Ioun
Ioun, the Goddess of Knowledge and greater deity of the Creation Pantheon, embodies the pursuit of wisdom, enlightenment, and the sharing of truth. Once an Angel Icon known for her dedication to teaching and mentorship, Ioun ascended to godhood through the Rite of Rebirth, becoming a paragon of knowledge and the free exchange of ideas. She stands in stark contrast to Vecna, the God of Secrets, who hoards knowledge for personal gain, while she urges her followers to make knowledge accessible to all who seek it.
Known by titles such as The Knowing Mentor, The Keeper of Wisdom, and The Ever-Luminous, Ioun encourages her followers to respect the sanctity of truth and the enlightenment that knowledge brings.
In one hand, she carries a book or scroll, representing the vast accumulation of knowledge she protects, and in the other, she may hold a quill of stardust, symbolizing her role as a guide and teacher. Her expression is often serene, with a hint of curiosity, embodying both the humility and endless wonder of learning.
Following her ascension, Ioun became the antithesis to Vecna, the God of Secrets, whose influence spread secrecy, manipulation, and the restriction of knowledge. Ioun’s teachings counter Vecna’s, as she encourages the free exchange of knowledge, believing that truth should illuminate and uplift society, not be kept hidden for power. She tirelessly advocates for transparency, truth, and intellectual curiosity, hoping to create a world where knowledge benefits all rather than a privileged few.
Value Truth Above All: Honesty is at the heart of Ioun’s teachings. She believes that the pursuit of truth leads to enlightenment and encourages her followers to seek clarity in all things, rejecting secrecy and deception. Uplift and Teach Others: Teaching is considered a sacred duty to Ioun’s followers. She believes that guiding others toward understanding and wisdom is one of the highest acts of devotion.
Preserve and Protect Knowledge: While Ioun believes in sharing knowledge, she also values its preservation. Her followers are often involved in archiving, translating, and safeguarding texts and artifacts for future generations.
These beliefs guide Ioun’s followers to live as wise, compassionate individuals who promote learning, mentorship, and honesty. They respect the value of every question asked and see each discovery as a step toward understanding the universe.
Mages and Arcane Researchers: Many wizards and magic users are drawn to Ioun’s values, as she supports the study and practice of arcane arts. Her influence encourages them to pursue magic responsibly and share their discoveries.
Teachers and Mentors: Educators and mentors who strive to enlighten others find inspiration in Ioun’s guidance. They often dedicate their lives to guiding students, hoping to spark curiosity and understanding.
Seekers of Truth: Explorers, adventurers, and those who delve into lost histories or seek forbidden knowledge are often followers of Ioun. They believe that bringing hidden truths to light fulfills Ioun’s mission.
Ioun’s followers are recognized for their patience, intellect, and commitment to honesty. They serve as keepers of knowledge and defenders against secrecy, living as the antithesis to Vecna’s followers by prioritizing transparency and the collective good.
Known by titles such as The Knowing Mentor, The Keeper of Wisdom, and The Ever-Luminous, Ioun encourages her followers to respect the sanctity of truth and the enlightenment that knowledge brings.
Physical Description
Ioun is depicted as a regal, ethereal figure with long, raven-black hair, and a third eye on her forehead that glows with a steady, silvery light symbolizing insight. Her robes are elegantly simple, often shown as flowing garments of deep blue or soft gray, embroidered with stars and symbols representing knowledge and the universe’s mysteries. Her wings are vast and radiant, often portrayed with patterns resembling swirling galaxies and runes, embodying her celestial origins and divine connection to the cosmos.In one hand, she carries a book or scroll, representing the vast accumulation of knowledge she protects, and in the other, she may hold a quill of stardust, symbolizing her role as a guide and teacher. Her expression is often serene, with a hint of curiosity, embodying both the humility and endless wonder of learning.
History
Ioun’s journey to divinity began when she was an angel, beloved by Erathan, the Creator, for her commitment to fostering understanding and wisdom. She taught the first mortals, guiding them in language, reason, and the study of magic, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the mysteries of the world. Her dedication to mentorship and the growth of knowledge attracted the attention of Moradin, the god of creation, who offered her the Rite of Rebirth. Ioun accepted and underwent a grueling trial that tested her commitment to truth, her resilience in the face of ignorance, and her dedication to enlightenment. Emerging victorious, she received the divine spark, transforming her into the Goddess of Knowledge.Following her ascension, Ioun became the antithesis to Vecna, the God of Secrets, whose influence spread secrecy, manipulation, and the restriction of knowledge. Ioun’s teachings counter Vecna’s, as she encourages the free exchange of knowledge, believing that truth should illuminate and uplift society, not be kept hidden for power. She tirelessly advocates for transparency, truth, and intellectual curiosity, hoping to create a world where knowledge benefits all rather than a privileged few.
Beliefs
Ioun’s doctrine centers around the importance of truth, the relentless pursuit of knowledge, and the duty to share wisdom for the betterment of society. She believes that knowledge is both a right and a responsibility, a resource that should enlighten and empower rather than restrict or control.Core Tenets of Ioun’s Faith:
Seek and Share Knowledge: Ioun teaches that learning is a sacred act, and those who acquire knowledge have a duty to share it. Her followers are encouraged to seek understanding in all fields, from the arcane to the mundane, and to make this wisdom accessible to others.Value Truth Above All: Honesty is at the heart of Ioun’s teachings. She believes that the pursuit of truth leads to enlightenment and encourages her followers to seek clarity in all things, rejecting secrecy and deception. Uplift and Teach Others: Teaching is considered a sacred duty to Ioun’s followers. She believes that guiding others toward understanding and wisdom is one of the highest acts of devotion.
Preserve and Protect Knowledge: While Ioun believes in sharing knowledge, she also values its preservation. Her followers are often involved in archiving, translating, and safeguarding texts and artifacts for future generations.
These beliefs guide Ioun’s followers to live as wise, compassionate individuals who promote learning, mentorship, and honesty. They respect the value of every question asked and see each discovery as a step toward understanding the universe.
Followers
Ioun’s followers are dedicated scholars, teachers, explorers, and anyone committed to lifelong learning. They are often found in positions of education or research and are known for their patience, dedication to truth, and willingness to aid others in their pursuit of understanding.Types of Followers:
Scholars and Librarians: Those who collect, organize, and disseminate knowledge revere Ioun, considering the preservation of information an act of devotion. Librarians, historians, and archivists often dedicate their work to her.Mages and Arcane Researchers: Many wizards and magic users are drawn to Ioun’s values, as she supports the study and practice of arcane arts. Her influence encourages them to pursue magic responsibly and share their discoveries.
Teachers and Mentors: Educators and mentors who strive to enlighten others find inspiration in Ioun’s guidance. They often dedicate their lives to guiding students, hoping to spark curiosity and understanding.
Seekers of Truth: Explorers, adventurers, and those who delve into lost histories or seek forbidden knowledge are often followers of Ioun. They believe that bringing hidden truths to light fulfills Ioun’s mission.
Ioun’s followers are recognized for their patience, intellect, and commitment to honesty. They serve as keepers of knowledge and defenders against secrecy, living as the antithesis to Vecna’s followers by prioritizing transparency and the collective good.
Type
Greater DeityTitle(s)
The Knowing MentorThe Keeper of Knowledge
The Seeker of Truth
The Ever-Luminous
Alignment
True NeutralSymbol
An open tome with a third eye above it, symbolizing insight and awarenessEdicts
pursue knowledge and wisdom with sincerity and dedication; share knowledge to enlighten others and elevate society; protect and preserve knowledge, ensuring that it is accessible for future generations.Anathema
destroy or hoard knowledge that could benefit others; spread misinformation or use knowledge for selfish deception; dismiss genuine curiosity or hinder others from seeking the truth.Areas of Concern
Knowledge, Truth, Wisdom, TeachingD&D Domains
KnowledgeP2 DEVOTEE BENEFITS
Divine Ability
Intelligence or WisdomDivine Font
healDivine Sanctification
can choose holyDivine Skill
ArcanaFavored Weapon
staffDomains
glyph, knowledge, perfection, truthAlternate Domains
learning, timeCleric Spells
1st: share lore, 2nd: comprehend language, 3rd: hypercognitionDivine Intercession
Ioun rewards those who value learning, preserve wisdom, and seek truth. Her curses fall on those who hoard, destroy, or misuse knowledge.Minor Boon: Scholar’s Insight
Once per day, you gain a +2 bonus on any single Knowledge check. Ioun grants you a moment of clarity and insight, enhancing your understanding of a specific topic.Moderate Boon: Insightful Guidance
Once per day, Ioun grants you the ability to cast clairvoyance as an innate divine spell, allowing you to view distant places that might hold crucial knowledge. Additionally, you gain a +2 circumstance bonus on checks to recall knowledge, lasting for the next hour.Major Boon: Font of Knowledge
Ioun grants you an unending well of insight. You can cast commune once per day without expending a spell slot, allowing you to directly consult Ioun or her servitors on matters of knowledge and truth. Additionally, you gain a permanent +2 bonus on all Knowledge checks, representing Ioun’s continued guidance.Minor Curse: Clouded Understanding
If you spread misinformation or destroy knowledge, Ioun clouds your clarity. You suffer a -1 penalty to all Knowledge checks until you perform an act that restores lost or hidden knowledge.Moderate Curse: Veil of Ignorance
Ioun restricts your access to understanding. Any time you attempt a Knowledge check, you must succeed at a DC 15 flat check or fail the check, as though you had no familiarity with the topic. This curse can only be lifted by a genuine act of knowledge preservation or teaching.Major Curse: Isolation from Truth
Ioun severs your connection to wisdom entirely, leaving you directionless. You lose access to all Knowledge skills (Arcana, Nature, Religion, and Society) until you dedicate yourself to restoring lost knowledge, either by founding a library, teaching others, or retrieving knowledge lost to time.
Children
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