Alcyone, Herald of the Celestial Seas

“Discover the Mythical Tale of Alcyone, the Transformed Queen and the Calmer of Storms!”

• Alias: None
• Gender: Female
• Race: Nymph (frequently transformed into a kingfisher)
• Occupation: None specified
• Religion: Greek mythology (associated with the Hellenic Pantheon))
• Allies: Other nymphs, sea creatures
• Enemies: None specified
• Abode/Base of Operations: The skies and the sea
• Nationality: Greek
• Languages: Greek, Sylvian, Aquan
• Alignment: Neutral Good
• Affiliation(s): Nymphs of Greek mythology
• Significant others: Ceyx (deceased husband)

Alcyone is a captivating figure from Greek mythology, known as the transformed queen and the calmer of storms. She is a resilient and compassionate character driven by love and a deep sense of devotion. As the wife of Ceyx, the king of Thessaly, Alcyone’s life is intertwined with a tragic tale of love and loss.

Alcyone’s story begins with her unwavering love for Ceyx, a brave and adventurous king who sets sail on a treacherous voyage. Despite her fears, she supports her husband’s pursuits, understanding his longing for exploration and conquest. However, fate deals a cruel blow when a violent storm engulfs Ceyx’s ship, leading to his untimely demise.

Devastated by the news of her husband’s tragic fate, her grief knows no bounds. Her anguish and despair reach the heavens, catching the attention of the gods. In their divine mercy, they transform Alcyone into a beautiful seabird, an embodiment of her love for Ceyx.

As the transformed queen, Alcyone takes to the skies, traversing the vast oceans in search of her lost love. Guided by her unwavering determination, she uses her newfound abilities to calm the raging storms and protect sailors from harm. Alcyone’s actions reflect her deep empathy and desire to prevent others from experiencing the same heart-wrenching loss that she endured.

In her journey, Alcyone encounters various challenges and obstacles, facing both the turbulent forces of nature and her own inner turmoil. She seeks solace in her connection with the natural world and draws strength from her memories of Ceyx. Alcyone’s ultimate goal is to find peace and closure, to honor the memory of her beloved husband, and to continue her role as the protector of sailors, offering them safe passage through treacherous waters.

Through her transformation and her unwavering determination, Alcyone embodies the power of love, resilience, and the human spirit. Her story serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of love, the strength that can be found in the face of adversity, and the transformative power of compassion and empathy.

Alcyone, Herald of the Celestial Seas

Medium fey, neutral good

---

Armor Class 18 (natural armor)

Hit Points 180 (24d8 + 72)

Speed 30 ft., fly 60 ft.

---

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
12 (+1)	18 (+4)	16 (+3)	16 (+3)	20 (+5)	22 (+6)

Saving Throws Dex +8, Con +7, Wis +10, Cha +11

Skills Perception +10, Insight +10, Persuasion +11, Performance +11

Senses Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 20

Languages Greek, Sylvian, Aquan

Challenge 12 (8,400 XP)

---

Amphibious. Alcyone can breathe air and water.

Shapeshift (Recharge 5-6). As a bonus action, Alcyone can magically transform into a kingfisher. While in this form, her flying speed increases to 60 feet, and she gains the following additional abilities:

• Dive Attack. If Alcyone dives at least 30 feet straight toward a target and then hits it with a melee weapon attack, the attack deals an extra 14 (4d6) piercing damage.
• Aquatic Expertise. Alcyone gains advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made in water and can hold her breath for up to 1 hour.
• Kingfisher’s Grace. Alcyone has advantage on Dexterity saving throws and gains resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.

Innate Spellcasting. Alcyone’s spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19). She can innately cast the following spells, requiring no material components:

• At will: detect thoughts, invisibility, misty step
• 3/day each: charm person, calm emotions, mirror image, water breathing
• 1/day each: dominate person, modify memory, teleport

Spellcasting. Alcyone is a 9th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Charisma (spell save DC 19, +11 to hit with spell attacks). She has the following sorcerer spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): light, mage hand, prestidigitation, ray of frost
• 1st level (4 slots): charm person, feather fall, shield
• 2nd level (3 slots): detect thoughts, mirror image, misty step
• 3rd level (3 slots): counterspell, hypnotic pattern
• 4th level (3 slots): charm monster, dimension door
• 5th level (2 slots): dominate person, mislead

---

Actions

Pearl Trident. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage, and the target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be magically restrained by shimmering water chains. The restrained target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.

Tidal Wave. Alcyone raises her hand, conjuring a crashing tidal wave. Each creature of her choice within a 30-foot cone must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 28 (8d6) bludgeoning damage and being knocked prone on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Any creature that fails the save and is currently restrained by Alcyone’s Pearl Trident is also swept away by the wave, moved 30 feet in a direction of Alcyone’s choice and taking an additional 14 (4d6) bludgeoning damage upon impact.

---

Equipment

• Pearl Trident
• Aquatic-themed Robes
• Necklace of the Celestial Seas
• Ring of Water Walking
• Pouch of Aquatic Herbs and Salts

Features

Gift of the Seas. She possesses an inherent connection to the vast oceans, gaining advantage on saving throws against spells and effects related to water or drowning.

Siren’s Melody. Alcyone’s enchanting voice carries the power of the sea. As an action, she can unleash a captivating melody. Each creature of her choice within 30 feet that can hear her must succeed on a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute. A charmed creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. Creatures that are immune to being charmed are unaffected by this feature.

Queen of the Nereids. Alcyone holds authority over the nereids and other aquatic creatures, allowing her to call upon their aid when needed. She can cast conjure elemental (water) once per day without expending a spell slot.

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

Plot Hooks

• The Mourning of Alcyone: Alcyone, the grieving widow, walks the coastlines, her eyes filled with unshed tears and her heart heavy with loss. Her husband, Ceyx, perished at sea, and she seeks solace and a way to honor his memory. The party encounters her during her ritualistic mourning, her voice carrying mournful melodies that echo through the waves. They can offer their assistance, joining her in honoring Ceyx’s memory and finding closure for Alcyone’s grief. As they delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding Ceyx’s fate, they may uncover ancient prophecies, encounter vengeful sea spirits, or navigate treacherous storms to bring peace to Alcyone’s heart.
• The Feathered Messenger: Alcyone possesses a deep connection with the avian world, particularly kingfishers. She possesses the rare ability to communicate with these birds, understanding their messages and using them as her messengers. One day, a kingfisher arrives bearing a cryptic message, delivered by the gods themselves. Alcyone requests the party’s aid in deciphering the enigmatic words, which hold vital information about an impending threat to the seas or the location of a hidden treasure. The adventure takes the group on a quest to unravel the bird’s message, navigating treacherous waters, encountering mythical creatures, and ultimately facing the challenges that the message unveils.
• The Enchanted Lullaby: She possesses a gift bestowed upon her by the gods—the ability to soothe even the fiercest of storms with her enchanting lullaby. Rumors spread of a mighty sea serpent terrorizing coastal towns, wreaking havoc with its tempestuous rage. Alcyone, burdened with a sense of duty, seeks the party’s assistance in finding the necessary components for her enchanting melody. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to gather rare ingredients, face mythical guardians, and unlock the power of her lullaby. Their ultimate goal is to calm the sea serpent, restore balance to the region, and unveil the hidden truths behind the creature’s wrath.
• The Depths of Sorrow: Alcyone’s path crosses with a group of sirens whose melancholic songs have driven countless sailors to madness and despair. Distressed by their actions, Alcyone enlists the party to venture into the treacherous underwater caves that serve as the sirens’ lair. Their mission is twofold: to confront the sirens and find a way to break their enchanting spell. As they descend into the depths, the party must navigate treacherous underwater currents, decipher ancient riddles, and confront their own inner demons. The fate of lost sailors and the balance of power in the seas hang in the balance.
• The Tears of Alcyone: Alcyone, in her grief-stricken state, weeps tears of immense sorrow for her lost loved ones. Miraculously, these tears possess healing properties, capable of mending wounds and mending broken spirits. Word of her remarkable tears spreads far and wide, attracting desperate individuals seeking miraculous healing. However, Alcyone’s tears are a limited resource, and she must decide how to best use them to aid those in genuine need. The party is called upon to protect Alcyone from those who would exploit her abilities and help her discern the true intentions of those seeking her healing tears. This journey will test their moral compasses and provide opportunities to explore themes of sacrifice, compassion, and the limits of power.
• The Shrine of Alcyone: Alcyone is the revered patron of sailors, protectress of the seas, and her worshippers have built a grand shrine in her honor. However, a recent calamity has befallen the sacred site, desecrating its sanctity and invoking the wrath of the goddess. Alcyone seeks the aid of the party to investigate the mysterious occurrence, purify the shrine, and restore her divine blessings upon her faithful followers. The adventurers will face trials of faith, navigate treacherous sea caves, and confront malevolent entities attempting to extinguish the divine light of Alcyone’s presence.

These hooks delve deeper into the mythology and essence of Alcyone, offering players intricate and immersive storylines that tap into her emotions, relationships, and the unique aspects of her mythological background.

Currently in the World

Alcyone, a nymph transformed into a kingfisher, is a graceful and vibrant creature with shimmering feathers that display a range of azure hues. Her wings are delicate and streamlined, allowing her to navigate the skies with unparalleled agility. Her beak is slender and sharp, perfectly suited for catching fish beneath the surface of the water. Alcyone’s eyes glisten with wisdom and compassion, reflecting her deep connection to the natural world.

Currently perched on a branch overlooking a tranquil sea, Alcyone basks in the gentle warmth of the sun’s rays. The air around her is filled with the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore, providing a serene backdrop to her contemplative mood. The surrounding landscape is a picturesque blend of azure waters, sandy beaches, and lush vegetation. Alcyone’s presence brings an aura of tranquility to the scene, as if she embodies the peaceful harmony of nature itself.