Church of Torm
Clerics of Torm pray for their spells at dawn. On the 13th of Fosis, they celebrate a somber ceremony known as the Divine Death to commemorate Torm’s sacrificial destruction of Bane. The 15th of Gaez sees a more jovial ritual in the form of the True Resurrection, which celebrates the anniversary of Torm’s return to Abios at the behest of Ao. Shieldmeet, traditionally a time when Abians enter new agreements and compacts, is a time of great religious significance to followers of the deity of duty who take their oaths very, very seriously. In addition to the daily morning prayer, clerics are expected to give thanks and honor to Torm through quiet prayers at noon, dusk, and midnight.
Tenets
Clerics and paladins of Torm swear themselves to the Penance of Duty, a guide of responsibilities and obligations outlined by the Loyal Fury himself after discovering the rife corruption within the church when his avatar walked among them. To repay their persecution of other goodly religions, the clergy must aid the establishment of other good faiths as part of the Debt of Persecution. The Debt of Dereliction states that Torm’s agents must expend every resource possible to eliminate cults of Cyric and Bane, and to work against the insidious Zhentarim. The Debt of Destruction stipulates that the clergy record the locations of dead and wild magic areas and do what they can to heal these wounds to the Weave. Additionally, clerics and paladins of Torm stand vigilant against corruption within goodly organizations, knowing that what could infect their stalwart order is doubly likely to writhe into the affairs of less watchful bodies. Many travel the world righting wrongs and spreading the good works of Torm.
High Cleric Barriltar Bhandraddon serves as Torm’s pontiff in Abios, ruling from the impressive Temple of Torm's Coming in Sestatrea. Bhandraddon’s reach encompasses a few towns and villages throughout the Kingdom of Laskea, and in the last decade he has sponsored a continent wide knightly order, the prestigious Order of the Golden Lion, members of which guard the temples and wander Abios in service to the Penance of Duty. The order is currently led by the affable human paladin Lord Garethian the Infallible (a humble man whose title is more an exercise in ironic self-deprecation than braggadocio). With the rise of Bane's church and the Zhentarim, many important leaders and field agents of the church have been assassinated, and many of Torm’s knights urge more decisive action against the Black Hand’s honorless followers.
Temples of Torm frequently double as citadels. Often constructed to offer their residents a clear view of the surrounding area, and featuring drilling grounds, battlements, austere quarters for resident and visiting knights, and plainly adorned, simple worship halls. Badges of knights who fell in duty lining the high-ceiling hallways.
Dogma
Salvation may be found through service. Every failure of duty diminishes Torm and every success adds to his luster. Strive to maintain law and order. Obey your masters with alert judgment and anticipation. Stand ever alert against corruption. Strike quickly and forcefully against rot in the hearts of mortals. Bring painful, quick death to traitors. Question unjust laws by suggesting improvement or alternatives, not additional laws. Your fourfold duties are to faith, family, masters, and all good beings of Abios.
Type
Religious, Organised Religion
Demonym
Tormtar
Leader
Subsidiary Organizations
Notable Members
Comments