Alcmene

“Alcmene: The Divine Mother of Hercules – A Tale of Beauty, Sacrifice, and Heroic Legacy!”

• Alias: None
• Gender: Female
• Race: Human
• Occupation: Homemaker, Mother
• Religion: Greek Mythology (Worshipper of the Hellenic Pantheon)
• Allies: Hercules, Amphitryon, Chiron (Centaur mentor), Other mortal heroes
• Enemies: Hera (Zeus’s wife and Hercules’s divine enemy), Monsters and creatures threatening her family
• Abode/Base of Operations: Thebes, Greece
• Nationality: Greek
• Languages: Ancient Greek
• Alignment: Lawful Good
• Affiliation(s): The House of Perseus, Heroes of Greek Mythology
• Significant Others: Amphitryon (Husband), Zeus (Father of Hercules)

Alcmene, a remarkable figure of Greek mythology, is a woman of great beauty and unwavering strength. She possesses a noble heart and an unyielding spirit, driven by her love for her family and the pursuit of justice. As the mortal mother of the legendary hero Hercules, Alcmene’s story is one of both triumph and tragedy.

Born into a respected lineage, Alcmene grows up with a deep sense of virtue and integrity. She embodies grace and compassion, captivating all who encounter her with her wisdom and kindness. Alcmene’s life takes an unexpected turn when Zeus, the king of gods, disguises himself as her husband Amphitryon and conceives a child with her, who would later be known as Hercules.

Faced with the burden of raising a demigod, she embraces her role as a mother with unwavering devotion. She nurtures Hercules with love and instills in him the values of honor and courage. Alcmene’s ultimate goal is to protect her son, ensuring that he grows up to fulfill his destiny and become a beacon of hope in the world.

Despite her unconditional love for Hercules, Alcmene endures great hardships. She faces the wrath of Hera, Zeus’s jealous wife, who relentlessly seeks to punish her for Zeus’s infidelity. Alcmene’s resilience shines through as she confronts adversity with unwavering determination, remaining steadfast in her commitment to her family.

As a character, Alcmene embodies the virtues of motherhood, strength, and endurance. Her journey is one of sacrifice and triumph, as she navigates the complexities of divine lineage and the challenges of raising a demigod. Alcmene’s unwavering love for her son drives her actions, propelling her to protect him from the forces that threaten to derail his heroic path.

Ultimately, Alcmene’s story is a testament to the power of a mother’s love and the indomitable spirit of a woman who stands against the odds. Her legacy lives on through the extraordinary deeds of her son Hercules, forever marking her as a legendary figure in Greek mythology.

Alcmene, Queen of Mycenae

Medium humanoid (human), lawful good

Armor Class: 17 (breastplate) Hit Points: 120 (16d8 + 48) Speed: 30 ft.

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

Saving Throws: Wis +5, Cha +7 Skills: Insight +5, Persuasion +7 Senses: Passive Perception 12 Languages: Common, Ancient Greek Challenge: 8 (3,900 XP)

Actions

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 8 (1d6+4) slashing damage.

Commanding Presence (Recharge 5-6). Alcmene uses her commanding presence to rally her allies. Each friendly creature within 30 feet of her that can hear her gains advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw.

Reactions

Shielded Guardian. When a creature within 5 feet of Alcmene is targeted by an attack, she can use her reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll.

Legendary Actions

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

• Move. Alcmene moves up to her speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
• Commanding Strike. Alcmene makes a melee weapon attack with her shortsword.
• Inspiring Words (Costs 2 Actions). Alcmene delivers an inspiring speech, granting advantage on all attack rolls and saving throws to friendly creatures of her choice within 30 feet of her until the end of their next turn.

Equipment

• +1 Shortsword
• Breastplate
• Shield
• Adventurer’s Pack
• Holy Symbol
• Signet Ring of Mycenae
• Potion of Healing

Features

Queen’s Authority. Alcmene is the queen of Mycenae and holds authority over her subjects. She can command the loyalty and assistance of her people, gaining advantage on Charisma checks made to interact with the citizens of Mycenae.

Blessing of the Gods. Alcmene is blessed by the gods and has advantage on saving throws against spells and other magical effects.

Alcmene, the revered Queen of Mycenae, stands tall in her breastplate, wielding her shortsword with authority. As a charismatic and inspiring leader, she has the ability to rally her allies with her commanding presence. Protected by her shield and surrounded by her loyal subjects, she exudes the authority befitting a queen. Her blessed status grants her resilience against magical forces, allowing her to protect her people and lead them with wisdom and grace.

Plot Hooks

• The Labors of Heracles: Alcmene seeks the aid of the players to assist her son, Heracles, in completing his renowned Twelve Labors. They must accompany him on his perilous quests, facing mythical beasts, retrieving sacred artifacts, and overcoming divine challenges, all while ensuring his success and protecting him from the wrath of vengeful gods.
• The Nemean Lion’s Hide: Alcmene tasks the players with tracking down and slaying the ferocious Nemean Lion, whose impenetrable hide is said to be invulnerable to weapons. They must devise a cunning plan and use their wits to overcome the creature, retrieving its hide as a symbol of Heracles’ courage and strength.
• The Search for the Golden Fleece: Alcmene enlists the players to aid her grandson, Jason, in his quest to retrieve the fabled Golden Fleece. They must assemble a crew of legendary heroes, navigate treacherous seas, confront mythical creatures, and outwit powerful sorceresses to secure the fleece and restore glory to their kingdom.
• The Prophecy of Zeus: Alcmene receives a prophecy from the mighty Zeus, foretelling a great calamity that will befall Mycenae. She entrusts the players with deciphering its cryptic message and undertaking a series of quests to avert the impending disaster, all while contending with the interference of jealous gods and vengeful monsters.
• The Labyrinth’s Secret: Alcmene unveils a hidden secret within the ancient Labyrinth of Crete, believed to hold a powerful artifact or forbidden knowledge. The players must navigate the treacherous maze, solve intricate puzzles, and face the wrath of the monstrous Minotaur to uncover the truth and claim the ancient boon for the betterment of Mycenae.
• The Wrath of Hera: Alcmene seeks the players’ assistance in appeasing the vengeful goddess Hera, who seeks to punish her family for their connection to Zeus. They must undertake a series of quests to prove their loyalty, gather rare offerings, and find a way to earn Hera’s favor, protecting Alcmene’s lineage from her divine wrath.
• The Oracle’s Prophecy: Alcmene consults a powerful oracle, who reveals a prophecy of great significance to the fate of Mycenae. The players must unravel the prophecy’s enigmatic riddles, seek out hidden clues, and undertake a quest to fulfill its prophecy, which could lead to the kingdom’s prosperity or its downfall.
• The Sacred Games: Alcmene invites the players to participate in the sacred games held in honor of the gods. They must prove their worth in athletic and intellectual challenges, competing against legendary heroes and mythical beings, all to win the favor of the gods and bring glory to Mycenae.
• The Gift of Immortality: Alcmene discovers a hidden pathway to the realm of the gods, where mortals can earn their place among the immortals. She tasks the players with embarking on a perilous journey to seek the divine ambrosia and nectar, the elixirs of immortality. They must overcome divine trials, resist temptations, and prove themselves worthy of the gods’ blessing.
• The Mysterious Oracle of Delphi: Alcmene enlists the players to visit the renowned Oracle of Delphi, seeking her prophetic guidance. They must navigate the treacherous path to the Oracle’s sanctuary, face the enigmatic priestess, and interpret her cryptic prophecies that hold the key to the future of Mycenae.

Currently in the World

Alcmene is a woman of regal beauty, with flowing golden hair, piercing blue eyes, and a serene countenance that radiates grace and wisdom. She possesses an air of maternal strength and warmth, with a gentle smile that brings comfort to those around her. Her stature is elegant and poised, reflecting her noble lineage.

Currently, Alcmene is sitting in the courtyard of her home in Thebes, enjoying the warm sunshine that bathes the surroundings. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of birds. She is surrounded by lush greenery, with a small fountain nearby that adds a soothing melody to the peaceful atmosphere.

Alcmene’s mood is one of contentment and maternal pride. She is engaged in conversation with her son, Hercules, who sits beside her. Her eyes sparkle with love and admiration as she listens to his stories and imparts her wisdom. Despite the challenges she has faced and the trials endured, she maintains an unwavering sense of inner strength and resilience. Her presence exudes a sense of calm and stability, providing a nurturing and supportive environment for her family.