Wizards of Cronos, Part II

Tests (Cronos) 
Those who meddle with Time will have it eventually catch up with them. Use this table whenever a Cronos wizard rolls a 1 or 13 on a casting roll (if using that optional rule), rolls the same magical side-effect number twice in a row, or otherwise pushes the limits of paradox too far. Roll 1d8 the first time he experiences a test in a day, 1d10 the second time, and 1d12 for the third time or more. The die resets to 1d8 the following day- if the wizard still exists!

1. All of the wizard’s spells now take 1d4-1 additional rounds before their effects occur, waiting for the time to be right. This situation lasts until the Cronos wizard is tested once more and rolls this same result again. Further instances of this result will also toggle the effect on and off.

2. Are you living in a Golden Age? If so (per Hesiod), then the wizard experiences no adverse effect this time. If not, then any possessions on his person age to dust, helping him to better experience such a timeless, bucolic state.

3. The last spell that the wizard casts (or tried to cast) now has a special requirement. In order for him to cast it again, he must be (roll 1d8): [1] in a tavern lavatory, [2] on a cart or wagon traveling at least 11 miles per hour, [3] in a sauna or other hot tub of water (preferably drunk), [4] in a tall, blue box marked for watchmen use, [5] in a tall, clear box while acting foolish and saying ‘excellent!’, [6] on a very ornate metal chair, [7] in a room, pushing on the walls (dwarves may  help with this), [8] on the last ride home tonight. This situation lasts for the next 1d3 days.

4. The wizard gains an accurate glimpse of some future event, but will then immediately lose a random ally or loved one to (roll 1d4): [1] indifference, [2] death, [3] hatred alone, [4] hatred and wanting to kill him. Whether his prescience became a self-fulfilling prophecy, one need not be an oracle to divine that such knowledge might not be worth its price.

5. The sickle of Cronos reaps the wizard, causing him 2d4 damage for all the temporal paradox he has caused, along with having a 20% chance of chopping off something small and hanging of his. If he dies from this damage, then the wizard will actually cease to exist and likely cannot be brought back in any manner, nor may his scrotum!

6-7. Cronos’s son Kairos would like to know if this is an opportune moment or not. Roll any die. If the result is even, then the answer is yes and the wizard isn’t tested this time. If the result is odd, then the answer is no: reroll 1d12 on this table, but all effects are doubled, even multiplying x4, x8, etc. if this result is rerolled multiple times, likely making the moment very inopportune.

8. The wizard immediately ages 3d6 years (no save). Unless he is young and such a change would mature him faster, then he has a base 5% chance per year gained that he permanently loses some vitality, reflecting an increase in decrepitude (roll 1d6): [1] 1 Strength, [2] 1 Intelligence, [3] 1 Dexterity or Agility, 

[4] 1 Constitution or Stamina, [5] 1 Charisma or Personality, [6] 5’ speed.

9. All these distortions in Time can drive one mad just thinking about it! The wizard must save vs. death or go insane. If not, then whenever this test result occurs again, the save becomes 2 harder.

10. Swept forward, the wizard and anyone within 10’ of him travels into the future 1d12 (then roll 1d20): 

[1-5] rounds, [6-10] minutes, [11-14] hours, [15-17] days, [18-19] months, [20] years. He and any others are thereby taken out of play during that time- unless they find a way to return beforehand, though for them no time will seemed to have passed at all.

11. Thrown backward, the wizard and anyone within 10’ of him travels into the past 1d12 (then roll 1d20): [1-5] rounds, [6-10] minutes, [11-14] hours, [15-17] days, [18-19] months, [20] years. They may then decide to wait for the party, arriving soonafter, that much older, but unlike future travel, they may have caused some significant paradox by their presence there (a base 5% chance per result on the d20 roll). If such paradox does occur, it will require 1d4 additional rolls on this table when (and if) they return, along with creating an alternate reality (see Manannan in Volume II).

12. It appears that the wizard’s time has run out. He is devoured by Cronos and forced to relive the same day repeatedly as if stuck in some sort of temporal loop in the Strands of Time. Unless the Referee wishes to roleplay it, the wizard will eventually break the cycle, ending up being there for roughly 1d10,000 days from his perspective. Such an experience will allow him to bring some new mastery from that environment onward with him (since he had so much time to practice), gaining a +1d6 bonus to certain rolls, along with becoming considerably neurotic (from the strain of it), suffering the same amount as a penalty to an equal number of other rolls. And even though it will seem like no time has passed for everyone else, for the wizard, it will feel like he was trapped for eternity in a day that might never end.

DCC RPG Conversion notes:

Wizards who follow Cronos can use this table in lieu of rolling for corruption or misfire when they get a 1 on their spell check.

Save vs. death= make a Will save DC 10

Referee= Judge

Next week: wizards of Cronos, Part III!

Wizards of Cronos, Part I

Cronos

Neutral Greater Titan of the Golden Age, Reaping, & Time

Methods of Cronos

* Seek a return to the Golden Age

* Reap all that stands in your way

* Unravel the power of Time, but beware, else it unravels you

Wizards of Cronos

Special: Being a titan, Cronos is followed by wizards (see Time Magic, below).

Allowed Weapons: Sickle, scythe, harpe* (short sword that only does 1d5 damage, but chops off smaller, hanging body parts on an attack roll of natural 20)

Allowed Armor: None

Symbol: Sickle, Scythe, Harpe, Grain, Sundial

Can Turn: None

Time Magic: Cronos wizards are magic-users who automatically have access to and learn Cronos’s spells, even gaining a +1 bonus to all rolls for them. In return, they only have a 25% chance of being able to learn other magic-user spells, in addition to any other requirements, and suffer a -1 penalty to all rolls for those spells even if they do learn them.

Magical Side-Effects

The magic of Cronos is very potent and dangerous, revolving like hours on the clock. Roll 1d12, but be warned: getting the same Magical Side-Effect number twice in a row causes a temporal paradox, triggering a test (see next week’s article).

1. By Harpe: Something small and hanging must immediately be chopped off a person for the spell to work. If not, then the wizard takes 1d4 damage instead and even has a 10% chance of losing something small and hanging of his own!

2. Reaping’s Price: The scythe of Cronos passes through the wizard, causing him to save vs. death or immediately age 1d4 years. Depending on his current age, such additional aging may have a permanent, negative effect on him, ranging from increasing decrepitude to even death (per Referee).

3. The Weighs of Father Time: The wizard is temporally slowed, only being able to move at 1/2 his normal speed and take 1/2 his normal number of actions each round for the next 1d3 rounds.

4. Consuming One’s Progeny: A random item is taken from the wizard, either on his person or one held treasured. It quickly rusts away and corrodes back into Cronos’s belly, reverting the wizard to a simpler, Golden Age state.

5-8. Standard Casting: All that is needed is chanting and the use of strange components worth at least 1d6 gold pieces per spell level. Wizards typically have such materials on hand (a base 85% chance) of course, if they’ve had the time to assemble them.

9. To Better Days: A broken or damaged item of the wizard is miraculously repaired, shining brightly as a Golden Age gift.

10. The Ways of Father Time: The wizard is made temporally faster, being able to move at twice his normal speed and take double his normal number of actions per round for the next 1d3 rounds.

11. Reaping’s Prize: The scythe of Cronos passes through the wizard’s foes, causing all within 120’ to save vs. death or immediately age 1d4 years. As in result #2 above, such additional aging may have a permanent, negative effect on them, ranging from increasing decrepitude to even death (per Referee).

12. For Harpe: If something small and hanging is chopped off a person, then the spell works for triple effect in all regards. If not, then it functions normally this time.

DCC RPG Conversion notes:

Can turn= Unholy creatures

Magic-users= Wizards

Referee= Judge

Save vs. death= make a Will save DC 10

Additional notes:

Cronos is similar to Saturn and Janus, but the latter two are both Roman and thereby more ritualized and less personal. Saturn focuses on harvests and enjoying the Golden Age, while Janus is a god (and thereby served by clerics and priests) who also involves beginnings, gateways, and space (see article here). 

Next week: wizards of Cronos, Part II!

Priestesses of Aphrodite, Part III

Spells (Aphrodite)

Priestesses of Aphrodite have access to the following spells. Targets of their enchantments save at a -6 penalty if they would be sexually attracted to them.

LABYRINTH LORD

1st Level: Command (if it’s erotic), Create Water, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Magic, Remove Fear, Resist Cold, Sanctuary, Allure*, Charm Person*, Sleep*

2nd Level: Bless, Resist Fire, Reveal Charm, Snake Charm (on phalluses), Enlarge* (on sexual body parts), Amnesia*, ESP* (only hearing erotic thoughts), Levitate*

3rd Level: Cure Blindness, Cure Disease, Prayer, Remove Curse (reversible), Dispel Magic*, Suggestion*, Summon Monster* (nymph or siren)

4th Level: Cure Serious Wounds, Lower Water (reversible), Neutralize Poison, Charm Monster*, Flame Charm*, Tongues* (must be used romantically, of course)

5th Level: Commune, Cure Critical Wounds, Feeblemind*, Polymorph Other*

6th Level: Heal, Part Water, Power Nude Blind (as Power Word Blind*, but requires the priestess to be unclad)

7th Level: Regenerate, Restoration, Mass Charm*, Power Nude Kill (as Power Word Kill*, but requires the priestess to be unclad and bathing), Sympathy*

DCC RPG

1st Level (d8): Blessing, Detect Magic, Holy Sanctuary, Resist Cold or Heat, Word of Command (if it’s erotic), Charm Person*, Enlarge* (on sexual body parts), Sleep*

2nd Level (d10): Curse, Lotus Stare, Neutralize Poison or Disease, Restore Vitality, Snake Charm (on phalluses), Charming (as Strength*, but boosts Personality instead), ESP* (only hearing erotic thoughts), Forget*, Levitate*, Monster Summoning* (Nymphs or Sirens only)

3rd Level (d4): Remove Curse, Consult Spirit* (fair maiden, fey, or nature), Dispel Magic*, Water Breathing*

4th Level (d2): Sanctify, Polymorph* (others only)

5th Level (d2): Greater Sex Charm (as Charm Person*, but is cast with a +15 bonus if the target would be sexually attracted to the priestess), Mind Purge*

Siren

Align: C

MV: 40’ (swim 80’)

AC: 9*

HD: 3

Atk: None

Dmg: None

SP: +1 weapons or better required to hit, breathe water, charm person at will that draws men to them (save vs. spell negates)

SV: E3

Mor: 6

Appearing as very attractive, nude, bathing women, sirens are related to nymphs, but are more fey in nature. With their charm effect, they take joy in luring men to their doom, beckoning them ever closer into dangerous rocks and waters with seductive songs. Those few who are lucky enough to actually reach them in one piece are then whisked away by the siren to a pleasant Otherworld to live out their days in euphoric bliss, while those who don’t still die with foolish smiles upon their mouths.

DCC RPG stats:

Init: +3; Atk none; AC 10*; HD 3d8; MV 30’ (swim 60’); Act 1d20; SP +1 weapons or better required to hit, breathe water, charm person at will that draws men to them (Will save DC 15 negates); SV Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +4; AL C 

Avatar of Aphrodite

Align: C

MV: 40’

AC: 0, must save vs. spell to harm her through

HD: 16

Atk: none

Dmg: none

SP: Aphrodite cleric spells/abilities (caster level 22), must save vs. spell to attack her, constant Charm Person effect on those who would be sexually attracted to her, may exhibit Divine Test results 10-15: #5 &/or #6 (75% chance for each)

Magic Resistance: 75%

SV: E24

Mor: 6

Irresistible entities of immeasurable, womanly beauty, Aphrodite Avatars love to roam about in the nude, partaking of any and all pleasures they can find. Such indulgences will please many who cross her path, though others might be upset by such wantons displays of lust. Still, few can resist the constant charm effect from an Aphrodite Avatar’s supple, voluptuous form, with many having Attendants Erotes and/or Kallipygos Ends (from divine tests #10-15), making them even more heartrendingly passionate and difficult to resist. Last, they may bestow a boon upon those who pleasure them best, whether intentionally or not, typically bestowing beauty and/or lovemaking prowess.

DCC RPG stats:

Init: +9; Atk none; AC 20, must make a Will save DC 15 to harm her through; HD 16d6; MV 30’; Act 1d20; SP Aphrodite cleric spells/abilities (caster level 22), constant Charm Person effect on those who would be sexually attracted to her, may exhibit Divine Test results 10-15: #5 &/or #6 (75% chance for each); SV Fort +12, Ref +22, Will +12; AL C 

Aphrodite Encounters

1d4

1. The party encounters an outstandingly attractive woman. She is (roll 1d6): [1] walking by, [2] lounging, [3] looking for a ‘big, strong hero’, [4] looking to make a scene, [5] bathing, [6] sleeping (50% chance of being nude).

If interacted with, the woman turns out to be a (roll 1d10):

   [1] normal, albeit gorgeous peasant woman

   [2] porna (low-class prostitute)

   [3] hetaera (high-class prostitute

   [4] priestess of Aphrodite

   [5] noblewoman

   [6] witch

   [7] nymph (see Volume I)

   [8] enticing nature, fey, or fair maiden spirit (see Volume II)

   [9] siren

   [10] Avatar of Aphrodite

See Volume I to generate What is So Attractive about her (from the table of that name). In any case, the party’s reaction will make things turn out either pretty or not so pretty.

2. Someone slips an aphrodisiac into a random party member’s drink, compelling them to approach the next remotely appropriate individual they see. Unless already known, that individual will have a Charisma (or Personality or Comeliness) score of 1d20, so there’s a good 25% chance that they won’t regret it later.

3. A place of remarkable beauty is found. Along with it being a Node (see Volume II), those there can ask Aphrodite to have someone fall in love with them. There’s a base 10% chance of her granting the request, along with a base 75% chance of her causing the petitioner to undergo one of her divine tests.

4. Harkening to the sounds of soft moaning and sighs, the party comes upon a very striking entourage. As they enter deeper into the midst of the nude, pleasuring crowd of breathtaking women with ample bosoms and butter-supple loins (and their assistants), it will likely become increasingly harder for them to pull away (roll 1d10 or assign as needed):

   [1-2] 2d3 priestesses of Aphrodite

   [3] 2d4 male guardians (50% chance of being satyrs)

   [4] 3d4 nymphs (see Volume I)

   [5] 2d2 erotic spirits (fair maidens, fey, or nature spirits- see Volume II)

   [6-8] 4d4 hot, mortal women (75% chance of being faithful worshippers of Aphrodite, otherwise they will follow Venus, Freya, Ishtar, or even Unharmonia!)

   [9] 1d3 sirens

   [10] an Aphrodite Avatar (50% chance of riding a crimson shell)

Next week: some titanic power with wizards of Cronos, Part I!

Priestesses of Aphrodite, Part II

Divine Tests (Aphrodite)

Love can surely swell the heart as much as it can break it. It is up to the priestess to understand both sides as she rides the tides of beatific passion.

1-4. Fully opened now, the priestess experiences a -2d3 penalty to all her rolls unless she is engages in some kind of pleasurable activity. The penalty can be reduced by 1 for each partner that she lies with for at least 1d3 turns, allowing her to experience even more pleasure.

5-9. While the enchantment of her form remains irresistible, the priestess does lose access to some of her magic (50% chance for each spell) including possibly her turn ability. To get it back, she must do one of the following, though she would likely enjoy doing so anyway. Roll 1d4.

[1] Make passionate love to the next remotely appropriate individual she sees. The process takes at least 2d3 turns. Feel free to use the Victory in Love and War table in Volume III to determine any additional effects.

[2] Walk around completely nude for the next 2d3 hours. The priestess may not even hold or carry anything during this time, apart from her lovers’ caress, intoxicating scent, and passionate taste.

[3] Aid someone who is seeking love, regaining her lost magic when she achieves matchmaker’s success after they conjoin in steamy intercourse.

[4] Punish someone who has angered Aphrodite, whether for being too prude, comparing their beauty to hers, not giving proper thanks, having sex in a temple, or the like.

10-15. Some pleasurable; some terrible; all carnal, Aphrodite instills a greater test upon her faithful. Roll 1d6.

[1] Seed of Anchises: The next child the priestess bears will be partially divine (see Avatars: Gods Incarnate in Volume III for bonuses), though her magical powers are only at 50% strength until she does conceive one.

[2] Scent of Lemnos: The priestess stinks for a time and becomes sex-starved as a result for the next 1d3 days, only to slake her lust for at least half that duration again once it wears off. In any case, she suffers a -2 penalty to all her rolls as both aspects occur- due to many naked distractions- along with the other effects.

[3] Prayer of Pygmalion: Bringing new love into the world, the next female statue the priestess encounters comes alive as a moral woman. She will, in turn, be a faithful wife to the next man she sees and remain very shapely.

[4] Hubris of Hippolytus: The next prudish person, follower of Artemis, or horse rider the priestess spots will soon perish in a bizarre way, sometime in the next 3d4 hours. Evidence will point to Aphrodite as arranging the death and likely create some vendetta against the priestess from the slain one's allies.

[5] Attendants Erotes: Invisible, winged, erotic companions follow the priestess from now on, much as they do Great Aphrodite. All adult humans who first encounter her must save vs. death or become overwhelmed by feelings of lust. If this occurs, then they must quench those desires for the next 2d3 rounds at least, most likely begging for the priestess to assist them.

[6] Kallipygos End: Becoming even more beautiful now, the priestess gains +1 Charisma, but also will blind for 1d3 rounds those who see her nude or even kill those who see her bathing nude for the first time. A save vs. spell negates in the first case; a save vs. death negates in the latter. Akin to magical side-effects #9 and #11, this test is permanent, so later results of those side-effects will cause any saves to be made with a -5 penalty when they occur, especially if she is showing off her shapely hindquarters at the time.

16-17. Whether from lying with Ares or by losing Adonis, the priestess’s closest male companion departs. If mortal, he must save vs. death or die, otherwise he will simply no longer associate with her. If it’s unclear who that man would be, then pick the last one that she laid with. 

18+ To the fairest. Like with Paris, who the most beautiful is must now be judged. All women (including the priestess) within 1/4 mile are brought together to be judged by a random man within that area. He will then select the one who makes the best Charisma check, modified by any 'bribes' she may give him (wink-wink, nod-nod). If he doesn’t select the priestess, then she will be stripped of all her powers for 1 day per divine test total over 17 from the shame of it. On the other hand, if any followers of other goddesses aren’t selected, then they will experience the loss of power instead, plus there is a base 25% chance of earning that divinity’s ire (75% if a follower of Hera), likely leading to war.

DCC RPG Conversion notes:

Turn ability= Turn unholy ability

Save vs. death= make a Will save DC 10

Save vs. spell= make a Will save DC 15

Charisma= Personality (or Comeliness, if using that optional rule from Volume I)

Next week: priestesses of Aphrodite, Part III!

Priestesses of Aphrodite, Part I

Aphrodite

Chaotic Goddess of Love, Beauty, Passion, & Pleasure

Tenets of Aphrodite

* Smile often, showing your beauty

* Incite passion, especially the unbridled kind

* Engage in pleasure whenever possible

* Encourage beauty and the making of pretty things

Priestesses of Aphrodite

Special: Aphrodite is usually served by priestesses.

Allowed Weapons: None

Allowed Armor: None

Holy Symbol: Seashell, Dove, Dolphin

Can Turn: Those who are armed

Mysteries of Aphrodite: Priestesses of Aphrodite are quite attractive, gaining a +2 Charisma bonus as a result. What is more, their blessed beauty gives them a natural AC bonus equal to their Charisma bonus plus 1 per level as well (so a 2nd level priestess with a CHA of 17 would have an AC of 5) - it’s hard to want to hurt them!

Magical Side-Effects

Love can create life itself, but it can also make it quite challenging. Roll 1d12.

1. Bearer Epistrophia: The magic will only work if it directly involves love, beauty, passion, or pleasure. Otherwise, a sacrifice of something beautiful worth at least 1d6 gold pieces per spell level would be an attractive substitute.

2. Praxis-Porne: The spell’s target must save vs. death or fall in love with the next individual he or she sees. And unless it would be very inappropriate, that love will be very sexual.

3. Embrace of the Hetaira: If the spell would help the recipient, then the priestess must pleasure them for at least 1 turn first. If not, or if such pleasuring would upset the recipient, then the priestess must find someone else to pleasure within the next hour. Not doing so would be very unpleasant, provoking a divine test!

4. Anaduomene-clad: As Great Aphrodite arose from the sea, the priestess too must be fully nude or else the magic only has 50% of its normal effect. Even if not bathed in water at the time, it must be so, for she will be stunning.

5. Sweetest Kallisti: If the spell is meant to aid the target, then its effects are adjusted by their Charisma modifier. Therefore, someone with CHA 15 would gain a +1, while another with CHA 8 would suffer -1. It’s only fair that the most beautiful should receive the most benefit.

6-8. Standard Magic: The spell occurs without side-effect this time.

9. Pasiphaessa Glow: The priestess’s beauty shines bright, blinding all who gaze upon her for the next round. Those affected can save vs. spell to ignore the effects, otherwise the blindness ends 1d3 rounds later even if the desire for her does not.

10. Way of Eros: If the priestess lies with the next remotely appropriate individual she sees for at least 1d3 turns, then the magic’s effect, range, or duration can gain a 50% bonus. Such lovemaking pleases Aphrodite, especially if it is wanton!

11. Where Zeus Loves Dione: The spell occurs for double the effect, range, or duration, but only if the priestess is nude at a beach, is bathing, or does so soon after. In addition, men who have lower HD than her who witness her doing so must also save vs. death or die.

12. Carnal Blessing: Aphrodite arouses the magic to have twice its effect, range, or duration, plus it is not expended and can be cast again that day. Also, if it’s meant to benefit the target, she improves all their rolls by 1 for the next 1d6 hours as long as they engage in carnal pleasure at least once every hour.

DCC RPG Conversion notes:

Can turn= Unholy creatures

Charisma= Personality (or Comeliness, if using that optional rule from Volume I)

AC 5= AC 14

Save vs. death= make a Will save DC 10

Save vs. spell= make a Will save DC 15

Spell not expended that day= +2 bonus to its spell check

Additional notes:

Aphrodite is often equated to Venus, though she is different, the latter being concerned more with appropriate passion and ritualized worship in the Roman fashion. See Volume II for more information about her. Other related goddesses of love include Freya (in Volume I), Ishtar (in Volume III), and even, in a twisted way, Unharmonia (also in Volume I).

Next week: priestesses of Aphrodite, Part II!

Clerics of Ares, Part III

Cleric Spells (Ares)

Clerics of Ares have access to the following spells.

LABYRINTH LORD

1st Level: Command, Cure Light Wounds (reversible), Remove Fear (reverse), Resist Cold (if holding a shield), Charm Person* (usable on women with Charisma scores of 15+), Scare*

2nd Level: Bless (reversible), Hold Person, Resist Fire, Shatter* (requires a hit from cleric’s sword or shield), Strength*

3rd Level: Remove Curse (reversible), Striking

4th Level: Cure Serious Wounds (reversible), Exorcise, Haste* (only allows extra attacks, not double movement),

5th Level: Cure Critical Wounds (reversible), Cure Disease (reverse)

6th Level: Blade Barrier (but the cleric becomes the curtain of whirling blades, using his sword or spear to cause damage for the duration), Heal (reverse)

DCC RPG

1st Level (d6): Blessing (boosting attack and damage rolls only), Paralysis, Resist Cold or Heat (if holding a shield), Word of Command, Charm Person* (usable on women with Personality scores of 15+), Scare*

2nd Level (d8): Binding, Cure Paralysis, Curse, Lotus Stare (cleric must be wearing a helmet), Restore Vitality, Stinging Spear (as Stinging Stone, but works just on spearheads and has 1/2 the duration), Shatter* (requires a hit from cleric’s sword or shield), Strength*

3rd Level (d3): Exorcise, Remove Curse, Haste* (only allows extra attacks, not double movement)

4th Level: Affliction of the Gods 

5th Level: Whirling Doom (but the cleric becomes the whirling barrier, using his sword or spear to cause damage for the duration)

  

Spartan Warrior (Fighter Option)

Align: N

MV: 35’

AC: 4

HD: 1+2

Atk: 1 spear or sword

Dmg: 1d6+1

SP: +1 per odd level with spear or short sword & shield, cannot engage in manual labor or commerce, can cause hesitation in those who have lower HD than them (see below)

SV: F1

Mor: 10

Like other hoplites, Spartan warriors gain a +1 bonus per odd level that can be added each round either to hit, damage, or even improve their AC when wielding a spear or short sword with a shield. What is more, since they are an infamous and specialized warrior caste, noted for their daily training from an early age and proscription from engaging in manual labor or commercial activity, they can cause hesitation in those with a lower HD who try to face them in melee. In such cases, the Spartan warrior’s opponents must make a Morale check or be too afraid to attack him until after the 1st round of battle has passed. Ares smiles on such fear and the resulting bloodshed.

DCC RPG stats:

Init: +2; Atk spear or short sword +2 (1d6+1); AC 15; HD 1d8+2; MV 25’; Act 1d20; SP will only perform their Mighty Deeds when wielding a short sword or spear with a shield- otherwise they have a standard +1 attack bonus per level when fighting in all situations, cannot engage in manual labor or commerce, can cause trepidation in those who have lower HD than them (see above- opponents must a make a Will save DC 12 to resist); SV Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +1; AL N.

Avatar of Ares

Align: C

MV: 40’

AC: -8

HD: 24

Atk: 1 spear

Dmg: 8d10

SP: Ares cleric spells/abilities (caster level 14), immune to being disarmed or having helm or shield taken away, may exhibit Divine Test results 10-15 (25% chance for each)

Magic Resistance: 55%

SV: F24

Mor: 12

Ultimate warriors, Avatars of Ares crave blood and battle, reveling in the fear and spoils it gives. They travel the land, seeking worthy opponents who can survive at least 1d6 rounds of melee with them, or beautiful wives who can do the same in the bedchamber. In addition to their already formidable martial abilities, they may also experience the divine tests that Ares’s clerics do (#10-15), having a chance of being a Blood Fighter, War Emissary, etc., as well. In any case, those who do survive such an encounter are granted a +1 bonus to all melee damage rolls for the next week, along with an aggressive disposition and ruddy complexion.

DCC RPG stats:

Init: +6; Atk spear +28 (8d10+10); AC 27; HD 24d10; MV 30’; Act 2d20; SP Ares cleric spells/abilities (caster level 14, immune to being disarmed or having helm or shield taken away, may exhibit Divine Test results 10-15 (25% chance for each); SV Fort +20, Ref +12, Will +14; AL C.

Ares Encounters

1d4

1. During the next battle, a random party member can gain a +4 bonus to hit and to damage, but only if he or she swears allegiance to Ares. If so, then they must celebrate their new devotion by also attacking the next person they lay eyes on, even if an ally, for the next 2d6 rounds.

2. To the party’s surprise, a group of 2d4 Amazons surrounds them. But these are not the usual followers of Hera or other goddess, they worship Ares! In any case, they will generally behave the same, attacking any men in the group- though not because they dislike men, but because they like attacking!

3. Up ahead is the sound of battle. If they investigate, the party finds 2d4 Spartan warriors fighting 5d6 Helot slaves. Each Spartan will slay 2d4 Helots before falling himself, generally killing one per round, unless of course the party intervenes. What is more, each Spartan has a 25% chance of being part of the Crypteia- the secret police- and has 1d4 thief or assassin levels too. Such individuals will slay 1d4 extra Helots, along with trying to dispatch any party members who are so foolish as to get in the way.

4. The party comes to a great and barren mountain named ‘The Areopagus’. To reach the top, they will encounter (roll 1d12 or assign as needed): 
   [1] 2d4 clerics of Ares
   [2] 2d3 fighter-clerics of Ares, 
   [3-4] 3d4 blood warriors of Ares (treat as Chaotic Spartans)
   [5] 5d6 slaves
   [6] 1d4 goats being gruff due to their zodiacal associations with Ares
   [7] 1d3 fire-breathing horses who can do so for 2d6 damage every other round
   [8] 1 ogre follower of Ares (who is experiencing the Chosen of Eris divine test)
   [9] 3d4 birds of Ares that can hit with their droppings for 1d2 damage and also knock party members off the mountain edge (save vs. Paralysis or Reflex save DC 12 negates)
   [10] 2d2 Dogs of War (treat as dire wolves)
   [11] 1 young red dragon at a water stream whose teeth, if removed, can be sown into warriors
   [12] an Ares Avatar. No matter the peril, those who reach the top will gain Ares’s favor for engaging in so much slaughter and havoc, especially if they kill all they encounter!

Next week: priestesses of Aphrodite, Part I (viewer discretion is advised)!