ancient lore

the

Gates
of Troy
book i
the heroic bronze age
by
andrew kenrick
CREDITS
concept/writing/design/cover
ANDREW KENRICK
editor
MATT DRAKE
map by
CLAYTON BUNCE

www.steampowerpublishing.co.uk

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ing to the terms of the d20 System License version 6.0. A copy of this License can be found at www.wizards.com/d20. 1
the Gates of Troy
Contents
Introduction 3 The City of Troy 18
City Layout 18
Playing in the Heroic Bronze Age 4 Map of Troy 19
Troy in Numbers 20
A History of Troy 8 Urban Encounters 20
The Founding of Troy 8 A Gazetteer of Troy 21
The Reign of Priam 9
The Children of Priam 9 The Fall of Troy 29
Judgement of Paris 9 The Prophecies of Troy 29
The Return of Paris 9 The Trojan Horse 29
The Trojan War 10 The Sack of Troy 30

The Trojans 12 Using this Book 31

The Ten Dynasties of the Trojans 13 Playing in Troy 31
Government and Law 13 Elsewhere, Elsewhen 31
The Council of Elders 14
Military 15 Trojan Heroes 32
Religion 15 Priam 32
Trade 15 Hecuba 33
Paris 34
The Geography of the Troad 16 Helen 35
The Hellespont 16 Hector 36
The Watchtowers 16 Aeneas 37
The Bay of Ilios 16 Theano 38
River Simois 17 Cassandra 39
River Scamander 17 Helenus 40
The Plains of Troy 17 Sinon 41

OGL Ancients 42
OGL 43
Index 44

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2
 Introduction
The Trojan War and the Siege of Troy require no introduction – they
form the basis of the oldest piece of western literature, Homer’s Iliad,
and one of the most enduring of legends, that of the Trojan Horse.
But beyond the legend there lies a city, a city that was under siege for
nearly a decade before it fell, a city full of heroes – and adventure!

This book is a city sourcebook for broad-streeted, well-walled Troy,

detailing the city’s many nooks and crannies – from the opulence of
the Palace of King Priam to the windy agora, and from the Great Tow-
er of Ilion to the Scaean Gate.

But this book is much more than a city book – within can be found
profiles on the many characters to be found in Troy, including the leg-
endary figures of King Priam, Helen, Paris and Hector as well as lesser
known characters such as the cursed oracle Cassandra or the Achaean
spy Sinon. Furthermore, new rules are provided for playing characters
from Troy, alongside guidelines for using the classes from the PHB
and DMG in a Bronze Age setting.

What this book is not is a document of historical fact. The question of

Troy remains something of an enigma for archaeologists. The location
of Troy is almost certainly that of Hisarlik in Turkey, and the Trojan
War is believed to have happened, although perhaps not as legend tells
it. Wherever possible, historical and archaeological fact has been used,
blended with myth and legend.

Andrew Kenrick
May 2004

siege boxes greeks, achaeans or danaans?

Throughout this book the City of Troy is described as it was on the eve of
war – tensions are growing, supply jars are being filled, men are arming and
everyone talks of the foolishness of Paris. But the Achaean army has yet to
arrive, and the city is not under siege … yet.
Scattered throughout the book are boxouts much like this one, each detailing
changes that take place once the city is under siege during the Trojan War.
Throughout the Iliad the Greek forces are alternately referred to as the
Achaeans, the Danaans and the Argives, rather than the more familiar (and
more modern) term, Greek. Likewise Greece itself is known as Hellas. In
the noble cause of historical accuracy, we have used the terms Achaean and
Hellas throughout this book.
The common language spoken throughout Ancient Greece continues to be
referred to as Greek, however.

3
the Gates of Troy
Playing in the Heroic Bronze Age
the heroic bronze age

What (or when) do we mean by the Heroic Bronze Age? We mean the period between about 1500 and 1000 BC during which many of the Greek legends
are supposed to have occurred. Yes, it is a real time period, when the empires of the Minoans and then the Mycenaeans ruled the Mediterranean, the Hittites
ruled much of the Middle East, and the pharaohs of the New Kingdom ruled Egypt. It is a time after the gods and monsters have finished walking the earth,
making way for legendary men. Monsters and mythical creatures still inhabit the world, but they are no longer a common sight.

It is a time when legends can be made anew by any willing to pick up a spear and set foot on the path to adventure!

With a little work you can easily run a game set in the Heroic Bronze
Age with nothing more than the core rules. Below are presented
suggestions and slight modifications for running a Heroic Bronze Age
game.
races
The PCs in a Heroic Bronze Age game are all human, but to add
variety we have presented rules elsewhere in this book (see p12) for
creating human characters from different kingdoms and cultures.
Many heroes are descended from the bloodlines of gods and mythical
beasts. To represent these bloodlines you can use the rules presented
elsewhere or in our forthcoming book Ancient Lore II: Of Legends
Born.
classes
All of the classes from the core rulebooks can be used without
major changes in a Heroic Bronze Age game, although some make
more conceptual sense than others and, as always, the discretion of
the GM is final. In addition, you may find many of the classes found
in other historical or mythical sourcebooks or in forthcoming Ancient
Lore books useful.
Barbarian – Mainly hailing from the tribes found in the colder regions
north of the Mediterranean, the barbarian is an uncultured savage out
of place in the more civilized world of the Aegean. The barbarian class
can also be used to represent the most bloodthirsty of pirates found
amongst the Sea Peoples, or those Achaean heroes who sacrifice honor
for a love of bloodthirsty melee. No changes need be made.
Bard – A mainstay of Heroic Greek culture, the bard can be found
recounting epic tales and legends from the opulent palaces to the
smoky taverns, as well as forging some of his own. The bard is likely
to be one of the few literate members of society, and can be used to
represent scribes. No changes need be made.
Cleric – Devotees of the Olympian pantheon, the clerics of Heroic
Greece are ever present. However, rarely are they the mace swing-
ing, armored holy warriors commonly found in fantasy settings
– more often they are akin to cloistered monks of later ages. It is
recommended that you use the priest option presented on page 38 in
place of the conventional cleric class. This class is suitable for priests
of the Olympian deities, as well as oracles, seers and healers who
use magical techniques.
If you want to use the cleric class, it can be used to represent par-
ticularly pious and devoted heroes able to call on divine favors, rather
than conventional priests. Many priests worship the entire pantheon,
rather than a single deity. Details on individual deities are presented
where appropriate within this book and others in the Ancient Lore line.
It is recommended that the turn undead ability is replaced with turn
magical beast, to represent the rarity of undead creatures outside of
Hades. In the age of Heroic Greece, clerics are illiterate.
Druid – As with the barbarian, the druid is a rare sight amongst the
cultures of the Mediterranean, much more commonly found amongst
the northern tribes of Europe. Druids can sometimes be found in the
deserts and mountains of the east and south, dwelling alone with their
animal companions or acting as shamans for the tribes that dwell there.
In the Aegean, druids may also be used to represent priests of Artemis,
loners who shun organized religion in favor of a life of hunting and
solitude. Druids are as illiterate as barbarians.

4
Fighter – The fighter is the most common class among heroes who
spend most of their lives engaged in war or adventure. The fighter
class can also be used for a noble warrior and leader of men. Fighters
are illiterate and do not gain Armor Proficiency (heavy).
Monk – The concept of the monk as a disciplined master of martial
arts has little place in a Heroic Greek game as written, but can be used
to ably represent any skilled unarmed warrior found in the Aegean
world. The monk class can be used to represent any manner of athlete,
boxer, brawler or wrestler. Monks are illiterate.
Paladin – Differing from the familiar concept of the armored knight,
the paladin occurs in the Bronze Age as the archetypal hero – lightly
armored and nimble, with spear and shield in hand, slaying mythical
beasts and upholding the concepts of good and honor. It is recommend-
ed that the turn undead ability be replaced with turn magical beast, to
represent the rarity of undead creatures outside of Hades. Paladins are
illiterate and do not gain Armor Proficiency (heavy). Paladins gain the
Intimidate skill.
Ranger – Often serving as a devotee of Apollo or Artemis, the ranger
is a skilled hunter of beasts, both mundane and legendary. As with
nearly everyone in Heroic Greece, rangers are illiterate.
Rogue – Stalker of shadows and master of disguise, the rogue is a
class beneath contempt for many heroes, for the rogue is considered
to be without honor. However, few would dispute the usefulness of a
rogue when his quick tongue averts bloodshed or saves face, or his
contacts and disguises allows him to get secret information from the
enemy camp. The rogue class can be used for all manner of spies,
thieves, and raiders, as well as diplomats and nobles.
Sorcerer & Wizard – Arcane magic users are much less common in
the Heroic Age than those who gain their powers from the gods. The
sorcerer and wizard are treated with mistrust, for they are considered
to wield forbidden and stolen power. Sorcerers are more often than
not descended from divine or mythical bloodlines, whereas a wizard
is often taught his powers from a legendary source such as an oracle
or a mythical beast. Both the sorcerer and wizard class can be used to
represent witches, sages and seers. Sorcerers are illiterate. Although
wizards are literate, they often make use of unconventional means
to record their spells, such as talismans or clay tablets, or by using
lengthy verbal rituals.
Prestige Classes – The following prestige classes are appropriate to
use in the Heroic Bronze Age: assassin, blackguard, hierophant, and
loremaster.
NPC Classes – Each of the NPC classes fits into the world rather
more easily than the PC classes described above. The aristocrat class
is suitable for use by a PC as a non-fighting noble. Each of the classes
is illiterate.
skills
All of the skills found within the core rulebook can be used without
change, except as follows.
Decipher Script – A rogue may only take this skill once they have
become literate.
Handle Animal – As mentioned in the core rulebook, this skill covers
the handling of vehicles pulled by teams of beasts, in particular chari-
ots. Detailed rules for chariot combat can be found in a forthcoming
Ancient Lore product.
Intimidate – This skill may be used to command a nearby ally,
forcing them to engage in an activity against their will, such as charg-
ing a group of enemies. The use of this skill may not force an en-
emy into a blatantly suicidal action, although it may indirectly lead to
their death. The check may be opposed by a Will save or an Intimidate
check to resist, in which case the target may not be affected again for
24 hours. A command check may also be used to stop an ally suffering
from a fear effect, with the result of the Intimidate check being used by
the ally in place of their own Will save.
Speak Language –The following languages are all suitable: Greek,
Egyptian, Hittite, and Akkadian. Most people in the Bronze Age were
illiterate, and new characters must expend 2 skill points to gain the
ability to read and write all of the languages they speak.
feats
All feats remain unchanged, except as follows. Feats that favor quick-
ness and agility in combat are in keeping with the fast, heroic feel of
the setting.
5
the Gates of Troy
Mounted Combat – Stirrups have not been invented and it is much
harder to remain mounted in melee as a result. The DC to fight while when the ships came
mounted is increased by +2, or +4 when fighting with a piercing
weapon such as a spear (the force of impact can often dismount an
inexperienced rider without stirrups). I remember the first day well
When the changing tide brought more than sea and swell
Scribe Scroll – This feat may only be taken if the character is liter- Upon the waves rode a terrible squall
ate. Scribed scrolls often take the form of clay tablets inscribed with a Not made by gods but of man – the storm of war.
stylus that are broken in two when the spells are cast.

equipment First one ship, then two, three, four

Not all weapons and armor detailed in the core rulebook is appropriate
for a game set in the Heroic Bronze Age. Below is a list of suitable
items, with more suitable names in parentheses when appropriate. Al-
though the core rulebooks provide rules for using bronze weaponry,
for simplicity, so long as all weapons are considered to be made of
bronze no changes need to be made.
The most common types of weapons used were spears of various kinds,
both thrown and wielded in melee. The most common type of armor is
light armor comprised of leather and bronze pieces, combined with a
round bronze shield often used as an off-hand weapon. Tower shields
were also commonly used. Heavy armor was very rare – to represent
this none of the classes have heavy armor proficiency as standard.
Are now littered with corpses stripped bare of armor and
Simple Weapons – dagger, light mace, sickle, club, heavy mace,
shortspear, longspear, quarterstaff, spear, dart, javelin, sling.
Five, six, seven, eight … more
Sped on by the offered blood of cattle and goats
Those wide bottomed, beak prowed boats
Their broad benches filled with fighting men
Sailed across the sea to rescue fair Helen
Beached far below on the virgin sands
The Achaeans swarmed ashore as an army of ants
For near ten years naught I have heard
But the sound of clashing shield and sword
The once golden beaches and verdant green fields
shields

Martial Weapons – throwing axe, light hammer, hand axe, light shield, Many a husband, brother, father or son
short sword, battleaxe, longsword, heavy shield, trident, warhammer, Was lost before the Greeks had won
greataxe, greatclub, greatsword (Thracian sword), scythe, shortbow, And the rape of mothers, daughters and wives
composite shortbow. Would complete the ruin of so many lives
Exotic Weapons – whip
Too numerous to tell the tale of every man and boy
Armor– padded (linen), leather, studded leather (greaved – a combina- Who fell beneath the Gates of Troy
tion of leather armor and bronze greaves and vambraces), hide, breast-
plate, scale mail (corselet), splint mail (panoply), half-plate (dendra).

Shields – all except buckler, made of either hide or beaten bronze in-
stead of wood and steel.

6
 You should be wary of using too many monsters in your game lest
magic they become less than fantastic, unless you want to create a more
high-fantasy game. Suitable monsters found in the MM include:
Flashy magic in the Heroic Age is the domain of the gods, a miraculous
thing rarely to be seen and never to be replicated by mortals. Some- Animals of most types (particularly those native to warm and temper-
times such powers are gifted to the most devout of priests, but only ate lands, plains, mountains and aquatic), basilisk, centaur, chimera,
temporarily. Needless to say the Bronze Age is a low magic world, at cockatrice, dire animal, dragon, dryad, elemental (suitable for use as
least with regards to mortals. nature spirits), ghost, giant,
Although little need be done giant eagle, golem (similar
to the spells themselves, it is to the fantastic creations of
recommended that the most Daedalus and Hephaistus),
overt of these is toned down griffon, hag, harpy, hell-
in description, if not actual hound (akin to the Cerberus),
effect. Those who are indis- hydra, lamia, manticore,
crete are likely to attract the medusa, mephit (suitable for
equally indiscrete wrath of use as nature spirits), mer-
one of the Olympian gods. folk, minotaur, naga, nymph,
pegasus, satyr, skeleton,
Rules for sacrifices, acts of spectre, sphinx, titan, triton.
devotion and libations can
be found in a forthcoming The Troiades
Ancient Lore product.
“All the Troiades were
Magic items exist in this wailing, daughters born of
setting, although most are Skamandros and fair-flow-
low-key in effect. Magic ing Simois to see so many
weapons are typically the Trojans fall in battle.”
heirlooms of ancestors and
heroes and have great val- Quintus Smyrnaeus 11.245
ue attached to them by the
descendant. They are not Both the rivers Scamander
lightly swapped for a better and the Simois are inhabited
weapon. by their favored daughters,
the Troiades. The Troiades
monsters are a race of emotional and wild naiads – freshwater nymphs.

In the Heroic Age few monstrous and mythical creatures walk the earth
openly, instead making their lairs far from civilization in the darkest of
forests and remotest of caves. The odd mythical creature crops up in
tales from this time – Achilles’ centaur-mentor Chiron, for example,
or the ferocious river spirit Scamander.
The Troiades often attend to Troy’s heroes when they come to the
Scamander to bathe. They wept for nigh on ten years when Troy – and
their favorite hero, Paris – fell to the Achaeans.
When using the Troiades in your game, treat them as nymphs for the
purposes of game statistics, except with a chaotic neutral alignment.

7
the Gates of Troy
A History of Troy
the founding of troy
Dardanus was the mortal son of Zeus. After the murder of his
brother, he fled the isle of Samothrace, across the Aegean, to the court
of King Teucer I. Teucer, the son of a nymph and the river god Sc-
amander, ruled a kingdom in Phrygia, a large realm bordering the Hit-
tite Empire in north-west Asia Minor. He welcomed Dardanus,
offering his daughter Batia as a bride. As part of Batia’s
dowry, Dardanus was given land on the shores of the
Hellespont, and there he settled with his family. Upon
Teucer’s death, Dardanus became king and renamed
the land Dardania.
The wealthy kingdom of Dardania passed from
Dardanus to his son Ericthonius – the richest of
all men – and after him to his son Tros. Tros
named his people the Trojans and their land
the Troad, giving them his own name as his
grandfather had done.
As a prince, Tros’ son Ilus jour-
neyed to the capital of Phrygia to partake in the
King’s games, where he won a great victory in the
wrestling event. The prize was fifty young men and
fifty young maidens and, as a special gift from the
Phrygian King in response to a prophecy, a cow
and a request that Ilus found a city wherever
the cow lay at the end of the day. Ilus jour-
neyed homewards with his prizes, following
the cow until it eventually halted. The cow
laid down on the hill of Ate in the north-
western corner of Ilus’ father’s kingdom,
overlooking the Hellespont.
Unsure that this was where he should build his city, Ilus set up his tent
atop the hill and prayed to Zeus for a sign. Looking up from prayer,
Ilus saw the magnificent statue of Pallas Athena, the Palladium, fall
from heaven to land beside the tent. Ilus was blinded, for no man could
gaze upon the beauty of the Palladium with mortal eyes. He ordered
the foundations for the city to be laid and, crowning the hill, a temple
to be built to house the Palladium. Ilus’ sight was restored as the final
8
stones were laid and he named the city Ilium, although many of his
people called it Troy after the king.
When Tros died his kingdom was divided between his two sons. Ilus
ruled Troy and much of the Troad, a kingdom that he named Ilios,
while his brother Assaracus ruled the Dardanians.
the first sack of troy
Ilus had a son named Laomedon by his wife,
Eurydice. Laomedon succeeded Ilus as king.
During Laomedon’s reign Apollo and Posei-
don came to his palace in disguise, forced to
work alongside mortal men as punishment
by Zeus for a forgotten slight. They offered
to construct mighty walls around Troy in ex-
change for a simple wage, but when the pair
had all but completed construction of
the circuit of walls – leaving only one
part unfinished, on the western side
– Laomedon announced that he would not pay them.
Enraged, the two gods swore that Troy would be destroyed. Apollo
sent a plague to ravage the Trojans while Poseidon dispatched a
ferocious sea monster to menace the coast and snatch city folk from
the shore. Laomedon was offered one reprieve by his oracles. He
must leave an offering of many Trojan maidens to be consumed by
the sea monster. This he did, but only after many women had been
eaten did he offer Hesione, his own daughter.
The great hero Heracles saw this and stepped in to rescue
Hesione in exchange for the immortal, snow-white mares
Zeus had gifted to Tros. Again Laomedon agreed to the price,
and again he reneged on his promise after Heracles had rescued He-
sione and slain the beast.
Heracles vowed vengeance and returned with a fleet of eighteen
ships. Heracles and his force besieged Troy. The city’s fine walls were
eventually breached by Telamon at the weak point in the western
wall where the circuit had been completed by mortal stonemasons.
Laomedon and almost all of his family were slain. Only Podarces,
Laomedon’s youngest son, and Hesione, who was taken by Telamon
as his prize, were spared.
the reign of priam
“Take the reins and rule your state, sitting on your father’s throne,
but wield the sceptre with better faith.” Heracles to Priam in Seneca,
Troades 718
Podarces’ life was spared, for he alone maintained through-
out that Heracles was rightfully owed the white horses,
and he was left as king of Troy and renamed Priam – “the
redeemed.”
Troy was restored and rebuilt within the same walls and,
under the kindly rule of King Priam, returned to
– if not exceeded – its former wealth and glory.
Priam and his second wife Hecuba ruled for three
generations, siring fifty sons and twelve daugh-
ters.
The reign of Priam was largely one of peace and diplo-
macy, with the city state establishing peaceful relations
with many of its neighbours and the larger empires of
the Mycenaeans and the Hittites. The only war to which
the armies of Troy marched was against the Amazons,
when Priam was still young to the throne and could
take to battle himself.
the children of priam
Priam’s true strength was not in war, but in
peace, and this trait he passed down to his
children, who grew up to be skilled diplo-
mats and prophets.
First and most favored of Priam’s sons by Hecuba was Hector, crown
prince of Troy and Guardian of the City.
The second son to be born to Hecuba was Paris, and he was much less
favored. When Paris was born, Hecuba dreamt that she had given birth
to a flaming brand from which a swarm of serpents grew – a sure sign
of ill fortune. Priam’s son by his first wife, Aesacus, confirmed this
omen and declared that the newborn child must be slain or he would
bring about the ruin of the city and the dynasty.
When the child was born he was taken to Mount Ida by a servant and
exposed on the hillside. But Paris was favoured by the gods and was
nursed for five days by a bear. When the servant returned to bury the
body, he found the child alive. Paris was taken in by the servant’s
family and grew up as a shepherd on the mountainside, to be reunited
with his family years later.
Among Priam’s other children were the seers Helenus and Cas-
sandra.
the judgement of paris
It was during his time as a shepherd that Paris set in motion
the events of the Trojan War. He was approached by three
goddesses – Athena, Aphrodite and Hera – fresh from
the wedding of Thetis and Peleus and seeking mortal
intervention to decide which of the three was the fair-
est. Athena promised him a string of military victo-
ries and wisdom beyond mortal ken; Hera promised
him leadership over all of Asia and riches unimagi-
nable by man; and Aphrodite promised him the most
beautiful woman in the world.
Paris was a boy ruled by his heart, not his head, and
he deemed Aphrodite to be the fairest of the three god-
desses. Keeping her promise, Aphrodite leaned close
to Paris and whispered the name of his prize, the most
beautiful woman – Helen of Argos. They had only to set eyes
upon one another for the two to fall madly in love.
the return of paris and the prelude to
the trojan war
When a party of servants arrived on Mount Ida to fetch a bull as a
prize in the city’s funerary games, Paris returned with them to the city.
The prize bull was his favourite and Paris was determined to enter the
games and win it back. He beat all the other noble participants, and it
greatly angered them that a common man dared to compete against his
betters. Deiphobus, son of Priam and brother to Paris, drew his sword
to avenge his honor.
9
the Gates of Troy
Paris, no warrior, fled and claimed sanctuary at the Temple of Zeus.
There Cassandra spotted him, and recognizing him as her brother, re-
turned Paris to the family as a prince.
One of Paris’ first duties as second prince of Troy was to journey to
mainland Hellas as an ambassador. While there he went to the city
of Sparta, ruled by King Menelaus, brother of the great Agamemnon,
overlord of all Hellas. For nine days Paris was entertained by King
Menelaus at his palace at Amyklai.
Here Helen – wife of Menelaus and queen of Sparta – first met
Paris. As promised by Aphrodite, the two fell hopelessly in love. They
managed to keep their love hidden from the king, but on the eve of the
tenth night Menelaus departed for Knossos to visit King Idomeneus
and attend the funeral of his grandfather, Catreus. As soon as he had
sailed away Paris and Helen eloped together, fleeing with countless
treasures and riches but leaving Helen’s daughter Hermione behind.
Menelaus returned to Sparta to find his daughter alone in the palace.
He journeyed to the court of Agamemnon at Mycenae. From there a
delegation led by Menelaus and Odysseus was sent to Troy to demand
her return, along with suitable compensation. When the demands were
the trojan war
The Achaean fleet landed first at Lesbos and then Tenedos, raiding and sack-
ing their settlements and sacrificing to the gods before sailing onwards. The
Achaeans then sailed to Troy itself, dropping anchor a little distance from the
city while a second delegation was dispatched to the city.
Once again their demands were refused but this time they were threatened
with death. The hand of the Trojans was only stayed by the soothing words of
Antenor, one of the seven Elders of Troy.
Upon the return of the envoys, the Achaeans began their landing in earnest.
Their one-thousand ships beached within the sheltered Bay of Ilius. There
they were met with the much smaller army of Troy and her allies – Dardani-
ans from the shadow of Mount Ida, the Pelasgian tribes from Larissa, Thra-
cians from across the Hellespont, the Cicones, Paeonians skilled with the bow,
strong Phrygians, savage Carians from the south, and Lycians from the source
of the Scamander.
10
refused, Menelaus returned to Mycenae, and Agamemnon invoked the
Oath of Tyndareus.
The Oath of Tyndareus was conceived by Odysseus to prevent blood-
shed and the breaking of alliances over the most beautiful woman in
the world who, at the time, had yet to choose a husband. The oath was
sworn by all the suitors of Helen, each of whom vowed to defend the
honor of whomever Helen chose and to avenge any wrong done to
him.
An alliance of kingdoms and city-states was formed, comprised of
many men from wide and far – Pylians, Spartans, Tirynians, Myce-
naeans, Myrimidons, Cretans and countless more. The broad benched
ships and fighting men gathered at Aulis and, after an abortive attempt
and the sacrifice of Agamemnon’s daughter to Artemis, the fleet set
sail for Troy.
This is the point at which the characters and locations described in the
book are placed, on the eve of the Trojan War. Helen has been carried
back to Troy and the Achaean delegation has been sent home.
As prophesised by the goddess Thetis – the divine mother of Achilles – the
first Achaean to lay a foot in anger in the Troad would die before he could
take another step. Protesilaus, prince of Phylaus, landed first and was slain by
a blow from Hector’s spear. But the Trojans could not prevent the multitude
of Achaeans from landing and were forced to retreat behind the walls of their
citadel, occasionally making forays against their besiegers.
During the siege the Achaeans made many assaults against cities elsewhere
in the Troad, sacking many cities and carrying off much treasure and many
slaves. But in the tenth year the Achaeans ceased their raiding and redoubled
their attack on Troy, for it was in the tenth year that prophecy decreed the
city would fall. The Trojans were similarly reinforced by a large contingent
from the east led by the Amazons.
It was at this time that a ferocious quarrel erupted in the Achaean camp. Their
greatest warrior, Achilles, refused to enter battle. For a time, it looked as if
the Trojans would be victorious. Eventually, however, after many Achaeans and
Achilles’ own companion Patroclus were slain as a result of his abstinence,
Achilles returned to the battle and slew Hector.

the iliad

It is the quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon, and the fight

between Hector and Achilles, that forms the main story within the
Iliad.

Shortly after Achilles slew Hector, he was slain by an arrow from the bow
of Paris. Paris was in turn struck down by a shot fired from the legendary
Bow of Heracles, wielded by Philoctetes. The death of Achilles prompted a
new wave of madness and squabbling, this time over who should claim his
divinely-forged panoply. The renewed squabbling led to the suicide of Ajax.

With the foremost of the heroes lying dead, the end of the siege was at
hand...

trojan warriors

Trojan Guard: male human (Trojan) fighter 3; CR 3; medium humanoid; HD
3d10+6; hp 30; Init +5; Spd 30ft; AC 15 (+1 Dex, +3 greaved, +1 shield),
touch 11, flat footed 14; Base Atk +3, Grp +5, Atk +7 melee (1d6+2/x3,
masterworked shortspear) or +6 ranged (1d6+2/x3, masterworked short-
spear), Full Atk +7 melee (1d6+2/x3, masterworked shortspear) or +6
ranged (1d6+2/x3, masterworked shortspear); SA -; SQ -; AL LG; SV Fort
+5, Ref +2, Will +2; Str 15, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 9, Wis 12, Cha 10
Skills & Feats: Diplomacy +2, Intimidate +8, Sense Motive +9, Listen +3,
Spot +3; Alertness, Improved Initiative, Negotiator, Weapon Focus (short-
spear), Toughness
Trojan Warrior: male human (Trojan) class warrior 1; CR 1/2; medium
humanoid; HD 1d8+1; hp 12; Init +0; Spd 30ft; AC 13 (+3 greaved),
touch 10, flat footed 13; Base Atk +1, Grp +2, Atk +2 melee (1d8+1/x3,
spear) or +1 ranged (1d8+1/x3, spear), Full Atk +2 melee (1d8+1/x3,
spear) or +1 ranged (1d8+1/x3, spear); SA -; SQ -; AL NG; SV Fort +3,
Ref +0, Will +0; Str 13, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 9, Wis 11, Cha 8
Skills & Feats: Handle Animal +5, Intimidate +3, Ride +2; Animal Affinity,
Toughness
Possessions: 3 spears, greaved armor

Possessions: large bronze shield, greaved armour, 3 masterworked short- Languages: most Trojans only speak Greek and almost all are illiterate.
spears

11
the Gates of Troy
The Trojans
The people known as the Trojans have long inhabited the
land of the Troad but, in the distant past, had come
from far and wide. Those who accompanied Darda-
nus came from across the Aegean, whereas those
fifty men and women who founded Troy with Ilus
were from elsewhere in Asia Minor. Similarly, to-
day the term Trojan continues to mean the multi-
tude of tribes and clans who live within the Troad
and who claim loyalty to Priam, rather than merely
those living in Troy itself. There are ten dynasties of
Trojans in all, detailed below.
The Trojans are a hardy folk, more at home working
off the land than living in the confines of a city. They
have a reputation throughout the land as prize horse
tamers – and deservedly so, for nowhere else are
finer mounts to be found than in the Troad. Partly
due to their horses, and partly due to their posi-
tion at the meeting point of two great empires, the
Trojans are a wealthy people. Yet their tastes rarely
lean towards the extravagant, preferring their build-
ings and crafts to be simple yet skillfully made.
character backgrounds
A character background is used in the same way as a race - each background
is essentially a human sub-race. Each background offers several bonuses - a
number of skills become class skills for the character; the character may gain
a bonus to attacks made with certain weapons or to checks made in specified
circumstances.
Each background may also impose a number of limitations on a character,
typically limiting the list from which their bonus feat may be taken.
The Trojan background is presented below. Other backgrounds can be found
elsewhere in this book, or in forthcoming Ancient Lore titles.
12
The people of Troy are not warlike in nature, instead
renowned for their quick wit and tongue. Most Trojan
heroes are better at bargaining or diplomacy than they
are at warfare, although Troy has produced its fair share
of warriors.
Typical Trojan names (male): Abas, Ableros, Ada-
mas, Adrestos, Bienor, Caletor, Cebriones, Chersida-
mas, Chromius, Daitor, Damasus, Dardanus, Deicoon,
Deopites, Deisonor, Dios, Dolon, Echeclus, Elatos,
Epistrophus, Erymas, Gorgythion, Harpalion, Hip-
podamas, Iamenus, Idaius, Imbrius, Laodamas, Ly-
sander, Menon, Mydon, Oileus, Ophelestes, Ormenus,
Orsilochus, Pammon, Pandocus, Pedaeus, Perimus,
Phaestus, Polybus, Rhesus, Satnius, Socus, Sthene-
laus, Thalysias, Troilus
Typical Trojan names (female): Abarbaree, Agaue,
Aithre, Briseis, Castianira, Chryseis, Dexamene,
Doto, Galataeia, Gygaia, Hecamede, Iaira, Iphis,
Laothoe, Larissa, Maira, Medesicaste, Nemertes,
Panope, Pherousa, Phrontis, Pittheus, Thaleia,
Thisbe, Thoe
trojan
Racial traits – as a human except as below:
•Bonus feat taken at 1st level must be chosen from the following list: Animal
Affinity, Mounted Combat, Horse Tamer*, Mercantile*, Negotiator, Ride-by
Attack, Spirited Charge, Trample
•Diplomacy and Handle Animal as class skills.
Feats marked with an * are new feats found on page 15 of this book.
the ten dynasties of the trojans
Nine dynasties swear allegiance to Priam as their King, and all are
proud to call themselves Trojans after the city of their lord and master.
The tenth dynasty is that of Priam himself.
Lyrnessus - The first dynasty is that of Lyrnessus, a city below Mount
Ida. Lyrnessus is ruled by King Mynes.
Lyrnessus was sacked by Achilles early in the Trojan War, and it was from here
that he took his beloved Briseis.
Thebe - The second dynasty is from the city of Thebe, south of
Lyrnessus, ruled by King Eetion. Eetion is the father of white-armed
Andromache, wife of Crown Prince Hector.
The priest of Apollo, Chryse, hailed from Thebe, and it was the kidnap
of his daughter Chryseis by Agamemnon that began the argument between
Achilles and the king. During the sack of Thebe, all of the royal family were
slain.
The Leleges - The third dynasty to call Priam their king is that of King
Altes of the Leleges.
Dardania - Fourth are the Dardanians, twin kingdom of Troy and
equal in measure. The Dardanians are led by the great warrior Aeneas,
future king of the Trojans whose descendants would found Rome.
Zelea - Zelea is the sixth dynasty to swear loyalty to Troy, ruled by
King Lycaon.
Lycaon’s impetuous son Pandarus led the Zeleans during the Trojan War, and
gained notoriety for breaking the truce between the Achaeans and the Trojans
by sniping at Menelaus with his bow.
Percote & Abydus - The twin dynasty of Asius and the sons of the
prophet Merops rule the region surrounding Percote and Abydus, north
along the Hellespont from Troy.
Lesbos - The ninth dynasty to call itself Trojan is made up of those
hailing from the island-Kingdom of Lesbos, ruled by wily King
Makar.
government and law
Troy is ruled by the Dynasty of Tros, the line descended from
Dardanus to the current king Priam, the aging ruler who has ruled with
a sharp mind and a gentle touch for the past three generations. Priam
is a kindly man and a popular leader, well-liked by his people as well
as by his many allies.
Many of Priam’s children take an active role in the governance of the
Troad. They engage in diplomatic missions or mercantile ventures
to other lands. They also supervise construction projects or sacred
offerings within the city. Crown Prince Hector is charged with the
defense of all of Troy, for example.
As a monarch, Priam’s word is law, although he does receive counsel
and advice from the Council of Elders, chiefs and heroes of old whose
time of adventure has come to pass into legend.
The single most important law in all of Troy is that of the code of
honor, the central concept at the heart of life in Heroic Greece. The
code of honor is the code of the warrior aristocracy. The code provides
them the right to demand restitution for any slights to their name and
reputation. It also provides the right to avenge a wrong done to them
by another, such as theft of their property or the killing of a family
member.
The code of honor is enforced by none save the aristocracy themselves.
Although slights and wrongs are more often put right by a sizeable gift
as repayment, the code can sometimes lead to the spilling of blood.
Priam insists that such disputes be resolved peacefully within the city.
If blood is to be spilled, it is to be spilled beyond the walls of the city.
Those not from the aristocracy are considerably less well-protected. If
they are wronged by another of equal standing, they are within their
rights to take justified action, such as reclaiming a stolen item by force.
If they have been wronged by a member of the aristocracy, then there
is little they can do but appeal to a noble patron or rival of the wrong-
doer with the hope that their patron will take on the cause and resolve
the dispute. A small city watch does exist, but is more akin to a group
of sentries than a police force.
The members of Trojan society who have no legal rights are the many
slaves brought into Troy by raids or trade. Technically, slaves are
13
the Gates of Troy
property of their owners, and have no rights of their own. The excep-
tion to this is if the slave is harmed or stolen by another, in which case
the owner of the slave may step in to stop his property from coming
to any harm.
the council of elders
Priam is aided in his judgment and rule by the Council of
Elders, comprised of the seven old chiefs of Troy. Priam has
come to lean more and more on the Elders as he has aged,
and their counsel holds much weight with him. The discus-
sion and analysis of complicated situations can last for
days, for all of the Council are opinionated and stub-
born.
Each of the Elders has his own agenda and each
is constantly trying to steer Priam in the direction
that would favor himself the most. But Priam
is wily and his mind still sharp. He cannot be
coerced into a course of action in which he does
not believe.
There are seven Elders in all. They are Panthous,
Thymoetes, Lampus, Clytius, Hicetaon the grey
aide of Ares, and the two with unfailing good
sense – Ucalegon and Antenor.
Antenor
Antenor is one of the moderate voices on the
Council. As a younger man, he was renowned for his
silver tongue and wily skill as a trader and diplomat.
Antenor is the closest confidante to King Priam, for the
two adventured together in their youth.
Antenor is married to Theano, high priestess of Athena, and
the two have many sons and daughters, some of whom are heroes of
Troy in their own right.
“Hear me, Trojans, Dardans, all our loyal allies, I must speak out what heart
inside me urges. ...Give Argive Helen and all her treasures back to Atreus’
sons to take away at last. We broke our sworn truce. We fight as outlaws.”
Homer, The Iliad, VII:348
14
Antenor: male human (Trojan) class Aristocrat 4/Fighter 2; CR 6;
medium humanoid; HD 4d8+2d10-6; hp 31; Init +2; Spd 30ft; AC 9
(-2 Dex, +1 heavy robes), touch 8, flat footed 9; Base Atk +5, Grp
+4, Atk +5 melee (1d6, +1 quarterstaff), Full Atk +5 melee (1d6, +1
quarterstaff) or +1/-3 (1d6, +1 quarterstaff); SA -; SQ -; AL NG; SV
Fort +2, Ref -1, Will +6; Str 9, Dex 6, Con 9, Int 17, Wis 15, Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Appraise +12*, Bluff +12, Diplomacy +15, Gather
Information +10, Handle Animal +12*, Intimidate +10, Knowledge
(nobility) +10, Profession (merchant) +6, Ride +7*, Sense Motive
+9; Horse Tamer*, Improved Initiative, Mercantile, Mounted Com-
bat, Persuasive, Skill Focus (diplomacy)
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Egyptian, Hittite
Possessions: +1 quarterstaff, amulet of health +2
During the siege Antenor was an outspoken opponent of the events
that led to the war, constantly urging Priam to concede to the
requests of the Achaean leaders and return Helen. When the second
Achaean delegation arrived demanding restitution, Antenor urged
moderation and calm in the face of Antimachus’ demands to execute
the envoys and throw their corpses from the walls.
As a result of his perceived support for the Achaeans, Antenor was
labeled a spy and a traitor by many Trojans. His home was pelted with
stones and other unpleasant substances. But his friendship with Priam
protected him, although the two grew apart during the siege.
At the conclusion of the war, as Troy was sacked and its people
murdered or carried off as booty, Antenor’s life was spared due
to the bonds of hospitality forged with Odysseus and Menelaus.
A leopard skin was hung over his door as a sign that he was to be spared.
After the war Antenor and his family sailed across the seas to the land that
would become Italy, where he founded the city of Padua.
military
Troy is not a powerful or aggressive military nation, as its heroes are
more skilled in diplomacy than war. Yet it stands in a very favorable
position and many a jealous gaze is drawn to its walls. As such it must
protect itself, and this it does with its small but skilled navy, its soldiers
and its high citadel.
Troy has no standing army – few nations do – and it instead relies on
a small militia and city watch to deal with day-to-day problems such
as petty theft. It relies on its citizens, noble heroes and their retinues to
pick up arms and carry out raids and defense against aggressors.
Far more than its own force, Troy relies on its close ties with neighbor-
ing kingdoms. In times of strife Troy often calls on many of its allies
for aid, or answers the call of another by marching to war on behalf
of its allies. This alliance provides even the smallest of states some
degree of protection against aggressors.
Trojan warriors are lightly armored, fighting in loose formations with
spears and shields. The foremost of the nobility fight from the back of
fast-moving chariots.
religion
As in mainland Hellas, the Trojans worship the Olympian pantheon in
its entirety. The foremost gods worshipped in Troy are Apollo, Ares,
Zeus, Athena and Demeter, although most of these deities bear some
form of a grudge against the Trojans. Athena and Hera hold the greatest
grudge, the source of their enmity still fresh in their immortal minds
- the spurning of the goddesses by Paris when he judged Aphrodite to
be the fairest of the gods. Trojan priests of Athena and Hera are in ill-
favour and find many of their prayers going unanswered.
Troy is known as sacred Ilios due to the large number of shrines and
temples scattered throughout the city. The largest temples are found
atop the hill within the citadel, devoted to Zeus, Apollo, Athena and
Demeter. It is in the open space in front of the temples that the Trojans
gather to worship the gods, offering gifts to appease the pantheon or to
bring divine blessings on their endeavours.
Trojan offerings typically consist of sacrifices of burnt meat and
libations of wine poured upon the holy ground of a god.
trade
The people of Troy have become canny merchants over the centuries,
and although their own wares are simple – mainly wool and horses
– they have gotten rich by dealing in the more exotic wares of others,
acting as the middlemen in many transactions. The city’s fine posi-
tion at the mouth of the Hellespont makes it a natural stopping point
for seafaring merchant vessels, especially those traveling through the
straits. The fleet of Troy carefully controls the straits, levying a tax of
one-tenth of the wares of each merchant or vessel on all who pass by.
Troy principally trades with the two neighboring empires, that of King
Agamemnon in Hellas across the sea to the west, and that of the Hit-
tites to the east. Troy also trades with the larger cities of the Medi-
terranean, such as Knossos and on a much smaller scale with local
neighbors.
Troy has several principle exports. Its main source of wealth comes
from exporting the exotic fish caught in the Hellespont, or fine war
horses and ponies bred on the Plain of Troy. A specialty of sorts among
the Trojans is the production of fine woolen goods, spun yarn and other
textiles, made from the wool of sheep from the countless farms dotted
throughout the Troad.
Imports to Troy vary greatly from season to season and year to year.
Troy imports luxury items from Mycenae, such as ivory boxes, glass
beads, and decorated ostrich eggs. Troy enjoys wider trade with the
Hittite empire, bringing in cylinder seals, unusual metals and delicate
jars filled with opium; and imports more mundane items from Cyprus
such as pottery and tripod-mounted stone bowls.
new feats
Mercantile [General]
Your silver tongue and sharp eye make you an excellent trader.
Benefit: You get a +2 bonus on all Appraise and Diplomacy checks.
Horse Tamer [General]
You are naturally skilled at dealing with horses.
Benefit: You get a +1 bonus on all Appraise, Handle Animal, Ride checks
involving horses.
15
the Gates of Troy
The Geography of the Troad
the hellespont
Perhaps the most important geographical feature of the Troad is the
narrow strait of water dividing the shores of Europe and Asia – the
Hellespont, also known as the Dardanelles. Little more than three
miles wide, the Hellespont connects the Aegean Sea and the Propontis,
which in turn leads to the Black Sea.
Fast currents flow through the channel and a strong wind often howls
between the steep sided straits, allowing for fast passage if both are in
a ship’s favor, or a frustrating and difficult journey if they are not.
The waters of the Hellespont are fertile fishing grounds, with season-
al migrations of mackerel and other succulent fish readily caught in
characteristically wide nets.
The city of Troy stands at the western end of the Hellespont, allowing
it ready control over passing trade. This is a position that has been eyed
with jealousy by more than one neighbor in the centuries since the
city’s founding. It is this unique position that has made Troy one of the
wealthiest cities in the Mediterranean, while at the same time attract-
ing the eye of a powerful enemy across the Aegean waiting for an ex-
cuse to seize the wealth for itself – the empire of King Agamemnon.
the watchtowers
Dotted along the shore of the Hellespont are a series of crude, wooden
towers rising some thirty feet into the air. Atop the towers sit canvas
and hide shelters with enough space to sleep five or six men.
The towers are not, as most presume, defensive in nature. They are
used to watch the straits for signs that the annual migrations of fish
have begun. Fishermen from nearby villages and Troy itself take it in
turns to keep watch near the beginning of migration season, and once
word has spread that the silver streams have been sighted men from far
and wide take to the straits in their boats. The first catches of mackerel
or tunny to be landed fetch exorbitant prices among the nobility and
the merchants eager to sell it elsewhere.
Out of migration season the towers are sometimes occupied by crews
of ships that have been forced ashore to take shelter from a storm, or
16
by Trojan sailors watching for passing trade attempting to sneak by
without volunteering the fee for passage.
In especially bad weather a line of beacons can be lit atop the towers
to warn ships away from the often treacherous rocks on which many a
boat has run aground or smashed itself to pieces.
the bay of ilios
Most ships traversing the Hellespont turn aside from the main chan-
nel and into the broad Bay of Ilios. Entrance to the bay is between
two headlands, Cape Sigeum and Cape Rhoeteum, which are little
more than a mile apart. Each is topped with a low, walled outpost and
wooden watchtower. The bay’s two headlands offer shelter and respite
from the often turbulent weather in the straits.
Within the bay, the sea is calm and shallow. It is here that the rivers
of Troy flow into the sea. The shallow and sandy bay is the result of
the silting up of the river mouths. The bay is surrounded by a mixture
of the mud flats at the mouths of the rivers, salt marshes, sand dunes,
and lagoons.
The bay has no harbor as such. Instead, low-bottomed boats are pulled
up onto the sandy shore, kept in place by heavy anchors or ropes
secured to stakes hammered into the sand. At any given time a multi-
tude of boats can be found here, from the large sea-going traders seen
throughout the Aegean to the small local crafts from the fishing fleet.
The fleet of Troy itself can sometimes be found beached here, when
it is not carrying Trojan princes across the seas, escorting merchants
through the Hellespont (for a fee) or discouraging raiders from nearing
the coast.
During the war the Trojan fleet was swiftly overwhelmed, its dozen or so
vessels no match for the thousand ships mustered by the Achaean Kings. All
along the eastern shore of the bay, between the river mouths, the boats of
the Achaeans were beached. The beaches themselves were covered with huts
and encampments. In the closing stages of the war a sturdy wooden wall
was swiftly erected in front of the encampment to defend against a renewed
Trojan offensive.
river simois
Simois, the lesser of Troy’s two rivers, flows to the north of Troy. Si-
mois is the rival spirit of the great Scamander, and the sweet waters of
Simois are said to be like nectar to a weary traveler, filling his limbs
with new strength.
river scamander
“The more he vaunted, the more the river’s anger rose, churning at heart for a
way to halt his rampage, godlike Achilles, and stop the Trojan’s rout ...
“Achilles the famous spearman leapt down from the bluff, plunged in the
river’s heart and the river charged against him, churning, surging, all his rapids
rising in white fury and drove the mass of corpses choking tight his channel
- Scamandros heaved them all up and bellowing like a bull the river flung them
out on the dry land but saved the living, hiding them down the fresh clear
pools of his thundering whirling current but thrashing over Achilles’ shoulders
raised a killer-wave. The tremendous thrust of it slammed against his shield
and he staggered [and] lost his footing.”
Homer, The Iliad, XXI: 136-242
Also known as the Xanthos, especially amongst the gods, Scamander
is the greater of Troy’s two rivers. Sixty miles long from spring to
mouth, Scamander springs from the hills north of Mount Ida. Its deep
and swirling eddies are famous throughout the land.
The god of the river, Scamandros, has fathered many Trojan heroes
in the past, including the distant ancestor and patriarch of the city,
Teucer the First. Scamandros has few dedicated priests, except among
the Troiades, although he does grant prayers to those who serve him.
Sacrifices to Scamandros are prolonged, distressing affairs, involving
the drowning of a beast or human victim in his most turbulent flows.
Scamandros is a chaotic neutral river god. His domains are chaos, destruc-
tion, strength and water.
During the Trojan War, Scamandros rose up in protest of the slaughter of the
Trojans on his banks and along his riverbed. He attempted to kill the blood-
thirsty Achilles, and very nearly drowned the Achaean hero. He was driven
back by the fires set by Hephaestus that threatened to dry him up.
the plains of troy
The plains of the Scamander and the Simois are narrow compared to
the length they flow, for much of the Troad is mountainous. Although
the plains along the lower reaches of the rivers become very marshy in
winter, they are a pleasant green for much of the year.
During the war, Thicket’s Ridge was favored as a rallying point and martial-
ling post by the Trojans. Hector preferred to draw his armies along the ridge
facing the Achaeans.
The Plains of Troy are famed for their horses. Herds of wild horses
roam the length of the rivers, particularly favoring the plain of Simois.
Close to the city, the plains are dotted with wooden corrals and ranches.
These are used by the horse farmers to break and train their horses.
The plains are dotted with low hillocks such as that of Thicket’s Ridge,
visible from the southern gate of Troy. Atop the ridge is a mounded
tomb known as the Tomb of the Leaping Amazon, Myrnine. Beneath
many of these hillocks lie the crypts of fallen heroes or legends, most
long since forgotten except to the Olympians in heaven.
Some half a mile to the south of the city are a large stretch of bumps
and mounds dotted with pretty white and blue flowers. These mark
the cemetery of Troy, where the burnt remains of the common folk are
buried.
the springs
Amidst a small copse of trees some 200 yards from the western wall
bubble and flow a pair of springs. One spring runs with warm water
and steam always rises from it, even in the depths of winter. The sec-
ond spring flows with water as cold as snow and often has lumps of ice
floating in it, even during the hottest months of summer.
Nearby stand fine stone troughs decorated with carvings of Trojan
women going about their daily activities. On fine days the wives and
daughters of Troy can be found here washing colorful bundles of
clothes.
17
the Gates of Troy
The City of Troy
city layout
The city of Troy is built atop the hill of Ate overlooking the mouths of
the rivers Simois and Scamander as they spill into the Hellespont. The
city is well placed to control passage through the narrow channel of the
Hellespont and has grown rich as a result.
Sprawled around the southern side of the hill is the lower city of Troy.
Here the city’s masses – the farmers, common traders, fishermen and
other workers – live and ply their trade. But even here signs of the
city’s wealth can be seen. The houses are simple but well-built, and
the streets are paved. The lower city is surrounded by a crude ditch
and palisade, intended to act as a rudimentary defense against chariot
attack, if nothing else.
Occupying the hill itself is the well-walled citadel of Troy – the
Pergamus of Priam. The citadel is surrounded by the thick, well-built
walls said to have been constructed by Apollo and Poseidon four
generations ago.
The walls have never been breached, although the circuit is incom-
plete. A section of ancient wall on the western side was never replaced
by the divine walls, and it was here that Heracles and Telamon entered
the city to end the first Siege of Troy.
The citadel is formally entered by one of three gates. The least of these
is in the western wall, a small but sturdy gate known as the Sea Gate,
for it faces the bay. This gate is used by visiting tradesmen bringing
goods into the city, or for other visitors arriving by boat who are not
sufficiently important enough to be met and escorted round to the
Scaean Gate. A small market often gathers around the Sea Gate, espe-
cially after a fresh catch of fish has been landed.
The second gate is the well-defended Dardanian Gate, opening in the
eastern wall and approached under the watchful gaze of the Eastern
Bastion, a curtain wall and a flanking watchtower.
The main entrance to the city is set into the southern wall, the
monumental Scaean Gate, flanked by the towering Great Tower of
Ilion. It is the area around the Scaean Gate that lends the city its appel-
lation, “sacred Troy,” for the Great Tower houses an ancient altar, and
18
around the entrance itself all manner of shrines stand.
Inside the Scaean Gate is a small plaza, continually cool in the shade of
the ancient oak that dominates it. From the plaza a wide, stepped boul-
evard leads up the side of the hill to the open plaza – the agora – that
sits atop it. The citadel rises to the crown of the hill on three terraces.
Only the most important of Troy’s citizens live within the citadel itself,
for it is not crowded with houses as are so many walled cities. Instead
the houses are spacious affairs with colonnaded courtyards, pillared
fronts and rooftop gardens, the streets broad and well-paved. The boul-
evards are lined with trees, statues and shrines. When outside within
the walls of the citadel a harsh wind can often be felt whistling through
the streets, the downside for its occupation of a commanding hilltop.
The lower two terraces are the domain of the nobility, wealthy
merchants and other well-to-do citizens – artisans, military officers
and the like. It is here, on the second terrace, that most of the Elders
of Troy reside, each of their homes a small palace in itself. The upper-
most terrace is the preserve of the royal house of Priam and the gods.
The upper terrace is dominated by the sprawling palace of Priam, with
its colonnaded entranceway, assembly chambers of cool marble and
frescoed banqueting hall. The palace houses enough chambers for the
entirety of the royal household to live in opulence. This includes all
fifty sons, twelve daughters and their respective families, along with
enough spare chambers to accommodate visiting dignitaries of all
ranks – some sixty of seventy suites and chambers in all, each one
more grand than the last.
The palace faces onto a grand, paved agora, dotted with trees to pro-
vide shade, as well as shrines and statues at which offerings and gifts
are laid. It is here that crowds gather to give praise to the Olympians,
for there is little space within the temple buildings themselves.
Facing onto the eastern side of the agora are three large temples and
half a dozen smaller structures and shrines, each dedicated to one of
the gods. The large temples are dedicated to Zeus, Apollo and Deme-
ter, with the remainder of the gods worshipped at the smaller shrines.
Dwarfing the smaller temples and occupying the very highest point of
the Gates of Troy
the hill is the Temple of Pallas Athena, in which the fabled Palladium
is kept – the god-forged statue of Athena whose beauty is matched
only by the visage of the goddess herself.
While under siege, the city was rather different. The lower city had long
been abandoned and razed by the retreating Trojans, its ruins periodi-
cally fought over by the opposing forces. Inside the citadel, all semblance
of luxury and wealth had been abandoned. The broad streets were always
crowded with battle weary-soldiers and war-weary citizens, amassing around
the gates for news of the ebb and flow of a battle or to plead to the gods
for mercy.

Over the decade of the siege any open spaces had been filled with makeshift
shacks and tents, and the chambers of the rich filled with homeless families.
The only part of the city that retained any opulence was in the palace of
Priam, and even that resembled a barrack block, filled with the leaders of
Troy’s allies and their entourage.

troy in numbers urban encounters

Troy is a small city as follows:
Population: 6000 (5000 in lower city, 1000 in citadel)
Most expensive single item available: 15000gp
Government: Royal House of Priam (LG), Council of Elders (NG)
Military:
Captain of the Citadel – Crown Prince Hector (paladin 17)
Sergeants - 5 full-time (fighter 6), 6 part-time (warrior 6)
Guards – 60 full-time soldiers (fighter 3), 120 part-time militia (warrior 1)
Noble warriors - 60 heroic warriors (fighters ranging in level from 2 to 10)
Common warriors - 280 common warriors (warriors ranging in level from 1
to 12)
Conscripted commoners - 2500 conscripts (commoner 1)
Allied contingent:
Led by Sarpedon (fighter 12)
Allied warriors - 100 heroic warriors (fighter 2-10), 250 barbarian tribesmen
(barbarian 1-10), 450 common warriors (warriors 1 to 10)
This is a table for generating random encounters in Troy during the Siege or
for creating rumors. Roll 1d20:
1 Muggers - honorless thieves try to take the PCs’ treasure
2 Overzealous guards - a group of guards are roughly searching for spies
3 Ruckus - a bard, newly arrived allies or troops returning from the front
4 Lost item - a valuable treasure or gift has gone missing
5 Found item - a valuable treasure or gift has been found
6 Lost child - a child has gone astray amongst the crowds, or found alone
7 Corpse - a dead body lies in the streets, killed in battle or in the city
8 Beast - a group of animals runs amok or news of a great beast is heard
9 Visitor - a visitor enters the city bearing news or goods
10 Rumor - a wild story or fragment of news is causing a stir
11 Contest of arms - two heroes fight or compete to avenge their honor
12 Prayer - a priest or pious group are loudly praying for salvation
13 Prophecy - an oracle or seer is loudly and cryptically foretelling the future
14 Brawl - a fight has broken out between rival allies or angry folk
15 Escaped Prisoner - an enemy spy or warrior has escaped from the Bastion
16 Fire - part of the city has been set ablaze, either by the enemy or accident
17 Hero - one of the city’s prominent heroes is encountered
18 Trojan offensive - the battle has swung in Troy’s favor
19 Achaeans at the wall! A fresh push brings the fighting close to the walls
20 Achaeans in the city! Somehow the enemy have snuck into the citadel

20
a gazetteer of troy
the lower city
Sprawling around the southern side of the citadel like so many wor-
shippers at the feet of a statue, the Lower City is home to the every-
day folk of Troy. Here, living and working in moderate comfort, are
some five thousand Trojans. In contrast to the crowded cities of Hellas,
where thousands are crammed in to the close confines of walled cities,
the Lower City is spacious. A visitor more accustomed to the walled
cities found elsewhere would be forgiven for assuming that the
lower city is home to the city’s rich.
The winding roads are kept clear of debris and sewage and,
at least along the main thoroughfares, paved. The houses
are sturdy and simple. They are built from wood, clay
or, on occasion, stone, and rise two or three stories into
the air.
The shops of many traders and craftsman can be found in the
Lower City, from carpenters and leatherworkers to fish-
mongers and butchers. But it is here that the poorer stores
are to be found – those seeking luxury items would be
better off heading further up the hill.
Towards the centre of the Lower City several market
squares can be found, and on most days stalls can be
found in one or two of them, each a market with a dif-
ferent theme. The squares are often full of crowds eager
to find bargains amongst the mundane goods, or the odd
exotic good brought from afar.
Despite its relative appeal, the Lower City remains
another world compared to life in the citadel. The houses are often
overcrowded and serve as workshops or stores for the inhabitants, and
there are alleyways that are unsafe to traverse unarmed after dark.
The Lower City is poorly defended. A ditch and rudimentary wooden
wall surrounds it on all sides, but this offers little protection against a
determined attacker. When under attack the citizens abandon the city
for the safety of the citadel.
Locations of Interest:
The Amazoniad – Often said to be the roughest tavern in all of Troy,
the Amazoniad stands among the shanty-like dwellings dotting the
ditch to the east of the Lower City. It is made from crude timbers and
appears to be on the verge of tumbling into the ditch. Raucous laughter
and the sounds of drunken crowds are usually heard emanating from
inside.
Inside the tavern, a visitor is guaranteed to be given a
warm welcome, at least until they prove that they pose
no threat or have nothing to steal. The Amazoniad is so
named for its landlady, the fearsome (and retired) Ama-
zon warrior Ulyssia One-Eye. It is an especially brave
or ignorant patron who does not abide by the rules of
the house – no blood or wine is to be spilt on the furni-
ture, only the floor.
The Amazoniad is also the haunt of Troy’s only
gang of thugs - the Honorless. Hardly no-
ticed by the authorities, the Honorless make
a good trade smuggling goods in and out of
the city and peddling in stolen imports.
Ulyssia One-Eye: female human (Amazon) barbar-
ian 8; CR 8; medium humanoid; HD 8d12+16; hp 73; Init
+6; Spd 40ft; AC 17 (+2 Dex, +4 hide armor, +1 natural
armor), touch 12, flat footed 15; Base Atk +8, Grp +11,
Atk +13 melee (1d8+3/x3, +1 battleaxe) or +11 ranged
(1d6+3/x3, composite shortbow), Full Atk +13/+8 me-
lee (1d8+3/x3, +1 battleaxe) or +11/+6 ranged
(1d6+3/x3, composite shortbow); SA rage 3/
day; SQ DR 1/- , fast movement, improved uncanny dodge, trap
sense +2; AL CN; SV Fort +8, Ref +4, Will +3; Str 16, Dex 14, Con
14, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 8
Skills & Feats: Handle Animal +10, Intimidate +13, Listen +12, Ride
+13, Survival +12; Improved Initiative, Point Blank Shot, Skill Focus
(Intimidate), Weapon Focus (battleaxe)
Possessions: +1 leopard skin (hide) armor, amulet of natural armor +1,
+1 battleaxe, masterworked composite shortbow (+3)
21
the Gates of Troy
the citadel
A majestic citadel dominates the City of Troy. It sits atop the hill of
Ate like a white-shelled beetle. The citadel is known as the Pergamos
of Priam.
Said to have been built by the immortal hands of Apollo the Far
Shooter and the Earthshaker Poseidon in ex-
change for a wage of gold, the impos-
ing walls of Troy rise nearly 20 feet up
from the hillside. Constructed from mon- u-
mental limestone blocks – testament,
if it were needed, that this is indeed the handiwork
of the immortals – the lower two-thirds of the wall
is sloped, before it rises up vertically to t h e
ramparts.
The walls complete a full circuit except
on the western side, where the gods halted
their construction while waiting to receive
their payment. When Laomedon refused
to pay, they savaged Troy with plagues
and monsters, and the much older wall
that had guarded Troy before was left in
place. The western wall is clearly inferior
to the rest of the citadel, constructed by
mortal hands of smaller, rough stones and
nearly half the height and width. It was
here that Heracles and Telamon breached
the citadel during the first siege of Troy,
for it is low and easy to climb.
Dotted along the walls at various points
are a series of watchtowers, each project-
ing from the wall and affording a com-
manding view of the surrounding area. From the tops of the walls Tro-
jan soldiers can stab at those underneath them with long ash spears or
hurl javelins at them, while being afforded cover behind the ramparts.
Locations of Interest:
The Scaean Gate – The main gate into the citadel, the Scaean Gate,
is set into the southern wall. The gate is wide enough for two carts to
22
pass through side by side. The road running through the gate is the
main boulevard leading from the Lower City all the way up to the
Palace of Priam.
The archway surrounding the gate is finely decorated with carvings of
fearsome-looking griffins. The gates themselves are cast from great
pieces of bronze said to be from the forge of Hephaestus. The bronze
gates are mounted on ancient timbers. The
bronze is covered with inscriptions and ded-
ications exalting the deeds of Apollo and
Poseidon.
T h e Scaean Gate is usually guarded by a group
of three or four sentries who seem to pay
only a passing interest in the comings and
goings of folk. Occasionally they will halt a
particularly heavily laden cart or suspicious
looking beggar, but for the most part they
are content to avoid bothering passers by.
In times of war the situations is much strict-
er. The number of guards on the gate will
be at least ten or twelve, and the gates will
remain open only while it is light (assum-
ing that the city itself is not under siege).
Searches of those passing through will be
more frequent, and anyone unknown to the
guards who is carrying a weapon will not be
permitted to enter the citadel.
The area around the gate lends Troy one of
its many appellations – Sacred Ilios. The
gate and its towers are lined with countless
statues depicting the Olympian pantheon
and shrines set up in their honor at which
dedications are made to safeguard the city. To the right of the gate
is a long, low, open-fronted house where burnt offerings are made
by travelers setting off on a long journey and warriors embarking on
campaign, as well as people arriving in the city giving thanks for their
safe return.
Adventure Hook – A crowd has gathered around a statue of Aphrodite
where a madman is preaching that the doom of the city is at hand. The
man is setting the blame at the feet of Aphrodite and the cult of deca-
dence in the House of Priam. The crowd is unsettled by the talk and is
threatening to turn nasty. Will the heroes step in before the somebody
is hurt or will they aid in quieting the man to stop the wrath of the gods
descending?
The Great Tower of Ilion – The finest tower in all the land, the Great
Tower of Ilion rises out of the Pergamos of Priam like a giant spear
plunged into the ground by the mighty hand of
a god. The tower stands over fifty feet tall and
there is no better view of the Troad than from
the top. Compared to the stocky and func-
tional Bastion, the Great Tower is elegant and
slender, made from the same large blocks of
limestone masonry as the rest of the citadel.
The primary purpose of the Tower of Ilion is
religious, not defensive, though it is readily
defensible. The Tower houses a magnificent
altar at which many of the prayers and sacri-
fices for the city are made. In times of strife,
the leaders of Troy gather here to appease the
gods and soothe cruel fate.
During the Trojan War, the top of the tower
became a favored spot for King Priam, the Elders,
and the wives and mothers of the heroes of Troy
to gather. From its height, they could watch battles
unfolding on the plain beneath Ilium. Heroes who
sought the favor of one of Troy’s rulers would be
better coming here than to the Palace.
The Bastion – The most impressive part of the
defenses, apart from the Great Tower of Ilion,
is the Eastern Bastion, almost a fortress in its own right. The Bastion is
set into the north-eastern corner of the circuit, where it overlooks the
Dardanian Gate and dominates the Plain of the Simois.
The citadel’s main barracks and staging post is in the Bastion, and is
home to both the city militia and the watch. Two or three times a week
the Bastion’s courtyard is filled with fighting men, all training with
spear and shield for war alongside the heroes of Troy.
As well as providing a potent defensive site, the Bastion protects
several key features of the citadel. Foremost of these is the main
source of water for the citadel, a deeply dug well, allowing the supply
of water throughout a siege. It is also here that one of the city’s sewers
exits beneath the wall, allowing the secret entrance into the city to be
effectively guarded against assault. In the event of the citadel being
overrun, the sewer allows the people of Troy to discretely slip out of
the city and away from attackers.
The Dardanian Gate – The entrance to the city
for visitors from the east, the Dardanian Gate
is especially well protected. The approach to
the gate is along a corridor formed between the
wall of the citadel and a flanking wall, forcing
attackers to run a gauntlet of spears and javelins
from both sides, as well as from the watch tower
behind and the Bastion ahead.
During times of peace the Dardanian Gate stands
open and unguarded, watched over only by the
sentries in the watchtower and Bastion. In times
of strife the gate is likely to be found closed
and guarded by five or six guards stop the wall
armed with longspears, allowing them to prod at
approaching foes.
The corridor leading to the gate is dotted with
shrines and dedications, both to the Olympian
gods and to gods of the east, belying the origins
of many of those passing this way.
The Sea Gate – Looking over the Bay of Ilios,
the Sea Gate is the smallest of the three gates of
Troy. Despite its small size – little more than a
doorway in an alcove in the wall – it is sturdy
and readily defensible.
The gate is usually watched over by one or two sentries, who keep
an eye on the comings and goings of the boats in the bay, as well as
visitors to the city.
Next to the Sea Gate is a small altar to Poseidon, decorated with all
manner of shells and stones polished smooth by the sea. Here the
23
the Gates of Troy
sailors of Troy come to pray for a safe journey and to give thanks upon
their return.
A small market often gathers around the gate. The crowds hope to get
first pick from the exotic – or less so – wares brought from the boats
in the bay. Freshly landed fish is more often sold here than elsewhere
in the city.
The Underground Tunnels – The city has a rudimentary drainage
system – more than most cities in this part of the world – taking the
form of three underground tunnels sloping away from the citadel and
exiting a little way from the edge of the Lower City. Smaller drains
channel sewage and waste from many of the buildings and streets in
the citadel into these tunnels.
The tunnels are lined with stone bricks slick with algae and sewage,
and passage is treacherously slippery, especially after a heavy rain
fall.
The entrances to the sewers are concealed from the outside and barred
with sturdy wooden gates, but their location is a commonly known se-
cret amongst the residents of the city. Within the citadel the entrance to
the tunnels is well guarded, and usually a guard patrol passes by them
once or twice a day.
Adventure Hook – A dangerous prisoner held captive in the Bastion
has killed one of his guards and escaped. The heroes are tasked with
tracking him down and bringing him back, preferably alive. The only
problem is, he has snuck into one of the sewage tunnels to make his
escape, but nobody knows which one!
During the war all but one of the tunnels was blocked to prevent them
being used to infiltrate the Pergamos. The only open tunnel was the eastern
one, leading out of the Bastion. However, at several times during the war
the Achaeans successfully used the tunnels to gain access into the citadel by
sneaking past the guards, although never in any great numbers. Diomedes and
Odysseus entered the city this way in their attempt to steal the Palladium.
Adventure Hook – The heroes are a group of Achaeans tasked with sneaking
into Troy. They know rumors of a secret tunnels leading into the heart of the
Bastion but nothing more. Finding the entrance to the tunnel will be only the
start of their challenge!
24
the lower terrace
Home to the least important of the nobility, alongside the wealthiest of
the merchants and the artisans, the Lower Terrace of the citadel directly
abuts the wall. As a result the terrace is the most cramped of areas in all
of Troy – even more so than the Lower City – for any property within
the walls is a sign of status and wealth. The houses here are packed into
every available space, climbing three or four stories into the air and
leaning precariously over the smaller alleyways and roads.
The streets here are broad and paved, as they are throughout the
citadel, and are often lined with trees or statuary.
Many shops can be found along the streets of the Lower Terrace,
although they are invariably of a much higher class and size than
their Lower City counterparts. Here such luxuries as finely embroi-
dered wool and silk cloaks, bronze weaponry and even chariots can be
acquired. The owners of such shops can afford separate living quarters,
although they are usually close by.
Locations of Interest:
The Plaza Oak – The Plaza Oak is an ancient tree planted by Dardanus
when the hill was little more than a landmark at the edge of his land.
It casts the small plaza inside the Scaean Gate into shade for much of
the day. The Plaza Oak is a common meeting place and is often filled
with throngs of people – new arrivals to the city, traders or couples and
friends enjoying the good weather.
During the war the atmosphere around the Plaza Oak was very different.
It was here that the citizens of Troy gathered to hear news of the war, and
of the battles taking place beyond the walls. The air was filled with the
constant din of bronze clashing against bronze and the wailing of women
in mourning for their sons and husbands.
Occasionally, when the war raged closest to the citadel and the Trojans were
forced back behind the walls, the Plaza was instead filled with rallying and
wounded soldiers preparing to return to the fray.
The House of Pillars – Nestled up against the southern wall of the
citadel, facing the Plaza Oak, is a grand, single story house, its elegant
stone walls surrounded on all sides by beautiful red-marble columns.
This is the House of Pillars, the finest inn in the city. The House is
favored by merchants and travelers visiting the city. On any given
night, a broad selection of accents can be heard.
The Egyptian is an exotic and mysterious figure who has long
resided on the Lower Terrace near the Scaean Gate. Little is known
about the Egyptian – even his true name is unknown. Some say
that he is a merchant, for he often has many exotic
wares on offer and there is little that he cannot
procure – for a price, of course. Others insist he is
an exiled noble – maybe even a usurped Pharaoh
– and his house is certainly palatial enough. The Egyptian
can often be found of an evening in the House of Pillars.
Adventure hook - Heroes searching for an unusual item
or an obscure piece of lore, or with something mysterious
to identify, would do well to come to the Egyptian first.
He will never refuse to take on a puzzle or challenge,
or claim that an item is too hard to obtain, so long as
his customer can pay. The payment is rarely simple gold,
however, and the Egyptian could request anything. A long
lost treasure, a snippet of forgotten lore, or a drop of blood
from the arm of one of the heroes are all potential prices.
The Egyptian: male human (Egyptian) aristocrat 2/
rogue 8; CR 10; medium humanoid; HD 2d8+8d6-
10; hp 30; Init +1; Spd 30ft; AC 14 (+2 Dex, +2
bracers of armor, +1 ring of protection), touch
13, flat footed 13; Base Atk +7, Grp +7, Atk +9 melee (1d6+1/19-
20, +1 shortsword) or +9 ranged (1d4+1/19-20, +1 throwing knife),
Full Atk +9/+4 melee (1d6+1/19-20, +1 shortsword) or +9/+4 ranged
(1d4+1/19-20, +1 throwing knife); SA sneak attack +4d6; SQ evasion,
improved uncanny dodge, trapfinding, trap sense +2; AL CN; SV Fort
+1, Ref +7, Will +6; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 9, Int 15, Wis 12, Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Appraise +17, Bluff +18, Decipher Script +6,
Diplomacy +16, Gather Information +16, Intimidate +11, Knowl-
edge (arcana) +7, Knowledge (local) +15, Listen +9, Move Silently
+9, Profession (merchant) +7, Sense Motive +13, Spot +9; Combat
Expertise, Diligent, Persuasive, Weapon Finesse
Languages: Greek, Egyptian, Hittite (literate in all three)
Possessions: bracers of armor +2, ring of protection +1, +1 shorts-
word, 3 +1 throwing knives
the second terrace
The middle terrace of the citadel is home to many Trojan nobles
and heroes, as well as to the constant stream of visiting digni-
taries from nations as far apart as Argos, Egypt and Akkadia.
The houses here are built of stone, often fronted in marble,
and spacious. Courtyards and rooftop gardens are com-
mon features, each uniquely decorated with fine orna-
ments taken as plunder in war or given as gifts by allies.
It is on the Second Terrace that the old Chiefs of Troy, the
Elders, make their home. Anywhere else but here, each of their
abodes would be called a palace in its own right. However,
because they stand in the shadow of the Palace of Priam, they
are humble houses by comparison. There are seven such
compounds in all, each containing richly decorated cham-
bers for their families and guests, as well as numerous au-
dience chambers and banqueting rooms.
Locations of Interest:
The House of Hicetaon – The grey aide of Ares
and military advisor to Priam, Hicetaon was a
mighty warrior in younger times and one of Troy’s
legendary heroes. Hicetaon’s house is decorated
with countless spoils of war, from marble shafted spears, to swords
with scabbards of beaten silver and gold, to panoplies of fine armor
inlaid with jewels never seen by mortal eyes before they were given to
Hicetaeon. Pride of place is given to the old chariot of Hicetaon, which
is mounted on a dais in the vaulted entranceway.
Hicetaon likes nothing more than to regale his friends with tales of his
exploits, or to hear of those of his younger companions. An evening at
one of Hicetaon’s feasts is like listening to a hundred and one epic tales
told by the heroes themselves.
25
the Gates of Troy
the upper terrace
The uppermost level of the citadel is largely covered by the sprawling
and majestic Palace of Priam, and it is here that the royal family and
the most esteemed of nobles reside, sharing the terrace with the houses
of the gods.
The columned front of the palace faces onto the huge agora, a paved
plaza dotted with shade-providing trees and statues, shrines and other
ornaments such as fountains. Around the base of many of these, dedi-
cations and gifts are left by people wishing to honor those depicted, or
hoping for a boon to be granted.
The north and west sides of the agora are
faced by many temples, large and small.
None of the temples are sufficiently large
enough to accommodate many worship-
pers, and at times of mass prayer, such as
during religious festivals, crowds fill the
agora, raising their voices in chant and
supplication.
Locations of Interest:
The Lesser Temples – Facing onto the
eastern side of the agora are a cluster
of temples. There are three large stone
temples dedicated to Zeus, Apollo and
Demeter, and a multitude of smaller
shrines and altars at which praise is offered to the remainder of the
pantheon.
The layout of the three temples is fairly similar. Steps at the front of
each temple lead up to a raised platform, on which stands a roofed,
stone-built rectangular building. At the front of each building is a col-
umned porch. Within its darkened interior – known as the cella – are
little more than an altar and the cult statue depicting the Olympian.
Foremost of the gods of Troy is Phoebus Apollo, but his temple is only
the second largest.
Phoebus Apollo is the neutral good god of light, music, healing, prophecy
and lore. His domains are good, healing, knowledge, magic and sun.
26
The Temple of Pallas Athena – Largest of all the temples in Troy,
the large temple of Athena occupies the highest point of the hill and
its front stretches along the entirety of the northern side of the agora.
The temple is seated atop the highest point of the hill. It has an air of
command and authority over the citadel, as befits a temple holding an
artifact as powerful as the Palladium.
The temple is similar in design to its smaller neighbors. It stands
atop an ornate stone base carved with reliefs showing the Palladium
falling from Olympus, Ilus finding the artifact, and the construction of
the temple to house it. The temple is large, the columns fronting the
plinth cyclopean in scale and the building
itself constructed from colossal blocks of
limestone. However, the ornamentation is
simple, beyond that on the platform.
The interior of the temple is forever filled
with flickering light and smoke from the
braziers lining the walls of the cella.
Pallas Athena is the lawful good goddess of
wisdom, war and craftsmanship. Her domains
are good, knowledge, law and war.
The Palladium - The cella of the
temple is dominated by a large statue
carved from fine ash, the details inlaid
with gold and bronze that seems to gleam
unnaturally in the flickering torchlight.
Held in the upraised hand of the statue is a smaller statue carved from
fine ash. This is the artifact known as the Palladium, the image of the
goddess Pallas Athena crafted by divine hands and matched in beauty
only by the visage of the immortal goddesses themselves. So beautiful
is the statue that the eyes of mortal men are struck blind by it, leaving
them capable of seeing nothing but the image of Athena imprinted in
their minds. A mortal woman is unaffected, however, and can gaze
upon the beauty unimpaired. Thus all the devotees of Athena are all
priestesses or blind priests.
Often the statue is covered with a silk cloak to protect the eyes of
the unwary visitor. During great celebrations or festivals when the
presence of the statue is required, all men present blindfold themselves
or steadfastly avert their gaze.
Especially devoted supplicants sometimes gaze upon the visage un-
protected, hoping that their prayers will be answered by the sacrifice of
being struck blind. Some would suggest that being able to see nothing
but the Palladium is not a sacrifice at all, but a great reward.
The Palladium is the lynchpin, the keystone, of the citadel of Troy,
for it is said that so long as the Palladium remains within Troy the
citadel cannot be taken. Should the Palladium be removed from
Troy, the walls will fall swiftly.
Towards the end of the siege the Achaean captains,
growing increasingly desperate, captured the Trojan
seer Helenus to find out the secret of the city’s defense.
Helenus told his captors that, among other prophe-
cies, Troy could not be taken so long as the Palladium
remained in the city.
Several Achaean heroes snuck into the city via the underground
tunnels and attempted to steal the Palladium. Odysseus and
Diomedes were eventually successful and escaped with the statue
– no mean feat considering its blinding beauty – and sure enough
the city fell to the Trojan Horse soon afterwards.
Stories say that after the war the Trojan hero Aeneas reclaimed the
statue and took it with him on his adventures overseas, eventually
building a new temple to contain it on the future site of Rome.
the palace of priam
The majestic Palace of Priam sprawls across much of the apex of the
uppermost terrace. The front of the palace fills the western side of the
agora. Its colonnaded portico rivals the most magnificent of temples.
Locations of Interest:
Entrance halls - A visitor entering the palace passes through a series
of entrance chambers and audience halls, each decorated in a more
lavish and extravagant manner than the last. Some are light and airy,
illuminated by great shafts of light from the roof with brilliant white
limestone columns dazzling in the sun. Others are crammed with
ornaments and decoration, such as statues of Trojan heroes cast from
bronze, tripods carved from ivory, or figurines made from a new sub-
stance called iron.
Workshops – Priam is a patron of the arts and crafts and a number of
master craftsman make their home within the palace complex.
Clustered to- gether at the edge of the palace can be found the
workshops of many craftsman, such as weaponsmiths
working with bronze, weavers skilled at mak-
ing fine cloaks and robes, and chariot-makers
tasked with crafting the fine mounts on which
Troy’s heroes ride to war.
Private suites - The palace complex is built
on a large scale. The complex is comprised of a
series of courtyards and wings connected by colon-
nades and chambers. Private rooms and halls cluster
around small squares and gardens. Some are used as
accommodation for noble guests, others as permanent
residences by the royal family. The palace has more
than sixty such suites, but only the most distinguished
of guests are permitted to stay within them.
Around a main courtyard at the centre of the com-
plex are the private chambers of Priam’s many sons and
daughters and their families. Along three sides of the court-
yard are the fifty polished-stone chambers of Priam’s sons
and their wives; on the fourth side are the chambers of his
twelve daughters and their husbands.
The Royal Houses - The foremost of the royal family –
Hector, Paris and Priam himself – reside in somewhat larger chambers
nearby. Their houses are made up of whole suites of rooms, court-
yards and gardens with enough room for the family to live in luxury,
along with their staff of servants and slaves. Most extravagant of these
houses is the House of Paris, built by the prince himself with the aid
of Troy’s leading master craftsman upon the prince’s return to the city
from Ida.
The Senate House – Situated a little within the entrance of the palace
is the square chamber of the Senate House, each wall lined with banks
of marble benches and seats. Priam and the Council of Elders can often
27
the Gates of Troy
be found here, engaged in passionate debate and discussion. Anyone Adventure Hook – Upon their return from some great quest or adven-
may attend a meeting of the council, and the benches are often filled ture, the heroes are invited as guests of Priam to attend a fabulous
with a cross-section of Trojans, although typically only members of banquet. As guests they are expected to bring a great and unique gift
the aristocracy have the time or the inclination to participate. for the king or else be shamed and their honor besmirched. The finding
of a suitable gift is likely to form the basis of an adventure in itself.
The Grand Audience Hall - The entrance halls and audience chambers
eventually lead to the heart of the palace, the grand audience chamber “And soon he came to Priam’s palace, that magnificent structure
and banqueting hall. The hall is decorated with a beautiful fresco that built wide with porches and colonnades of polished stone. And
winds its way around the walls. The fresco is made from lapus lazuli, deep within its walls were fifty sleeping chambers masoned in
turquoise and count- smooth, lustrous
less other priceless ashlar, linked in
gems and stones. It a line where the
depicts a group of sons of Priam
youths competing slept beside their
in a series of athletic wedded wives, and
games. The center- facing these, open-
piece of the fresco ing out across the
is a scene showing inner courtyard, lay
a daring youth leap- the twelve sleep-
ing over a ferocious ing chambers of
bull. Priam’s daughters.”
At one end of the
hall is a raised plinth Homer, The Iliad,
on which stands the VI: 241
carved stone thrones
of Priam and Hecu-
ba. The thrones are
a matching pair and
appear to be resting
on two lifelike carv-
ings of a lion and li-
oness.
During the siege the palace remained an oasis of calm amidst the storm rag-
By day, the chamber is used by the king and princes to meet with ing all around. Here there was none of the overcrowding and panic found
other nobles and hear the pleas and disputes of their subjects. By night, in the rest of the citadel. But not all was as it was before the war. All of the
long stone benches and tables are brought in to the hall and sumptu- chambers and halls were filled with men, heroes and champions from far and
ous feasts are held for the greatest heroes of the age. Entertainment is wide, the leaders of Troy’s allies, grabbing a little rest between battles or dis-
provided by epic storytellers and bards almost as skilled with the lyre cussing battle plans. The Senate House and Audience Hall were often filled
or flute as Apollo. with throngs of people and the atmosphere was always tense and serious.

28

the prophecies of troy
It was said by many that the city of Troy would not fall unless certain prophe-
cies were fulfilled. Foremost of these was the removal of the Palladium from
the Temple of Athena. As time passed and Troy still stood, more and more
faith was placed in these prophecies and the Achaeans actively attempted to
bring them to pass. Frustratingly, the Achaean seers decreed that yet more and
more conditions must be fulfilled.
The Fall of Troy
it outside Troy, supposedly as a tribute to Athena. The Achaean army then
departed, leaving only a small band concealed within the hollow belly of the
horse.
When dawn broke the Trojans discovered the tribute and, spurred on by the
Achaean spy Sinon, were determined to bring the horse into the citadel. To
do this they were forced to break through the weak western wall and drag the
horse through the gap.

Eventually the Achaean Several Trojans saw through

leaders tired of the stalemate. the ruse. Cassandra decreed
They captured Helenus when that armed men hid within
he fled to the slopes of Ida the horse, but because of
after being spurned by Helen. Apollo’s curse, no one be-
Helenus was a son of Priam lieved her. Laocoon, high
and cleverest man in the Trojan priest of Apollo, agreed with
army, for he alone knew of all her judgment and threw his
the correct oracles that protect- spear at the horse in anger.
ed the fate of Troy. There are Athena was determined to
those that say that Helenus was see Troy fall, and as Laocoon
not captured at all, but came pleaded with his fellow men
to the Achaean camp willingly to destroy the horse, she
after a dispute with Paris. shook the ground beneath
his feet. When he continued
Whether willingly or other- to rant, she caused his eyes
wise, Helenus prophesied how to bubble from their sock-
Troy would fall. The holy relic, ets. Finally, when still he did
the Bone of Pelops, was to be not stop, she sent two great
buried beneath the foundations serpents to attack his sons.
of the citadel. Neoptolemus, When he rushed to their
Achilles’ son, was to be fetched aid, Laocoon was slain.
to battle from his home on Scyros. Philoctetes, who had been abandoned on
Lemnos by the Achaeans, must return to battle with the Bow of Heracles. The Trojans denied all omens and brought the horse before the palace. They
Finally, the Palladium must be stolen from the Temple of Athena. feasted and drank the night away in celebration. The Achaean trap was sprung
as the Trojans slept soundly in their beds. The heroes hidden within the horse
the trojan horse snuck out and slit the throats of the sentries watching over the citadel, then lit
a beacon atop the walls. The Achaean fleet returned to shore and the Achaeans
The Achaeans wasted little time in fulfilling the conditions of the prophecy, swept into the city through the opening in the wall and the open gates.
but still Troy did not fall. A bold and daring plan was hatched by Odysseus,
most cunning of all the Achaeans. The architect Epeius built a huge wooden Thus the city was breached by trickery and treachery, not by strength of arms
horse, so large that it could not fit through the gates of the citadel and left and honor.

29
the Gates of Troy

the sack of troy

The Achaeans swept through the streets, slaying every Trojan man they found Astynax, the infant son of Hector, was thrown from the walls of Troy, and
and dragging every Trojan woman away as a slave. his mother Andromache taken as a bride by Neoptolemus.

King Priam was slain on the steps of his palace by Neoptolemus, the son of
Achilles. Queen Hecuba was taken as a slave by Odysseus, but threw herself
into the treacherous waters of the Hellespont as they sailed from the burn-
ing city.
Little Ajax incurred the wrath of Athena by raping Cassandra as she clung
to the statue in the temple, a heinous crime for which his descendants would
pay for generations, and which would cost Little Ajax his life on the journey
home. After her rape, Cassandra was claimed as a bride by Agamemnon.
Menelaus reclaimed Helen and the wealth of Troy was divided among the
heroes.
The walls of Troy were razed to the ground and its majestic buildings top-
pled and burnt. Before the Achaeans set sail they sacrificed Polyxena, young-
est daughter of Priam, at the tomb of Achilles.
The story of Troy was at a close, but the legend would endure forever.

Deiphobos, the son of Priam to whom Helen gave her hand after the death
of Paris, was horribly mutilated and slain, his body dragged through the
streets of Troy.

30

playing in troy
Countless adventurers are waiting in Troy and a handful of plot hooks
are scattered throughout this book. The city itself is a place full of
interesting locales and faces, and even without the backdrop of the
war, Troy is a fascinating place to adventure or explore.
With the siege of Troy, the prospects for adventure are even greater.
The PCs may be valiant heroes of the city attempting to slip past the
blockade to send a message, or the leaders of an allied force attempt-
ing to break through the besieging lines and re-
inforce the beleaguered defenders.
Perhaps the PCs are the beleaguered
defenders, engaged in the day to day
reality of warfare – long periods of
boredom punctuated by bursts of
frantic activity as the enemy assault
the walls. The PCs could even be
engaged proactively, attempting
to root out an Achaean spy in their
midst.
Conversely, the PCs could come to
Troy as Achaeans and are seeking to
end the war so they can return home,
attempting to unravel the tangle of proph-
ecies that surround the fate of the city.
However you decide to handle Troy, be it as a
gritty war movie or a cinematic epic, it should be a place that no hero
could forget.
elsewhere, elsewhen
Even if you are not running an ancient era campaign, there is no reason
why this book cannot be useful to you in your game.
The simplest way in which you can use the material in this book
in your own campaign is by placing the city of Troy somewhere in
your campaign world, and stage the events of the Trojan War around
Using this Book
kingdoms and realms familiar to you and your players.
A similar way to use the book is to take many of the concepts and
story elements present and adapt them to a war or siege in your own
game, be it the siege of a dwarven hold by a horde of goblins trying
to drive the dwarf settlers from their former lair; the relentless assault
of undead skeletons on a walled monastery seeking the magical relic
stolen from their tomb; or the ancient forest home of an elven clan
being attacked by an army of savage gnolls seeking to fulfill their
prophesied destiny.
Another way to use the book is to think far outside
the box and transpose the story and loca-
tion to a radically different setting or milieu.
Think of how the Trojan War would play
out if Troy was an obsidian citadel in
hell over which armies of demons
eternally fought. Imagine the sce-
nario if the Trojans were the desper-
ate defenders of a plucky little planet
under relentless attack by waves of
alien invaders following the abduc-
tion or murder of an alien leader.
Depending on your campaign world,
you may need to make one or two
changes to use this book effectively. After
all, if your game world features wizards that
can teleport great distances or destroy mun-
dane walls with a glance, Troy will not last long
as written. In such a case you might like to have the prophesies of Troy
acting as rather more tangible defenses. The prophesies might act as
magical seals protecting the citadel from harm.
Of course, the story of the Trojan War has many fantastical and
powerful magical elements to it as written. The gods do take an active,
if indirect, hand in the affairs of the mortal armies. It takes only a little
imagination to escalate the level of intervention by the gods to affect a
more or less magical game.
31
the Gates of Troy
Trojan Heroes
king priam
The great-hearted King Priam has ruled Troy for three generations and
lived in the city for four. Priam is the son of Dardanus and the only
survivor of his dynasty following the First Siege of Troy. He was in-
stalled as king by Heracles. His rule has, until the siege of Troy,
been marked by a lengthy period of peace a n d
prosperity, and the king is beloved by his
people.
Personality: Priam is a wise and noble king,
well-liked by his subjects and admired by his al-
lies. He is famous for his good sense and unfail-
ing judgment, and his rulings are always fair.
After a long peace-time reign, Priam is an
experienced diplomat. His current role as a
war-time king sits with him altogether more
uncomfortably.
Appearance: Only in recent years, as the toils and
troubles of war wear him down, has Priam began to
show signs of his great age – nigh on two-hundred
years. Priam still carries himself with great bearing and
authority, although he walks with the aid of an ivory
stick and is slightly stooped. His hair is grey and thin-
ning beneath his bejeweled crown, his face wrinkled
and weathered. Priam dresses opulently, as
befits his status, his fine robes woven from exotic
textiles and decorated with fine embroidery and
glittering jewels.
Encounters: Before the start of the war Priam
can be found somewhere within his palace,
usually engaged in his royal duties. Many
seek an audience with Priam, and nothing
short of a heroic reputation or great patience can assure his
attention. PCs might encounter the king in such a situation, appealing
for his favor or sponsorship before departing on a quest or adventure,
or seeking his judgment in a dispute with another Trojan.
During the Trojan War Priam can more often be found atop the Great
Tower of Ilion, watching the course of the battles raging around Troy’s
32
fine walls, or listening to the reports from his generals and advisors.
Priam is always surrounded by countless attendants and remains a
difficult man to speak with. A renowned PC may receive a summons
to the court of Priam to receive the king’s praise or to be consulted by
the council of war.
King Priam: male human (Trojan); Aristocrat 6/Fighter 2; CR 8;
medium humanoid; HD 6d8+2d10-24; hp18; Init -2; Spd 30ft; AC 10
(-2 Dex, +1 heavy robes, +1 ring of protection), touch 9, flat footed
10; Base Atk +6, Grp +4, Atk +7 melee (1d8+1, +2 spear), Full Atk
+7/+2 melee (1d8+1, +2 spear); SA -; SQ -; AL LG; SV Fort +4, Ref
+2, Will +11; Str 7, Dex 6, Con 5, Int 16, Wis
19, Cha 17
Skills & Feats: Appraise +12, Diplomacy +19,
Gather Information +12, Handle Animal +14, In-
timidate +8, Knowledge (nobility) +12, Knowledge
(religion) +12, Ride +3, Sense Motive +15; Combat Ex-
pertise, Leadership, Mercantile, Negotiator, Skill Focus
(diplomacy), Weapon Focus (spear)
Possessions: As king of one of the wealthiest cities
in the world, Priam can be assumed to have access to
many rare and valuable items – any that you wish him
to have. Typically he carries with him a +2 spear, +1
ring of protection and +2 robes of resistance.
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Hittite (literate in all)
Followers: Priam’s leadership extends over the entire-
ty of the Troad and beyond. He has a retinue befitting
of his high leadership score (16 for attracting follow-
ers) that remains close by him at all times. Priam’s
cohort is his close friend and advisor, Antenor. The
rest of Priam’s retinue is as follows: 1 3rd level
fighter, 2 2nd level fighters, 15 1st level fighters and 10 assorted 1st
level aristocrats and experts.
queen hecuba
“In vain we sacrificed! Yet, had not God overthrown us so, and
whelmed beneath the earth, we had faded fameless, never had
been hymned in lays, nor given song-themes to posterity.”
Queen Hecuba, Euripides, Trojan Women 1240
The fair and kindly Queen Hecuba is the second wife of Priam
and mother to most of his many children. Hecuba is the
daughter of Dymas and sister of Asius, one of
Troy’s generals. She is much younger than her
great-hearted husband, although she has been
queen for close to two generations.
Personality: Queen Hecuba is a big-hearted
woman, loving each of her many sons and daugh-
ters equally. Hecuba is an emotional woman, flinging
herself passionately into courses of action that she
truly believes in. Her emotions are either tempered
or governed by her great empathy towards others, and
she cannot bear to see her subjects suffer.
Appearance: Hecuba was pretty in her youth, but
now, aging close to one-hundred, she could best be
described as handsome. She is a slight figure, but
she is by no means frail, and she carries herself
with a natural elegance and grace. She dresses in
beautiful flowing dresses and robes woven from
the finest fabrics, often made by her own hands.
Encounters: Before the war, Hecuba can often be
found at the side of her king carrying out their royal
duties, or within her apartments weaving with her
fellow noble ladies. Hecuba is not an easy woman
to encounter, although she tries to make time to
speak with anyone who catches her attention.
During the war, Hecuba hides herself away from public sight more
and more, remaining in the innermost chambers of her sanctum. Oc-
casionally she ventures out into the greater palace complex or across
the agora to offer prayer to the gods.
Queen Hecuba: female human (Trojan); Aristocrat 4; CR 4; medium
humanoid; HD 4d8-8; hp13; Init -1; Spd 30ft; AC 10 (-1 Dex, +1 ring
of protection), touch 10, flat footed 10; Base Atk +3, Grp +0, Atk +0
melee (1d4-3, dagger), Full Atk +0 melee (1d4-3, dagger); SA -; SQ -;
AL NG; SV Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +7; Str 5, Dex 8, Con 7, Int 14, Wis
16, Cha 18
Skills & Feats: Craft (weaving) +11, Diplomacy +16, Gather Infor-
mation +11, Knowledge (nobility) +9, Knowledge (religion) +9,
Perform (sing) +11, Sense Motive +14; Negotiator, Skill Focus
(diplomacy), Skill Focus (sense motive)
Languages: Greek, Egyptian, Hittite
Possessions: see Priam, above. Hecuba rarely carries
any magic items with her about Troy.
Followers: Although Hecuba does not have the
Leadership feat, she is nonetheless attended by a
sizeable retinue. At all times between six and twelve
attendants (aristocrats or commoners level 1) will
be within calling distance, along with five discrete
bodyguards (fighter 2) and a handful of handmaids
and friends (aristocrat 1). Hecuba insists that all
but her handmaids and friends remain out of sight
until wanted, as she dislikes being followed by a
large mob. When in the company of Priam she often
dismisses her own servants and relies on his.
Typical Handmaiden: female human (Trojan) aristocrat 1;
CR 1/2; medium humanoid; HD 1d8-1; hp 7; Init +0; Spd 30ft;
AC 10, touch 10, flat footed 10; Base Atk +0, Grp -1, Atk +0
melee (1d4-1/19-20, dagger), Full Atk +0 melee (1d4-1/19-20,
dagger); SA -; SQ -; AL NG; SV Fort -1, Ref +0, Will +3; Str 8,
Dex 11, Con 9, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 13
Skills & Feats: Bluff +5, Craft (weaving) +7, Diplomacy
+7, Gather Information +5, Knowledge (nobility) +4, Sense
Motive +3; Negotiator, Skill Focus (craft)
Languages: Greek
33
the Gates of Troy
paris
“At one glance Hector raked his brother with insults, stinging
taunts: ‘Paris, appalling Paris! Our prince of beauty – mad for
women, you lure them all to ruin!”
Homer, The Iliad, III:35
Second-born child of Priam and Hecuba,
Paris – sometimes known as Prince Alex-
andros – was ill-fated even as a babe. Left
to die on the side of Mount Ida to avert the
prophecy, Paris nonetheless survived and
lived as a shepherd for many years before re-
turning to Troy as a prince.
It was during his time living on Mount Ida
that Paris was approached by three god-
desses - Hera, Athena and Aphrodite - to
arbitrate a dispute. Following an attempt to
seed woe by the goddess Strife, the goddess-
es demanded to know which of the three was
the fairest. Each promised Paris fabulous gifts
- Hera the rulership of Asia, Athena great wisdom
and martial prowess and Aphrodite the most beauti-
ful woman in the world. Paris succumbed to his lust
and awarded Aphrodite the title of most fair, earning
him the most beautiful woman in all the world -
Helen - and the undying enmity of Hera and Ath-
ena.
Paris set in motion the events of the Trojan
War when he sailed to Hellas on a mission of
diplomacy, eloping with Helen and incurring
the wrath of the Achaean kings.
Personality: Paris is a man ruled by his heart, not his head, and
frequently rushes into situations without thinking them through
properly. Paris is neither a natural warrior nor diplomat, too head-
strong and reckless for either. In another life Paris could have been a
great poet, for he is always dreaming of adventures or telling tall tales,
oblivious to the legends he has unwittingly begun himself.
34
Appearance: Paris is every bit the foppish prince, making up for his
lost youth by indulging in the most extravagant of tastes – gaudy and
luxurious clothes, fine trappings and ornamental weaponry. He is a
beautiful young man, but beneath his pampered exterior are visible
his weathered hands and features, signs of his rugged upbringing. His
blue eyes sparkle brightly and his head is topped by a shock of dark
brown hair.
Encounters: Paris could feasibly be encountered anywhere in Troy,
drifting dreamily about the streets or engaged in one of his passions
– archery, chariot racing or swordplay. PCs with similar passions may
find themselves challenged to a competition by Paris.
During the war, Paris is sometimes to be found in the midst of bat-
tle, engaging in combat from a distance with his bow and arrows.
When not engaged in war, Paris is to be found in the
luxury of his house within the palace complex until
dragged back to the walls or the fields by his elder
brother, Hector.
Blame for the war is placed squarely on Paris’ shoulders, and he is
treated with little more than derision by his fellow Trojans.
Paris: male human (Trojan); Ranger 6/Fighter 4; CR 10; medium
humanoid; HD 6d8+4d10; hp 53; Init +4; Spd 30ft; AC 18 (+4 Dex,
+4 studded leather), touch 14, flat footed 14; Base Atk +10, Grp +11,
Atk +15 melee (1d6+1, +1shortspear) or +17 ranged (1d6+3, +2 com-
posite shortbow), Full Atk +15/+10 melee (1d6+1, +1 shortspear) or
+17/+12 ranged (1d6+3, +2 composite shortbow); SA -; SQ favored
enemy (animals +4, humans +2), wild empathy; AL CN; SV Fort +11,
Ref +11, Will +2; Str 12, Dex 19, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 8, Cha 14
Skills & Feats: Climb +7, Handle Animal +15, Hide +14,
Knowledge (geography) +10, Knowledge (nature) +10, Spot +8,
Profession (shepherd) +8, Ride +20, Survival +10, Swim +7;
Animal Affinity, Athletic, Dodge, Endurance, Great Fortitude, Many-
shot, Precise Shot, Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Track, Weapon Fi-
nesse, Weapon Focus (shortbow)
Languages: Greek, Akkadian (literate in both)
Possessions: +1 greaved armour, gloves of dexterity +2, +2 composite
shortbow (+1), +1 shortspear
helen
“And catching sight of Helen moving along the ramparts, they
murmured one to another, gentle, winged words:
‘Who on earth could blame them? Ah, no wonder the
men of Troy and Argives under arms have suffered years
of agony all for her, for such a woman. Beauty, terrible
beauty!’”
Homer, The Iliad, III:153
Helen of Troy – formerly Queen Helen of
Argos – is the most beautiful woman in the
world. Such was the competition for her hand
in marriage that her many suitors swore an
oath to avoid quarrels and bloodshed when
one of their number was eventually chosen.
When Prince Paris of Troy arrived at the
court of her husband, King Menelaus, she
unwittingly began the Trojan War by elop-
ing with Paris, earning the appellation “the
face that launched a thousand ships.”
Helen abandoned her only daughter by
Menelaus, Hermione, in Sparta when she
sailed off with Paris. Following the Trojan War
she returned to Hellas with her first husband.
Personality: In days long since passed, Helen was a
bright and cheerful woman, enjoying all of the extravagance a
wealthy royal household brings, and living life with a youthful
exuberance. Now she is bitter and morose, blaming herself for
the endless misery and suffering that rages all around her. Oc-
casionally a glimmer of her former self shines through, her passion for
her husband stirred anew in her breast.
Appearance: Pale skinned and white armed, Helen is blessed by Aph-
rodite with an immortal beauty. Her brown eyes glimmer with an in-
ner radiance and her dark hair flows like a river of ebony round her
shoulders. Helen wears simple yet elegant dresses, for no amount of
elaboration or expensive fabric could compete with her own beauty.
Encounters: Before the war Helen cannot be found within Troy, as
she still resides in Sparta across the Aegean.
During the war, Helen can be found either hidden away in her
chambers weaving delicate robes depicting the misery and suffer-
ing of war, or on the walls of the citadel gazing mournfully out
at the battle lines. She is often in the company of her father-in-
law, King Priam, pointing out the heroes in her former husband’s
army.
Under any other circumstance, Helen would be surrounded
by suitors and admirers buzzing about her like flies, but in
Troy she is hated and despised for all the suffering she
brought with her.
Helen: female human; Aristocrat 3; CR 3; medium
humanoid; HD 3d8; hp17; Init +2; Spd 30ft; AC 13
(+2 Dex, +1 ring of protection), touch 13, flat footed
11; Base Atk +2, Grp +1, Atk +1 melee (1d4-1, dag-
ger), Full Atk +1 melee (1d4-1, dagger); SA -; SQ
-; AL NG; SV Fort +1, Ref +3, Will +4; Str 8, Dex
14, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 20
Skills & Feats: Bluff +10, Craft (weaving) +10,
Diplomacy +11, Gather Information +11, Intimi-
date +7, Knowledge (nobility) +7, Knowledge
(religion) +7, Sense Motive +7; Persuasive, Skill
Focus (craft), Skill Focus (bluff)
Possession: +1 ring of protection
Typical Servant: female human (Trojan) commoner
1; CR 1/2; medium humanoid; HD 1d4; hp 7; Init
+1; Spd 30ft; AC 11 (+1 Dex), touch 11, flat footed
10; Base Atk +0, Grp +0, Atk +0 melee (1d4/19-20, dagger), Full Atk
+0 melee (1d4/19-20, dagger); SA -; SQ -; AL NG; SV Fort +0, Ref +1,
Will +1; Str 10, Dex 12, Con 11, Int 9, Wis 13, Cha 8
Skills & Feats: Craft (weaving) +3, Handle Animal +1, Profession
(servant) +5, Ride +3; Animal Affinity, Toughness
Languages: Greek
35
the Gates of Troy
hector
Hector is the first born son of Priam and Hecuba, and is the heir to
the throne of Troy. Hector is the mightiest of Troy’s warriors and the
leader of its army, and is one of the few heroes that the Achaean lead-
ers truly fear. In times of peace, Hector was a skilled diplomat and
well-respected ambassador to the courts of Troy’s neighbors.
Personality: Unlike many of his Achaean counterparts,
Hector is a man of peace, not of war, and he wears the
mantle of general uncomfortably. Hector has inherited
the wisdom and sense of his father. In peacetime this
helped him become a good diplomat, and in war it
has made him an accomplished tactician and general.
Hector is a devoted husband and father to his wife
Andromache and son Astynax, and it is because of
them that he throws himself so completely into the
defense of the city.
Appearance: Standing tall and broad shouldered
in his bronze armor and crested helmet, Hector is
a fearsome sight on the battlefield. Yet from within
the helmet gaze the eyes of a compassionate man,
his well-muscled and tanned features hidden beneath
the layers of heavy metal. Hector wears a distinctive
helm, topped with a great crest of horse-hair.
When not wearing his military garb, Hector dresses in
simple yet well-made tunics. His only nod to affluence is
the priceless, marble-handled sword worn at his waist.
Encounters: Before the Trojan War, Hector could be
encountered in any number of foreign courts,
acting as a representative of the interests of
the Trojan state. When not abroad, Hector
can be found in his house in the palace, either playing with little Asty-
nax or talking affectionately with Andromache. Sometimes he can be
seen in the bastion or outside the walls of the city, practicing with his
soldiers. A PC might seek out Hector for training or practice, and he
will be all too ready to help.
A PC fighting in the ranks of the Trojans is likely to regularly meet
Hector, especially if he fights especially well or rises to command men
36
of his own. Hector is well-liked by his men and few would refuse his
orders.
Hector: male human (Trojan) Paladin 17; CR 17; medium humanoid;
HD 17d10+34; hp 132; Init +1; Spd 20ft (30ft without armor); AC 28
(+1 Dex, +9 breastplate, +5 large bronze shield, natural armor +1,
ring of protection +2), touch 13, flat footed 27; Base Atk +17, Grp
+21, Atk +26 melee (1d6+8/x3, +4 shortspear) or +20 ranged
(1d6+5/x3, +1 shortspear), Full Atk +26/+21/+16/+11 melee
(1d6+8/x3, +4 shortspear) or +20/+15/+10/+5 ranged (1d6+5/x3,
+1 shortspear); SA smite evil 4/day; SQ aura of courage, aura of
good, detect good, divine grace, lay on hands, remove disease
4/week, special mount, turn magical beast; AL LG; SV Fort
+15, Ref +9, Will +9; Str 18, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 12, Wis 12,
Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Diplomacy +25, Handle Animal +23,
Knowledge (nobility) +11, Ride +21, Sense Motive +15;
Combat Expertise, Dodge, Leadership, Mobility, Nego-
tiator, Spring Attack, Weapon Focus (shortspear), Whirl-
wind Attack
Languages: Greek, Akkadian
Possessions: +4 breastplate armor, +3 heavy bronze
shield, amulet of natural armor +1, ring of protec-
tion +2, +4 shortspear, +1 shortspears x 3, cloak of
charisma +2
Spells prepared (3/3/0/0 – DC 11+spell level): 1 –
bless, divine favor, resistance; 2 – bull’s strength,
eagle’s splendour, shield other
Followers: Hector is the captain of Troy and
commands its defenses. He has a leadership
score of 23 and the following men who swear loyalty directly to him.
Hector’s followers are drawn from the guard, the militia and the no-
ble heroes of Troy as detailed on page 20: 2 6th level fighters (guard
sergeants), 2 5th level fighters, 4 4th level fighters, 7 3rd fighters, 13
2nd fighters, 135 1st fighters and warriors. Hector also has a 15th level
cohort, his charioteer and half-brother Cebriones, a 15th level fighter.
aeneas
“But Aeneas, taking a long, deep breath, replied, ‘Don’t think for a moment,
Achilles, son of Peleus, you can frighten me with words like a child, a fool
– I’m an old hand myself at trading taunts and insults.’”
Homer, The Iliad, XX:199
Aeneas is the son of beautiful Aphrodite and Anchises. He is the king
of the Dardanians, a dynasty entwined with that of Troy. Aeneas
is a fearsome warrior, some- what wilder in na-
ture than his urban cousins.
Personality: Aeneas is more the warrior-
hero than many of the Trojans, and his spear was
cast in anger many a time before coming to defend
well-walled Troy. Aeneas has an air of menace and
anger about him, barely suppressed and simmer-
ing beneath the surface. Yet despite this, he can be
charming and eloquent when he so wishes, his fair
words inherited from his divine mother.
Appearance: Aeneas is a rugged-looking hero, more
at home with his fellow Dardanians in the foothills of
Mount Ida than in the opulence of the Palace of Priam.
His features are weather-worn and tanned, his brown
hair ruffled and his face unshaven. He is rarely found
out of his finely-wrought armor.
Encounters: Before the Trojan War, Aeneas can only
occasionally be found in Troy. He normally resides in the
walled town of his own people near Mount Ida, where
he rides out often to go hunting or to raid o t h e r
settlements further afield. A group of PCs might be
dispatched to Ida to convey a message from Priam, or to seek the help
of the Dardanians in hunting down a particularly savage beast.
During the war, Aeneas can usually be found in the midst of battle,
or among the throngs of soldiers defending the citadel walls. Some-
times he can be seen discussing tactics and battle plans with his fellow
generals.
In the aftermath of the war Aeneas escapes the slaughter of the
Trojans with a handful of family and companions, setting sail across
the sea. As the only surviving member of the Trojan royal family,
Aeneas becomes the next King of the Trojans, settling across the sea
where his descendants would found Rome.
Aeneas: male human (Trojan) Fighter 12/Bloodline of Aphrodite 3;
CR 15; medium humanoid; HD 12d10+24; hp 94; Init +1; Spd 20ft
(30ft without armor); AC 22 (+1 Dex, +7 breastplate, +3
shield, ring of protection +1), touch 12, flat footed
21; Base Atk +12, Grp +15, Atk +18 melee (1d8+7,
+2 longsword) or +14 ranged (1d8+4, +1 spear),
Full Atk +18/+13/+8 melee (1d8+7, +2 longs-
word) or +14/+9/+4 ranged (1d8+4, +1 spear); SA
-; SQ affinity to Aphrodite +4, charm 1/day,
disguise self 1/day, immunity to disease,
lesser confusion 1/day; AL NG; SV
Fort +12, Ref +7, Will +8; Str 16, Dex
12, Con 14, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Bluff +7, Diplomacy
+9, Handle Animal +18, Intimidate
+8, Listen +2, Ride +16, Sense Motive
+2, Spot +2, Survival +6; Alertness;
Blind Fight, Cleave, Combat Expertise,
Improved Disarm, Improved Sunder, Lead-
ership, Mounted Combat, Negotiator Persua-
sive, Power Attack, Ride-By Attack, Spirited
Charge, Track, Weapon Focus (longsword),
Weapon Specialization (longsword)
Languages: Greek
Possessions: +2 longsword, +1 spear, +2
breastplate, +1 heavy bronze shield, ring of protection
+1, cloak of resistance +2, periapt of health
Followers: Aeneas is the commander of the Dardanians and leads them
in battle. His cohort is his life-long companion, Achates (fighter 10).
There are 48 Dardanians in total (fighters and barbarians level 1-5).
Bloodline of Aphrodite: rules for Bloodlines can be found in other
supplements, including the forthcoming Ancient Lore: Of Legends
Born.
37
the Gates of Troy
theano
Theano is the wife of the wise elder Antenor (see p14) and the high
priestess of Athena. Theano has served the temple of Athena for count-
less years and, even though the goddess has grown to despise Troy,
remains in her favor.
Personality: Theano is a wise and sensible woman. Her advice is dis-
pensed coolly to whoever will listen, and there are few foolish enough
to ignore it. Theano does not neglect the martial focus of Athena,
however, and when she was younger she trained alongside the
city militia.
Appearance: Theano is an aging woman, with wrinkled
features and gray hair. She wears the simple white
robes of a priest. She can sometimes be seen on the
battlements of the city wearing ornate armor, dis-
cussing tactics and plans with the generals, holding
her own with the other elders.
Encounters: Both before and during the war, Theano
can be found in the Temple of Athena, where she tends
the sacred flames and looks after the Palladium. During
the war, she spends most of her waking hours in the
temple, desperately praying for Pallas Athena to
relent in her anger. A PC who desires success in war
might seek out Theano to petition the goddess for
aid. After all, Theano is one of the few Trojans who
finds her prayers are still answered by Athena.
Theano: female human (Trojan) priest 7; CR 7; medium
humanoid; HD 7d6-14; hp 16; Init -1; Spd 30ft; AC 10 (-1
Dex, +1 Ring of Protection) , touch 10, flat footed 10; Base
Atk +3, Grp +0, Atk +0 melee (1d6-3/x3, masterwork short-
spear), Full Atk +0 melee (1d6-3/x3, masterwork shortspear);
SA -; SQ lore, turn magical beast; AL LG; SV Fort +2, Ref +0, Will +12; Str
5, Dex 9, Con 7, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 15
Skills & Feats: 6 max 10 – Diplomacy +14, Heal +15, Knowledge (arca-
na) +14, Knowledge (local) +13, Knowledge (religion) +13, Sense Motive
+7, Spellcraft +13; Iron Will, Negotiator, Skill Focus (knowledge arcana),
Toughness
38
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Egyptian, Hittite (literate in all)
Possessions: masterwork shortspear, periapt of wisdom +2, ring of protection
+1
Cleric Spells Prepared (6/6/4/3/2; save DC 15 + spell level; domains good,
law, knowledge): 0 – detect poison, detect magic, guidance (2),
message, resistance; 1st – bless (2), command, doom, protection
from chaos,* remove fear, sanctuary; 2nd – aid (2*), calm emo-
tions, consecrate, owl’s wisdom; 3rd – bestow curse, clairaudi-
ence/clairvoyance,* dispel magic, prayer; 4th – detect scrying,
freedom of movement, order’s wrath* (*domain spell)
the priest class
The priest spends more time than other clerics in study
and prayer and less in martial training. She gives up some
of the cleric’s combat prowess in exchange for greater skill
access and a wider range of spells.
Most priests are non-chaotic.
Hit Die: The priest uses a d6 for her Hit Dice.
Base Attack Bonus: The priest uses the poor base attack
bonus, as a wizard.
Class Skills: The priest’s class skill list includes Speak
Language and all Knowledge Skills. The priest gains skill
points per level equal to 6+Int modifier.
Class Features
The priest has all the standard cleric class features except as
noted below.
Weapon Armor Proficiency: Priests are proficient with all
simple weapons and light armor.
Lore (Ex): A priest has a wide range of obscure knowl-
edge and mythic lore. This ability is identical to the bard’s
bardic knowledge class feature, but based on the priest’s class levels.
Domains: A priest selects three domains from the available domains
of her god, instead of two.
Spellcasting: Add the following spells to the priest’s class spell list:
0 - message; 1st - identify, unseen servant; 2nd - fox’s cunning; 3rd
- clairaudience/clairvoyance, tongues; 4th - detect scrying; 6th - ana-
lyze dweomer; 7th - legend lore, sequester; 9th - foresight, vision
cassandra
“Have I missed the mark, or, like true archer, do I strike my quar-
ry? Or am I prophet of lies, a babbler from door to door?”
Cassandra. Aeschylus, Agamemnon 11:94
Cassandra is the eldest daughter of Priam and Hecuba, and is
one of their loveliest children. From a young age, Cassan-
dra showed signs of insight and wisdom beyond her years,
and so the god Apollo took her under his tutelage. Apollo
taught Cassandra the art of prophecy and divination, some-
thing with which the young girl showed great skill. Apollo
also tried to teach Cassandra the ways of love, desiring her
as his bride, but the seer spurned him. In anger, Apollo
cursed Cassandra, causing all who heard her prophecies
to think them lies.
Personality: Cassandra is a gentle and kind woman,
but she is deeply troubled. Her insight allows her to
see the cruel fate in store for her loved ones, and
for her, and yet she is helpless, for no one will be-
lieve her. Cassandra veers between an introverted
quietness to outbursts of shrieking and frustrated
proclamations.
Appearance: Cassandra is a pretty woman in her late twen-
ties. She has somewhat wild black hair and pale skin. Her
eyes often stare at things unseen to normal eyes.
Encounters: Cassandra can often be found around the
Temple of Zeus or in the agora atop the citadel hill. She
speaks freely to all who will listen, forecasting their
fortunes or interpreting the omens she sees all around
her. Most Trojans are patient with her, regarding her prophecies with
a mixture of pity and disgust. PCs may find themselves singled out by
Cassandra, who insists on revealing their fate to them. Her prophecies
will ring false, no matter how rational they may seem, but will inevi-
tably be proved true.
During the war, Cassandra can sometimes be found on the battlements
of the citadel, watching the ebb and flow of fate over the clashing ar-
mies. She is allowed to remain here so long as she is quiet, but as soon
as she begins wailing or forecasting doom she is hurriedly ushered
away for fear of undermining the morale of the Trojan forces. A group
of hapless PCs may find themselves assigned as Cassandra’s escorts,
trailing her back and forth between the walls and the palace, bearing
the brunt of her wild proclamations.
At the close of the siege, Cassandra was the first of the Trojans to see
the true nature of the Horse, but because of the Curse of Apollo she
was not believed.
Cassandra: female human (Trojan); Diviner 6; CR 6; me-
dium humanoid; HD 6d4+6; hp 20; Init +1; Spd 30ft; AC
12 (+1 Dex, +1 ring of protection), touch 12, flat footed
11; Base Atk +3, Grp +3, Atk +3 melee (1d4, club), Full
Atk +3 melee (1d4, club); SA -; SQ enhanced awareness,
prescience; AL NG; SV Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +7; Str 10,
Dex 13, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 8
Skills & Feats: Concentration +10, Craft (woodcarving)
+12, Diplomacy +2, Knowledge (arcana) +12, Knowledge
(religion) +12, Sense Motive +13, Spellcraft +12; Greater
Spell Focus (divination), Lightning Reflexes, Negotiator,
Spell Focus (divination), Spell Mastery
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Egyptian, Hittite (literate in
all)
Wizard Spells Prepared (4/4/4/3; save DC 13 + spell level
+3 for divination spells; barred school - evocation): 0 – detect
magic, guidance,* message, resistance; 1st – doom,* shield,
identify; 2nd – augury,* detect thoughts, touch of idi-
ocy, scare; 3rd – arcane sight, clairaudience/clairvoy-
ance, dispel magic
*Taught by Apollo himself, Cassandra knows several cleric spells and
can cast them as though they were arcane.
Possessions: ring of protection +1
The Curse of Apollo: Priests of Apollo may inflict this curse with
the bestow curse spell. Whenever the subject tells the truth (as she
believes it) any who listen steadfastly refuse to believe her, even if her
words are obviously true.
39
the Gates of Troy
helenus
“And Helenus, Priam’s dear son, had understood their plan in his mind, the
plan the gods had settled on as they conferred. He came up to Hector and
advised him quickly, ‘Hector, son of Priam, a mastermind like Zeus, listen to
me now - let your brother guide you. ... Challenge Achaea’s bravest man to duel
in bloody combat to the death. It’s not the hour to meet your doom, not
yet. I heard a voice of the immortal gods.’”
Homer, The Iliad, VII:45
Helenus is one of Priam’s sons by Hecuba. Helenus
is one of Troy’s foremost seers and prophets, gifted
with preternatural insight from birth. Unlike many
seers, Helenus is also a great warrior, having ven-
tured abroad on quests since he was a young
man.
Personality: Helenus is a brave and wise
warrior, an unusual combination. He greatly
considers every word and every course of ac-
tion, weighing up the balance of fate before he
acts. When he chooses to act or speak, he does
so with great certainty and has a way of inspir-
ing confidence in those around him. Helenus
is revered as the most cunning and clever of
the Trojans, almost the equal of Odysseus. He
alone knows all of the prophecies that must be
fulfilled before Troy can fall.
Appearance: Helenus is a handsome man in his late
thirties. He is tall, although not as well-built as his
brother Hector, with black hair beginning to show signs of
gray. When in battle he dresses as any other warrior, wearing
bronze armor. When not on the battlefield he dresses in fine
robes elaborately embroidered with glittering stars.
Encounters: Before the war, Helenus may be encountered anywhere
in the citadel or further afield, engaged in one of his quests with his
own party of heroes. PCs might seek him out for guidance on a quest
or mystery of their own. During the war, Helenus can usually be found
in the throes of battle, leading his men or whispering enigmatic guid-
ance to his fellow leaders. PCs who are fellow soldiers or commanders
40
may find themselves at the receiving end of some of Helenus’ enigmat-
ic orders. Perhaps he orders them to defend a part of the line from no
discernible threat, to return to the citadel, or to take a cryptic message
to some other part of the army.
In the closing days of the war Helenus left the citadel for
Mount Ida following a quarrel with his brother Deipho-
bus. It was from Mount Ida that he was abducted by Od-
ysseus and forced to reveal the prophecies that protected
Troy to the Achaeans.
Helenus: male human (Trojan) wizard 8/fighter 5; CR 13; me-
dium humanoid; HD 8d4+5d10; hp 49; Init +4; Spd 30ft; AC
15 (+2 amulet of natural armor, +3 bracers of armor), touch
10, flat footed 15; Base Atk +9, Grp +11, Atk +13 melee
(1d8+5/19-20/x3, +1 spear) or +10 ranged (1d8+4/19-20/x3,
spear), Full Atk +13/+8 melee (1d8+5/19-20/x3, +1 spear) or
+10/+5 ranged (1d8+4/19-20/x3, spear); SA -; SQ -; AL NG;
SV Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +8; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 20,
Wis 13, Cha 12
Skills & Feats: Climb +11, Concentration +11, Craft (bronze
working) +11, Handle Animal +11, Intimidate +12, Knowl-
edge (arcana) +11, Knowledge (local) +11, Knowledge (no-
bility) +11, Knowledge (religion) +11, Ride +12, Spellcraft
+11; Combat Expertise, Dodge, Extend Spell, Improved
Counterspell, Improved Critical (spear), Improved Initiative,
Improved Disarm, Mounted Combat, Weapon Specialisation
(spear), Weapon Focus (spear)
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Carthaginian, Egyptian,
Ethiopian, Hittite (literate in all)
Possessions: +1 spear, amulet of natural armor +2, bracers
of armor +3, headband of intellect +2, ring of mind shielding
Wizard Spells Prepared (4/6/4/4/3; save DC 15 + spell level): 0 – daze,
detect magic, message, resistance; 1st – Cause Fear, Disguise Self, Expedi-
tious Retreat, Protection from Evil, True Strike (2); 2nd –, Detect Thoughts,
Protection from Arrows, See Invisibility, Shield (extended); 3rd - Cat’s Grace
(extended), Dispel Magic, Greater Magic Weapon, Heroism; 4th – Crushing
Despair, Haste (extended), Scrying
sinon
“This work for which you crave will I perform—yea, though they
torture me, though into fire living they thrust me; for my heart is
fixed not to escape, but die by hands of foes, except I crown with
glory your desire.”
Sinon to the Achaeans, volunteering for his dangerous mission.
Quintus Smyrnaeus, The Fall of Troy XII:243
“If you allow it to abide her in its place, it is decreed that the
spear of the Achaeans shall capture Troy; but if Athena receive
it a holy offering in her shrine, then they shall flee away with
their task unaccomplished.”
Sinon to Priam
Tryphiodorus, The Taking of Ilios 296
Sinon is the Achaean who remained behind with the Tro-
jan Horse to persuade the Trojans to bring it into the city.
Sinon convinced his captors that he had fled the Achaean
camp after a disagreement with Odysseus, who he claimed
had committed a heinous murder. His trickery was believed,
and by taunting the Trojans that the Achaeans meant for the
Horse to be too big to be brought into the city, he aided in the
downfall of the citadel.
Personality: Sinon is a slithery and shady character, disliked by all
who meet him. He is a master of deceit, his dark words coated with
silver. He is a man without honor and is quick to betray his allies if he
stands to gain from doing so.
Appearance: Sinon is dark-skinned with black hair flowing down to
his shoulders. He dresses simply, with a simple but brutally effective
knife concealed beneath his robes.
Encounters: For much of the siege Sinon can be found skulking about
the Achaean camp, treated disdainfully by all who see him. Over the
course of the war he occasionally accompanies Achaean raiders into
the tunnels beneath Troy, as his stealth and cunning are useful in infil-
trating the citadel.
In the closing stages of the war Sinon can be found in and around the
citadel itself, his lies worming their way into the ears of his Trojan
captors. On the eve of the sack of the city, as the Trojans raucously
celebrate their victory, Sinon may be seen skulking about the citadel
defenses and the Horse.
Sinon: male human rogue 6; CR 6; medium humanoid;
HD 6d6+6; hp 29; Init +0; Spd 30ft; AC 12 (+2 leather
armor), touch 10, flat footed 12; Base Atk +4, Grp +3,
Atk +3 melee (1d4-1/19-20, masterwork knife), Full Atk
+3 melee (1d4-1/19-20, masterwork knife); SA sneak
attack +3d6; SQ evasion, trapfinding, trap sense +2,
uncanny dodge; AL NE; SV Fort +5, Ref +5, Will
+5; Str 8, Dex 11, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Bluff +17, Diplomacy +12, Dis-
able Device +9, Disguise +12, Escape Artist +9,
Gather Information +12, Hide +9, Intimidate +14,
Move Silently +9, Sense Motive +10, Sleight of
Hand +9; Great Fortitude, Iron Will, Persuasive,
Skill Focus (bluff)
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Hittite
Possessions: masterwork shortsword, masterwork
leather armor, ring of mind shielding
41
the Gates of Troy
OGL Ancients
Presented below is a set of variant rules and character stats fully
compatable with Mongoose Publishing’s OGL Ancients rules.
new city background
Trojan: Characters from Troy are natural diplomats and merchants,
and are famous for their fine horses.
Trojan characters receive a +2 background bonus to all Appraise,
Handle Animal and Rhetoric checks.
new divine boon
Divine Tutelage: The character has been instructed by one of the
gods and gains a permanent +10 inherent bonus to any one skill.
new tragic flaw
Curse of Apollo: Whenever the subject tells the truth (as he believes
it) any who listen steadfastly refuse to believe him, even if his words
are obviously true.
ogl ancients npc stats
KING PRIAM
Male Trojan noble; Aristocrat 6; CR 6; medium humanoid; HD
6d4+2d10-24; hp 13; Init -2; Spd 30ft; Active Defence -1; Base Atk
+5; Grp +3; Atk +5 melee (1d8-2, masterwork spear), Full Atk +5
melee (1d8-2, masterwork spear); SA -; SQ Access resources, author-
ity, diplomatic significance, evasive +1, native land +1, officer rank,
requisition entourage; SV Fort +2, Ref +3, Will +9; Str 7, Dex 6, Con
5, Int 16, Wis 19, Cha 17
Skills & Feats: Appraise +14, Debate +16, Handle Animal +14,
Knowledge (Greek religion) +12, Knowledge (nobility) +12, Pres-
ence +19, Prayer +14, Rhetoric +23, Ride +3, Sense Motive +15;
Combat Expertise, Combat Sense, Keen Mind, Literate, Negotiator,
Skill Focus (Rhetoric), Weapon Focus (spear)
Possessions: As king of one of the wealthiest cities in the world,
42
Priam can be assumed to have access to many rare and valuable items
– any that you wish him to have.
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Hittite
Retinue: Priam’s leadership extends over the entirety of the Troad
and beyond. He has a retinue that remains close by him at all times
by virtue of both his officer rank and requisition entourage abilities.
The highest level member of Priam’s entourage is his close friend and
advisor, Antenor. The rest of Priam’s retinue is as follows: 1 3rd level
noble warrior, 2 2nd level noble warriors, 5 1st level noble warriors
and 10 assorted 1st level characters of all classes.
queen hecuba
Female Trojan noble; Aristocrat 3; CR 3; medium humanoid; HD
3d4-3; hp 6; Init -1; Spd 30ft; Active Defence -1; Base Atk +1; Grp
-2; Atk +2 melee (1d4-1, masterwork dagger), Full Atk +2 melee
(1d4-1, masterwork dagger); SA -; SQ Access resources, requisition
entourage, diplomatic significance; SV Fort +0, Ref +3, Will +4; Str
5, Dex 8, Con 7, Int 14, Wis 16, Cha 18
Skills & Feats: Appraise +4, Craft (weaver) +8, Bluff +10, De-
bate +8, Handle Animal +6, Rhetoric +19, Gather Information +7,
Knowledge (nobility) +6, Presence +6, Prayer +9, Sense Motive
+11, Sleight of Hand +1; Negotiator, Skill Focus (Craft), Skill Focus
(Rhetoric)
Languages: Greek, Egyptian, Hittite
Retinue: When she wishes it, Hecuba is accompanied by a retinue
consisting of 1 1st level warrior and 5 1st level slaves.
paris
Male Trojan noble; Noble Warrior 10; CR 10; medium humanoid;
HD 10d10; hp 55; Init +4; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +4; Armour
DR/DA P 2/1, S 1/3, B 4/0 (Scythian quilted cloth armour), Cover-
age +8; Base Atk +10, Grp +11, Atk +14 melee (1d6+1, masterwork
shortspear) or +15 ranged (1d8+2/19-20 x3, masterwork composite
self bow), Full Atk +14/+9 melee (1d6+1, masterwork shortspear)
or +15/+10 ranged (1d8/19-20 x3, masterwork composite self bow);
SA -; SQ Divine patronage (Aphrodite), hated by Athena and Hera,
officer rank; SV Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +2; Str 12, Dex 19, Con 10, Int
13, Wis 8, Cha 14
Skills & Feats: Appraise +3, Gather Information +4, Handle Animal
+17, Knowledge (local) +7, Knowledge (nature) +9, Rhetoric +17,
Ride +21, Survival +7; Animal Affinity, Athletic, Great Fortitude,
Improved Critical (composite self bow), Literate, Point Blank Shot,
Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Track, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Speciali-
sation (composite self bow)
Languages: Greek, Akkadian
Retinue: By virtue of his officer rank and royal status, Paris can com-
mand a small retinue of up to 5 1st level noble warriors when needed.
Paris often leads his men on scouting missions or daring raids.
helen
Female Greek noble; Aristocrat 3; CR 3; medium humanoid; HD 3d4;
hp 9; Init +2; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +2; Base Atk +1; Grp +0; Atk
+1 melee (1d4-1 dagger), Full Atk +1 melee (1d4-1 dagger); SA - ;
SQ Access resources, diplomatic significance, divine boon (astound-
ing beauty, misfortune), requisition entourage; SV Fort +1, Ref +5,
Will +4; Str 8, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 25
Skills & Feats: Bluff +18, Craft (weaver) +7, Knowledge (Greek
religion) +7, Knowledge (nobility) +7, Presence +19, Rhetoric
+17, Sense Motive +7, Sleight of Hand +4; Persuasive, Skill Focus
(Bluff), Skill Focus (Craft)
Languages: Greek, Akkadian
Retinue: Helen is often accompanied by a handmaiden – a single 1st
level aristocrat.
hector
Male Trojan noble; Noble Warrior 17; CR 17; medium humanoid;
HD 17d10+34; hp 132; Init +0; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +0; Shield
Defence +10/+5; Armour DR/DA P 6/2, S 6/3, B 6/1 (bronze plate
corselet & helmet), Coverage +9; Base Atk +17; Grp +21; Atk +24
melee (1d6+6, masterwork shortspear) or +20 ranged (1d6+6, master-
work shortspear), Full Atk +24/+19/+14/+9 melee (1d6+6, master-
work shortspear) or +20/+15/+10/+5 ranged (1d6+6, masterwork
shortspear); SA - ; SQ General rank, officer rank; SV Fort +12, Ref
+5, Will +6; Str 18, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 12, Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Appraise +3, Balance +15, Debate +21, Handle Ani-
mal +25, Presence +23, Rhetoric +27, Ride +23, Sense Motive +3;
Chariot Combat, Cleave, Combat Expertise, Combat Sense, Com-
mand Efficiency, Dodge, Greater Weapon Focus, Improved Shield
Bash, Mobility, Mounted Combat, Negotiator, Power Attack, Shining
Example, Spring Attack, Weapon Specialisation, Whirlwind Attack
Languages: Greek, Akkadian
Retinue: Hector is the Captain of Troy and commands its defences.
Ultimately Hector can command the entirety of the Trojan army, but
he also has a personal retinue that is much smaller and swears loyalty
directly to him. Hector’s retinue consists of 10 9th level noble war-
riors.
aeneas
Male Trojan noble; Noble Warrior 12; CR 12; medium humanoid;
HD 12d10+24; hp 96; Init +0; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +0; Shield
Defence +9; Armour DR/DA P 6/2, S 6/3, B 6/1 (bronze plate corse-
let & helmet), Coverage +9; Base Atk +12; Grp +15; Atk +17 melee
(1d8+5 masterwork longsword) or +14 ranged (1d8+3 masterwork
spear), Full Atk +17/+12/+7 melee (1d8+5 masterwork longsword) or
+13/+8/+3 ranged (1d8+3 masterwork spear); SA - ; SQ Divine blood
(Aphrodite), officer rank; SV Fort +10, Ref +4, Will +4; Str 16, Dex
12, Con 14, Int 11, Wis 10, Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Appraise +2, Bluff +5, Handle Animal +13, Pres-
ence +20, Rhetoric +22, Ride +18, Sense Motive +2, Survival +7;
Blind Fight, Cleave, Combat Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved
Sunder, Mounted Combat, Negotiator, Persuasive, Ride By Attack,
Spirited Charge, Track, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Spe-
cialisation (longsword)
Languages: Greek
Retinue: Aeneas is the commander of the Dardanians and leads them
43
the Gates of Troy
in battle. Aeneas’ retinue consists of 10 4th level warriors, although
the contingent of Dardanians is much larger.
theano
Female Trojan noble; Greek Priest 7; CR 7; medium humanoid;
HD 7d6-11; hp 17; Init +1; Spd 30ft; Active Defence -1; Base Atk
+5; Grp +2; Atk +3 melee (1d6-3/x3, masterwork shortspear) or +5
ranged (1d6-3/x3, masterwork shortspear), Full Atk +3 melee (1d6-
3/x3, masterwork shortspear) or +5 ranged (1d6-3/x3, masterwork
shortspear); SA - ; SQ Free miracle, request miracle; SV Fort +0, Ref
+4, Will +10; Str 5, Dex 9, Con 7, Int 16, Wis 20, Cha 15
Skills & Feats: Appraise +5, Concentration +8, Handle Animal +4,
Heal +15, Knowledge (history) +13, Knowledge (religion) +13,
Listen +15, Prayer +18, Rhetoric +14; Iron Will, Literate, Negotiator,
Skill Focus (Prayer), Toughness
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Egyptian, Hittite
cassandra
Female Trojan noble; Seer 6; CR 6; medium humanoid; HD 6d4+6;
hp 20; Init +1; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +3; Base Atk +3; Grp +3;
Atk +3 melee (1d4, club), Full Atk +3 melee (1d4, club); SA - ; SQ
Divine boon (divine tutelage, Curse of Apollo), evasive +3, interpret
divine will, personal reading, pronounce doom, tongues ability; SV
Fort +6, Ref +8, Will +7; Str 10, Dex 13, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha
8 Artist +9, Gather Information +12, Hide +9, Move Silently +9,
Skills & Feats: Craft (carpentry) +6, Debate +12, Heal +6, Knowl-
edge (Greek religion) +12, Knowledge (mysteries) +12, Listen +11,
Prayer +21, Rhetoric +14, Sense Motive +13; Lightning Reflexes,
Literacy, Negotiator, Prophecy
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Egyptian, Hittite
helenus
Male Trojan noble; Noble Warrior 5/Sage 8; CR 13; medium hu-
manoid; HD 8d4+5d10; hp 49; Init +0; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +3;
Base Atk +10; Grp +12; Atk +14 melee (1d8+4/19-20 x3, masterwork
spear) or +12 ranged (1d8+4/19-20 x3, masterwork spear); Full Atk
44
+14/+5 melee (1d8+4/19-20 x3, masterwork spear) or +12/+7 ranged
(1d8+4/19-20 x3, masterwork spear); SA - ; SQ Evasive +2, officer
rank, profound knowledge, sages knowledge, secret lore (dodge trick,
weapon trick); SV Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +7; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 10,
Int 20, Wis 13, Cha 12
Skills & Feats: Appraise +18, Climb +18, Craft (blacksmith) +10,
Debate +23, Gather Information +3, Handle Animal +11, Knowledge
(local) +18, Knowledge (mysteries) +18, Knowledge (nobility) +18,
Knowledge (religion) +18, Listen +9, Prayer +12, Presence +11,
Rhetoric +12, Ride +15, Sense Motive +12, Solve Conundrum +18;
Combat Expertise, Dodge, Evasive +2, Improved Critical (spear), Im-
proved Disarm, Interpret Divine Will, Keen Mind, Literate, Mounted
Combat, Prophecy, Weapon Focus (spear), Weapon Specialisation
(spear)
Languages: Greek, Akkadian, Carthaginian, Egyptian, Ethiopian,
Hittite
sinon
Male Greek worker; Thief 6; CR 6; medium humanoid; HD 6d6+6;
hp 29; Init +0; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +2; Base Atk +3; Grp +2;
Atk +2 melee (1d4-1, dagger); Full Atk +2 melee (1d4-1, dagger); SA
Backstab +4, sneak attack +2d6; SQ Evasive +2; SV Fort +5, Ref +5,
Will +8; Str 8, Dex 11; Con 12, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Bluff +17, Craft (builder) +4, Disguise +12, Escape
Presence +7, Rhetoric +16, Sense Motive +10, Sleight of Hand +11;
Great Fortitude, Iron Will, Persuasive, Skill Focus (Bluff)
antenor
Male Trojan noble; Aristocrat 4/Noble Warrior 2; CR 6; medium
humanoid; HD 4d4+2d10-6; hp 16; Init +2; Spd 30ft; Active Defence
-2; Base Atk +4; Grp +3; Atk +6 melee (1d6/x2 masterwork staff),
Full Atk +6 melee (1d6/x2 masterwork staff); SA - ; SQ Access
resources, authority, diplomatic significance, officer rank, requisition
entourage; SV Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +4; Str 9, Dex 6, Con 9, Int 17,
Wis 15, Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Appraise +12, Bluff +12, Debate +17, Handle Animal
+8, Knowledge (nobility), Presence +16, Profession (merchant)
+9, Rhetoric +16, Ride +9, Sense Motive +10; Dodge, Keen Mind,
/Mounted Combat, Negotiator, Persuasive, Skill Focus (Debate),
Weapon Focus (staff)
ulyssia one-eye
Female Amazon; Warrior 8; CR 8; medium humanoid; HD 8d12+16;
hp 73; Init +6; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +2; Base Atk +8; Grp +11;
Atk +12 melee (2d6+4 two-handed cutting axe) or +11 ranged (1d8
composite self bow), Full Atk +12/+7 melee (2d6+4 two-handed
cutting axe) or +11/+6 ranged (1d8 composite self bow); SA - ; SQ - ;
SV Fort +8, Ref +8, Will +3; Str 16, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 12,
Cha 8
Skills & Feats: Handle Animal +4, Ride +15, Survival +6; Combat
Expertise, Combat Sense, Concerted Fire, Improved Hamstring, Im-
proved Initiative, Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Skirmish Defence,
Weapon Focus (composite self bow), Weapon Focus (cutting axe)
the egyptian
Male Egyptian noble; Aristocrat 2/Sage 8; CR 10; medium human-
oid; HD 10d4-10; hp 16; Init +5; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +4; Base
Atk +5; Grp +5; Atk +7 melee (1d6/x2 masterwork short stabbing
sword) or +6 ranged (1d4/19-20 x2 thrown dagger), Full Atk +7
melee (1d6/x2 masterwork short stabbing sword) or +6 ranged
(1d4/19-20 x2 thrown dagger); SA - ; SQ Access resources,* evasive
+2, profound knowledge, requisition entourage,* sages knowledge
(dodge trick, mastery); SV Fort +2, Ref +9, Will +9; Str 10, Dex 13,
Con 9, Int 15, Wis 12, Cha 16
Skills & Feats: Appraise +17, Bluff +18, Debate +17, Gather Infor-
mation +12, Knowledge (local) +17, Knowledge (mysteries) +17,
Presence +16, Rhetoric +20, Sense Motive +14, Sleight of Hand +3,
Solve Conundrum +17; Combat Expertise, Diligent, Improved Initia-
tive, Keen Mind, Literate, Persuasive, Weapon Finesse
Retinue: The Egyptian is a noble in exile, and as such may not use
the special qualities marked with an asterisk (*) above.
trojan guard
Male Trojan middle class; Warrior 3; CR 3; medium humanoid; HD
3d12+6; hp 34; Init +5; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +1; Shield Defence
+5; Armour DR/DA P 5/1, S 5/2, B 6/0, Coverage +7 (bronze scale
girdle, boars tooth helmet); Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk +6 melee
(1d6+2 shortspear) or +5 ranged (1d6+2 shortspear), Full Atk +6
melee (1d6+2 shortspear) or +5 ranged (1d6+2 shortspear); SA - ; SQ
- ; SV Fort +5, Ref +4, Will +2; Str 15, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 9, Wis
12, Cha 10
Skills & Feats: Appraise +1, Listen +4, Handle Animal +2, Rhetoric
+2, Spot +4; Alertness, Combat Sense, Concerted Assault, Improved
Initiative, Toughness
Languages: Greek
trojan warrior
Male Trojan worker; Warrior 1; CR 1; medium humanoid; HD
1d12+1; hp 16; Init +0; Spd 30ft; Active Defence +0; Shield Defence
+5; Armour DR/DA P5/1, S 5/2, B 6/0, Coverage +7 (bronze scale
girdle, boars tooth helmet); Base Atk +1; Grp +2; Atk +3 melee
(1d6+1 shortspear) or +2 ranged (1d6+2 shortspear), Full Atk +3
melee (1d6+1 shortspear) or +2 ranged (1d6+2 shortspear); SA - ; SQ
- ; SV Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +0; Str 13, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 9, Wis
11, Cha 8
Skills & Feats: Appraise +1, Handle Animal +5, Rhetoric +1, Sur-
vival +2; Combat Sense, Concerted Assault, Toughness, Weapon
Focus (shortspear)
45
index Cyprus, 15 Lower terrace, 24 Scaean Gate, 3, 18, 22, 24
Daedalus, 7 Lycaon, king, 13 Scamander, river, 7, 8, 10, 17
Abydus, 13 Danaan, 3 Lycians, 10 Scamandros, 17
Achaean, 3, 7, 10, 13, 17, 30, 36, 40; camp, 29; Dardanelles, 16 Lyrnessus, 13 Scyros, 29
captains, 27; fleet, 29; kings, 14, 16, 34, 36; raid- Dardania, 8, 10, 13,37 Magic, 7 Sea Gate, 18, 23
ers, 41; spy 29, 31, 41 Dardanian Gate, 18, 23 Makar, king, 13 Second terrace, 25
Achates, 37 Dardanus, 8, 12, 13, 24,32 Mediterranean, 4, 15, 16 Secret entrance, 23
Achilles, 7, 10, 11, 13, 17, 30, 37; death of, 11 Deiphobus, 9, 30, 40 Menelaus, king, 10, 13, 14, 30, 35 Seer, 5, 39, 40
Adventure hook, 22, 24, 25, 28 Demeter, 15; temple of, 15, 18, 26 Mercantile, 15 Senate house, 27, 28
Aegean Sea, 5, 8, 13, 16, 12, 35 Dendra, 6 Merops, sons of, 13 Siege of Troy, 3
Aeneas, 27, 37 Diomedes, 24, 27 Middle East, 4 Sigeum, cape, 16
Aesacus, 9 Dymas, 33 Militia, 15, 20 Simois, river, 7, 17; plain of, 23
Agamemnon, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 30 Earthshaker, see Poseidon Monsters, 7 Sinon, 3, 29, 41
Agora, 18, 26, 33 Eetion, king, 13 Mycenae, 10 Skills, 5
Ajax, little, 30 Egypt, 4, 25 Mycenaean, 4, 9, 10 Slave, 13, 14, 30
Alexandros, see Paris Egyptian, 5, 25 Mynes, king, 13 Sparta, 10, 35; queen of, see Helen
Amazon, 9, 21; tomb of the leaping, 17 Elders, 10, 18, 23, 25; council of, 13, 14, 20, 27 Myrimidons, 10 Springs, 17
Amazoniad, 21 Epeius, 29 Myrnine, 17 Strife, goddess, 34
Amyklai, palace of Menelaus at, 10 Equipment, 6 Neoptolemus, 29, 30 Sword, Thracian, 6
Anchises, 37 Europe, 4, 16 New Kingdom, 4 Telamon, 9, 18, 22
Ancient Lore, 4, 5, 7, 12, 37 Far-shooter, see Apollo NPC class, 5 Temple, lesser, 26
Andromache, 13, 30, 36 Feats, 5, 15 Oath of Tyndareus, 10 Tenedos, 10
Antenor, 10, 14, 32, 38 Great Tower of Ilion, 3, 18, 23, 32 Odysseus, 10, 14, 24, 27, 30, 40, 41 Teucer, king, 8, 17
Aphrodite, 9, 10, 22, 34, 35; bloodline of, 37; son Greaved armor, 6 Of Legends Born, 4, 37 Theano, 14, 38
of, 37 Hades, 5 Olympian, 17, 18, 26; gods, 7, 23; pantheon, 4, Thebe, 13
Apollo, 5, 13, 15, 18, 22, 28, 39; curse of, 39; Hector, 3, 910, 11, 13, 27, 36, 40; death of, 11 15, 22 Thetis, 9, 10
priest of, 29; temple of, 15, 18, 26 Hecuba, queen, 9, 28, 30, 33, 34, 39, 40 Opium, 15 Thicket’s Ridge, 17
Apollo, Phoebus, see Apollo Helen, 3, 10, 14, 29, 30, 34, 35; of Argos, 9; suit- Padua, 14 Thymoetes, 14
Ares, 15 ors of, 10 Palladium, 8, 20, 24, 26, 27, 29, 38 Trade, 15
Argive, 3, 35 Helenus, 9, 27, 29, 40 Panoply, 6 Troad, 8, 12, 13, 16, 23; geography of, 16
Argos, 9, 25; Queen Helen of, see Helen Hellas, 10, 15, 3, 34 Panthous, 14 Troaides, 7, 17
Artemis, 4, 5, 10 Hellespont, 8, 10, 13, 15, 16, 30 Paris, 3, 7, 910, 11, 27 34, 35; death of, 11; house Trojan Horse, 3, 27, 29, 39, 41
Asia Minor, 8, 12 Hephaestus, 7, 17, 22 of, 27; judgement of, 9, 15, 34; return of, 9 Trojan War, 3, 9, 17, 31, 34, 36; prelude to, 9
Asia, 16 Hera, 9, 15, 34 Patroclus, 11 Trojan, 10, 12, 13, 21, 41; generals, 33; guard, 11,
Asius, 13, 33 Heracles, 8, 9, 18, 22, 32; bow of, 11, 29 Peleus, 9, 37 20; handmaiden, 33; heroes, 32; king of, 37; names,
Assaracus, 8 Hermione, 10, 35 Percote, 13 12; priests, 15; royal family, 26; 37; servant, 35; ten
Astynax, 30, 36 Heroic Age, see Heroic Bronze Age Pergamos, see Priam, pergamos of dynasties of, 13; warrior, 11, 15
Ate, Hill of, 8, 18 Heroic Bronze Age, 4, 5, 7, 13 Pharaoh, 4, 25 Tros, 8; dynasty of, 13
Athena, 8, 9, 15, 26, 30, 34, 38; high priestess of, Heroic Greece, see Heroic Bronze Age Philoctetes, 11, 29 Troy, 10, 15, 18, 22; chiefs of, 25; citadel of, 18,
14, 38; temple of, 15, 20, 29, 38 Hesione, 9 Phrygia, 8, 10 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 40, 41; fall of, 29, 30; first siege
Athena, Pallas, see Athena Hicetaon, 14, 25; house of, 25 Plaza oak, the, 24 of, 18, 32; fleet of, 16; founding of, 8, 12; gazet-
Atreus, sons of, 14 Hierophant, 5 Podarces, 8 teer of, 21; government, 13; Helen of, see Helen;
Aulis, 10 Hisarlik, 3 Polyxena, 30 history of, 8; in numbers, 20; layout of, 18; law,
Bastion, 18, 23, 24 Hittite, 4, 5, 9, 15; empire of, 15 Poseidon, 8, 18, 22, 23 13; military, 15; plains of, 15, 17; playing in, 31;
Batia, 8 Honor, 5; code of, 13 Prestige classes, 5 prophecies of, 29; religion, 15; sacred, 18; siege of,
Black Sea, 16 Honorless, the, 21 Priam, king, 3, 12, 13, 14, 18, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31; walls of, 18, 30
Briseis, 13 Horse tamer, 12, 15 32, 34, 39, 40, 41; palace of, 3, 18, 22, 25, 26, 27, Tunnels, sewer, 23; underground, 24, 41
Bronze Age, 5, 7 House of Pillars, the, 25 37; palace of, 3, 25, 26, 27, 37; pergamos of, 18, Turkey, 3
Cassandra, 3, 9, 10, 29, 30, 39; rape of, 30 Ida, Mount, 9, 10, 13, 17, 27, 29, 34, 37, 40 22, 23, 24; royal house of, 20; second wife of, see Tyndareus, oath of, 10
Catreus, 10 Idomeneus, king, 10 Hecuba; the reign of, 9 Ucalegon, 14
Cebriones, 36 Iliad, the, 3, 11 Priest, class, 4, 38 Ulyssia One-Eye, 21
Character background, 12 Ilios, bay of, 9, 10, 16, 23; sacred, 15, 22 Prophecy, 29, 31, 39, 40 Upper terrace, 26
Chiron, 7 Ilus, 8, 12 Propontis, 16 Urban encounters, 20
Chryse, 13 Knossos, 10, 15 Protesilaus, 10 Using this book, 31
Chryseis, 13 Lampus, 14 Races, 4 Watchtower, 16, 22
Cicones, 10 Laocoon, 29 Rhoeteum, cape, 16 Western wall, 22
City watch, 15 Laomedon, 8, 9, 22 Rome, 13, 37 Xanthos, see Scamander
Classes, 4 Larissa, 10 Royal houses, 27 Zelea, 13
Clytius, 14 Lesbos, 10, 13 Sacrifice, 15 Zeus, 8, 15, 40; temple of, 10, 15, 18, 26, 39
Corselet, 6 Libation, 15 Samothrace, 8
Lower city, 18, 21, 22 Sarpedon, 20
OPEN GAME LICENSE Version 1.0a
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System Reference Document Copyright 2000-2003, Wizards of the
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