Callarduran Smoothhands
Callarduran Smoothhands is the gnomish god of the Earth, Mining, and Protection. His symbol is a golden ring with a ruby star on it.
Callarduran Smoothhands remains allied with the rest of the gnome pantheon (with the exception of Urdlen), and has also forged alliances with other deities of the Underdark who share a common interest in working together, such as Psilofyr (the patron of myconids). His primary enemies are the drow deities, especially Lolth. He also opposes deities venerated by evil humanoids residing in the Underdark, such as the orc and goblin pantheons, and the deities of illithids, kuo-toa, and beholders.
Callarduran is the patron deity of the svirfneblin (deep gnomes), and is not very popular among other gnome subraces. Unlike many other gods of the Underdark, he is not an outcast. He voluntarily led his people to the depths as a means of encouraging diversity among the gnomes.
Priests of Callarduran Smoothhands are regarded by their kin as their dedicated protectors and wise councillors. Many also lead small warbands seeking to neutralize drow threats. They are assisted by the Wardens of the Webspinners, an order of warriors and priests dedicated to combating the followers of Lolth the Spider Queen.
The ceremonial garb of the priests of Callarduran Smoothhands is comprised of simple grey robes adorned with small (usually red) gems, a steel or mithral circlet worn on the brow, and steel sandals as footwear. The holy symbol a priest carries is a ruby whose size is indicative of the priest's rank in the church. Novice priests are known as "the Unworked." The ranks of the church (in ascending order) are: First Facet, Second Facet, Third Facet, Fourth Facet, Fifth Facet, Sixth Facet, Seventh Facet, Eighth facet, Ruby, and the Smoothed.
When practicing the rites of the god, the priests only communicate in whispers, and their temples are domed, so as to enhance their echoes.
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