In the Stillness of Life

Devotees of Ghenshau

This week’s exploration into one of the lesser known divine beings was a bit of a challenge for me. How does one make interesting sects based on a god of lack of knowledge and being placid and simple? I took that tough task at hand and came up with these three sects for Ghenshau, Empyreal Lord of ignorance, placidity, and simplicity. Let’s take a look and maybe you’ll find a place for them in your game.

As always, let us imagine we are sitting at our theoretical gaming table. Our imaginary GM sets out the rules for the game that we will play; in this game, we are to make a follower of Ghenshau. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of Breezes-Still-and-Ripples-Cease. What character do you make?

For more information on Ghenshau

Ghenshau’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Ghenshau’s Archives of Nethys Page

The Tranquil Brothers

Deep in the Darklands hidden away, as most Svirfneblin cities are, is the Abbey of Thoughtfulness. The deep gnomes are known for their erratic minds, at one point violent and another hyperactive. The Tranquil Brothers seek to sort through the influence of the First World on their emotions and tame them. To that end they have taken up the worship of the Empyreal Lord Ghenshau, the Father of Placidity.

Each of the sect’s members are trained in a defensive form of martial arts. Some are even touched with a spark of Ghenshau’s divinity. Those who represent all that is good and just in the world (paladins) are generally known for fighting evil, those that dedicate themselves to Gehnshau instead battle the forces of chaos.

The Empty Mind

The path to true knowledge is knowing that you understand next to nothing. The sect of the Empyreal Lord Ghenshau known as The Empty Mind takes time to plumb the these depth of their own ignorance and an attempt to find true enlightenment. These seekers look for knowledge, from the terrestrial to great beyond, but with each new nugget learned they contemplate how much more is missing.

The Empty Mind accepts any who are willing to shed their ego and admit that they don’t know. Most members of the sect, however, are seekers of the knowledge to fill this emptiness. Wizards, alchemists, clerics, investigators, and oracles are the most common devotees of Ghenshau in the group. The martial minded rarely even seek to join the sect.

Idyllic

The sect of Ghenshau simply known as Idyllic is a very small group based in a small farming village in the north east of Andoran. This group of maybe half a dozen followers of the Empyreal Lord seek to aid the people of their home keep their simple life and traditions. Led by a man named Corvin Aldus, who seems to channel the knowledge of the town’s ancestors, the group is well loved in the community.

Unlike many sects which keeps members who used to be adventurers, other than Corvin none of the members of the sect have ever left their village. Each member is either of representative of a family with a history in the community or of a specific occupation. Due to Idyllic’s push for a tradition of simplicity the village thrives.

The first step to enlightenment is admitting that you don’t know the first step. Who is your disciple of Ghenshau? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to Breezes-Still-and-Ripples-Cease? Where does their devotion to the Empyreal Lord come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB has has helped you take a closer look at those inspired by the divine, please consider showing support and become one of my patrons by donating to my Patreon or making a donation to my Paypal. Looking for more out of the CRB? Then you’re in luck! Facebook, Google +, Tumblr, and Twitter all have a CRB presence. And if you’re as impatient as I am, have the CRB pushed directly to your Kindle with every new post by signing up for Kindle Subscriptions.

The Weight of a Life

Followers of Damerrich

Illustration by Luis Perez

Although I have some issues with good folk and the willing taking of life, there are times when death is called for. The followers of Damerrich are often called upon to do the deed when this is the case. The Empyreal Lord of executions, judiciousness, and responsibility levies upon her followers the unenviable task of putting to death those who have broken the law. Her devotees must be strong of will and heart, so let’s take a look at three possible sects of The Weighted Axe.

As always, let us imagine we are sitting at our theoretical gaming table. Our imaginary GM sets out the rules for the game we will play. In this game, we are to make a follower of Damerrich. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Weighted Swing. What character do you make?

For more information on Damerrich

Damerrich’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Damerrich’s Archives of NethysPage

The Solemn Stroke

In many a goodly nation that abides by a system of law, small settlements cannot afford to maintain their own judges. In these cases traveling judges, often member of the sect of the followers of Zohls called the Jurists, act as a representative of the law for anything more than a petty crime. On occasion they must come condemn a criminal to death, they are however not the ones to carry out such grizzly sentences.

When someone must be called upon to perform an execution, members of The Solemn Stroke--a sect of Damerrich worshipers--are prepared to do the deed. These holy executioners do not kill for the love of killing, they kill so others do not have to. They know full well that the death of another by someone’s hands weighs as heavily on their soul as their patron’s axe. Rather that have that weight change the lives of others they give of themselves this sacred duty to spare the effects that killing has on others.

The Sacred Second

In the lands of the Dragon Empire living up to one’s promises and responsibilities is of the utmost importance. In some cases large failures are followed by ritual suicide. Although these acts of penance are usually only for the most egregious failings, they are used so that both the shamed one and their family may keep their honor intact. During this act to cry out in pain is considered another failure and so a second is usually chosen to silence the person permanently should the need arise.

Although her following is small one small sect of Damerrich is known well. The Sacred Seconds can be called upon to perform the task of helping one keep one’s honor without causing another to have the weight of killing on their hands. Like many followers of the Weighted Axe they feel it is their duty to spare others from having to kill even if it is an act of law.

The Tutors

Many of Damerrich’s followers follow paths of personal responsibly, but they all know that taking account for your own actions is a learned trait. The Tutors are a group of devotees of The Weighted Axe who look to instill a sense of purpose of action in the youth so that they never meet the blade of their brothers and sisters in other arms of Damerrich’s church.

Members of this group tend to be ex-adventurers, martial artists, teachers, or academics. Anyone who has skill they can impart while using that as a parable for personal responsibility. The Tutors are well respected, especially among the nobility and aristocracy in places like Taldor, Brevoy, and Ustalav. Admittance into the organization requires not just a skill to teach, but tests of one’s ability to properly handle unruly children.

The weight of the world – and the axe – sits on the shoulders of the Empyreal  Lord’s followers. Who is your disciple of Damerrich? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Weighted Hand? Where does their devotion come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB has inspired your next character please consider showing support and become one of my patrons by donating to my Patreon. Looking for more out of the CRB? Then you’re in luck! Facebook, Google +, Twitter, and Tumblr all have a CRB presence. And if you’re as impatient as I am, have the CRB pushed directly to your Kindle with every new post by signing up for Kindle Subscriptions.

The opening illustration was created by the fine artist Luis Perez. You can find him on Twitter, Tumblr, and on Instagram at luisperezart.