Religion
  1. Notes

Religion

In the Beginning

See Cosmology and the Elder Gods


Patronage Gods

These gods rose up from mortals, became gods and are now worshipped far more than The Old Ones. These gods are aware of their mortal worshippers, provide their clerics spells, and in rare but not unheard of circumstances, divinely intervene when it suits their whims. Even Crom, who doesn't care about you, is capable of a miracle every once in a while, when it suits him.

Not a Pantheon

The patronage gods are not a pantheon or family of gods. They come from all over the world to this refugee city. The ones that tap a need, play a cultural significance, and reward followers, tend to stand the test of time. The rest of the many pantheons in play have disappeared from the city. That is not to say new gods do not arise and old ones don't attempt to regain strength. The temples tend to rotate over long stretches of time, as worshippers abandon a god to run to a new one, perhaps worshipped in some empty warehouse or regent's mansion. It's also not uncommon for syncretism to occur, such as when the Temple of Set combines with the worship of Shub-Niggurath, empowering the faith and building community. It's not uncommon for an idol in the jungle to grant powers and a new religion born.

Most Popular Gods

These are not the only gods available. See Temple Way for a list of 19 temples, plus the Temple of Set in the Old Knot District. If your character wishes to worship one of god not listed, we can figure that out. All the mentioned gods in all the temples and ziggurats have followers and grant clerics powers. These 9 gods are the established power base.


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The Nine Core Gods - Overview

Asura

The Goddess of Dawn and Flame of Moog, Asura is the radiant herald of new beginnings and inspiration. Her symbol, a crown with rays of sunlight, embodies her role as the Messenger of the Gods, bringing hope and clarity to all who seek it. Asura teaches that the welfare of both people and nature is paramount, encouraging equality, beauty, and peace. Her followers believe that the dawn represents the potential for growth and change, making Asura a revered figure among artists, philosophers, and those seeking personal transformation. Her fires burn not for destruction, but for illumination and renewal.

Goddess of Dawn, Messenger of the Gods, Flame of Moog
Symbol: A crown or tiara with rays of sunlight
Motivation: Universalism
Portfolio: Dawn, fire, beginnings, inspiration
Key Teachings: Welfare of all people and of nature, equality, beauty, peace

Kishar 

Known as the Mother Goddess, Kishar represents the nurturing forces of fertility and creation. Symbolized by the fish, she is revered not only as the source of life but also for her connection to the pleasures of the flesh. Kishar’s followers learn to embrace the mysteries of creation through sensual arts, finding divine connection in acts of love, beauty, and passion. She is the embodiment of indulgence and hedonism, teaching that through pleasure and life’s joys, one can achieve enlightenment and harmony with the world.

Mother Goddess

Symbol:Fish

Motivation: Creation, Hedonism

Portfolio: Fertility, nurturing, creation, pleasure

Key Teachings: Mysteries through the sensual arts

Herum

Herum, the Lord of Beasts and the Ape God, is a god of primal instincts, representing the wild, untamed side of nature. His symbol of broken bones serves as a brutal reminder of the savagery that lies within all living creatures. Herum has no structured teachings—his creed is chaos, rage, and destruction. He encourages his followers to indulge in their base instincts and animalistic urges, caring little for morality or consequence. Herum’s worshipers, often barbarians or outcasts, revel in their freedom, living lives dictated only by the strongest drives of the flesh and spirit.

Lord of Beasts, The Ape God
Symbol: Broken bones
Motivation: Hedonism
Portfolio: Beasts, savagery, rage, destruction
Key Teachings: None. Do whatever you want.

Ishtar

The radiant Goddess of Love, Luck, and War, Ishtar stands as a beacon of self-direction and passion. Her symbol, the eight-pointed star, signifies her dominion over fate, love, beauty, and fortune. Ishtar’s teachings inspire her followers to live with intensity, pursuing both love and battle with equal fervor. She is a goddess of contradictions, promoting passionate romance as fervently as she stirs the flames of war. Her worshipers are artists, lovers, and warriors who believe that to live fully is to embrace every passion, from the battlefield to the bedroom.

Goddess of Love, Luck and War
Symbol: Eight-pointed star
Motivation: Self-Direction
Portfolio: Love, beauty, art, fortune, passion
Key Teachings: Live passionately, in all senses of the word

Kishar

This second aspect of Kishar, also known as the Goddess of Grain and Mother of Rivers, is a deity of tradition and sustenance. Her symbol, a sheaf of grain, reflects her connection to agriculture, motherhood, and the nurturing of both the earth and its people. As the Queen of the Gods, Kishar teaches that true strength lies in obedience, moderation, and self-discipline. She is a goddess of life’s cycles, of planting and harvest, of birth and growth, and her followers embrace the sacred responsibility of upholding tradition and family.

Goddess of Grain, Mother of Rivers, Queen of the Gods
Symbol: A sheaf of grain
Motivation: Conformity and Tradition
Portfolio: Agriculture, the earth, rivers, motherhood
Key Teachings: Obedience, tradition, self-discipline, moderation

Mitra

The mighty God of the Sun and Lord of the Sky, Mitra is a deity of justice, rulership, and the natural order. His symbol, the sunburst and eagle, reflects his divine authority over the heavens and the realms of men. Mitra teaches that stability, health, and obedience form the foundation of a prosperous society. As the King of the Gods, he is a protector of the weak and a punisher of the wicked, his light illuminating the paths of justice and righteousness. His followers, including paladins and kings, strive for order and harmony under his celestial rule.

God of the Sun, Lord of the Sky, King of the Gods
Symbol: A sunburst and eagle
Motivation: Security
Portfolio: Sun, justice, sky, rulership and dominion
Key Teachings: Obedience, stability, health (physical, mental, social and emotional)

Nergal

Nergal, the God of the Underworld and Lord of War, is a figure both feared and respected. His symbol, a black lion with a mane of flame, represents his dominion over death, war, and the afterlife. As the King of the Dead, Nergal teaches that power is gained through strength and domination. His followers are often mercenaries, necromancers, and warlords who believe that every problem is best solved by force. Nergal embodies the harsh truth that death comes for all, and the strong survive by bending the world to their will.

God of the Underworld, Lord of War, King of the Dead
Symbol: A black lion with a mane of flame
Motivation: Power
Portfolio: War, death, avarice, the underworld
Key Teachings: Use a strong hand in dealing with any and every problem you face

Set

The God of Night and the Great Serpent, Set is the master of secrets, treachery, and poison. His twin serpent symbol is a testament to his cunning and deceptive nature. Set teaches that free will is an illusion, and true enlightenment comes through submission to his power. His followers operate in the shadows, manipulating and deceiving in pursuit of their goals, all while believing that in serving Set, they will gain access to forbidden knowledge and mastery over fate. He is the god of assassins, cultists, and those who revel in the darkness.

God of Night, the Great Serpent
Symbol: Twin serpents
Motivation: Achievement
Portfolio: Night, secrets, treachery, poison, snakes
Key Teachings: Free will is an illusion, the only path to understanding is submission to him in body, mind and soul

Tarhun

As the God of Storms and Lord of Battle, Tarhun embodies the righteous fury of the sky. His symbol, the three-forked lightning bolt, reflects his role as a divine warrior, a protector of the weak and a slayer of evil. Tarhun’s followers are bound by loyalty and camaraderie, embracing the values of friendship and honor in the face of adversity. Though he commands the storms, he also wields the power of justice, guiding his people to vanquish evil through battle while fostering deep bonds of true friendship.

God of Storms, Lord of Battle
Symbol: A three-forked lightning bolt
Motivation: Benevolence
Portfolio: Storms, sky, battle (with the subtext of vanquishing evil)
Key Teachings: Loyalty, true friendship/comradeship

Tiamat

The fearsome Mother of Dragons and Goddess of the Sea, Tiamat is the personification of chaos, vengeance, and monstrosity. Her symbol, a dragon skull with five horns, is a reminder of the power she wields through her draconic children. Tiamat teaches that the world is without order, and those who embrace destruction and monstrosity will be richly rewarded in her chaotic dominion. Her followers are often those who revel in the thrill of upheaval, destruction, and revenge, believing that serving chaos will bring them favor in a world without structure.

Mother of Dragons, Goddess of the Sea, Queen of Chaos
Symbol: A dragon skull with five horns
Motivation: Stimulation
Portfolio: Chaos, destruction, monsters, vengeance, the sea
Key Teachings: The world is without order, those who serve chaos and seek her favour will be rewarded

10 Cleric Builds

1. Cleric of Asura (Light Domain)

  • God: Asura, Goddess of Dawn, Messenger of the Gods, Flame of Moog
  • Symbol: A crown or tiara with rays of sunlight
  • Teachings: Welfare of all people and nature, equality, beauty, peace
  • Build:
    • Domain: Light
    • Abilities: Harnesses Asura's radiance to banish darkness and undead with spells like Faerie Fire and Flaming Sphere. Turn Undead and radiant damage are key, but in urban settings, Light and Continual Flame are useful for role-playing—lighting up marketplaces and temples, representing Asura’s presence.
    • Role: In cities, this cleric becomes a beacon of hope, mediating between factions, promoting peace, and spreading Asura's message of equality and welfare. Perfect for diplomacy, festivals, or religious ceremonies.

2. Cleric of Kishar (Life Domain)

  • God: Kishar, Mother Goddess of Creation, Fertility, Nurturing
  • Symbol: Fish
  • Teachings: Mysteries through the sensual arts, pleasure, creation
  • Build:
    • Domain: Life
    • Abilities: Focused on healing and nurturing life. With spells like Cure Wounds, Bless, and Prayer of Healing, the cleric embodies Kishar’s nurturing spirit. In cities, this cleric can serve as a midwife, healer, or caregiver, using abilities like Create Food and Water to aid communities.
    • Role: This cleric is well-suited for urban environments, working in clinics, temples, or orphanages, offering care and support, and navigating social circles connected to healing arts or fertility rites.

3. Cleric of Herum (Nature Domain)

  • God: Herum, Lord of Beasts, The Ape God
  • Symbol: Broken bones
  • Teachings: Hedonism, raw nature, do what you will
  • Build:
    • Domain: Nature
    • Abilities: Specializes in animal control with Animal Friendship and Speak with Animals. In an urban setting, this cleric could tame exotic beasts or run animal sanctuaries. Their connection to the wild allows them to influence creatures and landscapes, whether in the wilderness or within urban parks and menageries.
    • Role: This build is ideal for role-playing as a wild, untamed presence within the city—someone who brings the law of the jungle to urban dealings. Whether working in underground fight clubs or defending natural areas in cities, they bring Herum’s savage energy to life.

4. Cleric of Ishtar (Trickery Domain)

  • God: Ishtar, Goddess of Love, Luck, and War
  • Symbol: Eight-pointed star
  • Teachings: Live passionately in love, art, and fortune
  • Build:
    • Domain: Trickery
    • Abilities: Uses illusion and misdirection with spells like Disguise Self and Mirror Image. In an urban setting, this cleric would thrive in art galleries, theaters, or high society, promoting Ishtar’s ideals of love and beauty while manipulating luck and outcomes.
    • Role: A charismatic figure who moves through social circles with ease, this cleric can host grand balls, intervene in political affairs, or run gambling houses, all while maintaining Ishtar’s chaotic yet charming influence. Ideal for intrigue-filled role-play in cities.

5. Cleric of Mitra (Light Domain)

  • God: Mitra, God of the Sun, Lord of the Sky, King of the Gods
  • Symbol: Sunburst and eagle
  • Teachings: Obedience, stability, health, and rulership
  • Build:
    • Domain: Light
    • Abilities: As the champion of Mitra, this cleric banishes darkness with spells like Flaming Sphere and Daylight. In cities, they can serve as high-ranking religious leaders or advisors to nobility, promoting justice and stability. Their radiant abilities make them natural protectors against undead.
    • Role: In urban settings, they could be involved in governance, working as law enforcers or advisors. Mitra’s light serves as a guiding force for both the state and the people, making this cleric a respected figure in society.

6. Cleric of Kishar (Nature Domain)

  • God: Kishar, Goddess of Agriculture and Earth, Queen of the Gods
  • Symbol: A sheaf of grain
  • Teachings: Obedience, tradition, self-discipline, moderation
  • Build:
    • Domain: Nature
    • Abilities: Focuses on the balance between land and life, using spells like Create or Destroy Water and Spike Growth. In cities, this cleric might oversee urban gardens, rivers, and food supplies. They could also have political influence in agricultural sectors.
    • Role: An urban guardian of nature, they manage food security, natural parks, and water sources in large cities. Their influence extends to preserving the natural order even in crowded, bustling environments.

7. Cleric of Tarhun (Tempest Domain)

  • God: Tarhun, God of Storms and Battle
  • Symbol: Three-forked lightning bolt
  • Teachings: Loyalty, vanquishing evil, friendship
  • Build:
    • Domain: Tempest
    • Abilities: Commands storms and sky with spells like Thunderwave and Call Lightning. In an urban setting, they are the voice of justice and protection, acting as guardians during crises, such as natural disasters or civil unrest.
    • Role: In cities, they might serve as military commanders, guardians of the poor, or defenders of the city’s infrastructure against both supernatural and natural threats. Their role-playing options involve leading in times of conflict and forging strong bonds of loyalty.

8. Cleric of Asura (Forge Domain)

  • God: Asura, Goddess of Dawn and Flame
  • Symbol: Crown or tiara with rays of sunlight
  • Teachings: Inspiration, peace, and equality
  • Build:
    • Domain: Forge
    • Abilities: Masters of crafting and fire, this cleric can bless armor and weapons, with abilities like Heat Metal and Identify. In urban settings, they could act as master smiths, artisans, or leaders of guilds, creating magical items and repairing ancient relics.
    • Role: This cleric thrives in marketplaces and artisan quarters, creating a sense of unity and inspiration through craftsmanship. Their influence can extend to managing city workshops and crafting objects of beauty and power.

9. Cleric of Tiamat (Knowledge Domain)

  • God: Tiamat, Mother of Dragons, Goddess of Chaos and Destruction
  • Symbol: Dragon skull with five horns
  • Teachings: Chaos, destruction, monsters
  • Build:
    • Domain: Knowledge
    • Abilities: Focuses on secrets and uncovering forbidden knowledge with Identify and Detect Thoughts. In urban settings, this cleric could act as a master of lore, running secretive libraries or cryptic organizations. They gather knowledge to further their own power, often delving into dark histories.
    • Role: This cleric is suited for intrigue-filled urban adventures, becoming a scholar, historian, or manipulator of information. Their understanding of chaos allows them to maneuver through political and social landscapes with a cunning hand.

10. Cleric of Ishtar (Life Domain)

  • God: Ishtar, Goddess of Love, Luck, and War
  • Symbol: Eight-pointed star
  • Teachings: Live passionately, beauty, art, fortune
  • Build:
    • Domain: Life
    • Abilities: Focuses on healing, with spells like Cure Wounds, Bless, and Prayer of Healing. This cleric's passion for life and love allows them to excel in roles as healers in both urban and wilderness settings. In cities, they could run charitable organizations or hospitals, focusing on physical and emotional well-being.
    • Role: In an urban setting, they are charismatic leaders of healing centers, matchmakers, or even artists who use their divine abilities to nurture love and passion in all aspects of life.

These builds offer a balance of combat prowess for dealing with undead threats, along with rich opportunities for role-playing in both wilderness exploration and urban interactions.

10 Paladin Builds

1. Paladin of the Order of the Dawn (Oath of Devotion)

  • God: Mitra, God of the Sun, Lord of the Sky
  • Symbol: Sunburst and eagle
  • Oath: Devotion
  • Build:
    • Abilities: Focus on protecting the faithful with spells like Protection from Evil and Good and Shield of Faith. Their Turn the Unholy feature is ideal for dealing with undead and fiends.
    • Role: A protector of Mitra's temples, often found guarding relics like Huracan. In role-playing, they excel as a beacon of law, order, and righteousness in cities, where they advise leaders and root out corruption.

2. Paladin of the Knights of the Ascendant Flame (Oath of the Watchers)

  • God: Asura, Goddess of Dawn and Flame
  • Symbol: Crown or tiara with rays of sunlight
  • Oath: Watchers
  • Build:
    • Abilities: Specializes in combating extra-planar threats, like demons and rogue spellcasters. The Oath of the Watchers gives them Abjure the Extraplanar to repel fiends and aberrations, and spells like Alarm and Moonbeam for defense and control.
    • Role: This Paladin is ideal for both urban encounters with rogue mages and supernatural threats, and for role-playing as an investigator and demon-hunter in the grand halls of the Bladechapel.

3. Paladin of the Knights of the Veil (Oath of Redemption)

  • God: Tarhun, God of Storms and Battle
  • Symbol: Three-forked lightning bolt
  • Oath: Redemption
  • Build:
    • Abilities: Focuses on turning undead and redeeming wayward souls. With Turn the Unholy and Sanctuary, they emphasize defense and pacifying threats before resorting to violence. Their Rebuke the Violent feature is excellent against hostile undead and necromancers.
    • Role: In urban settings, this Paladin is a negotiator, diplomat, and protector. They seek to restore balance and justice, making them vital in courts or leading hunts for undead spirits.

4. Paladin of the Immortals of Karsis (Oath of Glory)

  • Order: Immortals of Karsis (Dragonborn only)
  • Oath: Glory
  • Build:
    • Abilities: Emphasizes battlefield prowess and leadership, using Guiding Bolt and Heroism to inspire allies and defeat foes. Their Peerless Athlete ability enhances their mobility and strength in combat.
    • Role: This Dragonborn paladin is perfect for both martial roles in the defense of Seregon and for commanding respect in social situations. Their pride and loyalty make them formidable leaders, whether in noble courts or on the battlefield.

5. Paladin of the Order of the Dawn (Oath of the Crown)

  • God: Mitra, God of the Sun, Lord of the Sky
  • Symbol: Sunburst and eagle
  • Oath: Crown
  • Build:
    • Abilities: Focused on defense and law, with spells like Command and Compelled Duel to enforce order. The Champion Challenge feature allows them to engage multiple foes in defense of their allies.
    • Role: This Paladin is ideal for city-based adventures, where they guard high-ranking officials or temples. They can role-play as advisors in court or guardians of the law, protecting against civil unrest and supernatural corruption.

6. Paladin of the Knights of the Ascendant Flame (Oath of Devotion)

  • God: Asura, Goddess of Dawn and Flame
  • Symbol: Crown or tiara with rays of sunlight
  • Oath: Devotion
  • Build:
    • Abilities: With Protection from Evil and Good and Sacred Weapon, this Paladin defends against dark magic and supernatural foes. Their radiant abilities represent Asura’s cleansing fire.
    • Role: In urban settings, they act as protectors against evil spellcasters and demons, investigating arcane disturbances and supporting the city's magical defenses.

7. Paladin of the Knights of the Veil (Oath of the Watchers)

  • God: Mitra, God of the Sun, Lord of the Sky
  • Symbol: Sunburst and eagle
  • Oath: Watchers
  • Build:
    • Abilities: Focuses on preventing extra-planar incursions. With spells like Alarm and Moonbeam, this Paladin stands as a vigilant protector of the veil between worlds.
    • Role: In cities, they serve as wardens against necromancers and undead, often tasked with enforcing the law and maintaining the balance between life and death.

8. Paladin of the Order of the Dawn (Oath of Redemption)

  • God: Mitra, God of the Sun, Lord of the Sky
  • Symbol: Sunburst and eagle
  • Oath: Redemption
  • Build:
    • Abilities: Dedicated to non-violence unless absolutely necessary, with Sanctuary and Shield of Faith. They can pacify enemies and serve as advisors in times of crisis, seeking to redeem even the most corrupt.
    • Role: In urban areas, this Paladin serves as a negotiator, seeking to end conflicts peacefully and redeem wrongdoers. They protect the city and temples by offering guidance, not just swords.

9. Paladin of the Immortals of Karsis (Oath of Devotion)

  • Order: Immortals of Karsis (Dragonborn only)
  • Oath: Devotion
  • Build:
    • Abilities: Focused on martial prowess and upholding justice with abilities like Sacred Weapon and Turn the Unholy. They wield their draconic might and divine authority to protect the weak.
    • Role: This Dragonborn paladin commands respect through discipline and loyalty, serving in courts or as high-ranking military commanders in Seregon. Their pride and honor ensure they are always at the forefront of defense.

10. Paladin of the Knights of the Veil (Oath of the Ancients)

  • God: Tarhun, God of Storms and Battle
  • Symbol: Three-forked lightning bolt
  • Oath: Ancients
  • Build:
    • Abilities: Their connection to ancient forces allows them to wield nature and protect life with spells like Ensnaring Strike and Speak with Animals. Their Turn the Unholy feature is perfect for fighting undead.
    • Role: In the city, this Paladin serves as a guardian of sacred groves, ancient sites, or temples. They work to protect the natural order and the living from the corruption of undeath, acting as counselors and guardians of the Veil.

These Paladin builds offer a range of combat and role-playing possibilities, with each having a unique connection to their order, god, or the protection of Seregon. Whether standing in defense of the city, purging supernatural threats, or serving as advisors to the nobility, each Paladin contributes meaningfully to the campaign's themes.

Notes