Anselm of the North

The Tale of Anselm of The North

Anselm of The North, a revered deity among The Gods of Lankhmar, is known for his dominion over cold and ice, embodying the harsh and unforgiving nature of the northern realms. His tale is one of resilience, strength, and protection, often depicted as a guardian of the frozen lands and a protector of those who brave its dangers.
According to legend, Anselm was once a mighty warrior who ventured into the frozen wastes to save Lankhmarians from a deadly blizzard sent by a vengeful spirit.

Overview

Anselm of The North is worshipped as the god of winter, ice, and northern winds. He is often depicted as a tall, imposing figure clad in furs and armor made of enchanted ice, with eyes that gleam like blue sapphires. His presence is said to bring both the biting cold and the protection needed to endure it.

• Domain: Winter, Ice, Northern Winds

• Symbols: Ice crystal patterns, Sapphires

• Attributes: Strength, Resilience, Protection

Historical Foundations

Anselm's worship dates back to the early days of Lankhmar, when the Kingdom of Lankhmar's southern territories were first being explored and settled. The harsh climate and treacherous conditions of these regions necessitated a divine figure who could be invoked for protection and guidance.

Legacy and Folklore

The legacy of Anselm of The North is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Lankhmar. He is often invoked during the winter months, with festivals and rituals dedicated to ensuring his favor. One of the most popular stories is that of Anselm's Ice Bridge, where he is said to have created a bridge of solid ice to help a stranded village escape an avalanche.

Adaptations across the Lands

While Anselm is primarily worshipped in the northern regions of Lankhmar, his influence extends across Nehwon. In colder climates, he is revered as a primary deity, while in more temperate regions, he is respected as a symbol of resilience and protection against natural disasters.

Cultural Interpretations

Cultural interpretations of Anselm vary widely. In The North, he is seen as a stern but fair protector, demanding strength and endurance from his followers. In other areas, he is viewed as a more benevolent figure, a guardian who offers shelter and guidance in times of need.

Literary Echoes

Anselm of The North has inspired countless works of literature in Lankhmar. Epic poems recount his battles with frost giants and ice spirits, while sagas and ballads celebrate his wisdom and bravery. His character often appears in stories as a guide for heroes venturing into the unknown.

Artistic Impressions

Artists in Lankhmar have long been captivated by Anselm's formidable presence and the stark beauty of his icy domain. Paintings, sculptures, and tapestries often depict him surrounded by swirling snow and ice, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. These artistic impressions capture both his fearsome power and his protective nature, celebrating his role as a guardian of The North.

Anselm of the North in Blizzard by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Anselm of the Northfighting a Snow Demon by Chad Watson via Midjourney

Deithar

Anselm of The North's Deithar is known as Frostbite. This pendant contains icy blue sapphires and frost-covered stones that symbolize the cold and unyielding nature of Anselm, reflecting the power of ice. The crown of the Deithar is adorned with snowflake and glacier patterns, and the skull’s eyes glow with a frosty white light. Frostbite grants the ability to cast "Cone of Cold" at will and "Ice Storm" once per day, reflecting Anselm’s mastery over the cold and its relentless chill.

The Transformation from mortal to god

Upon their deaths, the founders of Lankhmar underwent a mystical transformation that was catalyzed by a combination of their extraordinary deeds, the collective reverence of the citizens, and ancient, powerful magic embedded in the city's foundations. Their bodies were mummified and housed in The Black Temple, where their spirits continued to reside, maintaining a vigilant watch over the city they had dedicated their lives to.
The exact process of their transformation involved several key elements:

• Sacred Rituals: Ancient rituals performed by the city's early priests invoked powerful enchantments that bound the spirits of these great men to their mummified remains.

• Collective Belief: The unwavering belief and reverence of the citizens of Lankhmar played a crucial role in empowering and sustaining the transformation of these men into gods.

• Divine Intervention: It is believed that the gods themselves, recognizing the extraordinary nature of these men, granted them divine status to ensure the continued protection and prosperity of Lankhmar.

Why They Transformed

The transformation of these founders into gods served several essential purposes:

• Eternal Protection: As gods, they could continue to protect Lankhmar from both natural and man-made disasters, ensuring the city's survival and prosperity.

• Symbol of Unity and Strength: Their presence as gods served as a constant reminder of the city's resilience and the unity of its people, fostering a strong sense of community and purpose.

• Balance of Power: By becoming gods, they maintained a delicate balance of power within Lankhmar, preventing any one faction or temple from gaining undue influence over the city.

Alignment Shift

In life, these founders were known for their diverse alignments, ranging from noble and just to cunning and strategic. However, upon their transformation into The Gods of Lankhmar, they collectively adopted a Lawful Neutral Alignment with Lawful Evil tendencies. This shift was influenced by the following factors:

• Eternal Vigilance: As guardians of the city, their primary focus shifted to maintaining order and stability at all costs. This required a rigid adherence to law and order, often leading to ruthless decisions to protect Lankhmar.

• Absolute Power: The immense power and responsibility they wielded as gods necessitated a more pragmatic and, at times, harsh approach to governance, resulting in actions that could be perceived as Lawful Evil.

• Divine Judgment: The need to balance protection with retribution led to a more severe interpretation of justice, often punishing those who threatened the city with ruthless efficiency.

Role as The Gods of Lankhmar

The Gods of Lankhmar are more than just mummified remains or sacred relics; they are the eternal guardians of the city. Their roles include:

• Protectors in Times of Crisis: Whenever Lankhmar faces a severe threat, the gods emerge from The Black Temple to defend the city. Their interventions range from creating protective domes during hurricanes to obliterating threats that challenge their supremacy, such as when they destroyed the Temple of Issek.

• Enforcers of Order: The gods also enforce order by ensuring no other temple is built westward of The Black Temple, maintaining the temple's status as the most important in the city.

• Collectors of Energy: After defending the city, the gods embark on a rampage to replenish their spent energy, a process that also serves to remind the citizens of their reliance on the gods and the need for better risk management.

Anselm of the North by Chad Watson via Midjourney