Hercules

God of strength (a.k.a. Heracles)

One of the few gods in the pantheon to be born a mortal, Hercules (also known as Heracles), was a hero of such might and renown that he was made a deity by his father, the almighty Zeus. Now he serves as the ultimate role model to aspiring heroes everywhere.  

Hercules's Champions

Alignment: Good, often chaotic
Suggested Classes: Barbarian, fighter, paladin
Suggested Cleric Domains: Tempest, War, Valour
Suggested Backgrounds: Folk hero, gladiator, soldier

To many of his followers, Hercules represents the pinnacle of what a mortal hero can achieve - a place on Olympus itself. They seek to emulate his glory and ferocity through their own deeds.  

Hercules's Favor

When choosing a champion, Hercules looks for bravery, honour and skill at arms. These, he claims, are all anyone needs to become a mighty hero - he tends to leave out the bloodthirsty temper and superhuman strength that made him famous.

Why did Hercules seek you out as a champion? The following table offers a few suggestions.
D6 Circumstance
1 You slew a terrifying monster that was roaming the land.
2 You emerged victorious in a prestigious contest of strength, endurance or martial skill.
3 It is rumored that your family is descended from Hercules himself, from his time as a mortal.
4 You can’t explain it, but you’ve always felt you were destined for greatness.
5 You are already a local legend in your home village.
6 You were given a seemingly insurmountable task, but prayed to Hercules to help you with this labor.
 

Devotion to Hercules

Following Hercules means trusting in your own strength, both inner and outer, to make your mark upon the world. As a follower of Hercules, consider the ideals below as alternatives to those suggested for your background.  
Hercules's Ideals
D6 Ideals
1 Devotion. My devotion to my god is more important to me than what they stand for. (Any)
2 Courage. I have the heart of a hero, nothing frightens me. (Any)
3 Rage. I can’t help it, sometimes I just see red. (Chaotic)
4 Legacy. One day my name will be as widely known as Hercules himself. (Any)
5 Honour. Being a hero means choosing the right course, not the easiest one. (Good)
6 Glory. Let my enemies come. One at a time or all at once, it makes no difference to me. (Chaotic)
 

Earning and Losing Piety

You increase your piety score to Hercules when you expand his influence in the world in a concrete way through acts such as these:
  • Slaying a fierce monster
  • Carrying out a mighty feat of strength or endurance
  • Inspiring others to tell of your deeds in plays, songs or art
Your piety score to Hercules decreases if you diminish his influence in the world or contradict his ideals through acts such as these:
  • Defeating a foe through dishonourable means
  • Giving up on a difficult task instead of seeing it through
  • Suffering an embarrassing defeat in single combat

Hercules's Devotee

Piety 3+ Hercules trait

As a devotee of Hercules, you have set yourself on the path of a hero. At the start of your first turn in a combat encounter, you may choose to gain inspiration. You may not benefit from this trait if you are surprised at the start of the encounter. Inspiration gained in this way that remains unspent at the end of the encounter is lost. Once you have gained inspiration in this way, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest.  

Hercules's Votary

Piety 10+ Hercules trait

You can cast enhance ability with this trait, requiring no material components, but may only use the Bear’s Endurance or Bull’s Strength effects. 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.  

Hercules's Disciple

Piety 25+ Hercules trait

Like Hercules himself, your temper is a terrible thing once roused. You can enter a rage with this trait, following the same restrictions and gaining the same benefits as those listed in the barbarian class feature. Your rage damage bonus for this trait is +2. Once you enter a rage in this way, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest.
If you have levels in the barbarian class, you forgo the above and instead gain an additional rage use once per long rest.  

Hercules's Champion

Piety 50+ Hercules trait

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

Divine Domains

Tempest, War, Valour
Divine Classification
Olympian
Religions
Alignment
Chaotic Good
Parents
Children

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