Ares (air-reez)

God of war

Though many might claim that war can be necessary, even noble, its patron god Ares represents everything about it that is brutal and savage. Loving nothing more than a vicious fight with plenty of bloodshed, Ares stands ready to reward those that dispense death and violence in his name.

Ares's Champions

Alignment: Chaotic, sometimes evil
Suggested Classes: Barbarian, cleric, fighter
Suggested Cleric Domains: Blood, Valour, War
Suggested Backgrounds: Gladiator, soldier

Champions of Ares almost always favor violence as a first resort. Though far from being mindless killers, their discipline and self-restraint only stretch so far.

Ares's Favor

For those not bound by morality, earning Ares's favor can seem a trifling matter - the more death they deal, the higher their standing with the bloodthirsty god. More even tempered followers, however, will find it easier to impress him through fearless endurance and unrelenting courage in battle.

Why did Ares seek you out as a champion? The following table offers a few suggestions.

D6	Circumstance
1	You are a great warrior who has yet to be defeated in battle.
2	As a child you slew a vicious beast, facing it without fear
3	You have sworn to unleash a bloody vengeance on someone powerful who has wronged you.
4	Your bloodthirsty nature has led many to whisper that you may have been fathered by the God of War himself.
5	One of your ancestors was a great general, and Ares expects you to live up to that pedigree.
6	You were once victorious in a major fighting contest.

Devotion to Ares

Following Ares means swearing to be an extension of the god of war’s own sword arm. As a follower of Ares, consider the ideals below as alternatives to those suggested for your background.

Ares's Ideals

D6	Ideals
1	Devotion. My devotion to my god is more important to me than what they stand for. (Any)
2	Bloodlust. The only time I feel truly alive is when I am cutting down a foe in battle. (Chaotic)
3	Discipline. The steadiest spear always finds its mark. (Any)
4	Courage. I fear no man, beast or monster. (Any)
5	Pride. If there is a greater warrior out there, I have yet to meet them. And if I do, I’ll kill them. (Chaotic)
6	Revenge. I have been wronged, and will stop at nothing until I have my vengeance. (Any)

Earning and Losing Piety

You increase your piety score to Ares when you expand his influence in the world in a concrete way through acts such as these:

• Securing the killing blow on a notable enemy
• Emerging victorious in a contest of strength or endurance
• Convincing a group of people that violence is the answer

Your piety score to Ares decreases if you diminish his influence in the world or contradict his ideals through acts such as these:

• Being defeated in battle in a humiliating manner
• Deliberately choosing diplomacy instead of bloodshed
• Dedicating a victory to another deity

Ares's Devotee

Piety 3+ Ares trait

As a devotee of Ares, you can cast compelled duel with this trait. You can cast the spell in this way a number of times equal to your Constitution modifier (minimum of once). You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest. Constitution is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Ares's Votary

Piety 10+ Ares trait

You can cast blinding smite with this trait. Once you cast the spell in this way, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest. Constitution is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

In addition, you have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.

Ares's Disciple

Piety 25+ Ares trait

You have proven to Ares that you are a reliable dealer of death and destruction. You learn one of the following fighting styles, following the same restrictions and gaining the same benefits as those listed in the fighter class feature:

• Archery
• Defense
• Dueling
• Great Weapon Fighting
• Protection
• Two-Weapon Fighting

If you lose this trait as a result of your piety score falling, you lose access to your chosen fighting style. If you regain this trait at a later time, you must choose the same fighting style as the first time you acquired it.

Ares's Champion

Piety 50+ Ares trait

You can increase your Strength or Constitution score by 2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2.

Divine Domains

Blood, Valour, War

Divine Classification

Olympian

Religions

• The Gods of Tynos

Alignment

Chaotic Evil

Parents

Zeus

Hera

Children

• Deimos and Phobos