Updated Deities Info 1358-1359
-
Hey all. I've been fielding some questions about deities and events of the Time of Troubles/Avatar Crises etc.
Some basics:
- Assume anything that is listed as canon leading up to and during the ToT has occured
- The Gods have all withdrawn for unknown reasons and as such there is no way to verify what their will is, confirm what is acceptable/unacceptable to them etc.
- Heresy is defined as "belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religion" but since there is no confirmation (or denial) from the deities, the churches are left to enforce their will as a mortal/political entity. They DO NOT have access to any sort commune or contact with the deity to verify what is legit and/or not.
- Things are subject to change and always assume that a part of what a character "knows" ICly may be rumor, conjecture, and perhaps plain wrong
As with everything, if you wish some additional info let us know. Please post a question on the forum so we can answer it and build Q&A stuff for other players instead of answering it on DIscord and others players never seeing it.
Happy gaming!
-
The avatar of Tymora appeared in Suzail and then traveled to the Lady's House, a temple devoted to her worship in Arabel. She protected that city during the crisis.
Cyric, a petty, sadistic mercenary, slew Bhaal with the sword Godsbane (actually the god Mask in disguise).
- After the end of the Time of Troubles, he was granted control of nearly all the portfolios of the Dead Three by Ao, making him briefly the most powerful of the gods.
- Kelemvor, a sullen adventurer and companion of Cyric and Midnight, was killed by Cyric with Godsbane, but his soul was hidden by Mask and unintentionally gained the portfolio of death by defeating Cyric with the help of Godsbane in the Year of the Banner (1368 DR), ten years after the Time of Troubles He then strove to change the horrifying image of death promoted by his predecessors.
Myrkul, greater god of the dead and another of the Dead Three, was killed in a duel with Midnight, a mortal woman wielding the powers of Mystra, in the skies over the city of Waterdeep.
-
Kelemvor is not God of the Dead until MAYBE in 1368. See below
- Cyric currently holds this portfolio
- Myrkul infused the sinister Crown of Horns with the remnants of his essence, and teleported it away. While its location was unknown, the semi-sentient artifact presumably was fomenting a plan for Myrkul's resurrection. He also left behind a curse called the Spirit-eater, actually the half-destroyed soul of one of his Chosen.
Bane, greater god of tyranny, strife and hatred, a member of the Dead Three, was slain on Eleasis 13 in a climactic battle with the demigod Torm in battle outside of Tantras.[2]
- After Bane's death, his portfolio was divided among the newly anointed god Cyric and Bane's own half-demonic son Iyachtu Xvim. Upon the death of one of the greatest forces of evil in existence, all of Faerûn breathed a sigh of relief; however, in 1372 DR, Bane was resurrected, destroying Iyachtu Xvim and reestablishing his church.
Mystra, greater goddess of magic and among the most powerful of the gods, was in turn destroyed when she attempted to bypass Helm at the Celestial Stairway.
- After her death, the goddess Mystra entrusted her essence with the young mage Midnight, who ascended after the Time of Troubles as the new Mystra.
Waukeen is missing
- Waukeen, lesser goddess of wealth, attempted to reclaim her divinity during the Time of Troubles, leaving her portfolio in the care of Lliira, but was imprisoned in the Argent Palace, enslaved to the demon prince Graz'zt. It would be more than 10 years before she would finally be freed by adventurers, revitalizing her clergy.
- After a decade of isolation from her followers, Waukeen was freed from her prison in 1371 DR by a band of adventurers, and has resumed her place in the heavens
Torm, demigod and patron deity of paladins, was annihilated by Bane with his dying breath. He was later resurrected by Ao because he died fulfilling the obligations of his portfolio. Elevated from Demi-power to Lesser Power
Bhaal, intermediate god of murder, was slain by the young mortal Cyric with the sword Godsbane. However, Bhaal had foreseen his own death, and had populated Faerûn with his progeny, the Bhaalspawn, in a bid to resurrect himself.
Tiamat's three-headed incarnation was slain by Gilgeam. Her essence was divided among three dragons, the red Tchazzar, the blue Gestaniius, and the green Skuthosiin. Tchazzar consumed the other two and was subsumed by Tiamat. The Dragon Queen then destroyed Gilgeam late in the Godswar.
Gilgeam, demigod and king of Unther, was slain by Tiamat.
Herne, a corrupted avatar of Malar worshiped in the High Forest was hunted and killed by Malar himself who then subsumed his worship.
Ibrandul, a lesser god of caverns, was destroyed by Shar, who still masquerades as the dead deity. The absorption of caverns and the Underdark into Shar's portfolio has attracted the wrath of
Lolth who desires dominion over these realms.Moander, demigod of decay, was slain by Finder Wyvernspur.
- The exceptional adventurer Finder Wyvernspur absorbed and adapted Moander's portfolio, and became of the cycle of life.
Ramman, Untheric lesser god of war and storms, was slain by Hoar, but his portfolio was stolen by Anhur of the Mulhorandi pantheon.
Aerdrie Faenya and Shaundakul initiated a romantic relationship.
Anhur appeared in Serôs. Battled and defeated Sekolah in the Alamber Sea.
Azuth kept a portion of Mystra's divine essence, stored in a statue of her, safe in the Pool of Yeven.
The avatars of Clangeddin and Labelas fought all over Ruathym with Labelas winning the conflict.
Deep Duerra masqueraded as the regent of Underspires, creating an elite army that went on to attack Ironfang Deep, Undraeth, and expanded the city's territory.
Eilistraee appeared in the High Forest, in the location which became known as Darkmaiden's Leap. The goddess appeared to rescue a group of drow refugees and lead them to the safety of the temple of the Promenade
Eldath spent a lot of time with Mielikki and the two were seen embracing as sisters.
Garagos Slaughtered many people in Westgate's harbour district before wading into the sea.
Gond washed up on the shore of Lantan where he was quickly named patron deity of the region.
Gwaeron Windstrom hunted Malar through The north when he appeared there.
Hoar retrieved a cache of weapons from under Thaymount (while avoiding the schemes of a Red Wizard called the Masked One) with which he armed and mobilized the army of Akanax to attack Cimbar, Soorenar and Luthcheq. This sparked a greater civil war in Chessenta until they rallied behind Hoar to attack Unther and the church of Ramman.
Ilsensine appeared in Oryndoll, inspiring citizens to great levels of ingenuity and the creation of the religious 'Venerator' faction.
Lolth briefly appeared in Menzoberranzan, granting Yvonnel Baenre the power to destroy House Oblodra after the crisis.
Milil stayed in his temple north of the city of Athkatla.
Nobanion fought and defeated Malar in the Gulthmere Forest.
Sekolah appeared in Serôs.
Selvetarm rampaged through the drow city of Eryndlyn, attacking followers of Vhaeraun and Ghaunadaur until their combined cults drove him off into the wild Underdark.
Set forged an alliance of convenience with Tiamat after her resurrection.
Shar appeared in Waterdeep, imprisoning and impersonating her twin sister Selûne. The Moonmaiden was eventually freed by her followers and Shar retreated into Undermountain where she attacked and killed Ibrandul. The Dark Goddess later tried to subsume Sharess in Calimport as well but was foiled.
Shiallia worked to undo the damage Malar had caused during his hunts, forging an alliance with Gwaeron Windstrom.
Siamorphe was rumored to have manifested in the Assumbar villa in Waterdeep, protecting many North Ward and Sea Ward buildings from Myrkul's Legion.
After battling Ubtao in Chult, Sseth entered a deep sleep. A sarrukh priest trapped Sseth on the Abyss and prevented him from waking up, allowing Set to usurp Sseth’s worship.
Sune saved Sharess from assassination at the hands of Shar and then freed her from the influence and corruption of the Lady of Loss.
Tempus appeared in Battledale and Mistledale. He also slew a drow lich named Malyk in the Underdark beneath Shadowdale.
Tyr was blinded by Ao's rage at the theft of the Tablets of Fate and then chose not to heal his eyes.
Umberlee wandered the seas surrounding the Pirate Isles attacking any pirates she met with storms. She also secretly appeared in the Trackless Sea after foreseeing the return of Iakhovas to make Slarkrethel her seraph.
Urdlen attacked several rural gnome communities, leaving the curse of lycanthropy in his wake which turned the survivors into weremoles.
The Red Knight, a little-known servant of Tempus, appeared as an avatar, and possessed the mortal Kaitlin Tindall Bloodhawk. She led a group of adventurers called the Order of the Red Falcon in battle against a horde of monsters in Tethyr
The dragon goddess of magic, Kereska, entirely subsumed the worship and portfolio of Kalzareinad, a demigod of dragon magic. Kalzareinad died shortly thereafter.
-
Iyachtu Xvim
Lesser PowerAlias(s): The Godson of Bane, the Godson, the son of Bane, the New Darkness, the Cruel Master
Symbol: A pair of bright, glowing green eyes superimposed on the palm of an upright, human-shaped hand of utter blackness
Home Plane: Chamada/Bastion of Hate
Portfolio: Tyranny, Hatred
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Cleric Alignments: LE, LN, NE
Domains: : Tyranny, Hatred, Law, Evil, Destruction
Favored Weapon: Morningstar
Allies: None (Formerly Bane)
Enemies: The entire Faerûnian pantheon, but especially CyricHistory:
Iyachtu Xvim (Ee-YAK-too ZVIHM) is said to be the result of a union between the Black Lord, Bane, and a greater or a true tanar’ri, and thus the blood of Bane runs through his veins. (Another tales says he is the spawn of the Black Lord and a corrupted paladin.)
Xvim served as Bane’s instrument in the Realms, carrying out the wall of his father prior to the Godswar. He apparently declared his independence with the Time of Troubles, though whether this occured before or after the death of his father is unknown. During the Time of Troubles, Xvim found himself mysteriously confined to the subterranean depths of Faerûn-specifically, under Zhentil Keep. It took the demi-power from the end of the Time of Troubles until the destruction of Zhentil Keep to escape his earthen prison and establish a base in Gehenna. (Rumors reporting that Xvim was sighted in the Moonshaes before his escape from beneath Zhentil Keep are attributed to the Cult of Bane there summoning up a tanar’ri or baatezu who took a form resembling that of Xvim in sly mockery of Xvim, since Xvim was unable to come himself.) Shortly after his emergence, Xvim was able to use a group of devout cultists to boost his stature to that of a lesser deity, and he now considers himself a full-fledged power of the planes.
Xvim is evil through and through. He is vain, arrogant, and a bully, just as he has always been. However, after his incarceration he seems smarter, cagier, and cannier than before and has taken a more subtle approach to power than earlier legends give him credit for. With the setbacks that Cyric suffered, Xvim managed to snatch away from Cyric some aspects of the former portfolio of his father, Bane. His plan is eventually to fully subsume his father’s Portfolio and status among the deities of Faerûn Xvim has a hatred for all the deities of Faerûn, regardless of alignment. He is unsure of who it was that put him in the earth. (One report claims it was Ao.) Xvim blames the entire Faerûnian pantheon for his misfortunes, and he plots his revenge accordingly. Xvim sees the Cyrinishad incident as an opportunity to show the former worshipers of Bane that the upstart mortal Cyric is incompetent and that only Bane or one of his blood is truly worthy of obedience. He wants to eliminate Cyric completely, but for now he is satisfied with seeing him reduced to power.
Apart from the rising church of Xvim in Zhentil Keep, Xvim is strongest in the East, particularly in Thay, but his cultists can be found throughout the Realms. Currently, Xvim is busy building up his clergy. He is centering his efforts in what’s left of Zhentil Keep. Just as the Keep is in the middle of its rebirth, Xvim sees his church as having a fresh start as well. Xvim considers the Keep’s comeback and his own ascendancy to be linked.Dogma:.Obey or die in pain and utter destruction. Enslave or slay the weak, and be sure that they know their suffering is in Xvim’s name and by his will. Cause pain and fearful obedience in others whenever prudent. Be a cruel, heartless tyrant, and Xvim shall be pleased. Slay the priests of other gods whenever you can do so without being identified by others. Capture tyrants and take them to senior clergy members to be delivered unto Xvim. Capture all wizards and bring their magic to the church.or bring them to Xvim’s most senior servants so that they can be transformed into creatures who will do service to Xvim as guardians. Spread fear of Xvim over all the lands. Destroy whatever and whoever bars his will and see that word of his power spreads but that no one survives to describe your deeds in detail except mortals who worship him. Destroy all witnesses to secret acts, but leave alive survivors to tell of Xvim’s power when spreading casual destruction. There is a delight in destruction.feel it, and indulge in it..
Typical Worshippers: Iyachtu Xvim attracts the same sort of cruel, power-hungry folk who worshiped Bane. Some are fascinated by the awe and fear they feel in his presence, some take comfort in the rigid rules and the promise that humankind will prevail over all through might, taming all Faerûn, and others feel truly alive when engaged in the ruthless intrigue that is unending in the Church of Darkness. Followers of Xvim, priests and lay folk, are called Xvimists, while priests of the Godson are known as Xvimlar, and the elite specialty priests of the faith are known as authlims.
-
Cyric is a brand new deity in the realms. He currently holds the Portfolios of Murder, Lies, Death, Strife, Intrigue and Illusion. The majority of his followers are former followers of Bhaal, Myrkul, and Bane- and all three are very different gods. Seeing in our setting Cyric is a nascent deity, I suggest we simply inform players to research the three deities and make the decision on which branch of Cyric they wish to represent.
Bane's Followers who converted to Cyric were largely in the Zhentarim.
Myrkul's Followers who converted went out of their way to change absolutely nothing on how they conducted business, merely changing the name of whom their prayers went to and the religious heraldry depicting their deity.
Bhaalites were still hired assassins and ritualistic murderers.
Official Clergy of Cyric would be former clergy of either Bane, Myrkul, and Bhaal- he hasn't had time to train his own clergy and priests to preach his message, and thus- the message he presents is very disjointed as he goes about organizing his Church.
He Is Not Insane At This Point In Time
-
Examples of "Heresies" that with the withdrawing of the Gods are more accepted in mainstream (much to the loathing and even fear of the Orthodox established churches)
https://forgottenrealms.fandom.com/wiki/Heresy
Players are encouraged to come up and represent their own interpretation of whatever god they follow. There is always the chance that this new interpretation will gain NPC support and loot/rewards if it Brings the Fun :tm:
-
An example of a Possible CoA Heresy:
Cult of the Shared Mind
Description: Psionics has always been an attribute of the underdark races. Duergar praise their Psionic Warlord Deep Duerra, Mindflayers create communes and share what is essentially a hive mind via their Elder Brain- the few exiles or independent minds treated as vile and insane. Mankind has always lacked this attribute- but many see its potential, and seek to awaken the power of the mind through magical stimulation, meditation, or strange and bizarre rituals to unlock the potential awaiting in all of us.
Preached by a strange beggar by the name of Ferril Autumnsbreath- he claims to have unlocked his psionic potential by living an aesthetics life. Simple living, water, bread, and occasional meat. Daily meditation and hardship to steel his will. He spreads his simple life and path and often performs miracles to convince believers in his path and message. He claims that a new god called the "Gestalt," opened his eyes and taught him the PATH to unlocking his potential- and that by having faith in this deity, that by awakening your own potential, so shall you perform miracles with the power of your will...and mankind shall usher into a new era of a Shared Intelligence, where the discoveries are shared together to rise and move forward...
-
While dead, Bhaal grants powers
Domains: Evil, Death
Cleric Alignments: LE, NE, CEDogma: Bhaalists believed that every murder committed strengthened holy Bhaal. As a result, they viewed murder as both a pastime and a duty. Bhaalists were required to deal death once in every tenday during the darkest period at the heart of the night. If imprisonment or other constraining circumstances made this impossible, they had to murder twice for each death missed. In accordance with the Lord of Murder's teachings, Bhaalists strove to ensure before they died, murder victims knew who was killing them and that their death was in the name of Bhaal. Novices of Bhaal were charged as follows: "Make all folk fear Bhaal. Let your killings be especially elegant, or grisly, or seem easy so that those observing them are awed or terrified. Tell folk that gold proffered can make the Lord of Murder overlook them for today".
-
For easier read, I have reformatted the text above and turned it into primer. This will be available as lore and guidance on the new forums. Some links do not work atm cause they link to the new forums and thus aren't reachable for players yet ;)
The Godswar: A brief summary
Since the end of the Godswar, the gods have withdrawn for reasons unknown. Divine casters may still cast their blessings, yet the gods no longer walk among mortals and do not communicate with anyone. Without the guidance of the gods after such a massive crisis, it has become up to the local churches to set the standards of their worship. Whilst wandering clerks use their personal experience and believes to craft their own view of their gods dogma.
As one may expect, many new churches, heresies, cults and strange forms worships have sprung up. The most famous one in Arabel's Kingdom is the True Sun. A faith which believes Amaunator's light to be a purifying power and a source of righteous justice. Whilst Lathander is but a false name for the All Powerful God of Absolute Law and a benevolent ordered society. Whilst orthodox followers of Lathander spit at the True Sun, claiming them to be heretics. Yet, with the powerful divine blessings cast by the True Sun's leader and their heroic deeds during the rebellions, some Arabellans have come to accept the faith with open arms.
// OOC: The year is 1359. Assume anything that is listed as canon leading up to and during the Time of Trouble has occurred. All canon events after that, is up to the DM team to decide what will and won't happen. //
//OOC: This is not to be considered common IC knowledge for any PC. At best this is rumor, tales from someone who's cousin had a friend who was there and saw it etc, with the exception of Tyrmora and Arabel. That would be fairly well known.. //
The Gods and Their Fate
Tymora
Our blessed lady luck, Tymora, graced the City with her presence. Protecting the City of Arabel from the crisis. She ventured across the land and blessed our lands with fortune. Upon her return to the heavens, the high priest Darmos Lauthyr joined her in her realm.Cyric - New
With the death of Myrkul at the hands of Mystra's mortal champion, Cyric was granted the portfolios of death. The faith has changed little since Cyric's claim to the Death Throne, the transition far simpler than most expected. Many members of Bane, Myrkul, and Bhaal's clergy converted to Cyric leading to a very disjointed view of Cyric's dogma.Bane - Slain
Greater god of tyranny, strife and hatred, a member of the Dead Three, was slain on Eleasis 13 in a climactic battle with the demigod Torm in battle outside of Tantras.Iyachtu Xvim
With the death of Bane, his half-deomic son Iyachtu Xvim has taken his place. It is a church of rising strength in Zhentil Keep and East, especially om Thay. But the church has followers across the realm, spreading fear of Xvim across the land.Mystra - Reborn
Slain by helm, creating the infamous Helmlands, Mystra's powers were inherited by her mortal champion Midnight. Since then, Midnight has taken Mystra's mantle as goddess of magic, as well as her name.Waukeen - Missing
None know for certain the faith of Waukeen, but her portfolio is now in the care of Lliira. Many of Waukeens former followers has converted to Lliira, the majority assuming the death of her goddess.Torm - Reborn
Once a demi god, Torm's great sacrifice whilst battling Bane resulted in him being reborn as a lesser deity.Bhaal - Slain
Whilst slain by Cyric, his followers can still cast their blessings and curses in his name. Leading to many questioning if Bhaal is truly dead. Many followers of Bhaal are still hired as assassins and ritualistic murderers.Tiamat - Reborn
Tiamat's three-headed incarnation was slain by Gilgeam. Her essence was divided among three dragons, the red Tchazzar, the blue Gestaniius, and the green Skuthosiin. Tchazzar consumed the other two and was subsumed by Tiamat. The Dragon Queen then destroyed Gilgeam late in the Godswar.Gilgeam - Slain
Demigod and king of Unther, was slain by TiamaHerne - Slain
A once corrupted avatar of Malar worshiped in the High Forest, was hunted and killed by Malar himself who then subsumed his worship.Ibrandul
Lesser god of caverns, remains in a stagnant battle against Lolth who desires dominion over these realms.Moander - Slain
Demigod of decay, was slain by Finder Wyvernspur, the later absorbed and adapted Moander's portfolio, and became of the cycle of life.Finder Wyvernspur - New
Once a exceptional adventurer and member of House Wyvernspur, Finder Wyvernspur ascended after he slayed Moander and absorbed his portfolio.Ramman - Slain
Untheric lesser god of war and storms, was slain by Hoar, but his portfolio was stolen by Anhur of the Mulhorandi pantheon.Aerdrie Faenya and Shaundakul
The pair initiated a romantic relationship and remained strong during the Godswar.Anhur
Appeared in Serôs. Battled and defeated Sekolah in the Alamber Sea.Azuth
Remained mostly hidden during the Godwar.Clangeddin and Labelas
The avatars of Clangeddin and Labelas fought all over Ruathym with Labelas winning the conflict.Deep Duerra
Masqueraded as the regent of Underspires, creating an elite army that went on to attack Ironfang Deep, Undraeth, and expanded the city's territory.Eilistraee
Lingered in the High Forest, in the location which became known as Darkmaiden's Leap. The goddess appeared to rescue a group of drow refugees and lead them to the safety of the temple of the Promenade.Eldath and Mielikki
Eldath spent a lot of time with Mielikki and the two were seen embracing as sisters.Garagos
Slaughtered many people in Westgate's harbour district before wading into the sea.Gond
Washed up on the shore of Lantan where he was quickly named patron deity of the region.Gwaeron Windstrom
Spent his time hunting Malar through The north when he appeared there.Hoar
Retrieved a cache of weapons from under Thaymount (while avoiding the schemes of a Red Wizard called the Masked One) with which he armed and mobilized the army of Akanax to attack Cimbar, Soorenar and Luthcheq. This sparked a greater civil war in Chessenta until they rallied behind Hoar to attack Unther and the church of Ramman.Ilsensine
Appeared in Oryndoll, inspiring citizens to great levels of ingenuity and the creation of the religious 'Venerator' faction.Lolth
Appeared briefly in Menzoberranzan, granting Yvonnel Baenre the power to destroy House Oblodra after the crisis.Milil
Stayed in his temple north of the city of Athkatla.Nobanion
Fought and defeated Malar in the Gulthmere Forest.Sekolah
Appeared in Serôs and did little else.Selvetarm
Rampaged through the drow city of Eryndlyn, attacking followers of Vhaeraun and Ghaunadaur until their combined cults drove him off into the wild Underdark.Set - Reborn
Forged an alliance of convenience with Tiamat after her resurrection.Shar and Selûne
Appeared in Waterdeep, imprisoning and impersonating her twin sister Selûne. The Moonmaiden was eventually freed by her followers and Shar retreated into Undermountain where she attacked and killed Ibrandul. The Dark Goddess later tried to subsume Sharess in Calimport as well but was foiled.Shiallia
Worked to undo the damage Malar had caused during his hunts, forging an alliance with Gwaeron Windstrom.Siamorphe
Was rumored to have manifested in the Assumbar villa in Waterdeep, protecting many North Ward and Sea Ward buildings from Myrkul's Legion.Sseth - Asleep
After battling Ubtao in Chult, Sseth entered a deep sleep. A sarrukh priest trapped Sseth on the Abyss and prevented him from waking up, allowing Set to usurp Sseth’s worship.Sune and Sharress
Sune saved Sharess from assassination at the hands of Shar and then freed her from the influence and corruption of the Lady of Loss.Tempus
Appeared in Battledale and Mistledale. He also slew a drow lich named Malyk in the Underdark beneath Shadowdale.Tyr
Was mysteriously blinded during the Godswar, but has chosen not to heal his own eyes.Umberlee
Wandered the seas surrounding the Pirate Isles attacking any pirates she met with storms. She also secretly appeared in the Trackless Sea after foreseeing the return of Iakhovas to make Slarkrethel her seraph.Urdlen
Attacked several rural gnome communities, leaving the curse of lycanthropy in his wake which turned the survivors into weremoles.The Red Knight - New
A little-known servant of Tempus, appeared as an avatar, and possessed the mortal Kaitlin Tindall Bloodhawk. She led a group of adventurers called the Order of the Red Falcon in battle against a horde of monsters in TethyrKereska - Slain
The dragon goddess of magic, Kereska, entirely subsumed the worship and portfolio of Kalzareinad, a demigod of dragon magic. Kalzareinad died shortly thereafter. -
Nice job Puffy.
An important reminder for all players:
This is not to be considered common IC knowledge for any PC. At best this is rumor, tales from someone who's cousin had a friend who was there etc.