Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Meldread 12-06-07, 06:36 AM	I am curious as to everyone's favorite deities and why. Ignoring the changes that are coming in 4E and other changes made in the past, what are your favorite deities? They need not be alive. As for your reasoning just say a few sentences. My List: 10. Thoth - There is just something about him that draws me to him more than Oghma. He is an interesting deity, with interesting portfolios with more potential character and flavor than his Faerunian Counterpart. 9. Anhur - A good aligned war deity that I also find more interesting than Tempus. 8. Horus-Re - I love sun gods for some strange reason, and he ranks right up there. The only thing I really dislike about him is his dislike of change. What's more he let's his Paladin's keep slaves. That certainly requires some explaining to do. 7. Helm - How could I not love Helm? He's awesome, and my favorite alignment is Lawful Neutral. Helm represents it so well, even though I think at times people have trouble understanding it. 6. Hoar - I love the concept of Hoar and his ideas of justice. He is a flexible deity in some respects, and is more interesting than Tyr. Additionally, he allows Paladin's and I think Paladin's of Hoar are interesting. 5. Ilmater - I love his concept of Martyrdom and suffering for others. One of my most favorite good-aligned deities. 4. Lathander - Again, I love sun gods and I love Lathander and his harebrained ideas. 3. Kossuth - What's not to like? I love him for his flexibility and my ability to easily shape a twisted cult around him. 2. Gargauth - I love his back story and character. It would be nice to see him gain even more power. Plus, who doesn't love an Arch-Devil who was too evil even for his own kind? 1. Shar - I love her story and her character. She is a tragic figure in many ways, and yet is utterly evil, depraved and twisted. I love her scheming nature, and that she isn't a "Muahaha I want to rule the world" evil deity. Shar has a twisted and dark allure to her that the other evil deities seem to lack.
The_Shaman 12-06-07, 07:25 AM	Hmm, I haven't thought about a top 10... but I suppose these should more or less fit the bill, in no particular order. - Mystra: there are many deities of magic, but only one deity that is magic. Plus, I liked the idea of the Weave - and having its consciousness/manifestation being a deity is a good way to show how powerful magic is. The idea of a deity as a being who can wield supreme power but be limited in its actions also lends some polish. - Kelemvor/Jergal: Fatalistic, aloof, and not being some psychopatic losers: that is my idea of how death deities should be. The option to make a paladin of a death god makes it even better. Kelemvor strikes a more "solid" figure, but Jergal wins in terms of the creep factor, so they're tied. Their differences on the issue of undeath can make a campaign interesting either way. - Beshaba: Ay! A deity of bad luck is cool enough and can make for some great RP situations. Add in looks hot enough to drive any man - or woman - insane and a little bad luck and you get a deity that has been, I believe, unfortunately pushed aside. - Hoar: as a deity of revenge, and particularly poetic irony, I can't help but consider him for a position. If there was a pantheon of badassness, he'd be there. When I heard that sometimes he and Beshaba work together, I couldn't get the smile off my face for the better part of an hour. Sharess: being a deity of general indulgence and having fun is nice, and the cat aspect fits. However, when this deity was also Anhur's right hand and a serious deity of war in her own right, things get impressive. A great way to rattle a few stereotypes. Selune: out of the whole F&P, her entry was perhaps the only that wasn't only interesting but awe-inspiring. Not only does she make a fine lunar deity, but something about her impresses me as the essence of femininity - in any situation and age. - Sehanine Moonbow: a similar deity, if perhaps a little more limited in her portfolio. Yet somehow she just makes sense as a classic example of what an elf goddess should be like. I can't imagine an elf not paying homage to her. Mask: resident trickster deity, patron of thieves and intrigue, and generally of all things mysterious. Fascinating, even though I would have preferred a non-evil alternative. I hope he gets a blade or some in Cyric's back; this psychopath has been much too lucky for far too long. Absorbing Vhaeraun's essence (the drow deity seems to be almost like a carbon copy that's been made to suck) would also be a good way to push him to the forefront. Bane: there's something classical about a world-threatening tyrannical deity, and Bane does a very good job at the job. He has a certain Vader-like charisma - he will not be denied, will not be foiled, and he will triumph even if he has to personally choke the life out of every living being that defied him. Hell, why wouldn't I want him in a game. Talos: often, evil deities tend to get stuck in the "Mwahahaha Im in ur church eating ur babiz" ultra-evil gig, and it gets boring. Not to say that Talos isn't evil, but he manages to keep it on an appreciatable level and he - through his dogma - somehow shows a zest for life. Ever felt like blowing some stuff for the heck of it? Well, it's nice to know that there's a deity that appreciates just that. CE without being moronic, that's a rare gift. Ilmater: if there is any deity which I'd associate with what proper, "old-school" good is all about, it would be him. In a fantasy world, sometimes it's good to know that true good isn't found in battle, or liberty, or any number of other things but in undiluted, unabridged caring for others. Playing a proper cleric or even devotee of Ilmater might not be easy, but it would be an experience like properly rp-ing a paladin. Honorary mention: just as Ilmater for me exemplifies what it means to truly be good, Helm is a fine example of his own alignments. While I can think of different examples of lawful alignment, the classics are the classics.
customdrapery 12-06-07, 09:49 AM	In no particular order: Lathander - he's got ideas and he has lots of portfolios. He's a well-rounded deity. We spend a lot of time on these boards discussing him, his plans, his origins and his future. Jergal - For some reason I still think that he's got something up his sleeve. He maintained his godhood even after giving up his portfolios, I'm hoping for an insidious plot. Myrkul - I like an evil god of the dead and Myrkul was a good one. He was "Death" and I liked that. Bane - I like what Meldread had to say, he's a world-dominating evil deity, he works well and is more insidious and less obvious than some of the other evil deities. Moander - Another good evil deity for characters to fight agents of. I like the concept of "rot" as an evil entity. I like how the elves fought to kill him off so many times. And the story of how he corrupted Tyche. Good back story. Tempus - War gods are always kind of fun and Tempus is a good one to show the balance of different parts of war. To play up his chaotic nature, I think he should be more about the chaos of war, but that's just me. Torm - I was always kind of bored by Torm, paladin's meh, but with some new invigoration in 4E with possibly a few more interesting portfolios, I think he has some real possibilities. I like the idea of a truly good deity of war. Chauntea - I like how there are two nature deities that don't totally get along (her with Silvanus) because of the slightly different approach to their respective portfolios (agriculture vs. wild nature), It's a good story. Savras - As the god of divination and truth he's supposed to know everything, that's pretty cool. You'd think he would be on-call to all the deities. Plus, I think he had something up his sleeve and threw his battle with Azuth. It's a pity he didn't foresee the "Spellplague". Malar - represents the evil side of nature and that works for me. He's got some good stories and he's really ancient. I like that, something has allowed him to survive for so long. P.S. How do you set-up one of those spoiler sections? Thanks.
Redrake 12-06-07, 10:17 AM	In no particular order: Bast - How could anyone hate cats? I must say though, that I never used a character that worships Bast (but I know someone, she's one crazy chick). Red Knight - IMO, the best deity for warmongering paladins. She's LN, but worshiped by many warriors. Helm - One of my favorite gods, you can go with any alignment as long as it is lawful. Lathander - A god deity especially when it comes to creating characters that are going to fight undead. Selune - She's the goddess of travelers, something that any decent adventurer should be doing. Mystra - Goddess of magic, no point in arguing, one of the main gods (in my idea of the realms, not WotSC's). Solonor Thelandira - Elven god of archery and hunting, I like those 2 traits when playing with elves or some half-elves. Tymora - Goddess of luck and my favorite deity to pick for bards. Sseth - Yuan-ti is race that fascinates me. I do like how they are portrayed in most games. Loviatar - My favorite evil deity. She's close to Lolth but for surface dwellers.
Stigger 12-06-07, 10:34 AM	Hmmm... no real order to it... Mystra Selune Sune Lliira Sharess Loviatar Red Knight Lathander Gond Oghma Though Oghma's kind of a toss up with Deneir.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 12-06-07, 11:00 AM	Maybe later I'll throw up a list (which will also be in no particular order).
Suin Bahhar 12-06-07, 11:19 AM	Nice. My gods: Set I love his scorn for the Mulhorandi gods and his cunning Cyric I have a thing for fledgling and trickster gods Tymora Gotta love luck and she has aided me several campaigns Torm Crusaders for true righteousness Oghma I love his categoric thinking and see the benefits from it Selvetarm Pure hardcore bloodletting and looking cool while doing it Selune Mystical moonlight scenes are the best Liira True partyhardy dancing on the ceiling joy Mask Sly and cunning as a rogue can be Red Knight Cold hard steeled woman with a brain for tactics *drool*
Alediran 12-06-07, 11:50 AM	In no particular order: - Mystra: she is the best god/ess of Magic I ever read, her unique alignment and philosophy made possible the acceptance of magic by the common people (something that doesn't exists in Dragonlance where even White Tunics are viewed with suspicion by the commoners), the possibility of the mageduel to test the powers of spells without killing the caster (a huge creation of the second Mystra that allowed much more magical research). - Corellon Larethian: need I say much? - Eilistraee: redemption is one of my favorite themes for a story and her mission of redeeming the evil of the drow can't be more good. - Tempus: A very likable god of war. In his strangeness he can't be a more fitting god of war. - The Gods of Fury: they are interesting antagonists for adventures in the wild. - Tiamat: chromatic dragons can't get boring as enemies. - Aerdrie Faenya: if elves are interesting, how much interesting is an elf that can fly? And Air magic is my favorite elemental magic. - Akadi: see Aerdrie Faenya. - Oghma: knowledge is always a mystery and a good starting point of an adventure. - Tymora: Good Luck is an adventurer's best friend.
Kiioro 12-06-07, 11:59 AM	In a VERY particular order: 01 - Sharess: She transformed from Bast to a deity that has a military view on things, yet she believes in sensual fulfillment, is terribly sexy and she must have her dark/naughty side after being captured by Shar for a time. I wish she were worshipped in real life, I'd turn to her religion immediately. 02 - Beshaba: The first god(dess) a character of mine believed in. She opposes Tymora (which I find kind of lame), she's bat**** insane and so sexy it's stupid. 03 - Eilistraee: A good drow that isn't a crybaby! Not only that, she wields a serious weapon, favors dancing and pleasures, she's usually depicted nude and asks her followers to do the same. I rest my case. No particular order: -Cyric: That guy you love to hate. I'd pay a lot just to have a day to mash my feet in his face repeatedly and laugh at him. -Mask: Unfortunately evil, but deluded and he can transform into a weapon. Crazy enough to do the Orlando thing and be a sexy woman every now and then, stealthy and graceful. -Kossuth: Alien, a greater god in spite of being an elemental, his followers are a bit insane and he was summoned to destroy a city, paid his summoners with the same fate. -Uthdgar: He believes in family union, protecting his own and at the same time leaving them to fend for themselves, to party and experiment bodily pleasures. -Shar: Who else is cool enough to use a chakram? She also represents the night and the Shadow Weave. Unfortunately, she seems to be a spoiled brat that wants the anihilation of everything. And I'm quite sorry I wasn't there to see what happened between her and Sharess. -Kelemvor: A death god that changed the perception of death itself, not the "oooh, I'm so evil because I rule over death!" god, but a god that can punish terribly, makes pacts with devils, scares demons and still keeps it cool. -Hanali Celanil: Everything Corellon wanted to be and couldn't achieve: she's a she, she's beautiful and hedonistic.
Kiioro 12-06-07, 12:07 PM	<snip> - Corellon Larethian: need I say much? <snip> Oh yes, you do. What the hell? :uh-huh:???
Alediran 12-06-07, 12:47 PM	Oh yes, you do. What the hell? :uh-huh:??? Corellon Larethian is the warrior, protector and keeper of the arcane arts for the elves, he is also the creator and patron of art and craft. He is THE Bladesinger (even if there is another Seldarine who has Bladesingers as his portfolio)
Lord Karsus 12-06-07, 01:13 PM	-In no alphabetical order: Corellon Larethian Finder Wyvernspur Ghaunadaur Jergal Karsus Lathander Savras Shar Torm Velsharoon
sfdragon 12-06-07, 01:13 PM	corellon larethian red knight elistraee sehinine moonbow selune bahamut tempus Mielikki yondalla Moradin
Kiioro 12-06-07, 01:26 PM	Corellon Larethian is the warrior, protector and keeper of the arcane arts for the elves, he is also the creator and patron of art and craft. He is THE Bladesinger (even if there is another Seldarine who has Bladesingers as his portfolio) Thanks! Now I see. Sometimes, it'll appear to be obvious, but it isn't. I, for one, will never understand my girlfriend (she plays an elf that, because of story reasons, believes in Yondala) or her sister, who plays a halfling cleric of Yondala.
Alediran 12-06-07, 01:54 PM	Thanks! Now I see. Sometimes, it'll appear to be obvious, but it isn't. I, for one, will never understand my girlfriend (she plays an elf that, because of story reasons, believes in Yondala) or her sister, who plays a halfling cleric of Yondala. Your girl's sister is actually playing it ok. Yondalla is the protector and provider of the Halflings. Your girl's is harder to understand, it would be interesting to listen to her point of view.
Kiioro 12-06-07, 02:23 PM	Oh, she originally believed in Corellon, but she never got any benefit from him, until she met Minto (the sister's character), who started to talk about Yondala. Once, she was in trouble and prayed to Yondala. (The DM said "Oh, what the heck" and rolled to see if she heard her... rolled a 100). She has been miraculously saved 3 times already and once she prayed for Minto's protection, with a miracle happening too; she is now an elven paladin of Yondala, under Minto's guidance. But my point was that I would never believe in Yondala, nor Corellon among many other god(dess)/s/es. I don't expect the others to think as I do, but, to understand them, I need to know why they'd choose such a god/dess.
Alediran 12-06-07, 02:48 PM	Oh, she originally believed in Corellon, but she never got any benefit from him, until she met Minto (the sister's character), who started to talk about Yondala. Once, she was in trouble and prayed to Yondala. Unless she was a divine caster your belife will reward you only in the afterlife (if you consider a reward NOT becoming part of the Wall of Faithless), that point of view sounded very selfish, It was a good development but an awfull regard to the truth of worship to a god. That time when she was in trouble by reflex she should have prayed to Corellon, who is by the way, the protector of elves. If I was the DM at that session I wouldn't have allowed what happened unless your girls' character was already a faithful of Yondala.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 12-06-07, 02:53 PM	OK, here are some of my favorites: --Mystra --Eilistraee --Mielikki --Sune --Hanali Celanil --Helm --Lathander --Selune --Oghma --Tymora But they aren't the only gods I like! :)
MerrikCale 12-06-07, 03:23 PM	My favorites include Selune Shar Shandaukal Malar Sehanine Moonbow Ilmater Mielekki Savras Hoar Lord Karsus
Kiioro 12-06-07, 03:45 PM	That time when she was in trouble by reflex she should have prayed to Corellon, who is by the way, the protector of elves. If I was the DM at that session I wouldn't have allowed what happened unless your girls' character was already a faithful of Yondala. Then, I shall give more context. She had already prayed many times to Corellon and had the fabulous silence as an answer. She started praying to Corellon and Yondala (thanks to Minto), never getting answers and praying harder. She's actually -besides the clerics- the most faithful character we have. Then, that fateful day she was in trouble and prayed to Yondala first... Currently, we joke on it, saying that Corellon smacks his head against the tallest tree in Arborea every time Nerwen (my gf's character) does something like that, saying "What did I do wrong there?". Minto has been in trouble and when Nerwen prayed, having a vision in which she was a halfling and she was told what to do, we didn't know if to be awed or laughing. Seńorita Fathomlin, why Oghma?
Soltares 12-06-07, 03:56 PM	Consulting a handy-dandy list; (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Forgotten_Realms_deities) Tymora Auril Loviatar Talona Torm Jergal Tchazzer Leira Myrkul Solonor Thelandira There's a bunch of others, but those would be my top ten (I like a bunch of the elven and gnomish gods, for instance). There's also a few I saw on that list that I really kinda loathe. :) I remember one party where my cleric, of Tymora, if I recall correctly, ended up consistently rolling 1 on Cure Wounds spells (this was second edition, so no bonus healing for level), while the DM rolled 8's every time for the Lolth-worshipping cleric on the other side of the fray. After the fight, we found that she had a Staff of Curing, and it also rolled above average (usually 7s and 8s) every time it was used. The rest of the party got on my Clerics bad side by saying 'Praise Lolth!' every time he healed them, since 'Lolth gives better healing'...
Phelf_Der_Zemit 12-06-07, 04:17 PM	10. Mordain 9. Sune 8.Oghma 7.Mystra 6. Lathander 5.Kossuth (Most fun battle cleric ever) 4.Gorm 3.Vhaeraun (*sniff* dead but still made my list) 2.Mask (Fun for all the little boys and girls) 1.Sherevash (the only reason, in my mind, to play a elf cleric) wow.. that was tougher than expected.
msatran 12-06-07, 05:17 PM	10) Corellon Larethian. While in standard lore Corellon was male, in the Realms Corellon retained its classic presence as Male, Female, Both, and Neither. Sorry, whoever said that above, but Corellon is multigendered AND multisexual. The classic god of ELVES, they even thought to change THAT! What were they thinking!!!!????? 9) Bane! I cannot speak enough of how happy I was that they brought Bane back, even though it kind of ticked me off that pretty much anyone or anything in the Realms was effectively ressurrectable. Tyranny, tyranny, tyranny. Bane was cool in first edition and he's still cool now. Unfortunately, they're making him a war god. WHAT? He was never a war god! 8) Chauntea! You've got to be kidding me, right? What about all those cool other gods? Well, those cool other gods can't hold a candle to Chauntea, because she has more worshippers than ANYONE. Every farmer, every rancher, every peasant in the world probably worships THIS deity in preference to all others. 7) The Celestial Bureaucracy: People forget about the Celestial Bureacracy, because they have a local god for everything, but it's real fun with your asian characters, when you really want something, to burn paper money, have incense swirl around your head, and bow to a spirit tablet. 6) Eilistraee: How can you not love a redemptive goddess who establishes roadside hostels where beautiful priestesses of all sorts give you "succor" Can I take one home? :) 5) Meilikki: How can you not love a hot nature goddess whose followers roam the wilderness dispensing justice and kicking butt? Even her servitor god, Gwaeron Windstrom, rocks! Bad boys, what you gonna do when the Steelsword comes for you...? :) 4) Tymora: Tymora attains her position by virtue of the fact that Dungeon Masters love her. Why do Dungeon Masters love Tymora? Because occasionally, Dungeon Masters see Tymoran worshippers do INSANELY STUPID things. Games are much more fun for the DM when they say "Are you sure you want to take this action?" and the player still says yes! 3) Amaunator: Cold despite his heat, alive despite his death, the relentless eye of the burning sun blazes down upon Faerun whether you want it or not. With Lathander, it's worship me or else. With this guy, you are sinners in the hands of an angry god, and you know it from the get go! I love it when the gods are demanding! Plus, all of my top three choices can have both good and evil worshippers, which is an additional level of trouble. 2) Gond: WHAT? Gond at Number Two? You've gotta be kidding me, right? Well, the moral difficulties of worshipping Gond can be severe if you're good aligned, that's why. If you're a good priest of Gond, your archenemy can be a guy who animates bone sculptures, is sanctioned by the church, and you can't touch him on holy ground. Because he's a priest of Gond, too, and you will constantly face that onus until either you or he kicks the bucket, and then you have to face your OWN inquisition. Fun and games! But everything I said about Gond goes double for this wonderful deity... 1) The Red Knight: WHAT? He picked a Demipower? Vytharius! What the heck is that, you say? Well, like Amaunator, above, the Red Knight can have Paladins! The Red Knight can also have blackguards. (So can Amaunator, but I haven't ever seen one, and you probably won't either) This is why I am starting to hate 4th edition, because it takes away a lot of that uniqueness. Now, you have problems, because if you hang out in your own churches too much, you have the distasteful prospect of chatting with people who not only are wicked, but who might sacrifice your head and heart to your deity! And in their own temple, they just might get away with it, too...At the core of this religion is an ethic unlike any other in the Realms. Plus, ladies in full plate armor are hot beyond imagining. Remember the cover of the second edition hardcover campaign guide? Mee-yow! Oh, and Phelf, a Ranger/Cleric of Solonor is REALLY cool. That's why you play an Elf Cleric. Not only am I an amazing cleric, but I'm also an obscene archer! And my domains give me half the feats I need!
Karsus the Mad 12-06-07, 05:20 PM	4-10. Randomly choose. It's likely I'll like them all evenly. 3. Oghma. God of Knowledge and Invention. He'd be number two if he was just a wee bit more of a hands on type of deity. 2. Gond. He's the deity that has the qualities I most admire. 1. Me. I have a god complex.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 12-06-07, 05:47 PM	Seńorita Fathomlin, why Oghma? I put him on my list because he was one of the first gods I ever learned about (when I started learning about the FR setting), and I immediately took a shining to him. He is also a god of bards, and I like bards.:)
Lord Karsus 12-06-07, 05:55 PM	My favorites include Blah... Blah... Blah... Lord Karsus -I like your list. :)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 12-06-07, 06:01 PM	:heehee Me too!
Hanali-in-Love 12-06-07, 06:09 PM	The Pantheon of The Seldarine The Dwarven, Gnome and Halfling pantheons. The Faerunian pantheon doesn't appeal to me.
MaskedOne 12-06-07, 06:24 PM	4-10 vary on mood but 10. Sharess, self-explanatory 9. Oghma, knowledge is good 8. Red Knight, I enjoy good tactics 7. Liira, freedom is in her portfolio, nuf said 6. Lathander, value his portfolios not always his character 5. Aumanator, enjoyed him in Baldur's Gate series 4. Azuth, enjoy the character and he's a god of spellcasters 3. Torm, enjoy his portrayal, value duty 2. Auppenser, psionics have perks and I like the core tenets of his faith 1. You have to ask? Mystra, sentient magic, approve of her goals and depending on the author she's a halfway amusing character. I'd ask what's not to like but that would start an argument if anyone answered. EDIT: I've enjoyed all incarnations of Lady Magic so when I say Mystra, feel free to assume that I mean Mystril and Midnight as well.
GreenKnight 12-06-07, 06:57 PM	Unfortunately, they're making him a war god. WHAT? He was never a war god! FYI: He's a War God in the Core Pantheon. That doesn't make him a War God in Faerun.
Crazygx34 12-06-07, 07:02 PM	Mines are Mystra Selune Shar Sune Auril Bane Eilistraee Chauntea Miliaki Torm :)
GothicDan 12-07-07, 12:35 AM	Non-Demihuman Pantheon list, in no particular order: 10. Azuth 9. Oghma 8. Lathander 7. Shar 6. Jergal 5. Myrkul 4. Talos 3. Nobanion 2. Sharess 1. Kossuth
msatran 12-07-07, 11:52 AM	10) Corellon Larethian. While in standard lore Corellon was male, in the Realms Corellon retained its classic presence as Male, Female, Both, and Neither. Sorry, whoever said that above, but Corellon is multigendered AND multisexual. The classic god of ELVES, they even thought to change THAT! What were they thinking!!!!????? 9) Bane! I cannot speak enough of how happy I was that they brought Bane back, even though it kind of ticked me off that pretty much anyone or anything in the Realms was effectively ressurrectable. Tyranny, tyranny, tyranny. Bane was cool in first edition and he's still cool now. Unfortunately, they're making him a war god. WHAT? He was never a war god! 8) Chauntea! You've got to be kidding me, right? What about all those cool other gods? Well, those cool other gods can't hold a candle to Chauntea, because she has more worshippers than ANYONE. Every farmer, every rancher, every peasant in the world probably worships THIS deity in preference to all others. 7) The Celestial Bureaucracy: People forget about the Celestial Bureacracy, because they have a local god for everything, but it's real fun with your asian characters, when you really want something, to burn paper money, have incense swirl around your head, and bow to a spirit tablet. 6) Eilistraee: How can you not love a redemptive goddess who establishes roadside hostels where beautiful priestesses of all sorts give you "succor" Can I take one home? :) 5) Meilikki: How can you not love a hot nature goddess whose followers roam the wilderness dispensing justice and kicking butt? Even her servitor god, Gwaeron Windstrom, rocks! Bad boys, what you gonna do when the Steelsword comes for you...? :) 4) Tymora: Tymora attains her position by virtue of the fact that Dungeon Masters love her. Why do Dungeon Masters love Tymora? Because occasionally, Dungeon Masters see Tymoran worshippers do INSANELY STUPID things. Games are much more fun for the DM when they say "Are you sure you want to take this action?" and the player still says yes! 3) Amaunator: Cold despite his heat, alive despite his death, the relentless eye of the burning sun blazes down upon Faerun whether you want it or not. With Lathander, it's worship me or else. With this guy, you are sinners in the hands of an angry god, and you know it from the get go! I love it when the gods are demanding! Plus, all of my top three choices can have both good and evil worshippers, which is an additional level of trouble. 2) Gond: WHAT? Gond at Number Two? You've gotta be kidding me, right? Well, the moral difficulties of worshipping Gond can be severe if you're good aligned, that's why. If you're a good priest of Gond, your archenemy can be a guy who animates bone sculptures, is sanctioned by the church, and you can't touch him on holy ground. Because he's a priest of Gond, too, and you will constantly face that onus until either you or he kicks the bucket, and then you have to face your OWN inquisition. Fun and games! But everything I said about Gond goes double for this wonderful deity... 1) The Red Knight: WHAT? He picked a Demipower? Vytharius! What the heck is that, you say? Well, like Amaunator, above, the Red Knight can have Paladins! The Red Knight can also have blackguards. (So can Amaunator, but I haven't ever seen one, and you probably won't either) This is why I am starting to hate 4th edition, because it takes away a lot of that uniqueness. Now, you have problems, because if you hang out in your own churches too much, you have the distasteful prospect of chatting with people who not only are wicked, but who might sacrifice your head and heart to your deity! And in their own temple, they just might get away with it, too...At the core of this religion is an ethic unlike any other in the Realms. Plus, ladies in full plate armor are hot beyond imagining. Remember the cover of the second edition hardcover campaign guide? Mee-yow! Oh, and Phelf, a Ranger/Cleric of Solonor is REALLY cool. That's why you play an Elf Cleric. Not only am I an amazing cleric, but I'm also an obscene archer! And my domains give me half the feats I need! I hate to quote myself, but I just want to show you what this looks like in 4e. 10) Corellon Larethian 9) Bane 8) Chauntea 7) Tofu, all of this will be gone. 6) Tofu 5) If Meilikki is not absorbed into Silvanus, she will still be there, otherwise, Tofu. 4) Tymora 3) Tofu 2) Gond 1) Tofu Half of my favorite deities become absorbed into the giant tofu monster. Please, Wizards, undo this deific nonsense NOW!
MerrikCale 12-07-07, 12:06 PM	:heehee Me too! I'm just trying to get in LK's sig again. shhhhhh......
Lord Karsus 12-07-07, 12:52 PM	I'm just trying to get in LK's sig again. shhhhhh...... -You're in there. But, just for you, I'll change it so that you have a new quote in there. Gotta keep it fresh.
Redrake 12-07-07, 01:34 PM	Half of my favorite deities become absorbed into the giant tofu monster. Please, Wizards, undo this deific nonsense NOW! Begging won't do. Perhaps a nuts campaign like the one initiated by Jericho fans.:D I've already decided that 4E is not for me. They managed to destroy almost everything I loved about FR and kill some of my favorite deities and characters in the realms.
Ulpharz 12-07-07, 01:42 PM	In a semi-particular, but not really, order: Leira Jergal Azuth Oghma Mystra Mask Gond Shandaukal Akadi Talos (I feel like being a Talassan when waiting for the MTA :D )
msatran 12-07-07, 02:18 PM	Forget nuts. We should send these people cuckoo clocks.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 12-07-07, 02:30 PM	-You're in there. But, just for you, I'll change it so that you have a new quote in there. Gotta keep it fresh. I'm in there too, YAAAAAAY!:ayyyy!:
Lord Karsus 12-07-07, 02:33 PM	-Yep, I try to give everyone some love. Some quotes are just more appealing, and thus stay longer, than others.
johnkretzer 12-07-07, 03:26 PM	Ok...I am going give three lists one for good gods and one for evil gods, one for neutral gods...also they aren't in particular order The Good God List. 1) Selune...her story is great especialy with Mystra. 2) Eilistraee...I just like someone who is fighting impossible odds...and staying not like some other drow who ran(cough Drizzt). 3)Tymora...a goddess of luck is neccessary 4) Meilikki because Rangers are just fun characters. 5) The racial pantheon gods are all usualy great. 6) Lliira a goddess of joy, dancing, freedom what is there not to like. 7) Eldath...give peace a chance. Even Tempus thinks so. 8) The Triad...proving that lawful doesn't mean dick well till they decide to write it that way.. 9) Lurue...I admitt it I like unicorns 10) Sune...great concept writen very badly at times... The Evil Gods List 1) Bane...Tyranny is fun to fight against. 2)Shar...Selune wouldn't be as interesting if she didn't have a interesting enemy. 3)Mask...thieves make great villians. 4)Talos...because sometimes it is nice not to have to come up with convoluted reasons. 5)Malar is a nice foil to the nature gods. 6)Besheba...mostly forggoten but I think a great goddess...also non-evil clerics of her make for interesting RP. 7) Auril...Goddess of cold is interesting....also non-evil clerics of her make for interesting RP 8) Gargauth...what is there not to like about a corrupt politicians as villians? 9) Loviatar...just find her interesting...also non-evil clerics of her make for interesting RP. 10) Lathender...yeah I know he is not evil...but he proves that old saying about the path to Hell is paved by good intentions. 11) Lolth: Ok I added a extra one but I think she should have been on the list. The Neutral Gods List... 1)Mystra: Yeah I know currently she is listed as god...but she was heading that way. Also magic should not evil or good. 2)Leira: Great alternative for non-evil tricksters and again trickery shouldn't be the exclusive domains of evil or good. 3)Helm:Again doesn't evil people need things protected against? Especialy considering adventurers? 4) Silvanus: Nature is above good or evil... 5) Tempus: Embodies war greatly... 6) Waukeen: Trade and economics should not be held by evil or good. 7) Red Knight: I hope tactics and stagety isn't the exclusive domains of evil or good...if it is the whole world just gets silly. 8) Hoar: Vengence is a great thing for RP. 9) Oghma: Knowledge and lore are great...and shouldn't be the exclusive domains of evil or good. 10: Gond: Inventions are great and well shouldn't be the exclusive domains of good or evil.(See a pattern yet.) So there you have it three list for the price of one. I am sso generous.:P Also it should be noted I don't hate any god in the Realms. I even Cyric could make a useful and interesting god...it is just what he gets away with that annoys me. Also I think he should just become a god of maddness.
johnkretzer 12-07-07, 03:28 PM	I'm in there too, YAAAAAAY!:ayyyy!: I made the list too...:w00t: I am just sooo :cool:
Lord Karsus 12-07-07, 03:57 PM	I made the list too...:w00t: I am just sooo :cool: -Top billing, too.
Green Elven Vampire 12-07-07, 04:46 PM	Well, say goodbye to all the other members of The Seldarine besides Correllon. Rich Baker has posted on the boards that most of the Seldarine are going to be the elven names for Faerunian deities. He mentions that Sehanine is going to be the elven name for Selune, etc... etc... Sooooo there goes 30,000 years of elven history in the realms. I'm seriously not kidding!!!
Zanan 12-07-07, 04:59 PM	A serious remark for MerrikCale and Lord Karsus: Please (as in PLEASE) do not mess about with such silly proposals, i.e. "Karsus" and "Lord Karsus". In the current climate, one of the designers happens by and finds this funny or cheeky or useful information and we will see that in 4E! I know of about two people who would jump out of their pants if it comes to pass ... while they rest of the community jumps out of their windows. As for the Top 10 list ... well, there are so many great deities about. Obviously, you all are simply heretics with no understanding of the real ranking of the Faerūnian pantheon. As there is only one goddess occupying the first ... say 8 places alone. One for each leg. Lolth! :evillaugh NB: the other two places are taken by Mask, Loviatar, Selūne, Tymora, Bane, Kiaransalee, Hoar, Red Knight, Isis, Sune & Sharess, Ibrandul, Shaundakul and appr. 88 others. Sadly, demon lords and archdevils have their own Top 10.
Zanan 12-07-07, 05:02 PM	Well, say goodbye to all the other members of The Seldarine besides Correllon. Rich Baker has posted on the boards that most of the Seldarine are going to be the elven names for Faerunian deities. He mentions that Sehanine is going to be the elven name for Selune, etc... etc... Sooooo there goes 30,000 years of elven history in the realms. I'm seriously not kidding!!! You have my condolences. It seems, after the Lady Penitent fiasco, we all get our fair share of shocks and horror news.
Lord Karsus 12-07-07, 05:14 PM	A serious remark for MerrikCale and Lord Karsus: Please (as in PLEASE) do not mess about with such silly proposals, i.e. "Karsus" and "Lord Karsus". In the current climate, one of the designers happens by and finds this funny or cheeky or useful information and we will see that in 4E! I know of about two people who would jump out of their pants if it comes to pass ... while they rest of the community jumps out of their windows. -Karsus was, and continues to be- albeit in an odd, dismembered sembalance- a deity.
Kiioro 12-07-07, 07:38 PM	So should I start being heartbroken now because in 4E Sharess will go *poof*? (Well, more like "Nnnnh..." *poof*)?
Redrake 12-07-07, 07:43 PM	A serious remark for MerrikCale and Lord Karsus: Please (as in PLEASE) do not mess about with such silly proposals, i.e. "Karsus" and "Lord Karsus". In the current climate, one of the designers happens by and finds this funny or cheeky or useful information and we will see that in 4E! I know of about two people who would jump out of their pants if it comes to pass ... while they rest of the community jumps out of their windows. For me that would be unwise. I live on the 11th floor. I might get more satisfaction in throwing a book with 4E on the cover, but I'm not going to spend money on it. Oh yes, I'm one of those unhappy players contained among that "dozen" Rich Baker mentioned.:P
Soltares 12-07-07, 08:14 PM	Well, say goodbye to all the other members of The Seldarine besides Correllon. Rich Baker has posted on the boards that most of the Seldarine are going to be the elven names for Faerunian deities. He mentions that Sehanine is going to be the elven name for Selune, etc... etc... Sooooo there goes 30,000 years of elven history in the realms. I'm seriously not kidding!!! I'll miss the original Seldarine (esp Aerdrie, Deep Sashelas and Solonor), but Sehanine is some fraud they just invented this edition, and her official origin story is a pack of lies that claim that *she* was the wife of Corellon back when *she* gave life to the elven race! Right, she thinks that *she's* the elven creator, and Corellon's just some big faker, and Araushalnee never even existed. Pull the other one, 'Moonbow.' Even her *name* betrays her lies. Elven dieties have elven names. It's not 'Labelas Glitterpony' or 'Hanali Pixiedust.' Here's a nickel, go buy a vowel and start working on getting a real name, 'cause Corellon isn't changing his name to 'Corellon Sparklesword.' Hardly a shock that her religion sweeping through elven society (since, obviously, nobody had heard of her before then) was referred to as a 'plague' in her first written appearance. Shevarash, on the other hand, was a great addition to the elven pantheon. Another one I'd miss.
Karsus the Mad 12-07-07, 08:24 PM	Well, say goodbye to all the other members of The Seldarine besides Correllon. Rich Baker has posted on the boards that most of the Seldarine are going to be the elven names for Faerunian deities. He mentions that Sehanine is going to be the elven name for Selune, etc... etc... Sooooo there goes 30,000 years of elven history in the realms. I'm seriously not kidding!!! :confused: But...how can that work?:thinks: Honest question actually.
msatran 12-07-07, 08:30 PM	That's easy. Gods have always been secretly made of Tofu. See my earlier post. There's really nothing on the inside. When the bean curd gets stale, they replace the deity with a new one.
Karsus the Mad 12-07-07, 08:34 PM	That's easy. Gods have always been secretly made of Tofu. See my earlier post. There's really nothing on the inside. When the bean curd gets stale, they replace the deity with a new one. Does that mean Loth and Ellistrae were also originally human deities before she betrayed the big C? What of the Faerunian deities that simply didn't exist when the elves first arrived? :confused: I don't think I'm computing the information correctly....is there a list somewhere as to which deities will be merely Faerunian deities with elven names?
Hanali-in-Love 12-07-07, 08:35 PM	That's easy. Gods have always been secretly made of Tofu. See my earlier post. There's really nothing on the inside. When the bean curd gets stale, they replace the deity with a new one. That's great. you should post that on the thread discussing the seldarine being retconned in the Magic, Deities & the Cosmos section.
The_Shaman 12-07-07, 08:39 PM	As for the Top 10 list ... well, there are so many great deities about. Obviously, you all are simply heretics with no understanding of the real ranking of the Faerūnian pantheon. As there is only one goddess occupying the first ... say 8 places alone. One for each leg. Lolth! :evillaugh You know, LEoF did mention that the old drow used to worship the Spider Queen in some weird ways, but shouldn't you leave a place or two for her other body parts as well? I mean I don't know, often having a head adds to the image of an evil deity ;)
MerrikCale 12-07-07, 11:22 PM	A serious remark for MerrikCale and Lord Karsus: Please (as in PLEASE) do not mess about with such silly proposals, i.e. "Karsus" and "Lord Karsus". In the current climate, one of the designers happens by and finds this funny or cheeky or useful information and we will see that in 4E! you're right. I'm sorry. And I promise not to kid around and say how I wish Mystra would just die already.... huh? whats that Mr Baker?.... No I didn't say that...no, really I didn't.....who said "chosen schmosen"?...not me....
msatran 12-08-07, 03:27 AM	That's great. you should post that on the thread discussing the seldarine being retconned in the Magic, Deities & the Cosmos section. I went you one better. I put it on the Realms Designers thread.
Reneshat 12-08-07, 04:25 AM	1) Ilmater 2) Red Knight 3) Torm These three were easy, after this however, I actually had to think, so these are in no particular order. Deities of Fury: Probably Talos and Auril are my favorite, but I love them all Helm: Definitely one of my favorites, even if he doesn't rank top 3 Karsus: The self-made man, er, uh, god. What's there not to like? Asgorath: I remember reading Monster Mythology for the first time, and being really impressed with the Dragon Pantheon, especially Io Null: Asgorath part deux? I know it doesn't add up to 10, and I know I didn't really put much effort into explaining my choices, but here they are, for better or worse.
Hanali-in-Love 12-08-07, 04:36 AM	I went you one better. I put it on the Realms Designers thread. That's great!! :D
GreenKnight 12-08-07, 04:43 AM	My Top Ten would be made up of... 1) Torm - He's always been a favorite of mine for years. Hell, whenever a new campaign setting or deities book comes out, I almost always go straight to the entry on Torm just to see what changes, if any, have been made to him. :D 2) Bane - I was pretty nonplussed at the choices of evil gods throughout most of 2E. While he wasn't the only one, the supplements sure made it feel as if Cyric was the only game in town. Which was especially disappointing as I liked Bane. So naturally, as soon as I saw his entry in the FRCS, I practically leapt for joy from seeing that he was back. It felt damn good to see Bane back where he belonged, lording it over Zhentil Keep. Now if only they'd put out a novel that has SOMETHING to do with his return. 3) Mask - He's just neat visually. Not to mention that I got a kick out of reading about his antics in Prince of Lies and Crucible. Poor bastard. At least he finally got Kezef the Chaos Hound off his back. 4) Mystra - For me, she IS the Realms. She's like Captain America or Superman. If you could only think of ONE god who most personified the Realms, odds are, it'd be Mystra. She's absolutely integral to the Realms. 5) Kelemvor - I absolutely love his addition to the Realms. It's great seeing a god of the dead who isn't all about the undead and necromancy or anything of the sort. While I liked Myrkul, Kelemvor's an interesting take on the role of god of the dead. 7) Myrkul - One of the Dead Three who, sadly, has so far stayed dead. He's in that crown, sure, but dang it, I want him back as a god. Not as god of the dead, but there's plenty of room for him in the Faerunian Pantheon even if he isn't god of the dead. He's just to interesting to keep down, and I sure wish he was back. 8) The Red Knight - For one thing, I like her name. ;) Secondly, as someone else said, women in full plate armor are hot. :D In all seriousness, I think her background's pretty interesting, being made a Demigod after the Time of Troubles and all that. I also think it's pretty neat to see a father/daughter type relationship in the Faerunian Pantheon (Which there's a distinct lack of. No brothers/sisters/fathers/sons/mothers/daughters/etc). 9) Jergal - I like Jergal for a similar reason that I like the Red Knight. The relationship between him and Kelemvor, which at times, feels almost paternal. Beyond that, there's something I just find likeable about the creepy bastard. 10) Tempus - Simply put, I'm a fan of bad asses, and Tempus is a bad ass. The End.
Lord Karsus 12-08-07, 10:16 AM	:confused: But...how can that work?:thinks: Honest question actually. -That's what I can't wait to see. -The only way I can figure it out, is that if Sehanine Moonbow is Selūne, then the commonly believed creation myth is incorrect, since Sehanine is an interloper power that came from elsewhere. Thus, all that stuff about Shar, Selūne, Chauntea and Mystra is all a lie.
bayke 12-08-07, 11:12 AM	Favorite Deities 10: Cyrollee 9: Shevaresh 8: Baravan Cloakshadow 7: Loviatar 6: Helm 5: Bane 4: Red Knight 3: Ilmater 2: Kelemvor 1: Torm
Karsus the Mad 12-08-07, 03:23 PM	-That's what I can't wait to see. I can. It simply isn't true. Damn I'm a persuasive bastard. I can even fool myself. -The only way I can figure it out, is that if Sehanine Moonbow is Selūne, then the commonly believed creation myth is incorrect, since Sehanine is an interloper power that came from elsewhere. Thus, all that stuff about Shar, Selūne, Chauntea and Mystra is all a lie. Actually, I think it means Sehanine isn't an interloper.....since, you know, she's actually just Selune.... Nope....even I can't fool myself into believing such crappy tripe...
Lord Karsus 12-08-07, 04:17 PM	I can. It simply isn't true. Damn I'm a persuasive bastard. I can even fool myself. Actually, I think it means Sehanine isn't an interloper.....since, you know, she's actually just Selune.... Nope....even I can't fool myself into believing such crappy tripe... -This is, ladies and gentlemen, what it's like to be an insane, tripartite being.
Storm_Silverhand 12-08-07, 04:22 PM	Heya, Here's my list... 1) Tymora (she's Good Luck to like, plus she's kind of an aspect of a deity I already have some reverence for IRL ;)) 2) Mystra (It has been said before in this thread, but I'll say it again here... To me, if there's any one deity that personifies the Realms, it is Mystra) 3) Sharess (Cats, sex, and pleasure. Nuff said.) 4) Eilistraee (This goddess is my favorite moon deity, and redemption is one of my favorite plots of all) Then in no particular order Red Knight (the personification of chess, an undeniably strong and intelligent warrior woman who is not at all like Xena) Loviatar (sometimes pain is unavoidable) Mielikki (she frolicks in the North with her mount Lurue...) Lliira (Freedom!) Sune (a deity who should be more than meets the eye, but is always depicted as flighty, vain, and shallow) Siamorphe (dunno why, she's just on my list) Lurue (I have a soft spot for unicorns, and am glad to see the Uber-unicorn is female, as they're more often than not stallions in literature) Sadly enough, looking up at that list I realize I have no male deities in my favorites... So I guess I'll just have to have some then! :) Lathander (New beginings, self perfection, athletics... good deity for self improvement) Bahamut (I just love dragons) Corellon Latherian (he's only here because people seem to default him to male, but I like that he/she is actually a gender bender, even if it doesn't get much press) Deities I love to hate... Cyric (he's almost on my "Deities I just hate" list) Bane (the Tyrant, makes a good bad guy god for CG heroes) Bhaal (he was the mover and shaker behind the Baldur's Gate games!) Lolth (she has the drow twisted around her eight spidery legs... Eilistraee's story is predicated on Lolth's) Deities I just hate... Sheverash (racism personified)
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 12-08-07, 09:03 PM	Yeah, I am fond of Sharess myself because I am a cat lover.:)
MerrikCale 12-08-07, 10:58 PM	Yeah, I am fond of Sharess myself because I am a cat lover.:) Thats not why I like her ;)
Todesherr 12-09-07, 03:36 AM	1. Torm 2. Garl Glittergold 3. Myrkul 4. Bane 5. Shar 6. Finder 7. Lathander 8. Cyric 9. Gargauth 10. Talos
Kenzuki 12-09-07, 09:02 AM	In no certain order. Bhaal (Yes I said BHAAL. He is the REAL Lord of Murder, Cyric is a poser. No seriously Baldur's Gate got me into the Realms so he's always been cool in my eyes as well as the Bhaalspawn. One of my fav pcs was a Bhaalspawn Monk :P) Bane (How could you not love the Darth Vader of the Realms?) Myrkul (He needs to come back, seriously! Alot of his old portfolios aren't even claimed....) Jergal (I've always loved the story of Jergal and I feel that he is up to something. He managed to get out of the spotlight while maintaining his divinity still. He's the man with the plan!) Kelemvor (I think he's an awesome God of the Dead. He'll be even better now with Mystra dead.) Cyric (I have to admit a part of me does like Cyric, so he goes here too.) Helm (way to go Wizards for killing off Helm you sickos and over TYMORA? God...) Torm (I'm thrilled that he gets to replace Helm and take over Tyr's position, never really liked Tyr. I've always felt like he was out of place compared to the Norse Tyr personally)
Karsus the Mad 12-09-07, 10:50 AM	-This is, ladies and gentlemen, what it's like to be an insane, tripartite being. Just when I was beginning to feel like I had reached the limits of my insanity, I hear about these changes and divulge myself in further chaotic thoughts of anarchy and insanity for all.
Dark Wizard 12-09-07, 05:26 PM	Some of my favorites include: - Helm: He exemplifies a great take on a whole set of archetypes and his LN alignment. I've noted my belief in his complexity, importance, and usefulness to the Realms on these boards before. - The Triad: I love what they represent and how they represent it. I feel with them present in the setting, a paladin or warrior-cleric could be anything but boring or stereotypical. - Selune, Mystra, Shar, Chauntea: I like the relationship, kinship and rivalry between this set of deities. They form the foundation of the Faerunian pantheon. Now with Mystra dead and unable to return, I think this set up will miss something. - Azuth, Savras, Leira - I like these deities of magic for their history and take on their portfolio. Cyric (presentation problem) and Velsharoon (kind of boring, but that's probably because FR has such interesting liches) not so much. - Bane - He's the iconic dark lord, or the closest FR should come to having one. Bhaal and Myrkul also get an honorable mention. Despite first learning about the Realms towards the end of 2e (all dead for years), these were some of the first Realms deities I discovered (along with Helm, the Triad, and Mystra). I think that says a lot about their staying power and appeal despite most of them being dead. - Lathander/Amaunator - The Risen Sun heresy transition implied between them, along with the tri-part sun concept really gives the sun god of Faerun a convincing myth-like framework. - Shaundakul - There is something very enigmatic about him, a bit hodge-podged, a bit odd (almost contradictory), but he seems like a 'realistic, old school' deity like that. - Eilistraee - She's great as an intermediary between the drow and the elves. She brings an interesting component to the Corellon and Lolth story. Plus, she's a butt-kicking while butt-naked drow woman warrior, that's just fun not matter how you look at it... literally. - Bahamut - What can I say, I'm drawn to shiny things. - Hoar - I love the way he approaches vengeance, very flexible, dangerous, and seen differently by various worshipers. His relationship between Tyr and Shar is also very fascinating and full of potential. - Shevarash - A deity on the edge of good and evil, I like the appropriate amount of grayness he brings to the idea of an elven crusade against the drow. His war with the drow is partly justified from his personal tragedy, but he demonstrates the dangers of letting vengeance get the better of you. - Gorm - His story is the stuff of the greatest epics. His portfolio requires that he expend himself to defend the dwarves, but each avatar he loses, each battle he presides over weakens him. It beautifully reflects one major aspect of the dwarven race as a whole and he approaches it with a sense of nobility, stubbornness, and frightening enthusiasm despite the risk to himself. This is a real mythic tragedy of the sort the designers wanted to present with the Tyr/Helm incident, but I feel they failed, where as Gorm had it all along. - Mielikki - I think she's just very likable. She works well in the Realms even as an interloper from an Earth pantheon. - Red Knight - I find her far more interesting than Tempus, but then I have a thing for female warriors. - Kossuth - He's Kossuth. I know I'm forgetting many.
daimyotx 12-14-07, 02:09 PM	No particular order for myself here.. Shevarash Clanggedin Silverbeard Ghaunadaur Erevan Ilesere Brandobaras Sseth / Merrshaulk Tymora Azuth Lathandar Kossuth what can I say - I'm an eclecic guy -- but I've campaigned with (or DM'd) clerics or strict adherents of each and have to say they make for great gaming.
meto30 12-15-07, 03:01 AM	Ilmater Bahamut Tiamat Lathander Kelemvor Bane Hoar Oghma Torm Red Knight
msatran 12-15-07, 03:08 AM	Ao: Just step right this way, Deities of the Realms...soon you'll all be pieces of tofu in my amalgamizer!
Redrake 12-15-07, 07:05 AM	Interesting enough, most people who named Red Knight among their favorite deities, didn't mentioned Tempus. So in a pure WotSC logic, these 2 deities should be retconed so that people who liked Red Knight in the past are going to be in love with Tempus now.:rolleyes: This is what Rich Baker's mention about the "cap" towards Tempus means. The realms we came to love, the realms of the nazis.:D
msatran 12-15-07, 11:14 AM	But the problem with this is "Idiots Theology." I've said this before and I'll say it again. If my character has enough ranks of Knowledge: Religion to know that the Red Knight is Tempus's servant, and that her attitudes are significantly different that she has her own worshippers, why in god's name would I suddenly change my views to worship a different deity? This deity, regardless of the fact that it is essentially a happy parent deity for my god, doesn't have those beliefs or share those parameters of faith. So what happens to my Red Knight Cleric? Suddenly...no spells, no abilities, no nothing? Or, do I discover that I was really worshipping Tempus the cross-dressing secret paladin supporter all along? That's silly, too. Either "My god lied to me", totally inappropriate if your character reached level 15+, or "I'm a moron" which no player EVER wants to hear. And there's no middle ground here. Most people, especially women, which most powerful priestesses of the Red Knight are, never want to hear these words. "I lied to you, but it was for a reason." "GET OUT!" Is the most common response.
Zireael 12-17-07, 09:07 AM	1. Lloth 2. Bhaal 3. Bane 4. Myrkul 5. Eilistraee 6. Kiaransalee 7. Hanali Celanil 8. Corellon 9. Mielikki 10. Sune
Khaelieth 12-17-07, 09:31 AM	Bhaal - Murder always appealed to me Bane - Tyranny always appealed to me Labelas Enoreth - Awesome fellow. A bit like Odin Myrkul - The Lord of Boners! Vhaeraun - He's just crossdressing, he's actually got Eilistraee trussed up and in his basement, having her reduced to a plaything for mephits with sticks. Hoar - Revenge! Marduk/Bahamut - wub Unther Tchazzar/Tiamat - wub Unter Hanali Celanil - Luuuuuv Sune - Luuuuuuuuv and Heartwarders
DarkSongKnight 12-18-07, 02:19 AM	My favorite deities, in a semi-ordered state. Eilistraee - the goddess of redemption and goodly drow. Song, beauty, dance and swordwork all bathed in shining moonlight/hope. Lets hope she stays that way... Lliira - the deity of joy, happiness, dance and living one's life with freedom and liberty, regardless of other's viewpoints or concerns... but not doing so in a mean or inconsiderate manner. Hanali Celanil - a classic goddess of love, beauty, and artistry. Patroness of enchantments and magic item artistry. Artistry. Thats nice. Helps that shes elven too. ;) Sehanine Moonbow - a serene elven goddess of the moon. Transcendence and enlightenment anyone? Her role as guardian of fallen elves can give her a somber demeaner, and I like the air of mystery she cultivates. Sometimes I think she should be NG, instead of CG... Sune - another classic goddess of love and beauty, along with passion. I really like the Rubyrose Knights; classic chivalry. I like roses in general though. Sharess - Hedonists are always fun, inspiring love and desire wherever they go. The cat aspect is nice too. So many options there, from having a were-cat of some form, to an actual tiger as a "pet." Rawr. Corellon Larethian - the creator of the elves. He epitomizes many facets of elven culture, which I enjoy. I sometimes think his symbol should be the sun, instead of the moon. Sun elves are his chosen people... and LG wouldn't be that far of a stretch for him to allow in his priesthood... Deep Sashelas - I like the sea. An ocean deity of knowledge, creation, beauty and elves is swell. (Haha, pun. :rolleye2:) Lathander - Hes very Apollo-like in my opinion, as is Corellon. I like his paladins and his concept of renewel/rebirth. Very phoenix-like... or would that be Kossuth? :confused: Evil deities and other powers I find intriguing... Beshaba - the "bold and beautiful Beshabe" bit is catchy, and she has a temper to match. I like her concept. Her followers burning brandy or spirits, celebrating with rudeness, cursing people... Much role-playing potential. Lolth - the evil power who went from Araushnee, to demon lord, to potentially greater goddess. Oh, she also managed to enslave an entire subrace of elves. Her story is tied in with Eilistraee's. Malcanthet (Not an actually deity, but still interesting.) Graz'zt (Same as Malcanthet.) Vhaeraun - is (was?) a great option for drow males. I hate to think that Eilistraee truly killed her own brother... Hoar - he seems to be on a delicate balance, with Tyr and Shar competing for him. Much potential. I actually hope Torm replaces Tyr...
Redrake 12-18-07, 01:30 PM	But the problem with this is "Idiots Theology." I've said this before and I'll say it again. If my character has enough ranks of Knowledge: Religion to know that the Red Knight is Tempus's servant, and that her attitudes are significantly different that she has her own worshippers, why in god's name would I suddenly change my views to worship a different deity? This deity, regardless of the fact that it is essentially a happy parent deity for my god, doesn't have those beliefs or share those parameters of faith. So what happens to my Red Knight Cleric? Suddenly...no spells, no abilities, no nothing? Or, do I discover that I was really worshipping Tempus the cross-dressing secret paladin supporter all along? That's silly, too. Either "My god lied to me", totally inappropriate if your character reached level 15+, or "I'm a moron" which no player EVER wants to hear. And there's no middle ground here. Most people, especially women, which most powerful priestesses of the Red Knight are, never want to hear these words. "I lied to you, but it was for a reason." "GET OUT!" Is the most common response. There's also another thing to consider. The alignment of the worshipers. Red Knight can be a deity for a paladin, she allows LG worshipers. Tempus does not. If they are going to retcon all the servants of some god to be identical with that god, the alignments are going to be completely wasted. Especially with the new rules of paladins being allowed to be of any alignment. Personally, I believe that both paladin and ranger should stay of good alignment like they were in 2E (how could an evil ranger protect the nature?). But paladins of different alignments are just going to lead to ridiculous titles when it comes to deities. Paladin of Gruumsh? Paladin of Bast? Unless they plan to add as a free feat once you reach level 15 with a retconed deity a t-shirt with the slogan "I got to this level with an impostor as my personal god".
msatran 12-18-07, 03:37 PM	The thing is, this entire 4th edition theological swap for the realms REEKS of the early Christian councils where a bunch of people got together in a sealed room and decided what was apocryphal and what was not. And the truth was, just like this situation, the stuff that was apocryphal was a whole lot better written, intelligent, and thought out than the stuff that made the cut.
infinite_ant 12-18-07, 05:29 PM	1.) Bahamut 2.) Helm 3.) Bane 4.) Shar 5.) Jergal 6.) Lolth 7.) Tymora 8.) Amaunator 9.) Lathander 10.) Garguath
Lord Karsus 12-18-07, 05:32 PM	The thing is, this entire 4th edition theological swap for the realms REEKS of the early Christian councils where a bunch of people got together in a sealed room and decided what was apocryphal and what was not. And the truth was, just like this situation, the stuff that was apocryphal was a whole lot better written, intelligent, and thought out than the stuff that made the cut. -At least in those cases, though, people were just picking and choosing the best ideas to believe. They weren't actually picking and choosing ideas that would become literal reality.
msatran 12-18-07, 06:23 PM	No, it's still the same thing, because like it or not, LK, the Realms is fiction. And though this will set off a storm of flaming... Because the Bible is designed by committee, it is a work of fiction also. Even my former professor at Rutgers who was extremely devout, and the son of a Baptist minister said so.
Stigger 12-18-07, 07:13 PM	Despite not wanting to go into this topic due to its probable toxicity, Msatran pretty much has the right of it according to what I've read of it. And it wasn't so much a case of the 'best ideas' to believe, so much as the most popular ones, and what fit into the committee's points of view. Just take a look at the history of papal bulls (edicts), and the who bible thing gets sketchier by the minute. But if I might make a suggestion, its probably better to just drop the subject lest the wrath of the WizO's be felt.
Lord Karsus 12-18-07, 10:39 PM	No, it's still the same thing, because like it or not, LK, the Realms is fiction. And though this will set off a storm of flaming... -You misunderstood what I meant. In the case of WotC designers picking and choosing deities that they like, and incorporating new stories to integrate them, they are literally redefining the FR cosmos. Come 4e, because designer XYZ said so, deity ABC will never have existed, or whatever. In the case of these early Christians, they picked and chose what stories they wanted to highlight and tell, but they weren't empowered to change the actual past- The way it was regarded, or understood, perhaps, but not in a literal sense. If a person wanted to translate the sentence from "Judas 'handed over' Jesus", to "Judas 'betrayed' Jesus" doesn't change the actual events of that day (or night, whatever it was). Because the Bible is designed by committee, it is a work of fiction also. Even my former professor at Rutgers who was extremely devout, and the son of a Baptist minister said so. -Well, large portions of it are (admittedly) metaphors, parables and shouldn't be taken literally.
Ody_Saraph_of_Karsus 12-19-07, 02:27 AM	1)Torm- I Identify myelf with the guy.... (BTW I'm getting his HolySymbol tattooed tomorrow :D ) 2)Sune- There's a lot of power in love 3)Ilmater-I don't belive in Victory wothout sacrifice... 4)Mystra-Nuff said... 5)Lathander-I'm Caribean allright?... 6)Chauntea-I LOVE working the land! 7)Selune-I like her story 8)Cyric-Now THAT's a motivated guy right there...\ 9)Tymora/Beshaba-I...Don't know... 10)Sharess-Self explainatory...
GreenKnight 12-19-07, 03:05 AM	(BTW I'm getting his HolySymbol tattooed tomorrow :D ) Yeah, you may want to hold off on that. Just a guess on my part, but I suspect that his holy symbol will be different when 4E rolls around.
msatran 12-19-07, 04:58 AM	Well, he can always brand his a**, and then once he's done that, he can get the new on on his shv****. "Before, I used to be the butt of the triad, but look at me stand up now!"
Stigger 12-19-07, 06:18 AM	:rofl: Now that would be classic... :D
Ody_Saraph_of_Karsus 12-20-07, 11:35 AM	I got my tattoo, it is bigger than expected, but no regrets!!!
Alediran 12-20-07, 12:26 PM	I got my tattoo, it is bigger than expected, but no regrets!!! Post a picture.
Karsus the Mad 12-20-07, 12:48 PM	Post a picture. Unless it's on one of his cheeks of course.
Ody_Saraph_of_Karsus 12-20-07, 02:27 PM	:rofl: I don't know HOW!!!! that's what I was asking in the Random question thread
Costuea 01-13-08, 03:33 PM	I am new to the world of Meililikki and want to learn more about her and how to practice her religion daily! Do you have any suggestions or resources? Thank you Costuea
Kenzuki 01-13-08, 03:39 PM	I am new to the world of Meililikki and want to learn more about her and how to practice her religion daily! Do you have any suggestions or resources? Thank you Costuea Well if her most famous follower is any indication. You need to be friendly towards animals, duel wield and have a touch of emo in you.:D
XHereticX 01-13-08, 05:01 PM	Well if her most famous follower is any indication. You need to be friendly towards animals, duel wield and have a touch of emo in you.:D Hey, at least the ladies still love ya!;) (well, at least the ones that aren't completly insane and have an unreasonable obsession with spiders)
Storm_Silverhand 01-13-08, 05:59 PM	Heya, I am new to the world of Meililikki and want to learn more about her and how to practice her religion daily! Do you have any suggestions or resources? Here's what Wikipedia has to say about Mielikki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mielikki)... Wikipedia doesn't really have much information about either her Finnish myths, or about her in the Realms... However, I'm sure you'll find lots of information just by using Google... but as with everything on the net - take with a bucket of salt.
Faraer 01-13-08, 06:19 PM	The main source on Mielikki, as for all the Faerūnian pantheon, is Faiths & Avatars. Her truest servant may be Florin Falconhand -- see Swords of Eveningstar and Swords of Dragonfire.
Wvrenwulf 01-16-08, 04:31 PM	My Top 10 in no order: Eilistraee: she's hot. And well...I hate Lloth Lloth: because she's the main drow goddess. And I er...hate her Tyr: because everyone in our campaign (except me) worshipped him. And he was justice and law. And I ...hated him Gruumsh: Angry orc god with one eye. What's not to love? Malar: what's a world of beasts without a savage deity? And he's just a messed-up evil dude-thing with a cool name. Talos: before any gruumsh/talos possible merging, the god of Storms was a whirlwind of bad-ass evilness in our campaigns. Tempus: He's growing on me. Even though I'd never make a character that worshiped him. Waukeen: Goddess of the all-mighty gold piece. I'd have her CN rather than N, but, otherwise I'm down with her. (CN because those that worship money are greedy). Velsharoon: For some reason I liked him over Nerull. Maybe it's the name. Maybe it's because our dwarf cleric was obsessed with zombies and Velsharoon was his guy. Bane: I didn't name my fantasy football team Bane's Rabid Weenies for nought. Bane is just a bad dude. ---------------------------------------- Others I like somewhat: Sune, Torm (now the Triad by himself it seems), Garl Glittergold, Clangeddin (catchy name), Kiaransalee(had liked her name), Vhaeraun, Nobanion (not exciting but like the name), Jergal (good name, again), Garagos, Bashaba (hot & good evil name), Lathander, Silvanus I liked Mystra, too. Kelemvor and Cyric were more exciting as mortals, but are good enough deities. Like Pelor (core), Moridan, Tiamat, and Bahumat(sp?) also. And Yondalla.
Kenzuki 01-16-08, 04:38 PM	Florin...hehe we all know Dove is the one who wears the pants in that marriage.
gomeztoo 01-17-08, 11:39 AM	- Loviatar - Myrkul (he's not dead, he's just resting) - Shar - Sharess - Selune - Lolth - Malar - Chauntea / the Earth Mother - Kiriansalee - Kelemvor Oh and Beshaba, Kossuth, and Umberlee.
Storm_Silverhand 01-17-08, 05:01 PM	Heya, Oh and Beshaba, Kossuth, and Umberlee. Hmm... This is not the first time I've noticed this in this thread... But what's the deal with liking Beshaba, but not Tymora? You all like Bad Luck better than Good Luck?
Jiggawha 01-18-08, 04:07 AM	Fenmarel Mestarine Deep Sashelas Cyric Sehanine Moonbow Jergal Deneir Finder Savras Deep Duerra Gond
The_Shaman 01-18-08, 04:49 AM	Heya, Hmm... This is not the first time I've noticed this in this thread... But what's the deal with liking Beshaba, but not Tymora? You all like Bad Luck better than Good Luck? I'd say it might have something to do with the artwork depicting Tymora in F&P.
gomeztoo 01-18-08, 02:31 PM	Hmm... This is not the first time I've noticed this in this thread... But what's the deal with liking Beshaba, but not Tymora? You all like Bad Luck better than Good Luck? As an author/DM, Beshaba and her faith is more interesting - as, in many case, most villains are more interesting than heroes when you need to build the plotline. This is partly why most deities I picked are the bad ones. As a player, I might pick Tymora though I more likely would go for Sharess, Selune, or Lliira (but not Sune, she is too haughty). If I would pick her, I migth play up the fact that to give fair luck means giving it to everyone (including evil people). A lady luck should be neutral (bad luck shoudl be too, ideally, but can be evil because evil doesn't necessarily favor evil over good - but good does favor good over evil) Tych, therefore, would, for me, be more interesting than both.
Meldread 01-18-08, 03:34 PM	Beshaba is a more interesting character than Tymora. The Lady Luck Archetype is very common in both fantasy and the real world, but Beshaba is the other side of the mostly unexplored coin.
Rinonalyrna Fathomlin 01-18-08, 06:55 PM	As a player, I might pick Tymora though I more likely would go for Sharess, Selune, or Lliira (but not Sune, she is too haughty). Bah! You mean Siamorphe.;) If I would pick her, I migth play up the fact that to give fair luck means giving it to everyone (including evil people). A lady luck should be neutral (bad luck shoudl be too, ideally, but can be evil because evil doesn't necessarily favor evil over good - but good does favor good over evil) Of course, plenty of other deity portfolios are ultimately neutral. But still, it's refreshing to hear someone saying that some other deity besides Mystra should be neutral.:)
Mr. Wilson 01-19-08, 03:55 AM	10. Helm- If Ao allowed Torm to return to life for living his portfolio, Helm should be brought back as well. 9. Shar- Kicked it up a notch in 3E. Plus, you have to respect a deity for trying to return to the primordial nothing as a means of returning to perfection (in her eyes). 8. Jergal- Lives his life backwards, and has survived 3 death deity's now. 7. Loviatar- what an interesting deity. 6. Talos- I think he might be better as CN with Evil tendacies. 5. Auril- No real reason. Just like her personality. Frost Giants worship her as well, which is a plus. 4. Bane- Most flavorful evil deity. Much better now that he can be EVIL and not bumbling. 3. Oghma- My personal deity, should I be transported away to Toril. 2. Amaunator (sp?)/Lathander- I've loved following his/their storyline and I'm interested to see what happens. 1. Hoar/Assuran: Moody god of poetic justice who relentlessly seeks to avenge slights.
Drew1369r 01-20-08, 06:46 AM	1: Tempus; I like war in campaigns and I love his personality, favor one side in the morning and the other at night, such is the nature of war! 2: Mask; I love how he is still causing intrigue even tho he holds no domian over it! 3: Bane; Fear me or DIE!!! 4: Miellikki; the first god I worshipped the first time I played DnD. She holds a special place in my heart! 5: Helm; His no BS attitude is loveable 6: Torm; Fight against evil or DIE! 7: Mystra; You really cannot survive on Toril without paying some form of tribute to she which IS magic. 8: Clangeddin Silverbeard; Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf Dwarf, !!DWARF!! (spoken in tune of the CHARGE yell you do at a ball game) 9: Shevarash; Kill drow or DIE!!!! 10: Bahamat; I have a huge fascinations with dragons in fantasy settings and I'm hoping Bahamat takes a bigger role in 4ed storyline then in previous versions!!!
Keryth 01-22-08, 12:31 PM	No particular order, except the first one MYSTRA Helm Tyr Ellistrae Bane Bhaal Myrkul Deneir Sylune Finder On another topic. Perosnally, I think it should have been Shar and Cyric killed, rather than Mystra. Hated Cyric since he was a whiney rogue back in the first Avatar book.