Buy me a coffeeSalmoneus “The Impersonator, The Deceiver, The False Prophet”
Salmoneus is a short and stocky man with a round face and a sly grin that never seems to leave his lips.
- Alias – The Impersonator, The Deceiver, The False Prophet
- Gender – Male
- Race – Human
- Occupation – Traveling salesman, Miracle worker, Impersonator
- Religion – Polytheistic (worships all gods, but only for personal gain)
- Allies – Other merchants and businessmen, those he has tricked into believing in his false miracles
- Enemies – The authorities, particularly those who seek to expose his fraudulent practices, the gods (after he impersonated them)
- Abode/Base of operations – Varies, as he is always on the move, but he often sets up temporary tents or stalls in marketplaces and town squares
- Nationality – Greek
- Languages – Greek, some Latin and other regional dialects
- Alignment – Chaotic neutral
- Affiliation(s) – None in particular, but he often associates with other merchants and traders
- Significant others – None known, as his personal relationships are often overshadowed by his obsession with power and wealth
Salmoneus is a complex character with a rich history that spans across the ancient Greek world. He is a man of ambition and cunning, always striving to achieve greater heights and amass wealth and power. Salmoneus is known for his flamboyant personality and grandiose schemes, which often land him in trouble with the authorities.
As a young man, Salmoneus was fascinated with the gods and their powers. He saw the temples and shrines as symbols of wealth and prestige, and he set his sights on becoming a wealthy and powerful man by exploiting the people’s beliefs. He became a traveling salesman, peddling false relics and performing fake miracles to win the favor of the people.
Over time, he became more daring and started to impersonate the gods themselves, staging elaborate displays of power and thunder to awe his audiences. He convinced himself that he was doing the people a service by providing them with hope and inspiration, but his true motives were always to enrich himself and increase his influence.
His schemes eventually caught up with him when he tried to pass himself off as Zeus, king of the gods. This blatant act of hubris enraged the gods, and they struck him down with a bolt of lightning, destroying his chariot and leaving him to die in the rubble.
Despite his ignoble end, Salmoneus remains a fascinating figure in Greek mythology, embodying the human desire for power and prestige. His legacy serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of wealth at all costs.
Salmoneus, the False Prophet
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic neutral
Armor Class 14 (leather armor)
Hit Points 85 (10d8 + 40)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (+0) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 12 (+1) | 13 (+1) | 18 (+4) |
Saving Throws Wis +3, Cha +7
Skills Deception +7, Insight +3, Persuasion +7, Sleight of Hand +6
Senses passive Perception 11
Languages Common, Latin, Greek
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Actions
Multiattack. Salmoneus makes two attacks with his short sword or two ranged attacks with his daggers.
Shortsword. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage.
Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4+3) piercing damage.
False Miracle. Salmoneus attempts to deceive a target within 30 ft. of him with a fake miracle or impressive display of power. The target must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target is charmed by Salmoneus for 1 minute or until Salmoneus or one of his allies harms the target. Salmoneus can’t use this ability again until he completes a short or long rest.
Reaction
Evasion. When Salmoneus is subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, he instead takes no damage if he succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if he fails.
Equipment
Shortsword, 2 daggers, leather armor, 50 gp in assorted coins and jewelry, a set of false religious relics and other props for his performances.
Lair Actions
Mirage. Salmoneus creates an illusory version of himself or one of his allies within 30 ft. of himself. The illusory creature appears to be real and can perform actions as if it were a real creature, but it has no physical substance and deals no damage. The illusory creature lasts for 1 minute or until it takes any damage.
Misdirection. Salmoneus causes one creature within 30 ft. of himself to become disoriented and confused. The creature must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be incapacitated for 1 round.
Legendary Actions
Salmoneus can take 1 legendary action per round, choosing from the options below:
Cheating Move. Salmoneus makes a single attack with his short sword or one ranged attack with his dagger.
Feint. Salmoneus makes a Deception check contested by the target’s Insight check. If Salmoneus wins the contest, he gains advantage on his next attack against the target.
Bluffing Words. Salmoneus attempts to deceive a target within 30 ft. of him with a convincing lie or false promise. The target must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the target believes Salmoneus and will follow his commands for 1 round. Salmoneus can’t use this ability again until he completes a short or long rest.