Memnon, King of Aethiopia
“Memnon: The Immortal Aethiopian King Who Stood Against Achilles in Epic Battle!”
- Alias: Memnon, King of Aethiopia
- Gender: Male
- Race: Demigod (son of Eos and Tithonus)
- Occupation: King, Warrior
- Religion: Worshipper of the Greek pantheon
- Allies: Trojans, Hector, Priam, Aethiopian army
- Enemies: Greeks, Achilles, Agamemnon, Menelaus
- Abode/Base of Operations: Aethiopia, Troy
- Nationality: Aethiopian
- Languages: Ancient Greek, Aethiopian dialects
- Alignment: Lawful Good
- Affiliation(s): Aethiopia, Troy
- Significant Others: Eos (Mother), Tithonus (Father), Aethiopian subjects
Memnon stands tall as a formidable and heroic figure, known for his strength, courage, and unwavering sense of honor. As the valiant king of Aethiopia and the son of Eos and Tithonus, he inherits both divine lineage and the prowess of a great warrior. Memnon’s journey is intertwined with the epic events of the Trojan War, where he leads his army to defend the besieged city of Troy. His character is characterized by compassion, humility, and a sense of duty towards his people and allies. Although he meets a tragic end on the battlefield, his legacy lives on as a symbol of bravery and nobility in the face of adversity.
Character Description:
Memnon is a majestic and commanding figure, possessing the strength and dignity befitting a king. His bronze-armored physique, chiseled by the gods, evokes an air of invincibility on the battlefield. A crown of authority adorns his head, symbolizing his rightful rule over the land of Aethiopia. Though he possesses a warrior’s prowess, his eyes hold a glimmer of compassion and a desire for peace among nations. Memnon’s presence is a beacon of hope for his people, inspiring loyalty and admiration from his subjects.
Motivation and Goals:
Driven by his noble heart and a deep sense of responsibility, his primary goal is to safeguard his kingdom of Aethiopia and its people. He seeks to protect the innocent and preserve the peace, and thus takes up arms to defend Troy when the war threatens its gates. His valor is not driven by ambition or conquest, but rather by a sincere desire to do what is right and just. Despite his might as a warrior, Memnon values diplomacy and strives to avoid unnecessary bloodshed whenever possible.
The Trojan War:
When the Trojan War erupts, Memnon answers the call to defend Troy against the Greek invasion. As one of the most skilled warriors of his time, he emerges as a formidable adversary, even earning comparisons to the renowned Achilles in combat prowess. During the war, Memnon displays a deep respect for his fellow warriors, valuing their lives and showing mercy when appropriate. His battle against Nestor’s son, Antilochus, reveals his complex moral character as he chooses not to fight the aged man, demonstrating a sense of honor that surpasses the thirst for victory.
The Clash with Achilles:
As the war rages on, the inevitable moment arrives when Memnon must face Achilles, the Greek champion. Despite being warned of his own impending fate, Memnon engages in a titanic clash with the legendary warrior, both wearing divine armor crafted by Hephaestus. The gods themselves watch in awe as these two demigods duel fiercely, their combat echoing the clash of giants. Ultimately, Achilles emerges victorious, but not without paying a heavy price, as Memnon’s valor leaves an indelible mark on the battlefield.
Immortality and Legacy:
In the aftermath of his death, Memnon’s divine lineage draws the compassion of the gods. Eos, his mother, grieves deeply, and her tears move Zeus to grant him immortality as a mark of his noble sacrifice. The memory of Memnon lives on as a symbol of bravery and virtue, remembered in lost epics and tales of heroic deeds. The statues that once stood in Egypt, known as the Colossi of Memnon, become a testament to his greatness, and the sound they emitted at dawn serves as a reminder of his legacy. Although gone from the mortal world, Memnon’s name echoes through the annals of myth, forever immortalized as a warrior who stood against the might of Achilles and displayed the essence of true heroism.
Memnon, King of Aethiopia
Memnon 3.5 Version
Memnon, King of Aethiopia
Medium humanoid (human), neutral good
Armor Class 18 (Divine Armor)
Hit Points 180 (20d8 + 90)
Speed 30 ft.
STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
18 (+4) | 16 (+3) | 16 (+3) | 14 (+2) | 14 (+2) | 20 (+5) |
Saving Throws Str +8, Dex +7, Cha +11
Skills Athletics +8, History +6, Persuasion +11
Senses passive Perception 12
Languages Greek, Celestial, Aethiopian
Challenge 15 (13,000 XP)
Divine Resistance. Memnon has resistance to radiant damage.
Divine Presence. Memnon’s divine aura grants him and his allies advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
Actions
Sun Blade. Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 10 (1d6 + 4) slashing damage plus 10 (3d6) radiant damage.
Spear of Dawn. Ranged Weapon Attack: +7 to hit, range 60/180 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6 + 3) piercing damage plus 7 (2d6) radiant damage.
Dazzling Flare (Recharge 5-6). Memnon releases a blinding flare of radiant light in a 30-foot cone. Each creature in that area must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking 35 (10d6) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
War Cry. As a bonus action, Memnon lets out a powerful war cry, inspiring his allies. All friendly creatures within 30 feet of Memnon gain advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw.
Reactions
Divine Shield. When Memnon is hit by an attack, he can use his reaction to raise his shield, gaining a +5 bonus to his AC against that attack.
Eternal Valor. When Memnon or an ally within 30 feet of him is reduced to 0 hit points, Memnon can use his reaction to grant them temporary hit points equal to his Charisma modifier (5). This ability can be used once per long rest.
Legendary Actions
Memnon can take 3 legendary actions, choosing from the options below. He can use only one legendary action at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn. Memnon regains spent legendary actions at the start of his turn.
Attack. Memnon makes one attack with his Sun Blade or Spear of Dawn.
Inspiring Presence (Costs 2 Actions). Memnon uses his War Cry ability to inspire his allies.
Dawn’s Blessing (Costs 3 Actions). Memnon calls upon the power of the rising sun, healing himself and all friendly creatures within 30 feet for 5d8 + 20 hit points.
Equipment
- Divine Armor (Armor Class 18, allows flight)
- Shortsword of Dawn (Shortsword, glows with radiant energy)
- Spear of Dawn (Magical javelin, returns when thrown)
- Shield of Aethiopia (+3 AC, grants advantage on saving throws against fear effects)
Description
Memnon stands tall, with a commanding presence exuding strength and valor. His divine armor shines with the brilliance of the rising sun, and his Shortsword of Dawn and Spear of Dawn are formidable weapons, both infused with radiant power. His eyes are filled with compassion and wisdom, reflecting his noble character as a king and a warrior.
Trojan War: Roleplaying in the Age of Homeric Adventure
A Mythic Vistas Sourcebook for the d20 System
Written by Aaron Rosenberg
Memnon | |
Medium male divine off spring Dedicated Warrior (Eos) 20 | |
Medium outsider (native) | |
Hit Dice | 20d10+80; hp 190 |
Initiative | +4 |
Speed | 35 ft.; |
Armor Class | 29, touch 12, flat-footed 27; |
Base Attack/Grapple | +20/ +24; |
Attack | +27 melee (1d8+7/19-20, +3 longsword) or +23 ranged (1d8+5, +1 throwing spear); |
Full Attack | +27/+22/+18/+13 melee (1d8+7/19-20, +3 longsword) or +23 ranged (1d8+5, +1 throwing spear) |
Space/Reach | 5 ft./5 ft. |
Special Attacks | divine strength 6/day; |
Special Qualities | damage reduction 3/-, Divine Blessing, Divine Celerity, Divine Shield 5/day, trap sense +2, +4 to saving throws against divine spells |
Saves | Fort +16, Ref +8, Will +6; |
Abilities | Strength 18, Dexterity 15, Constitution 18, Intelligence 11, Wisdom 10, Charisma 18. |
Skills | Climb +6, Diplomacy +12, Drive +6, Handle Animal +10, Intimidate +6, Jump +6, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) +6, Knowledge (religion) +6, Knowledge (tactics) +10, Ride +8, Swim +6; |
Feats | Battlefield Seasoned*, Cleave, Distinctive*, Leadership, Lion of the Field*, Power Attack, Stunning*. |
Environment | – |
Organization | – |
Challenge Rating | 21 |
Treasure | – |
Alignment | Lawful Neutral |
Possessions: +3 bronze panoply, +2 bronze round shield, +3 longsword, 2 +1 throwing spears, and a masterwork metal cab chariot.
Currently in the World
Physical Description: Memnon stands tall and imposing, with a powerful and athletic build befitting a seasoned warrior. His dark skin reflects his Aethiopian heritage, and his long, braided hair cascades down his broad shoulders. His eyes are intense and determined, exuding wisdom and a strong sense of justice. He wears ornate golden armor adorned with symbols of the sun, signifying his divine lineage. In his hand, he wields an enormous spear, a weapon known to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies.
Current Activity: Memnon stands at the forefront of his Aethiopian army, gathered outside the walls of Troy. The sun rises over the horizon, casting a golden glow on his armor, and he surveys the battlefield with a mix of determination and compassion. His soldiers look up to him as a fearless leader and protector, their morale bolstered by his presence.
Surroundings: The battlefield is filled with the clash of swords and the cries of warriors. The Aethiopian army stands tall and disciplined, ready to defend their allies, the Trojans. The great walls of Troy loom in the distance, a testament to the city’s strength and resilience. The air is tense, with the weight of impending battle hanging heavily on everyone’s shoulders.
Mood: Memnon’s mood is resolute, focused on the task at hand. He feels the weight of responsibility as a king and a warrior, knowing that the lives of his soldiers and the fate of Troy rest on his shoulders. Despite the impending danger, there is a sense of hope in his heart, fueled by the belief that his actions can make a difference and protect those he cares about.