Buy me a coffee“Erginus, the Stormborne Argonaut: Poseidon’s Unsung Hero of the High Seas”
“Erginus, the often-overlooked Argonaut and rumored son of Poseidon, sails into myth as a mysterious hero whose divine blood hints at untold power and forgotten legends.”
- Alias(es): Erginus of the Argo
- Gender: Male
- Race/Species: Demigod (Half-Human, Half-Divine)
- Occupation/Role: Sailor, Navigator, Argonaut
- Religion/Belief System: Polytheistic devotion to the Olympian pantheon; personal respect for Poseidon as both father and god
- Key Allies: Jason (leader of the Argonauts), Heracles, Orpheus, Castor and Pollux, the crew of the Argo
- Primary Enemies or Rivals: Those opposing the Argonauts’ quest (notably King Aeëtes of Colchis, the Doliones, hostile sea spirits, and storm-born dangers)
- Abode / Base of Operations: Born on the Greek mainland (likely a coastal city tied to Poseidon’s cult); his true home became the Argo during the quest
- Nationality / Cultural Background: Greek, with strong ties to maritime traditions and sea cults
- Languages Spoken: Ancient Greek; gifted with an intuitive “sense of the sea” inherited from Poseidon, allowing him to read winds, currents, and storms
- Moral Alignment: Neutral Good — loyal, cooperative, motivated by duty and collective success rather than fame
- Affiliations / Factions: The Argonauts (crew of Jason’s Argo)
- Significant Others / Romantic Ties: None recorded in myth; his devotion lay in his voyage and brotherhood with the crew
Erginus is a lesser-known figure of Greek mythology, remembered as one of the Argonauts who sailed with Jason in the quest for the Golden Fleece. Often described as a son of Poseidon, he embodies the archetype of the “unsung hero”—a steadfast sailor whose role was vital yet rarely celebrated. Unlike famed companions such as Heracles or Orpheus, Erginus left no individual exploits in legend; his significance lies in quiet endurance, loyalty, and a possible divine connection to the sea. His story reminds us that glory often rests not on heroes of renown, but on those who row unseen in the shadows of myth.
Early Life and Origins
The origins of Erginus are debated. In one tradition, he was born of noble mortal stock, a man of courage chosen for Jason’s voyage. In another, he was the child of Poseidon, a demigod whose blood tied him to the restless power of the sea.
This divine lineage, if true, shaped him subtly. He was no thunderous hero, yet the sea lived in his veins—its currents, moods, and endless call guiding him. From childhood, he was drawn to water, to oars and sails, to horizons that whispered of adventure. Where other sons of Poseidon carved empires or founded dynasties, Erginus sought only a place in the tide of greater stories.
The Voyage of the Argo
When Jason called for companions, Erginus stepped forward, not for glory, fame, or redemption, but simply to serve.
His role aboard the Argo is scarcely detailed in surviving epics. There are no tales of him slaying monsters or outwitting kings, yet without hands like his, the ship would never have left the shore. Erginus rowed through storms, steered through uncertainty, and bore the long, grueling days at sea. If he was Poseidon’s son, his divine connection may have been a quiet blessing, keeping the Argo safe when tempests threatened to swallow it whole.
He was not a hero of spectacle but of endurance—the kind whose strength lies in rhythm, vigilance, and loyalty, holding a crew together when hunger and fear could break them.
Character and Inner Struggle
Erginus’ story is defined by inner tension rather than flashy exploits:
- Motivations: He longed for belonging. As Poseidon’s son, he lived between worlds—too human to wield divine power fully, too divine to feel at home among mortals. Joining the Argo was his way to claim a place in a story greater than himself.
- Fears: In a culture where memory equals immortality, he feared being forgotten. To sail in the greatest voyage of myth yet remain unnamed haunted him.
- Goals: His ultimate aim was meaning, not renown. He sought to contribute to something enduring, even if his own presence faded in the retelling.
Legacy and Significance
Though rarely remembered, Erginus’ legacy lies in what he represents: the unsung hero. Epic quests are not won by leaders alone, but by countless others who row in silence. His possible divine lineage underscores the paradox of myth: even the children of gods could slip into obscurity if unrecorded by poets.
Erginus becomes a mirror for all who labor in the shadows of brighter figures. His life affirms that greatness is not always loud, nor always crowned with laurels. Sometimes, it is the steady hand on the oar that saves the voyage.
Conclusion
Erginus, the forgotten Argonaut, survives as a whisper in myth—a hero whose name outlives his deeds. He may never have slain a monster or wooed a goddess, yet he sailed beside those who did. Without him, the Argo would have been one rower weaker, one life less certain. His legacy is constancy, and in that quiet endurance lies a timeless power.
Erginus 5e 2024
Erginus, Mythic 5e 2024
Erginus, Pathfinder
Erginus, (Mythic) Pathfinder
Erginus, Son of Poseidon
Medium humanoid (demigod), Neutral Good
Lore & Background
Erginus is a steadfast Argonaut, son of Poseidon, who sailed with Jason on the quest for the Golden Fleece. Unlike heroes like Heracles or Orpheus, Erginus’ legend is one of endurance, loyalty, and maritime mastery rather than spectacular feats.
Blessed with divine heritage, he survives harsh seas, reads currents and winds with uncanny skill, and guides companions safely through storms. He embodies the unsung hero, quietly ensuring the success of epic quests.
Abilities Table
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 (+3) | 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) |
- Armor Class: 17 (studded leather + dexterity)
- Hit Points: 130 (14d8 + 70)
- Speed: 30 ft., Swim 50 ft.
Saving Throws
- Strength +6, Dexterity +7, Wisdom +6
Skills
- Athletics +6, Perception +6, Survival +6, Insight +6, Nature +4
- Proficient with Navigator’s Tools (ancient Greek: astrolabe, sounding line, and charts)
Damage Resistances
- Lightning; bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing from nonmagical attacks
Senses
- Passive Perception 16
- Darkvision 60 ft.
Languages
- Common, Primordial, Ancient Greek
Challenge Rating
CR 7 (2,900 XP)
Traits & Features
- Demigod Heritage (Poseidon’s Blessing): Can breathe underwater; swimming speed 50 ft.; advantage on saving throws against being knocked prone by waves, wind, or currents.
- Master Sailor: +5 bonus to navigation and ship-handling checks; can pilot a vessel through storms without risk of capsizing.
- Steadfast Hero: Allies within 15 ft. gain +1 to saving throws while he can see them.
- Sea’s Intuition (Recharge 5–6): Can cast Control Water at 4th level.
- Legendary Resilience (1/Short Rest): When reduced to 0 HP, drop to 1 HP instead.
- Storm-Touched Strikes: Melee or thrown attacks with his harpoon deal an extra 1d8 lightning damage.
Actions
- Harpoon (Melee or Thrown): +7 to hit, reach 10 ft. (melee) or range 30/120 ft. (thrown), one target.
- Hit: 1d10 + 3 piercing damage + 1d8 lightning damage.
- Thrown: Target must succeed on DC 15 Strength save or be pulled 10 ft. toward Erginus.
- Tidal Sweep (Recharge 5–6): Slams the deck or ground; creatures within 15 ft. must make DC 15 Strength save or be knocked prone and pushed 10 ft.
Reactions
- Tide’s Reflex: When a melee attack misses, Erginus can move up to 15 ft. without provoking opportunity attacks.
Optional Environmental / Sea-Based Actions
- Summon Waves: Turbulent water in a 30-ft. radius; creatures must make DC 15 Dexterity save or fall prone.
- Mist Veil: Dense fog in a 30-ft. radius, heavily obscured until the start of his next turn.
- Storm’s Boon (1/Encounter): Call a sudden gust or lightning strike in a 20-ft. radius. DC 15 Dexterity save or take 3d10 lightning damage.
Equipment
- Harpoon: Melee (1d10) or thrown (1d10) weapon; +1d8 lightning damage.
- Ancient Greek Navigation Tools: Astrolabe, sounding line, charts; grants proficiency bonus on navigation, sailing, and survival checks.
Personality & Roleplaying Hooks
- Calm and quietly heroic; prioritizes teamwork and mission success over personal glory.
- Provides a stabilizing presence during storms or maritime combat.
- Ideal for:
- Supportive NPC: Guides adventurers on nautical quests.
- Mid-Level Boss: Challenges parties at sea without overshadowing primary heroes.
- Mentor Figure: Embodies endurance, loyalty, and seamanship.
Erginus, Mythic Son of Poseidon
Medium humanoid (demigod), Neutral Good
Lore & Background
Erginus is a demigod son of Poseidon and a steadfast Argonaut who sailed with Jason in the quest for the Golden Fleece. Blessed with divine heritage, he commands the seas, summons storms, and wields lightning, while remaining calm, loyal, and heroic. He prioritizes allies and the success of missions over personal glory, embodying the mythic “unsung hero.”
Abilities Table
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 (+4) | 20 (+5) | 18 (+4) | 14 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 16 (+3) |
- AC: 18 (studded leather + dex) | HP: 220 (20d8 + 120) | Speed: 30 ft., Swim 60 ft.
Saving Throws & Skills
- Saving Throws: Str +8, Dex +9, Con +8, Wis +8
- Skills: Athletics +8, Perception +8, Survival +8, Insight +8, Nature +6
- Tools: Ancient Greek Navigator’s Tools (astrolabe, sounding line, charts)
Resistances & Senses
- Damage Resistances: Lightning; nonmagical bludgeoning, piercing, slashing
- Senses: Passive Perception 18, Darkvision 60 ft.
- Languages: Common, Primordial, Ancient Greek
Traits
- Demigod Heritage: Breathe underwater; swim 60 ft.; advantage vs being knocked prone by waves or currents
- Master Sailor: +6 to navigation/ship-handling; can pilot through storms without capsizing
- Steadfast Hero: Allies within 20 ft. gain +2 to saving throws
- Sea’s Wrath (Recharge 5–6): Cast Control Water (6th) or Call Lightning (5th)
- Legendary Resilience: Drop to 1 HP instead of 0 once per short rest
- Storm-Touched Strikes: Harpoon attacks deal +2d8 lightning damage
Actions
- Harpoon (Melee or Thrown): +9 to hit; 1d10 + 4 piercing + 2d8 lightning. Thrown: DC 17 Strength save or pulled 15 ft.
- Tidal Sweep (Recharge 5–6): Slam deck; creatures in 20 ft. make DC 17 Strength save or fall prone and pushed 15 ft.
Reactions & Legendary Actions
- Tide’s Reflex: Move 20 ft. without provoking when a melee attack misses
- Legendary Actions (3/round): Wave Dash (move + harpoon attack), Lightning Strike (Lightning Bolt 5th), Gust of Wind (60-ft. line, Strength save or prone)
Environmental / Lair Actions
- Summon Waves: 40-ft. radius; DC 17 Dex save or fall prone
- Mist Veil: 40-ft. heavily obscured until next turn
- Storm’s Boon (1/Encounter): Lightning strike or gust; DC 17 Dex save or 5d10 lightning damage
Equipment
- Harpoon: melee 1d10 / thrown 1d10, +2d8 lightning
- Ancient Greek Navigation Tools: astrolabe, sounding line, charts; proficiency bonus to navigation/sailing/survival checks
Personality & Roleplaying Hooks
Calm, heroic, prioritizes allies and mission success. Ideal as a mythic NPC companion, epic maritime boss, or legendary Poseidon-born figure demonstrating endurance and mastery over the sea.
Erginus, Son of Poseidon
Medium Humanoid (Demigod), Neutral Good
CR 10; XP 9,600
Init +9; Senses darkvision 60 ft., Perception +17
Defense
AC 27, touch 15, flat-footed 22 (+4 Dex, +1 dodge, +12 natural)
HP 155 (13d8+91)
Fort +13, Ref +12, Will +12
DR 5/-; Resistances lightning 10
Immune: water breathing; does not suffer fatigue while swimming
Offense
Speed 30 ft., swim 60 ft.
Melee: Harpoon +18/+13 (1d10+7 plus 2d6 electricity)
Ranged: Harpoon +16/+11 (1d10+7 plus 2d6 electricity, range 30 ft.; DC 17 Strength save or pulled 15 ft. toward Erginus)
Special Attacks:
- Tidal Sweep (30-ft. cone): DC 21 Strength save or creatures are knocked prone and pushed 15 ft.
- Storm’s Wrath (1/encounter): 5d6 electricity; DC 21 Reflex save for half
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 13; concentration +14):
- At will: Control Water, Water Breathing, Lightning Bolt (5th)
- 3/day: Call Lightning Storm
Statistics
Str 20, Dex 18, Con 20, Int 14, Wis 18, Cha 16
Base Attack +13/+8; CMB +15; CMD 30
Feats: Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Harpoon), Improved Initiative, Combat Reflexes, Lightning Reflexes, Dodge, Great Fortitude
Skills: Swim +22, Perception +17, Survival +17, Knowledge (Nature) +13, Acrobatics +12, Profession (Sailor) +15
Languages: Common, Aquan, Ancient Greek
Special Abilities
- Demigod Heritage (Poseidon’s Blessing): Breathe underwater; swim 60 ft.; +4 Swim and Acrobatics checks in water
- Master Sailor: +5 bonus on Profession (Sailor) and Knowledge (Geography) checks; can navigate through storms
- Storm-Touched Strikes: Harpoon attacks deal +2d6 electricity
- Legendary Resilience: Once per day, drop to 1 HP instead of 0
- Steadfast Hero: Allies within 15 ft. gain +2 on saves against fear and effects that knock prone
Combat Tactics
Erginus begins combat with Tidal Sweep to control positioning, uses harpoon attacks to manipulate foes, and casts Lightning Bolt or Call Lightning Storm when multiple enemies are in or near water. He protects allies, prioritizing mission success over personal glory.
Environment: Coastal or maritime
Organization: Solitary or with 1–4 sailors
Treasure: Harpoon +2 (electric), ancient navigation tools (astrolabe, charts, sounding line), minor magical items for survival at sea
Personality
Calm and heroic, Erginus embodies endurance and loyalty. Ideal as a mythic NPC companion, an epic maritime boss, or a legendary Poseidon-born figure demonstrating mastery over the sea.
Erginus, Mythic Son of Poseidon
Medium Humanoid (Demigod), Neutral Good
CR 14; XP 38,400
Init +11; Senses: darkvision 60 ft., Perception +21
Defense
AC 32, touch 17, flat-footed 25 (+5 Dex, +2 dodge, +15 natural)
HP 280 (20d8+180)
Fort +17, Ref +16, Will +16
DR 10/-; Resist lightning 20
Immune: water breathing; ignores fatigue while swimming; no environmental penalties in stormy or aquatic terrain
Offense
Speed: 30 ft., swim 90 ft.
Melee: Harpoon +24/+19 (1d10+10 + 4d6 electricity)
Ranged: Harpoon +22/+17 (1d10+10 + 4d6 electricity, 30 ft.; DC 22 Strength save or pulled 20 ft.)
Special Attacks: Tidal Sweep (30-ft. cone, DC 23 Strength save or prone/pushed 20 ft.), Storm’s Wrath (1/encounter, 8d6 electricity, DC 23 Reflex save half), Storm Control (3/day: Control Water or Call Lightning Storm)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 15; concentration +17): At will: Control Water, Water Breathing, Lightning Bolt (5th); 3/day: Call Lightning Storm
Statistics
Str 24, Dex 20, Con 24, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 18
Base Attack +19/+14/+9; CMB +24; CMD 36
Feats: Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Harpoon), Improved Initiative, Combat Reflexes, Lightning Reflexes, Dodge, Great Fortitude, Cleave, Improved Critical (Harpoon)
Skills: Swim +30, Perception +21, Survival +21, Knowledge (Nature) +17, Acrobatics +16, Profession (Sailor) +20
Languages: Common, Aquan, Ancient Greek
Special Abilities
Demigod Heritage: Breathe underwater; swim 90 ft.; +6 Swim/Acrobatics in water
Master Sailor: +8 on Profession (Sailor) and Knowledge (Geography); can navigate through storms
Storm-Touched Strikes: Harpoon attacks deal +4d6 electricity
Legendary Resilience: Once/day, drop to 1 HP instead of 0
Steadfast Hero: Allies within 20 ft. gain +2 on saves vs fear/prone effects
Storm Aura (Su): Free action; generate strong winds or waves in 20-ft. radius; enemies fail DC 22 Strength or Reflex save or fall prone
Combat Tactics
Starts combat with Tidal Sweep to control positioning. Uses harpoon attacks both melee and ranged, casting Lightning Bolt or Storm’s Wrath to hit groups in water. Protects allies, leveraging swim speed and Storm Aura for battlefield dominance.
Environment & Organization
Coastal, open sea, or stormy maritime zones; solitary or with 1–6 sailors/crewmates
Treasure
Harpoon +3 (electric), navigation tools (astrolabe, charts, sounding line), minor magical items for survival at sea
Personality & Roleplaying Hooks
Calm, heroic, and loyal; ideal as a mythic NPC companion, epic maritime boss, or legendary Poseidon-born figure in high-level nautical campaigns.