hannahbbug3
2020-03-20, 08:52 PM
Anbay – Justice, Protection, and Courage
Symbols: Star-Emblazoned Shield, Scroll
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Strength, Air, Protection, Nobility, Good, Glory, Charm; Battle, Heavens
Sacred Animal: Dove
Favored Weapon: Spiked Shield (Light)
Alignment: LG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Anbay, Champion of Mortals, is traditionally considered an envoy god who carries the concerns of mortals to the divine. He was the first of the Star-Gods to direct his attention below to the planets, and while he is not considered a creator deity, he is considered by most to be the protector of natural intelligent life forms. He shows no discrimination in those he protects – he protects all, whether they revere him or not. For this reason, many soldiers carry his talismans into battle, hoping for a special blessing of protection from him. Others of his followers try instead to emulate him, offering their strength as protection to others. As the patron of Justice, Anbay seeks to protect mortals from harm, whether from other mortals or divine sources. He is the grand mediator of the divide in power between mortals and the gods, bridging the gap between the two. Couriers between settlements often pray at Anbay’s shrines before setting out into the wilds, for, though he is not specifically a patron of travelers, he is himself a messenger, and thus the position of courier is widely considered one of the most respected. Anbay is often considered to be at odds with the evil gods which seek to do harm, such as Anwat and Ruda, and he has a somewhat conflicted view of his father Quzah, who casts much destruction on the world and yet delights in honesty, which is paramount to the pursuit of justice. It is from his father that Anbay has the ability to travel through air and space, regardless of wind or storms, and unerringly deliver messages.
Anwat – Beasts and Savagery [Nature, Death, Poison, and Sickness]
Symbols: Hawthorn Tree, Flytrap
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Animal, Plant, Evil, Earth, Death; Wood, Nature, Bones
Sacred Animal: Black Widow
Favored Weapon: Nine-Section Whip
Alignment: CE
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Deceptively beautiful, Anwat is a goddess which takes pleasure in watching the suffering of others. Like the wilds, with their flourishing greenery and beautiful flowers, Anwat is said to be a temptress that leads the unsuspecting into danger. Her symbol, the Hawthorn tree, is meant to be taken as a warning – though its berries are edible and enticing, its gnarled branches reek of death when cut. Despite her cruel nature, however, Anwat is still revered for her cunning, and it is said that those who brave the forests should pay wary respect to this goddess, lest her anger fall upon them. She has been known to trap the unsuspecting in labyrinths of greenery, from which the only escape is death. Like her other symbol, the Flytrap, she is almost impossible to escape once in her clutches. However, Anwat is also an avid practitioner of riddles, and many do not go into the forest without being armed with a few, as it is said that Anwat will release any who trespass in her domain unscathed if they ask her a riddle which she cannot answer. She is said to greatly enjoy debate with Hubal, and will sometimes grant his followers free passage through her domain – a courtesy which is, strangely, not extended to followers of her own.
Ashra – Vengeance [Assassinations, Murder, Betrayal, Revenge]
Symbols: A Drop of Blood
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Trickery, Madness, Evil; Reaper, Spellscar, Intrigue
Sacred Animal: Viper
Favored Weapon: Dagger
Alignment: NE
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Ashra is known as the Betrayed God, another child of Ruda with Hubal as his father. Ruda once connived to make Hubal love her to reveal the secrets of time, and the result of her dalliance was a immortal child, Ashra, who had great magical power of his own. However, when Ruda realized that Hubal never intended to reveal his secrets, she instead turned her attention to her son, trying to figure out the secrets his father would not reveal by picking apart his magic piece by piece. The result of this horrific work left Ashra without magical power, horribly twisted by his mother’s experiments and forever scarred. Abandoned by his mother, and his father as aloof and uncaring as ever, Ashra became consumed with finding a way to get back at those who had wronged him – and so, became the God of Revenge.
Basamum – Health, Mercy, and Healing
Symbols: Gold Ring
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Community, Good, Healing, Water; Life
Sacred Animal: Unicorn
Favored Weapon: Unarmed Strike
Alignment: NG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Basamum is a god of unblemished purity and mercy. He supervises over forgiveness and healing above all things, but is also concerned with general well-being. His symbol, the Ring, represents wholeness of body, mind, and self, and the rings his followers often wear on chains around their necks are typically made of gold because it is a metal that does not rust or tarnish, like Basamum. Followers of Basamum wear the rings on necklaces, but it has become common tradition for married couples to exchange gold rings to wear on their fingers to represent purity of their love, as well as a wish for the long life of their partner. Basamum is also the god of springs and any sort of pure water that flows from the earth, and it is said that bathing in such sources of water can cure any illness, mental or physical. In some cultures and traditions, Basamum is depicted as a goddess, rather than a god.
Gnash – The Dead Goddess
Symbols: Skull
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Darkness, Death, Evil, Knowledge, Magic, Vermin; Apocalypse, Bones, Juju, Shadow
Sacred Animal: Fly
Favored Weapon: Scythe
Alignment: LE
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Gnash, Mother of Kuthba and Ruda, is a Goddess no longer in the Patheon and whose worship is banned across all of Ceres. Before the Godswar, she was the revered Nasu, Goddess of all Magic and highly regarded by the other deities in the Pantheon. However, in attempting to elevate the status of herself and the others in the Patheon, she used her power to siphon souls from the River of Souls in the hopes of creating immortal followers - thus subverting the natural order and leading to the creation of the Undead. This singular act led to the beginning of the Godswar, where Nasu was attacked by the majority of the other Gods for interfering in affairs which should never be tampered with - indeed, the only one who took her side was her daughter Ruda, though she mistakenly was led to believe that Hubal was also her supporter. After her defeat at the hands of Theandrios, it is said her body erupted into a swarm of demonic flies, which continues to hum and pester at the edges of the cosmos, only held back by Theandrios and his warriors even to this day.
Hilal – Transitions [Changing Seasons, Birth, Childhood, Adulthood, Death]
Symbols: Butterfly, Four Interlocking Rings
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]:Chaos, Law, Good, Evil, Liberation; Life, Nature, Wind
Sacred Animal: Butterfly
Favored Weapon: Butterfly Swords
Alignment: N
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Hilal is the goddess of transition, and though many of her domains seem like they contradict one another, they are in fact representative of all mortal stages of life as they travel on the axis of good, evil, chaos, and law. Her most popular symbol, the four interlocking rings, represent the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) as well as the four stages of life (Birth, Childhood, Adulthood, Death) , and, to a lesser extent, the four alignments (Good, Evil, Chaos, Law). Her second symbol, the butterfly, is so chosen because it, as a creature, lives clearly through the four cycles as egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. Many view her cyclic nature as a firm order of the natural world, thus lending her to the domain of Law; others consider the transient nature of her aspects to be representative of a greater Chaos in the universe, where things constantly change. Hilal herself is regarded as neutral, supervising the constant flux of the natural cycle.
Hubal – Time [Past, Present, Future]
Symbols: Hourglass turned on its Side
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Knowledge, Repose; Ancestor, Time, Heavens, Lore
Sacred Animal: Turtle
Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff
Alignment: N
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: The God of Time, Hubal is said to be one of the most elusive and evasive deities. It is said that he can see all of time at once, and stands outside of it, able to freely observe the past, present, and the future at will. Of course, this naturally makes him a treasure trove of knowledge – however, those who seek to divine answers from him will often be confounded. He favors discussion over direct answers, which are limited to the question that was asked, and thus it is very hard to get a straight answer from this God. He is a companion of Anwat, finding the goddess’ fascination with riddles and paradoxes to be a refreshing perspective on the rigid timelines which he views. His symbol, the sideways hourglass, represents time, obviously, but time at a standstill, as it appears for Hubal. His followers are usually avid students of history, and use their knowledge to try and project possible futures.
Kuthba – Knowledge, Maps [Travel], and Magic
Symbols: Upward-Facing Arrow, Burning Candle
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Artifice, Knowledge, Magic, Rune, Travel, Fire; Ancestor, Lore, Flame
Sacred Animal: Stag
Favored Weapon: Longbow
Alignment: CG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: God of Direction, Kuthba presides over Knowledge, Travel, and some forms of Magic. His symbol, the Upward-Facing Arrow, represents all aspects of his power. In terms of travel, the Arrow represents the heading of True North. In terms of Magic and Knowledge, the Arrow indicates upwards, as all Knowledge is divinely-inspired and divinely-given. His second symbol, the Burning Candle, represents both the light of revelations and the burning pursuit of knowledge. Some of his followers take this “burning” pursuit literally, and adopt rituals of fire to worship Kuthba. Unlike the other deity of magic, Ruda, Kuthba is kind in nature, and freely shares his wisdom with his worshippers, instead of hoarding his knowledge as a secret. Many arcane casters revere Kuthba, as he is said to have been the one to hand down the secrets of arcane spellcasting. He is also a surveyor and cartographer, and takes joy in aiding travelers along the roads which, many believe, he carved out of the wilds. Often at odds with Ruda, it is said that when strange lights appear in the sky, such as nebulae and arouras, he and Ruda are at war, each using their own styles of magic to try and overthrow the other.
Nuha – Sun, Stars, and Industry
Symbols: Her Name, spoken or written
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Sun, Fire, Glory, Artifice; Metal, Stone, Flame
Sacred Animal: Beaver
Favored Weapon: Lucerne Hammer
Alignment: LG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Seen as one of the more advanced deities, Nuha is goddess of all forms of technology, but primarily the forge. As the Sun and Stars, she represents all hours of the day, which must be devoted to true practice and refinement of a craft. This devotion extends not only to crafting, but any sort of self-improvement, and so it is not unheard of for those who seek wholeheartedly a certain profession or method of performance to revere Nuha, as well. Her name is often invoked in bardic performances whether the bard is a professed follower of her or not, as the glory she grants in boons is said to be all the more potent when her name is called. Craftsmen have been known to carve or emblazon Nuha’s name into their work, alongside their own. Some more superstitious folk will not buy items without Nuha’s name on them, immediately considering them ill-made and focuses of bad luck.As he focuses on luck instead of hard work, Nuha often considers Sa’d a weak god, who does not take his duties seriously. Her proudest work is the shield she crafted for her son, Anbay, to protect him in his travels between the planes of gods and men.
Quam – War
Symbols: Aurora
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Chaos, Destruction, Glory, Madness, Strength, War; Apocalypse, Battle
Sacred Animal: Lion
Favored Weapon: Morningstar
Alignment: CN
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Quam was a god forged in the magical heat of battle between stars. Often considered to be the child of Ruda and Kuthba, he was created by the supercharged magical energies exchanged during a fight between the two deities of magic. Child of both, but resembling neither, Quam takes delight only in battle, and can often be seen dancing in its wake as an aurora or nebulae – hence, the aurora is one of his strongest symbols. Truly chaotic, he takes no sides in any sort of conflict, simply reveling in the conflict itself, and he is neither good nor evil, so the cause of either side holds no sway over him. Despite that, many generals and tacticians look to him as inspiration when it comes to fighting Mother Nature.
Quzah – Weather, Wind, Music
Symbols: Swirl or Coil
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Air, Destruction, Water, Weather, Knowledge, Charm; Wind, Waves, Lore
Sacred Animal: Albatross
Favored Weapon: Flying Blade
Alignment: N
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Quzah presides over the atmosphere and weather, and takes special delight in creating powerful storms which can lay waste to miles and miles of land. He is the wind in the sky and revels in destruction; however, he is not completely chaotic. He also represents the wind in the lungs and breath, a patron of music, and it is said that over all things he cherishes honesty. No deception lays in the path of a tornado or tsunami, and so since he is not a god of deceit, he expects his followers to practice no deceit. He also has a particular fondness for bards, or any of those who orate or sing in his honor. His symbols, the swirl or coil, represent the more violent sides of his nature, which turns in the air as wind. However, the lines of the swirl never overlap or intersect, and are always clearly laid out and visible, like the truth which Quzah so highly values. Father of Anbay, Quzah is proud of the way in which his son pursues truth and justice, but fears that his son takes such ideals to the extreme.
Ruda – Ether [Moon, Mysteries, and Magic]
Symbols: Crescent Moon, Eclipsed Moon
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Trickery, Rune, Magic, Madness, Destruction, Darkness, Artifice; Dark Tapestry, Heavens
Sacred Animal: Cat
Favored Weapon: Starknife
Alignment: LE
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: A deity of mysterious energy, Ruda is often depicted as lawful evil because, while the laws of the energy which she presides over seems to be set, affecting the world in predictable ways, those who try to unravel her mysteries are many times driven insane by their discoveries. Her symbols, most commonly the moon shown partially or wholly covered, represents mankind’s limited knowledge of Ether. Those who dare to meddle with ether energies often walk the line between power and madness, and the rituals of casting magic through specific verbal, material, and somatic components come from tried and tested methods of safely harnessing ether energy as magic. Many divine and spontaneous spellcasters who draw their power directly from the divine energies revere Ruda out of either respect or fear, since it is from her that their powers come. Her divine enemy is Kuthba.
Sa’d – Fortune [Wealth, Health, and Luck]
Symbols: A Silver Coin with a Heart on one side and a Club on the other
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Charm, Earth, Luck, Nobility, Liberation; Life, Heavens, Stone, Whimsy
Sacred Animal: Pseudodragon
Favored Weapon: Sword Cane
Alignment: NG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]:Said to have sprang from the first vein of electrum struck, Sa’d brings fortune to all of his followers. This fortune comes primarily in monetary wealth, but it is also said that worshippers of Sa’d have the extraordinary ability to always land on their feet, and pluck victory from the clutches of doom, whatever the odds against them. Sa’d takes delight in the finer, shiner things of life, and often encourages his followers to flaunt their wealth by dressing flamboyantly and by leaving lavish offerings to him in order to display their wealth – and, of course, the way he has blessed them. Patron god of merchants, many give Sa’d thanks for particularly good months of sales, and consider him a protector of caravans. Worshippers of Sa’d often bite their thumbs at followers of Nuha, who they consider to be a goddess of “all work and no play.”
Saruva – Goddess of Affection [Desire, Love, Friendship]
Symbols: Joined Hands
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Charm, Community, Liberation; Succor, Whimsy
Sacred Animal: Swan
Favored Weapon: Crossbow
Alignment: NG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Saruva is one of the few deities who, like Anbay, views mortals as individuals rather than pawns or some faceless group of lesser beings. She seeks to foster relationships between not only the mortals and the gods, but between gods and other gods and mortals and other mortals. She is known widely as a mediator and peacemaker, though this aspect of her is often far overshadowed by her image as the Goddess of Love. As a good deity, she seeks to create relationships which are birthed in good will only, and is thus vehemently opposed to war and slavery.
Shinvat – Keeper of the River of Souls
Symbols: The River
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Law, Protection, Repose, Dragon, Void; Dragon, Godclaw, Occult, Reaper
Sacred Animal: Vulture
Favored Weapon: Rapier
Alignment: LN
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: The only deity not depicted in humanoid form, Shinvat is a dragon even older than Hubal and Nuha who has spent his existence defending the River of Souls from both mortal and divine interference. Shinvat is a god who tries to distance himself from the affairs of mortals, and, indeed, has only involved himself in them twice. He did so, first of all, by creating the dragons themselves, in all their arrays of alignments and colors, sanctioning them by doing so to uphold their place in the universe - evil and chaos to destroy, good and law to create from the ashes. The second was in the war with Gnash, when he allowed Anbay to dip his hand into the River and withdraw the soul of Theandrios, a mortal who was needed to combat the great forces of magic and evil against the Goddess of Undeath.
Ta’lab – Tides, Fertility, and Agriculture
Symbols: Stem of Wheat, The Full Moon
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Animal, Community, Earth, Plant, Water; Waves, Stone, Nature
Sacred Animal: Cow
Favored Weapon: Crook
Alignment: NG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Generally seen as a benevolent god, Ta’lab is the deity which oversees growth in three aspects; the swelling of the tides, the conception of children, and the cultivation of food. He governs over domesticated plants and animals both, and as seen as wholly invested in the community of mankind’s survival through his various domains and mysteries. He is said to be most present in the world at the time of the Full Moon, and so it has become one of his more popular symbols, along with the Stem of Wheat. It has become common tradition for farmers to bury stems of wheat at the corners of their fields and pastures for luck and protection, and homes where an expectant mother lives often have bundles of wheat hanging over the entryway to receive Ta’lab’s blessing in healthy childbirth.
Theandrios – Star Guide [Mortal ascended to Godhood]
Symbols: Star, Constellation of Theandrios
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Glory, Good, Law, Nobility, Strength; Ancestor, Heavens, Godclaw
Sacred Animal: Dog
Favored Weapon: Nine-Ring Broadsword
Alignment: LG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: The Every-Man who ascended to godhood, Theandrios is a great warrior who rose to power at a time when the Pantheon itself was in tumult. Plucked from the River of Souls by Anbay, with the permission of Shinvat, Theandrios is the only known mortal to attain such power, and provides an inspiration to all mortals, as they are able to look up into the sky and see his constellation rise in the Winter of every year. Very little is known about his lifetime on Ceres, and so it is easy for anyone to project their own ideals onto him. Worship of Theandrios is very unstructured, and while he has no official temples or priests, those who are adherent followers of Theandrios say that all mortals are priests of Theandrios, and if they show the same valor, may join the Hero-God in the great battle which still rages against the remnants of Gnash.
[u]Shams – Mysteries of Deep Space [Time, Magic, Black Holes, Dark Matter, etc.]
Symbols: Ever-Turning Hourglass
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Rune, Knowledge, Darkness, Repose, Magic, Artifice; Dark Tapestry, Time, Heavens, Lore
Favored Weapon: Zero Pistol
Alignment: N
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 30 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Shams is the most mysterious of all deities, and the true patron of outer space and elder knowledge which was unknown even to the advanced ancestors of New Ceres. It is believed that a misunderstanding of this deity led to the creation of Ruda and Hilal.
Amm – Moon, Guidance, and Travel
Symbols: Starship
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Community, Knowledge, Liberation, Luck, Travel, Protection; Heavens, Life
Favored Weapon: Gravity Pistol
Alignment: LG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 30 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Amm is the benevolent creator goddess of all the universe’s species, and is the creator of the vast interstellar community which her children now travel. She oversees their growth, the changes they endure, and their travels, but most importantly of all, liberates them with their own free will. Theandrios was her first priest. It is believed a misunderstanding of this deity led to the creation of Ta’lab.
Symbols: Star-Emblazoned Shield, Scroll
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Strength, Air, Protection, Nobility, Good, Glory, Charm; Battle, Heavens
Sacred Animal: Dove
Favored Weapon: Spiked Shield (Light)
Alignment: LG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Anbay, Champion of Mortals, is traditionally considered an envoy god who carries the concerns of mortals to the divine. He was the first of the Star-Gods to direct his attention below to the planets, and while he is not considered a creator deity, he is considered by most to be the protector of natural intelligent life forms. He shows no discrimination in those he protects – he protects all, whether they revere him or not. For this reason, many soldiers carry his talismans into battle, hoping for a special blessing of protection from him. Others of his followers try instead to emulate him, offering their strength as protection to others. As the patron of Justice, Anbay seeks to protect mortals from harm, whether from other mortals or divine sources. He is the grand mediator of the divide in power between mortals and the gods, bridging the gap between the two. Couriers between settlements often pray at Anbay’s shrines before setting out into the wilds, for, though he is not specifically a patron of travelers, he is himself a messenger, and thus the position of courier is widely considered one of the most respected. Anbay is often considered to be at odds with the evil gods which seek to do harm, such as Anwat and Ruda, and he has a somewhat conflicted view of his father Quzah, who casts much destruction on the world and yet delights in honesty, which is paramount to the pursuit of justice. It is from his father that Anbay has the ability to travel through air and space, regardless of wind or storms, and unerringly deliver messages.
Anwat – Beasts and Savagery [Nature, Death, Poison, and Sickness]
Symbols: Hawthorn Tree, Flytrap
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Animal, Plant, Evil, Earth, Death; Wood, Nature, Bones
Sacred Animal: Black Widow
Favored Weapon: Nine-Section Whip
Alignment: CE
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Deceptively beautiful, Anwat is a goddess which takes pleasure in watching the suffering of others. Like the wilds, with their flourishing greenery and beautiful flowers, Anwat is said to be a temptress that leads the unsuspecting into danger. Her symbol, the Hawthorn tree, is meant to be taken as a warning – though its berries are edible and enticing, its gnarled branches reek of death when cut. Despite her cruel nature, however, Anwat is still revered for her cunning, and it is said that those who brave the forests should pay wary respect to this goddess, lest her anger fall upon them. She has been known to trap the unsuspecting in labyrinths of greenery, from which the only escape is death. Like her other symbol, the Flytrap, she is almost impossible to escape once in her clutches. However, Anwat is also an avid practitioner of riddles, and many do not go into the forest without being armed with a few, as it is said that Anwat will release any who trespass in her domain unscathed if they ask her a riddle which she cannot answer. She is said to greatly enjoy debate with Hubal, and will sometimes grant his followers free passage through her domain – a courtesy which is, strangely, not extended to followers of her own.
Ashra – Vengeance [Assassinations, Murder, Betrayal, Revenge]
Symbols: A Drop of Blood
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Trickery, Madness, Evil; Reaper, Spellscar, Intrigue
Sacred Animal: Viper
Favored Weapon: Dagger
Alignment: NE
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Ashra is known as the Betrayed God, another child of Ruda with Hubal as his father. Ruda once connived to make Hubal love her to reveal the secrets of time, and the result of her dalliance was a immortal child, Ashra, who had great magical power of his own. However, when Ruda realized that Hubal never intended to reveal his secrets, she instead turned her attention to her son, trying to figure out the secrets his father would not reveal by picking apart his magic piece by piece. The result of this horrific work left Ashra without magical power, horribly twisted by his mother’s experiments and forever scarred. Abandoned by his mother, and his father as aloof and uncaring as ever, Ashra became consumed with finding a way to get back at those who had wronged him – and so, became the God of Revenge.
Basamum – Health, Mercy, and Healing
Symbols: Gold Ring
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Community, Good, Healing, Water; Life
Sacred Animal: Unicorn
Favored Weapon: Unarmed Strike
Alignment: NG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Basamum is a god of unblemished purity and mercy. He supervises over forgiveness and healing above all things, but is also concerned with general well-being. His symbol, the Ring, represents wholeness of body, mind, and self, and the rings his followers often wear on chains around their necks are typically made of gold because it is a metal that does not rust or tarnish, like Basamum. Followers of Basamum wear the rings on necklaces, but it has become common tradition for married couples to exchange gold rings to wear on their fingers to represent purity of their love, as well as a wish for the long life of their partner. Basamum is also the god of springs and any sort of pure water that flows from the earth, and it is said that bathing in such sources of water can cure any illness, mental or physical. In some cultures and traditions, Basamum is depicted as a goddess, rather than a god.
Gnash – The Dead Goddess
Symbols: Skull
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Darkness, Death, Evil, Knowledge, Magic, Vermin; Apocalypse, Bones, Juju, Shadow
Sacred Animal: Fly
Favored Weapon: Scythe
Alignment: LE
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Gnash, Mother of Kuthba and Ruda, is a Goddess no longer in the Patheon and whose worship is banned across all of Ceres. Before the Godswar, she was the revered Nasu, Goddess of all Magic and highly regarded by the other deities in the Pantheon. However, in attempting to elevate the status of herself and the others in the Patheon, she used her power to siphon souls from the River of Souls in the hopes of creating immortal followers - thus subverting the natural order and leading to the creation of the Undead. This singular act led to the beginning of the Godswar, where Nasu was attacked by the majority of the other Gods for interfering in affairs which should never be tampered with - indeed, the only one who took her side was her daughter Ruda, though she mistakenly was led to believe that Hubal was also her supporter. After her defeat at the hands of Theandrios, it is said her body erupted into a swarm of demonic flies, which continues to hum and pester at the edges of the cosmos, only held back by Theandrios and his warriors even to this day.
Hilal – Transitions [Changing Seasons, Birth, Childhood, Adulthood, Death]
Symbols: Butterfly, Four Interlocking Rings
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]:Chaos, Law, Good, Evil, Liberation; Life, Nature, Wind
Sacred Animal: Butterfly
Favored Weapon: Butterfly Swords
Alignment: N
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Hilal is the goddess of transition, and though many of her domains seem like they contradict one another, they are in fact representative of all mortal stages of life as they travel on the axis of good, evil, chaos, and law. Her most popular symbol, the four interlocking rings, represent the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter) as well as the four stages of life (Birth, Childhood, Adulthood, Death) , and, to a lesser extent, the four alignments (Good, Evil, Chaos, Law). Her second symbol, the butterfly, is so chosen because it, as a creature, lives clearly through the four cycles as egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and butterfly. Many view her cyclic nature as a firm order of the natural world, thus lending her to the domain of Law; others consider the transient nature of her aspects to be representative of a greater Chaos in the universe, where things constantly change. Hilal herself is regarded as neutral, supervising the constant flux of the natural cycle.
Hubal – Time [Past, Present, Future]
Symbols: Hourglass turned on its Side
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Knowledge, Repose; Ancestor, Time, Heavens, Lore
Sacred Animal: Turtle
Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff
Alignment: N
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: The God of Time, Hubal is said to be one of the most elusive and evasive deities. It is said that he can see all of time at once, and stands outside of it, able to freely observe the past, present, and the future at will. Of course, this naturally makes him a treasure trove of knowledge – however, those who seek to divine answers from him will often be confounded. He favors discussion over direct answers, which are limited to the question that was asked, and thus it is very hard to get a straight answer from this God. He is a companion of Anwat, finding the goddess’ fascination with riddles and paradoxes to be a refreshing perspective on the rigid timelines which he views. His symbol, the sideways hourglass, represents time, obviously, but time at a standstill, as it appears for Hubal. His followers are usually avid students of history, and use their knowledge to try and project possible futures.
Kuthba – Knowledge, Maps [Travel], and Magic
Symbols: Upward-Facing Arrow, Burning Candle
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Artifice, Knowledge, Magic, Rune, Travel, Fire; Ancestor, Lore, Flame
Sacred Animal: Stag
Favored Weapon: Longbow
Alignment: CG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: God of Direction, Kuthba presides over Knowledge, Travel, and some forms of Magic. His symbol, the Upward-Facing Arrow, represents all aspects of his power. In terms of travel, the Arrow represents the heading of True North. In terms of Magic and Knowledge, the Arrow indicates upwards, as all Knowledge is divinely-inspired and divinely-given. His second symbol, the Burning Candle, represents both the light of revelations and the burning pursuit of knowledge. Some of his followers take this “burning” pursuit literally, and adopt rituals of fire to worship Kuthba. Unlike the other deity of magic, Ruda, Kuthba is kind in nature, and freely shares his wisdom with his worshippers, instead of hoarding his knowledge as a secret. Many arcane casters revere Kuthba, as he is said to have been the one to hand down the secrets of arcane spellcasting. He is also a surveyor and cartographer, and takes joy in aiding travelers along the roads which, many believe, he carved out of the wilds. Often at odds with Ruda, it is said that when strange lights appear in the sky, such as nebulae and arouras, he and Ruda are at war, each using their own styles of magic to try and overthrow the other.
Nuha – Sun, Stars, and Industry
Symbols: Her Name, spoken or written
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Sun, Fire, Glory, Artifice; Metal, Stone, Flame
Sacred Animal: Beaver
Favored Weapon: Lucerne Hammer
Alignment: LG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Seen as one of the more advanced deities, Nuha is goddess of all forms of technology, but primarily the forge. As the Sun and Stars, she represents all hours of the day, which must be devoted to true practice and refinement of a craft. This devotion extends not only to crafting, but any sort of self-improvement, and so it is not unheard of for those who seek wholeheartedly a certain profession or method of performance to revere Nuha, as well. Her name is often invoked in bardic performances whether the bard is a professed follower of her or not, as the glory she grants in boons is said to be all the more potent when her name is called. Craftsmen have been known to carve or emblazon Nuha’s name into their work, alongside their own. Some more superstitious folk will not buy items without Nuha’s name on them, immediately considering them ill-made and focuses of bad luck.As he focuses on luck instead of hard work, Nuha often considers Sa’d a weak god, who does not take his duties seriously. Her proudest work is the shield she crafted for her son, Anbay, to protect him in his travels between the planes of gods and men.
Quam – War
Symbols: Aurora
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Chaos, Destruction, Glory, Madness, Strength, War; Apocalypse, Battle
Sacred Animal: Lion
Favored Weapon: Morningstar
Alignment: CN
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Quam was a god forged in the magical heat of battle between stars. Often considered to be the child of Ruda and Kuthba, he was created by the supercharged magical energies exchanged during a fight between the two deities of magic. Child of both, but resembling neither, Quam takes delight only in battle, and can often be seen dancing in its wake as an aurora or nebulae – hence, the aurora is one of his strongest symbols. Truly chaotic, he takes no sides in any sort of conflict, simply reveling in the conflict itself, and he is neither good nor evil, so the cause of either side holds no sway over him. Despite that, many generals and tacticians look to him as inspiration when it comes to fighting Mother Nature.
Quzah – Weather, Wind, Music
Symbols: Swirl or Coil
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Air, Destruction, Water, Weather, Knowledge, Charm; Wind, Waves, Lore
Sacred Animal: Albatross
Favored Weapon: Flying Blade
Alignment: N
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Quzah presides over the atmosphere and weather, and takes special delight in creating powerful storms which can lay waste to miles and miles of land. He is the wind in the sky and revels in destruction; however, he is not completely chaotic. He also represents the wind in the lungs and breath, a patron of music, and it is said that over all things he cherishes honesty. No deception lays in the path of a tornado or tsunami, and so since he is not a god of deceit, he expects his followers to practice no deceit. He also has a particular fondness for bards, or any of those who orate or sing in his honor. His symbols, the swirl or coil, represent the more violent sides of his nature, which turns in the air as wind. However, the lines of the swirl never overlap or intersect, and are always clearly laid out and visible, like the truth which Quzah so highly values. Father of Anbay, Quzah is proud of the way in which his son pursues truth and justice, but fears that his son takes such ideals to the extreme.
Ruda – Ether [Moon, Mysteries, and Magic]
Symbols: Crescent Moon, Eclipsed Moon
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Trickery, Rune, Magic, Madness, Destruction, Darkness, Artifice; Dark Tapestry, Heavens
Sacred Animal: Cat
Favored Weapon: Starknife
Alignment: LE
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: A deity of mysterious energy, Ruda is often depicted as lawful evil because, while the laws of the energy which she presides over seems to be set, affecting the world in predictable ways, those who try to unravel her mysteries are many times driven insane by their discoveries. Her symbols, most commonly the moon shown partially or wholly covered, represents mankind’s limited knowledge of Ether. Those who dare to meddle with ether energies often walk the line between power and madness, and the rituals of casting magic through specific verbal, material, and somatic components come from tried and tested methods of safely harnessing ether energy as magic. Many divine and spontaneous spellcasters who draw their power directly from the divine energies revere Ruda out of either respect or fear, since it is from her that their powers come. Her divine enemy is Kuthba.
Sa’d – Fortune [Wealth, Health, and Luck]
Symbols: A Silver Coin with a Heart on one side and a Club on the other
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Charm, Earth, Luck, Nobility, Liberation; Life, Heavens, Stone, Whimsy
Sacred Animal: Pseudodragon
Favored Weapon: Sword Cane
Alignment: NG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]:Said to have sprang from the first vein of electrum struck, Sa’d brings fortune to all of his followers. This fortune comes primarily in monetary wealth, but it is also said that worshippers of Sa’d have the extraordinary ability to always land on their feet, and pluck victory from the clutches of doom, whatever the odds against them. Sa’d takes delight in the finer, shiner things of life, and often encourages his followers to flaunt their wealth by dressing flamboyantly and by leaving lavish offerings to him in order to display their wealth – and, of course, the way he has blessed them. Patron god of merchants, many give Sa’d thanks for particularly good months of sales, and consider him a protector of caravans. Worshippers of Sa’d often bite their thumbs at followers of Nuha, who they consider to be a goddess of “all work and no play.”
Saruva – Goddess of Affection [Desire, Love, Friendship]
Symbols: Joined Hands
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Charm, Community, Liberation; Succor, Whimsy
Sacred Animal: Swan
Favored Weapon: Crossbow
Alignment: NG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Saruva is one of the few deities who, like Anbay, views mortals as individuals rather than pawns or some faceless group of lesser beings. She seeks to foster relationships between not only the mortals and the gods, but between gods and other gods and mortals and other mortals. She is known widely as a mediator and peacemaker, though this aspect of her is often far overshadowed by her image as the Goddess of Love. As a good deity, she seeks to create relationships which are birthed in good will only, and is thus vehemently opposed to war and slavery.
Shinvat – Keeper of the River of Souls
Symbols: The River
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Law, Protection, Repose, Dragon, Void; Dragon, Godclaw, Occult, Reaper
Sacred Animal: Vulture
Favored Weapon: Rapier
Alignment: LN
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: The only deity not depicted in humanoid form, Shinvat is a dragon even older than Hubal and Nuha who has spent his existence defending the River of Souls from both mortal and divine interference. Shinvat is a god who tries to distance himself from the affairs of mortals, and, indeed, has only involved himself in them twice. He did so, first of all, by creating the dragons themselves, in all their arrays of alignments and colors, sanctioning them by doing so to uphold their place in the universe - evil and chaos to destroy, good and law to create from the ashes. The second was in the war with Gnash, when he allowed Anbay to dip his hand into the River and withdraw the soul of Theandrios, a mortal who was needed to combat the great forces of magic and evil against the Goddess of Undeath.
Ta’lab – Tides, Fertility, and Agriculture
Symbols: Stem of Wheat, The Full Moon
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Animal, Community, Earth, Plant, Water; Waves, Stone, Nature
Sacred Animal: Cow
Favored Weapon: Crook
Alignment: NG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Generally seen as a benevolent god, Ta’lab is the deity which oversees growth in three aspects; the swelling of the tides, the conception of children, and the cultivation of food. He governs over domesticated plants and animals both, and as seen as wholly invested in the community of mankind’s survival through his various domains and mysteries. He is said to be most present in the world at the time of the Full Moon, and so it has become one of his more popular symbols, along with the Stem of Wheat. It has become common tradition for farmers to bury stems of wheat at the corners of their fields and pastures for luck and protection, and homes where an expectant mother lives often have bundles of wheat hanging over the entryway to receive Ta’lab’s blessing in healthy childbirth.
Theandrios – Star Guide [Mortal ascended to Godhood]
Symbols: Star, Constellation of Theandrios
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Glory, Good, Law, Nobility, Strength; Ancestor, Heavens, Godclaw
Sacred Animal: Dog
Favored Weapon: Nine-Ring Broadsword
Alignment: LG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 10 Knowledge (Religion) check]: The Every-Man who ascended to godhood, Theandrios is a great warrior who rose to power at a time when the Pantheon itself was in tumult. Plucked from the River of Souls by Anbay, with the permission of Shinvat, Theandrios is the only known mortal to attain such power, and provides an inspiration to all mortals, as they are able to look up into the sky and see his constellation rise in the Winter of every year. Very little is known about his lifetime on Ceres, and so it is easy for anyone to project their own ideals onto him. Worship of Theandrios is very unstructured, and while he has no official temples or priests, those who are adherent followers of Theandrios say that all mortals are priests of Theandrios, and if they show the same valor, may join the Hero-God in the great battle which still rages against the remnants of Gnash.
[u]Shams – Mysteries of Deep Space [Time, Magic, Black Holes, Dark Matter, etc.]
Symbols: Ever-Turning Hourglass
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Rune, Knowledge, Darkness, Repose, Magic, Artifice; Dark Tapestry, Time, Heavens, Lore
Favored Weapon: Zero Pistol
Alignment: N
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 30 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Shams is the most mysterious of all deities, and the true patron of outer space and elder knowledge which was unknown even to the advanced ancestors of New Ceres. It is believed that a misunderstanding of this deity led to the creation of Ruda and Hilal.
Amm – Moon, Guidance, and Travel
Symbols: Starship
Domains [Cleric, Druid, etc.] and Mysteries [Oracle]: Community, Knowledge, Liberation, Luck, Travel, Protection; Heavens, Life
Favored Weapon: Gravity Pistol
Alignment: LG
Background [Information that would be known with at least a DC 30 Knowledge (Religion) check]: Amm is the benevolent creator goddess of all the universe’s species, and is the creator of the vast interstellar community which her children now travel. She oversees their growth, the changes they endure, and their travels, but most importantly of all, liberates them with their own free will. Theandrios was her first priest. It is believed a misunderstanding of this deity led to the creation of Ta’lab.