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Mythological Figures

Jan 20

“It’s a bird! It’s a plane!” No, it’s that half-bird half-boy shadow-fighting faerie-friend from Neverland, that lad who can never grow up but apparently can do anything else: Peter Pan!

5E Mythological Figures: Mary Read

Jan 13

We’ve already seen her counterpart in crime but you may not recognize this pirate anyway⁠—most people didn’t and she spent an absurd amount of her life disguised as a man. It couldn’t be anyone other than the one, the only, the inimitable Mary Read!

5E Epic Monsters: Dorian Gray

Jan 06

“A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure. I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. I want to use them, to enjoy them, and to dominate them.” Which is the precarious proposition at the heart of the man, the portrait, the monster: Dorian Gray.

5E Mythological Figures: David

Dec 30

Remember that fellow so often shown using a sling to throw a stone into Goliath’s eye, killing him despite his opponent’s far greater size? Me too! Apparently there’s much more to this character however, so click onward and let’s dive into David.

5E Epic Monsters: Fafnir

Dec 23

Fratricide, patricide, and cursed gold? Dwarf turned dragon!? Inspiration for Smaug!?! I’m sure you know that we’re talking about that envious stout-folk-turned-serpent Fafnir!

5E Mythological Figures: Imhotep

Dec 16

In Ancient Egypt there once was a commoner who rose to the heights of mortal authority, acting as counsel to personages no less than pharaohs. So great were his deeds and esteem that he rose higher still after his demise, ultimately getting deified. You probably know him from The Mummy but to many throughout history he was the god of medicine and healing: I’m talking about Imhotep!

5E Epic Monsters: Orang-Bati

Dec 09

The skies of the island of Seram in Indonesia are said to be dotted with these strange bat-men who swoop down to steal away people for food: the dreaded orang-bati!

5E Mythological Figures: Grace O'Malley

Dec 02

This cunning pirate championed the seas around Ireland and even stood up directly to (in the same room as and in front of) Queen Elizabeth I, taking word (and sword) to power whenever the need called for it: Grace O’Malley!

5E Epic Monsters: Mongolian Death Worm

Nov 25

Today’s Epic Monster is supposedly found in the Gobi Desert, said to be so toxic that even its touch can kill. If you're thinking 'Mongolian Death Worm' give yourself a gold star!

5E Mythological Figures: Loki

Nov 18

Today’s Mythological Figures post is definitely not a post about one of mythology’s greatest liars and manipulators, the master deceiver and traitorous god that humanity calls Loki!

5E Epic Monsters: Elizabeth Báthory

Nov 11

We’ve already seen her in the Mythological Figures side of this column but ENWorlder Rafael Martin pointed out that since her body went missing after her burial that surely she must be a terrifying undead. I’m inclined to agree! So it is that today’s entry in Epic Monsters features another version of the Blood Countess, one twisted by evil into something even more monstrous than the woman was as the mortal Elizabeth Báthory!

5E Mythological Figures: Elizabeth Báthory

Nov 04

Today’s Mythological Figure is one of the most notorious serial killers in history. All told between 80 to 650 people—all of them young girls, mostly servants—are counted among the victims, and it took authorities decades to act on the murderous scourge. We’re talking about the Blood Countess: Elizabeth Báthory!

5E Epic Monsters: Frankenstein's Monster

Oct 28

Epic Monsters is going for one of the—if not the—most iconic creatures in all of literature, one who simply cannot stay dead and very frequently is misnamed. Did you guess Frankenstein? You’re the target of a hundred internet memes but you’re close: we’re talking about Frankenstein’s Monster!

5E Mythological Figures: Hayreddin Barbarossa

Oct 21

Mythological Figures is tackling a man of many, many names today—titles well earned and somehow less numerous than the seemingly countless battles he won on land and sea on behalf of the Ottoman Empire. Prepare yourself for Hayreddin Barbarossa!

5E Epic Monsters: Mothman

Oct 14

Epic Monsters is off to the valleys of West Virginia today, chasing after a furry flying cryptid known in the region as the Mothman!

5E Mythological Figures: Hippolyta

Oct 07

Today the Mythological Figures column is returning to Ancient Greece and once again we’re looking at a queen of the Amazons. This one however is infamous for being the only one to ever wed, and plays a part in not just the tales of Theseus but Heracles as well (although boy howdy is it up for debate as to how). We’re talking about Hippolyta!

5E Epic Monsters: Anzû

Sep 30

Epic Monsters is going way, way back for today’s post—we’re talking Gilgamesh or earlier. The divine creature in this post is known for soaring through the skies, keeping the company of goats, and appearing in many ancient religions: if you guessed Anzû give yourself a star!

5E Mythological Figures: Admiral Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta

Sep 23

The Mythological Figures column gets a lot of interesting requests but this one will stick with you like a peg-leg caught in a hole on deck. The astute historians among you may get the clue but if that’s not you, read onward and check out Admiral Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta!

5E Epic Monsters: Jackalope

Sep 16

Today Epic Monsters is headed even deeper into the rural regions of the USA with a personal favorite of mine, something of an oddity you absolutely do see in bars throughout the states. Whether you just like cute things, weird americana, or rabbits, or hate all three, you’ll find it hard to hate the jackalope!

5E Mythological Figures: Pirate Queen Ching Shih

Sep 09

This edition of Mythological Figures has been in the queue for a long time now and after doing the research, I wish I’d have gotten to her sooner. We're taking a look at the incredible Pirate Queen Ching Shih!