User:Lacrossedeamon/Odyssey Leaders and Mercenaries

Leaders

Alastor, Bringer of Demons

Allegiance

• Athenian

Region

• Representative of Megaris

Alastor, Bringer of Demons was known as a non-believer. Stories say he spent one terrifying night in the fabled "Petrified Forest" and was met by Medusa. Forever changed, he never doubted the gods' existence again.

Mercenaries

Talos the Stone Fist

Heart Condition

• Takes more damage from Assassinations

Death From Above

• Takes more damage from Ranged Attacks

Originating from Thrace, Talos the Stone Fist had a name to be taken literally. As big as a boulder, he was known to pound his enemies' heads into the rock faces of many Kephallonia mountains.

Hyrkanos the Cunning

Shell Skin

• less Ranged Attack

Pyrophobia

• more Fire

Hyrkanos was a mercenary working for Athens with a mission to sabotage Spartan war efforts in Megaris. He was a master at manipulating others to do his bidding so he could remain elusive.

Persis the Vulgar

Mithridatism

• Takes less damage from Poison

Heart Condition

• Takes more damage from Assassinations

Persis the Vulgar was a poet in her own right. Those who met her blade were treated to a cacophony of slurs and oddities right before they died.

Alkyone the Dragon-Skinned

Awareness

• Takes less damage from Assassinations

Fireproof

• Takes less damage from Fire

It’s said Alkyone the Dragon-Skinned was stabbed, lit aflame, and shot repeatedly with arrows, but never failed to laugh it off. Like a proud parent, she carried her scars and would happily spend all night regaling anyone who would listen with the stories of how she got them.

Polybios the Snake-Haired

Shell Skin

• Takes less damage from Ranged Attacks

Canine Trainer

• Travels the world with a dog companion

Because of the dark ringlets coiled upon his head and eyes that glowed of amber, Polybios the Snake-Haired left his victims with the impression that they were seeing Chrysaor's face as they died. The chance that any of these descriptions of Polybios is true is highly unlikely, but they are the only ones that exist.

Mausolos the Escapist

Awareness

• Takes less damage

Pyrophobia

• Takes more damage from Fire

Mausolos the Escapist was an escaped helot turned mercenary after leading a riots in Messenia against the Spartans. He was a spirited warrior who would have preferred dying on the battlefield to getting caught.

Machaon the Glorious

Fireproof

• less Fire

Relentless

• Will never flinch when receiving damage

Driven by his hubris, Machoan wanted future generations to tell the tales of his feats, and his legend to be remembered like the great Achilles. It’s unlikely anyone else will write about him though, and unfortunately this is all there is to write.

Datamined

{NAME} the Hydra’s Head

{FULLNAME} often carried the heads of those who died by his blade. He called the heads his generals and together, they were the Hydra. Still, they let him lead…

{NAME}, Protector of Dryads

{FULLNAME} once protected a small village from a large fire, stopping it before it could reach the forest. The rumor spread that dryads were within and ultimately gifted him with a godly power.

Silver Tongue

A lover of art in a family of warriors, {FULLNAME} was always thought weak until he played his family members against one another. Soon enough, only he was left, along with his family’s fortune.

Greedy

If the best way to get friends was to buy them, this opportunist preferred to have enemies. {FULLNAME} grew up poor and with friends. He'd rather be rich and lonely. Nobody had a problem with that.

Devotee

{FULLNAME} was raised by priests after his mother died during childbirth and his father died in battle. {NAME} devoted his life to piety, hoping to honor their memory with every action he took.

Pagai

From the small coastal town of Pagai, {FULLNAME} knew her way around a ship - and how to work a crew - better than most sailors, though for far deadlier purposes.

Skyros

His mother told {FULLNAME} stories of Theseus in Skyros almost every night. {FULLNAME} grew to have an irrational fear of cliffs and high places, lest he be thrown to his death.

Warmonger

{FULLNAME} claimed he was raised on the battlefield and that the first thing he held was a spear. Like most people who make their identity about one thing, {NAME} was never seen as more than a warrior.

{NAME} the Wit’s Edge

{FULLNAME} carried a sword, though no blade was as sharp as his tongue. To him peace was the product of a strong alliance. And an alliance was the product of an enemy {NAME} had shamed.

{NAME} the Hippogriff

{FULLNAME} was noble. Proud. Strong. Fierce. And, like the hippogriff, was many things at once. He could be deceitful, cunning, a skilled liar - whatever it took to get what he wanted.

{NAME}, Son of Kings

After living a life of poverty, {NAME} told a simple lie in an influential ear, and was known shortly after as the Son of Kings. He was respected and adored, but clearly nobody stopped to ask why.

{NAME}, Bringer of Fates

{FULLNAME} claimed he never killed, but simply fulfilled the wishes of the Fates. It seems very coincidental, though, that the Fates would always wish his enemies a long, torturous death.

{NAME} the Heartless

There were never any friends in the world of The Heartless. There was only fodder… those he could throw at the spears of his enemies until the battle was won.

{NAME} the Hollow

{FULLNAME} never found any joy in life aside from his rather unflinching ruthlessness. No matter how gruesome the battle or how large the loss, his hollow expression remained unchanged.

{NAME} the Grave Digger

People claimed {FULLNAME} could be seen dragging bodies into graves well into the night. With care, he rested coins in each of their mouths, closed their eyes, and covered the bodies with dirt.

{NAME} the Great Protector

There was no better ally than {FULLNAME} when it came to protecting those he loved. To fear him was to fear his allies in equal measure, for where they went, he protected them.

{NAME} the Drunken Bard

According to {FULLNAME}, there could be no love or life or alliance, without first having wine. It’s said he blessed his friends as Dionysos might - with a drunken song and a satisfying hangover.

{NAME}, Guardian of Demeter

{NAME} guarded the golden fields as they were harvested and the olive trees as they were plucked. He considered himself a broker of peace and bounty, and he was rewarded with great wealth.

{NAME} the Grave Thief

Most mercenaries gained their wealth from completing contracts, but in rare cases, it’s said some like {NAME} took a different route. People claimed they often saw {NAME} late at night, digging into the earth where a body was buried earlier in the day. He grew far wealthier during times of war.

{NAME}, Servant of Hephaistos

The world is a smith's fire, and {NAME} was a blade forged in it. Other leaders were simply crops for him to cleave, leaving their riches for him to reap. In time, his riches were reaped as well.

{NAME}, Student of Hermes

{FULLNAME} was a merchant first and a warrior second. He measured life in profits. Those who knew him said he made decisions solely on how much a person was worth. He must have viewed himself highly.

{NAME}, King of the Vagabonds

A paradox, perhaps: the King of Vagabonds was at once reviled by the social, political, and religious elite around him, yet he kept his power purely by being beloved by the commoners he protected.

{NAME} the Tamer

When {FULLNAME} stopped fearing the gods, he lost all fear of everything else. He went from taming the world's wildest animals to its wildest armies, killing those who refused to follow his lead.

{NAME} the Sun Chaser

There are no bounds for an ambitious leader, and there were no ambitious leaders like the pious {FULLNAME}. He intended to unite all the temples under his banner. He failed.

{NAME} the Great Sorcerer

A curse from a witch can be a vexing thing, indeed. A curse from {FULLNAME} was always fatal. Armies crumbled and leaders fell from the fear that {NAME} instilled in them.

{NAME}, Bringer of Crows

{FULLNAME} was taught battles don’t end until none are left standing. Many claimed they saw {NAME} release his crows at battle’s end. He would watch as they found their dinner amongst his former enemies.

{NAME} the Ogre

{FULLNAME} led his band of warriors for years, leaving a trail of smashed skulls as his signature. None could fathom a reason for his brutal attacks, but all knew to fear them.

{NAME} the Fire Bringer

{FULLNAME} was known to end his battles by setting fire to the battlefield. It’s said he always started with the first enemy he killed that day. How he found that initial body, nobody knows.

{NAME}, Sailor on the Blood Sea

No port was ever safe when {FULLNAME} sailed past. Even his crewmembers feared for the lives of the people they met during their travels. Many port towns said a red sea followed {NAME} in his wake.

{NAME} the Fearless

{FULLNAME}'s army always pushed forward as if it had experienced death once before and no longer feared it. The truth is they were simply more afraid of {NAME}.

{NAME} the Bear-Clawed

{FULLNAME} claimed he and his troops were reported dead after an ambush. As the story goes, he emerged from the forest wearing the heads and claws of the bears he had slaughtered barehanded.

{NAME}, Servant of Ares

{FULLNAME} was almost sacrificed to Ares at birth. He claimed Ares spared his life and demanded repayment through the deaths of his enemies. {NAME} was always happy to oblige such a request.

{NAME}, Servant of Athena

Carrying an olive branch everywhere he went, {FULLNAME} prayed the goddess would bring him wisdom in war. For a while, it worked. Few were as wise in the agora or as feared on the battlefield as he.

{NAME} the Sage

{FULLNAME} spent much time on the battlefield - long enough to know the battlefield was no place to spend a life. He hardly spoke, but when he did, all heeded his counsel.

{NAME}, Protector of Truth

Many suspected {NAME} told his associates to spread word of his title. Those who debated the truthfulness of it felt the weight of his army. Perhaps we should all create names for ourselves.

{NAME} the Guided Javelin

{NAME} earned his title defending the city walls. It was there he learned how to impale his enemies from a distance, and the value of a strong defense. Unfortunately, this didn’t work in the agora.

{NAME}, Bringer of Hypnos

In the late hours, by the light of fire, {FULLNAME} entertained generals, politicians, and philosophers, extracting information, aid, or their last breath. It was always a gamble for those invited.

{NAME} the Devious Snake

{FULLNAME} believed there was no reason for a plan if it was known to anyone else. He plotted in secret like a hungry snake… unpredictable and carefully watching for the perfect moment to strike.

{NAME} the Living Riddle

A former student of Sokrates, {FULLNAME} often left audiences enthralled while leaving his enemies confused. Many claimed the confusion wasn’t because {NAME} was smart, but quite the opposite.

{NAME} the Great Deceiver

Some politicians relied on truth to garner respect. Others, like {NAME}, chose a different path. Called one of the greatest liars of his time, he gained trust solely due to how convincing he was.

{NAME} the Agora

If {FULLNAME} was known for one thing, it was the moment in the agora when he yelled “I am the assembly!” Surprisingly, this went well for him, but great things always come to an electrifying end.

{NAME} the Cold-Hearted

There is one story of {FULLNAME} that has lasted longer than any other about him. As he received his punishment of lashings in front of a crowd, it’s said his laugher drowned out the noise of the entire crowd until the only sound was him. Pain, to him, was fun. So he inflicted it on others.

{NAME} the Moon King

{FULLNAME} was a priest of Artemis until bandits ruined his temple. A lone survivor, he became embroiled in a lunar cult and pledged to bring suffering to all who would harm his beloved goddess.

{NAME}, Son of Aphrodite

Loyalty, trust, and honor were fool's errands to {NAME}. He believed the gods were glorious because they were beautiful, and because they were self-serving, which {NAME} understood all too well.

{NAME} the Black Lion

Stories claim {FULLNAME} was captured by the enemy, but he broke his chains with brute force and walked free. It was only ever a rumor, of course… one the Black Lion never tried to quell.

{NAME} the Weeping Terror

Some assumed {FULLNAME} was broken by tragedy or a lost love. It’s said he never cried for anything in the past, but for the horrible things he was about to do. If true, perhaps he felt some remorse.

{NAME}, Worshipper of Hera

Just as Hera became queen of Mount Olympos, {FULLNAME} rose to power turning careful bonds into strong alliances. Those bonds were rarely tested, for his temper often turned to deadly wrath.

{NAME} the Bare-Chested

In a contest of confidence, it’s likely {FULLNAME} would have won. Enemies and allies both claim he would walk into battle bare-chested, daring anyone to take him on. Idiocy can take many forms.

{NAME}, Leader of the Lonely

Caring for orphans and the lost children of infighting and war, {FULLNAME} ultimately gained their support when they grew up. With their help, {NAME} was able to do whatever he wished without reproach.

{NAME} the Centaur’s Servant

A protector of forests, horses, and occasionally allies, {FULLNAME} suffered at any loss of life. As those who inflicted his suffering knew too well, he always returned the favor.

{NAME} the Symposiarch

Life could be cruel, unless one knew {FULLNAME}. In his company, every day of life became a reason to celebrate, until even celebrating became a reason to celebrate. The people suffered for this.

{NAME}, Bearer of the Silver Crown

For {FULLNAME}, the crown he wore symbolized hope - to one day find its rightful wearer, who would bring unity and honor where once there was only cruelty. He clearly had no faith in himself.

{NAME}, Slayer of Midas

{FULLNAME} believed the rich should have given their wealth away freely. For those who didn’t, {NAME} made it his goal to destroy them, not stopping until they died or had a sudden change of heart.

{NAME} the Dutiful Drunkard

If there was enough wine for everyone, then {FULLNAME} saw no reason not to drink his share, and to do so quickly. He believed every task worth doing was worth doing drunk, or not at all.

{NAME} the Thieving Snake

To {NAME}, battles were like treasures. But, unlike battles, treasures could be stolen. Instead of building his wealth through normal means, {NAME} attempted to steal from those who had more.

{NAME}, Ruler of the Pits

A miner until he led a rebellion against the taskmasters of the pits, {NAME} used those same pits to supplement his wealth. He didn’t fear a rebellion against himself, but he should have.

{NAME} the Fighter

{FULLNAME} once ran a fighting ring. Bettors and fighters being what they were, it ended poorly. Still, he emerged from the mess with a small fortune, which he used to start his life as a politician.

{NAME} the Gilded Shark

{FULLNAME} believed he saw the world clearer than anyone. He believed happiness had to be preceded with riches. Instead of struggling and saving, he took the easy route: he killed for it.

{NAME}, Admiral of Coins

No dream was too grand for {FULLNAME}. He dreamed the sea was gold, the mist was gold, and the sun was gold. Unlike others who tried to create wealth, {NAME} waited and waited. Nothing happened.

{NAME} the Trophy King

{FULLNAME} decorated himself with Egyptian jewelry, his home with pottery from Athens, and drank only the finest wine. It was all his and his alone… until the people took it from him.

{NAME}, Son of Sirens

It’s said {NAME} was born to sirens, though he claims his mother was a pirate queen who died mysteriously at sea. {NAME} inherited his mother's riches, her fleet, and her crew - a bounty worth killing for. Many claimed they heard the songs of sirens when chasing after him.

{NAME} the Fearless Shark

A lowly rower, {FULLNAME} was once taken hostage aboard a pirate ship. He was found days later, soaked in blood. When asked what happened, he merely claimed it was Poseidon who saved him that day.

{NAME} the Sophist

Once drunk, {FULLNAME} would argue for ages that the gods were not real... unless those he argued with believed they were. Then they were real, but reality was not. No matter what they believed.

{NAME} the Philanthropist

Many leaders ultimately did wrong, but {NAME} proved that some had the greater good in mind. No matter how much it took, he gave to others freely and without asking for anything in return.

{NAME} the Profane

Framed for murder, {FULLNAME} uncovered the true killer, dragged him to the village temple, and "sacrificed" his fingers on the altar until he confessed. He was later exiled on charges of blasphemy.

{NAME} the Wing-Footed

{FULLNAME} was a former Olympian who was constantly told how blessed by the gods he was. {NAME} didn’t agree. He always said that the gods didn’t bless great men, but only cursed fools.

{NAME}, Warrior of Zeus

{FULLNAME} believed he needed no strength so long as he had faith. He fought for the glory of Zeus who he claimed guided his sword, his command, and his destiny.

{NAME}, Champion of Ares

It’s said {FULLNAME} would pick up boulders with ease and throw them onto unsuspecting enemies below. His strength was unrivaled and his fearlessness made him an easy choice to lead.

{NAME}, Bringer of Hades

People believed {FULLNAME} got his nickname from stocking Hades with souls. Others thought it was the suffering he brought upon his enemies before he killed them. Either way, he was feared.

{NAME} the Bloodlust Warrior

{FULLNAME} and his army saw blood. Witnesses say {NAME} drank blood from his enemies before every battle, and that he would act possessed until the battle was won, replenishing his stock.

{NAME}, Servant of the Moon

{FULLNAME} fastened a token to his armor for each of the three moon goddesses. Many said his obsession with the moon drove him mad, causing him to kill and plunder with reckless abandon at twilight.

{NAME}, Omen Bringer

It's said {FULLNAME} fletched his arrows with the feathers of crows. His blatant disregard for the omens of the gods surrounded him with a cloud of lethal bad luck that affected everyone around him.

{NAME} the God Speaker

There are plenty of accounts claiming {FULLNAME} often mumbled gibberish to himself. He claimed he could hear the gods and he was speaking back to them, but the words he spoke made no sense.

Warmonger

Born to a family of generals and warriors in {BIRTHPLACE}, {FULLNAME} had his destiny laid out before him. Ruthless and merciless, he was an unstoppable force. At least for a little while.

Warmonger

{FULLNAME} was raised with war as a deadly reality. After the horrors of the Persian invasion, he saw it as his duty to lead in the Peloponnesian one.

Warmonger

{FULLNAME} fought his way through the black market fight clubs of his youth, until he became the master of the fight clubs. That ferocity taught him to enslave or murder every opponent he found.

Warmonger

{FULLNAME} was never one for conversation and preferred delivering arguments with the sharp edge of a blade, the point of a spear, or the knuckle of a fist. Over time, nobody argued with him at all.

Silver Tongue

{NAME} committed to being a war profiteer when his dream of becoming a famed potter failed. Upon being faced with the realities of war, he pushed to take the path of least violence wherever possible.

Silver Tongue

{FULLNAME} grew up as an advocate for peace after he saw his relatives suffer in the Greco-Persian war. He always believed the best defense was having a strong ally. His defense was incredibly weak.

Silver Tongue

{FULLNAME} was born into a soldier’s family and learned to solve problems through violence. After their inevitable deaths, he became partial to the alternative, and was well known for his words.

Silver Tongue

His village was razed when he was a child, destroying the family farmlands in {BIRTHPLACE}. {FULLNAME} quickly came to believe that diplomacy was the only solution, and others followed suit.

Greedy

A lover of art, {FULLNAME} would have killed for a sculpture by Phidias. While he never did get one, he tried filling his home with other goods few could afford. He was happy for a time.

Greedy

Assuming wealth to be the only true symbol of power, {FULLNAME} spent the better part of his life taking everything in sight, even if it meant killing for what he wanted.

Greedy

{FULLNAME} grew up in a strict household and was never allowed to have more than he earned. Once he escaped the tight hold of his mother, he "earned" more than he could ever need.

Greedy

Some believe wealth must be taken if it is so desired. {FULLNAME} believed the cost of wealth was often its weight in blood. The world gave nothing to him for free, so {NAME} chose to take it.

Devotee

Born to impious parents who were exiled from their home for speaking against the gods, {FULLNAME} chose godliness in the hopes of one day earning the right to return home. His plan worked.

Devotee

{FULLNAME} was known as a non-believer. Stories say he spent one terrifying night in the fabled “Petrified Forest” and was met by Medusa. Forever changed, he never doubted the gods' existence again.

Devotee

Raised on stories of Herakles and Achilles, {FULLNAME} resolved to live up to the heroes through piousness. He succeeded for a time, until he realized his quest for glory was flawed.

Devotee

When his grandfather died, {FULLNAME} watched as his mother dealt with unrelenting grief. In time, that grief was healed through prayer to the gods. Ever since that day, he gratefully served the gods.