Buy me a coffeeIdmon: The Seer Who Knew His Fate
“Idmon, the prophetic Argonaut seer fated to die yet brave enough to chase destiny, wields divine foresight that can tip the scales of any epic quest.”
- Alias(es): The Seer of the Argonauts, Prophet of Apollo
- Gender: Male
- Race/Species: Demigod (Divine/Mortal hybrid)
- Occupation/Role: Seer, Prophet, Argonaut
- Religion/Belief System: Worship of the Olympian gods, particularly Apollo
- Key Allies: Jason, the Argonauts (including Heracles, Orpheus, Castor, Pollux)
- Primary Enemies or Rivals: The natural perils of the quest (wild beasts, hostile tribes), fate itself
- Abode / Base of Operations: Argo (ship-based during the quest); Megara Heraclea (posthumous honor)
- Nationality / Cultural Background: Ancient Greek
- Languages Spoken: Ancient Greek
- Moral Alignment: Lawful Good (guided by duty, loyalty, and moral courage)
- Affiliations / Factions: Argonauts
- Significant Others / Romantic Ties: None recorded
“Idmon, the prophetic seer and son of Apollo, joined the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece, fully aware of a fatal prophecy. Renowned for his divine foresight and unwavering courage, he guided heroes through perilous challenges, embodying the tension between destiny and bravery. Though slain by a wild boar, his legacy endures as a symbol of foresight, sacrifice, and the heroic embrace of fate.”
Idmon, the prophetic seer and son of Apollo and the mortal Asteria, is one of the most poignant figures of Greek mythology. Renowned for his gift of foresight, he joined the legendary Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece, fully aware of the tragic fate that awaited him. His story is one of courage, destiny, and the tension between knowledge and mortality—a character who embodies the heroic confrontation with fate.
Early Life and Origins
Idmon was born the son of Apollo, the god of prophecy, and Asteria, a mortal woman, placing him at the intersection of divine insight and human experience. From birth, he exhibited extraordinary abilities to perceive omens and divine signs. Trained in the ancient arts of interpreting sacrifices, reading birds in flight, and discerning the whispers of the natural world, Idmon quickly gained a reputation as a seer whose knowledge bridged the mortal and divine realms. His divine heritage endowed him with foresight, while his mortal lineage allowed him to navigate human society, giving him a unique perspective on both fate and free will.
Major Events and Exploits
Joining the Argonauts:
Despite knowing a prophecy that foretold his death, Idmon courageously joined Jason and the Argonauts on their epic quest for the Golden Fleece. His choice reflects a rare blend of bravery and acceptance of fate, highlighting his moral and psychological depth.
Role on the Argo:
As the Argonauts’ seer, Idmon offered guidance and counsel in moments of uncertainty, interpreting signs that influenced the crew’s decisions. His divine insight provided both reassurance and warnings, making him indispensable in navigating the dangers of the journey.
Tragic Death:
Idmon’s prophecy ultimately came true when he was killed by a wild boar while foraging during the Argonauts’ sojourn with the Mariandyni in Bithynia. His death was not only a personal tragedy but also a profound emotional blow to the Argonauts, marking the first significant loss among the heroes.
Key Achievements
- Master Seer of the Argo: His foresight enabled the Argonauts to anticipate dangers and make strategic decisions.
- Embodying Fate and Bravery: By knowingly facing a foretold death, Idmon exemplified courage and moral fortitude.
- Posthumous Honor: The citizens of Megara Heraclea built a temple over his grave in 559 BC, commemorating his heroism and enduring prophetic legacy.
Character Analysis
Fears:
Idmon’s greatest fear was the inevitability of his own death—a truth he could not escape despite his extraordinary gifts. Unlike ordinary mortals, he confronted this fear consciously, adding a layer of tragic heroism to his character.
Motivations:
Driven by duty, loyalty, and the desire to see the epic quest through, Idmon acted out of responsibility to his companions and the greater heroic narrative. His willingness to embrace death reflects a commitment to purpose over personal safety.
Ultimate Goals:
Although his life was tragically brief, Idmon aimed to fulfill his role as seer, guiding the Argonauts with divine knowledge, even at the cost of his life. More broadly, he demonstrated the balance between knowledge, courage, and acceptance of fate.
Personality and Legacy:
Idmon embodies contrasts: mortal yet divine, fearful yet courageous, wise yet fated to die. His presence in the Argonaut mythos underscores the tension between free will and destiny, making him a uniquely compelling figure. His legacy endures not only through myth but also as a symbolic reflection of humanity’s confrontation with inevitable fate.
Significance in Mythology
Idmon’s story highlights the moral and psychological complexity of heroes who act despite foreknowledge of their end. As a prophet and participant in one of Greek mythology’s greatest quests, he illustrates themes of foresight, courage, mortality, and the dignity of embracing destiny.
Idmon is remembered not merely for his death but for the conscious bravery that defined his life—a seer who knew the future yet chose action, embodying the profound intersection of knowledge, courage, and fate.
Idmon 5e 2024
Idmon, 5e (Mythic)
Idmon, Pathfinder
Idmon, Pathfinder (Mythic)
Idmon, Seer of the Argonauts
Medium humanoid (demigod), Lawful Good
Challenge Rating (CR): 8 (3,900 XP)
Lore & Background
Idmon, son of Apollo and the mortal Asteria, was marked from birth with the gift—and burden—of prophecy. He could read omens in the flight of birds, the crackle of fire, and the whisper of the natural world. Despite foreseeing his own death during the voyage of the Argonauts, Idmon chose to sail with Jason, embodying bravery in the face of inescapable destiny.
In campaigns, Idmon can serve as a tragic ally, a guiding prophet, or a mythic figure whose visions carry both aid and dread.
Stat Block (Summary Table)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 15 (+2) | 20 (+5) | 17 (+3) |
- Saving Throws: Con +4, Int +4, Wis +8, Cha +6
- Armor Class: 15 (oracle’s blessing, unarmored)
- Hit Points: 110 (13d8 + 52)
- Speed: 30 ft.
Saving Throws: Wis +8, Int +4, Cha +6
Skills: Insight +10, Religion +6, Perception +9, Arcana +6
Senses: passive Perception 19
Languages: Ancient Greek, Celestial, Common
Proficiency Bonus: +3
Traits & Features
- Prophetic Foresight (3/Day). When Idmon or a creature within 30 ft. makes an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check, Idmon grants advantage or imposes disadvantage, as dictated by his vision of fate.
- Foreseen Doom. Idmon knows the circumstances of his own death. Once per long rest, he automatically succeeds on a death saving throw; however, if reduced to 0 hit points again that day, he dies instantly.
- Oracle’s Sight. Idmon can cast augury and divination at will, requiring no material components.
Actions
- Staff of Augury (Melee Weapon Attack). +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) bludgeoning damage.
- Revealing Prophecy (Recharge 5–6). Idmon pronounces a vision aloud. Allies within 30 ft. gain +2 AC until the start of his next turn; enemies must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened until the end of their next turn.
- Guiding Bolt (1st-Level Spell, at will). Ranged spell attack, +8 to hit, range 120 ft., 4d6 radiant damage.
Reactions
- Fated Warning. When an ally within 30 ft. is hit by an attack, Idmon uses his reaction to grant that ally +4 AC against the attack, potentially causing it to miss.
Lair Actions (if in a sacred site or temple)
On initiative count 20 (losing ties), Idmon invokes one of the following:
- Omens in the Air. Birds cry overhead; all enemies within 60 ft. must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom save or attack with disadvantage until the next round.
- Sacred Fire. A divine flame manifests in a 10-ft. radius within 60 ft., dealing 2d10 radiant damage to hostile creatures (Dex save DC 16 for half).
- Vision of Destiny. Allies within 30 ft. may reroll one failed saving throw before the next initiative count 20.
Equipment & Magic Items
- Staff of Augury: A +1 quarterstaff inscribed with Apollo’s symbols. Grants augury and divination at will.
- Amulet of Apollo: A golden talisman granting resistance to radiant damage and advantage on Insight checks.
- Seer’s Robes & Ritual Tools: Simple but sacred vestments used in prophecy and sacrifice.
Use in Campaigns
- Ally & Guide: Idmon aids adventurers with visions, offering cryptic warnings and divine counsel.
- Quest Giver: He directs the party toward dangerous challenges, armed with foresight but unable to alter his own destiny.
- Tragic Catalyst: His inevitable death may mark a turning point in the story, underscoring themes of fate, sacrifice, and heroism.
Idmon, Doomed Seer of Apollo (Mythic)
Medium humanoid (demigod), Lawful Good
Mythic Challenge Rating (CR): 12 (15,000 XP, including Mythic Traits)
Lore
Idmon, son of Apollo and Asteria, was blessed with the gift—and curse—of prophecy. From birth, he knew that his destiny was to join Jason and the Argonauts, and that his death would meet him along the way. Unlike mortals who struggle against fate, Idmon embraced it, walking knowingly into his doom with courage and dignity.
In mythic form, Idmon embodies the tension between free will and destiny. Even in battle, striking him down does not end his influence. His spirit rises in radiant light, continuing to guide and warn until fate has been fulfilled.
Stat Block
Armor Class 16 (oracle’s blessing)
Hit Points 136 (16d8 + 64)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 15 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 22 (+6) | 18 (+4) |
Saving Throws Wis +9, Int +5, Cha +7
Skills Insight +12, Religion +8, Perception +11, Arcana +8
Damage Resistances psychic, radiant (mythic form only)
Senses truesight 120 ft. (mythic form only), passive Perception 21
Languages Ancient Greek, Celestial, Common
Proficiency Bonus +4
Mythic Traits
Doom Foretold (Mythic Trait; 1/Rest). When Idmon is reduced to 0 hit points for the first time, his mortal body collapses. Moments later, his prophetic spirit rises in radiant light, regaining 68 hit points. In this incorporeal form:
- Idmon gains resistance to all damage except force.
- His attacks deal radiant damage.
- He sheds dim light in a 30-foot radius.
- He gains truesight out to 120 ft.
When Idmon’s spirit form is reduced to 0 hit points, he dies permanently, his prophecy fulfilled.
Burden of Prophecy. Idmon cannot be resurrected or magically restored once his mythic form ends. Fate cannot be undone.
Actions
Staff of Augury (Mortal Form Only). Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) bludgeoning plus 7 (2d6) radiant damage.
Guiding Bolt (Spell, At Will). Ranged Spell Attack: +9 to hit, range 120 ft., one target. Hit: 17 (5d6) radiant damage, and the next attack against the target has advantage.
Radiant Prophecy (Recharge 5–6). Idmon unleashes a vision of overwhelming fate. Each enemy within 30 ft. must make a DC 17 Wisdom saving throw or be stunned until the end of their next turn.
Prophecy of Glory (1/Day). Idmon blesses his allies with divine foresight. Each ally within 30 ft. gains advantage on all attack rolls and saving throws, plus 10 temporary hit points, for 1 minute.
Reactions
Fated Warning. When an ally Idmon can see within 30 ft. is targeted by an attack, Idmon grants them +5 AC against that attack as he warns them a heartbeat before the strike lands.
Lair Actions (on the Argo or sacred ground)
On initiative count 20 (losing ties), Idmon can invoke one of the following, no more than once per round:
- Birds as Omens. Flocks wheel overhead. All enemies within 60 ft. must succeed on a DC 16 Wisdom saving throw or have disadvantage on attack rolls until the next round.
- Apollo’s Flame. A column of radiant fire engulfs a 15-foot radius within 60 ft. Each creature in the area takes 16 (3d10) radiant damage (Dexterity save DC 16 for half).
- Vision of Fate. One ally within 30 ft. rolls a d20. Until the start of the next round, they may replace any die roll they make with this result.
Equipment
- Staff of Augury (Relic). A +1 quarterstaff that allows augury and divination at will. In mythic form, it burns with radiant fire.
- Amulet of Apollo. Grants resistance to radiant damage and advantage on Insight checks.
Role in a Campaign
- Guide. Idmon foreshadows events, offering cryptic warnings that shape adventurers’ decisions.
- Tragic Ally. His death is inevitable; even victory in his mythic form ends in loss.
- Symbol. He embodies prophecy, sacrifice, and the unyielding force of destiny—reminding players that some stories cannot be altered.
Idmon, Doomed Seer of the Argonauts
Medium Humanoid (Demigod), Lawful Good
CR: 8 XP: 4,800
Lore & Background
Idmon, son of Apollo and the mortal Asteria, was gifted with prophecy from birth. He interpreted omens in bird flights, sacrifices, and natural signs. Despite foreseeing his death during the Argonauts’ voyage, he sailed with Jason’s crew, embodying courage and acceptance of fate.
Idmon serves as a guide, tragic ally, and narrative catalyst, emphasizing prophecy, destiny, and heroic sacrifice. His warnings carry cryptic truths, shaping the choices of those around him.
Abilities
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 15 (+2) | 20 (+5) | 17 (+3) |
Defenses
AC: 16 (touch 12, flat-footed 15) HP: 110 (13d8+52)
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +5, Will +12 DR: 5/magic Immune: fear (mortals) Resist: radiant 5
Offense
Speed: 30 ft.
Melee: Staff of Augury +4 (1d6+2 bludgeoning +1d6 radiant)
Ranged: Guiding Bolt +8 (1d8+4; target –2 to next attack)
Special Abilities: Prophetic Foresight (Su) grants allies within 30 ft. +2 to AC, attack rolls, or saves once per round; Revealing Prophecy (Su, 3/day) forces enemies within 30 ft. to succeed on a DC 18 Will save or be shaken 1 round; Oracle’s Sight (Sp, at will) casts augury or divination without components; Fated Warning (Su, Immediate Action) grants +4 AC to an ally targeted by an attack.
Lair Actions (sacred ground/Argo): Birds as Omens (Su) –2 to enemy attacks within 60 ft. (Will DC 18 negates); Sacred Flame (Su) 10-ft radius, 2d10 radiant damage (Dex DC 16 for half); Vision of Destiny (Su) allows one ally within 30 ft. to reroll a d20.
Feats & Skills
Feats: Combat Casting, Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff), Skill Focus (Perception), Alertness
Skills: Knowledge (Arcana) +12, Knowledge (Religion) +12, Perception +14, Sense Motive +14, Diplomacy +12, Bluff +12
Equipment
Staff of Augury (+1 quarterstaff; 1d6 bludgeoning +1d6 radiant; augury/divination at will), Amulet of Apollo (+2 radiant resistance; advantage on Insight and Sense Motive), ritual robes, sacrificial tools, sacred scrolls
Tactics / Roleplaying Notes
Idmon rarely fights directly, prioritizing guidance and disruption. His warnings are cryptic but reliable. Death is inevitable; even if defeated mechanically, GMs can narratively preserve his sacrifice to maintain mythic impact.
Idmon, Mythic Seer of the Argonauts
Medium Humanoid (Demigod), Lawful Good
CR: 10 (Mythic Tier 3) XP: 9,600
Lore & Background
Idmon, son of Apollo and the mortal Asteria, was gifted with prophecy from birth. He foresaw his own death on the Argonauts’ voyage yet sailed willingly, embodying courage and acceptance of fate. As a mythic NPC, Idmon is a story-driven figure: guiding allies, warning of danger, and shaping the battlefield with prophetic insight. His presence reinforces themes of destiny, sacrifice, and heroic inevitability.
Abilities (Horizontal Table)
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 (+0) | 13 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 22 (+6) | 18 (+4) |
Defenses
AC: 18 (touch 13, flat-footed 17) HP: 150 (16d8+80)
Saves: Fort +9, Ref +6, Will +14
DR: 5/magic Immune: fear (mortals) Resist: radiant 5
Offense
Speed: 30 ft.
Melee: Staff of Augury +7 (1d6+2 bludgeoning +2d6 radiant)
Ranged: Guiding Bolt +10 (1d8+4; target –2 to next attack)
Special Abilities:
- Prophetic Foresight (Su): Once per round, grants ally within 30 ft. +2 to AC, attack rolls, or saves.
- Revealing Prophecy (Su, 3/day): Enemies within 30 ft. must succeed on DC 20 Will save or be shaken 1 round.
- Oracle’s Sight (Sp, at will): Cast augury, divination, or see invisibility without components.
- Fated Warning (Su, Immediate Action): Grants +5 AC to an ally targeted by an attack.
Mythic Traits
- Mythic Rank 3: Gains one use of a mythic path ability per encounter.
- Fated Spirit (Su): When reduced to 0 HP, Idmon rises in incorporeal mythic form: resistance 10 to all damage except force, radiant aura 10 ft., attacks deal 2d6 radiant.
- Destiny’s Voice (Su, 1/day): Allies within 30 ft. gain +4 to attack rolls, saves, and skill checks for 1 round.
Lair / Environmental Influence
Sacred ground or aboard the Argo:
- Birds as Omens (Su): Enemies within 60 ft. take –2 to attack rolls (Will DC 20 negates).
- Sacred Flame (Su): 10-ft radius, 3d10 radiant damage (Dex DC 18 half).
- Vision of Destiny (Su): One ally within 30 ft. may reroll a single d20.
Feats & Skills
Feats: Combat Casting, Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus (Quarterstaff), Skill Focus (Perception), Alertness
Skills: Knowledge (Arcana) +16, Knowledge (Religion) +16, Perception +18, Sense Motive +18, Diplomacy +14, Bluff +14
Equipment
Staff of Augury (+1 quarterstaff; 1d6 bludgeoning +2d6 radiant; allows augury/divination at will), Amulet of Apollo (+2 radiant resistance; advantage on Insight/Sense Motive), ritual robes, sacrificial tools, sacred scrolls
Tactics / Roleplaying Notes
Idmon rarely fights directly, focusing on guidance, disruption, and protection of allies. He shapes the battlefield with prophetic abilities and mythic powers. His death is inevitable; even in mythic form, he ultimately fulfills his fate, reinforcing themes of destiny and sacrifice.