Illus. by D. Crabapple
GNOMES
CHAPTER 2
dear. Gelf is an angry, sorrowful deity, and he attracts followers of similar temperament. Portfolio: Entropy, revenge. Domains: Chaos, Destruction, War. Cleric Training: Would-be clerics of Gelf are individually recruited by senior clerics who sense kindred spirits. Those who follow Gelf are rebels so committed to their cause that they would do anything to defeat the authorities they despise. Quests: If someone has hatched a plot against one of Garl Glittergold’s temples—or against a thriving gnome community— Gelf Darkhearth is probably behind it. He takes particular glee in using Garl’s faithful against him, duping adventurers into doing his bidding. Prayers: Gelf’s prayers are often wordless ululations—long strings of vowel sounds. To nonbelievers, they sound like gibberish, but the exact order of sounds has meaning to the faithful. Temples: Gelf’s temples aren’t hidden, but they are out of the way and placed so that Gelf’s worshipers aren’t seen coming and going. Most gnomes know where to find a temple to Gelf (assuming one is nearby), but few can think of a reason to go there. Rites: Many of Gelf’s rites seek to bestow a curse or ill will on a nonbeliever. Few are known outside the fairly insular circle of Gelf’s worshipers—with one exception: Almost every gnome warrior knows the Rite of the Adroit, a brief group ceremony that steels the minds of gnomes to the chaos of war. Herald and Allies: The herald of Gelf is a 20th-level fiendish gnome rogue. His allies are succubus demons, green slaadi, and death slaadi. Favored Weapon: Warhammer.
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Holy symbol of The Glutton
THE GLUTTON Lesser Deity (Chaotic Evil) Usually depicted as a massive, ravenous badger or wolverine, The Glutton figures prominently in the bedtime stories gnomes tell naughty children—“Go to sleep or The Glutton will get you!” The Glutton is blamed whenever a burrow collapses or another misfortune befalls the gnomes. It is said that The Glutton was once a gnome who was cursed with a hideous form and a desire to consume the gnomes and all they hold dear. Portfolio: Disaster, greed. Domains: Chaos, Destruction, Evil, Strength. Cleric Training: The Glutton’s few clerics are all secretive cult leaders, for no gnomes would willingly allow worshipers of The Glutton into their burrows. They recruit new clerics from among the mad and the hopeless. Quests: The Glutton’s goals are straightforward enough that he doesn’t send followers on quests. But the cults that act in his name might send adventurers on quests to acquire more evil power. Prayers: Cultists of The Glutton take his name literally when they pray, stuffi ng themselves with food as they make profane utterances to their evil deity. Temples: The Glutton has no temples. His cultists meet wherever they can find a measure of secrecy. Rites: Rites require a level of organization that The Glutton is uninterested in. If his cultists want a ceremony to perform, they have to create it themselves. Herald and Allies: The herald of The Glutton is a balor with 20 Hit Dice. Allies are howlers, greater barghests, and nalfeshnee demons. Favored Weapon: Heavy mace.
Holy symbol of Gelf Darkhearth
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