Latest revision as of 11:26, 31 May 2017

Gond: Wonderbringer, Lord of All Smiths (intermediate Deity)

Symbol: A toothed metal, bone, or wood cog with four spokes Home Plane: House of Knowledge Alignment: Neutral

Portfolio: Artifice, craft, construction, smithwork Worshipers: Blacksmiths, crafters, engineers, gnomes, inventors, Lantanese, woodworkers

Cleric Alignment: Any

Domains: Craft, Earth, Fire, Knowledge, Metal, Planning

Favored Weapon: "Craftmaster" (Warhammer)

Gond (gahnd) is a burly smith with a mighty hammer, forge and anvil that allow him to craft the stuff of stars. Venerated by humans and gnomes (who know him as Nebelun) alike, Gond transforms ideas into concrete form and inspires mortals to make new things. He cares only for the act of creation, playing little heed to the consequences of letting loose his inventions into the world. Some in the church of Mystra oppose the Wonderbringer for holding technology over "The Art", but in truth Gond views magic as simply another tool by which he can create new devices.

The church of Gond is largely tolerated across Faerun. Its members are found in human-ruled bastions of evil and strongholds of good alike, as well as in an increasing number of rock gnome communities. Only in the island realm of Lantan is his faith preeminent, anointed as the state religion. In the lands of Durpar, Estagund, and Var the GOlden the deity is known as Zionil, patron of inventors, craftfolk, and creators. Most merchants cultivate strong relationships with the local clergy of the Wonderbringer, in hopes of acquiring and selling their latest inventions at great profit. However, at times the followers of Gond inadvertently create something that upsets existing markets, earning them sudden and unexpected hostility from other faiths.

In recent years, the church of Gond has earned the ire of rulers across Faerun for introducing smokepowder and firearms to the realms. Most view such weapons as a threat to their authority, as they approximate the power of a wizard's spells yet are useable by commoners who are not invested in supporting the status quo. Only continued efforts by the church of Gond have kept smokepowder in check and, inadvertently, preserved the faith's untrammeled status in most cities. The church takes whatever steps are necessary to ensure such technology remains proprietary, eliminating rivals with sabotage, diplomacy, and financial influence.

Clerics of Gond pray for their spells in the morning before the morning meal. Daily rituals to Gond are simple: muttered prayers upon rising and retiring, which are often incorporated into dressing or disrobing, and a longer prayer of thanks at the main meal. Clerics offer a special prayer of thanks and dedication of their work before commencing any new creation (As opposed to repair or maintenance). Their one holy festival is the Ippensheir, named for Ippen, Gond's First Servant, and celebrated during the twelve days immediately following Greengrass. All clergy of Gond and his devout worshipers gather at a temple, abbey, or holy site where a famed inventor or craftsmen once worked. IT is a time of feasting, drinking, and revelry, during which they show inventions to and share innovations with their fellow Gondar. Some visit as many gatherings of the faithful as they can during this time, using a network of portals maintained by the church to link major defensible holy houses.

One strange practice of the faith requires that Gondar make two copies of any new machine or tool they discover, if possible. One copy is hidden away against the prying eyes of thieves or vandals for later display to fellow Gondar, and the other is smashed -- or preferably, burned -- as part of the Sacred Unmaking, a prayer of offering to Gond. This ceremony reinforces Gond's dominion over both constructive and destructive engineering. Some clerics multiclass as rogues, but only out of an interest in lock picks and other small tools. Many become techsmiths.

HISTORY/RELATIONSHIPS: Gond is an enigmatic deity. He serves Oghma in the thirst for knowledge, but is so independent of his superior that many forget their relationship. He is friendly with Lathander, Waukeen, and Tempus, for his inventions relate to creativity, profit and war, respectively. His only true foe is Talos, whose unhindered destruction threatens not only Gond's inventions but also his dominion over devices of destruction.

DOGMA: Actions count. Intentions are one thing, but it is the result that is most important. Talk is for others, while those who serve Gond do. Make new things that work. Become skilled at forging or some craft, and practice making things and various means of joining and fastening until you can create devices to suit any situation or space. Question and challenge the unknown with new devices. New inventions should be elegant and useful. Practice experimentation and innovation in the making of tools and the implementation of processes, and encourage these virtues in others through direct aid, sponsorship, and diplomatic support. Keep records of your strivings, ideas, and sample devices so that others may follow your work and improve on what you leave behind and encourage others, such as farmers and hunters, to think of new tools, improved ways of crafting and using their existing gear, and new ways of doing things. Observe, acquire, and store safely the makings of others and spread such knowledge among the consecrated of Gond. Discuss ideas and spread them so that all may see the divine light that is the Wonderbringer.