Pheistus
Pheistus, a robust artisan wielding a formidable hammer, operates a celestial forge and anvil, where he shapes the essence of stars into tangible forms. Revered by humanoid craftsmen, particularly smiths and gnomes, Pheistus empowers mortals to materialize their visions. His focus lies solely on the act of creation, paying little heed to the repercussions of unleashing his inventions upon the world. While some within the church of Sophis criticize the Holy Maker for prioritizing technology over traditional artistry, Pheistus regards magic merely as another means to manifest innovative devices.
Divine Symbols & Sigils
Clergy, Temples and Worshippers
The presence of the Pheistus church is widely accepted throughout Tharas. Its followers can be found in regions governed by both malevolent forces and benevolent factions, as well as within an increasing number of rock Gnome settlements. However, it is in the realm of Sova Daris where his faith reigns supreme, officially recognized as the state religion. Many merchants actively cultivate close ties with the local clergy of the Wonderbringer, seeking access to their latest inventions for lucrative trade opportunities. Nevertheless, there are instances when the followers of Pheistus inadvertently disrupt existing markets with their creations, leading to sudden and unexpected hostility from other religious sects. The Clergy itself is aware and is initiating a 'witch-hunt' against all cultists of Etarr.Rituals
Clerics of Pheistus pray for their spells in the morning before the morning meal. Their daily devotions are straightforward: brief prayers uttered upon waking and retiring, often woven into the act of dressing or undressing, along with a more extended prayer of gratitude during the main meal. Before embarking on the creation of any new invention (as opposed to repairs or maintenance), clerics offer a special prayer of dedication and thanks. One curious custom within the faith dictates that followers of Pheistus produce two copies of any new machine or tool they invent, whenever feasible. One copy is carefully concealed to protect it from potential theft or vandalism, to be revealed later to fellow believers, while the other is deliberately destroyed—preferably through burning—as part of the Sacred Unmaking ritual, serving as an offering to Pheistus. This ceremony symbolizes Pheistus’ authority over both constructive and destructive engineering. The faith places a significant emphasis on refining the creation known as Warforged. While some regard them as unique beings in their own right, others view them merely as conventional golems.Temples
Pheistus' temples often feature formidable stone edifices, characterized by their sturdy, rectangular architecture and encircling colonnades of stout pillars. Inside, the decor is minimal, save for extensive showcases exhibiting creations crafted by the clergy. These displays vary, ranging from artifacts of historical significance to the latest innovations from skilled artisans. At the heart of the temple, a towering altar commands attention—a massive anvil encircled by perpetually rotating gears within a colossal machine. Workshops tucked away in the rear accommodate a bustling array of ongoing and discarded projects.Priestly Vestments
Clergy of Pheistus don ceremonial attire of saffron hue adorned with a crimson collar and stole. Draped over one shoulder, they sport a leather sash terminating in a sizable pouch. Adorning this sash are an assortment of small metal implements—tools, gears, wire, cord, locks, hooks, and more—crafted from steel, tin, wool, and other materials, offering practical versatility. Accompanying their attire are oversized sunhats and belts adorned with interconnected metal medallions. Around their necks hangs Pheistus' sacred symbol, fashioned from bone, brass, bronze, or ivory, serving as a pendant.Tenets of Faith
- Action Speaks Louder: Actions speak volumes compared to words. Those devoted to Pheistus demonstrate their loyalty through their deeds, not empty talk.
- Results Over Intentions: Prioritize actions and their outcomes over mere intentions or thoughts. It's the tangible results that truly matter in the service of Pheistus.
- Embrace the Unknown: Challenge the boundaries of the known by venturing into unexplored territory with new inventions. Encourage curiosity and experimentation to push the limits of what is possible.
- Innovation is Key: Dedicate yourself to creating new, functional inventions. Hone your craftsmanship and engineering skills to develop devices suited to various needs and environments.
- Cultivate Innovation: Foster a culture of experimentation and creativity among your peers. Provide support, guidance, and resources to encourage others to explore new ideas and refine existing ones.
- Elegance and Utility: Strive for elegance and practicality in your creations. Innovate tools and processes with efficiency and effectiveness in mind, fostering a culture of excellence in craftsmanship.
- Record and Share: Document your progress, ideas, and inventions for the benefit of future generations. Inspire others to build upon your work and contribute to the collective knowledge of Pheistus' followers.
- Spread Knowledge: Seek out, collect, and disseminate knowledge among the faithful of Pheistus. Share ideas, insights, and discoveries to illuminate the path of innovation for all who worship the Holy Maker.
Physical Description
Identifying Characteristics
Avatars of Pheistus manifest in diverse forms, ranging from a muscular, crimson-skinned blacksmith to a slender figure with straw-blond hair, or even a gnome. Regardless of the guise, Pheistus bears the visage of a smith, marked by the scars of the forge, keen eyes shining brightly with attentive curiosity. Beneath his scorched smith's attire, he dons ordinary leathers, yet he possesses the ability to conjure glassteel plate armor that hovers around him piece by piece, ready to be summoned at will.
Pheistus' apparitions often wield a forge hammer wreathed in wisps of black smoke or manifest as piercing eyes gleaming amidst dark clouds, accompanied by the resounding echoes of hammers striking anvils.
Specialized Equipment
Pheistus wielded a formidable hammer named Craftmaker, renowned for its thunderous might, which he employed both as a divine instrument at his celestial forge and, when necessary, as a formidable weapon.
Mental characteristics
Personal history
Myths and Legends
It is said, that during the Era of Blood and Ruin, Moradin had saw that the technological advances are too hazardous and thus ended the dwarven innovation, however, from those mountains, came a half-dwarf, named Pheistus, to the lands of all races, preaching to them the true meaning of technology. In the apex of the Blood and Ruin and the battle of Ervenius, Ella'li, Baravor and Agonis, it was Pheistus who unplugged the machine from Etarr, forever ending his dominion and initaiting the Stagnation of War, so the ruins and death of civilizations in the world would not come to such heights of destruction.Personality Characteristics
Motivation
The divine persona of the Holy Maker is as diverse as his fervent drive to innovate. He exhibits periods of unwavering discipline and meticulousness, juxtaposed with moments of easily provoked distraction. His demeanor oscillates between profound insight and accommodating demeanor to sardonic wit or condescending attitude.
Pheistus remains steadfast in his dedication to materializing theoretical concepts and blueprints into tangible realities, showing little concern for the complexities or challenges that may arise. He readily accepts commissions from any patron, regardless of their moral integrity, as long as the compensation is substantial and offers him the opportunity to create groundbreaking and imaginative devices.
Contrary to popular belief, Pheistus does not hold an aversion to magic, viewing it merely as an additional tool for crafting new inventions.
Activities
The Holy Maker tirelessly pursues the development of new inventions and is credited in legends for crafting numerous artifacts. He frequently engages with his most devout adherents, inspiring them with fresh ideas or offering insights into alternative applications of existing technology. Recent observations indicate that Pheistus has taken a keen interest in the emergence and construction of Warforged.Social
Contacts & Relations
Pheistus is a mysterious deity, sharing a pursuit of knowledge alongside Ioun, though his independence often overshadows their connection.He maintains amicable relations with Helios, Avandra, and Kord, as his inventions touch upon creativity, prosperity, and warfare, respectively. However, his staunch adversaries are Gods of Destructions, whose unrestrained penchant for destruction not only jeopardizes Pheistus' creations but also challenges his authority over implements of devastation.
Pheistus is hunting the cultists of Etarr in a zealotry like methods.
Titles:
Holy Maker of All Things;Lord of All Smiths;
The Gearsmiths;
Inspiration Divine;
Patron of Creatoers;
The Creator (used by Warforged
The Maker's Hand;
Divine Classification
Religions
Alignment
Neutral
Realm
Children
Other Affiliations
Ruled Locations
| LG | NG | CG |
| LN | N | CN |
| LE | NE | CE |
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