Chryseis, Oracle of Apollo

“Captivating Trojan Maiden: Chryseis’ Epic Tale of Abduction, Plague, and Revenge Unveiled!”

• Alias – Astynome
• Gender – Female
• Race – Human
• Occupation – Former queen, later a survivor of war
• Religion – Associated with the worship of Apollo
• Allies – Chryses (father), Chryses (son), allies from her hometown
• Enemies – Agamemnon and those who caused her suffering during the war
• Abode/Base of Operations – Initially Lyrnessus, later her hometown
• Nationality – Trojan
• Languages – Trojan, potentially Greek due to her captivity
• Alignment – Lawful Neutral
• Affiliation(s) – Associated with her family and the Trojan people
• Significant Others – Eetion (husband, deceased), Agamemnon (brief captor), Chryses (son)

Introduction: Chryseis, a Trojan woman of captivating beauty, lives in the shadow of the ongoing Trojan War. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes a central figure in a divine quarrel, leading to her abduction and subsequent entanglement in the affairs of kings and gods.

Background: Daughter of Chryses, the esteemed priest of Apollo, Chryseis finds herself caught between the clash of Achaean and Trojan forces. Initially the wife of Eetion, king of Lyrnessus, her fate becomes a tragic thread woven into the larger tapestry of the war. Abducted and claimed by Agamemnon, she experiences the tumultuous world of Greek heroes and their power struggles.

Character Description: Chryseis is described as very young and thin, with milky skin, blond hair, and small breasts. Despite her physical beauty, she becomes a pawn in the hands of powerful men, facing the challenges of survival in a war-torn landscape.

Fears: Chryseis fears the capricious whims of the gods, the brutal dynamics of war, and the uncertainties of her own destiny. Her heart longs for safety, family, and a return to the simplicity of her life before the war.

Motivations: Driven by the desire for freedom, Chryseis navigates the complex political and divine currents surrounding her. Her motivations intertwine with survival, justice, and a yearning to reunite with her family and homeland.

Goals: In the midst of chaos, Chryseis seeks to break free from the chains of captivity, navigate the treacherous waters of gods and kings, and ultimately reclaim agency over her life. Her goal is to emerge from the shadows of war as a woman of resilience and strength.

Current Pursuits: Chryseis, having endured the hardships of abduction and the subsequent return to her father, faces a pivotal moment. She grapples with the challenges of raising her son, Chryses, and finding a sense of normalcy in a world marred by conflict.

Aspirations: In the aftermath of her turbulent journey, Chryseis aspires to carve a path of autonomy and independence. Her story becomes a testament to the enduring spirit of those caught in the crossfire of epic conflicts.

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Chryseis, Oracle of Apollo

Medium humanoid (human), lawful neutral

Armor Class 12 (natural armor)

Hit Points 110 (13d8 + 52)

Speed 30 ft.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
10 (+0)	14 (+2)	18 (+4)	14 (+2)	20 (+5)	16 (+3)

Saving Throws WIS +8, CHA +6

Skills Insight +8, Religion +6

Senses passive Perception 15

Languages Common, Ancient Greek

Challenge 7 (2,900 XP)

Divine Foresight. Chryseis has advantage on saving throws against being blinded, charmed, deafened, frightened, or stunned.

Spellcasting. Chryseis is a 9th-level spellcaster. Her spellcasting ability is Wisdom (spell save DC 16, +8 to hit with spell attacks). She has the following cleric spells prepared:

• Cantrips (at will): Guidance, Light, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy
• 1st level (4 slots): Bless, Cure Wounds, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith
• 2nd level (3 slots): Augury, Lesser Restoration, Spiritual Weapon
• 3rd level (3 slots): Beacon of Hope, Dispel Magic, Revivify
• 4th level (3 slots): Death Ward, Divination
• 5th level (2 slots): Greater Restoration, Scrying
• 6th level (1 slot): Heal

Divine Intervention (1/Day). Chryseis can call on Apollo for aid. Roll a d100; on a roll of 1-5, Apollo intervenes, granting her a miracle.

Channel Divinity: Rebuke the Unholy. As an action, Chryseis can force each fiend or undead that can see or hear her within 30 feet of her to make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 16). On a failed save, the creature is turned for 1 minute or until it takes any damage.

Oracle’s Insight. Chryseis has advantage on Intelligence (History) and Wisdom (Insight) checks.

Actions

Staff of Divination. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d6 + 2) bludgeoning damage.

Healing Touch. Chryseis touches another creature. The target magically regains 20 (4d8 + 2) hit points and is freed from any curse, disease, poison, blindness, or deafness.

Reactions

Mystic Ward. When Chryseis or a creature within 10 feet of her takes damage, she can use her reaction to grant a +2 bonus to AC against that attack.

In Myth

Chryseis is a character from Greek mythology, notably appearing in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. In the Iliad, Chryseis is a Trojan woman, the daughter of Chryses, a priest of Apollo. Her real name is given as Astynome in some accounts.

The story unfolds during the Trojan War, where Chryseis becomes a central figure due to her capture by the Greeks. Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek forces, takes her as a captive and claims her as his concubine. This action leads to a conflict with Chryses, Chryseis’ father, who attempts to ransom her back.

Chryses brings rich gifts to the Greeks, hoping to secure his daughter’s release. However, Agamemnon refuses the ransom and treats Chryses disrespectfully. The outraged Chryses prays to Apollo for revenge, and the god sends a plague upon the Greek army.

In order to appease Apollo and lift the plague, Agamemnon is forced to return Chryseis to her father. However, to compensate for his loss, Agamemnon claims Briseis, Achilles’ concubine, leading to a conflict between the Greek heroes and resulting in Achilles withdrawing from the war.

Chryseis’ story is a poignant episode in the Iliad, highlighting themes of power, pride, and the consequences of disrespecting divine authority. Her character serves as a catalyst for significant events in the epic narrative.