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Phoenix

Source: The Gods Are Bastards - Web Serial
Type: Powerful Fae Entity
Sentience: Yes

Physical Description

Phoenixes are immortal birds of living flame, appearing as magnificent avians composed entirely of fire and light. Their forms burn with intense heat, yet their presence brings hope rather than destruction. When manifesting fully, they are large creatures with wingspans of 15-20 feet, their feathers made of flickering flames that shift between brilliant gold, crimson, and white-hot blue.

When a phoenix dies, it does not truly perish—instead, it collapses into a pile of smoldering ashes from which it is reborn hours later, emerging renewed and restored. This cycle of death and rebirth is eternal, making phoenixes symbols of resurrection, renewal, and the triumph of life over death.

Their eyes burn with ancient wisdom, having witnessed countless cycles of death and rebirth. Despite their fearsome appearance, phoenixes radiate warmth and vitality, and their presence is said to strengthen the life force of all living things nearby.

Personality

Phoenixes embody the eternal cycle of destruction and creation. They are deeply philosophical beings who understand that endings are necessary for new beginnings. Unlike many fae who are capricious or amoral, phoenixes possess a profound sense of purpose—they exist to remind the world that death is not the end, but merely a transformation.

Phoenixes are selective about forming bonds, seeking Druids who have faced great trials and emerged transformed by the experience. They value courage in the face of death, the willingness to sacrifice for renewal, and the understanding that sometimes things must burn away for new growth to occur.

They are patient and compassionate, having died and been reborn countless times. They understand suffering intimately but also know that pain is temporary and healing is always possible. Phoenixes do not fear death—they embrace it as part of the natural cycle.

Bond Requirements: Phoenixes only form relationships with Druids who have experienced profound loss or transformation. The Druid must have faced their own "death" in some metaphorical sense—losing their old self to become something new.

Location

Phoenixes are rarely encountered, as they dwell in remote volcanic regions, desert wastelands, and places where fire and life intersect: - Active volcanoes and calderas - Desert oases where life persists against all odds - Sites of great fires that led to renewal - Sacred flame temples or ancient pyres - Places of rebirth where devastation gave way to new life

They may also appear at moments of great transformation—battlefields where heroes fall, cities rising from ruins, or forests regrowing after wildfires. Phoenixes are drawn to those who stand at the threshold between endings and beginnings.

Bond Tiers and Rewards

As a Druid's bond with a Phoenix strengthens, they gain cumulative abilities and spells. Phoenixes grant powers of fire, healing, and resurrection.

Tier 1: Initial Bond (Minimum Level 10)

Special Ability: Flame Resistance You have resistance to fire damage.

Granted Spells: Burning Hands, Cure Wounds

Tier 2: Growing Bond

Special Ability: Phoenix Tears Once per short rest, you can shed a phoenix tear to heal a creature you touch for 2d8 + your WIS modifier HP, or cure one disease or poison.

Granted Spells: Scorching Ray, Lesser Restoration

Tier 3: Strong Bond

Special Ability: Rebirth Flame Once per day, when reduced to 0 HP, you instead drop to 1 HP and burst into flames. All enemies within 10 feet take 3d10 fire damage (DEX save for half). You gain temp HP equal to half your max HP.

Granted Spells: Fireball, Revivify

Tier 4: Deep Bond

Special Ability: Phoenix Resurrection You gain immunity to fire damage. Once per month, you can cast Resurrection without expending a spell slot or material components.

Granted Spells: Wall of Fire, Greater Restoration

Spell Slot Bonuses

In addition to granted spells and special abilities, your Phoenix patron grants bonus spell slots based on bond strength:

  • Tier 1: No bonus (baseline)
  • Tier 2: +1 spell slot at highest available level
  • Tier 3: +2 spell slots distributed across levels
  • Tier 4: +3 spell slots distributed across levels

Related: Fae Beings | Druid | Fae Magic Overview | Fae Bond Tiers