Helm - Piety System Page

God of Watchfulness and Protection

One eye looking in front, another looking behind. The third one is a secret.

Helm is the deity of watchfulness and protection. His sign is invoked by those expecting danger, and it wards against evil.

Helm’s Champions

Alignment: Usually lawful
Suggested Classes: Paladin, Cleric
Suggested Cleric Domains: Light, Life, Twilight
Suggested Backgrounds: Soldier, Acolyte

Champions of Helm are those who would watch the world for signs of danger, ever at the ready for some great crisis to unfold. Some might call it paranoia, but as we all know, it’s only paranoia until they get you.

Helm’s Favor

Helm’s favour is reserved for those who maintain a vigilance that supersedes their other wants or needs. Whether guarding a lone lighthouse against pirates, or scrying for evidence of a demonic incursion, Helm watches the watchers and selects his chosen from among them.

Helm’s scions are usually observant and diligent, and frequently have strong ties to an organization or tightly regimented faction, such as the Order of the Gilded Eye.

Why did Helm seek you out as a champion? The following table offers a few suggestions.

d6	Circumstance
1	You saved your village from danger by raising the alarm.
2	You are sure someone is out to get you, and you begged the Watcher for his aid.
3	You have been inducted into a sacred order that watches for extraplanar incursions.
4	Your ancestor kept Helm’s faith, even through his death and rebirth. Helm watches over your line.
5	You long manned a solitary outpost or lighthouse, and came to an understanding with your god.
6	You are unsure what Helm wants with you, but it’s unlikely to be pretty.

Devotion to Helm

Following Helm means dedicating yourself to vigilance. As a follower of Helm, consider the ideals below as alternatives to those suggested for your background.

d6	Ideals
1	Devotion. My devotion to my god is more important to me than what they stand for. (Any)
2	Civic Duty. We are all responsible for keeping the watch, lest our enemies overwhelm us.
3	Protection. I will protect those I love from disaster.
4	Honour. Whether people mock me or no, I stay at my post.
5	Hard Work. True vigilance is without rest or succour. I must be prepared for this.
6	Courage. I must look my fears in the eye, face them boldly, and slay them.

Earning and Losing Piety

You increase your piety score to Helm when you expand the god’s influence in the world in a concrete way through acts such as these:

• Detecting and locating a planar threat
• Guarding the rest of your allies
• Keeping your word in the face of pressure to recant

Your piety score to Helm decreases if you diminish Helm’s influence in the world or contradict her ideals through acts such as these:

• Allowing a threat to go undetected and strike you unawares
• Breaking a vow or promise
• Shielding yourself before those in your care

Deity Traits

Favoured God: Helm

Piety 3+ Helm trait
You gain Inspiration when you make a successful Wisdom (Perception) check.

Setting Boundaries

Piety 10+ Helm trait
You can cast alarm with this trait, requiring no material components. Once you cast the spell in this way, you can’t do so again until you finish a long rest. Wisdom is your spellcasting ability for this spell.

Always Watching

Piety 25+ Helm trait
You cannot be surprised whilst you are awake.

Chosen of Helm

Piety 50+ Helm trait
You can use your full passive perception score even when unconscious. You become fully aware of anything you have observed when you wake.