Status: War not yet begun. The Achaeans muster at Aulis, the Trojans fortify their walls.
Cause: The abduction (or seduction) of Helen of Sparta by Prince Paris of Troy.
Sides: The Achaean (Greek) coalition versus the Trojans and their allies.
Gods: Olympus is divided. Each side claims divine champions.
To the Achaeans, the matter is simple: Paris, son of Priam, king of Troy, has dishonored them all by stealing Helen, the wife of Menelaus, king of Sparta. This crime demands vengeance and restitution. Agamemnon, High King of Mycenae and brother of Menelaus, has invoked the Oath of Helen — sworn years before by all her suitors — to defend her honor against any who would take her. Thus the greatest kings and heroes of Greece are gathering their fleets to cross the Aegean and punish Troy.
The war is framed not merely as vengeance for a stolen bride, but as a matter of honor, oath, and divine justice. To leave Paris’s act unanswered would shame all Achaean rulers and embolden rivals across the Aegean.
The Trojans tell a different tale. To them, Helen came willingly, fleeing a cold and loveless marriage to Menelaus. Paris, favored by Aphrodite, did not “steal” her — he rescued her. To the people of Troy, Helen is a queen of destiny, not a hostage.
Priam, though aged, believes war is inevitable, but his sons are divided: Hector urges fortification and honor, while Paris insists the gods will defend them. Some in Troy whisper that Helen’s arrival will bring doom, but others see her as proof that the favor of the gods rests upon Troy.
Agamemnon of Mycenae – Commander of the host, proud and imperious.
Menelaus of Sparta – Wronged husband, sworn to reclaim Helen.
Achilles of Phthia – The greatest warrior alive, son of Thetis.
Odysseus of Ithaca – Cunning trickster, reluctant but bound by oath.
Ajax the Greater of Salamis – Towering champion, second only to Achilles.
Ajax the Lesser of Locris – Quick and cruel warrior.
Nestor of Pylos – Elder statesman, wise counselor.
Diomedes of Argos – Young lion, favored by Athena.
Mythic and Mortal Allies:
Centaurs of Mount Pelion – Some pledge themselves, honoring the memory of Chiron.
Minotaur Exiles – Bands of bull-headed warriors cast out from Crete, seeking glory.
Myrmidons – The black-armored companions of Achilles, fanatically loyal.
Various Kings and City-States – Bound by the Oath of Helen, each sending ships and men.
Divine Patrons:
Hera – Spiteful against Troy, favors Agamemnon.
Athena – Champion of Odysseus and Diomedes.
Poseidon – Resentful of Troy, builder of its walls and unpaid by Priam’s ancestors.
Priam of Troy – Aged but wise king, striving to hold his kingdom together.
Hector – Prince of Troy, the defender of the city, beloved of the people.
Paris (Alexandros) – Prince of Troy, whose choice of Aphrodite set events in motion.
Aeneas – Trojan prince, favored by Aphrodite, fated for survival.
Sarpedon – Prince of Lycia, loyal ally of Troy.
Glaucus – Companion of Sarpedon, famed warrior.
Mythic and Mortal Allies:
Amazons – Fierce warrior women from the lands of the Black Sea, sworn to aid Troy.
Phrygians and Lycians – Loyal allies from Anatolia.
Hittite Envoys – Though not openly at war, they whisper support to Troy.
Ethiopians under Memnon – Said to be preparing to march, children of the dawn.
Divine Patrons:
Aphrodite – Protector of Paris and Aeneas.
Apollo – Lord of archery, favors Hector and Troy.
Artemis – Offended by Agamemnon, may tilt the balance against the Greeks.
Ares – The god of bloodshed, often drawn to Troy’s side.
Olympus is fractured. Zeus, king of the gods, remains officially neutral, though many believe he favors Troy. His thunderbolts keep the gods from open war, but all know he cannot restrain them forever. The war is not merely mortal — it is a contest of divine pride.
Though the fleets gather at Aulis, omens delay their departure. Agamemnon has offended Artemis and must make sacrifice. Prophets speak of blood that must be shed before the ships may sail. Meanwhile, in Troy, Hector organizes the defense and Paris boasts of divine aid.
Raiding parties already clash across the Aegean. Cretan pirates prey on supply lines, while Amazon outriders appear along the Anatolian coast. The shadow of war darkens all lands, but the final crossing has not yet begun.