Buy me a coffeeJason, Prince of Ioclus
“Jason, the unstoppable Prince of Iolcus, leads the Argonauts on a perilous quest for glory, gods, and the legendary Golden Fleece!”
- Alias – Captain of the Argo, The Golden Fleece Seeker, Exiled Prince
- Gender – Male
- Race – Human (Mortal)
- Occupation – Hero, Adventurer, Argonaut Captain, Exiled Prince
- Religion – Worships the Olympian gods, though his faith is often strained (favored by Hera, but resents divine interference)
- Allies – The Argonauts (Heracles, Orpheus, Atalanta, Castor & Pollux, etc.), Medea (formerly), Chiron the Centaur
- Enemies – King Pelias, King Aeëtes of Colchis, Medea (after their betrayal), the Olympian gods (eventually)
- Abode/Base of Operations – Originally Iolcus, later Corinth, and ultimately a ruined shipyard where the Argo lay decayed
- Nationality – Greek (Thessalian, from Iolcus)
- Languages – Ancient Greek, possibly Colchian (due to his time in Colchis)
- Alignment – Chaotic Good (in his prime), shifting towards Neutral or even Chaotic Neutral after his downfall
- Affiliation(s) – The Argonauts, the Royal House of Iolcus (disputed), Corinthian nobility (briefly)
- Significant others – Medea (lover-turned-nemesis), Glauce (briefly married before her tragic death)
Long before the age of empires, before Athens and Sparta waged their wars, there was a prince named Jason, born of a broken kingdom and destined for greatness. His tale is one of rightful kingship stolen, impossible trials faced, and a legacy that would echo through the halls of Olympus and beyond.
The Stolen Throne
Jason was the son of Aeson, the rightful king of Iolcus, a prosperous city on the coast of Thessaly. But his birthright was stolen before he was old enough to claim it. His uncle, the cruel and ambitious Pelias, usurped the throne, casting Aeson into prison and ordering the slaughter of any potential heirs.
But Jason’s mother, fearing for her son’s life, deceived Pelias by claiming the infant was stillborn. In secret, she sent Jason away to the care of Chiron, the wise centaur who had trained many of Greece’s greatest heroes. Under Chiron’s tutelage, Jason grew into a skilled warrior, a cunning strategist, and a leader whose words could inspire gods and mortals alike.
When he came of age, Jason learned of his stolen kingdom and swore to reclaim it. With nothing but his wits and his will, he descended from the mountains of his youth and set out for Iolcus, ready to confront his uncle.
The Bargain of the Golden Fleece
Jason arrived in Iolcus wearing only a single sandal, having lost the other while crossing a river to help an old woman—who was, in truth, the goddess Hera in disguise. This seemingly small event fulfilled a dark prophecy that had long haunted Pelias: a man with one sandal would be his downfall.
Fearing his nephew but unable to kill him outright, Pelias instead proposed a seemingly impossible task:
“If you are truly the rightful king, prove your worth. Bring me the Golden Fleece of Colchis, and the throne is yours.”
The fleece—an artifact of divine power—was guarded in the distant land of Colchis, across the perilous Black Sea, protected by an army of warriors, a kingdom ruled by a ruthless king, and a dragon that never slept. No man had ever attempted such a journey and returned.
But Jason was no ordinary man.
He gathered Greece’s greatest heroes—including the mighty Heracles, the swift-footed Atalanta, the musician Orpheus, and the twin sons of the North Wind—and built the fastest ship ever crafted: the Argo. Thus, the Argonauts were born, and their legend would rival even the exploits of gods.
The Trials of a Hero
The voyage of the Argonauts was marked by trials that tested not only Jason’s strength, but his cunning and leadership.
- The Clashing Rocks (Symplegades): Jason used strategy rather than brute force, sending a dove ahead to test the deadly passage.
- The Harpies’ Curse: He freed the blind prophet Phineus from torment by calling upon the Boreads, winged warriors among his crew.
- The Iron Men of Colchis: Upon reaching Colchis, King Aeëtes demanded Jason plow a field with fire-breathing bulls, sow dragon’s teeth, and battle the warriors that sprung from the ground.
Jason would have failed—if not for Medea.
Medea: The Sorceress and the Betrayal of Blood
Medea, daughter of Aeëtes, fell in love with Jason, her heart ensnared by the will of the gods. A powerful sorceress, she betrayed her own family to aid Jason, crafting spells to tame the bulls, teaching him to turn the dragon-toothed warriors against each other, and finally lulling the great dragon to sleep so Jason could seize the Golden Fleece.
Together, they fled Colchis, but their escape was marked by blood and shadow. Pursued by Medea’s furious father, she committed an unspeakable crime, slaying her own brother and scattering his remains into the sea to slow their pursuers. Jason, who had relied on Medea’s power to succeed, did not protest—but he did not forget.
The two returned to Iolcus victorious, but Pelias refused to yield the throne. Medea, using her sorcery, tricked Pelias’ own daughters into murdering him, promising that she could restore him to youth—only for them to realize their terrible mistake too late. But rather than making Jason king, the murder of Pelias made them outcasts. Jason had his revenge, but not his crown.
Banished, the two fled to Corinth, where Jason, now restless, began to see Medea not as his savior, but as a curse.
The Fall of Jason
Years passed, and Jason, ever the ambitious prince, sought to secure his legacy by marrying the Corinthian princess, Glauce. Medea, having sacrificed everything—her family, her homeland, and her soul—for Jason, was cast aside.
But Jason underestimated the wrath of a woman scorned.
Medea unleashed a vengeance more terrible than any monster Jason had ever faced. She sent Glauce a gifted robe, enchanted to burst into flames, consuming her in an unholy fire. Then, in her final act of spite, she slew the children she had borne Jason, robbing him of his future.
As Jason crumbled in grief, Medea vanished into the skies, carried away by a chariot of dragons, leaving him a broken man.
The Tragic End
Once, Jason had commanded the loyalty of gods and heroes. Now, he wandered the world alone, his name cursed rather than sung.
His final days were spent in exile near the ruins of his once-glorious ship, the Argo. And there, in a cruel twist of fate, a beam from the decaying vessel broke loose and struck him down, ending the life of Greece’s once-greatest hero.
Jason died not in battle, nor in glory, but as a man abandoned by fate itself.
Yet his legend endures—a cautionary tale of ambition, betrayal, and the fleeting nature of greatness.
Jason, Prince of Iolcus
Jason, Prince of Iolcus
Jason, Prince of Iolcus
Legendary Hero, Captain of the Argonauts, Doomed Champion of the Gods
Medium Humanoid (Human, Mythic), Chaotic Good
Armor Class 24 (Bronze Breastplate of Iolcus, Shield of Heroes)
Hit Points 525 (30d10+300)
Speed 40 ft.
Ability Scores
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 (+10) | 22 (+6) | 28 (+9) | 18 (+4) | 20 (+5) | 32 (+11) |
Saving Throws
Strength +18, Dexterity +14, Constitution +17, Wisdom +13, Charisma +19
Skills Athletics +18, Persuasion +21, Insight +15, History +14, Perception +15
Damage Resistances Radiant, Thunder, Slashing (non-magical)
Damage Immunities Charm, Fear, Exhaustion
Senses Passive Perception 25
Languages Common, Celestial, Ancient Colchian
Challenge 26 (90,000 XP) | Proficiency Bonus +8
Legendary Hero Traits
Argonaut’s Rally (1/Turn).
Whenever Jason rolls initiative, he and up to six allies within 60 feet gain 20 temporary hit points and advantage on attack rolls and saving throws against being charmed or frightened for 1 minute.
Favored by Hera.
Jason can reroll one failed attack, ability check, or saving throw per turn, invoking the will of the gods to twist fate in his favor.
Golden Fleece’s Blessing (1/Day).
Jason can touch a creature and restore up to 200 hit points, remove all curses, and restore missing body parts.
Actions
Multiattack.
Jason makes three melee attacks with Xiphos of the Argonauts or Spear of Thessaly.
Xiphos of the Argonauts (Mythic, Radiant Burst). Melee Weapon Attack: +18 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
- Hit: 22 (3d8+10) slashing damage + 15 (3d10) radiant damage.
- Critical Hit: If Jason scores a critical hit, the target must succeed a DC 22 Constitution saving throw or be blinded for 1 minute.
Spear of Thessaly (Returning, Thunderstrike). Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +16 to hit, reach 10 ft. or range 60 ft., one target.
- Hit: 19 (2d10+10) piercing damage + 10 (2d8) thunder damage.
- Thrown: If thrown, the spear returns to Jason’s hand immediately after the attack.
Argonaut’s Challenge (Recharge 5–6).
Jason issues a heroic challenge to up to three creatures within 60 feet. Each target must make a DC 22 Wisdom saving throw or be forced to attack Jason on their turns for 1 minute, with disadvantage against any other targets.
Bonus Actions
Hero’s Defiance (1/Day).
When reduced to 0 hit points, Jason can make a DC 20 Constitution saving throw. On a success, he instead drops to 1 HP, gains 50 temporary HP, and removes all conditions affecting him.
Fleet of Foot.
Jason can take the Dash or Disengage action as a bonus action.
Legendary Actions (3/Turn)
Jason can take three legendary actions, choosing from the options below.
- Swift Strike. Jason makes one melee weapon attack.
- Bolster Allies. Jason shouts a rallying cry, granting up to three allies within 30 feet advantage on their next attack roll.
- Leap of Heroes (Costs 2 Actions). Jason leaps up to 60 feet, ignoring difficult terrain and making a Xiphos attack on landing.
Mythic Actions (If reduced to half HP, CR increases to 28)
When Jason reaches half HP or lower, he unleashes his full heroic potential, gaining 30 additional temporary hit points, resistance to all damage, and unlocking new mythic actions at the end of each of his turns.
- Unbreakable Will (1/Turn). Jason automatically succeeds one saving throw of his choice.
- Shield of the Gods (Costs 2 Actions). Jason raises his shield, granting himself and allies within 20 feet +4 AC until the start of his next turn.
- Final Gambit (Costs 3 Actions, 1/Day). Jason unleashes a devastating, god-forged attack, striking all enemies within 30 feet.
- Each enemy must make a DC 24 Dexterity saving throw, taking 75 (10d12) radiant and thunder damage on a failed save, or half on a success.
- This attack ignores resistance to non-magical damage.
Lair & Regional Effects (If Jason Commands an Argonaut Camp or Iolcus)
- Argonaut’s Legacy: While Jason is present, his allies cannot be frightened and gain +5 HP at the start of their turn.
- The Gods Watch: Once per day, the DM can reroll any d20 in Jason’s presence.
- Weight of Legend: Any bard within 5 miles telling Jason’s tale gains inspiration and +4 to Perform (Oratory) checks.
Roleplaying Jason
Jason, at his height, is a warrior-king of mythic proportions, blessed by the gods yet cursed by fate. He is charismatic, bold, and determined, leading his allies with unwavering confidence. Though he thrives in battle, his true strength lies in his leadership and the loyalty he inspires. However, his tragic pride can lead to recklessness, and he struggles with the weight of destiny.
- As an Ally: Jason is an unstoppable force on the battlefield, rallying warriors and carving through enemies with precision. He offers guidance, wisdom, and tactical brilliance, but can be headstrong and relentless in his pursuit of greatness.
- As a Rival or Antagonist: He is a relentless duelist, impossible to intimidate, and a tactical genius. To defeat Jason, one must outthink him, not outfight him—for his sheer willpower alone can defy the odds.
“Glory fades, but legends endure. If you fight, fight well—so your name is never forgotten.”
— Jason, Prince of Iolcus, Captain of the Argonauts
Jason, Prince of Iolcus
Male Human (Mythic Hero) Fighter 18 / Bard 4 / Mythic Champion 6
CN (formerly CG) Medium Humanoid (Human, Mythic, Extraplanar-Blessed)
CR: 20 / MR: 6
XP: 307,200
Defenses
AC: 37, touch 23, flat-footed 31 (+10 armor, +5 Dex, +5 natural, +4 deflection, +3 shield)
HP: 345 (18d10+4d8+180) (Fast Healing 10)
Fort +20, Ref +16, Will +15; +4 vs fear effects
Immune: Charm, Fear, Exhaustion
Resist: Radiant 20, Sonic 10
DR: 10/Epic
Offense
Speed: 40 ft.
Melee:
- Xiphos of the Argonauts +34/+29/+24/+19 (1d8+14/17-20, +3 mythic weapon, radiant burst)
- Spear of Thessaly +32/+27/+22 (1d10+12/x3, +2 returning, thundering)
Ranged:
- Spear of Thessaly +32 (1d10+12/x3, range 60 ft., returns automatically)
Special Attacks:
- Argonaut’s Challenge (Su): 3/day, force up to 3 enemies to duel Jason (Will DC 25 negates). They suffer -4 to attacks against anyone but Jason for 1 minute.
- Mythic Cleave: Jason may take a 5-ft step before making a Cleave attack.
- Legendary Strike: Once per round, Jason can ignore DR and immunity to critical hits.
- Final Gambit (Ex): 1/day, Jason can expend all Mythic Power to unleash a devastating strike, dealing 10d10+50 thunder damage (DC 28 Reflex halves).
Mythic Power (6/day, Surge +1d12)
- Limitless Endurance (Ex): Jason does not suffer from fatigue, exhaustion, or forced march effects.
- Indomitable Will (Ex): If Jason fails a Will save, he can expend 1 Mythic Power to reroll it.
- Gods’ Blessing (Su): Once per day, Jason may reroll a failed saving throw as the gods shift fate in his favor.
Statistics
Str 30, Dex 20, Con 26, Int 18, Wis 17, Cha 32
Base Atk +22; CMB +35; CMD 48
Feats: Power Attack, Leadership, Iron Will, Great Cleave, Vital Strike, Mythic Power Attack, Heroic Resolve, Fleet, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus (Longsword), Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Improved Initiative, Stunning Critical
Skills: Diplomacy +30, Intimidate +28, Knowledge (History) +25, Perform (Oratory) +29, Sense Motive +24, Perception +22, Survival +20
Languages: Common (Ancient Greek), Celestial, Colchian
Special Qualities
- Captain of the Argonauts (Ex): Any ally within 30 feet gains +4 to Will saves and attack rolls when fighting alongside Jason.
- Favored by Hera (Su): 1/day, Jason may reroll any d20 roll with a +4 bonus.
- Hero’s Defiance (Ex): When reduced to 0 HP, Jason makes a DC 20 Fortitude save. If successful, he instead remains at 1 HP and gains Fast Healing 20 for 2 rounds.
Equipment
- Xiphos of the Argonauts (+3 Mythic, Radiant Burst, Indestructible) – Glows with divine energy, dealing +2d6 radiant damage against evil foes.
- Spear of Thessaly (+2 Thundering Returning Spear) – Deals +1d8 thunder damage and returns to Jason’s hand instantly.
- Bronze Breastplate of Iolcus (+4, DR 5/–, Fear Resistance)
- Golden Fleece Fragment (1/day, restore 50 HP as a swift action)
Regional Effects (If Jason is Present in Iolcus or an Argonaut’s Camp)
- Argonaut’s Rally: Allies within 1 mile gain +5 temporary HP and immunity to fear.
- The Gods Watch: Once per day, the GM can reroll any d20 in Jason’s presence.
- The Weight of Legend: Any bard telling Jason’s tale gains inspiration and a +4 bonus on Perform (Oratory).
Tactics & Roleplaying Jason
- Tactical Warrior – Jason prefers precision over brute force, targeting weak points in an opponent’s strategy.
- Leader, Not a Lone Wolf – He uses Argonaut’s Challenge to lock down threats while bolstering allies.
- Hero Turned Tragic – Though once a selfless leader, Jason is now a cynical survivor who resents the gods’ interference.
“Glory fades, but legends endure. If you fight, fight well—so your name is never forgotten.”
—Jason, Prince of Iolcus, Captain of the Argonauts
See Also Jason and the the Argonauts