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-====== Deities ======
-The deities of the Realms are divided into three pantheons:  the Imperial Temple, whose temple reached supremacy under the Empire of Aranor;  the Old Faith, whose worship was suppressed by the Imperial Temple;  and the Southern Gods, a new religion moving into the Realms.  Their names vary from place to place, and so the names given below reflect their mythologies, not the actual names by which they are known.
-Each deity lists an attribute;  increase that attribute by +1.  Each deity also lists two skills;  gain one training rank in each of these skills.
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-===== The Imperial Temple =====
-After four hundred years of temple supremacy, the Templars of the Empire have strong support from the people of the central Realms.
-==== The Allmother ====
-{{ :unbound:classes:templar:allmother.jpeg?200|}}
-//"In the age before time's measure, when the cosmos lay unshaped and silent, there arose the Allmother, goddess of creation and bearer of life's first breath. From the boundless void, she crafted the stars, weaving their celestial dance with threads of her divine light. With gentle hands, she molded the earth, shaping valleys and mountains, rivers and seas. Upon this fertile canvas, she breathed life into every living being, each a testament to her boundless love. //
-//"Yet, in her creative fervor, there lay a delicate balance, for her power to shape also held the potential to unravel. Her adherents whispered of her infinite wisdom and benevolence, yet feared the chaos that might ensue should her creations stray beyond her gentle guidance. Thus, they praised her with offerings and prayers, beseeching her to nurture and protect, to weave destinies with a steady hand, and to uphold the harmony of the world she so tenderly wrought."//
-The Allmother is the benevolent creator goddess, mother of all life and the giver of fertility. She is often depicted as a woman with flowing robes and a crown of stars, cradling a newborn child.  Her adherents hold that as the creator of all things, she can affect the fates of her creations, but that left unchecked, she would cause great chaos in the world.
-The Allmother grants access to the Divinities of Fate, Fortune, Light and Life.  Increase your Foresight by +1;  gain training in Medicine and Blunt.  Her favoured weapon is the staff.
-==== The Lawgiver ====
-{{:unbound:classes:templar:lawgiver.jpeg?200 |}}//"In the dawn of civilization, when chaos threatened to devour the nascent societies of mortals, there emerged the Lawgiver, embodiment of order and justice. Clad in robes as pristine as the first light of dawn, he wielded scales that weighed the deeds of souls and a sword that meted out impartial judgment. From his celestial perch, he observed the tumultuous realms of humanity, where raw creation teetered on the brink of anarchy. With unyielding resolve, he laid down the sacred laws that bound communities together, carving pathways of righteousness amid the wilderness of instinct and impulse.//
-//"His proponents hailed him as the beacon of societal harmony, believing that his divine decrees tempered the excesses of unchecked ambition and curbed the primal forces that threatened to unravel the fabric of existence. Yet, they knew too well the cost of disobedience, for the Lawgiver's justice was as swift and unyielding as the rising tide, ensuring that order prevailed and civilization endured under the watchful gaze of his unwavering eyes."//
-The stern but just god of law, order, and civilization. He is depicted as a robed figure holding scales and a sword.  His proponents hold that without the intervention of the Lawgiver, society could not exist, as rampant creation is also rampant chaos.
-The Lawgiver grants access to the Divinities of Authority, Law, Omens and Pact.  Increase your Foresight by +1;  gain training in Diplomacy and Blades.  His favoured weapon is the langsax.
-==== The Forgemaster ====
-{{ :unbound:classes:templar:forgemaster.jpeg?200|}}
-//"In the heart of the blazing forges, where the clang of hammer on anvil resounded like a symphony of creation, there stood the Forgemaster, embodiment of innovation and craftsmanship. Androgynous in form, adorned with the symbols of industry—hammer and tongs, gears and tools---this divine artisan breathed life into the marvels of mortal hands. With every strike, inventions took shape, weaving together the threads of tradition and inspiration.//
-//His devotees, with fervent devotion, praised both her strength and his finesse, recognizing in the Forgemaster the essence of both creation and refinement. They honored the Forgemaster in their workshops and laboratories, invoking her guidance in the forging of weapons and plows, in the crafting of gears and engines that propelled their civilizations forward. For in the alternating echoes of his and her presence, they found the balance that fueled their ingenuity and kindled the fires of progress throughout the ages."//
-The industrious and creative god/goddess of craftsmanship, invention, and technology. They are depicted as an androgynous figure wielding a hammer and tongs, surrounded by gears and tools.  Their most faithful followers always refer to the Forgemaster as he and she, alternating between the two even within the same sentence.
-The Forgemaster grants access to Creation, Earth, Fire and Transformation.  Increase your Education by +1;  gain training in Crafting and Blunt.  Their preferred weapon is the warhammer.
-==== The Huntress ====
-{{:unbound:classes:templar:huntress.jpeg?200 |}}
-//"In the heart of untamed wilderness, where the thunder of hooves and the crackle of lightning blend with the whispering winds, there strides the Huntress, a goddess revered for her dual dominion over the hunt and storms. Cloaked in the mists of tempests, her presence heralds the coming of rains that quench the parched earth and the fury of thunderbolts that rend the sky. The Huntress commands the forces of nature in their entirety, from the quiet lull of the forest at dusk to the tumultuous roar of storms at their peak.//
-//"She is portrayed as a figure of both awe and reverence, with eyes as piercing as the lightning she wields and a voice that echoes across valleys and mountaintops. Her devotees seek her favor not only for successful hunts and bountiful harvests but also for protection against the wrath of storms and the unpredictability of nature. They offer prayers and sacrifices, weaving tales of her prowess in bringing balance to the cycles of life and death, growth and decay."//
-The goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and the moon. She is depicted as a young woman with white hair and a bow and arrow, often accompanied by a wolf and a stag.  She is a goddess of storms, as much as of nature.
-The Huntress offers access to Animals, Light, Storms and Wilds.  Increase your Agility by +1;  gain training in Survival and Bows.  Her preferred weapon is the bow, but never the war bow or long bow!
-==== The Warlord ====
-{{ :unbound:classes:templar:warlord.jpeg?200|}}
-//"In the tumultuous realms where the clash of steel and the cries of battle resonate, there reigns the Warlord, the formidable god of war, conquest, and valor. Clad in imposing armor that gleams with the blood of countless foes and wielding a spear that has tasted the essence of innumerable battles, he stands as the epitome of martial prowess and relentless ambition. His honor is as renowned as his ferocity; a paradoxical blend of chivalrous respect for worthy adversaries and a ruthless drive for domination.//
-//The Warlord's followers exalt him for the strength and courage he bestows, seeking his favor in their quests for glory and victory. Yet, they also tread carefully, aware of his volatile temper and the destructive chaos that follows in his wake. Tales of his deeds recount not only the triumphs of legendary warriors who fought under his banner but also the desolate aftermath of his conquests, where fields lie fallow and cities smolder in ruin."//
-The Warlord is the powerful and bloodthirsty god of war, conquest, and valor. He is depicted as a warrior clad in armor, wielding a spear.  His honour is well known, but so is his destructive nature and his tendency towards cruelty.
-The Warlord grants access to the Divinities of Destruction, Fate, Pact and Pain.  Increase your Body by +1;  gain training in Intimidation and Polearms.  His preferred weapon is the spear.
-==== The Farmer ====
-{{:unbound:classes:templar:farmer.jpeg?200 |}}
-//"In the fertile fields where the earth's bounty is nurtured, there dwells the Farmer, a serene deity revered for her gentle touch and nurturing spirit. She is typically depicted as a woman with flowing green hair, symbolizing the verdant life she bestows upon the land. Dressed in simple peasantry garb and wooden sandals, she embodies the humble yet profound connection between humanity and the soil. Her gentle smile radiates warmth and compassion, a reflection of the life-giving gifts she imparts to all who till the earth.//
-//"The Farmer's devotees honor her with the first fruits of their harvest, offering prayers and rituals that celebrate the cycles of planting and reaping. They believe that through her benevolence, the land flourishes, and communities thrive, sustained by the abundance of nature's gifts. Her presence is felt in the whisper of the wind through the crops, the rustle of leaves, and the steady growth of seedlings reaching for the sun. Farmers and peasants look to her for guidance and protection, trusting in her wisdom to bring forth plentiful harvests and to shield their fields from blight and drought."//
-Despite being typically viewed as a female, the Farmer is, in some areas, viewed as gender-neutral or as gender fluid.  However, they are typically viewed as a woman with green hair, wearing peasantry garb and wooden sandals, and they are always depicted with a gentle smile. Of note, her worshippers never describe her as beautiful, feeling that this detracts from the good she does her people.
-Worship of the Farmer is believed to have come from a different, older religion, that was absorbed by the Imperial Temple.  Her role within the Temple might be only to keep the peasants in line.
-She/they grant access to the Divinities of Animal, Life, Plant and Sustenance.  Her/their preferred weapon is the flail.  Increase your Body by +1;  gain training in Nature and Blades.
-==== The Trickster ====
-{{ :unbound:classes:templar:trickster.jpeg?200|}}
-"//In the shadowy realms where the line between reality and illusion blurs, there dances the Trickster, the mischievous and enigmatic deity of trickery, dreams, and luck. Ever a shapeshifter, the Trickster delights in taking many forms, from a clever raven to a playful child with bright red hair. Though often seen as a red-haired boy child, the Trickster is equally at ease manifesting as a girl, an adult, or any creature that suits their whimsical purposes.//
-//"This deity is a font of creativity and laughter, their presence heralding a whirlwind of pranks and unexpected twists. Mortals both revere and fear the Trickster, for while their antics bring joy and inventive solutions, they often do so at the expense of others' pride or plans. The Trickster's followers embrace the chaos and spontaneity they bring, seeking their blessing to inspire creativity, induce vivid dreams, and turn the tides of luck."//
-The mischievous and enigmatic god/goddess of trickery, dreams, and luck. They are depicted as a shapeshifter, often appearing as a raven or a playful child.  Though typically portrayed as a red-haired boy child, the Trickster is said to be as comfortable manifesting as a girl, an adult or an animal.  They are viewed as a font of creativity and laughter, though often at another's expense.
-They grant access to the Divinities of Chaos, Dreams, Fortune and Mischief.  Increase your Dexterity by +1;  gain training in Deception and Blades.  Their preferred weapon is the dagger.
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-===== The Old Faith =====
-Prior to the rise of Aranor, the Old Faith served the needs of the people.  Severely suppressed by the Imperial Temple, the Old Faith is now mostly found in the north.
-==== The Great Mother ====
-//"The Great Mother birthed all living things from her womb, including the first humans. She provides for her children through the bounty of the earth and ensures the cycle of life and death."//
-The embodiment of the earth and fertility, the Great Mother is a nurturing and powerful deity revered by hunter-gatherers and early agricultural societies. She is often depicted as a pregnant woman or a woman with bountiful breasts, surrounded by animals and plants.  She offers access to the Divinities of Creation, Life, Sustenance and Wilds.  Increase your Body by +1;  gain training in Nature and Blunt.
-==== The Horned Hunter ====
-//"The Horned Hunter taught humans the art of hunting and how to live in harmony with the natural world. He is a fierce protector of animals and the wilderness, and those who hunt without respect face his wrath."//
-The god of the hunt, the wild places, and the creatures that dwell there. He is depicted as a man with a stag's antlers, wielding a bow and accompanied by a pack of wolves.  He grants access to Animals, Earth, Strength, and Wilds.  Increase your Dexterity by +1;  gain training in Survival and Bows.
-==== The Sky Father ====
-//"It is the Sky Father that brings the rains that nourish the earth and the storms that bring both destruction and renewal. He is a powerful but capricious deity, demanding respect and offerings from those who seek his favor."//
-The god of the sky, weather, and thunder. He is depicted as an old man with a long white beard, wielding a lightning bolt.  He grants access to Air, Light, Storms and Water.  Increase your Foresight by +1;  gain training in Perception and Polearms.
-==== The Hearth Mother ====
-//"The Hearth Mother protects families and communities, providing warmth, comfort, and the skills needed for domestic life. She is especially revered by women and those who care for the young."//
-The goddess of the home, hearth, and family. She is depicted as a woman tending a fire, surrounded by children and domestic animals.  She grants access to the Divinities of Fire, Pact, Plant and Sustenance.  Increase your Body by +1;  gain training in Crafting and Unbalanced.
-==== The Spirit Weaver ====
-//"The Spirit Weaver guides the souls of the dead to the afterlife and watches over the spirit world. They are also said to communicate with mortals through dreams and omens."//
-The enigmatic god/goddess of spirits, dreams, and the afterlife. They are depicted as a cloaked figure with glowing eyes, often accompanied by ravens or owls.  They grant access to the Divinities of Entropy, Grave, Mind and Undying.  Increase your Education by +1;  gain training in Arcana and Blades.
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-===== The Southern Gods =====
-Mostly embraced by the Aruna and the Wyrmkind, the influence of these new deities is spreading across the southern reaches of the Realms.  Less anthropomorphic, these deities are viewed as more conceptual and absolute by their worshippers.
-==== The Great Weaver ====
-//"The Great Weaver spun the threads of time, creating the past, present, and future. They determine the fates of mortals but also offer glimpses of destiny through dreams and omens."//
-The enigmatic god/goddess of fate, time, and the interconnectedness of all things. They are depicted as a spider weaving a vast tapestry, with threads representing the lives of mortals and the flow of time. They grant access to the Divinities of Authority, Fate, Fortune and Time.  Increase your Foresight by +1;  gain training in History and Blades.
-==== The Sun Serpent ====
-//"The Sun Serpent scorched the barren lands into existence, bringing fire and life to the desert."//
-A powerful draconic deity associated with the sun, fire, and desert life. He is depicted as a majestic serpent with scales like burning embers, radiating heat and light.  He grants access to the Divinities of Fire, Life, Light and Sustenance.  Increase your Dexterity by +1;  gain training in Athletics and Blades.
-==== The Wanderer ====
-//"The Wanderer forever journeys across the world, seeking new experiences and knowledge. They guide travelers on their journeys and offer protection to those who embrace the unknown."//
-The restless god/goddess of travel, exploration, and the unknown. They are depicted as a cloaked figure with a staff and a knapsack, constantly on the move.  They grant access to Fate, Omens, Travel and Wilds.  Increase your Agility by +1;  gain training in Survival and Blunt.
-==== The Masked Warrior ====
-//"They teach the art of war and strategy, but also demands discipline and respect for worthy opponents. They are seen as both a protector and a destroyer, depending on the cause."//
-The enigmatic deity of war, strategy, and martial prowess. They are depicted as a figure clad in armor, their face obscured by a mask, wielding a variety of weapons.  They grant access to the Divinities of Authority, Destruction, Pain and Strength.  Increase your Body by +1;  gain training in Intimidation and Blades.
-==== The Silent Shepherd ====
-//"He ushers the departed into the afterlife, and then judges if their life has had meaning.  Do not try to escape him;  death is inevitable."//
-The stoic god of death, the afterlife, and quiet contemplation. He is depicted as a hooded figure holding a shepherd's crook, guiding the souls of the dead.  He grants access to Entropy, Grave, Mind and Omens.  Increase your Foresight by +1;  gain training in Stealth and Blunt.
-==== The Old Man Of The Sea ====
-//"If you wish to sail, ensure you sacrifice to the Old Man of the Sea.  It's the only way to ensure that you come safely home.  For all the seas are his domain, and he guards it jealously against intruders."//
-Depicted as an old man with pale blue skin, the Old Man of the Sea is a fairly stereotypical deity of the oceans.  He is revered by sailors of all sorts, but also feared by them.  He wields a glaive formed of a massive shark's tooth mounted at the end of a staff of driftwood.  His Templars also prefer glaives, but are willing to settle for a more mundane construction.  He offers access to the Divinities of Air, Storms, Travel and Water.  Increase your Foresight by +1;  gain training in Athletics and Polearms.
-==== The Whisperer ====
-//"The Whisperer offers forbidden knowledge and forbidden pleasures in exchange for a price. They are a source of temptation and danger, but also of hidden wisdom for those who can resist their allure."//
-The seductive god/goddess of secrets, pleasure, and forbidden knowledge. They are depicted as a beautiful figure with an ever-changing appearance, tempting mortals with whispers of hidden truths.  They offer access to the Divinities of Arcane, Dreams, Knowledge and Mind.  Their preferred weapon is the whip.  Increase your Education by +1;  gain training in Diplomacy and Unarmed.
-==== The Green Mother ====
-//"She is the life force of nature, promoting growth and renewal. She is revered by those who tend the land and seek harmony with the natural world."//
-The nurturing goddess of life, growth, and nature's bounty. She is depicted as a woman with vines and leaves for hair, surrounded by animals and plants.  She grants access to Animals, Life, Strength and Wilds.  Increase your Body by +1;  gain training in Medicine and Blunt Weapons.
-==== The Unyielding ====
-//"They are not one who personifies the virtues of strength, perseverance, and honour. They //are// those virtues."//
-The embodiment of strength, perseverance, honour, and unwavering resolve. They are depicted as a figure sculpted from solid stone, radiating an aura of determination.  They grant access to the Divinities of Authority, Law, Pact and Strength.  Increase your Body by +1;  gain training in Society and Unarmed Combat.
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-===== Minor Pantheons and Faiths =====
-Aranor suppressed most of these faiths quite thoroughly, leaving them with almost no followers.  However, they have moved underground, continuing their worship while outwardly professing to the Imperial Temple.
-==== The Three Weavers ====
-//"All the fates of the lesser gods are in the hands of the Three."//
-Known as the Veilweaver, the Loomweamer and the Scribeweaver, this triple deity forms the heart of a mystery cult that formed in ancient Astrios.  Though the Imperial Temple suppressed them with particular fervor, they still survive.
-The Veilweaver presents as agendered, the Loomweaver as male, and the Scribeweaver as female.  Templars of the Weavers may choose one of them as a patron, but serve the Weavers as a whole.  They grant access to the Divinities of Fate, Knowledge, Mind and Omens.  Increase your Education by +1;  gain training in Lore and Unarmed Combat.  Because of their specific selection of Divinities, Templars of the Weavers often pass themselves off as Bards or Mages.
-==== The Undying One ====
-//"Some say that mortals cannot cope with immortality, that it will drive them mad.  This statement is false."//
-This enigmatic being is said to wander the World, seeking power.  The faith that rose up to follow him views him less as a deity and more as an exalted being to emulate.  He appeared first in Galhan, a city-state adjacent to Aranor, before the rise of the Empire.  Templars who choose this path increase their Body by +1, and gain training in Diplomacy and Polearms.  His Templars gain access to Arcana, Entropy, Time and Undying.
-The Imperial Temple views the Undying One as an evil deity, and works with great fervor to destroy his centers of worship.  The Templars of the Undying One do not attempt to conceal their faith, and as a result, are often harshly punished.
-==== The Elements ====
-Worship of the four classical elements goes back to the earliest days of the Southern Expanse, before the rise of the Southern Gods.  It is still found in a few isolated communities, mostly of humans near Suflar.  Their doctrine is animist, centered around the idea of all things having a living spirit, composed of some balance of the elements.  Their Templars gain access to Air, Earth, Fire and Water.  They receive training in Crafting and in Blunt Weapons, and gain a +1 bonus to Dexterity.
-==== The King of Cats ====
-{{ :unbound:classes:templar:kingofcats.jpeg?200|}}
-Nobody is entirely certain from where this deity first emerged.  They present as a feline of indiscriminate gender, and are a patron to thieves, smugglers and scouts.  Criminals of all varieties tend to beseech them for favour before a job.  The Imperial Temple tends to ignore their following, but the various city guards do not!
-Templars of the King of Cats gain a +1 bonus to Dexterity, and receive training in Stealth and Unarmed Combat.  They gain access to Chaos, Fortune, Mischief and Travel.  Their favoured weapon is the Inzawi.  Many of the Templars of the King of Cats will select Hybrid Training as a Duelist or a Rogue.