Estheria

1. #1Torilconstant

   Keys: Toril

   Toril is the third planet from the Sun in Realmspace, orbited by one moon named Selûne and a cluster of asteroids called the Tears of Selûne. The full name Abeir-Toril, meaning "cradle of life" in a forgotten language, refers to the era when Toril and its sibling world Abeir were a single planet. The Tearfall split them apart. The Spellplague revived the name Abeir-Toril to refer to the formerly united worlds.

   Toril is roughly the size of Earth, with an equatorial circumference near 25,000 miles. Its known continents include Faerûn, Kara-Tur, Zakhara, Anchorome, Maztica, Katashaka, Osse, and the Abeir-originating land of Laerakond.

2. #2Faerûn

   Keys: Faerûn

   Faerûn is the westernmost continent on Toril, the largest of the central supercontinent's regions. The name comes from "Faerie," the ancient elven homeland, coined by Durothil, prince of Tintageer. The Sea of Fallen Stars dominates the continent's interior, connecting western and eastern coasts and serving as a major trade artery. The Shaar grasslands and Lake of Steam separate the interior from the southern coast, while the Anauroch desert marks the north alongside Pelvuria and Reghed glaciers.

   Faerûn's regions include the North (Waterdeep, Neverwinter, Icewind Dale, Silver Marches), the Moonsea and Dalelands, the Sword Coast with Baldur's Gate, the Western Heartlands, the coastal Calimshan and Amn, the trading nation of Cormyr, the merchant magocracy Sembia, the Red Wizard realm of Thay, the desert wastes of Anauroch, the Chultan peninsula, the Great Rift for gold dwarves, the wizarding nation Halruaa, the Abeir-displaced regions of Akanûl and Tymanther, and the Utter East bordering the Hordelands. The Underdark below holds drow cities like Menzoberranzan, duergar strongholds, and svirfneblin holds.

3. #3Zakhara

   Keys: Zakhara

   Zakhara is a hot, arid continent south and east of Faerûn, separated from the Great Sea by the treacherous World Pillar Mountains. It is governed by a theocracy headed by the Grand Caliph, who rules from Huzuz, the City of Delights. The land is filled with secretive cities, vast deserts, lush oases, and powerful genies who meddle in mortal affairs. Its symbol is the moon with trailing stars.

   Zakhara is populated mainly by humans who call themselves the civilized folk, with brown skin, dark hair, and short stature. They speak Midani, share the culture of Enlightenment, and generally treat outsiders as inferiors. Few Zakharans venture beyond their land, though the Bedine and Calishites originated in Zakhara and emigrated to Faerûn in the distant past. The surrounding seas are heavy with pirates who charge traders tolls.

4. #4Kara-Tur

   Keys: Kara-Tur

   Kara-Tur, the Eastern Realms, lies east of Faerûn, separated by the Hordelands. The continent includes the empire of Shou Lung, the largest power, founded by the peasant Nung Fu and ruled by an Emperor advised by the wu jen court wizards. Its government runs on a meritocratic civil service examination across eight ministries. The official religion is the Path of Enlightenment, worshiping the Celestial Emperor, the Nine Travelers, and the Celestial Bureaucracy; the rival Way is a philosophy of self-enlightenment practiced by persecuted monks.

   The Dragonwall guards Shou Lung's northern border, a massive stone fortification carved from the petrified body of the sea dragon Pao Hu Jen. South of Shou Lung lies T'u Lung, which broke away in civil war. Other Kara-Tur nations include the theocratic mountain realm of Tabot, the Plain of Horses, the Ama Basin and Northern Wastes, the jungle-covered Malatra, and the island kingdoms of Koryo, Kozakura, and Wa.

5. #5Maztica

   Keys: Maztica

   Maztica, called the True World by its inhabitants, is a continent west of Faerûn covered in jungles and deserts. Named after the Maztican goddess of earth and life, it was contested by the gods Qotal and Zaltec in the early ages. The Payit people built a golden-age civilization of stone cities and learned arts, which fell to treachery. Later, a tribe of Dog People founded the city-state of Nexal, which grew into the continent's greatest empire for almost three centuries.

   Maztica was "discovered" by Amnian explorers under Captain Cordell centuries ago, with the Golden Legion claiming land for trade and the church of Helm aiding the conquest. The native peoples include the Payits, the warlike Nexalans, the isolationist Green Folk, and the hardy Dog People of the north. Wild halflings live in Far Payit and desert dwarves in the House of Tezca. During the Spellplague, Maztica was sent to Abeir and returned during the Second Sundering in the recent past.

6. #6Rivellon

   Keys: Rivellon

   Rivellon is the southernmost continent on Toril, set apart from Faerûn by vast open seas and largely isolated from the rest of the world. Faerûnian scholars know it by name and a handful of explorers' accounts, but few have sailed there. Some sailors report the land re-appears on no reliable chart, and accounts of it remain inconsistent, as the coastline locals describe shifts over generations.

   The continent features Ferol in the north, dominated by humans with the lizard-occupied Verdistis underground, the dwarven Tanoroth mountain range to the west with a single outpost in Ferol, the elven dark forest Teneb Tiriel to the south with an outpost on the Ferol border, and the orcish Yuthul Gor in the southeast. The western coast includes Broken Valley, the Orobas Fjords, the city of Aleroth, and Farglow. Further south lie the Reaper's Eye, Reaper's Coast, Dragon's Spine, Stormdale, and the fortress-city of Arx. Sentinel Island sits in the southwest waters.

7. #7Underdark

   Keys: Underdark, Upperdark, Middledark, Lowerdark

   The Underdark is the vast network of subterranean caves, caverns, and tunnels beneath Abeir-Toril, also called Deepearth, the Lightless Lands, the Night Below, or the Realms Below. It has counterparts in the Feywild (the Feydark) and the Shadowfell (the Shadowdark). Underdark dwellers call the surface the World Above.

   The Underdark is divided into three layers: the Upperdark (the first few miles down, where surface and underground dwellers most often meet), the Middledark (deeper down, location of most Underdark cities), and the Lowerdark (the deepest reaches, avoided by all). Major domains include the Buried Realms, the Darklands, the Deep Wastes, the Earthroot, the Glimmersea, Great Bhaerynden, the Northdark, and Old Shanatar.

   The Underdark is inhabited by drow, duergar, svirfneblin, illithids, beholders, aboleths, kuo-toa, quaggoths, derro, and cloakers. Its ecology runs on faerzress, with magivores and fungi forming the base of the food chain. The Maztican Underdark was severed from Faerûn by the drow-caused Rockfire catastrophe long ago, which left the eastern Maztican tunnels uninhabitable and stranded the dwarves there as the desert dwarves of the House of Tezca.

8. #8Hell

   Keys: The Nine Hells, Baator, Hell, Avernus, Dis, Minauros, Phlegethos, Stygia, Malbolge, Maladomini, Cania, Nessus

   The Nine Hells of Baator, also called Hell or Baator, is the plane of lawful evil and home of the devils. Its denizens are organized into a strict caste system with a rigid chain of command. Each of the nine Hells has its own physical laws, and all are inhospitable to outsiders.

   Under the Great Wheel cosmology, the Hells sit in the Outer Planes between Gehenna and Acheron, layered like a nine-tiered cake, with the river Styx flowing through Avernus and Stygia. Under the World Tree cosmology, the Styx became the River of Blood flowing through all the fiendish planes and fueling the Blood War against the demons. After the Spellplague, Asmodeus consumed Azuth's essence, gained greater godhood, and ended the Blood War by casting the Abyss into the Elemental Chaos. Under the World Axis cosmology, the Hells became an astral dominion of finite territories ruled by Asmodeus and his eight archdevil vassals, with the Styx flowing through both Hells and Abyss before emptying into the Astral Sea.

   The nine circles are Avernus (a wasteland of magma rivers and battle debris), Dis (the Iron City of Dispater, glowing with hot iron), Minauros (a bog of vile pollution containing the city of Minauros and the kytons' Jangling Hiter), Phlegethos (fire-dominant plains of lava and ash with the basalt palace Abriymoch), Stygia (a frozen sea with the trading city of Tantlin and cold-fire lightning), Malbolge (a tumbling mess of black stone blocks, with the Hag Countess later replaced by Asmodeus's daughter Glasya), Maladomini (ruins, mazes, and the sprawling fortress-palace Malagard), Cania (a frigid ice realm of glaciers containing Mephistopheles's citadel Mephistar atop the Nargus glacier), and Nessus (the deepest layer of rifts and chasms containing Asmodeus's citadel Malsheem). Notable exports include Avernus's green Baator ore and Baator's own whiskey, a searing drink few mortals can stomach.

9. #9The Abyss

   Keys: The Abyss, Abyss

   The Infinite Layers of the Abyss is the birthplace of the demons, a chaotic evil plane of uncountable layered realms connected haphazardly. Survival is by strength, fallen alliances, and a landscape that warps the mind and body of all who pass through.

   Under the Great Wheel cosmology, the Abyss sits in the Outer Planes connected to the Astral Plane, Pandemonium, Carceri, and the Outlands. The number of layers is debated: common belief held 666, the Fraternity of Order cataloged 679, and other sources claimed the count was infinite. The first layer, named Pazunia after the demon lord Pazuzu, is a barren, dusty wasteland baking under a red sun, broken by iron fortresses, great holes, and the river Styx. Under the World Tree cosmology, the Styx became the River of Blood flowing through all the fiendish planes and fueling the Blood War against the devils. After the Spellplague, Asmodeus consumed Azuth's essence and ended the Blood War by casting the Abyss into the depths of the Elemental Chaos. Under the World Axis cosmology, the ruined Abyss became a domain of ever-changing features where demons warred over meaningless empires, with the Styx once again flowing through.

   Layers vary wildly: air-dominant voids, ash dunes, Blood War battlegrounds, demon cities, earth-dominant tunnels, fire-dominant flames, delusion layers that appear safe, deserts, glaciers, hellscapes, maelstroms, mountains, negative-dominant planes, normal worlds, oceans, salt flats, seas of acid or blood, swamps, undead realms, volcanic fields, and water-dominant deeps. Layers can be born when entire worlds fall into the Abyss, be absorbed by neighboring layers, or be intentionally removed by powerful demons or offended deities. The deepest layers are rumored to be so inhospitable that even demon lords cannot survive them.

   Inhabitants include the tanar'ri, obyriths, and loumaras, along with mortal captives and death petitioners. Chaotic evil souls of some worlds arrive directly as manes, slaves and fodder for demon lords. For Realmspace mortals, souls first pass to the Fugue Plane, where greedy demon lords conduct raids to steal souls and bring them back as manes. Notable powers include Demogorgon, Orcus, Graz'zt, Lolth (who later removed her Demonweb Pits to the fiendish planes), Baphomet, Dagon, Yeenoghu, Juiblex, Kostchtchie, Fraz-Urb'luu, Zuggtmoy, Pale Night, Pazuzu, the Queen of Chaos, Tharizdun (imprisoned in a remote layer since the Dawn War), and the Great Mother beholder deity.

10. #10The Celestial Planes

    Keys: The Celestial Planes, Heavens, The Heavens, Arvandor, Brightwater, Dwarfhome, Dweomerheart, The Gates of the Moon, Golden Hills, Green Fields, The House of Knowledge, The House of the Triad

    The Celestial Planes are a subset of the Outer Planes serving the good deities, connected to the World Tree in the World Tree cosmology. The nine celestial planes are Arvandor (elven realm, home of the Seldarine), Brightwater (festhalls of Lliira, Sune, Tymora, Sharess, and Waukeen), Dwarfhome (the dwarven domain of Moradin on Mount Celestia), Dweomerheart (Mystra's city of magic, destroyed in the Spellplague), the Gates of the Moon (Selûne's oceanic silver realm), Golden Hills (home of the gnomish pantheon in Bytopia), Green Fields (the halfling celestial realm), the House of Knowledge (Oghma's library, tied to true names), and the House of the Triad (Ilmater, Torm, Tyr, Helm, and Siamorphe).

    Arvandor is the divine realm of the Seldarine, shared by Corellon Larethian, Sehanine Moonbow, Hanali Celanil, Aerdrie Faenya, Deep Sashelas, Erevan Ilesere, Solonor Thelandira, and others. It is an infinite pristine wilderness of forests, mountains, clear streams, the Sparkling Sea, and the great palace Crescent Grove. The realm has portals to Brightwater, Dragon Eyrie, the House of Nature, the Gates of the Moon, Alfheim, and the Outlands gate-town of Sylvania. Its trade goods include fine mead, venison, clear-sounding instruments, durable cloaks, chainmail, and exceptional spears and bows. In the World Axis cosmology, the Golden Hills merge with Arvandor.

    Brightwater is connected to the World Tree and reachable by travelers through the Astral Plane. The natural beauty is gentrified into mansions, cottages, and happy houses. The central realm is Waukeen's Marketplace Eternal, surrounded by Lliira's Quarter of the Orange Lanterns, Sharess's Rapture, Sune's Heartfire Quarter, and Tymora's Quarter of the Great Wheel. Mortals swept into the revelry suffer malnutrition since the food gives no sustenance. After the Spellplague, portions of Brightwater became Sune's domain within the Gates of the Moon.

    Dwarfhome is a lawful good astral dominion on Mount Celestia's fourth layer of Solania, ruled by Moradin and Berronar Truesilver. The dwarven pantheon shares the vast mansion Erackinor, where the giant Soul Forges temper the spirits of dwarven souls.

    Dweomerheart is a celestial plane of uninhabited mountains, home to Mystra, Azuth, Savras, and Velsharoon. The shining city of Dweomerheart sits atop a flat-topped mountain and serves as the ultimate university for magic. Cyric's assassination of Mystra destroyed the plane in the Year of Blue Fire. Most of the faithful were transported to the Fugue Plane and re-assigned, while the deities largely perished.

    The Gates of the Moon is Selûne's divine realm in Ysgard. Its magical laws require wizards to inscribe school-specific runes on spell components. The realm is a misty expanse of ocean dotted with stony islands beneath an ever-present moon, with the silver acropolis of Argentil at its center. Selûne shares the realm with Soma (Vedic moon god), and after the Spellplague she shares with Sune, Lliira, Sharess, Tymora, Finder Wyvernspur, Gwynharwyf, and Morwel and Faerinaal. The Infinite Staircase connects Argentil to cities across the multiverse. The Netherese enclave of Selûnarra has lived here since the Fall of Netheril.

    Golden Hills is the realm of the gnomish pantheon, suffused in polished gold light. The seven hills are Glitterhome (Garl Glittergold), Stronghaven (Gaerdal Ironhand), Mithral Forge (Flandal Steelskin), Whisperleaf (Baervan Wildwanderer), Gemstone Burrow (Segojan Earthcaller), Hidden Knoll (Baravar Cloakshadow), and the Deephome (Callarduran Smoothhands). Urdlen, the eighth gnome deity, is banished to the Abyss. The Mithral Forge houses mines that connect to Acheron, Baator, the Elemental Plane of Earth, Pandemonium, and Ysgard.

    Green Fields is the celestial home of the halfling pantheon, an endless green field home to winged halflings.

    The House of Knowledge is Oghma's realm, tied to the magic of true names. Oghma's library holds original copies of powerful magical texts, including Gargauth's journal as emissary of the Lords of the Nine.

    The House of the Triad is a plane of law upholding the principles of good, with the central mountain Celestia surrounded by Martyrdom (Ilmater), Trueheart (Torm), and the Court (Tyr). The Alabaster Palace of Siamorphe sits in a valley between the Court and Celestia, while Helm's realm Everwatch is a watchtower that appears at every portal arrival. The bulk of the defenders are archons and angels, with formians living in ordered peace. No one can lie in the Court, and no one can feel pain or fatigue in Martyrdom.

11. #11The Astral Plane

    Keys: Astral Plane, Astral Sea

    The Astral Plane, also called the Astral Sea, is a barren expanse of gray nothingness extending in all directions. Objects retain their mass, but gravity does not exist. Time flows at the same rate as the Material Plane, but its effects on living creatures and objects are slowed almost to a stop. A thousand years in the Astral feels like a day in terms of aging and wear. Creatures do not go hungry or age.

    The Astral is reachable from almost any Prime Material Plane or first layer of any Outer Plane by spell, psionic ability, or device. Astral projection leaves the physical body behind, connected to the astral self by a silver cord. Severable by a psychic wind, a githyanki silver sword, an astral dreadnought, the spell sever the cord, or the will of gods. Physical entry via plane shift or probability travel brings the traveler fully into the plane with no silver cord.

    Color pools are two-dimensional circles visible from one side, with the home portal always silvery and rippling like mercury. Pools of other colors lead to the Outer Planes. Travelers can view the destination plane before stepping through by concentration. The Astral also contains conduits, silvery-gray tubes resembling waterspouts that connect Primes to Outer Planes in less than a second.

    Under the Great Wheel, the Astral connects the Prime Material Planes to the first layers of the Outer Planes. Wildspace is a region where Prime and Astral overlap. Under the World Tree, the Astral is a shapeless cloud touching nearly all planes, with Toril linking to separate Astral Planes for the Faerûnian, Maztican, and Zakharan pantheons. The Kara-Turan faiths connect to the Spirit World instead. Under the World Axis, the Spellplague destroyed the World Tree and set the divine dominions adrift in the silvery void.

    Natives include githyanki (ruling from Tu'narath), astral searchers, astral streakers, astral whales, astral dragons, kodragons, astral dreadnoughts, brain collectors, dhours, dreamslayers, foo creatures, ihagnim, star leviathans, thendar, astral devas, shedu, slaadi, and spectral hounds. Bebiliths are thought to be at home in the Astral despite their connection to the Abyss. The Astral is the graveyard of dead gods, which drift as god-isles of residual energy. Known dead gods drifting here include Amaunator, Aoskar, Bane, Bhaal, Enki, Gilgeam, Ibrandul, Kalzareinad, Karsus, Kiputytto, Leira, Moander, Myrkul, and Ulutiu, among others. Sardior's Ruby Palace rests in the Astral between travels. Celestian of Oerth and Anubis of the Pharaonic pantheon wander the plane without permanent realms.

12. #12The Far Realm

    Keys: Far Realm

    The Far Realm is a plane of madness situated very far from the standard cosmology, feared for its power to twist visitors into gruesome monsters. It is the source of aberrations.

    The Far Realm comprises an infinite number of very thin layers, ranging from an inch to a mile in thickness, separated by around ten feet. The layers are transparent, allowing travelers to glimpse through twenty or so at a time, each appearing increasingly blurred. The layers are highly morphic, continually evaporating, dividing, spawning, and breathing at the whim of drifting alien entities. Elemental and energy traits shift constantly, creating the Far Realm's equivalent of storms. Landmarks and entities exist on multiple layers at once, appearing as a single mark on each page of a translucent parchment stack that coalesces into three-dimensional objects when viewed together.

    The Far Realm is filled with rivers of milky white fluid flowing freely between layers, blue globes that rain down and burst into horse-sized ticks, gelatinous worms, forests of writhing tentacled vegetation with orange moss, an amoebic sea, and huge multi-layer shapes drifting at the limit of sight, the smallest the size of a city. Gravity and time do not exist. Movement is passage between layers, requiring only a thought. The air is as viscous as syrup.

    Inhabitants include pseudonatural creatures that dwell beyond time and emulate familiar forms when summoned, the kaorti (imaskari wizards warped into resin-encased conquerors who ride skybleeders and command the living siege engines rukanyr), and the lords of the realm called the uvuudaum. Mortal travelers are subject to insanity and physical transformation, such as eyes sprouting from palms, and the reliving of warped memories simultaneously. Far Realm entities often adopt forms familiar to viewers when meeting outsiders.

13. #13Limbo

    Keys: Limbo

    The Ever-Changing Chaos of Limbo is the Outer Plane of chaotic neutral alignment, a twisting quicksilver place filled with fragments of rock, trees, the four elements, entire landscapes, strong winds, and random pockets of liquid, solid, or gas. The supreme chaos can be held at bay by will: sentient beings dampen the chaos to livable levels as long as they maintain concentration, with the safe zone's size tied to the controller's intelligence. Demigods and more powerful beings create realms that persist even without their presence. Gravity operates only between solid objects that touch each other, with roughly the strength of the Prime Material Planes. Thrown objects fly straight until they hit a solid object.

    Under the Great Wheel, Limbo has five nearly indistinguishable layers. The first four are named for the race or deity most often found there, and the fifth is the layer of Lost Gods. The batrachi realm of the Supreme Throne was founded here in the deep past. Cyric later absorbed the Supreme Throne into his own divine realm. The Spellplague may have cast Limbo into the Elemental Chaos.

    A rare export from Limbo is shiftspice, sold in small packets and consumed by dipping and licking wetted fingers, with each dip tasting differently. It can be found as far from Limbo as Sigil.

    The first layer, Gith and Slaad, was named for the slaad (likely natives) and the githzerai (immigrants or refugees). It connects to Gladsheim, the Concordant Opposition, Pandemonium, and the Astral Plane. The githzerai formed the fortress city of Shra'kt'lor and the religious Citadel of Gith, both ruled by the Great Githzerai. Nearby float the spherical realms of Susanoo (a half-flooded globe of storms), Agni (a sphere of pure flame), and Indra (a sphere half-filled with enchanted milk, with a palace atop a tortoise), all known as the Lords of Creation.

14. #14The Hall of Echoes

    Keys: Hall of Echoes, Land of the Dead

    The Hall of Echoes, also known as the Land of the Dead, is the spiritual world where the souls of the deceased go on Rivellon. After a soul enters, its memories are consumed by Memory Eaters. Purged of memories, the soul is sent to the Forge of the Gods to be reincarnated on the mortal plane, or it wanders into the Void and is lost forever.

    After the Eternals were banished and the Lord of Chaos imprisoned in Hell, the Hall of Echoes was ruled by the Seven Gods until they were drained of their Source, ending their rule and their lives. As an ethereal plane, the Hall takes shape from the mind of those within its boundaries. To some it appears as a ruined version of their favorite place, to others an alien world. The atmosphere is composed of deathfog, deadly to the unprotected living. Dangers include memory eaters, vengeful souls, and Source-hungry beasts such as the sphinx.

    A mortal known as the Marked One entered the Hall in the past and met the Seven Gods, receiving their Source and achieving divinity. Later, the Godwoken and their cohort entered the Hall multiple times. First in a vision after praying at a shrine, where they met the god who chose them as champion and witnessed a battle between the Seven and an enigmatic figure. The vision left them with the power to bless the world with Source energy. As their journey continued, they returned repeatedly, finding the Seven in a progressively weakened state. They then made several physical incursions via the Lady Vengeance, a ship whose soul remains intact in the Hall, providing a permanent gateway between the mortal and spiritual planes. The Hall was later entered again by a dragon knight to rescue a soul from execution, triggering the death of another in the process.

15. #15The Void

    Keys: The Void

    The Void is a dimension sealed behind the Veil, a place of nothingness that corrupts bodied creatures and consumes Source. The Seven Gods trapped the God King and the Eternals there after the Eternal War. Voidwoken are creatures of the Void that breach the Veil to invade Rivellon, bringing death, decay, and destruction with them. The Veil was sealed again in the recent past, pushing the Eternals back into the Void and preventing further incursions.

    Souls are made of Source, and the Void is home to Source-predators. A soul that enters is consumed. The Voidwoken are corrupted Eternals who feed on Source wherever they find it. Void-awareness in Rivellon comes from the Driftwood voided fishes, eaten by the elves of that settlement; consuming them grants the eater a glimpse of the God King losing his sanity to the Void.

16. #16The First Sundering

    Keys: The First Sundering, Ever'Sakkatien

    The First Sundering, or Ever'Sakkatien, was a High Magic ritual cast by the greatest elven high mages of the Tel-quessir around -17,600 DR, during the First Flowering. The ritual created the isle of Evermeet off the coast of Faerûn, but at a catastrophic cost: the coast of Faerûn was shattered by earthquakes and floods, hundreds of elven settlements were destroyed, and the first Ilythiiri empire was ruined. The ritual was connected to the later Second Sundering and to the much older Tearfall. Twelve mages channeled the Weave through their bodies and souls, leaving only Starleaf alive to witness the isle rise from the sea. The northern elves had excluded the dark elves from the casting, heightening the animosity that would later drive the Crown Wars.

17. #17The Crown Wars

    Keys: The Crown Wars

    The Crown Wars were a series of six great wars fought over three millennia between the elven kingdoms of ancient Faerûn, spanning roughly -14,700 DR to -9,000 DR. The First Crown War began when Aryvandaar invaded Miyeritar in pursuit of a genealogical claim, slowly occupying it over centuries. The Second Crown War saw Ilythiir ally with the Vyshaan and destroy Orishaar, Thearnytaar, Eiellûr, and Syòrpiir, earning the dark elves the epithet dhaerow, meaning "traitor," as Lolth's influence twisted them toward evil. The Third Crown War saw the fallen solar Malkizid help Aryvandaar conquer Shantel Othreier. The Fourth Crown War brought the Dark Disaster, when Vyshaantar's magics transformed Miyeritar into the High Moor, and the Ilythiiri were ritually expelled from Corellon's grace, corrupting all dark elves into drow. The Fifth Crown War destroyed Aryvandaar itself after the Elven Court blamed the Vyshaan for the millennia of war. The Seven Citadels' War, sometimes called the Sixth Crown War, was fought between the elite forces of Siluvanede and the fledgling forces of Eaerlann against House Dlardrageth.

18. #18Karsus's Folly

    Keys: Karsus's Folly, Netherese empire

    Karsus's Folly was the climactic event that ended the Netherese empire in -339 DR. After the archmage Ioulaum mysteriously disappeared, Karsus took it upon himself to hold Netheril together amid the war with the Phaerimm. He attempted to seize the divine mantle of Mystryl using the spell Karsus's avatar and his crown, briefly achieving apotheosis before realizing his mistake. Mystryl sacrificed herself to repair the Weave, severing Karsus's connection to her power. His body petrified, the floating cities of Netheril fell from the sky, and most of the populace perished. Mystra was reborn within moments, recreated the Weave under new rules that capped mortal magic at low levels, and saved only three cities: Anauria, Asram, and Hlondath. A fourth city, Thultanthar, was pulled into the Plane of Shadow by its twelve princes to preserve their magic.

19. #19The Time of Troubles

    Keys: The Time of Troubles

    The Time of Troubles, also called the Godswar or the Avatar Crisis that happened around 1358 DR, it was a cataclysm that occurred during the Year of Shadows, when the overdeity Ao forced every deity except Helm to walk Faerûn in mortal avatar form. Divine magic ceased to function outside the presence of a god's avatar, arcane magic became dangerously unpredictable, and the gods themselves became vulnerable. AO's punishment came after Bane and Myrkul attempted to steal the Tablets of Fate. The crisis saw Mystra slain by Helm at the Celestial Stairway, Bane and Torm destroy each other, Bhaal killed by Cyric, and Myrkul killed by Midnight. Midnight, Cyric, Kelemvor, Adon, and Finder Wyvernspur ascended to fill the vacant portfolios. Ao destroyed the Tablets of Fate at the crisis's end, beginning the Era of Upheaval and weakening the barrier between Abeir and Toril.

20. #20The Spellplague

    Keys: The Spellplague, Spellplague

    The Spellplague, called the Blue Breath of Change in Abeir, was a decade-long catastrophe that began in the Year of Blue Fire around 1385 DR, when Cyric and Shar's assassination of Mystra tore the Weave apart. A storm of blue flames erupted from the Mhair Jungles, sweeping Toril and warping anything it touched: creatures became plaguechanged or spellscarred, lands became changelands, and thousands of spellcasters were killed or driven mad. Halruaa and Laerakond exchanged with Abeir, Maztica was sent to Abeir, the Unther portion of Laerakond crashed into Unther, and the Drow city of Menzoberranzan was briefly swallowed by the Abyss. The Weave was restored by Mystra's Return in the years before the Second Sundering, which ended the Spellplague's main effects. The Second Sundering was then triggered by Ao to recreate the Tablets of Fate and restore the worlds of Abeir and Toril to their pre-Spellplague boundaries, anchoring the era as the present age.

21. #21The Second Sundering

    Keys: The Second Sundering

    The Second Sundering, also known as the Sundering of Toril and Abeir, was a catastrophic event stretching across the 1480 DR decade, triggered by Ao to recreate the Tablets of Fate and separate the worlds of Abeir and Toril once more. His destruction of the Tablets at the end of the Time of Troubles had begun the Era of Upheaval, and the Spellplague drastically accelerated the overlap of the two worlds. The deities, uncertain what the new Tablets would do to them, scrambled to gather power through Chosen mortals.

    The conflict began with Bhaal's resurrection, followed by the gods creating many Chosen, the Netherese and Thayvians hunting them, the Mulhorandi rebellion against High Imaskar, the Sembian conquest of the Dalelands, the War of the Silver Marches, the Darkening, the Great Rain, the fall of Sakkors, the continent-wide battles of Chosen, and finally the Battle of Myth Drannor. The Sundering ended with Mystra regaining full control of the Weave after defeating Tanthul and Larloch, and the worlds of Abeir and Toril being properly separated again.

    Aftermath included the return of many dead or missing deities (Mystra, Helm, Mask, Lathander, Bhaal, the Mulhorandi gods, the lost Drow gods, Azuth, Tyr, Myrkul, Leira, Gilgeam, Enlil, Nanna-Sin), the Shalander retreat from Faerûn, the Hollow Death of the Netherese enclave of Shade, and the geographic restoration of most pre-Spellplague lands. Tymanther and Akanûl remained. The world now resembles the 14th century, with the Great Wheel model reasserted as the dominant cosmology, modified to include the Feywild and the Shadowfell.

22. #22The First Source War

    Keys: First Source War

    The First Source War was a catastrophic conflict in Rivellon's past, sparked by the misuse of Source magic. What was once a force for good became corrupted, and Sourcerers began to wield Source as a weapon. With the rise of the tyrant Braccus Rex, the worst came to pass: a war that would have undone Rivellon itself, were it not for the Council of Seven.

    The Seven, the wise rulers of the era, recognized the threat and ordered the creation of a new elite order of warriors especially trained to fight the Source menace. Braccus was defeated, and the Order of Source Hunters began its long legacy of policing and eradicating the dangerous practice.

    Source is difficult to identify. Experienced mages can learn to sense its presence, like others smell the sick-sweet scent of poison or hear the barely-perceptible scrape of a sword loosened from its hilt. Source can be channeled through certain objects (weapons, gems, or metals), which are as unpredictable as Source itself and may inflict terrible harm or grant magnificent feats of healing to either wielder or target.

    The Order's methodology is one of cunning and cleverness as much as strength and power. A well-trained Source Hunter examines and questions, lifts every barrel and analyzes each testimony for the faintest breath of a clue. Nothing is insurmountable. No riddle is unknowable, no foe unbeatable, no mystery unsolvable.

23. #23Ao

    Keys: Ao, Cult of Ao

    Ao, the Hidden One, is the Overgod of Abeir-Toril and the embodiment of Balance, exhibiting no extremes. All deities and primordials of his sphere are subject to his authority. He exists beyond alignment and divine rank, more powerful than all other gods and primordials combined. He sundered Abeir-Toril into twin worlds and created the Tablets of Fate to maintain the balance between Law and Chaos and between gods and primordials.

    Ao does not interact with mortals, does not require worship, and does not grant spells. He punishes deities who abandon their portfolios, decides which mortals can ascend and which interloper gods may enter his sphere. His power is confined to Realmspace. He is bound to report to a luminous being beyond the normal cosmology.

    The Cult of Ao was fragmented, lacking divine support, true clerics, and holy symbols. Its ministers were never granted spells. The largest cell was based in Waterdeep; another in Zazesspur was secretly powered by Cyric. The cult dwindled as followers realized Ao never answered prayers and is now defunct.

24. #24Selûne

    Keys: Selûne, Church of Selûne

    Selûne, the Moonmaiden, Our Lady of Silver, is the goddess of the moon, stars, navigation, wanderers, seekers, and good and neutral lycanthropes. Her divine realm is the Gates of the Moon, where she resides in Argentil. She cycles through phases like the moon, appearing as a radiant woman, an ethereal girl, or a matronly innkeeper, and her power waxes and wanes with the ages. She is generous, accepting, slow to anger, and fiercely protective when faced with evil. Her eternal enemy is her sister Shar, goddess of darkness.

    The Church of Selûne promotes acceptance, tolerance, equality, and self-reliance, encouraging followers to find their own path through life. Membership is dominated by women, with scattered good lycanthropes and tieflings. The clergy include clerics, specialty priests called silverstars, crusaders, mystics, druids, and rangers. Temples range from humble shrines to the great House of the Moon in Waterdeep. The clergy provide healing, astrological guidance, and crusade against dark lycanthropes and the followers of Shar. The holy symbol is a pair of eyes of a darkly beautiful woman encircled by seven silver stars, and the favored weapon is the Moon's Hand mace.

25. #25Shar

    Keys: Shar, The Church of Shar

    Shar, the Mistress of the Night, Lady of Loss, is the goddess of darkness, the night, forgetfulness, and loss. She also holds the portfolios of caverns, dungeons, and the Underdark, claimed when she slew Ibrandul. Her divine realm is the Towers of Night in the Shadowfell, built atop the tallest mountain. She is the malevolent twin sister of Selûne, and the two have been at war since before the gods existed. She is a being of cruelty, jealousy, and ceaseless petty hatred, sometimes posing as the Nightsinger (a shrouded, singing figure) or the Dark Dancer (a sensual, hypnotic performer). She longs to return existence to the void that preceded creation, and she created the Shadow Weave as a dark counterpart to Mystra's Weave. Both Weaves were lost during the Spellplague, after which she combined the Plane of Shadow with death energy to create the Shadowfell.

    The Church of Shar is decentralized, split into cells led by Darkladies, Darklords, or Dark Mothers, often working in opposition to one another. Followers are called Dark Followers or Sharrans. Membership requires committing an act of violence, often murder, against a loved one. The clergy practice in secret in most cities, using espionage, subversion, and ritual murder to spread the faith. They embrace the Thirteen Truths, including "Love is a lie. Only hate endures." The holy symbol is a black disc ringed with deep purple. Notable temples include the Temple of Old Night in Calimport, the Dome of Night in Thultanthar, and the cloisters of the Cloister of Sombre Embrace in Baldur's Gate.

26. #26Chauntea

    Keys: Chauntea, Church of Chauntea

    Chauntea, the Great Mother, is the Faerûnian goddess of life, bounty, agriculture, and plant cultivation, viewing herself as the embodiment of all agrarian things. The parallel of Silvanus, she was born from the primeval battles between Shar and Selûne that created Toril, with Selûne nurturing her and Mystryl helping. Her divine realm is Great Mother's Garden on Elysium's second layer of Eronia, where she works the fields with her bare feet and hands, knowing that any failure on her part causes crop failures far away. She is patient, wise, nurturing, and slow to anger, but fiercely opposes blight, drought, and those who desecrate nature, especially Talona, Talos, and Malar. She has ties with Mielikki, Shiallia, and Silvanus, and romantic affiliations with Lathander.

    The Church of Chauntea is decentralized, hierarchy based on wisdom and length of service, with no central authority. Most members are rural women, gardeners, farmers, and druids. The clergy emphasize growing, reaping, healing, and the eternal cycle of life, planting a seed at least once per tenday and avoiding fire. They share food with strangers, maintain seed banks, raise orphans, and serve as midwives. Priests and druids often work the fields alongside local farmers, teaching agriculture and herbalism. The holy symbol is a sunburst rising over a field. Notable temples include Goldenfields near Waterdeep, the Abbey of the Golden Sheaf in Mistledale, and the various Harvest Houses and Houses of Plenty scattered across Faerûn.

27. #27Mystra

    Keys: Mystra, The Church of Mystra

    Mystra, the Mother of All Magic, Lady of Mysteries, was the second incarnation of the goddess of magic, born when a peasant girl named Midnight received Mystra's power during the Time of Troubles. She rules the Weave, the universal structure of arcane force, and was the manifestation of the Cosmic Balance. She banned spells above the ninth level in the wake of the Fall of Netheril, lay down new rules for spellcasting, and chose the wizard Azuth as her first Magister. She governed the dissemination of magical knowledge and rewarded great wizards with sponsorship to godhood.

    The Church of Mystra accepts all manner of spellcasters, from clerics to wizards, with wizards showing devotion to Azuth often honoring Mystra as well. The clergy are encouraged to explore magical theory, create new spells, and preserve magical lore. Sites dedicated to Mystra are enhanced by the Weave, granting metamagic effects to her clerics' spells. The church sends itinerant clerics to wander the land, preserving old magic and helping those driven mad by failed spellcasting. Mystra's holy symbol is a circle of seven blue-white stars with a single red-white star in the center. The church opposed Cyric and his cult.

28. #28Talos

    Keys: Talos, Church of Talos, the Storm Lord, The Stormfather

    Talos, the Storm Lord, Destroyer, once known as Kozah in ancient Netheril, is the Faerûnian greater deity of storms and destruction. He is the leader of the Gods of Fury, a group he holds together through sheer force, alongside Auril, Umberlee, and Malar. His divine realm is the Towers of Ruin in Pandesmos, the topmost layer of Pandemonium, surrounded by a howling whirlwind. He is violent, petty, vengeful, and impulsive, reveling in destruction for its own sake. His entire purpose is to prove that nothing can be built that he cannot destroy.

    The Church of Talos is small but fanatical, with no formal hierarchy, obedience enforced through might. Clergy are called Talassans, mostly specialty priests known as stormlords, who cross-train as barbarians, sorcerers, or wizards. Worship is outlawed in many countries, so churches operate as secret strongholds built on earthquake fault lines or in the path of storms. Talassans extort sailors and farmers, summoning storms to coerce them. Initiates are "touched by Talos" by harmless red lightning during their induction. The holiest ritual is Calling Down the Thunder, the sacrifice of an intelligent being by lightning strike. The holy symbol of Talos is three lighting of different colour (Red, Blue and Green) striking downward.

29. #29Umberlee

    Keys: Umberlee, the Bitch Queen, Queen of the Depths

    Umberlee, the Bitch Queen, Queen of the Depths, is the evil sea goddess of the Faerûnian pantheon, most often worshipped by sailors out of fear of her destructive powers. She controls the harshness of the sea and revels in drowning those who displease her. Temperamental, malicious, petty, greedy, and vain, she rarely favors individual mortals unless it benefits her. She is a member of the Gods of Fury alongside Talos, Auril, and Malar, and resides in Blood Tor in the Abyss.

    The Church of Umberlee is disorganized and universally feared, with disputes settled through dueling. The clergy, mostly female, are called Umberlants and include specialty priests known as waveservants. They charge exorbitant amounts for services, live off offerings from fearful sailors, and pray at high tide. Worship is built on fear and tribute, with coins, gems, and valuables thrown overboard to appease her. The required ritual is the Drowning, a private trial where an Untaken supplicant is flooded by seawater and must survive to be confirmed. The holy symbol is a wave curling around a dropping tear. The holy days are First Tide and the Fair Seas Festival.

30. #30Malar

    Keys: Malar, the Beastlord

    Malar, the Beastlord, the Great Beast, is the Faerûnian lesser deity of hunting, stalking, bloodlust, and bestial savagery. He is the epitome of the dark, bloody side of nature, the hunger and hunting instinct of beasts. He is a member of the Gods of Fury led by Talos, holds a long-standing alliance with Lolth against the Seldarine, and is allied with Bane and Loviatar. After the Spellplague, he was briefly believed slain by his own beasts, then served as an exarch of Silvanus in the Deep Wilds until the Second Sundering restored him to full status. He is a divine scavenger who forages for worshipers among predatory races across many worlds.

    The Church of Malar has no formal hierarchy, revolving around the primal concept of the hunt. Specialty priests wear woodland garb with red and brown tones, topped with skulls or pelts of predators they themselves slew. The most dominant figure is the huntmaster, who determines the timing, prey, and location of ceremonial hunts. The High Hunt is a vicious ritual where a captured humanoid is released and hunted for a day and night. The People of the Black Blood are lycanthrope tribes who venerate Malar. The holy symbol is a clawed paw.

31. #31Jergal

    Keys: Jergal, the Forgotten One

    Jergal, the Forgotten One, Lord of the End of Everything, the Final Scribe, is Faerûn's original god of death. An ancient deity older than many greater gods, he once held the portfolios of the Dead, Murder, and Strife. Long ago, weary of his power, he ceded his divinity to three mortals: Bane took Strife, Myrkul took the Dead, and Bhaal took Murder. Jergal faded into obscurity and became seneschal to Myrkul, retaining the position after Myrkul's death and serving Cyric, then Kelemvor. He cares only for an orderly accounting of death and the world's slow sinking. Venerated as Nakasr among the successor states of Netheril.

    The Church of Jergal is small and secretive, a rigid monastic order of scribes called the Scriveners of Doom. Its members live in stone mausoleums and dusty crypts, maintaining archives of every death they record. Followers are evenly split between clerics, monks, and specialty priests called doomscribes. All shave their heads and wear gray robes. Jergal's holy day is the Night of Another Year, where the names of every death recorded in the past year are read aloud. The required ritual is the Sealing, sprinkling ash and powdered bone over each recorded death. The church is most active in Thay, where death is a daily fact of life. The holy symbol is a scroll and quill.

32. #32Silvanus

    Keys: Silvanus, the Forest Father, Oak Father

    Silvanus, the Forest Father, Oak Father, is the Faerûnian power of wild nature, standing in contrast to the more ordered, agrarian nature represented by Chauntea. Originally a member of the Celtic pantheon, he joined the Faerûnian pantheon when planar immigrants from another world settled on Toril. He is wild and unpredictable, like nature itself, and concerned chiefly with the natural cycle of life, decay, growth, water, drought, fire, and ice. He cares nothing for mortal machinations or civilization. His divine realm is Summeroak in Tir na Og. He hates those who use fire carelessly or with intent to destroy, and he has been known to summon Malar as a diminished subject in the Deep Wilds.

    The Church of Silvanus is loosely organized across Faerûn, called the greenleaf priesthood due to their oak leaf symbol. Membership is split between clerics in urban areas and druids in wild lands, with druids receiving his greater favor. The clergy serve as gardeners, replanters, wildlife nurses, and forest defenders, often working alongside the clergy of Mielikki and Eldath. They protect dryads, plant trees, fight disease, and oppose the servants of Malar and those who harm the forest. Their central creed is to preserve the Balance. The church has ties to the Harpers and a wary relationship with the more activist Emerald Enclave.

33. #33Lathander

    Keys: Lathander, the Morninglord

    Lathander, the Morninglord, is the Faerûnian greater god of birth, renewal, spring, youth, athletics, self-perfection, vitality, and creativity. He is the god of dawn, symbolizing the potential of a new day rather than the sun itself. He is hopeful, cheerful, enthusiastic, and creative, with the youthful flaws of zealotry, vanity, and headstrong conceit. His divine realm is the House of the Triad.

    The Church of Lathander is among the most respected, popular, and wealthiest in all of Faerûn, with no singular authority binding individual temples together. Clergy are called Dawnbringers, with specialty priests known as morninglords. They provide aid, foster innovation, fight undead, and promote art, athletics, and creative endeavors. Ceremonies are held at dawn, funerals at dusk. Holy days include Midsummer, the equinoxes, and Rhyestertide. Temples are opulent, often featuring stained-glass windows and main chambers facing east. The holy symbol is a road going into a sunrise, with a starburst.

34. #34Tyr

    Keys: Tyr, the Maimed God, the Blind Overlord, the Even-Handed

    Tyr, the Maimed God, the Blind Overlord, the Even-Handed, is the lawful good greater god of law and justice in the Faerûnian pantheon and leader of the Triad. An interloper deity from the Norse pantheon, he is the only Norse power worshipped in Faerûn, where he is revered solely as a god of justice, not war. His divine realm is the Court on Lunia, the first of the Seven Heavens of Mount Celestia. He is missing his right hand, lost to Kezef the Chaos Hound in an act of bravery, and his eyes were put out by Lord Ao for failing to notice the theft of the Tablets of Fate. The Triad consists of Tyr, Ilmater, and Torm.

    The Church of Tyr is highly organized and formal, with fortified temples and strict rules. Clergy are called holy justices, with specialty priests known as Justiciars of Tyr. They never refuse service or aid to the faithful in distress. The clergy see the world in black-and-white morality and pursue justice relentlessly. They served as lawyers and legal experts in civilized lands and as judges in the wilderness. Notable orders include the Knights of Samular, the Knights of Holy Judgment, and the Hammers of Grimjaws. The holy symbol is a balanced set of scales on a warhammer.

35. #35Cyric

    Keys: Cyric, the Dark Sun, Prince of Lies, the Mad God

    Cyric, the Dark Sun, Prince of Lies, the Mad God, is the Faerûnian god of lies, trickery, and strife, having previously held dominion over tyranny, murder, lies, death, intrigue, and illusion, but lost most of these portfolios. He was a mortal thief who ascended to godhood during the Time of Troubles by stealing the Tablets of Fate. He later murdered Mystra, causing the Spellplague. He was imprisoned in the Supreme Throne in Pandemonium for a thousand years by Lathander, Tyr, and Sune. He is now thought diminished but still active, with his divine realm the Shattered Castle in Pandemonium. He is narcissistic, paranoid, manipulative, and increasingly mad.

    The Church of Cyric is a vast network of independent, secretive cells that often work against each other, with no central hierarchy or unified leadership. Specialty priests are called strifeleaders, and order is maintained through fear and infighting. The faithful are encouraged to sow strife, mistrust, and murder, while infiltrating political bodies to destabilize without causing outright war. Eclipses are sacred feasts marked with sacrifices. The holy symbol is a jawless skull on a purple or black sunburst. The Cyrinishad is the most holy artifact, but it was used to drive Cyric himself mad.

36. #36Mask

    Keys: the Lord of Shadows, the Shadowlord

    Mask, the Lord of Shadows, the Shadowlord, was the Faerûnian intermediate god of shadows and thievery, previously holding the portfolio of intrigue until Cyric took it. He was a loner god most often associated with those of ill-repute, celebrated for his constant scheming, cool head, and mocking comments. He was revealed to be the son of Shar and served as her herald, eventually surrendering his divinity to her to repay a millennia-old debt. He later returned to life when his divinity was gathered back into Drasek Riven, his former Second of Five. His divine realm was Shadow Keep in the Plane of Shadow.

    The Church of Mask, also called the Circle of the Gray Ribbon, is one of the wealthiest in all of Faerûn despite operating in the shadows of civilized society. It is decentralized, with independent priesthoods in cities across the Realms. Clergy are called Maskarrans, Darkfingers, or Brother/Sister Shadow, with specialty priests known as demarches or demarchesses. They value subtlety, deception, and property rights by possession, preaching that wealth belongs to those who can acquire it. The holy symbol is a black velvet mask. The Ritual of the Unseen Presence is held at least once per month.

37. #37Bane

    Keys: Bane, the Black Hand, Black Lord

    Bane, the Black Hand, Black Lord, is the Faerûnian god of tyrannical oppression, terror, and hate. From his plane of Banehold, he acts through worshipers and agents to achieve total domination of Faerûn. He was once a mortal who, with Bhaal and Myrkul, conquered the god of death Jergal in a game of knucklebones and split Jergal's portfolios between them. He was slain by Torm during the Time of Troubles, but returned to life through his son Iyachtu Xvim. He is the embodiment of ambition and control, believing the strong have the duty to rule the weak. He favors those with drive and courage.

    The Church of Bane is among the most stable and powerful of the evil faiths, with a strict hierarchy led by the High Imperceptor. Worshipers are called the Faithful, who show their devotion through service and ritual torture and sacrifice. The church attracts fighters, monks, blackguards, and wizards. The god's presence is strongest in the Moonsea, with his headquarters in Mulmaster. The church was reformed after Bane's return, eliminating in-fighting. The holy symbol is an upright black right hand, thumb and fingers together.

38. #38Bhaal

    Keys: Bhaal, the Lord of Murder

    Bhaal, the Lord of Murder, was the Faerûnian god of violence and ritualistic killing. He was once a mortal who, with Bane and Myrkul, conquered Jergal in a game of knucklebones and split Jergal's portfolios between them, claiming death. He was slain by Cyric during the Time of Troubles, but foresaw his death and scattered his essence in his mortal progeny, the Bhaalspawn. After the last Bhaalspawn died, Bhaal was revived. He is now reduced to a quasi-divine mortal, like Bane and Myrkul.

    The Church of Bhaal is a disorderly network of local hierarchies, with the urban and rural branches maintaining distant relations. Clergy are called Bhaalists or Bhaalyn, with specialty priests known as deathstalkers. Each cleric is required to perform at least one murder every tenday, in the darkest moment of the night. Murder is both a duty and a game. The holy day is the Feast of the Moon, where priests praise unique kills. The most well-known base is the Temple of Bhaal in the Undercity of Baldur's Gate. The holy symbol is a skull surrounded by a ring of bloody droplets.

39. #39Myrkul

    Keys: Myrkul, the Lord of Bones

    Myrkul, the Lord of Bones, Lord of the Dead, was the Faerûnian god of the dead and later of decay and exhaustion. He was once the mortal necromancer Myrkul Bey al-Kursi, who ascended with Bane and Bhaal by taking Jergal's portfolios through a game of knucklebones. He was slain by Midnight during the Time of Troubles, his power transferred to Cyric and later to Kelemvor. He was later restored as a quasi-divine, serving as the Reaper who brings souls to Kelemvor for judgment. His divine realm was the Bone Castle in the Gray Wastes. He is a feared symbol of death, his touch capable of disrupting life force or reanimating the dead.

    The Church of Myrkul, also called the Gray Ones or Fingerbones, is not popular but feared. Members are secretive, morose, and often serve as undertakers and caretakers in cemeteries. They are dedicated to the dying and deceased, offering funeral services and burial for a fee, and propagate fear of death. Their symbol is a white skull. The holy symbol is a white skull inset into a black triangle. The clergy recite prayers at dusk and worship in the darkness of night. The holy day is the Day the Dead are Most With Us, between Uktar and Nightal.

40. #40Kelemvor

    Keys: Kelemvor, the Lord of the Dead, Judge of the Damned

    Kelemvor, the Lord of the Dead, Judge of the Damned, is the current Faerûnian god of death and the dead, master of the Crystal Spire in the Fugue Plane. He was once a mortal mercenary cursed with lycanthropy, who died battling Cyric atop Blackstaff Tower. His soul was hidden for ten years by Mask, then he led a revolt in the City of the Dead, defeated Cyric, and was acclaimed by the deceased souls as the new god of death. He is fair yet cold, promoting that death is a natural part of life and should not be feared. He reshaped the Bone Castle into the transparent Crystal Spire representing that death should no longer be a frightening mystery.

    The Church of Kelemvor is devoted to tending the dying, performing funerals, and destroying undead. Elite priests are called Doomguides, with specialties including Doomguides, Mortarchs, and Necrobanes. Clergy comfort the dying, perform last rites, and seek out those close to death. They wear somber gray vestments and carry bastard swords. The holy symbol is a skeletal arm holding up balanced scales. The two most holy days are Feast of the Moon and Shieldmeet.

41. #41Azuth

    Keys: Azuth, the Lord of Spells, Magistrati

    Azuth, the Lord of Spells, is the Faerûnian lesser deity of arcane magic whose concerns include the perpetuation of the magical arts as a craft. He was a mortal wizard who became the first Magister and Mystra's Chosen, before ascending to godhood. He served as Mystra's subordinate and adviser, with a complex relationship with the imprisoned god Savras. During the Spellplague, he was fused with Asmodeus in Nessus, but was separated by his Chosen Ilstan Nyaril's sacrifice during the Second Sundering. He is paternal, sober, sardonic, and devoted to the accumulation of magical knowledge. His divine realm is also called Azuth on Buxenus, the second layer of Arcadia.

    The Church of Azuth, also called the Magistrati, is composed primarily of wizards, sorcerers, and monks. They value reason, the calm preservation of magical knowledge, and the wise use of magic. The church enforces the magebond, a pact that magic should be left to those who study it and that disputes should not affect the non-magic community. Elite members are called the Favored. Notable sects include the Loomwarden (distrusting of sorcerers) and the Spellsavants (promoting cooperation). The holy symbol is a left hand wreathed in flame, pointing skyward.

42. #42Tempus

    Keys: Tempus, the Lord of Battles, the Foehammer

    Tempus, the Lord of Battles, the Foehammer, is the Faerûnian greater god of war. His dogma is concerned with honorable combat, forbidding cowardice and encouraging the use of force of arms to settle disputes. He was originally one of many war gods who fought each other until he stood as the sole god of war, having defeated and absorbed all competitors except Garagos, whom he spared. He is a being of chaos, exuberant and fickle, but he answers to his own warrior code and would never betray a confidence. He sponsored the Red Knight's ascension and was the only ally of Uthgar. His realm is Warrior's Rest in Limbo, eternal and violent.

    The Church of Tempus is one of the most prolific religions in the Realms, attracting people from all walks of life. It has no central authority, since troops can be on either side of any engagement, but each temple maintains a strict military hierarchy. Temples look like military fortresses with barracks, armories, and training grounds. Worshipers are called Hammers, and the society is organized along military ranks. All followers are expected to spill blood at least once per tenday. The holy symbol is an upright flaming sword. The most holy day is the March of the Dead, held during the Feast of the Moon.

43. #43Torm

    Keys: Torm, the Loyal Fury, the Hand of Righteousness

    Torm, the True, the Loyal Fury, the Hand of Righteousness, is the Faerûnian greater god of duty, loyalty, righteousness, obedience, and after the Spellplague, law and valor. He was once a mortal hero during the Fall of Netheril who joined Tyr's Procession of Justice and became the third member of the Triad. He perished battling Bane's avatar during the Time of Troubles to save his city, but was resurrected by Ao for his loyalty. He is eternally calm, fearless, kind to the weak, and stern against evil.

    The Church of Torm, also known as the True and Loyal or the Watchful Guardians, is one of the most popular faiths in Faerûn. Worshipers are called Tormtar or Tormish, with paladins the most common clergy. They uphold virtuousness, maintain order, and serve as a wagging finger against corruption, even while guarding against self-righteousness. Following the Time of Troubles, Tormtar undertake the Penance of Duty, comprising three debts: Persecution, Dereliction, and Destruction. The holy symbol is a right-hand gauntlet held upright. The most holy days are Eleasis 13 (the Divine Death) and Marpenoth 15 (the True Resurrection).

44. #44Tymora

    Keys: Tymora, Lady Luck, Our Smiling Lady

    Tymora, Lady Luck, Our Smiling Lady, is the Faerûnian goddess of good luck, the second incarnation of the goddess of luck after her predecessor Tyche was split into Tymora and Beshaba, goddess of bad luck. She holds the portfolios of good fortune, skill, victory, and adventurers. She is cheerful, curious, jovial, mischievous, and adventurous, fond of pranks and ironic justice, with no malice or vengeance. She favors skillful and daring risk-takers. Her divine realm is the Great Wheel, seven earthmotes named after her former Brightwater realm.

    The Church of Tymora is independent and decentralized, with temples scattered across the heartlands of Faerûn. Clergy, called luckbringers, believe in being bold and trusting one's own luck, encouraging risk-taking and the pursuit of dreams. Temples often serve as refueling stops for adventurers, providing healing and minor magic items. The church is particularly popular in Cormyr and among halflings, who consider her one of their own. The holy symbol is a face-up silver coin with Tymora's face surrounded by shamrocks. The most holy festival is Starfall, on the 22nd of Marpenoth.

45. #45Helm

    Keys: Helm, the Vigilant One

    Helm, the Vigilant One, the Watcher, is the Faerûnian god of guardians and protectors, worshiped by guards and paladins. He is the eternal sentry, the epitome of vigilant guardian and embodiment of the spirit of watchfulness. During the Time of Troubles, Ao tasked him alone with guarding the Celestial Stairway, which forced him to kill Mystra. He was later slain by Tyr in a duel triggered by a misunderstanding. He returned to the Realms with the restored faith of his Chosen Kleef Kenric during the Second Sundering. He is cold, focused, impartial, particularly fond of children, and begrudges Lathander for the death of his lover Murdane during the Dawn Cataclysm. His divine realm is Everwatch, a watchtower moving around the House of the Triad.

    The Church of Helm is organized into a strict military hierarchy, with the Supreme Watcher as the head, though the post has been vacant since the 10th century DR. The Council of Helm, four Archancels, oversees Helmite activities. Clergy wear polished full plate armor, often enchanted as everbright, with plumed helmets. The Ceremony of Honor to Helm is celebrated on Shieldmeet. The holy symbol is an upright left gauntlet with a staring eye on it, the Unblinking Eye.

46. #46Gond

    Keys: Gond, the Wonderbringer, Lord of All Smiths, Holy Maker of All Things

    Gond, the Wonderbringer, Lord of All Smiths, Holy Maker of All Things, is the Faerûnian god of craft, smithing, and inventiveness. He pushes for innovation and imaginativeness, sometimes to a dangerous degree, as a result of his short-sighted desire to create. He views magic as simply another means by which to craft new inventions. He is one of the Deities of Knowledge and Invention alongside Oghma, Milil, and Deneir. His divine realm is Wonderhome, a grand library in the House of Knowledge. His only major foe is Talos.

    The Church of Gond, also known as Gondarism, was centered on the island nation of Lantan, where it was the state religion. Members are called Gondsmen, Gondsmen, or Gondians. The church is known for clockwork and golemwork, with the High House of Wonders in Baldur's Gate as a major temple. The clergy are itinerant, traveling across Faerûn to spread their faith, share their creations, and discover new inventions. Members of all alignments are accepted, so long as they are interested in crafting and craftmanship. The holy symbol is a toothed cog with four spokes.

47. #47Tiamat

    Keys: Tiamat, the Chromatic Dragon, the Queen of Evil Dragons

    Tiamat, the Chromatic Dragon, the Dark Lady, the Queen of Evil Dragons, is the chaotic evil and lawful evil dragon goddess of greed, queen of evil dragons, and reluctant servant of Asmodeus. She was originally a member of the Draconic pantheon and the Untheric pantheon before joining the Faerûnian pantheon. She is a unique chromatic dragon with one head for each primary color, five heads in total, with a body that has wyvern traits, including a long tail tipped with a venomous stinger. Her divine realm is the Dragonspawn Pits of Azharul, connected to her lair in Avernus. She is arrogant, greedy, hateful, spiteful, and vain, and the eternal rival of her brother Bahamut.

    The Church of Tiamat accepts only evil clerics and is regimented by a strict hierarchy, originally with titles like Custodian of the Copper Chalice and Breath of the Red Ravager. Clergy focus on acquiring wealth and sabotaging other faiths through thefts, assassinations, vandalism, and arson. In Unther and Chessenta, they seized power; in western Faerûn, they subverted the Cult of the Dragon. The church believes that when Tiamat assumes her throne, her draconic children will serve as her dukes. The holy symbol is a five-pointed star with one point colored for each chromatic dragon. The most holy day is the Festival of Vengeance.

48. #48Bahamut

    Keys: Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon

    Bahamut, the Platinum Dragon, Valiant One, is the dragon god of justice and a subservient deity to Torm, god of law. He was once known as Xymor, and was a member of the Draconic and Untheric (under the alias Marduk) pantheons before joining the Faerûnian pantheon. He is a massive platinum dragon, with scales that glow with a faint blue sheen. His natural form is said to be the only one of its kind. He often walks the Material Plane as an old wizard accompanied by seven canaries, known among mortals as Fizban the Fabulous. He is stern and disapproving of evil, with limitless empathy for the downtrodden. His divine realm is his palace on Celestia. His eternal rival is his sister Tiamat.

    The Church of Bahamut accepts only clerics of good alignments, primarily metallic dragons. His dogma is based on justice, nobility, protection, honor, mercy, and just authority, following the Ptarian Code. His worshipers oppose the schemes of Tiamat, and many Tormites also pay homage to him. Temples are extremely rare, with most followers keeping only small shrines in their lairs. The holy symbol is a dragon's head in profile, often a platinum dragon claw carried on a stout chain.

49. #49Rhalic

    Keys: Rhalic

    Rhalic is one of the Seven Gods of Rivellon and the creator of the human race, the most numerous of the seven races. He was once an Eternal lord who served the God King until Fane revealed the power of Source, and the Seven rebelled and banished the God King into the Void. He and six other lords created mortal races to harvest worship and devour souls in the Hall of Echoes.

50. #50Duna

    Keys: Duna

    Duna is one of the Seven Gods of Rivellon and creator of the dwarven race, considered the most pragmatic of the seven races. He was once an Eternal lord who served the God King until Fane revealed the power of Source, and the Seven rebelled and banished the God King into the Void. He and six other lords created mortal races to harvest worship and devour souls in the Hall of Echoes.

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