| Post/Author/DateTime | Post |
|---|---|
| #1vertaelinMar 25, 2010 0:05:10 | Hi to everyone out there, I am starting up a second campaign here in the Forgotten Realms and was hoping to illustrate more upon the ideas that WotC has with the heroic tier of players being devoted to exarchs, the paragon devoted to lesser gods and epic tier being devoted to greater gods. With that in mind, I have seen that there are lots of the greater gods and goddesses described and detailed while the lesser gods and exarchs are few and far between in description or detail. I was wondering if that is because WotC is going to publish another book for the FR campaign setting later on describing the lesser gods, exarchs and demi gods? Was it already detailed in another web release that I missed? Or has it just not been worked on? If anyone has any links to where I could look up the lesser gods, exarchs and demi gods of the 4e Forgotten Realms that would be really handy and nice! Thanks! |
| #2gomeztooMar 25, 2010 1:08:12 | I think you have the intent the wreong way around. It is not that hepric tier is focused on exarchs. It is more that most exarch devotees will be Heroic tier. The higher tier you get, the greater the chance that the devotee is to a higher ranking deity. Greater deities are present ine qual measure over all tiers, but exarchd evotees may be hard to find ine pic tier. This is because those devotees that make it to paragon/epic may be tempted to turn their faith to the more powerful deities, as their range of influence becomes greater and a priest may achieve more as a worshipper of, say, Sune than of Sharess. Still, that is just a guideline. I am sure there are epic worshippers of exarchs. As to material on lesser devotees or exarchs, the only one I know to get detailed in any way is Tymora. A list of all deities is in the FRCG. There will not be a second book detailing the deities - you are dependent on what will come out in DDI. Gomez |
| #3The_SilverswordMar 25, 2010 12:38:40 | If you really want more info on the Gods you can wait for future articles from DDI or you could buy older source books. There are 3 2e books to get that deal with the gods, Faiths and Avatars which focuses on the main gods of Faerun, Powers and Pantheons which focuses on the lesser known gods, and Demihuman Deities which focuses on the gods of other races. These books might be a little outdated for 4e but they still contain good information about the gods. Theres a 3e book as well that focuses on the gods as well called Faiths and Pantheons, while not as indepth as the 2e books it still has usful info in it, and its only one book, and being that its newer it might be easier to find used somewhere. It would be nice if they would put out a 4e version of these books though. |
| #4vertaelinMar 25, 2010 13:33:43 | Thank you both for your input. I see your point Gomez, and I am wondering why they have the three tiers of the gods and goddesses then? Further still, for what purpose would an epic tier person be devoted to an exarch when they themselves could be considered an exarch? But the question remains, sadly Silversword, of where one could find a list of the 4e Forgotten Realms Gods, Goddesses of the lesser variety and also of the exarchs. Not to mention a complete list of the primordials (of which there has been some information gleened from the website about what primordials are where and who they are). It seems that the 4e pantheon of the Forgotten Realms is just greater gods so far and they have no use for lesser/intermediary gods or goddesses. There are a few exarchs (obould and fsoul sp?) detailed but as to what each greater god has... well that is up in the air. |
| #5The_SilverswordMar 25, 2010 13:50:40 | This sounds like it would be a good community project here, we could compile a list all of the gods for 4e and give a brief description of each and list holy days and other usefull tidbits. Most of the gods are detailed in previous source books, but I would like to see more info on some of the newer gods, like Zehir, never heard of him before, how did he end up in the Realms? |
| #6sfdragonMar 25, 2010 15:05:24 | okay for the last time, Zehir got in the Realms becuase someone made an edition goof for nwn2: storms of Zehir. it was supposed to be around whats his name.... and the folks at atari looked at the 4E phb and didnt see hi, listed and said they had to use Zehir..... or some such. so dont ask for the official version, nobody is talking. sfd who is going back to his poptart |
| #7johnkretzerMar 25, 2010 15:38:07 |
I second this notion. At my local gaming store I heard a new player ask why is Sharess a servant deity to Sune...would it make more sense that a Cat goddess be involved with nature. A resouce like this could be a great idea. Though the question is do we want to update them to the 4th ed FR climate? Or do we just want to recylcle some of the older info.? |
| #8The_SilverswordMar 25, 2010 15:47:56 |
We could do both, much of the info would still apply, holy days and cerimonial dress would still be the same regardless of edition I would imagine. Some of the specialty priests spells could be converted over to channel divinity powers or rituals or something. |
| #9johnkretzerMar 25, 2010 16:46:48 |
True...the other question is do you want to bring back all the gods or just the ones they mentioned in 4th edition. I mean I heard some place that Eldath is now a primal spirit...and Elistraee might be a Archfey. I am not that familar with 4th ed. So hat does that mean in terms to clerics...or druids...etc. |
| #10sfdragonMar 25, 2010 16:54:08 | I've heard in one section that a particular deity is listed as a god in one and in a ddi is listed ans a primal spirit.... |
| #11The_SilverswordMar 25, 2010 17:14:13 | Well there are several beings that blur the line. Like the Elemental Lords, theyre Primordials but they are worshipped as gods. Many of the Seldarine merged with the Old Yuir gods, which by 4e stadards would be Primal Spirits, so most of the Elven gods have Primal aspects as well. And yeah even though Eldath is considered a Primal Spirit, shes still is worshipped like a god as well, not all of her worshippers were Druids, she had some Clerics as well, at least she did in previous editions. |
| #12gomeztooMar 26, 2010 2:36:13 | It seems that the 4e pantheon of the Forgotten Realms is just greater gods so far Basic game information (name, alignment, portfoliom worshipper's anme, base plane) of all the deities are in the FRCG. Anything else is dependent on DDI or older sources. Information is not hard to get though - use Google and you find loads of info. Just because there is no hardback 4th ed book that details them doesn't make the exarchs useless. If you wish more info on exarchs, try to encourage articles on them in DDI. Gomez |
| #13araxissMar 26, 2010 9:23:27 |
Because the portfolio of Sharess is hedonism, sensual fulfillment, festhalls, and cats. At least this is what is was in 3rd ed, I haven't read anything from 4th ed about her yet. I guess you could say she is almost basically a goddess of sex but not quite. She has little to do with nature. |
| #14johnkretzerMar 26, 2010 11:23:14 |
I have read the line on her chart. I know why because I know more in depth about her. But if you don't have the long ago knowledge then all you do know is that she is a Exarch of Cats under Sune. I mean sure I can see a connection even without my prior knowledge...but it is fair to be confused by it as well. I mean Cats...as in felines are a part of nature. My point was the scant infomation can be confusion which is why I think have resouce on site to detail the FR gods would be a good idea. Also...if it is a popular maybe WotC will actualy realize this infomation is wanted and might expanded on it either though a soucebook...or more likely DDI articles. |
| #15sfdragonMar 26, 2010 13:41:07 | Nobanion.......cats Sharess is a sevitor under Sune because Sharess is the Goddess of Carnal pleasure aka Lust. the other reason she is under Sune, is that through Lady Firehair, Bast still has a foothold in the Realms as where Horus Ra and his Lackeys are all whiped off the face of faerun. |
| #16johnkretzerMar 26, 2010 15:34:19 | Nobanion.......cats Yes I know...realy I do...I have every god book ever to come out for the FR. I am talking about the perspective of somebody who only has the FRCG to go by. Which all it mentions about Sharess is cats. |
| #17gomeztooMar 26, 2010 15:44:33 |
I have a (minor) recurring NPC who worships Sharess. I have decribed her in one place as 'Sharess, the Temptress', and in another as 'Sharess (good goddess of passion and cats)'. That still likely does not give much info though (except that the holy symbol of female lips should give a subtle hint that she isn't much about felines). A Sharess article might be interesting. Hmm. I'll have to think about it. Gomez |
| #18marius4Mar 26, 2010 21:20:42 | Thank you both for your input. I see your point Gomez, and I am wondering why they have the three tiers of the gods and goddesses then? Further still, for what purpose would an epic tier person be devoted to an exarch when they themselves could be considered an exarch? I think that is part of Gomez's argument about what WotC probably meant. Characters may change gods as they go up in tier precisely because of your question here. Regardless, it is mentioned only as a suggestion, so if you make an exception to use the suggestion then it's just another exception to have an epic character worshiping an exarch. But the question remains, sadly Silversword, of where one could find a list of the 4e Forgotten Realms Gods, Goddesses of the lesser variety and also of the exarchs. Not to mention a complete list of the primordials (of which there has been some information gleened from the website about what primordials are where and who they are). It seems that the 4e pantheon of the Forgotten Realms is just greater gods so far and they have no use for lesser/intermediary gods or goddesses. There are a few exarchs (obould and fsoul sp?) detailed but as to what each greater god has... well that is up in the air. FRCG page 80 and 81??? It's a "complete" listing, as far as what is commonly known in Faerun. Specific details, on the other hand, aren't published for non-greater gods as you mention (except the wealth of previous edition material of course--some of which is online I hope you know), but I don't think the devs are sitting around waiting to publish all that in 4e hardcover. I think their clear intent is for DMs and gaming groups to flesh out what they need and want creatively. If the lesser gods aren't being used in your FR campaign, the 4e game turns right around and asks you, "Why not?" I think everyone is meant to be a loremaster in 4e. Having said that, some people prefer simply looking info up or don't have the inclination to make something up. A wiki hereabouts sounds like a great idea for those who want compiled lore and speculation to get their creative juices flowing or to shorten their prep time in a crunch. Regarding other tidbits, Sharess's listing of "Cats" is a bit comical, I admit, and I would have tried for another word. Having said that, in addition to her Bast elements (actual cat's protecting humans from snakes, etc. and all of those metaphors) I believe the sphere of "Cats" is intended to invoke the idea of cats---i.e., sensuous, lithe, flexible, indulgent, lazy, napping, mysterious, sleek, agile, quiet, purring, etc. Eldath is listed as a primal spirit centered in the Moonshaes in the Realsmlore: Sarifal article. (@OP, there's a sidebar on spirits & archfey that may give you ideas for detailing/updating lesser deities in 4e: www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/d...) Whether Eldath's nature is a revelation to your campaign's populace or just a "duh" issue is up to you. I prefer it as mostly just a technical issue; mortals still revere primal spirits alongside or instead of deities and always have. What we might have termed Eldathyn "clerics" in previous editions (say, clerics with the water and plant domains) would now be represented by primal characters, and commoners might still call Eldath a goddess or goddess/spirit and some of her followers "clerics." No biggy. Tangent: Imo, druids or shamans focusing on water and plant spirits fit superbly, though I might tone down the spirit companion fluff just a touch. |
| #19sfdragonMar 26, 2010 21:32:11 | Lurue is also mentioned as goddess too.....IIRC in frcg |