The Divine

[SotU]

The Gods

Nameless One, Over
Background: Despite being forever trapped and left with limited powers, The Nameless One controls the entire realm, much like a puppeteer. No one can worship him, if one even knew he existed. However, those who please him may be rewarded. The server will have little to nothing to do with him so as to not tread on his original concept. He is only listed here to provide some sense to creation.

Erodemius, Greater
Other names: The Creator, The Sun, Keeper of Knowledge
Domains: Sun, Light, Knowledge, Creation
Alignment: Lawful Good
Appearance: An old man with a cane and long white hair
Background: As Azrael's brother, Erodemius created the world as it is and gave life to it. He holds much wisdom and holds power over the sun.
Colors: Gold and white.
Followers: Any but mostly Imperials


Azrael, Greater
Other Names: The Destroyer, The Moon, Keeper of Secrets
Domains: Moon, Darkness, Knowledge, Creation
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Appearance: A cloaked figure with seven arms and both legs sewn together. He holds an apple and a big book with all the names of everyone who was ever born and all the names of everyone who has ever died.
Background: Unhappy with the way Erodemius made the world, he seeks to destroy what his brother created and make it his own. Trapped, he continuously plots in the shadows against his brother, secretly stealing souls and gaining followers to further his plans.
Followers: Cultists, Inferi Dominae (fallen lords), Undead

Aker, Lesser
Other names: Guardian of the Underworld, The Protector, The Riddler
Domains: Earth, Death, Protection
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Appearance: A sphinx
Background: Aker is the sole gatekeeper of the underworld. He determines who can go through and who cannot. Like any other sphinx, he enjoys making riddles for mortals to solve.
Colors: Grey, brown and black.
Followers: Any

Khaos, Intermediate
Other Names: The Warmonger, The Warrior
Domains: Fire, Destruction, Chaos
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Appearance: Khaos is a large, ferocious beast with features from wolf, goat, and human. He has clawed feat and hands, a muzzle with sharp teeth and long horns bending backwards.
Background: Created by Azrael to be his puppet, Khaos seeks nothing more than a violent battle, regardless of the outcome. It's rumored that he holds all of Terral up and he seeks to destroy it to free himself.
Colors: Red and black.
Followers: Any

Dussk, Demi
Other names: Kaley
Domains: Trickery, Law
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Appearance: Dussk is a vampire with the appearance of a normal human man.
Background: A rather new deity, Dussk is a vampire who has gained much power over the years. He enjoys decieving and manipulating others but he always plays by the rules. After all, what reign could last without any kind of order?
Followers: Vampires, Cultists

Faust, Lesser
Other names: Lord of Madness, Ever Changing Mind
Domains: Luck, Travel, Madness
Alignment: Chaotic Good
Appearance: Faust looks to be a young man with long, dark hair. He wears a mask and never ever removes it. It always has some sort of expression. What expression could that be? Well, it depends on his mood.
Background: With constantly changing thoughts, it's no surprise he can go through all known emotions in one day. He's even invented a few of his own. To signify a change, he simply moves his hand across his mask, revealing a different one in its place. He determines who is lucky and who is not and gets a good laugh at what he does. The thing is.. no one truly knows how he became a god. He is not misunderstood; he is quite insane.
Colors: ...No particular one.
Followers: Travelers, Bards, Performers

Florawyn, Intermediate
Other Names: Mother Nature, Queen of the Fey, Everlasting Beauty.
Domains: Plant, Animal, Fey, Passion
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Appearance: Tall, beautiful and calm, she is a wise and lovely deity that smiles to all worshiping her and is the sworn enemy of those that threaten nature.
Background: As the first entity to form from Erodemius, she created all the plant and animal life. The fey, her very creation, protected nature while dragons defended the to-be-born races that would rise from the land itself. Her power has weakened due to the slowly fading influence of the forest and their destruction by the dominant races that seek evolution and expansion. Ever since the rise of the humans, she has become a very closed goddess that gives her attention to a few chosen while she tends to more important matters with her creations. Druids, old folks, and tale tellers sometimes follow her. Rangers, that follow an open-minded path, sometimes embraces her judgment while most of the humans do not even know she exists.
Colors: Green, pink, brown and orange.
Followers: Druids, Fey

Seraine, Intermediate
Other Names: The Seer, the Wise Mermaid, Lady Plunder
Domains: Water, Air, Weather, Fate
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Appearance: The storm, the wind, the rain the pain... the past the future, she is all of those things, and even more. Her appearance is ethereal.
Background: She came after Florawyn, when Terral felt too lonely. She came and gave it a new face, digging deep rivers and great seas to complete it. The goddess has power over the sea, the weather and is worshiped by sailors, travelers, shamans and even pirates. Those with divination powers usually pierce the veil of the divine to scrutinize her flow in order to tell the future. Mighty, she serves her own cause, influencing the world itself by her mere presence.
Color: Dark blue.
Followers: Sailors, Fortune tellers

Luxatra, Lesser
Other Names: Two Face, The Balance
Domains: Healing, Nobility, Theft, Suffering
Alignment: True Neutral
Appearance: Luxatra bears four arms and has two faces overlapping eachother, sharing an eye, nose, and partial lips.
Background: Luxatra is the result of the two demi deities, Lux and Atra, joining together as one. Its shared, middle eye sees true purpose and balance.
Followers: Philosophers, Monks
Note: Luxatra can be worshiped as a whole or separately (Atra or Lux); the outcome is the same.

Lux, Demi
Other Names: The Giver, The Benevolent Sentinel
Domains: Healing, Nobility, Law, Protection
Alignment: Lawful Good
Appearance: Lux looks to be a fully armored man.
Background: Originally to be the protector and sole watcher of Erodemius' creations, Lux ended up with only half of what he was meant to be. The other half became corrupted by a wrathful Azrael, eventually splitting into two, seperate deities. He still serves with Erodemius against Azrael and his own, corrupted twin sister, Atra.
Colors: Silver and pale blue.
Followers: Protectors, Healers

Atra, Demi
Other Names: The Taker
Domains: Theft, Suffering
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Appearance: Atra looks to be nothing more than a young, red haired woman.
Background: Atra is the corrupted, twin sister of Lux thanks to Azrael. Where as Lux gives, heals, and protects, Atra undoes by stealing, torturing, or otherwise, makes you feel very uncomfortable. She serves with Azrael against Erodemius and her own rightous brother, Lux.
Colors: Purple and black.
Followers: Thieves, Sadists


Other deities exist, such as the FR ones, but they hold little power in the module's setting. Nothing beyond spells could be granted by these other deities.

[SotU]

Angels and Demons

Long before when dragons and faeries roamed the single face of Terral, when the world was still being created, gods were fighting for supremacy, namely Azrael and Erodemius. But what of their tools? Brought forth using the gods' might and sheer power of will, angels and demons, creatures from the beginning of times. These champions were created to fight for their causes on a battlefield that would become a colossal game of chess.

Endless battles took place below the surface of Terral. For what they valued, each side fought till death. These newly born creatures were imperfect, however, and with time, a scourge afflicted many, the taint, killing most and turning the rest of the cursed into devils.

With the arrival of dragons and the completion of the world as we know it, the gods mastered the creation of their avatars, though the neutral ones tend to avoid in doing so. Angels that survived the very first onslaught became Arch Angels, beings that currently reside over other winged holy warriors for their gods. Tyrants, on the demon side, were also born from those who survived the taint. They are the Dukes of the abyss, living in an ever shifting plane called simply, "The Abyss." As for the war-torn battlefield known as hell, it now belongs to the Devils. Today, the struggle between the two very different sides have calmed down much since the taint but their goal still remains the same; eradicate the opposing side and destroy the balance.

Angels and demons exist purely for their gods' desires and the domains they reside over. For this very reason. It's very rare to see an angel, since they generally have no business with the mortals. Still, sometimes the beings of light or darkness are sent to spy on the living and the dead to remain informed, but do so with their identities hidden, wandering the lands as cloaked figures unless when sent to speak with someone in the name of their god. Khaos is well known for having his demons roam free among mortals and his current rival, Lux, continues to send holy warriors to fight them off. This conflict greatly annoys the other gods and wish for them to keep it down.


The Devils
(DISCLAIMER) In this world, Devils are not all evil. In fact, there is no such thing as "truly evil" or "truly good" in this setting (Some of the main gods put aside). Most devils were once angels and demons that fought at the beginning of the world. During this battle, something vile occurred and was labeled "The Taint". The two sides had their essence intertwined in a few interesting ways.

By definition, a devil is merely any "tainted" entity, or any entity that came within direct contact with the source. This touch gives a brief glimpse of infinite knowledge and power and generally kills most outright. Those that survive gain a considerable degree of power and their appearance twists into something vile or beautiful.

If a devil gains divine power, then he's known as an arch-devil. The most powerful arch-devils have taken the domain of a deadly sin and claimed a layer in the hells as their own.

The Arch-Devils

Belphegor/Greed
Other names: The beggar, The Pestilence, The Rat Lord, the pied piper.
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Domains: Trickery, Pestilence
Appearance and background: A beggar of some sort.. with a rat tail. Dirty black hair and the grin of a nightmare creature.
Background: Belphegor is a devil that sometimes leaves the Purgatoire and the joys of his home to trick people into trading their clothes in exchange for glory... Actually, once they gave their clothes to the poor "beggar" that he is, he turns them into rats and makes them carry his plague. Little is known, if he was a demon or angel first, yet what thing is certain; he is up to no good. His victims and followers learn from him that every storyteller depend on the ones that care enough to listen. In a way, it means that any man gullible enough to swallow the words of a talented bard or rogue deserve to be robbed.

Behemoth/Wrath



Other names : The tainted abomination, Cloud-scrapper, the lord of vengeance.
Alignment : Lawful Neutral
Domains : Strength, fire.
Appearance : A giant creature, like all other devils, Behemoth was once an angel with another name. He has many spikes that cover all of his back, dozens of strong legs that would put a dragon to shame and gigantic wings dreadful bat wings. Two giant horns come out from his forehead and his eyes are constantly glowing a fiery red, as if burning. He has two pairs of arms.
Background : During the war with the demons, he was given the task to eliminate Khaos. The Taint of the war by then had affected him more than the others, and it is said that this mission was also given so that he could walk to his own doom like the dis gracious creature that he had become. Yet, the mighty strength of his new form allowed to butcher the horde that was between him and Khaos and one of the most epic battle came to be with no official winners. It is said that they fought under the disk-world, near the one pillar that keeps the world high, and that it was then destroyed. In the end of the battle, Khaos was tricked into carrying the world and Behemoth became one of the guardians of the purgatoire. By then he had given up to a terrifying rage for he had heard about his superiors treachery but he vowed that even in this form, he would clean the world of it's monsters.

Leviathan/Gluttony
Other names : The one who hungers, the tyrant of the sea, world-eater.
Alignement : Chaotic neutral
Domains : Feast, travel.
Appearance and background: Few have seen the Leviathan and lived to tell the tale. It is a collossal creature that with a terrifying ease eats whatever it feels like. Preying on the people on the bays, the creatures of the seas, ships and sometimes even other giant creatures, the Leviathan is never truely satisfied. Sometimes swallowing ports and towns, it is feared and worshipped by many. Those who live along the coast often need to raise altars and give the Leviathan a large quantity of meat so that it doesn't bother them. Attacking both pirates and the law, it doesn't care about the color of a flag or the feelings of the people. Movement attracts it, it reads the waves and currents as if they were signals. Traveling even under the earth of the continent, no river or lake is safe. The caverns that are beneath the earth are his domain, and the Ascensia Mountains are it's lair. It is said that it cannot be killed, since it was already wounded many times in the past, but always resurfaced unharmed. Of all the ships it attacks, those containing slaves or meat producing a putrid stench are it's favorites.

Beelzebub/Pride
Other names : The lord of the flies.
Alignement : Chaotic evil
Domains : Tyrant, domination.
Appearance and background: One second a gentleman, the other a giant insect. The lord of the flies is a powerful entity. Beelzebub fears none and to him, only his reign his important. Those who dare looking down on him meet a tragic end, their rotting carcass becoming the nest of flies. Even the gods are afraid, for he is a real tyrant and hungers for strength and might. He is unpredictable and does whatever he wants, leading armies of creatures to face angels, humans and monsters. Since the beginning of times, he aquired enough power to allow himself to threaten anyone and take the form of human so that he can mock other beings while unoticed. He welcomes those who are nothing and wish to serve him out of respect and can be merciful when treated correctly. Yet, anger him, and he will teach you who is the one that rules, the real lord. Some of his followers are nobles and he sometimes possesses them, granting them power beyong imagination. Yet in the end, only a corpse remain, for he will abuse his victims til' the very end.

Faceless One/Lust
Other names : Phantasm, the lady death.
Alignement : Lawlful evil
Domains : Passion, suffering.
Appearance and background : Of all the devil entities, the most enigmatic being is surely the Faceless One. They say it has no appearance of it's. That it walks the earth, cloaking itself with the desires of those looking at it. It tempts, no one knows why, those with feelings, to see if they lose to their phantasms. If they do, they end up suffering the rest of their, if they don't, they are blessed to find true love. Yet, it is also said that it preys on those who have sworn chastity, perhaps because it's existence is threatened by that very concept.

Djinn/Envy



Other names : The false truth, Fleeting dream.
Alignement : Chaotic good
Domains : Fate, artifice.
Appearance and background: Djinn used to be a powerful angel that would grant wishes. Yet the war has changed his perception. With the power to grant gifts, the gods decided to seal him away in a lamp. His idealogy was that every being desired something, but would never really be satisfied. Illusions betray the mind, false thoughts forced by the envy, the jealousy. Men wish for things they have seen in others before, for their wife or whatever they possess. Because of his might, he has escaped from the land of the gods and is now hiding. He then attracts men who only live to envy others, and makes a deal with them. If they open stroke his lamp, he will grant them three wishes. None of them will satisfy the wisher, he/she is then forced to learn that he/she must stop wishing and make it's own destiny.

Forsaken/Sloth
Other names : The Sleeper, Hopetaker.
Alignement : True neutral
Domains : Decay, mind.
Appearance and background : He used to smile. He was angel, beautiful, brilliant and strong. One of the first, he blessed everything he touched, pure, yes pure but fragile. Innocent, he decided to take part in the war, to help his brothers and sisters. To the bottom of the word he flew, and there he saw. Those who were dear to him, impaled, head-less, decorating the battlefield. The war, that slaughters, he even saw the flowers that were his sisters in the hands of creatures of cruelty beyond his understanding. Apathy took place. He ceased to believe in anything. Killing everyone in his way, friend or foe, he became emotionless. When he walked the stairs to meet the gods, he was cast out instantly. Just like before, he would affect those around him but his brilliance is now long gone. He absorbs the light that surround him and takes the strength of all living things. When he wanders the lands, he only leaves fresh corpses behind, for it is said that he consumes the soul of others with a glance.
His presence brings forth creatures of agony like banshees and those travel with him while he walks the earth of the living. It is said that he is a skilled swordman and that he even taught some mortals how to fight. If a man or woman is able to survive his aura of despair, Sloth will draw his sword and fight.

[Hoboz]

The Gods' Update has begun, starting with Lux.

Lux

The Giver, The Benevolent Sentinel
Lesser Deity of Erodemius
Symbol: An open hand radiating holy fire
Home Plane: Ardventel
Alignment: Lawful Good
Portfolio: Honor, Healing, Justice, Protection
Worshipers: Knights, Healers, Paladins, Scribes
Clerical Alignment: Lawful Good, Neutral Good
Domains: Healing, Good, Nobility, Protection
Favored Weapon: Champion's Guide (Longsword)

Lux was an angel who had been created by Erodemius to be one of the greatest guardians for Terral, but now stands as one of the guardian deities by Erodemius' side. He appears as a tall and brillantly armored man, the gold trimming and light blue hue completing the attire. He is the force which wards darkness and evil from the weak and the innocent, and he is the one responsible for empowering the righteous. He is a strict but understanding deity which values a strong moral code, even if it is not dictated by his holy book. He finds that there are limits to things and establishes what is right and what is wrong.

History/Relationships
Lux was a champion in the war underneath Terral between the demons and the angels. Lux proved himself to be one of the greatest guardians as intended, spreading word of good will and courage in the face of an increasingly spreading taint that would infect his fellow angels. As it waned, a wrathful Azrael sought to strike at Erodemius by splitting Lux into two. The second half of Lux was corrupted and would become the deity Atra. Lux himself had lost his wings and angelic splendor when struck into two. And while he was no longer the same guardian originally created by Erodemius, the tales of his courage echoed from the celestials and angels and to the mortals, which granted him divinity. From that day forth, Lux would be one of Erodemius' greatest students.
Erodemius is his teacher and very much a father figure to him as he is for all creatures of Terral. He respects Florawyn and her domain, offering to protect the forests where the help may be needed, though his clergy aren't always accepted on racial bias between elves and humans. He is an enemy of Azrael, whom he swears to bring justice against for all the misdeeds he has committed to Terral as well as to himself in contrast to Erodemius' view of Azrael. He is also the rival deity of Khaos, bringing angels and celestials from Ardventel to combat him wherever he spawns his demons. It seems to be a never ending conflict to the annoyance of deities like Florawyn or Seraine, who fall victim to this battle. Naively, he also wishes to pursue and confront Atra, who has remained avoidant and aggressive towards Lux, in an attempt to unite and complete himself, to Erodemius' dismay.

Dogma
Lux teaches that the greatest virtue of someone is in their commitment to honor and restraint through being humble. He tells his worshipers that life is full of opportunity to do good, to -never- pass up on an opportunity, however small it may be. They are expected to serve for the greater good of all, to guard the honor of their fellow believers, and to always uphold their own by being truthful, fair, and kind. Respect must be given to all of the living, never turn your back to foes and never refuse challenges from equals. For those of undead, demonic, or infernal nature, do not hesitate to strike as no good will rise from them. They are agents which seek to destroy that which Luxites must protect. As a protector of Erodemius' children, sacrifice and holding the burdens of others is a must should they be necessary in defending those children. For the hard work which is put forth for the Luxites, their lives will follow the faithful of Erodemius onto Haslende, or perhaps even continue on the quest as guardians of Terral through rebirth on Ardventel.

Clergy and Temples
While the church of Lux is split into various sects, all of them work together to uphold the dogma of Lux. The Knight sect is known as the Brotherhood of Chivalry, while the Order of the Scribe tends to historical matters, and finally the healers; known as the Hand of Lux. As churches of order, each sect is comprised of ranks.
Within the Brotherhood of Chivalry; one is first a Squire, ranking to Knight Errant, Knight, and finally Sentinel. These are the soldiers, knights, and paladins of the faith, so long as honor is the foremost thought on one’s mind, they shall go far in the order. Duty and commitment are strongly regarded, and the Brotherhood often receives moral conditioning by the Order of the Scribe. Before great battles or journeys, they most often receive blessings from the Hand of Lux, as well as initiation between ranks and among the paladins, training to use the blessings of Lux within the battlefield.
Among the Order of the Scribe; the initiates are known as Novices, ascending to Ryasso, Stavro, and finally Schema. Rank appears to hold little meaning to the scribes as they all attend almost the same duties, save for higher responsibilities of teaching through the rise of ranks. The Scribes follow the example of Lux, learning their own sense of duty and righteousness while also studying with the Erodemian churches, seeking the paragon of morality; they are responsible for perceiving the greatest good of any circumstance.
As part of the Hand of Lux; a healer begins a Deacon, rising to Priest, Bishop, and finally Cardinal. The priests are first and foremost healers, though from Priesthood and beyond, the option is presented to fully enact the holy power of Lux as a weapon against the opposition of justice, and against the agents of undeath. Many live without a day of battle to call their own, remaining on the sheltered rear line of their armies and spreading healing to the soldiers retrieved and brought to them, readying them for immediate combat once again. The Hand has many ceremonies they believe upholds the blessings of Lux; often their Deacons hold carved stone candles in the palm of their hands as the Bishop performs rights of Knighthood or Matrimony. They offer lasting blessings for newborns and travellers as well as their own knights as they follow perilous journeys and quests.
______________________________________________________________

Dussk

Titles: The Cutthroat King
Divine Rank: Demigod
Dominion: Pending
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Portfolio: Trickery, Law
Worshipers: Salaer of Terral
Favored Weapon: Rapier
Appearance: A regal looking Salaer still baring the crown and outfit of his time as a king.

Dussk's rise to power as a deity is a prime example of both aspects of his portfolio at work. He had married to many ruling Matriach Salaer of various other clans within Terral's caverns, all of whom would mysteriously have gone Feral or missing soon after. Through this and other various exploitations, he had united the entire Salaer race under one king. No longer victim to the other races within Terral, Dussk was praised greatly by the Salaer, but it was one last exploit which allowed him to reach godhood. With each matriach he had 'handled', he had gained yet another soul and more blood for a ritual. By binding himself to an altar and completing the ritual with his own sacrifice, he had tried to rebirth himself with more power, and came out a deity.

As a fairly new deity, Dussk does not have any immediate friends within the parthenon, but it does not mean he did not gain enemies on ascension. As a champion of Terral's Salaer, Florawyn very much opposes Dussk for allowing such corruption on the land. The view of Azraelites is also mixed, as Dussk has effectively stolen some of their worshippers, but it does not seem either are looking to conflict with the other soon.

The Cult of Dussk

The cult is very much interconnected with the political system which the Salaer have made, his greatest priests being the Salaer's greatest leaders in their underground homes. Using his power, they ensure their positions while continuing their own exploits up the ladder of power. The more successful in the quest for power, the more boons one gets from Dussk.

The actual cult itself primarily consists of assassins and magi, often deployed by political leaders to advance their own causes; with somewhat reliable results and an extremely high fee. The cult effectively splits into two different sects.

The Hidden Blades
These are the assassins and rogues of Dussk's cult, they are used to ensure faith in the population, along with work for hire. Their hierarchy is a very well kept secret, even from the other sect of the cult. They do this to protect themselves from exploitation.

Hweelin's Order: Pending
In contrast to the Hidden Blades, this group of various clerics and magi has a very complete and structured hierarchy presented. They are mainly practicisioners of the darker segments of magic, including domination, illusions, and above all blood magic. They constantly seek power through deals and pacts with other forces along with Dussk.
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[Hoboz]

THE UPDATE YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR...thanks to Gwel again.


Erodemius

The Creator, the Father, the Sun, Keeper of Knowledge
Greater Deity
Symbol: This and This
Home Plane: Haslende
Alignment: Neutral Good
Portfolio: Fatherly Love, Creation and Restoration, Light and Truth, Selflessness and Good
Worshipers: Fathers, Imperials, Orphans and friendly communities
Cleric Alignments: Any Good
Domains: Good, Light, Knowledge, Sun, Love, Protection, Creation, Healing
Favored Weapon: Cane (Quarterstaff)

Erodemius appears as either an elderly man with long flowing white hair and healthy skin, standing upright with the aid of his white cane, looking deeply with vibrant, worn features and yellowed eyes said to have given the sun its hue. He also may appear as a great white lion with a golden mane and eyes. He is the origin of the life of Terral from every human to elf and every bird to minnow. He formed the Celestials as compliments to his children, and the Angels to be their guardian court. He will never lie, dominate, or betray. His promise is everlasting, and his first promise spoken is to always protect the children that follow him, from their first life to their everlasting life.
Without him, there is no breath and there is no life. He knows each being before he forms them, and offers for them to follow him as he prepares their harbor for the life after Terral. He considers all of his thinking creations as his children, he rejoices in their decisions to follow his example of good, comforts them in their crushing defeats, and sheds tears as they betray him. While often seeking a path of peace, he may become a ferocious defender in a time of need; and has driven Azrael from Haslende by the righteous defense of that which he loves. In the end, all of his efforts are to be the greatest father he may possibly be, hoping to have the love he offers returned.

History/Relationships
Erodemius is related to every creature among the realm of Terral and its planes. To most, he is the creator, the father of all. To Azrael, he is a brother. In his initial creation of Terral and its surroundings, he chose not to adhere to the desires of his brother, but rather to demonstrate a paradise in which he could walk among his followers in an everlasting peace. Convinced that fearful followers offered a greater power, his brother followed behind him, planting seeds of impurity throughout Erodemius’ creations. For this they held conflict, and eventually war. It was with a righteous rage that he battled his brother, proving incredible power contrary to his quiet demeanor. After Azrael’s escape, he mourned the thorns of his daughter Florawyn’s body and the missing guardians of which Azrael abducted. As he formed the mortals of the world, he promised to always defend them should Azrael ever attempt to set foot beside them in a battle he would not allow Azrael to escape.
He is a direct teacher of Lux in hopes to grant him peace and warn him of the danger in connecting with the ever corrupted Atra. He flows through his daughter Florawyn to the life of the world, observing Seraine in hopes of guiding her to his protection; she continues to seek her own path even as he guards her from the advances of his brother. He offers mixed feelings of sadness and love to his brother whom has betrayed him, falling under no illusion that they may find unity, but never refraining from offering redemption. Dussk, like Atra, is a saddening realization of a child becoming a great foe; it is with great sorrow that Dussk has been tainted so greatly by Azrael as to become such a formidable opposition.

Dogma
Erodemius does not condone oppression or tyranny, nor does he permit domination against the free will he has given, but rather teaches that those of greatest power should take it upon themselves to serve in measure equal to their ability, as he gives of himself to provide the sustained life of all his children, from every seed he imbues with growth, to every beast which his children eat. As men are his embodiment, women are his compliment, and all of his children are equally loved. He is invited by sincerity before deceit, tenderness before hatred, patience before anger, and sacrifice before greed. To invite Erodemius is to invite his guidance and love, and to experience the world abundantly in all its senses. Those he grants gifts are asked to give that which they have received, for they will be continually blessed with these bounties beyond their own needs so long as they continue to serve in his light.
As one gains power, they must follow a path of humility, for one who loves power above their brothers and sisters will cause despair and live in insecurity, while those who use their power for their love of their siblings shall give joy and live in admiration. The undeath of Azrael is a true abomination against life meant to inflict pain to all that live, fight against it on every opportunity; the corrupted souls are only acting as a plague to themselves and to those around them. Do not be vulnerable to known destroyers, but always be willing to accept redemption of those who seek to lead good lives; never deny a truly sincere apology, as Erodemius will truly be misrepresented. He wishes ill against none of his children, and while the first life is not easy, he will be there without fail to set things as they should be. When it is time his angels will personally guide his faithful children to his realm for a world as it should be.

Clergy and Temples
The devout followers of Erodemius care greatly for the life of others, they offer to those who are in need, provide food to the visiting hungry, dressing and bedding to those that are unclothed and unsheltered. They encourage tithe from the wealthy, work for the needy, and homes for orphans and the abused. They seek long lasting solutions as opposed to instant gratification, while without needless extremes in their efforts; they give their fullest to their given projects. While the road to a Church Father is eventually rewarding, any who seek such a title for power are quickly frustrated by the requirements of selflessness, those that want to empower themselves through authority by this prestigious rank rarely consider it a second thought, much less a true attempt.
Racial preferences are often discouraged, though mostly humans occupy the clergy, there are elven Fathers that have obtained the role through their long years of service. In response to a common misconception that Humans are Erodemius’ only children, the clergy has attempted to direct attention to the fact that all of his sentient lives are loved. Many who worship him within the church have adopted the faith falsely in order to advocate a sense of superiority against those who do not worship him directly, or against those who make mistakes. This air of prejudice has often caused silent separation from true believers and Temple Communities, as well as tension between these communities and followers of Lux. The Church does all it can to profess the true desires of Erodemius, though many of their participants are unwilling to hear what may lessen their self-righteous privileges.
The smaller temples are often without roofs, allowing the light to fully cover them. Temples with the funding to be given rooftops often have a cleric cast Daylight over the rooms for their services. Their Cathedrals are consecrated with a fountain of holy water in a courtyard which they use to water any plants strewn across their walls in symbolism of Erodemius’ flow through Seraine to Florawyn, and through the fruit to the children. The temples favor fruit-bearing plants over all to aid the symbol of the offerings of Erodemius to the hungered visitors of the temples.

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Taitus Thunderhelm, Demigod






Alignment:Lawful Neutral

Cleric Alignments: Lawful Neutral, Lawful good, Lawful Evil, Neutral evil.

Domains: Community, Knowledge, War, Protection, Magic

Background: Taitus Thunderhelm, in his life was the sole reason why a good portion of dwarves didn't get enslaved by Azrael or Khaos when their faiths spread across Northgard so long ago. He created the largest Dwarven Citadel ever made and named it Gro'Moth's Thunder, In honor of his great grandfather's memory. He ascended to power when he came upon an ancient book of knowledge which was once guarded by an ancient dwarven paragon.

It is not certain whether or not the book was of real help or not, but guided by this book he eventually came upon a font of divine power which he tapped into and used to ascend into godhood, but was locked deep within a tunnel at the hands of ten powerful Acolytes of Azrael with Breghelm Hrolfang leading them. He still talks to his people and has managed established himself as the most revered dwarf in all of Northgard


DOGMA: Be true to your crafts and never forget to thank those who make them possible. Never betray your community, Never lie to your fellow dwarfs and be loyal to your elders at all costs. Slay those whom serve Khaos and Azrael without fear and without question but do so with caution, Slay Goblins who plague your mines with no hesitation and break the war bands of Ogres and Orcs with an iron ambition. Be stalwart in your arts if thou art a warrior and fire your shots well if ye' art an archer. Respect the world of men but be wary for they have as much to teach us as we have to teach them; Remember that knowledge is power and that it will benefit all in the end. Remember to maintain your citadels, for they are bastions of hope for all Dwarvenkind, respect the dead even if they are dead foes and to remember your finest Paragons.

Temples, Clergy and worship: Taitus has no Conventional Temples; His people's bastions and citadels are his Temples and their crafts are their veneration to him, but there exist those Clerics or Favored Dwarfs who carry out Taitus' orders to the best of their ability and sometimes receive orders directly from Taitus himself, often being sent to start new ambitious projects or being told to go on a pilgrimage to far away lands or to the human clans to conduct very important buisness. Taitus' supports paladins but such a thing is very rare and often he sees Dwarven Defenders as his true champions, for he considers the zeal of a paladin to be perilous and dangerous.

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Nelbnar Underdeep, Exarch of Taitus Thunderhelm



Alignment: Chaotic Good

Cleric Alignments: True neutral, Chaotic Neutral, Chaotic Good, Neutral Good

Domains: Trickery, Good, Retribution, Fate, Community

Background: It is a commonly known fact that in Northgard, Hin and Dwarfs work together quite often and even forge entire communities together. But the most interesting alliance of all was between Nelbnar Underdeep and Taitus Thunderhelm. Nelbnar was hunted down and captured during a fight between the Halfling Underdeep and Dwarven Thunderhelm clans, but was spared because he knew his way around the regions of Northgard better than anyone else. Eventually Taitus and Nelbnar created a deadly duo and it is said that Nelbnar was with Taitus ever step of the way on his quest. Nelbnar was the only one to tap into the divine font to escape from the Hrolfangs and their treachery and as a result he left to spread word of Taitus' Ascension and how he became one of his advocates between Hin and Dwarfs alike.

DOGMA: Hold true to your word and never steal from your family or clan. Never kill those who don't deserve it but be wary of Men for they are dangerous in their words and skills. Never fight a foe alone if you can help it and flee if you know your life is in critical danger if you can. Always help the Dwarfs who have given us so much for our services offered to them and always stay true to your clan.


Clergy, Temples and Worship: Temples are often stone cairns created underground and are often maintained by small groups Rangers or Druids, but clerics exist as the leader and speaker of each cairn. It is very obscure in how they worship Nelbnar for they offer him seemingly random offerings each day.