Discussion: Pantheon

[Túrin]

As does this thread. Both religion and history have a great impact on the world, but I think they should be treated in separate threads, even as they work off each other occasionally.

@nastynate: even though history might be very different depending on who tells it, it's probably important to develop some sort of semi-objective baseline, which I think is what the history thread does.

[Numinous]

Alright, If we're gonna get this moving again, we need to stop debating and start making material.  Since I am the self-proclaimed expert pantheon builder, I present to you now the Lords of the Empire!

[spoiler=Lady Lauren]
Mistress of the Waters
Alignment: CN
Portfolio: The Sea, Freedom, and Beauty
Domains: Water, Chaos, Weather
Worshipers: Sailors, Women, and Fishermen
Favored Weapon: Net
History:  In life, Lady Lauren was a royal princess due to be married to a neighboring state as an alliance.  Her rebellious and free spirit of course rebelled against this course of action.  Rather than be married unhappily, she committed suicide by diving into the Bay of Tears.  Years later, as fishermen gathered greater numbers of fish from the waters, they gave thanks to the lady.  Her ghostly form was often seen on summer nights, falling into the water from a great height.  She now watches over the empire she fought so hard against, if only to protect her new home on the water.
[ooc]Ok, so the history needs some new work, but I like the suicide bit.  Maybe she's acually forced to be a part of the pantheon?[/ooc][/spoiler]

[spoiler=Lord Darrin]
Lord of Battles, the Burning Death
Alignment: LE
Portfolio: Power, Battle, Tactics, Anger, Greed
Domains: Fire, War, Destruction
Worshipers: Soldiers, Kings, and those seeking vengeance
Favored Weapon: Longsword
History: A great general in the imperial army, Darrin was struck down by an arrow near the end of his greatest tactical victory.  Known for his intense hatred of the enemy and his lust for power, he nevertheless was a prodigy in the arts of war.  He is now worshipped for his skill, and he watches over the empire he worked so hard to build.  He wants nothing more than to see it united once more, under a blood red flag.
[ooc]Once again, it needs some work, but it's a start.[/ooc][/spoiler]

[spoiler= Lord Garett]
The Duelist, The honorable
Alignment: LN
Portfolio: Duels, Honor, Luck, and the Wind
Domains: Air, Law, Luck
Worshipers: Nobles, Warriors, Gamblers, Diplomats, and Travelers
Favored Weapon: Rapier
History: A renowned duelist, and by all accounts a "lucky bastard".  Garett was a master swordsman, and led the empire to peace by engaging enemy rulers in single combat, and thus often he prevented great bloodshed.  He was known to be a kind man, but he never took well to slights against his honor.  Lord Garett always kept his word, even his promise to protect the empire forever, so now he does so even after death.
[ooc]Help with background anyone?  I debate making him a famous bard, but I'm just not sure.[/ooc][/spoiler]

[spoiler=King Theo]
The True King, the First Lord
Alignment: LG
Portfolio: Nobility, Peace, Happiness, and Order
Domains: Law, Good, Earth, and Protection
Worshipers: Rulers, Citizens of the Empire
Favored Weapon: Heavy Mace
History:  A simple farmer possessing a virtuous spirit, Lord Theo gathered a loyal band of mercenaries and assembled the Empire at the very beginning.  Since the beginning, he has watched over his kingdom from beyond death, and will continue to do so until the end of the world.
[ooc]I figured the first king should be a god, but I'm not sure how to play it, any ideas?[/ooc][/spoiler]

[spoiler=Archmage Devious]
The Father, Lord of the Arcane
Alignment: LE
Portfolio: Magic, trickery, betrayal, knowledge
Domains: Magic, Trickery, Knowledge, Evil
Worshipers: Wizards, Criminals, and Outlaws
Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff
History: The first archmage's true name has been lost to time, so now they call him Devious.  He was advisor to King Theo, and was his childhood friend.  Although evil at heart, the Archmage understands the value of trust, and works to keep the empire alive and therby preserve his own divinity.  He was responsible for the empire's first fall, but when this weakened him, he worked to restore it once again.  Now, he holds his own divinity, and the other Lords do not bother him for fear of the secrets he knows.
[ooc]I'd really like to se Devious developed ore, I think he's a really cool character.  bound to the fate of an empire he despises...  Ideas?[/ooc][/spoiler]

So, what do you think about the pantheon for the empire?  of course, additions would be nice, and help developing the history of the gods could help too.  I just wanted to get this moving again.

[CYMRO]

Lauren

Ok, so the history needs some new work, but I like the suicide bit. Maybe she's acually forced to be a part of the pantheon?

The suicide is good, especially if it was to be able to stay true to her real love, a lowly fisherman who was secretly executed by her family.
Replace women followers with lovers.


Darrin

Once again, it needs some work, but it's a start.

Darrin had attempted to bring back certain traditions that his more liberal(and good aligned) predecessors had stopped. (Maybe slavery, random imperial "kidnappings" to prove the victims' worth in the arena, etc.)  His military prowess was unmatched, but his lieutenants took advantage of his weakened condition in the great battle to nip in the bud a new imperial terror.
[ooc]I wrote a story over twenty years ago wherein the villain was named Darrius, so I like the name Darrin here.[/ooc]


Garrett

Help with background anyone? I debate making him a famous bard, but I'm just not sure.

Definitely a famous bard.
Ditch the noble followers bit.


Theo

I figured the first king should be a god, but I'm not sure how to play it, any ideas?

It plays well.

Devious

I'd really like to se Devious developed ore, I think he's a really cool character. bound to the fate of an empire he despises... Ideas?

Theo died childless, and Devious was the second emperor.  Maybe did the lich thing to stay in power.  

[Wix of Bel-Air]

Devious

I'd really like to se Devious developed ore, I think he's a really cool character. bound to the fate of an empire he despises... Ideas?

Theo died childless, and Devious was the second emperor.  Maybe did the lich thing to stay in power.  

Devious... really? That's the name we chose.

[Numinous]

Ok, I've redone the Lords and Ladies of the Empire based on Cym's suggestions, but more feedback would still be useful.  Let's get this project rolling, folks!

[spoiler=Lady Lauren]
Mistress of the Waters, Lady of Sorrow
Alignment: CN
Portfolio: The Sea, Freedom, Sadness, and Beauty
Domains: Water, Chaos, Weather
Worshipers: Sailors, Lovers, and Fishermen
Favored Weapon: Net
History:  In life, Lady Lauren was a royal princess due to be married to a neighboring state as an alliance.  Unfortunately, she was already in love with a local fisherman, and so she fought the engagement.  Rather than be married unhappily, she committed suicide by diving into the Bay of Tears.  King Theo took pity on her wretched spirit, and granted her divinity.  She now works to protect the people of the Empire from within the pantheon.  Her slergy is almost exclusively female, and worship is centered around her greatest temple, which floats by her divine will on the waters of the Bay of Tears.  Her ghostly form appears during ceremonies, manifesting as a beautiful maiden in a drenched wedding gown, weeping black tears.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Lord Darrin]
Lord of Battles, the Burning Death
Alignment: LE
Portfolio: Power, Battle, Tactics, Vengeance
Domains: Fire, War, Destruction
Worshipers: Soldiers, Kings, and those seeking vengeance
Favored Weapon: Longsword
History: A scheming and brilliant general int he Imperial army, Darian wasn't just destined for greatness, he had achieved it.  his ruthless campaign to gain power had seen him rise in rank rapidly, and his tactical brilliance made him worthy of his new prestige.  Through any means neccessary, he had achieved power, and in tragedy his power was lost.  Becoming paranoid about treachery, he began an inquisition among his forces, striking without warning or good reason.  Because of his lack of faith in his troops, they left him one day before a battle, letting the enemy destroy him.  King Theo promoted him as a god to watch over the Empire's wars after death, but he still seeks vengeance for his death.

Priests of Darian are often trained in the ways of war, and become great leaders.  They often train in the arts of war to better serve the will of their lord and master, the embodiment of war.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Lord Garett]
The Duelist, The Honorable
Alignment: LN
Portfolio: Duels, Honor, Luck, Music, and the Wind
Domains: Air, Law, Luck
Worshipers: Bards, Gamblers, Diplomats, and Travelers
Favored Weapon: Rapier
History: A folk hero to all, this honorable rogue brought joy to the people and confounded the imperial guard to no end.  Seeking to establish the value of honor, he sought never to break a law, and to spread happiness everywhere.  His lute is famous for the soothing effect it had on his foes, and his blade was famous for putting to rest those who ignored his warnings.  Traveling the empire, he always had a story to tell and a quest to continue.  Eventually, he was captured and killed by Lord Darian under the charges of being a spy, to which he objected vehemently.  One unfair trial later, the greatest hero of the empire was hung from the gallows.  Given a chance to continue his mission of joy, he was given divinity by King Theo, and now he gains pleasure from seeing his stories live on.

Priests of Garett are generous, well mannered, and always keep their word.  Honor is of utmost importance, and mercy shortly follows it.  They seek to spread joy throughout the land, and their stories put dreams of glory into the hearts of many young children.  The priests are welcomed into any home, as it is said those who shelter one are blessed with good luck for a great time afterward.  Since the clergy is always traveling, Garett has no temple but the home of a willing host.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=King Theo]
The True King, the First Lord
Alignment: LG
Portfolio: Nobility, Peace, Happiness, and Order
Domains: Law, Good, Earth, and Protection
Worshipers: Rulers, Citizens of the Empire
Favored Weapon: Heavy Mace
History:  A simple farmer possessing a virtuous spirit, Lord Theo gathered a loyal band of mercenaries and assembled the Empire at the very beginning.  Since the beginning, he has watched over his kingdom from beyond death, and will continue to do so until the end of the world.[/spoiler]

[spoiler=Archmage Devious]
The Father, Lord of the Arcane
Alignment: LE
Portfolio: Magic, Death, Betrayal, Knowledge
Domains: Magic, Death, Knowledge, Evil
Worshipers: Necromancers, Criminals, and Outlaws
Favored Weapon: Quarterstaff
History: The first archmage's true name has been lost to time, so now they call him Devious.  He was advisor to King Theo, and was his childhood friend.  Although evil at heart, the Archmage understands the value of trust, and works to keep the empire alive and thereby preserve his own divinity.  He was the Empire's second ruler, as declared by the will of king Theo.  He was deposed after achieving Lichdom however, and this angered him so greatly that he cursed all who would take the throne.  Now, directly responsible for the empire's first fall and driven to madness by the betrayal of his kingdom, he sits plotting his revenge and dispensing his arcan knowledge to those wo seek it and would pay the price.

The Worshippers of the Archmage Devious are rarely priests, and often whisper their prayers in fear.  He has no official temples, although his blessing is said to lie on the Imperial archives.[/spoiler]

[CYMRO]

The Worshippers of the Archmage Devious are rarely priests, and often whisper their prayers in fear. He has no official temples, although his blessing is said to lie on the Imperial archives.

I like it. :thumbsup:

[Numinous]

So, I guess this means I should put it in the Wiki, if nobody has any objectives or additional ideas for me.

[Ishmayl-Retired]

I have no objections, but let's hear from more first.

[Gremlin]

Sorry to pop in here randomly, but I was wondering what caused people to ascend to godhood in the empire.  Perhaps the people believe in the innate divinity of their rulers ("chosen by fate/gods" or some such) and that belief is so powerful the rulers ascend?  If there haven't been any ascensions in awhile, it's because the new rulers of the empire haven't inspired the fervent loyalty and faith that the rulers of the older empire had.  Drop in population would affect them as well.

What about a reincarnation/soul transference thing?  The gods send portions of themselves in new rulers, and these seeds of divinity allow the rulers to become gods (or saints or whatever) upon death?  Maybe gods fight over who gets to put their particular divine spark in the new ruler?  Imagine Devious trying to put a bit of his dark soul in the new king, but Garett has to beat him to it.  Maybe it's ritualistic thing that occurs when the king is crowned?  Or maybe they're born with it?  Would the gods be racing to get their souls into rulers?  Would they have a measure of control over the soul recipient?

Idea: Devious, being a lich, knows a thing or to about storing the soul somewhere safe.  What if he hid a bit of his soul in the ancestral crown?  No matter who gets their soul in the ruler, Devious always has some measure of control over the king as long as the crown is on his head.  That way he doesn't have to worry about the bickering over who gets the next ruler and he can focus on more important things.

[Ravenspath]

What exactly should I picture when you say "death" is a totem god?

Going off this idea here is a very rough idea:

Death Totem
An Unkindness of Fiendish Ravens.
Domains: Death, Evil, Destruction, Trickery

Released into the world as a cruel joke, the Unkindness flourished in a world ripe for deception and death. As the flock traveled the skies leaving a path of destruction, humanoids began to fear, then worship the birds in hopes of staving off the flocks wrath. This lead to an even greater amount of power for the Ravens, giving them power over death itself. Followers of the Death Totem use the power of fear to get their way, to control others as they see fit. A city state, dedicated to the Ravens values might and will use any means necessary to gain what they believe to be rightfully theirs.

[Poseptune]

What exactly should I picture when you say "death" is a totem god?

Going off this idea here is a very rough idea:

Death Totem
An Unkindness of Fiendish Ravens.
Domains: Death, Evil, Destruction, Trickery

Released into the world as a cruel joke, the Unkindness flourished in a world ripe for deception and death. As the flock traveled the skies leaving a path of destruction, humanoids began to fear, then worship the birds in hopes of staving off the flocks wrath. This lead to an even greater amount of power for the Ravens, giving them power over death itself. Followers of the Death Totem use the power of fear to get their way, to control others as they see fit. A city state, dedicated to the Ravens values might and will use any means necessary to gain what they believe to be rightfully theirs.

I really like that idea.

How many totems are going to be in the world?

[Ravenspath]

I really like that idea.

How many totems are going to be in the world?

[/quote]

Thanks,I had fun making it, but then I am biased towards Ravens.

The CBGWiki lists 11 totems. Which brings up a question. How do we decide that something posted is canon?

The CeBeGia forum is one of the first thing that really attracted me to posting and I thrilled to have it back in some people's minds!

[beejazz]

Still brainstorming here, what about something a little crazy:

Howabout a progenitor race, from eons ago, that actually created monstrous versions of creatures they knew to be alive.  Maybe this ancient race knew the machinations of clockworks and gears, and was able to create what would essentially be called robots.  Large constructs of iron, brass, gears, lubricants, and various weapons that could be activated with the right power source.  There would be a clockwork version of a roc, but even larger than an actual roc.  Anyway, the progenitor race died away, and then several millenia later, some foolish humans (who else?) stumbled upon one of these constructs.  When accidentally activating it, it activated all of them (possibly at least a dozen, possibly many, many more), and lead to what sages and lorekeepers call some generic hostile time in the past (such as "The Year of Flame," or "The Nine Days of the Shaken Pillars of the Earth," or something along those lines).  The constructs were eventually allowed to sleep again, and were hidden by the people who found them, to be worshipped as gods.  Thus, maybe only 10 of them survived, so there are ten very large, and very distinct cultures out there who worship these constructs as gods, and literally draw power from them (possibly from the power source within the constructs).  Thus, they would see the natural versions of the represented creature to be avatars of their "god."  If a real roc flew overhead - or lived nearby - the culture who worshipped the construct roc, they would view it as either a terrible omen, or a special blessing.  The roc would be a religious symbol.

Anyway, that's just brainfarting because I'm still too lazy this early to get out and do the work on my truck that I have to do today.  I'm in love with this concept, and if we don't use it here, it's going to find some implementation in Shadowfell.

Cheers!

uber1337?

[Higgs Boson]

I was just thinking, while i was looking at the rings thread. i was wondering, maybe we could have a primitive culture, like a barbarian tribe or something, or maybe even not primitive, anyways, how abouts having a culture that worships the rings themselves as gods, or they worship whatever they believe created the rings and believe that the rings themselves are religious symbols or something like that.

[Poseptune]

I was just thinking, while i was looking at the rings thread. i was wondering, maybe we could have a primitive culture, like a barbarian tribe or something, or maybe even not primitive, anyways, how abouts having a culture that worships the rings themselves as gods, or they worship whatever they believe created the rings and believe that the rings themselves are religious symbols or something like that.

I like it. To expand, depending on how many rings that are decided upon, this civilization could use each of the rings to symbolize the virtues by which they live by. The number is very important to them, and holds special meaning in their civilization.