It’s Saturday and it's time to talk about a god. For those of you who haven’t been a part of my explorations into the religions of Golarion, here’s how it works:
Imagine, if you will, you're making a character for a group. Your only instruction is that you must be a worshiper of a specific god. You do not need to be a divine casting class, although you can be, but the party’s purpose is working toward the goals of this specific divine being. I'd like not just a race/class combo, but a little bit about why the character would choose to dedicate themselves to this particular deity. Feel free to make up secret or not-so-secret orders within the church, or even sects outside of the church that you think might be interesting. With only this one piece of information that must be true, let your imagination go wild with the rest.
Today's god
Shizuru, Lawful Good Tian Goddess of Ancestors, Honor, The Sun and Swordplay
Shizuru’s Pathfinder Wiki Page
Shizuru’s Archives of Nethys Entry
The heartbreaking story of Shizuru and her separation from her love, the Tian god of the moon Tsukiyo, is quite compelling. As too are the tales of her creation of the empire of Minkai and five imperial seals. But what of her modern followers, those who pay homage to the dragon goddess of Tian-Xia?
The Golden Scales
In Minkai it is always remembered that Shizuru took the form of a great dragon to bestow divine right of rulership upon the five imperial families. These many centuries later, those with draconic blood in their veins; mystical sorcerers, driven blood ragers, and those dragon disciples who truly dedicate themselves to becoming one with the goddess, are held in great esteem. The Golden Scales are a group of these beings—considered touched by Shizuru—who seek to keep the ways of the ancient dragons alive.
With Minkai at the brink of war, many of the common people of the empire look to the golden scales. As Shizuru once brought peace and unity to the land, they hope so too will the scales. With a member of the Higashiyama clan manifesting some form of dragon ancestry and having joined the scales, the hope that the presence of a member of the emperor's bloodline in the organization will bring peace to Minkai soon.
The Wandering Blades
Swordsmen of all stripes call upon Shizuru in time of battle, but only those who prove themselves both proficient with a blade and having unimpeachable honor can join The Wandering Blades. The blades travel the realm like itinerant priests administering to the people of the land, but that is only part of their mission. The blades search for minions of the dark god Fumeiyoshi. Only with their steadfast adherence to their own honor can they stand against the corruption the Lord of Envy.
Children of the Eclipse
Shizuru, the Goddess of the sun and her love Tsukiyo God of the Moon can never be together. Almost. It is only during an eclipse that the two lovers finally have a fleeting moment together. Children born during those times are sacred to both gods. The Children of the Eclipse are considered a representation of the two god’s love. The first leader of the Children of the Eclipse was an Aasimar born on the night of a lunar eclipse an eclipse-shaped birthmark on her forehead.
Being somehow in the middle of these two gods The Children of the Eclipse tend to be mediators. They not only communicate between the churches of the two gods, they are brought in by magistrates and even the royal families to oversee negotiations. They are known for their impartiality and discretion.
So there are three sects among the follower of the sun goddess. But who is your worshiper of Shizuru? What character would you make to play in a game of followers of the Empress of Heaven? Let us know.
No comments:
Post a Comment