Aroden (Ar-o-den)
God of Humanity, The Last Azlanti, The Last of the First Humans
Aroden is ambitious, far-seeing, and shrewd. He encourages invention and innovation, and dislikes anything that undermined civilization or causes suffering, such as assassination, theft, disease, and predatory monsters. His impact is everywhere—in the names of months, upon the immense stone bridge spanning Avistan and Garund, and in churches in virtually every human city on three continents (Astivan, Garund and Casmaron). To the faithful of Aroden, history is doctrine, and the Last Azlanti has the best recorded and impactful histories of all Golarion’s deities.
History
Early Life
Although records from Old Azlant are fragmentary at best (especially concerning the empire’s tumultuous final days), it is known that Aroden was a master blacksmith and artificer as a mortal, renowned for his unequaled craft. In time, he became Azlant's’s foremost swordmaker, known not just for the blades he created, but also for those he personally wielded in defense of the empire during the political chaos and civil wars of Azlant’s last decades. His most famous creation as a mortal, a clear jewel-bladed sword called the Azlanti Diamond, was to be the personal weapon of the next emperor. When the empire’s ruler failed to choose his successor from a field of unimpressive and dangerous candidates, he asked Aroden to decide who was worthy to wield the blade and lead the empire. Seeing no alternative, Aroden decided to keep the Azlanti Diamond for himself, a choice that, while not apart of his church's doctrine, many believe provoked the wicked Alghollthu who truly ruled Azlant to immediately call down the devastation of Earthfall, wiping out a thousand of years of progress and civilization in a matter of hours.Post Earthfall
As Golarion struggled to survive the cataclysm, Aroden lead the Azlanti survivors to Arcadia, where a few colonies of the old empire tried desperately to hang on in the face of massive catastrophe, complete isolation and a hostile and monsterous environment. Aroden immediately began an attempt to salvage the empire’s vast cultural legacy, focusing especially on its unparalleled magical developments. Somehow, perhaps by utilizing the greatest of Azlant’s arcane secrets, Aroden gained immortality even as most of his contemporaries died off. He was not yet divine, but he no longer aged, and he began to take a longer outlook on the time it would take to restore humanity to its previous heights. To the Azlanti survivors, the immortal hero took on a near-mythic status. A sect of the prophecy-obsessed Knights of the Ioun Star, who had acted as the personal guard of the Azlanti emperors They formally declared Aroden the embodiment of the Last Azlanti prophesied in the Starfall Doctrine, and while it would still be centuries before Aroden actually became a god, the beginnings of a cult of devoted followers originated in the wake of the knights’ pronouncements. Meanwhile, perils new and old hovered over the decaying corpse of Azlant, picking off survivors and threatening to finish what the Alghollthu had started. The most dedicated of these foes was the demon lord Ibdurengian, an old menace who destroyed colony after colony, vowing never to finish until every descendant of Azlant had been vanquished. Aroden lead the people of Arcadia accross the ocean to Astivan, where many of them founded the initial city states of Taldor, such as Merciful Bay, Oppara, Katheer, Casmaron, Zimar, Mut, Kozan and Golsifar. The attacks from Ibdurengian did not stop, and After centuries of this, Aroden personally led an army into the Abyss and killed Ibdurengian in its lair. While most of his disciples returned to Golarion, Aroden spent some time exploring the Great Beyond, building up a series of alliances with creatures from other worlds and exploring alien philosophies that expanded his mortal consciousness and perspective. Aroden returned with a new focus—not just on rescuing Azlant, but on charting a new destiny for humankind as a whole. As the skies of Golarion cleared and the Age of Anguish came to a close, Aroden stood on the forefront of humanity once more, gesturing toward a new horizon. Centuries after helping to create the nation of Taldor as a symbol of human ambition, Aroden achieved realization as the prophesied Last Azlanti by raising the Starstone from the depths of the Inner Sea. A single touch pulled Aroden into the alien artifact, wherein he experienced a series of phantasmagoric scenes that presented lethal martial trials and exhausting moral quandaries that challenged Aroden’s physical, mental, and spiritual limits more than any of the arduous experiences he had survived thus far. Aroden emerged from this experience a living god, and upon the enormous island he had dredged up with the Starstone he founded the city of Capital: a shining beacon to attract the greatest artists, poets, architects, and mystics from all of humanity’s young kingdoms. At long last, Aroden’s devoted followers were rewarded with fantastic abilities derived from the god’s newfound divinity, and his cause became a full-fledged religion.Early Days of Aroden's Godhood
Aroden himself walked Capital’s streets in those early days, fighting in its defense and setting forth a code of morals designed to make certain the city would never fall. Some of the original records of Capital show the first truly historical accounts of Aroden’s life. He defended Capital and Taldor in wars he considered just, he guided Taldor in it's armies of exploration, he guided Rioja in their consolidation, he brokered international policy and deals between Taldor, Rioja, Qadira, Dwarves and Osirion. While remaining focused on the history and destiny of mankind, he was increasingly uninvolved in the day to day affairs of his beloved Rioja and Taldor, and focused ever further toward the divine and otherworldy.Departure
At the end of Taldor's third army of exploration, he left semi permenantly, though he returned to Golarion to act personally against threats to humanity like the undead armies of the wizard-king Tar-Baphon, whom he personally killed on the Isle of Terror. Eventually, Aroden was so far removed from the day-to-day events of the world that he chose not to intervene when Tar-Baphon returned as the undead Whispering Tyrant. Instead, he left the matter to his divine herald Arazni, patroness of the Knights of Ozem, with disastrous results. By the time the mortal leader of the knights, Iomedae, took the Test of the Starstone and replaced Arazni as Aroden’s herald, many of Aroden’s faithful began to doubt that he would ever again walk upon Golarion in person. If the Whispering Tyrant could not draw Aroden back from his seclusion in the Great Beyond, what could?Cheliax
Anyone that reads Aroden's holy text, The History and Future of Humanity can tell you a dozen ways in which Aroden had grown displeased with the Azlanti empire, it's gluttonous, self indulgant, decedance, it's nobility, and culture that he considered to have a sickness. Early in the Age of Enthronement, Cheliax broke free from the increasingly decadent Taldor, taking the center of Aroden’s faith with it. Chelish fanatics turned with increasing zeal to the ancient Starfall Doctrine, identifying the capital city of Westcrown as the likeliest place for Aroden’s return to usher in the prophesied Age of Glory, which was to begin. When Aroden returned to personally drive the demon lord Deskari into the Lake of Mists and Veils, the zealots’ conviction took on an air of inevitability, and Aroden’s faith spread throughout the new empire, eclipsing every other human religion.Expectations of Arrival - Fulfillment of the Starfall Doctrine, and the Age of Glory.
When the time comes, the kings and emperors of humanity will step down from their posts, to be reappointed rulers at the discretion of Aroden who will assume the place as Emperor of Humanity and Civilisation. It is known that the emperors of Cheliax and Taldor, and the King of Rioja will be among those stepping down, and the world waits in anticipation of the decisions of the Emperor of Kelesh, Satrap of Qadira, and Sultan of Osirion. It is said, when the appointed hour arrives, the now Grand Princes of Cheliax, Rioja and Taldor, will stand beside Aroden’s patriarch at the heart of Westcrown, eager to greet their patron and celebrate his return and the birth of a new Age of Glory.Arrival
Ask around in characterPersonification and Realm
Aroden’s symbol is the Eye of Aroden, an unblinking divine eye balanced between earth and the heavens. It represented Aroden’s guidance over humanity and his ceaseless watch against those who would do harm to his people. Religious art depicts Aroden as a valiant armored warrior armed with a resplendent golden sword. The god adopted one of 12 “semblances” when traveling in disguise among mortals: artist, beggar, craftsman, farmer, fisherman, hunter, merchant, scholar, shepherd, soldier, tailor, or vagabond. Aroden’s realm in the Great Beyond was a massive city of sweeping marble towers and immense crystal domes. Designed as a perfect setting for the afterlife of his followers, it was meant to be an idealized version of the terrestrial utopia he encouraged his human followers to create for themselves.Dogma and Worshipers
Aroden’s faith is by far the most widespread and powerful human religion in the Inner Sea region. With massive cathedrals in nearly every major city and minor shrines just about everywhere. Most of Aroden’s clergy were clerics, with some paladins and magi. The religion influenced nearly all aspects of daily life, from municipal administration to sacramental services celebrating birth, marriage, and death. Owing to a history covering thousands of years, Aroden’s faith is packed with saints, famous martyrs, and local heroes. Some of these hold demigod status, such as Arazni, Iomedae and Milani. The names of these heroes are widespread through the churches and cathedrals named for them, and in the countless statues and temple frescoes bearing their images.Temples and Shrines
Most Arodenite temples bear Azlanti architectural features—thin spires, domes, and marble columns and statues. Stained glass windows predominate, with the richest temples sporting examples that qualify as priceless works of art. Major temples are almost always dedicated to a saint or martyr, the most famous example being Saint Isabella in Rioja's Petals District, run by the High Priest of Rioja, Bishop Navarr and the center of its worldwide religious organization. Other notable temples include Absalom’s Hall of Aroden, the Almas Cathedral in the Chelish provience of Andoran's capital, and the legendary lost Sanctum of Aroden somewhere below the streets of Absalom, which serves as the modern headquarters of Aroden’s faithful Knights of the Ioun Star. . Aroden’s rural churches often contained shrines to Abadar, Cayden Cailean, Desna, Erastil, Sarenrae, and Shelyn—allies in the march of humanity toward its glorious destiny. Religious services are usually held in the morning. These beautiful ceremonies featured choirs of adults and children accompanied by highly skilled bards who often wove encouraging and magical effects into the proceedings. Many Arodenite hymns underlie countless popular tavern songs.A Priest's Role
Throughout history, the lay clergy of Aroden served as the cultural custodians of humanity, the chroniclers of its many accomplishments, and the inspiration for its greatest innovations. They led congregations to seek justice for even the weakest members of society, galvanizing the wealthy to offer succor to the impoverished and the poor to aspire and work toward a more rewarding life. They encouraged focus on the community over the individual, urging all toward a shared destiny of survival, strength, and spiritual and fiscal enrichment. Each priest sought to model herself on the life and accomplishments of Aroden. Priests of Aroden advocate personal reliance and responsibility, urging all followers to live to the utmost of their potential.Holidays
Aroden’s church recognized dozens of high and low holidays, from annual festivals celebrating his great achievements to days set aside for the honoring of minor saints. The following are some of the most important. Foundation Day: The first day of the year, 1 Abadius, sees the celebration of Foundation Day in Capital, commemorating Aroden’s founding of the settlement in 1 ar. It remains a major festival, with thousands of spectators watching the Archbishop of Aroden, Lord Navarr alongside the monarch leading the procession from the Ascendant Court to Azlanti Keep. Remembrance Moon: On the first full moon of Desnus, those Arodenite temples that still honor the old traditions light candles until the eldest resident cleric loses count, representing the unknowable numbers slain in battle against the Whispering Tyrant in the Shining Crusade. Armasse: For a week starting on 16 Arodus, clerics of Aroden used to gather the able-bodied populace of their settlements for training in simple combat techniques, ordination of apprentice clergy, selection of squires for knighthoods, and instruction on military history, lest the mistakes of the past be repeated.Holy Text - The History and Future of Humanity
Aroden’s most prominent holy text, The History and Future of Humanity, combines his personal anecdotes of living in Azlant, his goals for humanity, basic facts about medicine and engineering, and guidelines for ushering the human race toward greatness. All editions contain a complete transcription of the Starfall Doctrine in Ancient Azlanti and numerous modern languages. Each temple of Aroden, no matter how small, also housed at least one Tome of Memory, a liturgical text including transcriptions of homilies and aphorisms spoken by Aroden. Forged from brass to represent the light of Azlanti knowledge, Tomes of Memory also include several blank pages, in which clergy were expected to record the personal history of their temple. These books, often contain clues about intriguing local mysteries and treasures, making them valuable to adventurers hoping to reclaim the more tangible secrets of the past.Relations with Other Religions
Aroden’s strongest allies were the surviving gods of the Azlanti Empire. In the long centuries following Earthfall, the religions of gods such as Abadar, Pharasma, and Shelyn comprised, in large part, the culture Aroden had sworn to protect. When the Last Azlanti aided in the founding of Taldor and Rioja, it was to Abadar’s Manual of City Building that he turned for civic inspiration. Although Aroden opposed the worst excesses of the Azlanti Empire, he was nonetheless a product of its highly decadent culture, and to him fine music, epic poetry, and gorgeous artistic expression inspired by Shelyn were the necessary byproducts of a successful civilization. Tales of Aroden’s early life relay his mortal devotion to Acavna, Azlanti battle goddess of the moon, and her lover Amaznen, patron of the arcane arts. To the former he dedicated the sharpness and strength of his blades, and to the latter the potent magics he infused within them. Both gods died in the cataclysm that destroyed Azlant. Aroden’s doctrines used the lovers as examples that humanity always goes on, even if its gods should be destroyed. Desna occasionally appeared in Arodenite art revealing cosmic secrets in the arrangement of celestial bodies, but as Aroden was seen as manifesting the realized potential of those prophecies, Desna’s role was, by necessity, secondary. It is said just as the mortal paladin Iomedae gained divine powers from her dedication to Aroden, Aroden himself would of gained strength and inspiration from her devotion and unwillingness to lay down the sword in an age defined by battle. Among the gods of evil, Aroden’s clergy saw in Lamashtu the darkness and chaos beyond a settlement’s walls, the lurking danger of an unwelcoming world outside the perimeter that divides man from beast. Urgathoa’s gluttony and decadence reminded Aroden of the failures he had left behind—if she hadn’t come from Azlant, she may as well have—but her obsession with undeath gained her Aroden’s eternal enmity. Norgorber represents the darkest urges of humanity, the murderous, selfdestructing impulses that keep the race unable to escape its worst depravities. That the villain managed to coax divinity from the very Starstone that Aroden had raised from the ocean depths made Norgorber—and his debased followers—sworn enemies of Arodenites everywhere.Divine Domains
Community, Glory, Knowledge, Law, Protection
Artifacts
Sword of Aroden, Shield of Aroden, many others.
Holy Books & Codes
The History and Future of Humanity
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Eye of Aroden
Relationships
Aroden
They definitely knew each other and worked together, but their relationship is unknown.Towards Old-Mage Jetembe
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Old-Mage Jetembe
They definitely knew each other and worked together, but their relationship is unknown.Towards Aroden
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Aroden, The Last Azlanti
God of humanity, innovation, history, culture, and fulfillment of destiny
Alignment
Lawful Neutral
Domains
Community, Glory, Knowledge, Law, Protection
Favored Weapon
Longsword
The Fool Lives in the Moment. The Wise Live Forever: This remonstration reminds Aroden’s followers to take the long view, focusing on legacy over immediate rewards. Humanity’s Destiny Is to Spread Its Knowledge and Culture Across the World: This statement, the sole sentence written upon the opening page of The History and Future of Humanity, is the essential credo of Aroden’s faith. Arodenites believe in destiny, and moreover, they believe it’s their personal responsibility to ensure that humanity’s best destiny comes about through their own efforts. May the Eye Guide Your Blade: The all-seeing Eye of Aroden directs a person’s life just as surely as it aims his sword into his enemy’s heart. This saying, used as a blessing of good luck, applies to all tasks, not just combat. Quotes "Survive as I have survived, lead as I have led, and the human race shall thrive for all eternity. —The History and Future of Humanity " "Humanity always goes on, even if its monarchs should pass on"
Divine Classification
God
Religions
Species
Ethnicity
Realm
Church/Cult
Spouses
Siblings
Children
The Fool Lives in the Moment. The Wise Live Forever: This remonstration reminds Aroden’s followers to take the long view, focusing on legacy over immediate rewards. Humanity’s Destiny Is to Spread Its Knowledge and Culture Across the World: This statement, the sole sentence written upon the opening page of The History and Future of Humanity, is the essential credo of Aroden’s faith. Arodenites believe in destiny, and moreover, they believe it’s their personal responsibility to ensure that humanity’s best destiny comes about through their own efforts. May the Eye Guide Your Blade: The all-seeing Eye of Aroden directs a person’s life just as surely as it aims his sword into his enemy’s heart. This saying, used as a blessing of good luck, applies to all tasks, not just combat. Quotes "Survive as I have survived, lead as I have led, and the human race shall thrive for all eternity. —The History and Future of Humanity " "Humanity always goes on, even if its monarchs should pass on"
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