Andromache ‘Wife of Hector’
“The Tragic Queen of Troy: Andromache, the Woman Who Endured the Horrors of War and Loss!”
- Alias: None
- Gender: Female
- Race: Human
- Occupation: Princess of Troy, Wife, Mother
- Religion: Greek mythology (worshiper of the gods of Olympus)
- Allies: Hector (husband), Priam (father-in-law), Trojans
- Enemies: Greeks, Achilles, Neoptolemus
- Abode/Base of operations: Troy
- Nationality: Trojan
- Languages: Ancient Greek, Trojan dialect
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- Affiliation(s): Troy, Trojan royal family
- Significant others: Hector (husband), Astyanax (son)
Andromache, a woman of strength and resilience, was born into a world of conflict and tragedy. As the wife of the Trojan prince Hector, she stood beside him during the tumultuous Trojan War, witnessing the destruction and suffering brought upon her beloved city. Despite the horrors she faced, Andromache carried herself with dignity and courage, embodying the virtues of loyalty, love, and maternal instinct.
Her life took an unexpected turn when the Greeks triumphed over Troy, causing the fall of her homeland. Andromache was captured and enslaved by Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles. Separated from her young son Astyanax, she endured the anguish of motherhood torn apart by war. Yet, Andromache never lost hope. Her unwavering determination fueled her actions as she sought to protect her son’s legacy and ensure his survival.
Throughout her journey, Andromache navigated the complexities of her new life as a captive, always driven by her love for Astyanax. She faced numerous trials, confronting her captor and fighting against the fate that sought to extinguish her spirit. Her resilience and compassion won her allies among both Greeks and Trojans, earning their respect and admiration.
Andromache’s ultimate desire was to secure a future for her son, to shield him from the perils of war and provide him with a life free from the shadows of Troy’s downfall. With her strength and wisdom, she strived to create a sanctuary for Astyanax, a place where he could grow and flourish, embodying the hope and resilience that she embodied herself.
Driven by her love for her son and her unwavering spirit, Andromache navigated the treacherous landscape of war and captivity. She faced the challenges of loss, grief, and adaptation, emerging as a symbol of resilience and the enduring power of maternal love in the face of adversity.
Andromache, Princess of Troy
Medium humanoid (human), lawful good
Armor Class 12 Hit Points 75 (10d8 + 30) Speed 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 16 | 18 |
Skills Persuasion +8, Insight +6
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Common, Trojan, Ancient Greek
Challenge 5 (1,800 XP)
Loving Mother. Andromache has advantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks made to discern the true intentions and emotions of others, especially her loved ones.
Maternal Protector. Whenever an enemy within 30 feet of Andromache damages one of her allies, she can use her reaction to move up to her movement speed and make a melee weapon attack against that enemy.
Mourning Widow. If Andromache witnesses the death of her loved ones, her anger and grief fuel her resolve. For the next minute, she gains a +2 bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saving throws.
Actions
Spear Thrust. Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 9 (1d8 + 5) piercing damage.
Heartfelt Plea. As an action, Andromache can deliver an emotional plea, attempting to persuade a target within 30 feet. The target must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by Andromache for 1 minute. While charmed, the target is unable to attack her and regards her with empathy and understanding.
Equipment Spear, small shield
Description Andromache, adorned in the garments of a noblewoman, stands tall with a regal presence. Her attire reflects her status as a princess of Troy, donning elegant robes and a small shield bearing the crest of her family. She wields a finely crafted spear, a symbol of her determination and the protection she provides to her loved ones. Her eyes exhibit a blend of compassion and sorrow, embodying the weight of the war and the sacrifices she endures.
Current Surroundings Andromache finds herself within the city walls of Troy, amidst the chaos and destruction caused by the ongoing war. The air is filled with the sounds of battle, distant cries, and the scent of smoke. She stands near the ruins of her home, surrounded by fellow Trojan refugees seeking solace and safety. Her gaze reflects a mixture of concern and determination, as she seeks to protect her family and preserve the remnants of her once-proud civilization.
CR Calculation Andromache’s CR level is based on her combat prowess, protective nature, and persuasive abilities. Her calculated Challenge Rating is 5 (1,800 XP), taking into account her effectiveness in both melee combat and her supportive role through emotional persuasion and defensive maneuvers.
Plot Hooks
- The Desperate Mother: Andromache, her eyes swollen from tears, rushes towards the players, her voice trembling with anguish. She explains that her beloved child, Astyanax, has been captured by enemy forces seeking to extinguish the Trojan bloodline. She pleads with the players to join her in a daring rescue mission, navigating through treacherous enemy territory and braving the perils that lie ahead to save her innocent child from a fate worse than death.
- The Voice of Reason: Revered for her wisdom and diplomatic skills, Andromache seeks out the players as a trusted ally. She explains that the senseless bloodshed and destruction of the Trojan War have left countless lives shattered. Believing in the power of dialogue and negotiation, she implores the players to assist her in brokering a truce between warring factions, convinced that peace is the only path forward to spare further suffering and loss.
- The Protector’s Vow: Andromache, donned in a flowing gown and a regal demeanor, approaches the players with a solemn expression. As the city of Troy faces relentless attacks, she reveals her unwavering commitment to protect the innocent civilians who are caught in the crossfire. She beseeches the players to join her in becoming a shield against the storm, defending the vulnerable with valor and empathy, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
- The Stoic Mourner: Standing amidst the aftermath of a brutal battle, Andromache’s face betrays both grief and resilience. She approaches the players, her voice barely above a whisper, as she seeks their aid in honoring the fallen warriors. Together, they meticulously gather the fallen, arranging proper burials and performing solemn rites, giving voice to the unsung heroes and offering solace to the grieving families.
- The Guardian’s Oath: With a sense of gravity and reverence, Andromache presents the players with a cherished family heirloom, a relic that holds profound significance for the Trojan people. She entrusts them with its safekeeping, knowing that its power could turn the tides of war. She implores the players to protect it at all costs, ensuring its return to Troy when the time is right, for it holds the key to the city’s survival.
- The Beacon of Hope: Andromache, amidst a crowd of disheartened Trojans, raises her voice, rallying their spirits and rekindling hope within their hearts. She turns to the players, her eyes shining with determination, and asks for their assistance in organizing a grand celebration or delivering an impassioned speech to uplift the morale of the beleaguered Trojan people, reminding them of their resilience and the strength that lies within their unity.
- The Hidden Message: Suspicion weighs heavily upon Andromache as she confides in the players. She believes that a traitor lurks within the ranks of Troy, leaking vital information to their enemies and leading to devastating losses. She seeks the players’ expertise in espionage and investigation, tasking them with uncovering the identity of the traitor and putting an end to their treachery, thus preserving the Trojan cause.
- The Last Stand: As the once-mighty walls of Troy crumble under the relentless assault of the enemy, Andromache devises a desperate plan to evacuate as many civilians as possible to safety. She turns to the players, her gaze resolute, and beseeches them to join her in this perilous mission. Together, they must navigate hidden tunnels, outmaneuver enemy forces, and face unimaginable dangers to lead the desperate exodus, ensuring that the flame of Troy’s legacy endures.
- The Forgotten Heroine: Andromache’s voice quivers with a mix of pride and sorrow as she recounts her tale amidst the shadows of legendary figures of the Trojan War. She seeks solace in the players, sharing her desire to be recognized for her own contributions, not merely as the wife of Hector or a symbol of tragedy. She enlists their aid in spreading her story, to bring her name to the forefront of the annals of history, where she rightfully belongs.
- The Legacy of Troy: With a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes, Andromache approaches the players, cradling a treasured artifact salvaged from the ruins of Troy. She reveals that the relic carries within it the echoes of ancient secrets and untapped power. Convinced that its understanding could reshape the world, she implores the players to embark on a quest to unravel its mysteries, leading them on a journey that intertwines the fates of Andromache, Troy, and their own destinies.
Currently in the World
Andromache is a graceful and elegant woman with striking beauty. She has long, flowing dark hair that cascades down her shoulders, framing her gentle face. Her eyes are deep and expressive, reflecting both resilience and sorrow. Her features bear the marks of a life filled with hardship and loss, but her strength shines through.
Currently, Andromache finds herself in the ruins of Troy, the city once renowned for its grandeur and power. The surroundings are a stark contrast to its former glory, with crumbled walls and smoldering debris. She stands amidst the remnants of her homeland, her heart heavy with grief and a sense of longing.
Andromache’s mood is a mixture of resilience and determination. Despite the devastation that surrounds her, she carries herself with a regal poise and a steadfast resolve. Her gaze is focused on the future, driven by a deep desire to protect and nurture her son, Astyanax, the last remaining symbol of her beloved Hector.
In this moment, Andromache is engaged in a quiet contemplation, reflecting on the past and gathering strength for the challenges that lie ahead.
In Myth
Andromache is a tragic figure from Greek mythology, known for her role as the wife of Hector, the greatest Trojan warrior. Her story is intertwined with the epic tale of the Trojan War, which pitted the Greeks against the Trojans in a decade-long conflict.
Andromache’s life was marked by immense loss and sorrow. She hailed from the city of Thebe in Asia Minor and was married to Hector, a noble and valiant warrior of Troy. Together, they had a young son named Astyanax. As the war raged on, Andromache witnessed the horrors of battle and the devastating consequences it had on her family and people.
When Hector was slain by the Greek hero Achilles, Andromache’s world crumbled. She became a widow, her husband’s death leaving a void in her heart. Her grief was compounded by the fear for her son’s life. As the Trojans faced imminent defeat, Andromache’s maternal instinct drove her to protect Astyanax at all costs, as he was the last remaining hope for the Trojan bloodline.
Following the fall of Troy, Andromache was captured by the Greek hero Neoptolemus, who claimed her as his concubine. Stripped of her former life and forced into servitude, Andromache faced the loss of her homeland, her husband, and the destruction of her people. Despite the hardships, she displayed resilience and inner strength, determined to protect and raise her son in this new reality.
Andromache’s story represents the plight of women affected by war, caught in the crossfire of conflict and forced to endure unimaginable suffering. Her love for her family, her resilience, and her determination to shield her son from the harsh realities of their circumstances make her a compelling and tragic figure in Greek mythology.
Throughout history, Andromache has been depicted as a symbol of loyalty, maternal love, and the enduring spirit of women. Her story serves as a reminder of the profound impact war has on individuals, families, and societies, as well as the strength and resilience that can emerge from the depths of tragedy.