Pholtus

Title(s)

The Blinding Light, The One True Way, Keeper of the Sun and Moon, The Lawbringer

Alignment

Lawful Neutral (with tendencies toward Lawful Good)

Symbol

A silvery sun or moon, often displayed as a radiant disk with a bright light at its center, representing Pholtus's embodiment of order, light, and unwavering truth. His followers use this symbol as a badge of faith, commonly worn as an amulet or embroidered onto robes and armor.

Domains

Law, Light, Knowledge, Sun

Followers and Clergy

Followers of Pholtus, known as Pholtans, are strict adherents to order, law, and the pursuit of the One True Way, a rigid path that promises absolute rightness. His clergy are active in cities where they spread the teachings of Pholtus, serving as lawyers, judges, and arbiters in addition to their roles as priests. They emphasize the importance of bringing the light of Pholtus into the world, whether through magical illumination or symbolic representations such as candles. Pholtan clerics wear white robes trimmed with gold and silver, often embroidered with suns, moons, or scripture excerpts. Paladins of Pholtus, known as templars or inquisitors, are charged with eradicating chaos, darkness, and evil. They traditionally wear white and pale yellow tunics adorned with symbols of light and holy texts. Their faith prizes obedience and righteousness above all, with mercy and doubt considered weaknesses to be avoided.

Worship Practices

Pholtan worship is highly structured, involving regular services filled with rituals that reinforce the importance of light and law. Services are held in brilliantly lit temples with numerous burning candles and magical lights, and feature long sermons on the doctrines of the One True Way, along with choral hymns sung by the congregation. Ceremonies often occur at sunrise or sunset, symbolizing Pholtus's connection to both the sun and moon. Followers are encouraged to maintain a personal light source at all times, whether a candle, magical light, or luminescent fungus, as a reminder of Pholtus's ever-present guidance. Important rites include the Blessing of Light, performed to protect against darkness or chaos, and the Rite of Judgment, where Pholtus's guidance is sought in matters of justice.

Character and Doctrine

Pholtus represents the ideals of law, order, and the purity of light. He teaches that there is only one true path to righteousness—the One True Way—and that deviation from this path leads to chaos and corruption. His doctrine emphasizes the supremacy of law over all other considerations, and his followers are taught that only through strict adherence to order can one achieve true enlightenment. The light of Pholtus reveals all falsehoods, and his faith insists that it is the duty of the righteous to bring this light into every darkened corner of the world. While some followers embrace the compassionate aspects of law, the faith as a whole views mercy and doubt as potential weaknesses that may compromise the pursuit of true justice.

Manifestations and Interventions

Pholtus appears as a tall, slender man with pale skin, flowing white hair, and bright blue eyes that burn with the fires of devotion. He wears a gleaming white gown and a cassock trimmed with gold and silver, embroidered with symbols of the sun and moon. His interventions are marked by brilliant flashes of light, the sudden appearance of radiant orbs, or an intense, blinding glow that dispels darkness and reveals hidden truths. Pholtus's presence is often felt during moments of judgment or when one must choose between law and chaos. His followers claim that he guides them through dreams filled with radiant light, providing direction when the way seems unclear.

Divine Relationships and Stories

Pholtus has a complex relationship with other gods. He is allied with Heironeous and Pelor, who share his dedication to justice and light, though his unwavering commitment to the One True Way often leads to friction even with his allies. He has a longstanding rivalry with St. Cuthbert, as their faiths frequently clash over interpretations of law and justice. Pholtus is also opposed by Trithereon, whose ideals of freedom and individuality are antithetical to the Blinding Light's strict order. Despite these conflicts, Pholtus remains respected for his relentless pursuit of truth and his efforts to bring order to the multiverse. The Lords of the Gloaming, a group of Pholtan paladins, are dedicated to sealing portals to the Lower Planes, seeking to eliminate any threat to the structure of law.

Sacred Items and Symbols

Pholtus's sacred items include relics associated with light and law, such as enchanted candles, magical tomes of law, or holy symbols made of gold and silver. His followers often carry radiant orbs, sunstones, or crystals that can produce light as representations of Pholtus's ever-present illumination. His temples frequently display ornate lanterns or candelabras that are kept lit at all times. Sacred relics may also include items once carried by saints or champions of the faith, such as the blessed sword of Saint Ceril the Relentless, known for its ability to banish darkness.

Temples and Shrines

Temples to Pholtus are white edifices, often constructed from marble or alabaster, featuring tall spires and large stained-glass windows that allow sunlight to stream in. These buildings are meticulously clean and well-lit, symbolizing purity and the power of illumination. Services are held regularly, with long sermons focused on the One True Way and choruses of hymns sung by the faithful. Shrines to Pholtus are less common but may be found at crossroads, courtrooms, or places where justice is administered. These shrines are usually adorned with a simple depiction of Pholtus's symbol and are kept brightly lit at all times. The Path of Law, Pholtus's domain within the Clockwork Nirvana of Mechanus, is said to be an immaculate realm where the light reveals the truth and all things are in perfect order.

Lawful Good
Light, Resolution, Law, Order, Inflexibility, the Sun, and the Moons