Talaus, King of Argos

Medium humanoid (human), lawful good

---

Lore & Background

Talaus, son of Bias and Pero, was King of Argos and sailed with Jason as one of the Argonauts. Known for his wisdom, courage, and devotion to his lineage, Talaus’ significance lies in leadership and legacy rather than epic solo exploits. He fathered heroes such as Adrastus and Eriphyle, ensuring that Argos remained central to Greek myth, especially in the saga of the Seven Against Thebes.

In D&D, Talaus can appear as:

• A quest-giving monarch, guiding adventurers toward threats to his kingdom.
• A battlefield commander, whose presence inspires allies.
• A patriarchal figure, offering political and martial wisdom.

---

Stat Block Summary

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

Saving Throws: Str +7, Con +6, Wis +6, Cha +7
Skills: Athletics +7, Persuasion +7, Insight +6, History +4
Senses: Passive Perception 13
Languages: Ancient Greek (Common), Celestial
Challenge Rating: CR 9 (5,000 XP)

---

Defenses

• Armor Class: 19 (Bronze Shield of Hera, Mantle of the Lion-Hearted)
• Hit Points: 180 (24d8+72)
• Speed: 30 ft.

---

Traits

Royal Authority. Allies within 30 ft. of Talaus gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed while they can see or hear him.

Veteran Argonaut. Talaus has advantage on attack rolls when at least one ally is within 5 ft. of his target.

---

Actions

Multiattack. Talaus makes two melee attacks.

Bronze Fang (Spear). Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+4) piercing damage, or 10 (1d10+4) if two-handed. On a critical hit, one ally within 30 ft. may immediately make a weapon attack as a reaction.

Argive Shortblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6+4) slashing damage. If used immediately after a spear attack, deal +3 damage.

Commanding Shout (Recharge 5–6). Up to three allies within 30 ft. may move up to half their speed and make one weapon attack.

---

Reactions

Defend the Line. Talaus imposes disadvantage on an attack targeting an adjacent ally.

Inspiring Counter. When reduced below half hit points, all allies within 30 ft. gain 10 temporary hit points.

---

Legendary Actions

Talaus can take 2 legendary actions per round:

• Spear Attack. Make one Bronze Fang attack.
• Command Ally (Costs 2 Actions). One ally within 30 ft. makes a weapon attack.

---

Equipment

• Bronze Fang. +1 spear; on critical hits, summons ancestral aid for one ally.
• Argive Shortblade. Masterwork xiphos for quick strikes.
• Mantle of the Lion-Hearted. Advantage on saving throws against fear; once per long rest, grants resistance to all damage for 1 round.
• Bronze Shield of Hera. +2 AC; can cast Shield of Faith once per long rest.

---

Design Notes

This version emphasizes Talaus’ mythological accuracy: he is a leader and inspirer, a strong warrior without divine “phase changes.” He is best suited for strategic encounters where his leadership and positioning impact allies, reflecting his role as King of Argos and patriarch of heroes.

---

Talaus, King of Argos (Mythic)

Medium humanoid (human), lawful good

---

Lore & Mythic Role

Talaus, son of Bias and Pero, ruled Argos with wisdom and courage, and sailed with Jason as one of the Argonauts. Unlike heroes seeking fame, Talaus’ legacy lies in leadership, family, and preservation of Argive power. He fathered Adrastus, Eriphyle, Mecisteus, and other figures central to the Seven Against Thebes, ensuring Argos’ influence in Greek myth.

In combat, Talaus is less a solo powerhouse and more a commander-hero. His Mythic Trait awakens when he is close to defeat, channeling the spirit of Argos to inspire allies and turn the tide of battle.

---

Stat Block Summary

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

Saving Throws: Str +7, Con +6, Wis +6, Cha +7
Skills: Athletics +7, Persuasion +7, Insight +6, History +4
Senses: Passive Perception 13
Languages: Ancient Greek (Common), Celestial
Challenge Rating: 11 (7,200 XP) or 13 (13,000 XP) with Mythic Trait

---

Defenses

• Armor Class: 19 (Bronze Shield of Hera, Mantle of the Lion-Hearted)
• Hit Points: 210 (28d8+84)
• Speed: 30 ft.

---

Traits

Royal Authority. Allies within 30 ft. gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed while Talaus is conscious and visible.

Veteran Argonaut. Advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 ft. of his target.

Mythic Trait — Legacy of Argos (1/long rest). When reduced to 0 hit points, Talaus does not fall. Instead, he regains 90 hit points and unlocks Mythic Actions for 3 rounds. While active, all allies within 60 ft. gain 10 temporary hit points at the start of their turns.

---

Actions

Multiattack. Talaus makes two melee attacks.

Bronze Fang (Spear). Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8+4) piercing damage, or 10 (1d10+4) if two-handed. On a critical hit, one ally within 30 ft. may make a weapon attack as a reaction.

Argive Shortblade. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6+4) slashing damage. If used immediately after a spear attack, deals +3 damage.

Commanding Shout (Recharge 5–6). Up to three allies within 30 ft. can move up to half their speed and make one weapon attack.

---

Reactions

Defend the Line. Talaus imposes disadvantage on an attack targeting an adjacent ally.

Inspiring Counter. When first reduced below half his hit points, all allies within 30 ft. gain 10 temporary hit points.

---

Legendary Actions

Talaus can take 3 legendary actions per round:

• Spear Attack. Make one Bronze Fang attack.
• Command Ally (Costs 2 Actions). One ally within 30 ft. can make a weapon attack.
• Step of the King (Costs 2 Actions). Move up to half his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.

---

Mythic Actions (Legacy of Argos)

Activated when Mythic Trait triggers:

• Echoes of Heroes (Costs 2 Actions). Up to two allies within 60 ft. gain advantage on their next attack or saving throw.
• Ancestral Spear (Costs 3 Actions). Talaus hurls Bronze Fang with spectral kings aiding him. One creature within 60 ft. must make a DC 16 Dexterity save, taking 18 (4d8) piercing + 18 (4d8) radiant damage on a failure, or half on a success.
• Lion of Argos (Costs 3 Actions). Talaus unleashes a mighty roar. All allies within 60 ft. gain resistance to all damage until the start of his next turn.

---

Lair Actions (Throne of Argos)

On initiative count 20:

• Argive Resolve. Allies gain advantage on their next attack roll.
• Spectral Retinue. Summons 1d4 ancestral shades (use Spiritual Weapon 4th-level stats).
• Royal Decree. One enemy of Talaus’ choice must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom save or be stunned until the end of its next turn.

---

Equipment

• Bronze Fang. +1 spear; summons ancestral aid on a critical hit.
• Argive Shortblade. Masterwork xiphos for close combat.
• Mantle of the Lion-Hearted. Advantage on saving throws vs. fear; once per long rest, grants resistance to all damage for 1 round.
• Bronze Shield of Hera. +2 AC; can cast Shield of Faith once per long rest.

---

Design Notes

Talaus with Mythic Trait is a commander-hero who scales with the battle. His power comes from leadership and legacy, making him a challenging foe or powerful ally. The Mythic Trait ensures he remains central to the encounter, inspiring allies and altering the battlefield in line with his mythological role as King of Argos and patriarch of heroes.

Talaus, King of Argos

CR 10
XP 9,600
Male human fighter 10 (king, leader)
NG Medium humanoid (human)

---

Defense

AC: 25, touch 13, flat-footed 21 (+4 armor, +4 shield, +4 Dex, +3 natural)
HP: 105 (10d10+50)
Fort: +11, Ref: +6, Will: +8
Defensive Abilities: Royal Presence
DR: —
Immune: —
Weaknesses: —

---

Offense

Speed: 30 ft.

Melee:

• Bronze Fang +1 spear +15/+10 (1d8+7/19–20) or two-handed +15/+10 (1d10+7/19–20)
• Argive Shortblade +1 +14/+9 (1d6+6/19–20)

Ranged:

• Bronze Fang +1 spear +12 (1d8+7/19–20)

Special Attacks:

• Commanding Shout (3/day): Direct up to three allies within 30 ft.; they can move up to half their speed and make one attack.

---

Statistics

Str 20, Dex 18, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 18
Base Atk: +10; CMB: +15; CMD: 28
Feats: Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Initiative, Leadership (10), Weapon Focus (Spear), Weapon Specialization (Spear), Combat Reflexes, Improved Shield Bash, Improved Sunder
Skills: Diplomacy +19, Intimidate +19, Knowledge (History) +12, Knowledge (Nobility) +12, Sense Motive +12, Swim +14, Ride +11
Languages: Common, Celestial

SQ:

• Royal Presence: Allies within 30 ft. gain a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saving throws vs. fear while Talaus is conscious.

Combat Gear: Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds ×2, Potion of Bull’s Strength ×1
Other Gear: Bronze Fang +1 spear, Argive Shortblade +1, Bronze Shield of Hera (+2 AC), Mantle of the Lion-Hearted (+1 AC, advantage on fear saves), full plate

---

Ecology

Environment: Mediterranean-style coastal kingdom or city-state
Organization: Solitary or accompanied by royal guard (5–10 fighters)
Treasure: Standard (weapons, armor, royal regalia, potions)

---

Description

Talaus is a dignified, imposing figure with the bearing of a seasoned warrior and wise king. His time as an Argonaut honed both his martial skill and his capacity for leadership. He is measured and commanding, protecting his allies and inspiring loyalty through both words and deeds.

---

Combat Strategy

Talaus prefers to command from the front lines, using his Commanding Shout to coordinate allies and turn the tide of battle. He wields Bronze Fang for reach or ranged attacks, switching to Argive Shortblade when enemies close in. His shield and plate armor allow him to sustain attacks while bolstering the morale of those around him.

Talaus, King of Argos (Mythic)

CR 12
XP 19,200
Male human fighter 10 (king, leader)
NG Medium humanoid (human)

---

Defense

AC: 27, touch 13, flat-footed 22 (+4 armor, +4 shield, +4 Dex, +5 natural)
HP: 180 (10d10+100)
Fort: +13, Ref: +7, Will: +10
Defensive Abilities: Royal Presence, Mythic Trait – Legacy of Argos
DR/Immune/Weaknesses: —

---

Offense

Speed: 30 ft.

Melee:

• Bronze Fang +2 spear +18/+13 (1d8+8/19–20) or two-handed +18/+13 (1d10+8/19–20)
• Argive Shortblade +2 +16/+11 (1d6+7/19–20)

Ranged:

• Bronze Fang +2 spear +15 (1d8+8/19–20)

Special Attacks:

• Commanding Shout (3/day): Direct up to three allies within 30 ft.; they can move up to half their speed and make one attack.
• Mythic Trait – Legacy of Argos (1/day): When reduced to 0 HP, Talaus regains 90 HP and can use his Mythic Abilities for 3 rounds. Allies within 60 ft. gain 10 temporary hit points at the start of each of their turns while active.

---

Statistics

Str 22, Dex 18, Con 18, Int 12, Wis 16, Cha 20
Base Atk: +10; CMB: +17; CMD: 30
Feats: Power Attack, Cleave, Improved Initiative, Leadership (10), Weapon Focus (Spear), Weapon Specialization (Spear), Combat Reflexes, Improved Shield Bash, Improved Sunder, Dodge, Mobility
Skills: Diplomacy +22, Intimidate +22, Knowledge (History) +12, Knowledge (Nobility) +12, Sense Motive +12, Swim +15, Ride +12
Languages: Common, Celestial

SQ:

• Royal Presence: Allies within 30 ft. gain +1 morale bonus to attack rolls and saves vs. fear while Talaus is conscious.

Combat Gear: Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds ×2, Potion of Bull’s Strength ×1
Other Gear: Bronze Fang +2 spear, Argive Shortblade +2, Bronze Shield of Hera (+2 AC), Mantle of the Lion-Hearted (+1 AC, advantage on fear saves), full plate

---

Mythic Abilities

• Echoes of Heroes (2 actions): Up to two allies within 60 ft. gain a +2 morale bonus on their next attack roll or saving throw.
• Ancestral Spear (3 actions): Talaus hurls Bronze Fang, calling spectral Argive kings. One enemy within 60 ft. must succeed on a DC 18 Reflex save or take 18 (4d8) piercing + 18 (4d8) radiant damage, half on success.
• Lion of Argos (3 actions): Talaus roars, granting all allies within 60 ft. resistance to all damage until the start of his next turn.

---

Ecology

Environment: Mediterranean-style coastal kingdom or city-state
Organization: Solitary or with royal guard (5–10 fighters)
Treasure: Standard (weapons, armor, royal regalia, potions)

---

Description

Talaus is a tall, dignified man with the bearing of both a seasoned warrior and wise king. His experience as an Argonaut and ruler has forged him into a masterful strategist and inspiring leader. When his Mythic Trait activates, he becomes the embodiment of Argos’ enduring legacy, rallying allies and striking fear into foes.

---

Combat Strategy

Talaus leads from the front, using Commanding Shout to coordinate allies and control the battlefield. He attacks with Bronze Fang at range or melee, switching to Argive Shortblade for close combat. When reduced to near defeat, he activates Legacy of Argos, restoring HP and using Mythic Abilities to maximize ally effectiveness and battlefield control.