Gods & Priests of Aduria

Part 1: Introduction

In the vast continent of Aduria many people did not even know that the battle at Deismaar took place, and so did not know that the old gods had died. To make things easier for their followers the new gods who took up the mantles of those who fell to Azrai choose to be known by the same names as the old gods. Much as Haelyn is known as Halaïa in Khinasi he is also known as Anduiras in the few areas of Aduria where the god of nobility is still worshipped.
When the gods such as Eloéle and Cuiraécen were born they were also introduced into Aduria in much the same way as they became known in Cerilia. They have since gained followers in Aduria as they have in Cerilia, some even becoming more popular than the old gods.
Finally two ancient elemental gods have been listed as they are worshipped widly in Nehalim where the old religion still remains a strong force. Priests from those religions draw on their powers from the elemental forces of nature rather than an actual power, and do not receive visitations from their gods. More information on these two religions can be found in the Ancient Gods section below.

This document lists all the major powers of Aduria (with the exception of Humanoid gods) in a format similar to the Book of Priestcraft.   Abbreviations and the shorthand listed on page 3 of the Book of Priestcraft have also been used for this information so if you own a copy of the BoP it should be fairly easy to follow. Also rather than repeat what is in the BoP I have instead only put down information that is related to Aduria, and a short history of worship of each god since Deismaar.

Part 2: The Pantheon of Aduria

Anduiras

God of Nobility and War.
Greater God, LG

With the Andu now gone from Aduria many of the followers of Anduiras have also gone with them, and have now become followers of Haelyn in Cerilia. In much of Aduria the worship of Anduiras is not known, although in the distant south there are a few temples devoted to him. Worship of Anduiras is forbidden inside the Adurian Empire, as he is looked on as one of the gods who were responsible for the imprisionment of Azrai. The section on Adurian history contains more information on the war between Azrai and the other gods.
In Aduria he is still looked on as a god of courage and nobility and those in the fews lands free from influence of the larger empires venerate him as the god of war.

Anduiras' Avatar

As in Cerilia Anduiras rarely appears in avatar form. When he does he usually takes on the form of a lion, the symbol of strength and nobility in Aduria. Some nations have even made it a crime to harm a lion in case they offend the God of War.

The Church

There are only a few scattered temples to Anduiras on the continent. He is almost unknown in the northern lands, but in the south, along the C'rae T'lor'hirm there are several states that worship the god of war and nobility, if not as there major god of that land.
In ancient times most of Anduiras' worshipers were among the Andu people and as they fled north the religion went with them. Then during the holy war of Azrai worship of all other gods was prevented and the name of Anduiras was wipped from the memories of many. Now though he has begun to make a come back.
During the latter years of the Anuirean Empire travellers from the north came to Aduria to bring the word of Haelyn. At first they tried to speak of Haelyn, but realising that most did not known that Anduiras had died instead preached in the name of Anduiras. Originally not successful in the north, where the priests of Azrai still held sway they eventually came south to C'u'co and B'leen where temples were constructed. The worship of Anduiras then spread across the south, and although it never overtook some of the more established faiths the temple of Anduiras does hold some power in the south-western kingdoms.
The temple of Anduiras in the south is a single faith, not splintered as it is in Cerilia. All temples are part of the Imperial Temple of Anduiras, originally part of the Imperial Temple from Anuire. With the collapse of the Anuirean Empire these links have been lost but the temple remains, and has recuited local priests to take over from the original Anuirean missionaries.
They follow the Book of Laws as does the Orthodox Imperial Temple in Diemed and priests of Anduiras are often called on to act as magistates or judges in the south. Centuries away from Anuire however has harden the church's atitudes and they tend to be very strict on all matters of law and doctrine.

Day to Day Activities: Many of the rituals common in Cerilia are also performed here, including the ringing of bells to announce the morning. Although the priest worship the old god Anduiras their rituals come from Anuire and are those of Haelyn. Ceremonies tend to be very serious affairs here though, and all in the temple are expected to attend. Also followers are expected to attend each morning service if possible, and the churchs and cathedrals in regions where Anduiras is worshipped are usually packed with worshippers.
Priests of Anduiras are expected to give up all wealth and work for the good of the comunity, and although some services carry a charge, such as blesses and the like no priest of Anduiras is permitted to charge for their healing spells as they are expected to do as much as possible to serve the people. Therefore, while the temples tend to be very spectatular the priests themselves rarely have much wealth.

Holy Days/Important Ceremonies: The most important ceremony in the religion is the Day of Rebirth where all in Aduria celebrate the end of a year, and the beginning of the next. Generally the whole day is set aside for feasting and then as night falls the faithful gather to receive the blessing of Anduiras and pray for their success in the coming year. The weekly ceremony of worship is also well attended, although it lacks the significance of the Day of Rebirth.

Major Centres of Worship: The heart of the Imperial Temple of Anduiras is the great cathedral in the capital of B'leen, built on a site where it was said that Anduiras himself once appeared to a wandering priest. Now a vast, spralling complex larger than even the first church of Haelyn in Diemed. It lacks the history and power of that great temple however, despite its size.
The Cathedral sits on a hill overlooking the capital, just below the Prince's palace and faces north-south so the light from the sun may always shine into the temple. It is constructed of a yellow stone common to B'leen, which has been polished until it shines brightly in the sunlight. A large bell tower rises into the air at the northern end of the temple and when rung its bells can be heard across the capital.
Also as part of the temple complex are the various barracks and training grounds of the orders of knights that make up the temple and city guard. These structures can hold several thousand soldiers at any one time, and all are holy warriors ready to give their lives to protect the temple.
Various other temples are scattered across the southern lands, and a few shrines can be found further north. These all tend to be large airy cathedrals, with high vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows.

Affiliated Orders: There are several orders of Knights in B'leen and a couple of the other southern kingdom which follow the teaching of Anduiras. They are the Knights of the Jaguar, Knights of the Eagle, and Knights of Justice and each is dedicated to protecting a different ideal of Anduiras.
The Knights of Justice are the highest ranking of the orders and made up exclusivly of paladins. Currently only around twenty or thirty ;aladins are members of the order. They wander the countryside bringing justice to those who stray from the law. Each is also a noble in B'leen or one of the other lands, and only those who prove themselves noble and just are permitted into the order.
The Knights of the Eagle are the temple guards who protect the large cathedrals of Anduiras. They are generally faithful soldiers who have proven themselves worthy of serving (usually level 1+). There are currently around five hundred of these knights scattered across the south, with a small contingement at each of the larger temples. Any may join the order, but they must past a test of their skills, courage, and dedication to Anduiras first.
The Knights of the Jaguar are the more common soldiers, and several thousand  are stationed in the B'leen capital. These soldiers must be worshippers of Anduiras, and are highly skilled warriors, at least the equal of Anuirean Knights.

Priesty Vestments: The priests of Anduiras generally wear brown or black robes, and sandles with few empelishments. The holy symbol of the higher ranking priests is constucted of gold, in the shape of a lion's head. Lesser priests have wooden or clay symbols painted gold.
The Bishop of B'leen, the highest ranking priest in Aduria wears a fine black robe, with a lion skin cloak and a gold crown. His holy symbol is also covered with jewels, mainly rubys and diamonds, and it is also said to have several holy powers that the Bishop may call on if necessary.
The Bishop also carries the scepter of Andruiras, an ancient artifact of great power. It is constructed of silver and gold, with a gigantic ruby the size of a fist at the head of the scepter. This ruby is known as the Heart of Courage and it is said that when it is present at a battle then no warrior who fights for the priest who holds it can lose heart and flee.

Adventuring Garb: Adventuring priests of Anduiras dress similarly to those who remain temple bound. The only difference is that armour, usually Huachi Chain is worn beneath the robes. Although any weapon may be carried, usually a mace or sword is common. Priests of Anduiras also ride if at all possible, and a paladin of Anduiras would never be seen without his steed.

Priests

Paladins

Proficiencies

As with priest and paladins of Haelyn religion proficiency is gained as a bonus proficiency. There is currently only one temple of Andurias so all priests use the following.

Required Proficiency: Law
Bonus Priest's Proficiency: Administration (at 6th level)
Bonus Paladin's Proficiency: Leadership (at 8th level)

Basaïa

Queen of the Sun.
Greater Goddess, LN

The Goddess of the sun was never widely worshipped in Aduria, and up until a thousand years or so ago temples to Basaia were unknown. A thousand year ago though a race of people known as the Huachi arrived from Djapar landing their ships in the kingdom that is now known as Churaqui. Over the past thousand years they have spread across southern and central Aduria settling several lands, including Huachi, Montes, and Churaqui. With them they bought the worship of Basaia and as a result her temples may now be found across central Aduria, with a few now appearing in the desert lands of Ghanim.

Brenna

Goddess of Commerce and Fortune.
Intermediate Goddess, CN

Brenna has also been a powerful force in Aduria religion, especially in the southern lands that were once controlled by the Brecht people. During the holy war of Azrai the religion was driven underground when the Brecht nation was conquered by Azrai's hordes after a thirty year war. This occupation was not to last however and the religion was still practiced in secret so when the Adurian Empire withdrew its forces from the south-west the worship of Brenna sprang up again, and today is stronger than ever.
The main centres of worship lie in the former Brecht land of Chorbrag, but Brenna is also worshipped across Aduria, with several churchs in northern Aduria. Along the shores of the C'rae T'lor'hirm the goddess of commerce is also worshipped widly, although there she is known as B'ela.

Masela

Lady of the Sea.
Intermediate Goddess, NG

Masela, patron of the Masetian people has lost much power in Aduria since the loss of the Masetian race. She is still worshipped in the eastern nation of Subriya, where she is known as Nasri. There are also the occasional temple in the northland, including the Adurian protectorate of Solontara. Most of her worship is found in the far south though, where she is known as Nel'meri.
Most of the island nations of the C'rae T'lor'hirm have at least a shrine to Masela as the lives of many in this region depend on the sea. She is worshipped in these land as the patron of sailors and those who depend on the sea for thier livelihood.

Reynir

God of woods and streams.
Greater God, N

Reynir remains a minor god in Aduria, with only a few scattered temples across the continent. In the former Rjruik lands of North-West Aduria there are several temples, and other temples can be found in Subriya and southern Aduria. Much of the land is dominated by other gods though.
Druids of Reynir continue to work to maintain the natural environment, with some temples built in lands that have been devestated where they work to rebuild the damage that has occured. Once such temple can be found in the Aduria Wastes where the druids attempt to turn the desert back into grassland.

Vorynn

Lord of the moon and magic.
Lesser God, N

The God of magic, once the patron of the Vos tribe, now has few temples in Aduria. In the northlands are two faiths, one in the vast city of Halwan, while the other is in the Magiocracy of Kiskum. He is also worshipped in the southern kingdom, although not widely. With true magic all but unknown in Aduria then most of his followers are illusionists and diviners.

Celeste

Goddess of Love and Beauty
Lesser Goddess, CG

Only a few of the southern kingdom worship Celeste in any organised form, and only on the large island of T'fi is the worshipped as a major god. She is growing in power across the south though and many now call on her in her role as goddess of Love. She is not worshipped at all in any of the kingdom's north of Asla.

Elaine

Mistress of Thieves and Darkness.
Lesser Goddess, CN (E)

As the daughter of Brenna, a goddess popular in the south then Elaine has grown in power in Chorbrag, where she is known as Elaine, and in the southern kingdoms along the C'rae T'lor'hirm where she is known as E'l. She also has some following in the islands between Adruia and Djapar.
Although not normally looked on as an evil power, many worship her in this way, especially across the south where she is known as the Mistress of Chaos and is worshipped by the assassin clans of Jose as well as the pirates of Pozo. In northern Aduria she is worshipped in the small nation of Suakien as Eloéle, goddess of the night.

Kiras

Stormlord, Anduiras' Champion.
Lesser God, CG

Kiras has gained considerible power in Aduria as the god of storms and conflict, especially among the nomads of Juh, although he is known as Kuras in the grasslands. An avatar of the god is said to have appeared before one of the nomad chieftens of Juh and since that time worship of the Stormlord has spread across nearly a fifth of the continent.
Other lands that worship the Stormlord include Ghanim, where he is popular among some of the rebels who fight against the evil sorceror who rules the great desert, and a couple of the southern kingdom, where he is known as Strom.

Azrai

The Shadow, God of Evil.
Dead Greater God, LE

Being dead does not seem to have had too much effect on the worship of Azrai in Aduria. Initially following his destruction at Deismaar the temple lost considerible power, and then even more during the civil war that spread across the Adurian Empire. Spells are now provided by the two new gods who claimed Azrai's power although many worshippers believe that Azrai is only imprisioned and not in fact dead. In the Empire Azrai's priests continue to maintain their hold on the people's faith and wield considerible power. They preach that Azrai was imprisioned by the other gods and some time in the future a champion of great power will free the god and he will once again take his place of power.
Temples to Azrai can be found in the Adurian Empire, where is the most popular religion. Other faiths are found in the Northlands, Neha principalities, Ghanim, and in a couple of the southern lands.

Bereas

Herald of Azrai, Lord of Battle.
Intermediate God, LE

Bereas is worshipped in the Adurian Empire as the Herald of Azrai, and the God of Battle. Most soldiers in Aduria follow him and pray to the evil god for strength in battle, and freedom from death. He does have some small following in southern Aduria, but no major temples.

Niale

Mistress of Pain.
Lesser Goddess, LE

In the dry plains of Aduria there is little call for a goddess of cold, so instead Niale is worshipped as the goddess of pain. She has a small following in the Adurian Empire where people pray for her to visit pain on their enemies. No major temples are found outside the Empire, although she is known in other lands, just not worshipped.

Part 3: The Ancient Gods

The two ancient gods are worshipped mainly in Nehalim. They are elemental gods, and although much stronger than the newer powers lack access to most of the spheres.

Nestellia

Goddess of Life
Dormant Greater Power, N

Nestellia is one of the two major gods worshipped in Nehalim. The Neha still follow the ancient elemental gods, for before the time of the more modern powers such as Azrai and Andurias. The Goddess of life is worshipped for many reason, including for good weather, healthy children, and freedom from disease. Her priests call on the powers of air and water as well as healing and protection. Vast temples to Nestellia can be found across Nehalim, but there are none outside the Neha lands.

Aebrynis

God of Death
Dormant Greater Power, N

The second of the two ancient gods worshiped in Nehalim. Aebrynis is worshiped as the lord of fire and death and is called on by soldiers, and those who seek to avoid death. His temples can be found only in Nehalim, and worshipping him is not as popular as the worship of Nestellia. His priests call on the elemenatal powers of fire and earth, as well as the power of necromacy and war.

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