Dardanus, Founder of Dardania

“From Divine Lineage to Legendary Conquests: Unveiling the Mythic Journey of Dardanus!”

• Alias: “The Great”
• Gender: Male
• Race: Demigod (Greek mythology)
• Occupation: Founder and ruler of the city of Dardanus
• Religion: Greek mythology (worship of the Olympian gods)
• Allies: Teucer, King of Samothrace; various allies from neighboring kingdoms
• Enemies: Paphlagonians and other rival factions
• Abode/Base of operations: Dardanus (city founded by Dardanus) on Mount Ida, Troad
• Nationality: Greek
• Languages: Ancient Greek
• Alignment: Lawful Neutral
• Affiliation(s): Olympian gods, Greek city-states
• Significant others: Chryse (first wife), Batea (second wife)

Dardanus, the son of Zeus and the Pleiad Electra, is a prominent figure in Greek mythology. He hails from Arcadia and is married to Chryse, with whom he has two sons, Idaeus and Deimas. After a catastrophic flood, Dardanus and his people settle in Samothrace before eventually migrating to Asia Minor due to the unfavorable conditions of their land. He establishes the city of Dardanus on Mount Ida, becoming its revered founder and ruler. He also expands his kingdom by engaging in successful wars against neighboring regions.

As a character, he possesses a deep sense of pride in his divine heritage and a strong desire to build a prosperous kingdom. He is driven by a determination to secure a better future for his people and establish a lasting legacy. He is known for his strategic prowess in warfare, skillful diplomacy, and remarkable leadership qualities. He navigates the challenges of establishing a new settlement, overcoming resistance from rival factions, and forging alliances with neighboring kingdoms. Despite his ambitious pursuits, he remains rooted in his ancestral ties and values, honoring the traditions and customs of his people.

Dardanus is motivated by a deep sense of responsibility as a leader, always striving to protect and improve the lives of his subjects. He seeks to create a stable and flourishing society, establishing laws, promoting cultural development, and fostering a sense of unity among his people. Along his journey, He encounters personal trials and tribulations, including familial conflicts and internal struggles, but he remains resolute in his vision for his kingdom’s prosperity.

Throughout his reign, he maintains a strong connection with the gods, seeking their guidance and favor in his endeavors. He pays homage to the divine through the construction of temples and the observance of religious ceremonies. Dardanus aspires to be a just and benevolent ruler, revered by his subjects and respected by his peers. His ultimate goal is to establish a kingdom that stands the test of time, leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Dardanus, Founder of Dardania

Medium humanoid (human), Lawful Neutral alignment

Armor Class 16 (breastplate) Hit Points 165 (20d8 + 80) Speed 30 ft.

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

Saving Throws Str +8, Con +8 Skills Athletics +8, History +7 Senses passive Perception 12 Languages Common, Ancient Greek Challenge 9 (5,000 XP)

Actions

Multiattack. He makes three melee attacks: one with his spear and two with his shortsword.

Spear. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 11 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage.

Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage.

Legendary Actions

He 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. Dardanus regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.

Legendary Strike. He makes one melee attack.

Inspiring Presence (Costs 2 Actions). He grants advantage on attack rolls and saving throws to one friendly creature within 30 feet. This effect lasts until the start of his next turn.

Spear Throw (Costs 2 Actions). He throws his spear at a target within 60 feet. The target must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 16 (3d10) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.

Equipment

He is equipped with historically accurate equipment:

• Breastplate
• Spear
• Shortsword
• Shield
• Leather boots
• Helmet

Special Abilities

Founder of Dardania. He is the legendary founder of the city of Dardanus and has a deep connection to his homeland. He has advantage on saving throws against effects that would compel him to leave or abandon his territory.

Heroic Legacy. He’s reputation as a hero and founder of a great kingdom inspires his allies. Friendly creatures within 30 feet of him gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws.

Mythical Ancestry. He is the son of Zeus and possesses a trace of divine blood. He has advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.

Plot Hooks

• The Prophecy of Dardanus: Centuries ago, seers and oracles foretold that a great hero named Dardanus would rise to unite the fractured land and bring an end to the age of strife. The players find themselves entangled in this prophecy, becoming instrumental in Dardanus’s quest to fulfill his divine destiny and rally the people under his banner. They must navigate political intrigues, gain the trust of wary factions, and prove their worthiness to aid Dardanus in his noble cause.
• The Lost Sword of Dardanus: Legends speak of a mythical sword forged by the gods themselves, entrusted to him as a symbol of his rightful rule. However, the sword has long been lost to the annals of time. Now, guided by ancient texts and hidden clues, the players embark on a perilous journey to retrieve the fabled weapon. Their quest takes them to forgotten ruins, treacherous dungeons, and encounters with mythical creatures, as they strive to restore the lost glory of Dardanus and secure his claim as the true leader of the land.
• The Ancient Pact: Ages ago, Dardanus made a sacred pact with the divine beings that watch over the land. But the details of this pact have faded into obscurity, leaving the land vulnerable to an impending catastrophe. The players are chosen by Dardanus to delve into forgotten temples, decipher cryptic prophecies, and seek guidance from ancient spirits. Through their discoveries, they piece together the terms of the pact, unlocking ancient powers and forging a new alliance with the gods to protect the land from the encroaching darkness.
• The Curse of the Bloodline: Dardanus’s bloodline is plagued by a curse that has brought suffering and tragedy to his family for generations. The players, each bearing their own burdens and connected to him through a twist of fate, are brought together to break the curse’s grip. They must embark on a harrowing journey, confronting ancestral spirits, delving into forgotten rituals, and making sacrifices to rewrite the destiny of his bloodline. The choices they make will determine whether they can free Dardanus and his kin from the curse’s grasp.
• The Fateful Betrayal: Once, a trusted ally turned traitor, leading to the downfall of Dardanus’s kingdom and the loss of countless lives. Dardanus enlists the players to uncover the truth behind the betrayal and seek justice. As they delve into shadowy conspiracies, navigate dangerous political landscapes, and unearth long-buried secrets, the players must confront the betrayer and make a choice that will shape the future of Dardanus’s realm. Will they embrace vengeance or strive for redemption?
• The Trials of Ascendancy: Dardanus seeks to find a worthy heir to carry on his legacy and safeguard the land. The players are selected as candidates for the trials of ascendancy, a series of arduous tests designed to assess their physical prowess, mental acuity, and moral fortitude. They compete against one another in deadly challenges, face their deepest fears, and confront moral dilemmas that will define their character. Only the one who proves themselves the most worthy will earn the right to be Dardanus’s chosen successor.
• The Secret Knowledge of Dardanus: Dardanus is the keeper of ancient knowledge and hidden arcane secrets, and he recognizes the potential in the players to become champions of his cause. He guides them through cryptic rituals, shares forgotten spells, and grants access to powerful artifacts. The players, bound by their thirst for knowledge and their desire to protect the land, must earn Dardanus’s trust and prove their dedication to unlocking the depths of his wisdom. Together, they delve into forbidden libraries, decipher esoteric texts, and harness the arcane to confront the threats that beset the realm.
• The Sacred Guardians: Dardanus reveals that the land is guarded by dormant and enigmatic beings known as the Sacred Guardians. These ancient entities, bound to protect the realm’s sacred sites, have fallen silent over the ages. The players are tasked with awakening these powerful guardians, forging alliances with them, and restoring balance to the land. They must seek out hidden sanctuaries, undergo mystic rituals, and prove themselves worthy of the guardians’ trust. Through their efforts, they aid him in preserving the land’s ancient wisdom and fending off the encroaching darkness.
• The Legacy of Dardanian Heroes: He regales the players with tales of legendary heroes who once stood as beacons of hope and valor in Dardanian history. Inspired by these tales, the players embark on a quest to retrace the footsteps of these heroes and gather artifacts associated with their heroic deeds. They face formidable challenges, battle mythical creatures, and overcome trials that test their mettle. By emulating the heroic virtues of their predecessors, the players contribute to the restoration of Dardanian honor and heritage, solidifying Dardanus’s legacy as a legendary figure in the land’s history.
• The Echoes of Dardanus: He is haunted by spectral visions and ethereal voices that echo through the ages, carrying messages of unfinished business and unresolved conflicts. The players are drawn into this ethereal realm, where they must unravel the mysteries of Dardanus’s past, confront vengeful spirits, and help him find peace by reconciling with his own history. They delve into ghostly realms, decipher cryptic messages, and venture into the realm of the dead to seek closure for the restless spirits that haunt Dardanus’s legacy.

Currently in the World

Physical Description: Dardanus is a tall and regal figure, with a strong and athletic build. He has wavy, shoulder-length hair and a well-groomed beard. His eyes are deep and piercing, reflecting a mixture of wisdom and determination. He carries himself with grace and confidence, always dressed in noble attire adorned with symbols of his royal lineage.

Current Activity: He is standing atop a hill overlooking the city of Dardanus, his kingdom. He is surveying the bustling streets and bustling markets, observing the progress of his people and the growth of his city. As the founder and ruler, he takes great pride in the prosperity and well-being of his subjects.

Surroundings: He is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Troad region. The hill on which he stands provides a panoramic view of the fertile plains, rolling hills, and the majestic Mount Ida in the distance. The city of Dardanus sprawls beneath him, with its impressive walls and architectural marvels. The air is filled with the sounds of daily life, echoing through the bustling streets.

Mood: He is filled with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction as he gazes upon his thriving city. He feels a deep connection to the land and its people, a sense of responsibility to lead them with wisdom and fairness. Dardanus exudes an aura of calm confidence, knowing that he has achieved his goal of establishing a prosperous kingdom and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.