Tiw, Lord of Battle
Tiw is the patron of warfare. He shows no favoritism toward any race or cause, demanding only warfare and bloodshed in his name. In this regard he is neither a truly good nor evil deity, though because Dargar specializes in butchery, Tiw is generally considered to be on the side of the civilized races.
No one representation of Tiw is shared among his worshippers. Depending on the culture or race of the local cleric and his preference of weapons, Tiw is seen clad in a variety of armor and carrying different weapons. What all images share is a fierce, resolute expression.
Soldiers, militia, marines, and mercenaries, as well as many goblin and orc tribes, are his favored followers, though most people facing the threat of combat know basic prayers to keep the god happy. Because he cares only about battle (not the tactics or strategy behind them), few Knights Hrafn worship Tiw, though they do pay him lip service just in case they need to engage in combat.
Any settlement with a militia has a shrine to Tiw. Usually this is nothing more than a special weapon blessed by a Shield. Larger towns may have a full temple. Usually fortified (treat as a fortified manor), they serve as barracks for squads of paladins, armories for the local militia, and recruiting centers for mercenaries. In Vestmark, temples to Tiw are used as command posts in the war against the orcs.
The worship hall of a temple is akin to an armory, with weapons and armor of all types, and ages, adorning the walls. These are never used in combat, however, but are memento mori for fallen clergy, placed in honored positions in close view of the altar.
Shields and Swords serve the order in different ways. Whereas Swords are the faith’s muscle and often hire themselves out as mercenaries, Shields take work as bodyguards, enriching the coffers by working for nobles, mages, or priests in need of protection.
Divine Domains
Aspects: Battle, courage, war, victory
Holy Books & Codes
- Priesthood: Shields (priests Swords (paladins).
- Herald: A hulking warrior with full plate armor and a huge weapon.
- Signature Power: Armor (Shields) or smite (Swords). The other may be learned as normal.
- Trappings: Clergy may use any trapping except a necromantic one.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Symbol: Crossed swords over a shield.
Tenets of Faith
Sins:
- (Minor) showing mercy to an inferior foe, being beaten in combat by an equal or superior foe;
- (Major) fleeing a fight against an inferior opponent, being beaten in combat without good cause;
- (Mortal) surrendering without a fight.
Holidays
Holy Day: Any day before or after a major battle and every Heafoddaeg during Werremonan.
Ceremonies and festivals center around combat and victory. In older times, conquered foes were sacrificed, though these days this is reserved for non-civilized races. Many dances to Tiw are based on combat moves, forming a carefully choreographed battle in which Tiw wins out over his many foes. Battle prayers and hymns are popular, and music is made by clashing weapons on shields or armor.
Divine Goals & Aspirations
Duties: To fight with bravery, to slay many foes, to earn glorious recognition through martial prowess, protect those who seek your aid.
Relationships
Titles
Weapon of the Gods, the Divine Axe (or Sword, or Spear, and so on), Shield of the Gods, Lifetaker, Lord of Battle.
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