Z is for Zinjen, the Eternal Sentry...

Good Morning, All:

For my twenty-sixth post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demigod in service to Joven, the Healing Hand. Z is for Zinjen, the Eternal Sentry:

Zinjen, the Eternal Sentry
Zinjen is the demigod patron of defenders, guardians and protectors. The Eternal Sentry is honored by guards, sentries and defenders, particularly those seeking to stand between their charges and the dangers that threaten them. As a mortal, Zinjen served as a holy guard in a temple of Joven, devoted in his protection of the servants of the Healing Hand. The Eternal Sentry had earned great respect and reverence for his dedication and purpose, as well as his constant defense of those who called upon Joven. It is said that, in one particularly memorable battle, Zinjen led a small force of temple guardians to hold off a vast army so that priests of the Healing Hand could successfully flee with the temple's most precious artifacts. Although the odds were desperately stacked against him, Zinjen and his companions stood against the tide of the raiding forces for three days and three nights, slaying hundreds before, one by one, they were felled. At the end of that terribly long battle, Zinjen finally fell, although it was not until he received word that the priests had successfully escaped with the relics of Joven. For this great service, the Healing Hand honored him with a divine spark, and made Zinjen the Eternal Sentry over his Manors Divine.
The favored weapon of the Eternal Sentry is the longsword, and his symbol is a white helm on a red shield.

Enjoy,
Flynn

Y is for Yesha, the Daughter of Waves...

Good Morning, All:

For my twenty-fifth post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demigoddess in service to Oceanus, the Sea Warden. Y is for Yesha, the Daughter of Waves:

Yesha, the Daughter of Waves
Yesha is the demigoddess patron of lakes, streams and fishing. Revered by nomads, farmers and fishermen, Yesha is honored by throwing pieces of bread into a body of water, which is said to bring good fortune to those who live on the bounty of the waters. Yesha was once a priestess of Oceanus, who brought the word of the Sea Warden to several great lakes located far from the great seas of the world. Yesha preached that Oceanus would provide to those in need, and taught many the joys of fishing. Indeed, Yesha is often attributed with the following parable: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, but teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." She served Oceanus and her community as a guardian of water sources, and was instrumental in preventing the spread of disease and poison through contaminated water supplies. She was held in great regards by the fishing folk of the great lakes, and so it came to pass that Oceanus took an interest in the priestess. He arranged to meet with her while disguised, and was so impressed with her kindness, her piety and her sharing of her religious lore and fishing skill that the Sea Warden fell in love with Yesha. Adopting her as his own child, Oceanus gave the Daughter of Waves a divine spark, and gave her dominion over smaller bodies of water and the fish that dwell in them.
The favored weapon of the Daughter of Waves is the net, and her symbol is a golden fish.

Enjoy,
Flynn

X is for Xathandra, the Lady of Spring...

Good Morning, All:

For my twenty-fourth post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demigoddess in service to Herea, the Hearth Mother. X is for Xathandra, the Lady of Spring:

Xathandra, the Lady of Spring
Xathandra is the demigoddess patron of prosperity, renewal and vitality. Honored among many folk, from athletes to aristocrats, from merchants to monks, Xathandra is most often worshiped in spring festivals and the planting of crops in the field. Xathandra was once a mortal priestess of Herea, who took great joy in the creation of life and the strengthening of the community that comes from fertile fields. She studied the ways of agriculture, and taught the techniques she developed to farmers throughout the realms she traversed, as well as spreading the dogma of Herea. More than one township arose along the frontier and then survived through the implementation of Xathandra's agricultural ways, leading to many shrines and temples to the Hearth Mother. Herea noticed that her followers in these regions often performed ritual plays depicting the blessing of knowledge by the Hearth Mother unto Xathandra, who then shared that lore with the people. Curious, Herea disguised herself and met with Xathandra. The Hearth Mother tested Xathandra's piety, and found that the Lady of Spring was a truly devout follower. Pleased with Xathandra's efforts, Herea blessed her with a divine spark and bestowed providence over the planting of the fields upon the Lady of Spring.
Xathandra's favored weapon is the light mace, and her symbol is a rising golden sun.

Enjoy,
Flynn

W is for Wodan, the Death Bearer...

Good Morning, All:

For my twenty-third post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demigod in service to Thanatos, the Flame Lord. W is for Wodan, the Death Bearer:

Wodan, the Death Bearer
Wodan is the demigod patron of berserkers, battle and gathering the souls of the fallen. While the Death Bearer is honored by those who enter into a frenzied state during battle, most call upon Wodan when a warrior has fallen, that the soul of the dead hero may be carried swiftly and safely into the Spirit World. Wodan's mortal existence is shrouded in mystery, and some scholars suggest that he's always held a divine spark. Whatever his past may have held, Wodan is now known for his berserker rage, his love of battle and his exuberance for seeing the souls of the slain safely into the hands of Thanatos, the Flame Lord. Bearer of the Spear of Death, Wodan rides a great black-feathered raven into battle.
The favored weapon of the Death Bearer is the spear, and his symbol is a black raven.

Enjoy,
Flynn

V is for Vanuros, the Sun Lord...

Good Morning, All:

For my twenty-second entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the final god of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the god of the sun. V is for Vanuros, the Sun Lord:

Vanuros, the Sun Lord
Vanuros is the god of light, the sun, the sky and weather. Revered by creatures of the air or oppose darkness, and feared by those who suffer at the hands of foul weather, the Sun Lord is the patron of flyers, sailors, farmers, wind runners and other wanderers. His temples are often erected in open fields, on mountaintops and at the top of towers and pyramids, where the sun’s rays may shine on them and bestow upon those within the blessings of Vanuros. His priests observe the changing of the weather patterns, and are particularly celebratory during fierce storms. The Sun Lord’s doctrines to his devout followers include the following:

• Protect the creatures of the sky, particularly flying creatures, for they are close to the sun and thus sacred to Vanuros.
• To experience the true blessing of the Sun Lord, one must work and travel in the open. To avoid experiencing weather for more than a month is tantamount to denying Vanuros and his dominion.
• Do not seek to control the weather through magic, for attempting to impose one’s will on that of the Sun Lord is sheer folly.

The favored weapon of Vanuros, the Sun Lord, is the warhammer, and his symbol is the golden lightning bolt.

Enjoy,
Flynn

U is for Uthor, the Great Archer...

Good Morning, All:

For my twenty-first post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demigod in service to Alonna, the Wild Lady. U is for Uthor, the Great Archer:

Uthor, the Great Archer
Uthor is the demigod patron of archery, running and survival. Uthor is often called upon during hunts and tournaments when accuracy spells the difference between success and failure. As a mortal, Uthor was an accomplished woodsman devoted to the worship of Alonna, whom some claim may have been his mother. Fleet of foot and keen of eye, Uthor lived off the land, accepting the gifts of the Wild Lady as he traveled from realm to realm, teaching her word to those who would listen. Vigilant against the acts of those who ravages the land, Uthor often sought out refugees exiled by raiders and armies, teaching them to survive by living off the land and to defend themselves through the use of the great longbow. According to legend, when Uthor died at the hands of rampaging humanoids, a white unicorn visited the corpse at his funeral. With a bowed head, the unicorn touched Uthor with its twisted horn and raised him from the dead. Uthor rose from the pyre and leapt to the side of the unicorn. Together, the two ran into the woods, much to the shock of the mourners who had gathered. On that day, Uthor received the blessing of a divine spark from Alonna, and became the patron of archery, running and survival.
Uthor's favored weapon is the longbow, and his symbol is a vine-entwined golden longbow.

Enjoy,
Flynn

Informal Poll: On the Future of the Blog...

Good Morning, All:

I've scheduled the last six posts for the coming week, rounding out my participation in the A-Z Challenge, and in the process designing a consolidated pantheon to use in my future campaigns. It was a lot of fun from my perspective, but the number of comments dropped considerably. Therefore, I thought I'd check with you guys and see what your thoughts were on the future of the blog.

Do you like the focus on a specific topic on a monthly basis? Or do you prefer a variety of topics covered on an as-inspired basis?

Do you prefer campaign background pieces or rules discussions? Or a healthy mix of each?

Do you like smaller posts made more frequently or larger posts made less frequently?

Now's your chance to have some input on the future direction of "In Like Flynn." I'm eager to hear what you guys are looking for, so I can make this blog more suited to your needs.

With Regards,
Flynn

T is for Thanatos, the Flame Lord...

Good Morning, All:

For my twentieth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the twelth of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the fiery god of the Underworld. T is for Thanatos, the Flame Lord:

Thanatos, the Flame Lord
Thanatos is a god of fire, war, death and the Underworld. The Flame Lord is invoked on every major battlefield, and his followers include mercenaries, soldiers and warriors from every way of life. Temples and shrines to Thanatos, the Flame Lord, exist in many martial training halls and war colleges, as well as the sites of particularly bloody and brutal battles. His priests give holy significance to combat, and honor the passing of great warriors. Thanatos demands the following from those devoted to his teachings:

• Life is a battle, thus every battle should be seen as a testament and celebration of life. Victory is the greatest glory anyone could seek, and conquest is a sacred responsibility.
• That which does not kill us makes us stronger, and only the strong survive. The devout must never lose a battle through the ineffective use of superior force, lest they fall from grace.
• When a great warrior has fallen in battle, his passage into Thanatos’s realm must be observed and recognized, for his works on the battlefield brought honor to the Flame Lord. The burial of a warrior’s body is a great sacrilege, while a funeral pyre is considered fitting and appropriate in the eyes of Thanatos.
• Followers of Thanatos must always be the last to leave a violent conflict (whether individually or en masse), for to do otherwise is to dishonor the teachings of Thanatos.

Although Thanatos is skilled with every conceivable weapon, his favored weapon is the glaive, and his symbol is a crimson skull of flame.

Enjoy,
Flynn

S is for Sandamos, the Demon King…

Good Morning, All:

For my nineteenth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the eleventh of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the god of demons. S is for Sandamos, the Demon King:

Sandamos, the Demon King
Sandamos is the god of demons, darkness, shadows and vengeance. It was Sandamos that created the demons, and is also honored by assassins, cabalists, and those who seek justice through revenge. Sandamos is typically worshiped by hidden cults, slavers and slaveholders, and the most oppressive of tyrannical overlords. His priests observe the darkest of secret rites, often on the night of the new moon or the winter solstice, which is the longest night of the year. The commandments of the Demon King include the following:

• The devout must use manipulation and subjugation to exert control over others, when possible, or must seek stealth and vengeance when subjugation is not immediately possible.
• Chaos leads to a lack of control, and control must be maintained at all costs. Cruelty is, therefore, a sacred responsibility. The illusion of peace is a failure’s false solace.
• It is always better to do unto others than to have it done unto you. When you suffer at the hands of another, then it becomes paramount that you seek vengeance for the injustice done to you at their hand.

Sandamos’s favored weapon is the barbed whip, and the Demon King’s symbol is a black spiraled whip.

Enjoy,
Flynn

R is for Reverie, the Dream Walker…

Good Morning, All:

For my eighteenth post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demigoddess in service to Psyche, the Weaver of Fates. R is for Reverie, the Dream Walker:

Reverie, the Dream Walker
Reverie is the demigoddess patron of dreams, slumber and illusions. The Dream Walker is most frequently called by those who suffer sleep maladies, ranging from insomnia to relentless nightmares, softly singing her lullaby hymns as they prepare for bed. Trained as a Mage-Monk in service to Psyche, the Weaver of Fates, Reverie excelled in the esoteric martial styles of the fighting cloak, using it to augment her significant unarmed combat skills. As she grew older, however, Reverie turned toward her magic. Seeking to perfect illusions with the same devotion she gave to her goddess and her martial arts, Reverie became quite the accomplished Illusionist-Archmagus. The people of her day dared to compare Reverie's mastery of illusions to the magical prowess of her patron goddess, so much so that it came to the attention of the Weaver of Fates herself. One night, Psyche visited Reverie in her dreams, and there the Dream Walker wove such a powerful illusion that she impressed Psyche. Reverie offered the dreamscape she had created as a tribute to her goddess, who appreciated its beauty so much that Psyche gave it form in the Spirit World and took it as her Manor Divine. As a reward for the exceptional craftsmanship put into the illusion, Psyche gave the Dream Walker a divine spark and took her as a servitor.
The favored weapon of the Dream Walker is the fighting cloak, and her symbol is that of a blue cloak.

NOTE: A fighting cloak closely resembles a normal cloak and can be worn as one when not in combat. The main differences are that it is likely to be made of heavier material and the hem will be weighted with a chain or metal beads. The heavy material (usually thick wool) improves its durability and adds extra padding for blocking. The weighted hem ensures that the wielder can whip it around with enough momentum and speed to be effective and gives the cloak something heavy with which to strike. Being made out of simple, if durable cloth, a well-used fighting cloak is often in need of frequent repair or replacement.

The fighting cloak is primarily a defensive weapon and is most often encountered as an off-hand weapon by someone also wielding a light, one-handed weapon such as a dagger or short sword. Occasionally, it is used by martial artists trained in their use. The fighting cloak can be used as a flourishing distraction and to bind up an opponent's weapon so he cannot attack effectively. Characters should treat a fighting cloak as a buckler or small shield, except when it is used to strike. Strikes with the weighted edges of a fighting cloak inflict the same damage as a club.

Enjoy,
Flynn

Q is for Quanana, the Mother of Mercy...

Good Morning, All:

For my seventeenth post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demigoddess in service to Lorae, the Sacred Muse. Q is for Quanana, the Mother of Mercy:

Quanana, the Mother of Mercy
Quanana is the demigoddess patron of compassion, mercy and spiritual transformation. Quanana is often sought by those who seek inner peace and tranquility, as well as caregivers and instructors. She is most often honored through frequent meditation. In her mortal life, Quanana was the second daughter of a great Emperor, who had been raised in a temple devoted to Lorae, the Sacred Muse. When Quanana came of age, the Emperor asked his daughter to marry a wealthy but uncaring man. Quanana respectfully refused him, for the marriage would not ease the pain and suffering of the people of the land. Outraged, the Emperor sought to punish Quanana for her insolence, forcing his daughter to perform the most menial and hardest of chores with very little food and water. Yet Quanana did not yield in her stance, and maintained her prayers to the Sacred Muse. Seeing Quanana's religious ways, the Emperor eventually allowed her to toil in the Temple of Lorae, but demanded that the priestesses there give her the toughest chores in order to discourage her. Grudgingly, the priestesses did so, to avoid the Temple's destruction at the hands of the Emperor, and Quanana worked hard but did not give in to her father's demands. Lorae, aware of Quanana's struggles and devotion, sent animals to aid her. The Emperor, seeing this, became so frustrated that he attempted to burn down the Temple. Quanana put out the fire with her bare hands, suffering no burns through the blessings of Lorae. The Emperor, consumed by his rage, ordered her death. Just as the executioner's blade was to fall, the Sacred Muse appeared in the form of a great tiger, struck down the Emperor and left with Quanana safely in her jaws. At the Temple, Lorae gave Quanana a divine spark and graced her as the Mother of Mercy, that Quanana continue to share that which she earned at the hand of the goddess.
The favored weapon of the Mother of Mercy is the quarterstaff, and her symbol is that of a white hand with fingers spread.

Enjoy,
Flynn

P is for Psyche, the Weaver of Fates…

Good Morning, All:

For my sixteenth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the tenth of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the goddess of magic. P is for Psyche, the Weaver of Fates:

Psyche, the Weaver of Fates
Psyche is the goddess of fate, secrecy, magic and knowledge. Her followers include mages, sages, astronomers, judges, oracles and educators. Her shrines and temples can be found in libraries, universities, observatories and arcane sites. Psyche’s priests bear witness to the unfolding of prophecy and destiny. Psyche’s teachings include the following strictures:

• Followers are enjoined to support works and deeds that recover and preserve lost knowledge and lore, for education is a sacred responsibility. They must also seek out omens, signs and portents, for they often reveal secrets that have been lost.
• The devout must not lie, for doing so promotes false knowledge and lore, and that is an affront to the Weaver of Fates. It is better to be silent than to spread false knowledge.
• Practice good divination, protect those who accept the Will of the Gods, and defend others against those who would defy their destiny.
• Magic, in all its forms, is sacred to Psyche, and those who would destroy magical lore, mystic sites or accomplished arcanists are anathema in the eyes of the Weaver of Fates.

Psyche’s favored weapon is the quarterstaff, and her symbol is a golden eye.

Enjoy,
Flynn

O is for Oceanus, the Sea Warden…

Good Morning, All:

For my fifteenth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the ninth of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the god of oceans. O is for Oceanus, the Sea Warden:

Oceanus, the Sea Warden
Oceanus is the god of water, rivers and the sea. His followers include sailors, traders, fishermen, explorers and those who travel upon or within great bodies of water. Given his strong ties to the oceans, most temples to the Sea Warden are constructed on islands and in coastal regions, but shrines can be found near any significant body of water. Oceanus favors the daring and the hard-working, and his priests observe the ebb and flow of the tides. His dogma includes the following lessons:

• The sea can be harsh, and it can be fierce; this makes one strong through many trials and tribulations, and purifies the soul with its waters. The devout must greet each storm with determination, and be baptized in the waters of the world at least once a season.
• Life without risk is empty; live life to the fullest and damn the consequences. Wanderlust is a sacred responsibility, and every journey is a pilgrimage.
• Protect creatures of the oceans and other bodies of water, both upon their surfaces and in their depths.

Oceanus’s favored weapon is the trident, and his symbol is a blue wave’s crest.

Enjoy,
Flynn

N is for Nabaneth, the Holy Wanderer…

Good Morning, All:

For my fourteenth post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demigod in service to Dworkin, the Stone Father. N is for Nabaneth, the Holy Wanderer:

Nabaneth, the Holy Wanderer
Nabaneth is the demigod patron of travel, wanderlust and exploration, which makes him very popular among adventurers. The Holy Wanderer is frequently called by those who have no home, particular those who prefer to travel rather than settle down in a given community. According to popular belief, Nabaneth blesses those who begin each day's travel by pouring a handful of earth, dirt or sand back onto the ground to be caught by the winds. Nabaneth was once a priest of Dworkin who traveled from city to city, spreading the word of the Stone Father's teachings. Over the course of a long life, Nabaneth made many friends and acquaintances, and never settled in any one community. From the day of his ordination until his death well into old age, the Holy Wanderer made his travels a continuous homage to the glory of the Stone Father. Over the course of his journey, many adventurers traveled alongside Nabaneth, sharing stories of far-off lands and obscure regional lore. A great number of heroes and rulers claimed that they owed the start of their great success in the information gleaned from conversations with the Holy Wanderer. Dworkin was so impressed by the pious Nabaneth's lifelong devotion that, as the elderly priest approached his death, the Stone Father blessed him with a gift of a divine spark. Although the mortal priest spiritually ascended to become the demigod of travel, wanderlust and exploration, on that wondrous day, some say Nabaneth still walks the roads less traveled throughout the lands of mortal men, preaching the word of his beloved Stone Father.
The favored weapon of the Holy Wanderer is the quarterstaff, and his symbol is that of a two quarterstaves crossed saltire.

Enjoy,
Flynn

M is for Meritus, the Great Lord…

Good Morning, All:

For my thirteenth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the eighth of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the god of honor. M is for Meritus, the Great Lord:

Meritus, the Great Lord
Meritus is the god of honor, justice and nobility. Revered by all who consider themselves honorable and righteous, Meritus is most frequently called upon by sovereigns, nobles, courtiers, judges and knights. His temples are often found in palaces, manors and noble courts. Priests of Meritus frequently attend courts, that they may offer advice to nobles who may be endangering themselves or those whom they serve. The Great Lord’s doctrines to his devout followers include the following:

• Support good works and deeds that promote peace and a harmonious community. Do not tolerate willful acts of violence and destruction, nor unrepentant criminals.
• The devout must seek out and destroy all undead and other creatures noted for their dishonorable deeds, and shall not suffer such a creature to exist which could potentially bring great harm to others.
• Those of noble blood are blessed by the Great Lord. It is a sacred responsibility to take reasonable actions to protect or serve duly recognized and divinely blessed nobility.
• All aristocracy that bear the favor of Meritus should conduct their business justly and honorably, lest the Great Lord’s blessing transform into a curse.

Meritus’s favored weapon is the long sword, and the symbol of the Great Lord is a white phoenix.

Enjoy,
Flynn

L is for Lorae, the Sacred Muse…

Good Morning, All:

For my twelfth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the seventh of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the goddess of the arts. L is for Lorae, the Sacred Muse:

Lorae, the Sacred Muse
Lorae is the goddess of the arts, creativity, music and peace. The Sacred Muse is worshiped in theaters, concert halls, and festivals, wherever music and the arts are practiced and celebrated. Lorae is honored by painters, sculptors, singers, musicians, writers and diplomats, among others. Her priests host seasonal and annual events that promote artistic works in various forms. The Lessons of Lorae support the following dogma:

• The faithful are enjoined to act against the defiling or destruction of great artistic works, including censorship, for such is an affront to the Sacred Muse.
• All life deserves reverence. One should promote mercy and compassion for the living, and condemn murder and wanton destruction.
• The price of peace is vigilance. It is a sacred duty to always seek a diplomatic resolution to any conflict, for violence paves the road to suffering, and suffering taints the purity of the arts.

Lorae’s favored weapon is the club, and the symbol of the Sacred Muse is a golden harp.

Enjoy,
Flynn

K is for Kali'na, Maiden of Murder…

Good Morning, All:

For my eleventh post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demi-goddess in service to Sandamos, the Demon King. K is for Kali'na, Maiden of Murder:

Kali'na, Maiden of Murder
Kali’na is the demi-goddess patron of murder, slaughter and assassinations. Kali'na is frequently called by those who slay in the heat of the moment, or with intense emotion, for it is believed that the Maiden of Murder will protect those who slay from the consequences of their actions. Kali'na was once a holy assassin, a priestess-slayer who killed in the name of Sandamos. She was always called upon to avenge the destruction of various cults devoted to the Demon King. Her most legendary series of murders involved the assassination of a demi-god and his entire order of Inquisitor-priests, in retaliation for their hunt of the persecution of the followers of Sandamos. It is said that Kali'na did not receive her divine spark from the hand of Sandamos, but rather slew another of his servitors and took it for herself. The Demon King was sufficiently impressed with Kali'na's abilities and attitude that he allowed her to keep the spark and serve him as the demi-goddess of murder, slaughter and assassinations.
The favored weapon of the Maiden of Murder is the dagger, and her symbol is a black kris dagger.

Enjoy,
Flynn

J is for Joven, the Healing Hand…

Good Morning, All:

For my tenth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the sixth of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the god of healing. J is for Joven, the Healing Hand:

Joven, the Healing Hand
Joven is the god of healing, protection, strength and wisdom. Given the dangers of the world at large, many cities and townships possess temples to the Healing Hand, as well as shrines in the wilderness where travelers may find peace and solace. Joven is often revered by healers and midwives, by the injured and infirm, and by those who guard and protect others. His priests spend at least an hour each day in meditation, devotions and exercise. Joven offers the following truths to enlighten his followers:

• True strength comes from a balance of the physical and the spiritual. It is a sacred responsibility to care for your own body and mind, for you cannot easily heal others if you yourself are ill or infirmed.
• The devout are enjoined to provide reasonable protection for those who are endangered by others, and it is a sin to deliberately take action against those whom you have sworn to protect.
• Follow the example of the Healing Hand, and offer reasonable healing efforts to individuals in need. If you do not know how to heal, then learn. If you are skilled in healing, then teach.

Joven’s favored weapon is the fist (unarmed combat), and the symbol of the Healing Hand is a green ouroboros.

Enjoy,
Flynn

I is for Indra, the Storm Mistress…

Good Morning, All:

For my ninth post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demigoddess in service to Vanuros, the Sun Lord. I is for Indra, the Storm Mistress:

Indra, the Storm Mistress
Indra is the demigoddess patron of rain, storms and the four winds. The Queen of Storms is frequently called upon in times of foul weather and high winds, particularly when rainfall is heavy. Those who seek her aid tend to stand in the open and raise their arms in supplication, facing the full extent of the harsh weather. Indra was once a high priestess of Vanuros, the Sun Lord, with a penchant for weather magic. At the height of her mortal power, she was the High Priestess of the largest known temple to Vanuros. With such protection, the mortals under her care began to take the power of the Gods for granted, eventually leading to the corruption of many of the congregation by demonic servants of Sandamos. Indra took matters into her own hands, and caused great floods and tornados to strike the offending population. The next few weeks were devastating, but Indra continued her work with diligence, until the population learned to look beyond the corruption of the Demon King and restored Vanuros to the reverence he deserved. For Indra’s service to him, Vanuros bestowed a divine spark upon Indras, naming her the Storm Mistress.
The favored weapon of the Storm Mistress is the short spear, and her symbol is that of a stylized blue rain drop.

Enjoy,
Flynn

H is for Herea, the Hearth Mother...

Good Morning, All:

For my eighth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the fifth of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the goddess of agriculture. H is for Herea, the Hearth Mother:

Herea, the Hearth Mother
Herea is a goddess of agriculture, community, the hearth and the home. Many communities possess at least a small shrine to the Hearth Mother, if not a larger temple. She is revered by all walks of life, from serfs to sovereigns, from farmers to diplomats, from healers to peacekeepers. Her priests observe the times of planting and harvest, and strive to protect the community. Herea offers the following words as advice for her followers:

• It is a blessing to preserve the history of the community and teach it to the youth. Those who preserve the hearth and home, and provide sustenance to those who dwell within, are sacred to the Hearth Mother.
• The devout should support good works and deed performed for their families, their home, their community and their lands. Survival and prosperity require due diligence.
• It is a sin to threaten or perform great harm to the community, and all who violate this tenet must be punished. It is a sacred duty to defend those in the community from harm who cannot defend themselves, such as children, the elderly or the infirmed.

Herea’s favored weapon is the heavy flail, and the symbol of the Hearth Mother is a golden sheaf of grain.

Enjoy,
Flynn

G is for Gram, the Emerald Warrior...

Good Morning, All:

For my seventh entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demi-god in service to Meritus, the Great Lord. G is for Gram, the Emerald Warrior:

Gram, the Emerald Warrior
Gram is the demi-god patron of swords, battle and martial prowess. Gram is frequently called upon to preside over tournaments and duels, particularly those involving the use of blades. Many warriors make a symbolic offering to Gram by cutting themselves lightly when they've drawn their blade outside of combat, for Gram teaches that no blade can be returned to its sheath unblooded. Gram was once a weapon master who devoutly followed Meritus, the Great Lord. After received divine inspiration while perfecting his martial style with the greatsword, Gram began spreading the word and teachings of Meritus as he traveled the lands. The Great Lord took an interest in the Emerald Warrior and arranged to meet the mortal one evening while disguised. Meritus, seeking to test Gram's devotion, challenged his beliefs in the Great Lord, even taking the matter to a duel. It is said that the fight between the two lasted for three days and three nights, and ended in a draw, with neither side having emerged victorious. Meritus was so impressed with Gram's devotion and warskill that he rewarded Gram with a divine spark.
The favored weapon of the Emerald Warrior is the greatsword, and his symbol is that of a emerald greatsword.

Enjoy,
Flynn

F is for Feralin, the Nimble Maiden...

Good Morning, All:

For my sixth post in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demi-god in service to Celena, the Star Mistress. F is for Feralin, the Nimble Maiden:

Feralin, the Nimble Maiden
Feralin is the demi-goddess patron of freedom, fugitives and thieves. Feralin is often called upon by those who seek to flee captivity or avoid notice. The Nimble Maiden is particularly honored by great displays of athleticism and acrobatics, especially in the course of evading capture. Feralin was once a priest of Celena, the Star Maiden, with a strong hatred against slavery. The Nimble Maiden dedicated her life to freeing slaves and rescuing those who were wrongfully imprisoned. According to legend, Feralin once tricked Sandamos, the Demon King, into releasing the Writs of several unfortunate heroes who had been tricked into signing contracts with Sandamos. Without the Writs, the Demon King was unable to take the souls of the heroes upon their deaths. Celena was so impressed with Feralin's success that the Star Mistress rewarded Feralin with a divine spark.
The favored weapon of the Nimble Lady is the light flail, and her symbol is that of broken silver manacles.

Enjoy,
Flynn

E is for Estara, the Divine Lover...

Good Morning, All:

For my fifth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the fourth of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the goddess of love and fertility. E is for Estara, the Divine Lover:

Estara, the Divine Lover
Estara is a goddess of love, lust, family and fertility. She is frequently honored by lovers, wives, mothers, prostitutes and others who revel in the arts of physical love, primarily women. While she is worshiped in elaborate temple-brothels and great gardens of beautiful flowers, the Divine Lover is also a guardian and protector of children, and many orphanages are built in her name. Her priestesses (for there are few priests of Estara) participate in celebrations that honor and promote fertility in all living beings. The lessons of the Divine Lover, as recorded in her sacred texts, include:

• You are each and every one, the living shield that protects children and pregnant mothers. It is a sacred duty to defend these from harm.
• The sanctity of family is paramount. The goal of any true follower of Estara is to find a mate whom they love and raise a family worthy of Estara’s blessing.
• Followers of Estara are urged to promote the reasonable and responsible expression of love, and to avoid actions that deliberately or intentionally destroy or hinder the progress of love.

The Divine Lover’s favored weapon was a light mace, and her symbol is two inter-linked gold rings.

Enjoy,
Flynn

D is for Dworkin, the Stone Father...

Good Morning, All:

For my fourth entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the third of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the god of craftsmanship. D is for Dworkin, the Stone Father:

Dworkin, the Stone Father

Dworkin is the god of Crafts, trade and mountains. Born of stone and elemental earth, the Stone Father is honored by those that work the earth, by master craftsmen and by merchants of all trades. His temples are often found beneath the surface of the earth, that they may be nestled in the protection of Dworkin himself. His priests preside over markets, insuring fair trade. The Stone Father teaches his followers many lessons, including:

• The protection of all craftsmen and their works is a sacred duty. The destruction of such works accomplishes nothing, and such deeds cannot go unpunished.
• It is considered an affront to Dworkin to subjugate or imprison the children of the mountains, including dwarves, giants and those who are bound to the earth.
• The blessings of Dworkin are found beneath the earth. Through master craftsmanship, those blessings are given form. Through trade, those blessings are spread among the realms in testament to Dworkin’s way.

Dworkin’s favored weapon is the great axe, and his symbol is that of a black anvil.

Enjoy,
Flynn

C is for Celena, the Star Mistress...

Good Morning, All:

For my third entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce the second of the thirteen core gods of my consolidated pantheon, the trickster goddess of the night. C is for Celena, the Star Mistress:

Celena, the Star Mistress
Celena is the goddess of the night, the moon and the stars above. Those who seek the tranquility of a moonlit night, as well as those who navigate by or operate under the stars and the moon revere the Star Mistress. She is typically honored in open courtyards and natural clearings under both the full and new moons, and Rogues’ Guilds typically hold shrines in her honor. Her priests observe the transitions of the lunar phases. Disciples of Celena’s teachings receive the following lessons:

• All deeds are blessed which are performed under the light of the stars and moon, particularly those that require mischief and cleverness. Using tricks and clever tactics to accomplish tasks is a sacred duty.
• The devout should endeavor to seek their own destiny, for the paths of their lives are as countless as the stars at night.
• Followers should never force others to take on too much responsibility at a young age or to mature too quickly, for doing so is considered a mortal sin.

Celena’s favored weapon is the dagger, and her symbol is that of a silver crescent moon.

Enjoy,
Flynn

B is for Bakkhos, the Wine Master

Good Evening, All:

For my second entry in the A-Z Challenge, I would like to introduce a demi-god in service to Estara, the Divine Lover. B is for Bakkhos, the Wine Master:

Bakkhos, the Wine Master
Bakkhos is the demi-god patron of winemaking, brewing and revelry. Bakkhos is frequently called upon to preside over festivities and celebrations, particularly those that allow participants to imbibe alcohol. Revellers will often pour a small libation onto the ground as an offering to the Wine Master. Bakkhos was once a high priest of Estara, the Divine Lover, with a talent for brewing. He once sacrificed the greatest of his greatest wines, ales and meads as gifts in offering to his patron goddess. Estara shared the mortal’s gifts among the gods, which led to a particularly spectacular evening of drunken debauchery among the divine. For his services, and a few divine conceptions among the gods that resulted from the lust experienced that evening, Bakkhos was rewarded with a divine spark.
The favored weapon of the Wine Master is the club, and his symbol is that of a purple grapes bunch.

Enjoy,
Flynn

A is for Allona, the Wild Lady

Good Evening, All:

I've decided to push myself a little creatively and join my peers of the blogosphere in the A-Z Challenge. My topics will all be linked by a common thread, which will be the pantheon I'm compiling for my personal Consolidated World project. In essence, the month of April is going to be a great month for World-Building (or at least Pantheon-building) here on In Like Flynn. My introductory post introduces the first of my thirteen core gods, the goddess of nature. A is for Alonna, the Wild Lady:

Alonna, the Wild Lady
Alonna is the goddess of animals, the wilderness, the hunt and the harvest. Those who honor the wild creatures of the world and the untamed wilderness revere the Wild Lady. She is typically honored within stone circles and simple shrines in the wilderness or near locations of abundant plant and animal life. Her priests observe the transition of the seasons. The lessons that Alonna teaches her followers include:

• All living creatures should strive to live in harmony with the natural world. Respect for all life is a sacred responsibility.
• The devout should support works and deeds that promote and preserve harmony with the natural world. In fact, one must take action against those who harm or destroy nature, or otherwise upset the harmony of the wilderness.
• The faithful should suffer not the existence of the undead, for the walking dead are accursed and defile the world.

Alonna’s favored weapon is the shortbow, and her symbol is that of a silver unicorn horn.

Enjoy,
Flynn