To Stone They Pass

Faithful of Magrim

Everything dies in its time. This is not a bad thing, it is the natural order. For the dwarves, there is one deity who overlooks the afterlife and helps send those souls that wish a second go-round back to the mortal plane. Magrim, brother of the father of dwarves Torag, is the dwarven deity of death, fate, and the underworld. Today I give you three possible sects of this divine being.

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

For more information on Magrim

Magrim’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Magrim’s Archives of Nethys Page

Ward of the Restless

Not all of the spirits that pass on wish to wait for their proper time to return. The Ward of the Restless is a sect of Magrim worshipers who seek to force these spirits to follow their rightful path into the underworld. They specialize in fighting ghosts and other incorporeal undead. They use both the ability to hit these insubstantial creatures as if they were solid and special runes granted them by Magrim.

All followers of the Wards of the Restless are specially trained by the church of The Taskmaster. They consist of clerics with the wards and souls subdomains, inquisitors, and some of the few paladins of Magrim. No lay folk may join the sect and they have a strict hierarchy led by the Divine Commander Oran Ironside.

Faith of the Forebears

Dwarves are nothing if not respectful of their history and ancestors. Magrim’s position as lord of the dwarven underworld gives his followers better access to commune directly with the spirits of their foremothers and forefathers. The Faith of the Forebears speak to their people’s ancestors to guide their communities.

All members of the sect must have some way to speak with the long dead. Oracles of the ancestor mystery, shaman, and clerics make up the core of this sect. Joining the sect is done at the behest of the ancestors themselves. New members are whispered into the ears of a current member by one of the forebears.

The Returned

The Returned is considered a heretical sect by most, although they still draw some power from Magrim. Sometimes fate gets things wrong and a dwarf dies before their time. The Returned travel the planes to the afterlife to return a soul back to the material world where it can achieve its fated destiny. How The Returned choose the souls that must be brought back is unclear.

The Returned is a small sect that consists mainly of dwarves who have themselves returned from the dead. The dozen or so members include a few who can travel between the planes as well as those who are strong enough to fend off the powerful divine or profane beings they might have to face to retrieve a soul.

For the dwarven followers of this deity, death isn’t always the end. Who is your disciple of Magrim? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Taskmaster? Where does their devotion to this dwarven god come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB 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.

Kiss From A Rose

Devotees of Milani

Many of the minor divine beings that I look to expand upon have little to nothing written about them. This week’s minor deity, however,  is one of the most written about lesser beings of the divine pantheons. Milani is the minor deity of hope, devotion, and uprisings. Her followers are especially active in Cheliax and Galt, so I’m going to try and steer away from both of those locations as I present to you three possible sects of this week’s goddess.

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

For more information on Milani

Milani’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Milani’s Archives of Nethys Page 

The First Light

Milani’s followers cling to her teachings for hope in dark times. One of the truly darkest places on Golarion is the realm of Nidal. Led by followers of one of two deities opposed to Milani,  Zon-Kuthon, it is here that the Everbloom sees a great need for hope among the people.

In places like Galt and Cheliax her follower bring an active and aggressive resistance. The people of Nidal are not quite ready for that and so members of the First Light bring hope in the way of good deeds and entertainment. Clerics and bards make up a majority of the sect’s following, but they usually keep a low profile knowing that should they be found out they will suffer the exquisite tortures of the Kuthites.

The Desert Bloom

When Milani’s followers band together to fight for freedom, it is usually against some sinister or evil oppressors. In the lands of Rahadoum they do not fight against the oppression of a people’s political rights, but against the oppression of faith itself. The land of the laws of man seeks to keep down dedication to the deities of the multiverse, but Milani’s faithful want to see the light of faith bloom in the eyes of the people of the Kingdom of Man once more.

The membership of this sect is separated into small cells that work independently of each other. No one person knows more than one or two others, and most members wear masks or some other covering when doing the deity’s work. Bards, rogues, clerics, and oracles make up a large percentage of this sect’s membership, but any person from any walk of life whose faith has blossomed can join -- pending a thorough background check.

The Forbidden Fruit

Across Golarion half-elves are looked up unfavorably by both their parent races. For many half-elves, Milani is proof that their life can have a greater purpose. They also know that without love between elves and humans, half-elves wouldn’t exist. The Forbidden Fruit is a group that helps lovers of other races find a way to be with one another.

The sect operates mostly on the border between Kyonin and The River Kingdoms. They smuggle lovers back and forth between the two kingdoms so that they can be together. The sect is exclusively made up of half-elves who have been seeking purpose most of their lives. Inquisitors, rogues, and rangers make up a good portion of the group as travel through the forests requires some know-how.

Freedom not just for the faithful, but for all people is what our deity’s followers seek. Who is your disciple of Milani? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Everbloom? Where does their devotion to this minor deity come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB 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.

Snakes, Why'd It Have To Be Snakes

The Scaled of Nalinivati

Many of the ascended deities came from human stock; Aroden, Cayden, and Irori to name a few. But in the far Eastern realm of Tian Xia one of their deities ascended from the serpentine naga. Before rising to divinity she carved out a nation for her people and created a servitor race in the nagaji, who she later gave free will as a god. So today we look at Nalinivati, the Tian deity of fertility, nagaji, snakes, and sorcery. Here are three possible sects for use in your games.

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 Nalinivati. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Serpent’s Kiss What character do you make?

For more information on Nalinivanti:

Nalinivati’s Pathfinder Wiki Page 

Nalinivati’s Archives of Nethys Page 

The Serpent’s Nest

Although a majority of her worshipers are nagaji, there are pockets of other followers of Nalinivati around Tian. One such sect, The Serpent’s Nest, has followers in small towns all over the country. The Serpent’s Nest is a group of midwives who aid in everything from conception through postnatal care. The sect uses both mundane and magical means to facilitate all aspects of childcare.

Clerics, sorcerers, and bards make up a bulk of those who once adventured and settled down to become members of the sect. Many more of the group’s members are just adepts and experts who specialize in medical care. There is no specific entry rites to join the sect, just willingness to aid mothers and would-be mothers. Many seek acceptance into the group after losing children of their own so that others do not need to feel their pain.

The Scaled Sentinels

Nalinivati is consider both the mother of the naga nobility in Nagajor and the creator of the nagaji race. A group of all female nagaji sorcerers have both dedicated themselves to The Serpent’s Kiss and to defending her children, the royal naga. The Scaled Sentinels are considered elite guards and every naga ruler keeps at least a few on retainer if nothing else as a sign of their status.

All of the nagaji who make up The Scaled Sentinels are female, just as the rulership is matriarchal. Each one is a sorcerer as well, with the abberant, arcane, and serpentine bloodlines being the most popular. Some of the members will also learn a martial form, usually becoming an eldritch knight, or an monk fighting with the UlarTangan style.

The Envenomed

Worship of the Serpent’s Kiss is uncommon outside of Tian but not unheard of. The most common place to find devotees of Nalinivati beyond Tian-Xia’s borders is the Impossible Kingdoms of Vudra. Although the naga of Nagajor insist that their kind spread out from Tian, it is rumored that the nagas came from Vudra first and snake cults are not unheard of there. The Envenomed is a secretive cult of assassins whose signature is death by poison.

The sect includes both martial and magical members. Rogues, monks, and fighters make up a core of the martial arm of the sect. They use a fighting style similar to UlarTangan which mimics the movement of snakes. The magical arm of the sect are wizards, sorcerers, and magi who specialize in poison spells. There is also a group of alchemists dedicated to concocting the most lethal and hardest to detect poisons.

Some deities slither into the hearts of her followers. Who is your disciple of Nalinivati? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Serpent’s Kiss? Where does their devotion to this Tian deity come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB 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.

He Who Laughs Last

Tricksters of The Lantern King

Among the fey there are quite a few powerful beings who can grant their followers a small piece of their near-divinity. The inscrutable beings are often misunderstood by mortals and thought of as gods, something they do not often tend to correct. The week we will look at one of those beings. The Lantern King is the fey Eldest of laughter, mischief, and transformation. Today we look at three possible sects of this powerful fey creature

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 The Lantern King. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of Laughing Lie What character do you make?

For more information on The Lantern King

The Lantern King’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

The Lantern King’s Archives of Nethys Page 

Sacred Lodge of the Trickster

Among the orang-pendak, a reclusive race of small simian-like sasquatch kin, the fey Eldest are worshiped as aspects of the spirit world. To them the Lantern King is known as the Wisp Lord and he is the patron of those whose sacred duty it is to teach. The Sacred Lodge of the Trickster is a small group of these divine teachers who meet mostly in the spirit world to make sure they are guiding their individual tribes to the best of their ability.

Members of the Sacred Lodge of the Trickster can come from different aspects of orang-pendak society. Occasionally one of the storysingers (bards), medicine people (druids or shamans), or even witch doctors (witches) will be chosen by The Wisp Lord to teach through mischief. Being a trickster is a sacred duty and those who go against that duty are brought before the Lodge and tried for their crimes.

The Last Laugh

Although many people think of fey as being the closest to the fey realm on the mortal plane, the modern gnomes are actually the descendants of creatures that came from the first world. Because of this ancient link to the fey realms many gnomes take to paying homage to one of the Eldest. The Last Laugh is a sect of followers of the Lantern King who specialize in jokes.

Many of the members of the Last Laugh are bards, although any jokester could potentially join their ranks. Entry into the sect requires making one of the elder members laugh, specifically with a joke they have never heard before. For these gnomes laughter seems to help stave off the bleaching, as long as new jokes are always found.

The Molted

The Molted are a small sect of Lantern King worshipers who revel in seeing the world through different eyes, often. They say before you judge a man, walk a mile in his boots, and many of the Molted have done this dozens of times over. Each new skin is a new life for them and they go through appearances like most people go through clothes.

To become one of The Molted you have to catch one of The Molted. Proving that one of the members of this sect was once someone else is the first step to joining. Most of the members of this group have a magical or supernatural means to change their shape. On rare occasion someone who is a master of mundane disguise may be allowed to join. Whatever means you use to become one of The Molted, being a member of the sect is all about experiencing as many lives as possible.

He who laughs last laughs best, or so this being’s followers think. Who is your disciple of The Lantern King? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Laughing Lie? Where does their devotion to this fey Eldest come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB 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.

Give Her Followers, Liches Love Followers

Damned of Arazni

This week’s divine being is an oddity as she was once a demigod but was killed. She has arisen as a lich, a demigod lich that still retains some of her godlike powers and can even grant spells to clerics. She was once the herald of the lost god Aroden but now she rules an entire kingdom in Garund. Of course we are talking about Arazni, the minor deity of the command of undeath and lichdom. Within are three possible sects to the living – or unliving in this case – goddess, for possible use in your campaigns.

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 Arazni. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Harlot Queen What character do you make?

For more information on Arazni

Arazni’s Pathfinder Wiki Page 

Arazni’s Archives of Nethys Page

The Knights of the Scarab

Gods love worship, especially evil gods; they revel in it. Arazni once had an entire legion of paladins who dedicated their lives to her service. She once had the Knight of Ozem, a sect of knights dedicated to doing good deeds in her name. Now all that remain are a tainted few of these former paragons of justice, risen as graveknights to serve as her personal guard. She relishes the adulation of an entire sect of followers and to that end the Knights of the Scarab have been formed.

The Knights are mostly antipaladins, although other martially minded folk will join the ranks of the sect. Aspirants must undergo a strict test to join, a trial that pushes their physical limits but also seeks to prod the devotion to Arazni. Those who pass the physical test, but are not truly faithful to the lich goddess are tortured until they are either truly devout or else they are dead.

The Fallen Host

Although much of the center of Arazni worship is in Geb, where she is the ruler, there remain small cults to her elsewhere. In many locations around Ustalav resonance of her death has left haunts that appear randomly and project the trauma of her death. Many psychics, spiritualists, and occultists are touched by these phenomena, and not all in a positive way.

The Fallen Host is a small sect whose minds have been broken by the touch of the psychic remnants of her death throes. They look to return the Harlot Queen to her true divinity. They do not seek to bring her back in her aspects as the herald of the god of man. Their hope is that she will return to divinity as broken as they are, to relive her death on the world over and over, sharing the pain all Fallen Hosts already feel.

The Everlasting

Like any god of undeath there are those who believe they can finagle a deal to gain the secrets of lichdom from the divine being if they dedicate themselves enough. The Everlasting are a group of necromancers who wish to become liches themselves and follow the will of the Harlot Queen to do so. Unlike other seekers of lichdom by divine means, The Everlasting have a corporeal being to petition to fulfill their desires.

The Everlasting are made up entirely of necromancers, although those come in many stripes. Divine casters and arcane, those who study to gain power and those to whom it comes naturally all make up the ranks of the group. The only real requirement is that the caster be of some use to their patron or else she will toss them aside like so much garbage. Like most seekers of the power of lichdom competition is fierce. Sect members have more to fear from each other than most outside forces.

Forged in betrayal and tempered with obsessions are those who follow Arazni’s path. Who is your disciple of Arazni? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Harlot Queen? Where does their devotion to this Lich Goddess come from? Let me know in the comments.

If the CRB 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.

Goodnight Moon

Sacred of Tsukiyo

The deities of Tian have an intricate weaving of relationships. This week’s deity was killed by his own brother out of jealousy and resurrected by another of the gods by the request of his wife, Shizuru. So today we take a look at the Prince of the Moon, Tsukiyo. He is the Tian deity of jade, spirits, and the moon. Here are three sects that may work well in your version of Golarion.

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 Tsukiyo. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Prince of the Moon. What character do you make?

For more information on Tsukiyo

Tsukiyo’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Tsukiyo’s Archives of Nethys Page

Children of the Moon

With Tsukiyo’s title as Prince of the Moon and the satellite of Golarion being within his portfolio, it is no wonder that a number of his followers are lychanthropes and their kin, the skinwalkers. Long ago, a priest of Tsukiyo was bitten by a weretiger but could not cure his affliction. The monk felt that he would disrespect his patron’s symbol – the moon – if he could not find a way to control the beast he could not contain. With perseverance, and some amount of divine guidance, he came up with a ritual that would allow a lycanthrope a way to keep his own mind through the transformation, instead of allowing the beast to bring him low, to the side of evil.

Most members of the Children of the Moon are those who have fought their bestial urges and won. Others are the children and grandchildren of lycanthropes who have some of the shapechanger blood in them but not enough to cause full transformations. Victims of lycanthrope attacks are often sought out by members of this sect to either cure them, or help them through their transformation.

The Veil Splitters

Between this world and the next rests the home of the spirits. Some are the restless dead who have yet to pass to their final reward, others are the spirits of natural and unnatural world. The Veil Splitters are a sect of Tsukiyo worshipers who commune with these spirits to aid those in need, and combat those who would do harm. They seek to bring balance between the physical world and the world of spirit.

Members of the sect all have a way to commune with spirits. Oracles, mediums, shaman, witches, and spiritualists make up the core membership of the Veil Splitters. Some rangers and others who excel at bringing a physical battle to the spiritual world align with the group but do not actually have official membership within the sect.

The August Warriors In Jade

When Shizuru had Tsukiyo resurrected and his brother Fumeiyoshi punished, the Lord of Envy made it his mission to once again destroy his brother and Shizuru. The August Warriors in Jade are a sect dedicated to defending Tian Xia from the predations of Fumeiyoshi’s undead children. Warriors trained from childhood in a secluded monastery in the art of combating all types of undead, these followers the the Prince of the Moon have a single-minded dedication to this purpose.

Monk, paladins, clerics, warpriests, and rangers make up the bulk of this sect’s membership. Although they fear that they may one day turn to evil and are closely watched, the monastery trains a number of arcane spellcasters in the art of necromancy to combat the undead. One cannot apply to join the necromancers, one is chosen after years of observation.

Through the cycles of the moon, the faithful commune with the spirits of the world. Who is your disciple of Tsukiyo? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Prince of the Moon? Where does their devotion to this Tian Deity 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.

A Life Left to Live

The Immortals of Aesdurath

Daemons, creatures of the apocalypse. They seek nothing but total destruction of existence itself. But Aesdurath, the Daemon Harbinger of immortality, liches, and magical catastrophes torments his followers by offering them immortality in a world he hopes will end. This week we look at three possible sects of this harbinger.

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 Aesdurath. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Pale Dowager. What character do you make?

For more information on Aesdurath

Aesdurath’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Aesdurath’s Archives of Nethys Page 

The Ever Sand

Although most followers of the Daemon Harbinger of immortality seek undeath – most often lichdom – as the path to everlasting life, The Ever Sand does not. This sect of Aesdurath worshipers looks to continue living forever while still remaining among the living. The sect seeks any means to stay alive so they have varied backgrounds; from monks who seek to control their body by force of will, to alchemists who try to find everlasting life at the bottom of a beaker. Both divine and arcane casters of are welcome but many find that lichdom is actually an easier prospect than holding back the sands of time.

One does not seek acceptance into The Ever Sand. As a matter of fact few people outside of the sect even know of its existence. But those who are searching for immortality stand out,and the sect will follow their exploits before approaching them. Admittance is attained after a series of tests, and a sharing of knowledge. If one cannot or will not allow the sect into their research they are denied entry and usually killed for that information anyway.

The Final Step

The world means nothing; it will all end sooner or later so why be cautious? The Final Step is a group of arcanists who push the envelope of magical research.  Their ultimate goal is to live their lives with as much power as they can possibly muster and go out in a blaze of glory. They even see those among the follower of their patron that seek immortally as misguided. The world will end anyway, there is no living forever.

All members of this sect are arcane spellcasters with a specific interest in research. They delight in testing new magical theories no matter how insane other people think they are. Acarnists and wizards are most common but quite a few alchemists also join the sect, their labs being the perfect place to test a new concoction.

The Hidden Souls

A vast majority of followers of Aesdurath search for the secrets to lichdom, but only a select few find their way to the knowledge needed to perform the sacred rites. Even fewer still are allowed into The Hidden Souls as this group fancies themselves the ultimate authority on the will of their daemon patron.

For admittance into the sect you must already be a lich. If you have mastered your art enough to find the ritual that works specifically for your soul then you may be worthy of joining the ranks of the Hidden Souls. Being the mortal representation of the will of the Daemon Harbinger is no walk in the park so each lich member is watched for decades or even centuries before being allowed to join the sect’s ranks.

Aesdurath’s followers are willing to do whatever it takes to live forever.  Who is your disciple of Aesdurath? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Pale Dowager? Where does their devotion 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.

Shields of Faith

Defenders of Arqueros

Illustration by Luis Perez

Defending the weak and the helpless is a common theme among the forces of good, especially the Empyreal Lords. None personify this more than “The Golden Bulwark,” Arqueros. The Empyreal Lord of bodyguards, protection, and watchfulness is always alert and ready to give his all. This week we look at three possible sects of this elevated archon.

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 Arqueros. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Golden Bulwark. What character do you make?

For more information on Arqueros

Arqueros’s Pathfinder Wiki Page 

Arqueros’s Archives of Nethys Page 

The Golden Gorgers

This sect takes its name from the moniker given by the dwarves to the cat-like aurumvorax. The first line of defense at the gate of heaven known as Threshold is the Empyreal Lord Arqueros and a host of celestial aurumvorax. To this end the sect that takes their name seeks to extend their lord’s protection to the mortal versions of one of his favored defenders.

The Golden Gorgers look over both wild aurumvrox as well as rearing domesticated ones. Although domesticating these creatures is hard, the Gorgers seem to have the favor of their patron. This sect is small but spread out. They can be found in the Stolen Lands of the River Kingdoms, on the Lost Coast of Varisia, and on the island of Deepmar off the coast of Cheliax. Rangers, hunters, druids, and anyone else with an affinity for animals can petition to join the sect.

Heaven’s Gate

Like many of the Empyreal Lords, mystery cults and sects abound in Magnimar for these divine beings. Magnimar is also one of the prime locations for angelic visitation and the birth of aasimar. Heaven’s Gate is a small group of these celestial-touched beings who see themselves as the manifestation of the angelic defenders of the gates of heaven. To that end, to a man (and woman) these stalwart defenders have joined the Magnimar guard, specifically asking to be assigned as defenders of the wall.

All of the members of the Heaven’s Gate are aasimar. With the glint of metallic steel skin, they believe that they are all descended from shield archons, one of the favored minions of Arqueros. An aasimar must petition the sect to join and be trained in their specialized spear and shield style before being allowed to apply to the Magnimar guard to be assigned to their unit.

The Eagle Wings

The Eagle Wings are a sect of Arqueros worshipers in Andoran. The Wings are one of the larger sects of the Empyreal Lord as they are also a business. They are based out of port city of Augustana and are one of the most well respected and sought after caravan guard troupes. They are particular about their clientele, but when they do take a job a caravan arrives at its location unless every member of the unit assigned to it dies first.

Being a worshiper of Arqueros is the only real requirement for entry into The Eagle Wings, although the leadership does a very thorough background check on each petitioner. A majority of the group’s membership are warriors, including a few paladins, but they accept magic users of all stripes as well as scouts and other support staff.

The followers of this Empyreal Lord watch and wait, and when danger rears its head, they act. Who is your disciple of Arqueros? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Golden Bulwark? Where does their devotion 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 KindleSubscriptions.

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

Terror Between Space and Time

Adherents of Yog-Sothoth

Illustration by Luis Perez

The lore of H.P. Lovecraft has insinuated itself into all sorts of media. It’s gone from being a cult thing to being mainstream seemingly overnight. Yog-Sothoth is one of Lovecraft’s outer gods and has been adopted into the pantheon of Golarion’s powerful beings. Today we look at the Lurker at the Threshold, Outer God of gates, space, and time.

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 Yog-Sothoth. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The The Lurker at the Threshold. What character do you make?

For more information on Yog-Sothoth

Yog-Sothoth’s Pathfinder Wiki Page 

Yog-Sothoth’s Archives of Nethys Page 

Enlightened Path of Time

This sect operates in the Vudrani enclave of Jalmeray. They are ostensibly a sect of yogi who seek to help their students expand their minds to think outside of the here and now. In reality they are a sect of Yog-Sothoth worshipers who seek to tap into the past and future lives of their followers as a connection to all the time in which the outer god exists so that they may draw it forth onto the face of Golarion.

Occultists, psychics, summoners, and alchemists make up much of the true membership of the sect. Many of the lesser members don’t know to whom they have truly dedicated themselves. Many martial types find themselves pawns to the inner circle and are used to remove physical threats to their master’s plan.

Keepers at the Gate

This sect of devotees to the Lurker at the Threshold seeks to open as many portals as they can. They hope that their master will be behind one of these many doors. This sect often hides themselves among the worshipers of Alseta goddess of doors. They especially find Those Who Walk Through Walls receptive to their goals and often corrupt members of that sect to join them.

This sect specializes in those who can find and open doors by both magical and mundane means. Arcanists, wizards, rogue, and investigators are all very common classes taken up by devotees. But like most sects of Yog-Sothoth there are many support members who follow along with a true understanding of the group’s purpose.

Travelers of the Dark Span

Whereas many sects seek to find a way to bring the outer god onto the plane of Golarion by working it from their end on the material plane, the Travelers seek to find Yog-Sothoth somewhere in the dark tapestry. Travel into the lightless and endless span can be dangerous, not only physically but to one’s psyche. Many of the members of this sect are completely insane after their travels to the tapestry.

By necessity the travelers are almost all casters of some kind. It takes some form of magical existence to even get to, let alone travel within the dark tapestry. The sect is incredibly interested in the fallen craft in Numeria as a technological means to traverse the dark span, but they have had a hard time making an end run around the Technic League. Some discussion has come about infiltrating the technomancers but nothing has come of it yet.

Between space and time lurk the twisted minds of this Outer God’s followers. Who is your disciple of Yog-Sothoth? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Lurker at the Threshold? Where does their devotion 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 KindleSubscriptions.

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

Pick A Card, Any Card

The Lucky of Irez

Illustration by Luis Perez.

Irez, the Empyreal Lord of cards, scribes, and spells. Although Desna is known as the creator of the Harrow Deck, many Harrow readers worship Irez not just for her attachment to the cards, but because she is the lady of symbolism and magic. Little is known about The Lady of Inscribed Wonders or her followers. That leaves us with an open canvas to present some possible sects.

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 Irez. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of The Lady of Inscribed Wonder. What character do you make?

For more information on Irez

Irez’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Irez’s Archives of Nethys Page 

Keepers of the Sacred Scroll

In a monastery somewhere in the heart of Galt resides a small sect of followers of Irez. Within these walls the brothers keep a scroll – one long piece of parchment – which contains all of the knowledge that the brothers have. Recorded on it are histories, stories, legends, and even spells. To keep this knowledge fresh and up to date, every five years the brothers completely rewrite the scroll with all its previous knowledge as well as that which has been collected over the intervening years.

The collection of knowledge comes both from the brothers themselves and other worshipers of Irez. The brothers each take a yearlong journey from the monastery to gather as much new lore as they can. Other followers of The Lady of Inscribed Wonder may seek to learn from the scroll or the brothers themselves. To be allowed access to either, one most present a previously unknown tidbit to be added to the scroll. Particularly interesting bits of information will see the one who delivers it offered full admittance to the brotherhood.

The Bettor’s League

The League is actually a multi-denominational group of gamblers out of Varisia. The sect consists of ethnic Varisians, Gnomes from Whistledown, and assorted odds-takers from Magnimar where mystery cults to the Empyreal Lords are common. The Bettor’s League sees worshipers of Irez, Desna, and Nivi Rhombodazzle come together to have a go at games of chance against each other.

The group exists in most major cities in Varisia, except for Korvosa. Members tend to be travelers and the private gambling houses run by the group allow them to whet their appetite for games of chance in a safe environment. Cards games are by far the most common, and some of the best towers players in all of Avistan come from among the ranks of The Bettor’s League

The Runic Masters

Although dwarves have their own racial deities, and are also not known for dabbling in arcane magics. The Runic Masters are the exception to both of these rules. Runes have always been a major part of dwarven society, their language is written in a runic form. The dwarven followers of Irez – although considered oddballs by their peers – have learned to harness the inherent power in the runes that they were taught to use as children. Although Irez mainly deals in arcane magic some of the runic masters are also clerics of the Empyreal Lord and become Theurges, using both forms of magic.

Admittance into the dwarven sect of the Lady of Inscribed Wonder is a very structured affair. Like many dwarven occupations from smithing to fighting, a supplicant must undergo rigorous training and testing. The ability to write almost five hundred runes – some extremely obscure – from memory is one of the major hurdles one must overcome to call oneself a Runic Master. The fact that not many dwarves seek to worship outside their own pantheon and the grueling testing to join the sect means there are actually very few Runic Masters.

The followers of the Empyreal Lord of scribes and cards come from all walks of life. Who is your disciple of Irez? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Lady of Inscribed Wonder? 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! Google +, Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook 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 a fine artist Luis Perez. You can find him on Twitter, Tumblr, and on Instagram at luisperezart.

Bleeding the Host

Disciples of Ghlaunder

Illustration by Luis Perez

Ghlaunder is a minor deity who came to Golarion due to his accidental release by the goddess Desna. The Mosquito – his sacred animal – quite accurately represents his areas of concern: parasites, infections, and stagnation. His followers are secretive but deadly and seek nothing but chaos and destruction on Golarion. Today we’ll look at three possible sect of The Gossamer King.

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 Ghlaunder. The character does not need to be a divine caster, just a devotee of the Gossamer King. What character do you make?

For more information on Ghlaunder

Ghlaunder’s Pathfinder Wiki Page

Ghlaunder’s Archives of Nethys Page 

The Dreamer’s Maze

Ghlaunder and Desna have been enemies since the dreaming goddess released him from his cocoon on the Ethereal Plane. When The Gossamer King’s followers try to hide among the followers of other churches they often use the word “dreamer” in whatever moniker they use to speak of their deity. Ghlaunder’s hatred for Desna has grown so deep that one sect has taken it upon themselves to destroy the chosen of Desna on Golarion.

The Dreamer’s Maze is a group of self-loathing Varisians who seek to wipe their own people from the face of Golarion. They masquerade as worshipers of Desna and work from within the traveling bands of their populace to either kill or corrupt their own people. Their deity revels in their actions, hoping to one day help deliver the final blow to his hated enemy. The members of the sect are unaware that this means they too must perish.

The Swarm

The Mwangi Expanse has become almost a battleground between would-be colonizers and the native tribes. Ghlaunder’s worship was already strongest in the Expanse and the nearby Sodden Lands, but these interlopers have helped swell the numbers of worshipers of The Gossamer King. Since one of the things that has consistently slowed the expansion of the colonialists is their succumbing to unknown plagues, Ghlaunder’s followers have used this as a rallying cry for the defenseless.

The Swarm is a sect of the deity’s followers that come from many different tribes of the Mwangi jungle. Their individual peoples have all been killed off or enslaved by the hated Apsis Consortium, and The Swarm has given them both a new home and a means of revenge. The weapon of choice of The Swarm are poison-dipped spears which they wield as they sneak into strongholds of the Consortium to contaminate their water supply and unleash deadly vermin.

The Plague Tenders

This group of followers of the Gossamer King doesn’t just seek to spread disease, they look to invent new and more deadly plagues. Made up of alchemists, casters of all stripes, and a group of folk who refer to themselves as scientists, the Plague Tenders grow diseases in their labs. Each member tries to outdo the other and they rate their creations based on the time it takes to cure and the number of people killed by it.

After an incident early in the sect’s existence – where they were nearly found out – they have since ceased to only operate in the Shingles district of Korvosa, becoming nomads as it were. The sect travels from city to city in Avistan, mostly in the west. They bring their disease-tainted mosquitos and deposit them around stagnant pools in the poorer areas of major cities and take careful notes on its spread and death toll.

The strong may survive but parasites still survive off the strong; so too do the followers of the demigod of parasites and disease. Who is your disciple of Ghlaunder? Why have they chosen to dedicate themselves to The Gossamer King? 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! Google +, Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook 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 a fine artist Luis Perez. You can find him on Twitter, Tumblr, and on Instagram at luisperezart.