A River Runs Through It

Followers of Matravash

Many of the deities, demigods, and other beings I delve into have a portfolio that includes a few things that are somehow interconnected. This week’s god has but one area of concern. So how do you come up with three sects based on just this one thing? We’ll find out this week as I take a look at Matravash, the Vudrani Deity of the Matra River.

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 Matravash. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Wide Water. What character do you make?

For more information on Ose

Matravash’s Pathfinder Wiki Page 

Matravash’s Archives of Nethys Page 

The River Rats

The river doesn’t choose sides. Some things that happen are good and some bad, but the river simply is. Although the Matra supports a lot of legitimate trade it also supports those who trade illegally. However, even those who use the river to smuggle pay homage to it and the goddess who it represents. Some moreso than others.

The River Rats is an all ratfolk group of smugglers who ply the waters of the Matra. Some believe that they actually came from the river itself and are the children of the Wide Water. They understand the ebbs and flows of the waters like no one else. Druids, shaman, rangers, and hunters make up a bulk of the River Rats that most people are used to seeing. But since they are more like a family than an organization they have members with many different skill sets

The River Prince

Each rajah claims the section of the Matra that runs through his realm as their territory. For the most part they just patrol it to keep trade moving. One Rajah, however, gave his section of river as a satrapi to a Halfling who saved his daughter. He became the River Prince and his family has held dominion over that section of the Matra for generations.

Not only has the family has been granted dominion by the Rajah, Matravash herself has blessed the family. More than any one group, the River Prince’s family produces clerics to The Wide Water. The group takes its service to the Rajah and Matravash very seriously and help to keep trade flowing and the river clean. They often go head-to-head with the River Rats after the events of the undeclared war.

The Water’s Edge

Not all who revere the river live upon it. Those who make their home upon the shores need to find ways to keep the Matra and her mistress appeased. Although the Water’s Edge meet a few times a year, they are for the most part a sect of individuals. Each member lives in a community that dwells on the river banks and teaches them how to give back to the waters that share its bounty with them.

The members of the Water’s Edge all have a magical connection to the river. Cleric, druids, shaman, witches, oracles, and sorcerers with the aquatic, elemental water, or marid bloodline tend to their flocks of non-river folk. These guides teach their communities how to live with the water, taking only as much fish as they need, tossing back the ones that are too young, and helping defend against erosion of the shore.

The water winds and is full of life just like this deity's followers. Who is your disciple of Matravash? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Wide Water? Where does their devotion to this Vudrani Deity come from? Let me know in the comments.

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