Baravar Cloakshadow

The Sly One, Master of Illusion, Lord in Disguise, Bane of Goblinkin

Baravar Cloakshadow (BARE-uh-vahr CLOKE-sha-doh) is a sly, sneaky protector of the Forgotten Folk. His defenses and protective strategies are rooted in deceit-illusions, traps, ambushes, and the like-and his jests and tricks may cause their victims some pain (emotional if not physical). In addition to teaching the arts of disguise, stealth, and spying to the gnomes, the Sly One creates traps and illusions of incredible depth and cunning, a skill he has passed on to gnomes throughout the Realms. As the patron of illusions, Baravar is the preeminent gnome god of magic. The Sly One oversees the magical arts of gnome magical craftsfolk as well. All those who survive by their wits venerate Baravar, particularly those who must often combat kobolds, goblins, and other humanoids. Most gnome wizards venerate the Sly One as well, though they do not necessarily participate in their god's ongoing war with the goblinkin powers.
Baravar is closely allied with the other gods of the gnome pantheon, and despite Baravar's somewhat mean-spirited nature, the Sly One follows Garl's lead in emphasizing trickery over strength. Baravar works closely with Segojan Earthcaller, as the Lord of the Burrow once included illusions in his portfolio, and Callarduran Smoothhands, for many deep gnomes are well versed in the art of magical deception. While the Baravar and Gaerdal Ironhand share similar concerns, Baravar's deceits do not sit well with the Shield of the Golden Hills and Gaerdal sometimes chooses to foil the Sly One's plans. Baravar has a genuine dislike for deities of many goblinkin races, particularly the powers of the goblin and kobold pantheons, and unlike the other gnome gods, he is none too restrained about expressing his view. Baravar and Leira were once closely allied, and the temporary death of the Leira at the hands of Cyric has earned him Baravar's eternal vengeance.
Baravar is a crafty, vengeful power who specializes in deceptions. He is unforgiving of any who threaten his charges, and he feels no compunctions about acting against those who have earned his enmity. Although he shares Garl's love of a good practical joke, Baravar's jests and tricks may cause no small discomfort to the victims. He is also a thief and enjoys using illusions to confuse creatures before robbing them. Baravar most often steals out of sheer boredom. The Sly One dispatches avatars to defend gnomes oppressed by humanoids; he often sends one to harass goblinkin from a distance even before they threaten gnomes: "Do unto them before they have a chance to do unto you" is a philosophy he often acts upon.

Divine Domains

Arcana, Trickery

Divine Symbols & Sigils

Cloak and dagger

Tenets of Faith

The world is a dangerous place, and the only sure defense is to cloak oneself in shadows under a web of deception. Strive to master the art of illusion and the game of deceit for therein lies security. Protect yourself and other gnomes. Do not completely trust anyone who has not proven himself or herself. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst in life and in others' behavior. If folk do you or yours ill, do not fear showing them the error of their ways through making them the butts of a few pointed jokes. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and in time of battle or war, use the craft of illusion and camouflage to make sure that the right side wins- yours. Do not flout laws openly, but do what is best for those in your care whether or not that course of action is the one approved of by those in authority. Finally, devote yourself to your art and those you love with equal fervor, for one must have a reason to live beyond mere survival.

Holidays

The clergy of Baravar venerates the Sly One in a monthly ritual known as the Cloaking. Although such rituals are always observed on the night of the new moon, the exact location and nature of the ceremony varies every time. The Cloaking is often held in public places, and it is considered a point of honor by the participants that such assemblies are never detected as such by outsiders.
This practice has led to a common joke among the Forgotten Folk that any unexplained gathering of two or more gnomes must be "another meeting of the Illusory." Baravar's priests make offerings to their god by creating illusions of items they have seen or heard or otherwise sensed. The greater the realism of such deceptions, the more the god is pleased.

Divine Goals & Aspirations

Day-to-Day Activities

Baravar's priesthood is deeply involved in refining the art of illusions. A sizable number of the clergy are adventurers, charged with finding new spells and magical items that allow the creation and control of effects from the school of illusion/phantasm. Other priests work as researchers, ever-refining their magical craft. Priests of Baravar are generally sneaky, smart gnomes, and they serve their communities as spies and investigative agents and by teaching skill such as disguise, camouflage, hiding, and the like.

Priestly Vestments

The ceremonial garb of priests of Baravar consists of a hooded black cloak, a gray cloth mask, and an ornate silver dagger with a wavy blade. The holy symbol of the faith is a tarnished miniature of the silver dagger.

Adventuring Garb

Baravar's priests favor the garb of rogues, including leather armor, light weapons, and a concealing dark gray or black cloak.

Symbol: Cloak and dagger
Home Plane: Dothion inthe Golden Hills (the Hidden Knoll)
Alignment: Neutral Good
Portfolio: Illusions, deceptions, traps, wardings
Worshipers: Adventurers, deceivers, gnomes, illusionists, rogues, thieves
Cleric Alignments: CG, LG, NG
Domains: Arcana, Trickery
Favored Weapon: "Nightmare" (dagger)
SUPERIOR: Garl Glittergold
ALLIES: Azuth, Brandobaris, Clangeddin Silverbeard, Erevan Ilesere, Leira, Mystra, Sehanine Moonbow, Tymora, Vergadain, the gnome pantheon (except Urdlen)
FOES: Abbathor, Cyric, Kuraulyek, Kurtulmak, Mask, Urdlen, the goblinkin pantheons

Divine Classification

Intermediate Power