T. CUTHBERT

(OF THE CUDGEL) 

Lesser god, LG(N) - Wisdom, Common Sense, Truth, Forthrightness, Dedication, Zeal 

St. Cuthbert appears as a stout, red-faced man, with a drooping white moustache and flowing white hair. He wears magicked plate mail. Atop his helmet is a crumpled 'tat, and a starburst of rubies set in platinum hangs on his chest. 

In his left hand he carries a billet of wood, which is known to beguile humans touched by it. In his right hand is the fabled Mace of St. Cuthbert. This is a powerful weapon, being both a mace of disruption and capable of reducing a victim's mental ability. This mace also can be used to bless, to learn a person's alignment, to speak in tongues, to exorcise spirits, and to remove curses. 

St. Cuthbert hates evil, but his major interest is in law and order and the dual work of conversion and prevention of back-sliding by "true believers." He seldom leaves his plane, unless some great duty brings him forth. When on the Prime Material Plane he will sometimes appear as a manure-covered yokel, a brown- and green-robed wanderer, or as an elderly and slight tinker. In these guises he tests the doctrine of the faithful or seeks new converts. He can gate to or from Arcadia or the Prime Material Plane at will. He otherwise has the powers of a lesser god. 

There are three orders of the priesthood of St. Cuthbert. The Chapeaux dress in varying garb, but all wear crumpled hats. They seek to convert people to the faith. The Stars wear dark green robes with a starburst holy symbol of copper, gold, or platinum (depending on their status). They seek to retain doctrinal purity amongst the faithful. Stars are reputed to be able to read minds. The Billets are the most numerous, serving as ministers and protectors of the faithful. They dress in simple brown and russet garments, and wear a holy symbol of an oaken or bronzewood billet. 

While St. Cuthbert has many large places of worship, wayside shrines and small, rude chapels are usual. His followers are found mainly in the Central Flanaess, around Greyhawk, the Wild Coast, Urnst, and Verbobonc. A great rivalry exists between those who follow St. Cuthbert and the followers of Pholtus (of the Blinding Light).