Haroch - The Shadow

The youngest and last full pantheon-level god to have been “born” rather than created, Haroch represents the inevitable end point for anything that ages or decays. They are, in essence, the final stop of any ride.
The most obvious result of this is death itself, and Haroch does indeed spend most of his time collecting the souls of the departed for some mysterious purpose. But The Shadow does not only care for the death of living things - Haroch is surprisingly popular with minstrels and actors, for they hold sway over the end of a performance, the last song sung, the final curtain call. These performers often pray for luck while making a memorable finale.
The Shadow is the most feared god in the pantheon, despite being wholly neutral in outlook. Kanzu might be barbaric and Fidain might be actively trying to end the world, but the mystery that is Death remains more terrifying than any known threat. Their worshipers state that this mystery is to be embraced, that death is an essential part of life, not to be fled from but also not to be rushed towards. They also know that it is not to be bargained with, and that The Shadow will guide and judge all souls no matter the deal they propose.
Some claim that The Shadow acts only as a guide, carrying souls to their relevant gods or possible afterlives after being judged. What these afterlives may be, only the gods know for sure. Others claim that Haroch is but a ferryman on the river of life, and does his duty out of kindness - protecting the departed from nightmares unimaginable for the living and eternal for the dead. Once again, the truth is known only to the gods.
The Republic Mages of late have been growing more powerful, and with that more arrogant. The ruling class, dubbed “Immortals”, claim to have conquered The Shadow, to be able to live forever with magic fueling their souls instead of needing to drain others like vampires or other undead do. The clergy of Haroch naturally have many misgivings about this, and the result of the mage’s hubris has led to a schism between themselves and the church. The Shadow seems naturally displeased with these Immortals, yet knows that all things will come to them in the end, no matter how long it takes.

Divine Portfolio

Haroch is the God of Death and Secrets, Lord of Ravens and Darkness, Patron to the last chapter of any poem. His Domains are simple yet his reach and patience are infinite, and none but the gods may challenge him in a way that matters.

Divine Relationships & Shared Portfolios

Four Lords of Balance

Agítio, Ámmos, Fidain, and Haroch are the four fundamental forces that allow a living, active Cosmos to exist. The other gods all have a hand in Creation, in making all the wondrous miracles in the world. But without Motion and Time these miracles would be but a static painting none but the Gods could experience, and without Decay and Death there would be no more space made on the Universal Canvas, no ability for things to grow and new life to be made, and no meaning in the act of doing so.

Dread Escorts

Haroch is God of the Dead, with Sédróm working closely to aid him in collecting the uncountable souls of the dead, and the pair occasionally receive aid from Agítio during times of great upheaval such as plagues and wars.

Life and Death

Linked as opposites in a way that no other two gods could possibly understand, Patír and Haroch are the embodiments of Life and Death. Yet despite their dichotomy, some scholars would claim a great love exists between the two deities; that The Balance itself is but an intricate dance between two eternal partners, as Life grows infinite wonders to gift to Death where he can cherish them forever, long after the Universe grows cold and empty.

Piety

You gain piety with Haroch by encouraging the natural cycle of life and death, and respecting those who have come before

• Holding funeral rites for the departed
• Slaying undead in any form, especially intelligent undead
• Ensuring the deeds of the departed are remembered

You lose piety with Haroch by interfering with the natural process, or disrespecting the dead

• Defiling a tomb or stealing from a corpse
• Denying a dying person their final rites
• Weakening Haroch’s grip by resurrecting someone or seeking immortality/a way to extend a natural lifespan

Haroch's Devotee - 3 piety Your life is intertwined with the fate of the dead. You can cast gentle repose with this trait a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier (minimum of once) per long rest.
In addition, you know the chill touch cantrip. Wisdom is your spellcasting modifier for these spells.
Haroch's Votary - 10 piety You can cast speak with dead with this trait once per long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting modifier for this spell.
Haroch's Disciple - 25 piety You can cast false life with this trait, requiring no material components. When you do so, you gain an additional 25 temporary hit points. Once you cast the spell in this way, you can't do so again until you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting modifier for this spell.
Champion of the End - 50 piety You can increase your Intelligence or Wisdom score by 2 and also increase your maximum for that score by 2.

Holy Symbol

Usually a skull, but scythes and ravens are used as well

Cleric Domains

Grave, Death