Erathis
Erathis, the Goddess of Civilization and Invention and greater deity of the Creation Pantheon, embodies the drive to build, innovate, and create order out of chaos. She is a figure of progress, stability, and structure, overseeing the development of cities, technology, and laws that bind communities together. However, Erathis is also aware of the complexities and paradoxes of civilization, which has led her to a tense yet enduring relationship with Melora, the Goddess of the Wilderness and Sea. The natural and the constructed world often clash, yet Erathis and Melora’s dynamic encapsulates a powerful blend of rivalry, respect, and occasional love.
Following her ascension, Erathis was drawn to Melora, the newly anointed Goddess of the Wilderness and Sea. Their relationship is a complex and layered one, often characterized by moments of deep attraction and mutual respect, yet just as often punctuated by passionate disagreements. Melora’s untamed wildness and Erathis’ structured discipline are frequently at odds, but each recognizes the value the other brings to the world, with periods of love giving way to contention and back again. Their bond has shaped the ways their followers perceive both the natural and civilized worlds.
Erathis also maintains a cordial but wary relationship with Asmodeus, King of the Nine Hells. She recognizes that even the most rigid, dystopian forms of civilization can fulfill the need for order and structure. Although she opposes tyranny in its purest form, she acknowledges that dystopia can, in some ways, be a twisted mirror of the civilization she champions. This respect for lawfulness, even in its darker incarnations, fosters an uneasy alliance between them, with each aware of the other's fundamentally different approach to governance.
Encourage Innovation and Invention: Erathis believes that progress comes from creativity and intellectual exploration. She encourages her followers to embrace new ideas, invent useful tools, and contribute to the advancement of society.
Respect and Follow Lawful Systems: Although Erathis recognizes different forms of governance, she values those that create stability and order. Her followers are taught to uphold just laws and encourage governance that prioritizes the common good.
Balance Civilization with Nature: Erathis acknowledges the importance of nature and has come to respect Melora’s domain. Her followers are encouraged to build responsibly and to find harmony where civilization meets the wilderness.
Inventors and Scholars: Those who push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation often devote themselves to Erathis. Her influence is strong in academic circles and among artisans who develop new technologies or improvements for their communities.
Lawmakers and Officials: Many of Erathis’ followers work within governmental systems, creating and enforcing laws that promote peace, safety, and prosperity. These followers respect hierarchy and governance and often work to improve the efficiency of their communities.
Community Leaders and Guardians: Erathis is often revered by those who organize and lead within their communities, including guild leaders and city guards. They aim to maintain stability and protect the progress their communities achieve.
Erathis’ followers are known for their discipline, dedication, and focus on long-term goals. They work to create societies that support growth and innovation, promoting harmony, structure, and a well-ordered civilization that reflects her vision.
Physical Description
Erathis is typically depicted as a stately dwarven woman clad in architectural robes resembling columns, gears, and structural lines, reflecting her role as the goddess of civilization. Her skin is pale like polished marble, and her hair, which she often wears in elaborate braids or coils, has the color of bronze or silver. Her eyes glow with the spark of inspiration and invention, always looking for potential in the world around her. She is often portrayed carrying a blueprint scroll or hammer and chisel, tools symbolic of creation and progress. Erathis’ entire presence is calm and focused, exuding the calculated discipline required to build and maintain great societies.History
Erathis was a mortal who was once deeply passionate about crafting, architecture, and the advancement of knowledge. Her gift for designing cities, fortresses, and systems of governance was unrivaled, and her works brought her to the attention of Moradin, the god of creation, who offered her the Rite of Rebirth. Accepting this divine trial, Erathis faced challenges that tested her commitment to civilization, her resilience under pressure, and her loyalty to her ideals. She passed and received the divine spark, becoming the Goddess of Civilization and Invention, forever linked to the pursuit of order, stability, and innovation.Following her ascension, Erathis was drawn to Melora, the newly anointed Goddess of the Wilderness and Sea. Their relationship is a complex and layered one, often characterized by moments of deep attraction and mutual respect, yet just as often punctuated by passionate disagreements. Melora’s untamed wildness and Erathis’ structured discipline are frequently at odds, but each recognizes the value the other brings to the world, with periods of love giving way to contention and back again. Their bond has shaped the ways their followers perceive both the natural and civilized worlds.
Erathis also maintains a cordial but wary relationship with Asmodeus, King of the Nine Hells. She recognizes that even the most rigid, dystopian forms of civilization can fulfill the need for order and structure. Although she opposes tyranny in its purest form, she acknowledges that dystopia can, in some ways, be a twisted mirror of the civilization she champions. This respect for lawfulness, even in its darker incarnations, fosters an uneasy alliance between them, with each aware of the other's fundamentally different approach to governance.
Beliefs
Erathis’ teachings focus on progress, structure, and unity within society. Her followers are often builders, lawgivers, scholars, and inventors who value the strength of order and the safety and prosperity that structured communities provide. For Erathis, civilization is an ongoing project—never perfect, but always striving toward improvement and enlightenment.Core Tenets of Erathis’ Faith:
Build and Protect Civilization: Erathis’ followers are devoted to the growth and preservation of society, promoting the construction of cities, infrastructure, and laws that contribute to a flourishing community.Encourage Innovation and Invention: Erathis believes that progress comes from creativity and intellectual exploration. She encourages her followers to embrace new ideas, invent useful tools, and contribute to the advancement of society.
Respect and Follow Lawful Systems: Although Erathis recognizes different forms of governance, she values those that create stability and order. Her followers are taught to uphold just laws and encourage governance that prioritizes the common good.
Balance Civilization with Nature: Erathis acknowledges the importance of nature and has come to respect Melora’s domain. Her followers are encouraged to build responsibly and to find harmony where civilization meets the wilderness.
Followers
Erathis’ followers are found among anyone who values order, progress, and a structured society. Her faith appeals to architects, city planners, inventors, and community leaders who seek to leave a lasting legacy of improvement and order. Her followers often work alongside Melora’s, though their perspectives differ, fostering a cautious respect for natural balance.Types of Followers:
City Builders and Architects: Erathis is revered by architects, city planners, and builders who design and construct cities. They see her as a source of inspiration, guiding them to create structures that stand the test of time and enhance the quality of life.Inventors and Scholars: Those who push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation often devote themselves to Erathis. Her influence is strong in academic circles and among artisans who develop new technologies or improvements for their communities.
Lawmakers and Officials: Many of Erathis’ followers work within governmental systems, creating and enforcing laws that promote peace, safety, and prosperity. These followers respect hierarchy and governance and often work to improve the efficiency of their communities.
Community Leaders and Guardians: Erathis is often revered by those who organize and lead within their communities, including guild leaders and city guards. They aim to maintain stability and protect the progress their communities achieve.
Erathis’ followers are known for their discipline, dedication, and focus on long-term goals. They work to create societies that support growth and innovation, promoting harmony, structure, and a well-ordered civilization that reflects her vision.
Type
Greater DeityTitle(s)
The Architect of CitiesThe Forge of Progress
The Patron of Builders
Alignment
Lawful NeutralSymbol
A gear encircling a flame, symbolizing invention fueled by inspirationEdicts
promote innovation and work for the betterment of society through inventions and structures; build and protect cities and communities, creating stability for future generations; value laws and systems that encourage growth and orderAnathema
destroy or undermine community infrastructure without just cause; suppress innovation or knowledge, especially if it benefits society; act in a chaotic or disorderly way that disrupts social harmonyAreas of Concern
civilization, invention, progress, communityD&D Domains
Forge, Knowledge, OrderP2 DEVOTEE BENEFITS
Divine Ability
Intelligence or WisdomDivine Font
healDivine Sanctification
can choose holy or unholyDivine Skill
SocietyFavored Weapon
crossbowDomains
cities, creation, duty, knowledgeAlternate Domains
wealth, protectionCleric Spells
1st: sanctuary, 4th: creation, 7th: planar palaceDivine Intercession
Erathis blesses those who contribute to society’s growth and advancement but withdraws her favor from those who undermine civilization or disrupt social order.Minor Boon: Spark of Innovation
Once per day, you gain a +2 bonus on any Crafting check related to tools, machines, or building materials. Erathis grants you a moment of insight, enhancing your creative abilities.Moderate Boon: Builder’s Resilience
Erathis fortifies you with the endurance of a builder. You gain resistance 5 to all physical damage when you are working to protect, repair, or create a structure. This resistance increases to 10 against any damage caused by actions that would disrupt or destroy a community or building.Major Boon: City’s Blessing
Erathis grants you her blessing to safeguard and enhance civilization. Once per day, you can cast wall of stone as a divine innate spell, shaping it to provide protection for allies or create strong structures in defense of a city or community. Additionally, you gain a +2 circumstance bonus to all Crafting checks, permanently benefiting from Erathis’ guiding hand.Minor Curse: Hindered Innovation
If you hinder societal growth or undermine a community, Erathis limits your creative potential. You suffer a -1 penalty on Crafting and Society checks until you contribute to a community in a meaningful way.Moderate Curse: Fragile Works
Erathis withdraws her stability from your works. Anything you create through Crafting takes 1.5 times as long to complete, and objects you craft or repair have half as many Hit Points and become broken twice as easily. This curse can be lifted by committing yourself to constructive community service.Major Curse: Isolation of Discord
Erathis withdraws her influence entirely. Any attempts you make to build or lead a group effort are met with resistance, confusion, or mistrust, imposing a -4 penalty on all Diplomacy checks to influence groups and on any skill checks involving teamwork. This curse can only be lifted by significantly aiding the development or restoration of a struggling community or social system.
Children
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