Nike
Goddess of victory
A fighter may swear their sword to Ares, a bard might pledge their lyre to Apollo and a paladin may vow to serve almighty Zeus, but there is one goddess they would all be wise to still say a prayer to. Nike, the personification of victory itself, who ensures that the good and just will always triumph.
Suggested Classes: Cleric, fighter, paladin
Suggested Cleric Domains: Order, War, Valour
Suggested Backgrounds: Gladiator, noble, soldier
Followers of Nike like to keep things simple - they want to win, and always believe they can. This singular sense of purpose gives them the strength to keep fighting no matter the odds.
Why did Nike seek you out as a champion? The following table offers a few suggestions.
As a devotee of Nike, you can call on the goddess's blessing and cast guiding bolt 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.
You can use what you have learned from the goddess of victory to inspire others. You can cast beacon of hope 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 Constitution checks and saving throws made to resist gaining or increasing levels of exhaustion.
The goddess of victory's blessing imbues you with a determination to never give up. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.
This trait stacks with other features that provide the same benefit, such as a half-orc's Relentless Endurance.
You can increase your Constitution or Charisma score by 2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2.
Nike’s Champions
Alignment: Neutral, usually lawfulSuggested Classes: Cleric, fighter, paladin
Suggested Cleric Domains: Order, War, Valour
Suggested Backgrounds: Gladiator, noble, soldier
Followers of Nike like to keep things simple - they want to win, and always believe they can. This singular sense of purpose gives them the strength to keep fighting no matter the odds.
Nike’s Favor
As the goddess of victory, Nike favors those mortals who never know when to give up, especially when they believe they have justice on their side. Stubbornness, a trait some gods might find disqualifying in a champion, is a boon in Nike's eyes.Why did Nike seek you out as a champion? The following table offers a few suggestions.
| D6 | Circumstance |
|---|---|
| 1 | You come from a lawless town where you are the only one trying to keep the peace. |
| 2 | You entered a major contest as the underdog, but still emerged victorious. |
| 3 | In all your years, you have never lost a one-on-one fight. |
| 4 | You once ran for days without stopping in order to acquire help for your starving village. The journey almost killed you. |
| 5 | You won a famous victory in your youth. |
| 6 | When you were born, a bird not native to the region passed overhead - a sure sign of Nike's favor. |
Devotion to Nike
Following Nike means pledging yourself to never give up when you know you have law, order and justice on your side, and encouraging others to do the same. As a follower of Nike, consider the ideals below as alternatives to those suggested for your background.Nike’s Ideals
| D6 | Ideals |
|---|---|
| 1 | Devotion. My devotion to my god is more important to me than what they stand for. (Any) |
| 2 | Justice. Our laws are just, and they must triumph over those that defy them. (Lawful) |
| 3 | Ambition. I often feel like I need more of what I have. (Any) |
| 4 | Victory. The thrill of winning is something I'll never get tired of. (Any) |
| 5 | Skill. May the best mortal win. That would be me. (Any) |
| 6 | Honour. It is better to lose than to win dishonourably. (Lawful) |
Earning and Losing Piety
You increase your piety score to Nike when you expand her influence in the world in a concrete way through acts such as these:- Emerging victorious when the odds are against you
- Dedicating one of your triumphs to Nike herself
- Leading a group of people to victory
- Cheating or achieving victory through dishonourable means
- Refusing to accept defeat when you have lost fairly
- Using your skills to bully or exploit those beneath you
Nike’s Devotee
Piety 3+ Nike traitAs a devotee of Nike, you can call on the goddess's blessing and cast guiding bolt 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.
Nike’s Votary
Piety 10+ Nike traitYou can use what you have learned from the goddess of victory to inspire others. You can cast beacon of hope 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 Constitution checks and saving throws made to resist gaining or increasing levels of exhaustion.
Nike’s Disciple
Piety 25+ Nike traitThe goddess of victory's blessing imbues you with a determination to never give up. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. Once you use this trait, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.
This trait stacks with other features that provide the same benefit, such as a half-orc's Relentless Endurance.
Nike’s Champion
Piety 50+ Nike traitYou can increase your Constitution or Charisma score by 2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2.
Divine Domains
Order, War, Valour
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