Wisdom, Serenity, Magic, Jinn
Description: Rao was the leader of the The Pantheon before its decline during the fall of the Wensharian Empire. He is depicted as an elderly yet sturdy man with white hair, white eyes, and a peaceful expression. Rao is the patron of leaders, diplomats, scholars, philosophers, and sages. He is a deity of reason and serenity, who teaches that the greatest gift is reason, which leads to discourse, which leads to peace, which leads to serenity. For those who refuse to see reason and resort to violence first, action—governed by reason and wisdom—is required to restore the peace. Sometimes this action is violent, regrettably. Rao is also a patron of magic, used responsibly and judiciously. Long ago there was a great conflict with/amongst the jinn, and Rao is said to have ended the conflict by negotiating with those that could be reasoned with, and binding away those that could not.
Rao is considered an inactive deity, and there are no organized temples known within Alyndrica. Leadership of what remains of the Pantheon is divided. Some few individuals still follow the faith, or speak of the teachings of Rao, as his wisdom transcends his presence.
Tenets of Faith
- The greatest gift is reason, which leads to discourse, which leads to peace, which leads to serenity.
- Reject strong emotions and impulsiveness for the calm and serenity of reason and inner peace.
- Magic is a tool of reason, and understanding when to use it is true wisdom.
— Solmany
Mythology
The Gift of the Moons
The Book of Incarum states that in the beginning, all humans respected the wisdom and reason of Rao. Then Tharizdun came and tempted them with false promises, and they turned away from reason and embraced evil. Rao took the light of his soul away from them, and the world was plunged into endless night. However, a few repented, and Rao gifted the moons Celene and Luna to the people in order to light and guide the way from the darkness and tyranny. Then Rao sent the deva Incarum with the Crook of Rao to drive away the fiends of Tharizdun. Rao returned his light to the day, but true peace will not come until a night when neither moon shines in the sky.
The Swordless Scabbard
One pervasive legend among the paladins of Rao is that of a "man with a swordless scabbard," who defeats his opponents without the need for a weapon.