**Hippomedon the Soldier** Raw Bonus STR 20 (+10) AGI 18 (+6) CON 17 (+5) WILL 13 (+1) INT 13 (+1) CHA 11 (+0) Combat Skill bonus = +3 on top of typical STAT bonii Athletic Skill bonus = +3 on top of typical STAT bonii Aristeia Chances: 1d39, activates on a natural 1. Generally speaking, I will call for aristeia rolls on any true combat or battle sequence (sparring and athletics don't count). Successful aristeia provides a combat bonus (WILL + WILL BONUS = X, applied directly to the relevant bonus) to all physical stats. Aristeias last for (WILL + WILL BONUS)/4 combat rounds. Generally speaking, if Hippomedon or another character triggers an aristeia - the appropriate reaction is to flee! Trait Breakdown: In Homer's TWQ setting, characters generally receive a Regional Alignment trait, a paternal trait, and then have THREE trait points to spend at chargen. Additionally, characters may generally take a Tier 1 or 2 "Flaw" trait in exchange for an additional positive trait. Tier 1 Traits cost 1 trait point, and Tier 2 Traits cost 2 trait points. All versions of Hippomedon are locked into the "Argive", "Giant" and "Dutiful" traits - but I have sought to provide a few meaningful variations on Hippomedon's canon representation. Please note that all versions of Hippomedon are Level 3, and therefore he is a MUCH stronger character than Nikandros and Deianira were at the beginning of their respective quests. Regional Alignment: >Argive: The nobility of Argos is a prestigious group, and a wealthy one - Argos is one of the most prominent cities of Hellas, and as a result, the Argive nobility are fully capable of navigating the intricacies of a royal court (+3 to CHA). Furthermore, the Argive nobility, in keeping with their city's devotion to the goddess Hera, prizes the keeping of oaths and the maintenance of manly virtues. Following King Adrastus' example, the noblemen of Argos are expected to hold fast against their enemies, to never quake or quail, to stand firm - the Argives are men of will (+3 to WILL) Traits: >(Tier 1) Giant: The average noble of divine blood is taller than a common mortal man. You, however, are a giant among your peers. You are akin in size to the famed Heracles. (+4 to strength and strength cap and +4 to constitution and constitution cap. For reference, the normal cap is 20). >(Tier 1) Gifted Athlete: You are a gifted athlete, skilled in wrestling, boxing, pankration (unarmed combat), running, swimming, jumping, chariot-driving, horse riding, discus, shotput, archery, and javelin throwing. Additionally, you have immense natural physical talent (+3 to strength and agility, and +3 skill in all the aforementioned). >(Tier 1) Argive Martial Tempering: You have survived an intense round of training with one of the best masters-of-arms available in the kingdom of Argos – a multi-year effort to batter, break, and reforge you into one of the finest soldiers that Argos can produce. (+2 to STR, AGI, +2 skill in unarmed combat, swordplay, spearplay, shielding, javelin throwing, archery, and dodging). >(Tier 1) Strategist: You have studied under some of the foremost military minds of the Argive nobility – basic tenets of troop discipline, camp formation, battlefield tactics and general warfare knowledge has been imparted to you. (+3 intelligence, +2 to petteia, generalship and troop combat rolls when you are in command) >(Tier 0) Argive Combat Training: While you have not received thorough training in combat, you have received a basic education in the proper means by which a nobleman should conduct themselves in war; the essential grips, thrusts, parries and blocks by which one can fight effectively. (+1 to STR, AGI, +1 skill in unarmed combat, swordplay, spearplay, shielding, javelin throwing, archery, and dodging). For the Hippomedon Soldier build - this trait represents additional instruction with a second weapons-master and stacks with the Argive Martial Tempering trait. Flaw: >(Tier 1) Offputting Impiety: Devotion to the gods has never been your natural impulse - some part of your instinctively rejects the authority that they assume over the lives of men. While many men secretly share this opinion, you also struggle to hide your true feelings, sometimes to your detriment. While you are not truly blasphemous, your casual indifference to matters of the divine is somewhat offputting as a member of the Argive nobility who should know better. (-3 to all deity interactions, up to one success per thread auto-fails, -2 to CHA) --- **Hippomedon the Vaunter** Raw Bonus STR 18 (+6) AGI 18 (+6) CON 17 (+5) WILL 11 (+0) INT 10 (+0) CHA 18 (+6) Combat Skill bonus = +1 on top of typical STAT bonii Athletic Skill bonus = +4 on top of typical STAT bonii Aristeia Chances: 1d40, activates on a natural 1. Generally speaking, I will call for aristeia rolls on any true combat or battle sequence. Successful aristeia provides a combat bonus (WILL + WILL BONUS = X, applied directly to the relevant bonus) to all physical stats. Aristeias last for (WILL + WILL BONUS)/4 combat rounds. Generally speaking, if Hippomedon or another character triggers an aristeia - the appropriate reaction is to flee! Regional Alignment: >Argive: The nobility of Argos is a prestigious group, and a wealthy one - Argos is one of the most prominent cities of Hellas, and as a result, the Argive nobility are fully capable of navigating the intricacies of a royal court (+3 to CHA). Furthermore, the Argive nobility, in keeping with their city's devotion to the goddess Hera, prizes the keeping of oaths and the maintenance of manly virtues. Following King Adrastus' example, the noblemen of Argos are expected to hold fast against their enemies, to never quake or quail, to stand firm - the Argives are men of will (+3 to WILL) Traits: >(Tier 1) Giant: The average noble of divine blood is taller than a common mortal man. You, however, are a giant among your peers. You are akin in size to the famed Heracles. (+4 to strength and strength cap and +4 to constitution and constitution cap. For reference, the normal cap is 20). >(Tier 2) Conditioned Olympian: Your physical gifts are almost unbelievable amongst mortal men, and rival some of the greatest of Hellenic legend – when you participate in athletic events, your competitors curse their fortune that you are present, and spectators cry out your name in adulation. Very few men can say honestly that they are your equal in such pursuits; even fewer can say that they can compete against you and expect victory. (+4 to STR, AGI, +2 to CON, +4 skill to wrestling, boxing, pankration (unarmed combat), running, swimming, jumping, chariot-driving, horse riding, discus, shotput, archery, and javelin throwing). >(Tier 1) Self-Promoter: All Hellenes are prone to vaunting – but you have a gift. Where some men brag openly and bluntly, you have an in-born talent for verbal artistry and a natural feel for your audience – you know when to proclaim your greatness loudly, and also when to understate your achievements. You take particular pleasure in performing to crowds, especially when they are shouting your name. (+4 to CHA, and +2 to any self-interested or self-promotional social encounter, or playing to crowds). >(Tier 0) Argive Combat Training: While you have not received thorough training in combat, you have received a basic education in the proper means by which a nobleman should conduct themselves in war; the essential grips, thrusts, parries and blocks by which one can fight effectively. (+1 to STR, AGI, +1 skill in unarmed combat, swordplay, spearplay, shielding, javelin throwing, archery, and dodging). Flaw: >Braggart's Impiety: Devotion to the gods has never been your natural impulse - some part of your instinctively rejects the authority that they assume over the lives of men. In your case, this impiety is driven by a personal belief in your own superiority - you find it difficult to believe that any god, man or creature is your better, no matter how ridiculous this may seem. When this self-belief is punctured, however, you find it disorienting. In rare situations, other men sense that you are a bit prone to self-delusion (-3 to all deity interactions, up to one success per thread auto-fails, -2 to WILL). --- **Hippomedon the Armorer** Raw Bonus STR 14 (+2) AGI 13 (+1) CON 13 (+1) WILL 13 (+1) INT 19 (+8) CHA 17 (+5) Combat Skill bonus = +1 on top of typical STAT bonii Athletics Skill bonus = N/A Aristeia Chances: 1d39, activates on a natural 1. Generally speaking, I will call for aristeia rolls on any true combat or battle sequence. Successful aristeia provides a combat bonus (WILL + WILL BONUS = X, applied directly to the relevant bonus) to all physical stats. Aristeias last for (WILL + WILL BONUS)/4 combat rounds. Generally speaking, if Hippomedon or another character triggers an aristeia - the appropriate reaction is to flee! Regional Alignment: >Argive: The nobility of Argos is a prestigious group, and a wealthy one - Argos is one of the most prominent cities of Hellas, and as a result, the Argive nobility are fully capable of navigating the intricacies of a royal court (+3 to CHA). Furthermore, the Argive nobility, in keeping with their city's devotion to the goddess Hera, prizes the keeping of oaths and the maintenance of manly virtues. Following King Adrastus' example, the noblemen of Argos are expected to hold fast against their enemies, to never quake or quail, to stand firm - the Argives are men of will (+3 to WILL) Traits: >(Tier 1) Giant: The average noble of divine blood is taller than a common mortal man. You, however, are a giant among your peers. You are akin in size to the famed Heracles. (+4 to strength and strength cap and +4 to constitution and constitution cap. For reference, the normal cap is 20). >(Tier 1) Polymechanos: Some nobles consider knowledge of such trades to be unfit for a man of the blood. You, however, are close enough to the throne of Argos to have followed your passions - as a treasured nephew of King Adrastus, this quirky interest in craftsmanship has been tolerated by your social peers. Woodworking, metalworking, basic civil engineering, and other such skills are known to you. (+4 intelligence, and a +3 skill concerning basically any mundane artisanal craft). >(Tier 1) Man of the People: Some high nobles might go their whole childhood without speaking to normal men other than their servants. You are not they - your passion for craftmanship has led you on many searches thorugh the common quarters of Argos and the surrounding villages - you have become accustomed to interacting with men of common ancestry. Your finger is on the pulse of the average tradesman, the peasant girl, and perhaps most importantly the common soldier. (+3 in all social interactions with the common folk, +4 charisma) >(Tier 1) Strategist: You have studied under some of the foremost military minds of the Argive nobility – basic tenets of troop discipline, camp formation, battlefield tactics and general warfare knowledge have been imparted to you. (+3 intelligence, +2 to petteia, generalship and related rolls) >(Tier 0) Argive Combat Training: While you have not received thorough training in combat, you have received a basic education in the proper means by which a nobleman should conduct themselves in warfare; the essential grips, thrusts, parries and blocks by which one can fight effectively. (+1 to STR, AGI, +1 skill in unarmed combat, swordplay, spearplay, shielding, javelin throwing, archery, and dodging). Flaw: >Mistheist's Impiety: Devotion to the gods has never been your natural impulse - some part of your instinctively rejects the authority that they assume over the lives of men. In your case, your natural intelligence causes you to curse your fate - that like all Hellenes, you are at the mercy of the cruel divines. Some men are blind to this truth, but you are not - and the lack of control over your destiny galls you. Rather than rage against this reality, some part of you has withdrawn from the natural world - you have neglected your physical training, partly out of despair (-3 to all deity interactions, up to one success per thread auto-fails, -1 to all Physical stats). --- **Hippomedon the Augur** Raw Bonus STR 15 (+2) AGI 14 (+1) CON 12 (+1) WILL 19 (+8) INT 12 (+1) CHA 19 (+8) Combat Skill bonus = +1 on top of typical STAT bonii Athletics Skill bonus = N/A Aristeia Chances: 1d32, activates on a natural 1. Generally speaking, I will call for aristeia rolls on any true combat or battle sequence. Successful aristeia provides a combat bonus (WILL + WILL BONUS = X, applied directly to the relevant bonus) to all physical stats. Aristeias last for (WILL + WILL BONUS)/4 combat rounds. Generally speaking, if Hippomedon or another character triggers an aristeia - the appropriate reaction is to flee! Regional Alignment: >Argive: The nobility of Argos is a prestigious group, and a wealthy one - Argos is one of the most prominent cities of Hellas, and as a result, the Argive nobility are fully capable of navigating the intricacies of a royal court (+3 to CHA). Furthermore, the Argive nobility, in keeping with their city's devotion to the goddess Hera, prizes the keeping of oaths and the maintenance of manly virtues. Following King Adrastus' example, the noblemen of Argos are expected to hold fast against their enemies, to never quake or quail, to stand firm - the Argives are men of will (+3 to WILL) Traits: >(Tier 1) Giant: The average noble of divine blood is taller than a common mortal man. You, however, are a giant among your peers. You are akin in size to the famed Heracles. (+4 to strength and strength cap and +4 to constitution and constitution cap. For reference, the normal cap is 20). >(Tier 1) Augur: Traditionally the work of priests and prophets of Apollo, you have the skill to analyze sacrifices in exchange for foreknowledge. You can also process the meaning of the movement of birds when you chance upon them. This skill will give you the reputation of a diviner. (+4 WILL). Mechanically, you can perform a sacrifice to store 1 all-purpose reroll/save at a time. There is no theoretical limit on how many times per-thread this ability can be activated. Additionally, at significant narrative moments when birds appear you may roll to gain some supernatural understanding of the matter at hand.) >(Tier 1) Poet/Musician: You can read. This is a rare skill to begin with, restricted to a fading class of scribes born for the task and almost unheard of among the Hellenic nobility. In particular, you were driven to such knowledge by a love of poetry and song – and a borderline desperate need to preserve such creations against Chronos’ merciless destruction of such works. You have a comprehensive knowledge of Hellenic poetry, and are a trained performer yourself. You find yourself at ease when amongst musicians, poets and other such creatives (+2 to CHA, +2 to INT; +2 bonus when interacting with those of creative backgrounds, formal contests of poetry/song). >(Tier 1) Rhetor: Hellenic noblemen must be warriors, not only on the battlefield but also in the assembly hall. One must speak well in order to be chosen for honors by social superiors, to convince a father that you deserve his daughter’s hand, to impress fellow demigods on the field of battle, and so on. The art of persuasion is in a nascent stage, but you already know it better than most all men. (+3 for all formal speeches/appeals, +4 CHA) >(Tier 0) Argive Combat Training: While you have not received thorough training in combat, you have received a basic education in the proper means by which a nobleman should conduct themselves in warfare; the essential grips, thrusts, parries and blocks by which one can fight effectively. (+1 to STR, AGI, +1 skill in unarmed combat, swordplay, spearplay, shielding, javelin throwing, archery, and dodging). Flaw: >Dreamer's Impiety: Devotion to the gods has never been your natural impulse - some part of your instinctively rejects the authority that they assume over the lives of men, despite your familiarity with prophecy and all that this implies. You envy the gods, with their easy access to foreknowledge - but you find it easy to put these concerns out of your mind, as you wrestle with lyrics and turns of phrase. You have spent uncountable days lounging amongst your creative peers, supping on fine wines and enjoying other such indulgences whilst composing speeches, poetry, songs and more. You have had to be dragged into the training yard on more than one occasion. A life spent in such repose has had negative impact upon your body's health and constitution (-3 to all deity interactions, up to one success per thread auto-fails, -2 to CON). --- **OTHER TRAITS FOR A CUSTOM HIPPOMEDON BUILD:** PHYSICAL: >(Tier 0) Athletic Training: While not naturally gifted in athletic affairs, you have received expert training in the manful arts (wrestling, boxing, pankration (unarmed combat), running, swimming, jumping, chariot-driving, horse riding, discus, shotput, archery, and javelin throwing) as is expected of all Argive nobility. (+1 to STR, AGI; +1 to skill in all the aforementioned). >(Tier 0) Argive Combat Training: While you have not received thorough training in combat, you have received a basic education in the proper means by which a nobleman should conduct themselves in combat; the essential grips, thrusts, parries and blocks by which one can fight effectively. (+1 to STR, AGI, +1 skill in unarmed combat, swordplay, spearplay, shielding, javelin throwing, archery, and dodging). >(Tier 1) Gifted Athlete: You are a gifted athlete, skilled in wrestling, boxing, pankration (unarmed combat), running, swimming, jumping, chariot-driving, horse riding, discus, shotput, archery, and javelin throwing. Additionally, you have immense natural physical talent (+3 to strength and agility, and +3 skill in all the aforementioned). >(Tier 1) Giant: The average noble of divine blood is taller than a common mortal man. You, however, are a giant among your peers. You are akin in size to the famed Heracles. (+4 to strength and strength cap and +4 to constitution and constitution cap. For reference, the normal cap is 20). >(Tier 1) Argive Martial Tempering: You have survived an intense round of training with one of the best masters-of-arms available in the kingdom of Argos – a year’s effort to batter, break, and reforge you into one of the finest soldiers that Argos can produce. Special emphasis was paid to endurance and conditioning – these are the traits of a superior Argive warrior. (+2 to STR, AGI, +2 skill in unarmed combat, swordplay, spearplay, shielding, javelin throwing, archery, and dodging). >(Tier 2) Student of Chiron: Some believe that Jason, captain of the Argo, was the last great student of the greatest master of arms in all of Hellas. You know these men to be wrong. In due time the bards singing your deeds will amend this error. Beyond your physical training, you gain the confidence that you are amongst the deadliest men of the known world. (+2 to all physical stats plus willpower, +4 skill in unarmed combat, swordplay, spearplay, shielding, javelin throwing, archery, and dodging). >(Tier 2) Conditioned Olympian: Your physical gifts are almost unbelievable and rival some of the greatest of Hellenic legend – when you participate in athletic events, your competitors curse their fortune that you are present, and spectators cry out your name in adulation. Very few men can say honestly that they are your equal in such pursuits; even fewer can say that they can compete against you and expect victory. (+4 to STR, AGI, +2 to CON, +4 skill to wrestling, boxing, pankration (unarmed combat), running, swimming, jumping, chariot-driving, horse riding, discus, shotput, archery, and javelin throwing). MAGIC: >(Tier 1) Augur: Traditionally the work of priests and prophets of Apollo, you have the skill to analyze sacrifices in exchange for foreknowledge. You can also process the meaning of the movement of birds when you chance upon them. This skill will give you the reputation of a diviner. (+4 WILL). Mechanically, you can perform a sacrifice to store 1 all-purpose reroll/save at a time. There is no theoretical limit on how many times per-thread this ability can be activated. Additionally, at significant narrative moments when birds appear you may roll to gain some supernatural understanding of the matter at hand.) >(Tier 1) Polypharmakos/Physician: The esoteric art of magic herbalism is known to few mortals. These few are almost exclusively witches. Your elder sister, a practitioner of the craft, has taught you a fair amount of what she knows. No master, you nevertheless know enough to give you a substantial edge. (+3 intelligence. In addition to knowing the ins-and-outs of most common and magical plants, you further know how to produce different medicines, poisons, and one special drug subject to a subvote later) >(Tier 2) Relic Inheritor: Your father was a legendary warrior, and to you he left an item fit for legend. (Subvote on what later. This item will be extremely powerful, approaching that of legendary tools like Achilles’ shield, the skin of the Nemean Lion, or any of gifts Zeus gave to Perseus) INTELLECTUAL: >(Tier 0) Petromechanos (+2 to INT, +2 bonus to stonecrafting, sculpting, civil engineering (especially when in regards to stone construction) >(Tier 0) Khalkomechanos (+2 to INT, +2 bonus to bronzesmithing of all kinds, as well as the ability to forge and repair all manner of weaponry. >(Tier 0) Greek Literacy (+2 to INT, ability to read/write in Hellenika, education in the poetry and composition of the written word. +2 to any effort to develop a written product such as poetry or a letter). >(Tier 0) Strategic Inclination (+2 to INT, +2 to petteia, generalship and military matters) >(Tier 1) Polymechanos: Some nobles consider knowledge of such trades to be unfit for a man of the blood. Minor nobles like you, born and raised outside the confines of city walls, understand just how valuable the ability to fashion a boat or repair one’s own armor is. Woodworking, metalworking, basic civil engineering, and other such skills are known to you. (+4 intelligence, and a +3 skill concerning basically any mundane artisanal craft). >(Tier 1) Literate: You can read. This is a rare skill to begin with, restricted to a fading class of scribes born for the task and almost unheard of among the Hellenic nobility. Yet you are not merely literate like the common scribe. You can read common Hellenic, Minoan, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Phoenician, Hittite cuneiform, and likely anything related to these scripts. Consequently, you also have a much-enlarged understanding of the wider world despite your provincial upbringing. (+4 intelligence, a lot of extra knowledge, and the ability to speak the common trading languages on top of the above, +4 to any effort to develop a written product such as poetry or a letter). >(Tier 1) Poet: You can read. This is a rare skill to begin with, restricted to a fading class of scribes born for the task and almost unheard of among the Hellenic nobility. In particular, you were driven to such knowledge by a love of poetry and song – and a borderline desperate need to preserve such creations against Chronos’ merciless destruction of such works. You have a comprehensive knowledge of Hellenic poetry, and are a trained performer yourself. You find yourself at ease when amongst musicians, poets and other such creatives (+3 to CHA, +3 to INT; +2 bonus when interacting with those of creative backgrounds) >(Tier 1) Strategist: You have studied under some of the foremost military minds of the Argive nobility – basic tenets of troop discipline, camp formation, battlefield tactics and general warfare knowledge have been imparted to you. (+3 intelligence, +2 to petteia, generalship and related rolls) >(Tier 2) Tactical Genius: In an age before formal military education, you are the one in a million individual who has just the right mix of genetics and upbringing to intuitively grasp the art of war. Your men will always be in the right formation, you will anticipate the flow of battle accurately, and you may invent unheard of strategies. Your fellows will recognize this extraordinary ability. (+6 intelligence, +4 intelligence cap. In addition to a lot of passive buffs, this trait also makes it so that any military write-in you can imagine, I will accept). SOCIAL: >(Tier 0) Acquired Charm: +2 to CHA, +2 to interactions with commonfolk. >(Tier 0) Rhetor’s Apprentice: +2 to CHA, +2 to formal speeches/appeals. >(Tier 1) Man of the People: Being raised in a rural village has its benefits. Some high nobles might go their whole childhood without speaking to normal men other than their servants. You are not they. Your finger is on the pulse of the average tradesman, the peasant girl, and perhaps most importantly the common soldier. (+3 in all social interactions with the common folk, +4 charisma) >(Tier 1) Rhetor: Hellenic noblemen must be warriors, not only on the battlefield but also in the assembly hall. One must speak well in order to be chosen for honors by social superiors, to convince a father that you deserve his daughter’s hand, to impress fellow demigods on the field of battle, and so on. The art of persuasion is in a nascent stage, but you already know it better than most all men. (+3 for all formal speeches/appeals, +4 CHA) >(Tier 1) Self-Promoter: All Hellenes are prone to vaunting – but you have a gift. Where some men brag openly and bluntly, you have an in-born talent for artistry and a natural feel for your audience – you know when to proclaim your greatness loudly, and also when to understate your achievements . You take particular pleasure in performing to crowds, especially when they are shouting your name. (+4 to CHA, and +2 to any self-interested or self-promotional social encounter, or playing to crowds) >(Tier 2) Silver Tongued: Language is a marvelous thing. All are susceptible to its influence, gods and men alike. Hermes robbed All-Knowing Apollo blind by wit alone. Prometheus bested Almighty Zeus with his winged words. You too are a master of the cunning tongue, sharper than any blade. (+3 to all seductive, deceptive, persuasive, or otherwise self-interested speech acts, +6 charisma, +4 charisma cap)