Okay, so in my setting there is a civilization of desert elves, called the Savadi. Their religion is based around summoning, it all started when the Grand Summoner (a 20th lvl, Savadi Elf Summoner) attained god hood. From that day forth he has been the patron deity of the Savadi Elves. Well I was wondering what domains his clerics should have access to. Feed back would be greatly appreciated.
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Take a handful of domains fitting his portfolio/the setting/history.
- Glory (he was Grand, after all)
- Sun (Desert? check)
- Magic (Summoner, I got you covered!)
- Community (he's a special patron, after all)
- Travel (Now where's that damn oasis...?)
- Luck (How I became a god? It's a ... secret, I tell you...)
- Fire (ouch! Sunburn!)
Just as a little inspiration. Depending on how the elves view the desert, he might either be a benevolent god (Healing) or represent the crushing heat of the sun's rays (Destruction).
Maybe also add in an alignment, always great for holy crusades (Blast the infidels! Who's that? Well, the ones who are not like us, obviously!!!).
Hope this helps.
:-)
Okay, so in my setting there is a civilization of desert elves, called the Savadi. Their religion is based around summoning, it all started when the Grand Summoner (a 20th lvl, Savadi Elf Summoner) attained god hood. From that day forth he has been the patron deity of the Savadi Elves. Well I was wondering what domains his clerics should have access to. Feed back would be greatly appreciated.
Im just getting into GMing and pathfinder, so take this with a grain of salt.
Im thinking in the desert you have for starters; air, earth sun.
If you think to most phantasy story lines in desert, its usually Egyptian-esque, so we will have some ancient knowledge, life after death, and strange runes, giving; knowledge, repose and rune domains.
You could also have Savadi traveling across the vast desert being taunted by the trickery of the gods and finally going mad before becoming a god himself. This yields travel, trickery and madness domains.
Heck, give me any domains you want the god to have and i'll fit them in somehow for you :P
I'm going to have to agree with everyone else on this. I'd definitely say fire and/or sun to express the heat, air and earth are also good ideas. If the Savadi are Egyptian-esque definitely give them at least one of the domains Spahrep said and make the favored weapon a scimitar or falchion. Travel is also a really good idea if the Savadi are nomadic, not to mention it's my favorite domain :P Madness is a really good idea that I would have never thought of but it would really depend on the deity. IMHO I'd probably go with these domains: fire, knowledge, magic, rune, sun (maybe replace fire, sun, or rune with a alignment, maybe) and I'd go with a scimitar for the favored weapon. That's just me though, I'm not sure if the race is Egyptian-esque or not though, I just always think of desert races using scimitars.
The elves are a mix of Egyptian and Muslim.
Those are some good ideas.
What I have so far as a background for him is that Sarenrae gave him the gift of god hood for his sacrificing himself in the Great War. He was known for his summoning skills, his relations with his people, he founded the Kingdom of Savadia (named after him, Grand Summoner Sultan Asim Savad). He was also responsible for 400 years of peace...until the Great War started. So I'm thinking of his domains being these: Glory, Good, Knowledge, Magic, and Protection. And yes his favored weapon is the scimitar.
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If you really want to get creative, avoid the Egyptian theme (everyone does it already), stick with Asia Minor, and go farther back than Islam in the Fertile Crescent, and borrow from Zoroastrianism -- make him a dualist deity, either two deities (one evil, one good) of equal and mirrored powers, or one neutral deity with a good aspect AND an evil aspect.
I suggest an adaptation of the earlier D&D works of the Summoner Domain for your deity in question:
Summoner Domain
Core Deities: None.
Other Deities: Trithereon.
Granted Power: Add +2 to your caster level for all Conjuration (summoning) or Conjuration (calling) spells.SUMMONER DOMAIN SPELLS
1 Summon Monster I: Calls outsider to fight for you.
2 Summon Monster II: Calls outsider to fight for you.
3 Summon Monster III: Calls outsider to fight for you.
4 Lesser Planar Ally: Exchange services with an 8 HD outsider.
5 Summon Monster V: Calls outsider to fight for you.
6 Planar Ally: As lesser planar ally, but up to 16 HD.
7 Summon Monster VII: Calls outsider to fight for you.
8 Greater Planar Ally: As lesser planar ally, but up to 24 HD.
9 Gate: Connects two planes for travel or summoning.
I like this idea. If I use this it might take the place of the magic domain.
If you really want to get creative, avoid the Egyptian theme (everyone does it already), stick with Asia Minor, and go farther back than Islam in the Fertile Crescent, and borrow from Zoroastrianism -- make him a dualist deity, either two deities (one evil, one good) of equal and mirrored powers, or one neutral deity with a good aspect AND an evil aspect.
My idea on these elves was from the Valener Elves in Eberron and the one region in Forgotten Realms that was Egyptian-like.
I'm working on the background for the diety as we speak.....or type rather
bump
Ok this is what I have so far. I'd have more but I'm suffering from writer's block.
Savald
Alignment: Neutral Good
Portfolio: knowledge, magic (mainly summoning), protection, trade
Worshipers: Savaldi elves, summoners, travelers, merchants
Cleric Alignments: LG, NG, CG
Domains: Community, Good, Magic, Protection, and Travel
Favored Weapon: Scimitar
I was going to say that if you're leaning towards an Egyptian theme, a Khopesh might be more appropriate than a Scimitar, but I just noticed the Khopesh isn't listed in the Core Rulebook.
Looks pretty good to me. Scimitar's something of an obvious pick, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work, especially if he's associated with Sarenrae. However, no Fire or Sun?Ok this is what I have so far. I'd have more but I'm suffering from writer's block.
Savald
Alignment: Neutral Good
Portfolio: knowledge, magic (mainly summoning), protection, trade
Worshipers: Savaldi elves, summoners, travelers, merchants
Cleric Alignments: LG, NG, CG
Domains: Community, Good, Magic, Protection, and Travel
Favored Weapon: Scimitar
Well Savald is more about his people and those traveling through Savaldia. Besides he doesn't want to impose on Sarenrae, He is grateful enough that she allowed him to be a god for his people.
I was going to say that if you're leaning towards an Egyptian theme, a Khopesh might be more appropriate than a Scimitar, but I just noticed the Khopesh isn't listed in the Core Rulebook.
Yea I was trying to find that, but couldn't. So I decided to go with the scimitar.
I was going to say that if you're leaning towards an Egyptian theme, a Khopesh might be more appropriate than a Scimitar, but I just noticed the Khopesh isn't listed in the Core Rulebook.Yea I was trying to find that, but couldn't. So I decided to go with the scimitar.
Yeah, or you could HR some stats for one. I found an old thread on here where they talked about how poor a weapon the RL khopesh was. Reading on Wikipedia (for what that's worth), it was surmised that the khopesh evolved into the Kopis, a much more deadly weapon that resembled an oversized Kukri.
Ok this is a little off topic, but do you think it would be too much to allow the summoner to have healing spells? Just a small amount, like a few of the cure spells.
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Ok, this is what i have for the deity I created. Thanks for all your help with this. I hope you guys like it.
Savald
Other Names: The Great Sultan, The Grand Summoner, He Who Guides Us
Holy Symbol: An Egyptian Crown with crossed scimitars underneath
Alignment: Neutral Good
Portfolio: knowledge, magic (mainly summoning), protection, trade
Worshipers: Savaldi elves, summoners, travelers, merchants
Cleric Alignments: LG, NG, CG
Domains: Community, Good, Magic, Protection, and Travel
Favored Weapon: Savaldi Double Scimitar
History
Asim Savald was known among his people as a great leader and powerful summoner of the beings from beyond (eidolons). He lead his people for 300 years of prosperity until a force of orcs, under the influence of Rovagog, declared war on Savaldia. The orcs claimed the oasis the kingdom as built around belong to them. Savald and his people fought valiantly in the Great 50 Year War. Him and his eidolon, Torenka, fought side by side with his people until the final day the orc leader struck a fatal blow to Savald while merged with Torenka. Everyone thought all was lost, but Sarenrae saw other wise. Before both forces a bronze angelic beauty, with golden hair composed of flowing flame appeared beside Savald’s dying body. Seeing this made the orcs flee in fear, and the elves to neil in reverence, to the holy being. She picked him up, like a mother would a injured child, and told the elves to return home and pay homage for their sultan will watch over them from above. She then carried Savald into the sky and inducted him into godhood.
Relationships
Savald counts all non-evil gods as companions. He even communicates with evil deities in the hopes of converting them from their dark ways (this he does to help Sarenrae). His true enemy, like Sarenrae, is Rovagug because he stirred the orcs to destroy his people. Some Savaldi elves believe Rovagug did this because Sarenrae favored them.
Appearance and Emissaries
Savald appears as a tall bronze skinned elf wearing the ensemble of an Egyptian Pharaoh. He carries two scimitars that connect together.
Servants
Savald has a couple of servants.
His herald, the Holy Torenka, is his faithful eidolon. He looks like an abnormally large sand colored coutal with two arms and legs.
Charlabu: Charlabu is a gold-colored hound archon that often appears in a canine form, the same one as Sarenrae.
Church of Savald
The church of Savald is mostly composed of altruistic priests who are also ready to be stern should it be warranted. The church is known for blessing crops, healing the sick, and providing advice for the Royal Court. They are often consulted to solve feuds and disputes among neighbors and family.
Worshipers and Clergy
A large portion of Savald's priests are composed of clerics and Summoners (some are a combination of summoner/cleric), but within their ranks are also paladins and rangers, as well as a few druids and bards. Some priests work as personal advisers or healers for the Royal Court, while others survive on assistance from congregational worshipers. The double scimitar is a favored weapon and its use is held in high regard. In battle, Savald's clerics become dervishes, ready to defend their homeland and those that travel through it.
Temples and Shrines
The temples of the Savald are open-air buildings. Priests often travel from one temple to the next. The Reflecting Oasis, in the center of the Royal Court, in Savaldia is where the main temple of Savald is located. Church services are held outdoors and are joyous affairs that feature singing, dancing, and music, much like Sarenrae.
Holy Texts
The Birth of Light and Truth, the principal holy book of Sarenrae, is used by the followers of Savald as well.
Holidays
Every year the week before the summer solstice the Royal Court holds a three day tournament to see who is Savaldia’s greatest summoner.
I'm interested to hear..or read rather, what you guys think.
Bump
Still surprised you don't have Sun or Fire as a domain...
Are his followers kind of bedouin/gypsy like where they travel in a community across the desert rather than being static with their locality?
Still surprised you don't have Sun or Fire as a domain...
Are his followers kind of bedouin/gypsy like where they travel in a community across the desert rather than being static with their locality?
His clerics travel across the desert. He protect his people and those that travel the desert.
His clerics travel across the desert. He protect his people and those that travel the desert.Still surprised you don't have Sun or Fire as a domain...
Are his followers kind of bedouin/gypsy like where they travel in a community across the desert rather than being static with their locality?
Like Knight Templars of the desert?
Yea, kind of like that.
Aside from other fantasy settings, were there any (a)historical deities that you had in mind when composing this one?
Aside from other fantasy settings, were there any (a)historical deities that you had in mind when composing this one?
Honestly not really.
..but you feel that this deity is still missing an oomph or something? It looks like you have something functional, but I will have to chime in with the others about having a sun or a fire domain and swap it out with one of the others that may not be as pertinent.
..but you feel that this deity is still missing an oomph or something? It looks like you have something functional, but I will have to chime in with the others about having a sun or a fire domain and swap it out with one of the others that may not be as pertinent.
Ok, I'll swap Travel with Sun then, I think that will work better.
..but you feel that this deity is still missing an oomph or something? It looks like you have something functional, but I will have to chime in with the others about having a sun or a fire domain and swap it out with one of the others that may not be as pertinent.Ok, I'll swap Travel with Sun then, I think that will work better.
I would have swapped out Community or Good, personally. Travel seems a lot of sense to keep.
Savald
Other Names: The Great Sultan, The Grand Summoner, He Who Guides Us
Holy Symbol: An Egyptian Crown with crossed scimitars underneath
Alignment: Neutral Good
Portfolio: knowledge, magic (mainly summoning), protection, trade
Worshipers: Savaldi elves, summoners, travelers, merchants
Cleric Alignments: LG, NG, CG
Domains: Community, Sun, Magic, Protection, and Travel
Favored Weapon: Savaldi Double Scimitar
History
Asim Savald was known among his people as a great leader and powerful summoner of the beings from beyond (eidolons). He lead his people for 300 years of prosperity until a force of orcs, under the influence of Rovagog, declared war on Savaldia. The orcs claimed the oasis the kingdom as built around belong to them. Savald and his people fought valiantly in the Great 50 Year War. Him and his eidolon, Torenka, fought side by side with his people until the final day the orc leader struck a fatal blow to Savald while merged with Torenka. Everyone thought all was lost, but Sarenrae saw other wise. Before both forces a bronze angelic beauty, with golden hair composed of flowing flame appeared beside Savald’s dying body. Seeing this made the orcs flee in fear, and the elves to neil in reverence, to the holy being. She picked him up, like a mother would a injured child, and told the elves to return home and pay homage for their sultan will watch over them from above. She then carried Savald into the sky and inducted him into godhood.
Relationships
Savald counts all non-evil gods as companions. He even communicates with evil deities in the hopes of converting them from their dark ways (this he does to help Sarenrae). His true enemy, like Sarenrae, is Rovagug because he stirred the orcs to destroy his people. Some Savaldi elves believe Rovagug did this because Sarenrae favored them.
Appearance and Emissaries
Savald appears as a tall bronze skinned elf wearing the ensemble of an Egyptian Pharaoh. He carries two scimitars that connect together.
Servants
Savald has a couple of servants.
His herald, the Holy Torenka, is his faithful eidolon. He looks like an abnormally large sand colored coutal with two arms and legs.
Charlabu: Charlabu is a gold-colored hound archon that often appears in a canine form, the same one as Sarenrae.
Church of Savald
The church of Savald is mostly composed of altruistic priests who are also ready to be stern should it be warranted. The church is known for blessing crops, healing the sick, and providing advice for the Royal Court. They are often consulted to solve feuds and disputes among neighbors and family.
Worshipers and Clergy
A large portion of Savald's priests are composed of clerics and Summoners (some are a combination of summoner/cleric), but within their ranks are also paladins and rangers, as well as a few druids and bards. Some priests work as personal advisers or healers for the Royal Court, while others survive on assistance from congregational worshipers. The double scimitar is a favored weapon and its use is held in high regard. In battle, Savald's clerics become dervishes, ready to defend their homeland and those that travel through it.
Temples and Shrines
The temples of the Savald are open-air buildings. Priests often travel from one temple to the next. The Reflecting Oasis, in the center of the Royal Court, in Savaldia is where the main temple of Savald is located. Church services are held outdoors and are joyous affairs that feature singing, dancing, and music, much like Sarenrae.
Holy Texts
The Birth of Light and Truth, the principal holy book of Sarenrae, is used by the followers of Savald as well.
Holidays
Every year the week before the summer solstice the Royal Court holds a three day tournament to see who is Savaldia’s greatest summoner.
Edit: Swapped Good with Sun
By Jove, I think you've gotten something there. How do you feel about it now?
*takes the oscar handed to him* Thank you all for this award. I couldn't have done it with out you. *wipes a tear from my eye* :D
I'd suggest not using that domain as-is, because of one simple reason: It's quite boring. It only features three different spells, albeit at different power level, and both are spells the cleric already has access to.
Change a few of the spells for others, preferably a few normally arcane ones for a little variation. Spells like unseen servant, summon swarm (a swarm of locusts for the pseudo-egyptian desert god fits really well!), phantom steed (in the form of a camel), wall of thorns, and elemental swarm (non-water) all seem fine and add a little variety.
Very good suggestions!
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stringburka has a good idea, change the Domain to fit the deity. Especially if 2 of the Domains either conflict or duplicate each other. A friend has deity specific variations of spell effects. I allow Clerics to spontaneously cast any and all Domain spells. Just a couple of thoughts....
So I'm assuming a Savaldi Double Scimitar is a special exotic weapon that deals 1d6/1d6 slashing damage and has an 18-20x2 critical but, I may be wrong.
I've changed the domains soo many times now, that its staying like that. I'm sorry but it seems like I can't please anyone. I like the domains that he has, besides if you want to use this you change the domains if you like. Also I'm too busy working on another elven deity...well more like several deity-like beings acting as one, I'm basing it off the Undying Court from the Eberron setting.
And the savaldi double scimitar is like the one from the Eberron setting
@ Urizen: here is what I based the Rostungar on
http://arsenal21.deviantart.com/art/Tuskar-158741263
@ Urizen: here is what I based the Rostungar on
http://arsenal21.deviantart.com/art/Tuskar-158741263
That's pretty sweet! Thanks.
That's pretty sweet! Thanks.@ Urizen: here is what I based the Rostungar on
http://arsenal21.deviantart.com/art/Tuskar-158741263
No prob, Bob.