The Gods of Zenobia

Overview


Aurora and Asmodeus existed before time began and will continue after it ends. Together, they birthed the four lesser deities. The four lesser deities gave shape and form to all matter and beings.

Residents of Zenobia acknowledge the divinity and necessity of all six deities; however, many hold one or more above others. Thus, a fishing nation might revere Amphitryon and Boreas more, whereas a mining town might hold Demeter highest. However, all recognize the higher power of Aurora – except those who hold evil in their hearts – they feel Asmodeus is the greatest.

The gods of Zenobia are somewhat distant – they only manifest themselves through their respective elements. That is, they have no true form. Scholars debate whether they have agendas and wills of their own, as well – though they cannot deny the power their respective clerics hold.

There are four seasons in Zenobia, each containing fifty days. There are seven weeks with seven days each, and the last day of each month is generally set apart as a festival for that deity. Generally speaking, everyone participates in each festival (if they occur, which Is dependent on the culture in question), even those that worship “Opposed” deities. The exception is Asmodeus ~ Aurora (as noted in her description). These festivals share many things in common – dancing, social gatherings, feasting, and thanks. The only real differences are due to what season in which it happens. On a daily basis, many offer prayers and rituals to their deities, as detailed below. However, much more common is offering a small prayer to a particular deity when engaged in some activity over which (s)he presides – Demeter and Amphitryon when farming, or Salamander and Demeter when forging metal.

Magic is also a product of the gods. All magic is drawn from Boreas and Amphitryon; however, spells may draw on other elements, depending on the effect. Spells that affect things mentioned in a deity’s portfolio usually draw upon that deity’s power. Clerics of a given deity almost never cast spells that directly use an opposed element (thus, a cleric of Amphitryon wouldn’t cast a fireball, and Demeter’s clerics shy away from Lightning Bolt), and prefer not to use spells that use secondary aspects of opposed ones. Of course, that is often the first guideline dropped when necessity calls for it.

The gods combine in many things: These of course, are just examples.

Deities


Although each favored weapon lists a specific type, others that are close are, to lesser extent, also considered favored – i.e., Aurora would include most swords; Demeter, most axes. Using a favored weapon garners no special favor, but it is important to note for the war domain and some spells.

Most deities mention several classes that typically worship that god. That is by no means definite – any class may worship any god (within the alignment restrictions mentioned below). Clerics and Paladins are not mentioned, as are equally likely to be found among the followers of any deity. Rangers and Druids also follow different deities, but they almost always range among the four lesser deities.

Aurora

Goddess of Light
Neutral Good
Sun, Moon, Glory, Fate, Good, Healing, Creation, Renewal
Favored Weapon: Longsword

Aurora embodies many things to her followers. She represents the light of hope, the unquenchable fires of justice. Many look to her for guidance and perseverance. Her main manifestation is the sun rising every day, ending the reign of Asmodeus. The downtrodden see that as a sign of hope, that good can conquer evil. Even when night falls, Zenobians look to the nighttime sky and see her still there, personified in the glowing moon; a beacon of hope that Aurora remains. Consequently, eclipses are viewed with fear, as those on the ground watch the sky with anticipation, waiting to see if Aurora will conquer the encroaching darkness. Depictions of Aurora paint her as a beautiful female, often surrounded by heavenly light. Temples of Aurora are glorious shrines, with plenty of skylights and windows to let the light in, where the faithful might bask in the glory of their god. There is no clear-cut belief among followers of Aurora about the dead. Some bury them, others burn them.

Worshipers of Aurora often rise just before the dawn, that they might see their goddess conquer the darkness on a daily basis. It is then they pray to the Light in all her glory. These followers are the most likely to lead crusades against evil; it was a devout follower of Aurora that defeated the Fist of Asmodeus the one and only time it was defeated.

Aurora does not possess a month of her own, which leads the uninitiated to believe that there is no festival of Aurora. That is not true. At each of the minor festivals, prayers are said to Aurora as well as the patron deity. In addition, there is a Festival of Light. It occurs during Amphitryon, after the 25th, before the 26th day. This means the Zenobian calendar actually has 301 days. At this festival, participants often celebrate whatever they are most thankful for – be it love, life, or wealth. High Clerics of Aurora often preside over marriages on this day.

Asmodeus

God of Darkness
Chaotic Evil
Darkness, Evil, Chaos, Suffering, Hatred, Death, Undeath, Destruction
Favored Weapon: Dagger

Few proclaim themselves openly as followers of Asmodeus. All of course, recognize his divinity, manifestation, and even necessity, but few ever call to him. His domain is that of the nighttime sky, where darkness reigns. Parents use him to frighten children when they misbehave, telling them that Asmodeus will send his Fist to steal their souls if they aren’t good. The Cult of Asmodeus, as the group of his followers is known, meets in secret, practicing dark rituals and unearthly sacrifices. Those few times when Asmodeus is depicted, and not simply being smitten by Aurora, he is shown simply as an all-covering darkness, his gaze penetrating stone, flesh, and air.

Most are ignorant of the rituals of Asmodeus, as the only ones who know them rarely publicly proclaim themselves so. Most people believe they involve human sacrifice, and fearful whispers carry these ideas whenever there are screams in the night.

Needless to say, but said anyway, Asmodeus has no official festival. However, along with rumors of the unholy sacrifices that the Cult practices travel rumors of a dark festival that takes place during the Festival of Aurora. It is rumored they gather that night, when all others are asleep, and perform rituals even worse than human sacrifice.

Demeter

God of Earth
Lawful Neutral
Earth, Protection, Strength, Law, Planning, Cavern, Craft, Metal
Favored Weapon: Warhammer
Additional Associated Element: Acid
Season: Spring

Demeter is the unyielding stone, the masonry that cannot be budged. He is revered in several aspects – agriculturally, as the crops come from the ground – smithing, for metal is refined from the ground as well. Dwarves, Halflings, and Gnomes often praise Demeter as the creator as well, believing he shaped them out of primeval elements. It is rare, but not unheard of, for members of other races to adopt this belief as well. Regardless of race, though, farmers often say prayers to Demeter during harvest, as do smiths when working their craft. Temples of Demeter are often crafted from solid stone, standing through earthquakes and other disasters that would level other buildings. Followers of Demeter believe each person should meet the final embrace of the father – this means being buried totally nude after death, without a coffin or anything else to block communion between Demeter and the deceased.

Followers of Demeter often show aspects of their deity in themselves. They are often stubborn, and refuse to venture from a course of action or opinion once finally deciding upon it. Often times, a follower of Demeter will make one last stand to allow comrades to escape. Fighters and Monks are among the classes most likely to follow Demeter. Monks for the discipline Demeter represents, and Fighters who believe a good defense is vital. Often times, followers of Demeter will find a particular pebble or rock they find at some significant event, and carry it with them thereafter, believing that Demeter is watching over them through this piece of him.

Demeter’s festival is a joyous one. It is a time when families gather after planting their crops, praying to Demeter for a successful growing season. They also thank him for their success in the previous season.

Salamander

God of Fire
Chaotic Neutral
Fire, Luck, Chaos, Destruction, Metal, War, Retribution, Trickery
Favored Weapon: Battleaxe
Season: Summer

The roaring fire, the blazing inferno, the scorching heat – all are manifestations of Salamander. Every fire, from the smallest spark from flint and tinder, to the largest bonfire, carries with it the will of Salamander. Most see Salamander as an agent of destruction, one that destroys indiscriminately. However, therein exists the duality of his nature, for life requires heat, and fire provides it. Many arts of civilization also require Salamander – for what forge could produce even the simplest sword without fire to temper the blade? On a higher level, some see Salamander’s fire as the fire that animates life, although most attribute that to Aurora. He is often portrayed as a bald human with a flowing red beard, his very skin being flame. Temples of Salamander are chaotic as their patron; massive flames rise throughout the structure, and most priests of Salamander are bald – leading many to wonder if they ritualistically interact with the fire. At any rate, followers of Salamander ignite their dead, freeing the spirit.

Followers of Salamanders are often hot-headed and impulsive. Those with Chaotic natures often find a kindred spirit in him. Barbarians often tend towards Salamander, as do those inclined towards a martial lifestyle. Sorcerers, due to their very nature, tend towards a chaotic lifestyle, which leads to honoring Salamander. In a martial engagement, it is often followers of Salamander that lead the charge. Those that do follow Salamander also enjoy the rising sun, as it is certainly fiery. They are inclined towards large bonfire sacrifices; often, warriors make them out of vanquished foes.

During the Festival of Salamander, people gather together to appreciate the end of Summer’s heat and the beginning of the cooler fall, as well as anticipation for the upcoming harvest.

Boreas

Goddess of Air
Neutral
Air, Storm, Thunder, Knowledge, Spell, Travel, Portal, Liberation
Favored Weapon: (Composite) Longbow
Additional Associated Element: Lightning
Season: Fall

Fleeting as the wind, Boreas is ever-present. Travelers and knowledge-seekers alike look to her for protection and guidance. Often times, followers of Boreas undertake great journeys to recover lost knowledge – the more obscure, the better. Travelers know Temples of Boreas as safe havens (more-so than any other temples), where a night’s rest and a hearty breakfast are guaranteed to all who seek to do no evil. Of course, who can sleep in a temple of Boreas? They often resemble libraries; with books lining shelves aside the main room, obscure documents and treatises. Followers of Boreas seek to spread the ashes of their dead to the winds, allowing Boreas to carry the souls of the dead to peace.

Followers of Boreas honor their god in several ways. First and foremost, they seek the spread of knowledge, both teaching others and being taught. For a follower of Boreas, uncovering some bit of obscure knowledge is a great honor. For these reasons, Bards and Wizards both follow Boreas. Great journeys taken in Boreas’s name also bring honor to this god. Rogues, because of their nomadic lifestyles, find this an excellent parallel. Monks are also sometimes among the followers of Boreas, as they often have ancient dissertations from monk masters of times past. One common trait amongst all followers of Boreas is the carrying of dust blessed in a temple of Boreas, that they spread to the wind during times of meditation.

During the Festival of Boreas, farmers offer thanks for a successful harvest. They also prepare together for the coming winter.

Amphitryon

Goddess of Water
Neutral
Water, Ocean, Weather, Winter, Magic, Healing, Plant, Animal
Favored Weapon: Spear
Additional Associated Element: Cold
Season: Winter

All life recognizes its own need for water – cool, refreshing water that renews the body, or hot, steamy water that washes away the day’s dirt and grime. Many followers of Amphitryon carry this to the metaphorical level, believing it is the power of Amphitryon that sustains life on a higher level, above simple biology. Whether this holds true or not, all look to her for healing and tempering the weather. She combines her power with that of Boreas to provide mortals with their magical power, be it divine or arcane. Her temples are sanctuaries for the wounded, as anyone will be tended, if the wound may be healed. The followers of Amphitryon prefer to set their dead in the ocean, allowing Amphitryon to truly penetrate their body, making them one with their deity. Temples of Amphitryon are beautiful things, full of flowing fountains and soft, soothing curves.

Followers of deity tend towards one of two adventuring lifestyles – many mages are counted among her followers, as her power is partially the source of magic. Those who seek to aid others find kindred spirits among other followers of Amphitryon. Others with an aquatic lifestyle – sailors, fishers, and the like, also follow Amphitryon.

The Festival of Amphitryon is a celebration of winter’s end. They gather to thank Amphitryon for not being too harsh with her power, and pray for a successful planting and growing season in the upcoming months.

Additional information

Followers may be of any alignment, with the following restrictions:

DeityProhibited Alignments
AuroraAny Evil
AsmodeusAny Good
DemeterAny Chaotic
SalamanderAny Lawful
Boreas/AmphitryonAny non-neutral (LG, LE, CG, CE)


Note: Granted Domains include Domains from the PHB, Defenders of the Faith, the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting, and Deities and Demigods.