OCCOB
(THE UNCARING)
Major god, N - Neutrality, Magic,
Arcane Knowledge, Foreknowledge, Foresight
Boccob, called The Uncaring, is
the Lord of all Magics and Archmage of the Deities. Whether or not any
worship or serve him seems of no importance to him. Naturally he is
entreated for omens by seers and diviners. Likewise those seeking new
magics are prone to ask his aid. Sages also revere him. Boccob rarely
leaves his own hall, preferring to send his servant, the Mad arch-mage
Zagyg, in his stead (q.v.). Boccob always is arrayed in garments of purple
upon which shimmering runes of gold move and change. He has many amulets
and protective devices. It is said that in his palace there is at least
one of every magic item, save artifacts and relics, ever devised by
magic-user or illusionist. The favorite weapon of Boccob is his staff of
the archmage, combining a staff of the magi with a wand of conjuration.
All planes and times are open to
Boccob. He is able to draw either positive power or negative force from
the appropriate plane so as to strike fear into undead creatures or
actually deliver a rolling cloud of energy like unto a huge wall of fire.
He can l
ikewise use a net of negative power to affect creatures drawing on
the Positive Material Plane. Boccob neither seeks nor avoids
confrontations, desiring balance above alignment, knowledge above all. In
combination, these two forces can rend demon or devil, deva or elemental.
The Archimage has the power to
cast a Disc of Concordant Opposition, a plane of mixed forces, which will
blast into nothingness any creature, which is not highly resistant to
magic.
No spells of mental control or
possession will affect Boccob, nor will feeblemind or similar magics. He
otherwise has attributes typical of greater deities. His followers are
spread throughout the Flanaess. His clerics wear purple robes with gold
trim. Those who become High Priests actually become able to handle simple
magic items normally usable only by magic-users (wands of illusion,
crystal balls, robes of useful items, and similar devices).
Services to honor Boccob involve complex
rituals, incense, recital of formulas, and readings from special works
honoring knowledge.