Siamorphe

Siamorphe

Siamorphe (pronounced: /ˈsaɪɑːmɔːrf/ SY-a-morf or: /ˈsiɑːmɔːrf/ SEE-a-morf) is a demipower of nobles and nobles' divine right to rule. Siamorphe is the vessel of a semi-divine power, which is passed down to a successor when the successor is dying. The current Siamorphe is the latest in that lineage. By preference, the successor is a direct descendant of the previous power’s mortal form, but anyone of noble blood will suffice. The former Siamorphe was a nobleman of Baldur's Gate, who passed the power to Lady Siamorphe of Waterdeep, chosen when she was killed in a riot in the Year of the Dusty Throne (1256 DR). Her portfolio is providing the Divine Right of nobility to rule, and encouraging the responsibility to rule well and wisely for the more common classes beneath them. Her worship is most common among the nobility and their councilors, especially among those who seek reasons to explain why they are in charge.

Description

The current Siamorphe usually appears as an older lady of the nobility, her hair touched with grey but well kept, and her iron-gray eyes missing nothing. Her clothing shows the jeweled purple of the true nobility, with a silver chalice and adamantine scepter in her hands, and a tiara carved from a single diamond on her brow.

Relationships

Deities

Though she dwells in the House of the Triad, she has no true allies or superiors among the gods. She opposes those who foster tyranny and corruption, most especially Bane, Cyric, and Gargauth. Perhaps Siamorphe's greatest divine foe is Gargauth, for the Hidden Lord opposes all that she stands for. Where she supports correct rule, he calls for corruption and self serving. Where her priests advise on the path of wisdom and virtue, his serve themselves first and teach others to do the same.

The Faith

The priests of Siamorphe’s faith, called Scions of Siamorphe, most often act as advisers (both spiritual and practical) to the nobility. Elaborate rituals are being revived from the decay that had occurred under the previous Siamorphe, and unique ceremonies are being created for the noble families of Waterdeep and Tethyr, and are becoming quite fashionable. A baptism ceremony for a new heir can easily cost the family 10,000 gold coins.
The faith supports a holy day in the Sea Ward and North Ward of Waterdeep called the Divine Revelry. The nobility takes over the Heroes' Walk and Heroes' Garden and the Street of Glances down to the temple at the Street of the Singing Dolphin. During the Divine Revelry, the nobles dress and act in archaic and stilted fashions, and throw coins (most often copper and silver) to the commoners.

Temples

Most of Siamorphe's temples are small family shrines in the houses of the nobility of Waterdeep, and recently in Tethyr. Her only true remaining temple is the Chapel and Chalice of the Divine Right in Waterdeep. The relatively small house of worship is within the walls of the Assumbar family’s villa, and is the central building of the three that border the Street of the Singing Dolphin.

Dogma

Nobles are given a divine right to rule, provided they rule responsibly and well. The nobility have an obligation (noblesse oblige) to rule with the best interest of their subjects in mind, even when those obligations interfere with their personal desires. The benefits of nobility are provided to them so that they can rule well. Their wisdom and charisma are inherited from their noble ancestors, and the leisure that their station provides is theirs so that they may be educated to properly perform their duties.