warned that the people of Latium are tough and primitive (5.722-734). Afterwards he passed by the land of Circe, daughter of the Sun. From her palace groaning roars of angry lions resentful at their captivity were heard through the small hours. The lions were said to be men once upon a time and turned into beasts by Circe (7.10-20). At last, Aeneas landed at Latium. A strange portend occurred at the court of Latinus, king of the land. The dress of his daughter, Lavinia, appeared to have been set on fire. At an oracle, Latinus was advised not to seek alliance from Latin race and the would be son-in-law shall come from overseas (7.74-100). The ambassadors of Aeneas went to the court of Latinus and offered him regalia of their empire and many embroidered vestments as gifts. Latinus recognized that Aeneas was to become his son-in-law. He promised to give his daughter in marriage to Aeneas annulling her earlier betrothal with Turnus (7.243-273), king of a neighbouring land, who was said to have captured many cities in war (12.21-23). Turnus came to know about it and ordered his army commanders to march against Latinus and the new comers. (7.465-470) The first to arm his men and enter the war was the irreligious Mezentius, king of Agylla and friend of Turnus (7.647-653). Some fighters on his side wore feline skins. Aeneas travelled to a distant land for war alliance with King Evander, his relative, who ruled
on Palatine Hill (8.90-100). Aeneas told him that Daunian people were about to subjugate the whole of Hesperia, and the seaboards of Tuscan and Adriatic (8.146-149). Evander told him that Turnus was menacing them. Also, their neighbours were oppressed by insolent tyranny, damnable massacres and cruel force of Mezentius (8.473-484). Goddess Venus presented to Aeneas divine weapons made by God Vulcan
(8.528-536). Two messengers were sent from Latium in quest of Aeneas to bring him back soon. (9.226-310) The men of Aeneas at Latium closed up their ranks and stiffened resistance. Turnus went in twice at the thick of the foe, but the whole garrison came running to form up against him and he fled from the battle field (9.788-818). Aeneas returned to Latium. Turnus was made to flee from the battle field (10.657-660). Mezentius dashingly took Turnus’ place, but was soon felled by Aeneas (10.689-786). Before dying, Mezentius admitted that he was beset by his own people’s bitter hatred (10,904-905). Tiger skin dressed princess Camilla (11.577), with a retinue of female warriors, entered the field (11.653- 659). Seeing her example, Italian women took to poles and stakes to defend their city (11.890-895). Turnus invited Aeneas for a duel to settle who would have Lavinia (12.78-80). While the terms of the truce were being accepted, war broke out again (12.282). Aeneas was wounded by an arrow (12.318-326). His goddess mother, Venus, brought health giving ambrosia and cured his wound (12.411-424). Aeneas raced to the battle field with his men. The men of Turnus took to their heels and fled. Turnus was again made to flee from the battle field (12.450-475). At last, the duel was fought and Turnus was killed.

Trojan War: Roleplaying in the Age of Homeric Adventure

A Mythic Vistas Sourcebook for the d20 System

Written by Aaron Rosenberg

Aeneas is a large, well-built man with blond hair and extremely handsome features. He is the son of Aphrodite and the Trojan prince Anchises,
and the leader of the Dardanian forces. Aeneas is also second-in-command of the Trojan forces, and considered their greatest military leader after Hector. Aeneas is a warrior, and like Hector, he favors direct speech and action. He is less blunt than Hector, however, and uses his words and his looks to good effect. Aeneas’ closest ally is his mother Aphrodite, who constantly watches over him.

Aeneas
Male major divine off spring Charioteer 14/Orator 2;
Medium humanoid;
Hit Dice	14d10+42 plus 2d6+6; hp 132;
Initiative	+4
Speed	Spd 35 ft.;
Armor Class	AC 31, touch 14, flat-footed 27;
Base Attack/Grapple	+15 /+18
Attack	+19 melee (1d6+4/19-20, +1 short sword of speed) or +19 ranged (1d8+4, throwing spear);
Full Attack	+19/+19/+14/+9 melee (1d6+4/19-20, +1 short sword of speed) or +19 ranged (1d8+4, throwing spear);
Space/Reach	5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks	sideswipe, wheeled attack;
Special Qualities	beyond limits, captive audience, capture, chariot expertise, charmer, glib, gauge skill, improved voice command, skilled horseman, skillful maneuvering, trained steeds, voice command, +4 bonus to saves against divine spells;
Saves	Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +9;
Abilities	Strength 16, Dexterity 18, Constitution 16, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 14, Charisma 18.
Skills	Bluff +10 (+12 against audiences, +16 against commoners), Diplomacy +8 (+10 against audiences, +14 against commoners), Drive +11, Gather Information +6, Handle Animal+11, Intimidate +14 (+16 against audiences, +20 against commoners), Knowledge (tactics) +8, Listen +4, Perform (oratory) +8 (+10 against audiences, +14 against commoners), Ride+6, Sense Motive +6;
Feats	Chariot Attack*B, Distinctive*, Drive-By Attack*B, Favored*, Noble*, Pampered*, Persuasive, Stunning*.
Environment	–
Organization	–
Challenge  Rating	18
Treasure	–
Alignment	Lawful Good

Possessions: +1 burnished layered bronze panoply, +1 layered round bronze shield, +1 short sword of speed, throwing spears, metal chariot drawn by the Horses of Tros, heavy warhorses granted by Zeus to King Tros in payment for his abduction of Ganymede. They are faster than any mortal horse (+10 land speed), and have damage reduction 10/magic.