Buy me a coffeeButes, the Sea-Borne Champion, “Lover of Aphrodite”
“Meet the Greek hero whose steamy romance with Aphrodite sparked divine intrigue and legendary drama!”
- Alias: Butas
- Gender: Male
- Race: Human
- Occupation: Hero, bee keeper, local king
- Religion: Worships Aphrodite and follows Hellenic religious practices
- Allies: Argonauts (e.g., Jason, Heracles), Aphrodite
- Enemies: Sirens, Poseidon (indirectly, due to his involvement with Aphrodite)
- Abode/ Base of operations: Originally Thessaly or Iolcus in Greece, later Lilybaeum (modern-day Marsala, Sicily); also associated with his kingdom in Sicily
- Nationality: Greek
- Languages: Greek
- Alignment: Chaotic Good
- Affiliation(s): Argonauts, Aphrodite
- Significant others: Aphrodite
Butes is a distinguished hero known for his adventurous spirit, divine connections, and significant roles as a bee keeper and Sicilian king. Son of Teleon and Zeuxippe (daughter of the river god Eridanus), Butes is an Argonaut renowned for his voyage in pursuit of the Golden Fleece. His father is occasionally referred to as Aeneus in different accounts.
Key Events and Exploits
- Voyage with the Argonauts: As a member of Jason’s Argonauts, Butes encounters numerous challenges, distinguishing himself through bravery and resilience.
- Encounter with the Sirens: During their journey, the Argonauts sail past the Sirens, whose enchanting songs lure sailors to their doom. Unlike his companions, Butes is captivated and dives into the sea. Aphrodite saves him by transporting him to Lilybaeum (modern-day Marsala, Sicily).
- Life in Sicily: In Lilybaeum, Butes becomes Aphrodite’s lover, marking a significant shift in his life. Additionally, he is known for his expertise as a bee keeper and his role as a local king in Sicily.
Character Description
- Bravery and Charm: Butes is a figure of courage and charisma, demonstrated through his heroic deeds and relationships. His struggle against the Sirens’ allure shows his vulnerability, adding depth to his character.
- Romantic and Sensitive Nature: His relationship with Aphrodite reveals a blend of heroism and romance, highlighting his emotional complexity.
- Leadership and Practical Skills: His role as a bee keeper and king showcases his practical skills and leadership abilities, emphasizing his contributions to his community.
Fears and Motivations
- Fear of Temptation: He fears the irresistible allure of temptations like the Sirens’ song. This fear challenges his heroic status and personal integrity.
- Desire for Recognition: He is motivated by a quest for recognition, striving to prove his worth both in his heroic endeavors and personal life.
- Protectiveness and Fulfillment: Driven by a need to protect loved ones and achieve personal satisfaction, Butes seeks to balance his heroic pursuits with personal desires.
Goals and Aspirations
- Legacy of Heroism: He aims to be remembered for his heroism, his divine romance with Aphrodite, and his contributions as a bee keeper and king.
- Balanced Life: He strives to harmonize his heroic achievements with his personal and practical roles, aiming for a legacy that reflects his bravery, leadership, and emotional depth.
Conclusion
Butes’ life intertwines heroism, divine influence, and practical achievements. From his daring rescue by Aphrodite to his roles in Sicily, his story reflects a rich blend of personal challenges and broader aspirations, making him a memorable and multifaceted figure.
Butes, Hero of the Argonauts
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic good
Armor Class 16 (Leather Armor + Shield)
Hit Points 120 (16d8 + 48)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 15 (+2) |
Saving Throws Strength +8, Dexterity +7, Constitution +7
Skills Acrobatics +7, Athletics +8, Perception +6, Persuasion +6
Damage Resistances Cold, Thunder
Senses Passive Perception 16
Languages Common, Greek
Challenge 8 (3,900 XP)
Traits
Brave. He has advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Heroic Resilience. When he takes damage from a creature he can see, he can use his reaction to reduce the damage by 10 (3d6 + 4). He can use this ability twice per short or long rest.
Divine Intervention. Once per long rest, he can call upon Aphrodite’s favor to cast the greater restoration spell without material components.
Actions
Multiattack. Butes makes three attacks with his spear.
Spear. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d8 + 6) piercing damage.
Charm of Aphrodite (Recharge 5–6). As an action, Butes can invoke the charm of Aphrodite to cast charm person at 4th level. The target must succeed on a DC 14 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Butes for 1 hour. The target regards Butes as a trusted friend to be heeded and protected. The effect ends if Butes or his allies do anything harmful to the target.
Rescue from the Sea (1/Day). As an action, Butes can summon a divine wave of water to wash away enemies in a 30-foot line that is 10 feet wide. Each creature in that line must make a DC 16 Strength saving throw, taking 36 (8d8) bludgeoning damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. Creatures that fail the save are knocked prone.
Reactions
Shield of Divine Favor. When a creature Butes can see attacks him, he can use his reaction to impose disadvantage on the attack roll. If the attack misses, the attacker is pushed 10 feet away from Butes.
Equipment
- Spear +1. This +1 spear grants him a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls made with it. Additionally, once per day, Butes can use the spear to cast water walk on himself and up to six willing creatures he can see within 30 feet of him.
- Leather Armor of the Sea. This armor grants him resistance to cold damage and allows him to breathe underwater and swim at a speed of 30 feet.
- Charm of Aphrodite. An amulet that allows Butes to use the charm person spell as described in his Charm of Aphrodite action.
Legendary Actions
Butes 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. Butes regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
- Attack. Butes makes one attack with his spear.
- Charm of Aphrodite (Costs 2 Actions). Butes uses his Charm of Aphrodite.
- Divine Shield (Costs 3 Actions). Butes creates a protective aura around himself and all allies within 10 feet. Until the end of the next turn, all affected creatures have advantage on saving throws against being frightened and gain 10 temporary hit points.
Description
Butes is depicted as a tall, muscular hero with a commanding presence. His attire and equipment blend practicality with symbolic elements, reflecting his divine favor and heroic nature. His abilities highlight his connection to the sea, his charm, and his role as a resilient and influential figure in both myth and local affairs.