Lesser Gods: Archrist and Bagold

Here, I'll be introducing two gods that aren't as widely known as the ones listed on the deities page.

Archrist

Lesser Deity

Superiors: Argovas and Orlag

Symbol: A blank scroll

Home: Dune-Swept Library of Scienterna

Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Portfolio: records, finances, knowledge, written word

Worshipers: scribes, librarians, merchants

Domains: Knowledge, Law, Luck, Rune

Favored Weapon: Rapier

The scribe and archivist of both Argovas and Orlag, Archrist spends most of his days recording information of any sort. Unlike many of his fellow gods, Archrist hates mortal worship. He taught the early races the first written language and promptly lost interest in them.

Today making offerings or praying to Archrist is inviting his ire. Those that distract him from his work result in Archrist twisting fortune and luck against the one that invoked his ire. Many librarians, merchants, and others that make frequent use of the written word will invoke Archrist’s name as a curse or expression of surprise.

Dogma

Archrist has few teachings, focusing more on his work than anything else. He encourages mortals to make use of the written word, so that tales, history, and records may survive long after those that write them have died.

The last gift to mortals that Archrist gave, as well as one of the few ways to avoid the god’s wrath, were the magic of truenames. By invoking something’s truename one can influence that thing. Speaking fire’s truename can allow one to manipulate fire, be it from a torch to a bonfire.

Code of Conduct: Paladins of Archrist

“No, I’m not invoking my god’s name in vain. This is one of the few ways that He permits mortals of speaking of him.”

  - Tindol, human paladin of Archrist after using Archrist’s name as a swear

The following applies to those that would call themselves paladins of the faith, not just any follower of Archrist.

• Appreciate the written word, even if you disagree with what it says. Writing is the truest form of immortality, allowing one to know the mind of someone that died centuries or even millennia ago.
• Encourage reading and writing.
• Solve your own problems, don’t rely on the gods to fix the problems of mortals.

Bagold

Lesser Deity

Superiors: Lyc

Symbol:Bloody Cleaver

Home:Blood-Soaked Fortress of Karsyriz

Alignment:Neutral Evil

Portfolio:butchering, interrogation, torture, combat, murder, lies

Worshipers:torturers, sadists, serial killers, thieves, butchers, soldiers

Domains:Death, Destruction, Evil, Madness, War

Favored Weapon: Meat Cleaver (handax)

A cheerful, jolly fellow, often depicted with a beer gut and cheeks rosy red with drink, few would openly admit to worshiping the Blood-Soaked Butcher, Bagold.

Whispers in bars and church barracks speak of Bagold being sent out by his master, the Eternal Laughter, to find people that spoke his master’s name. Upon finding these foolish people, Bagold will take them to the dungeons within his fortress, Karsyriz.

What occurs within the dungeons of Karsyriz is too horrible to imagine. Bagold systematically teases all knowledge from his victim while keeping them on the cusp of tipping over into madness.

Despite his more infamous activities, Bagold taught the mortal races many useful things. Where and how to cut animals so as to obtain the most meat, where to strike to kill quickly, how to sort out lies from truth, all were originally taught by Bagold.

Dogma

Two distinct kinds of followers exist that seek Bagold’s favor: those that view his methods as a necessary evil and those that are out to cause death and pain. The first are of the viewpoint that damning their souls through horrendous acts that nonetheless keep people safe and save lives is a fair trade. The latter are sadists that enjoy inflicting pain.

Code of Conduct: Paladins of Bagold

“There is a wall. A wall of blood shed by soldiers keeping the forces that would turn you into nothing but a tool to be used and discarded at bay. I do horrible, terrible things so that ungrateful snots like you can sleep peacefully at night.”

  - Vorid Mathrain, soldier of the Three City Alliance to a farmhand

The following applies to those that would call themselves paladins of the faith, not just any follower of Bagold.

• Be efficient. Whether in combat, in finances, or in recreation, always use the minimum energy for the biggest result. 
• Always keep your word. Your oaths must be strong as adamantine, and your loyalties unwavering. 
• Duty is what separates the knight from the fool, and you must always put your duty first. Even ahead of your own life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you like my work and want to support me, check out my homebrew race book here.