Shrines of Small Gods 2
Obek, Deity of Knowledge, Clay and Metal
A small tiered temple on the outskirts of an abandoned city. A simplistic clay idol without distinguishing features sits behind an altar, its arms outstretched, a lump of incense burning in each hand - replenished each month by the hermit Quazuul-Epoc of the Lost Hand, who still haunts these ruins. The altar is constructed with a bronze bowl in the centre, stained red. Two fist-sized holes go into the altar on either side of the bowl.
If a pint of horse blood is poured into the bowl, and the supplicant inserts their hands into the holes, they will be judged. Chaotic characters, those with an Intelligence of less than 10, and those who have consulted Obek within the past week will have their hands cauterized to stubs with a sudden, angry heat. All others will feel the favour of Obek, and may ask it one question on any subject, or two about metallurgy or pottery.
One who has felt Obek's favour has a 1-in-6 chance to carry a residue of its godhood with them for the next week. The next item they craft out of metal or clay will be imbued with the breath of life, functioning as an HD1 creature, loyal to its creator.
Atikne, Goddess of Love, Harvest, and Death
A certain dance performed to a certain reel played at certain festivals in certain remote villages. Those who dance the whirling frenetic steps find themselves egged on, enticed in their soul to give more to the dance, give into an ecstatic giddiness that drives them from themselves, falling senseless. When twenty dancers remain, save vs petrification. If you fail, you fall with 1d20 others. If you succeed, save again, another 1d20 fall, the dance continues. When the last has fallen, the final 1d6 are drawn in a dreamlike trance into the court of the Mother of the Night.
Atikne blesses these chosen dancers with the mark of her pleasure, her icy lips on their throat, appearing on their physical bodies even as their spirits are elsewhere. While this mark remains, the blessed has +2 to attack and saving throws against the undead. They can exchange the mark to induce anyone they want to fall in love with them. The goddess shows the visitors excellent hospitality, dozens of guests have already arrived, there is an abundance of fruit and wine, and though it is frigid to the touch, it is sweet and complex.
The final dancer receives special attention from the goddess, and is offered a place as Atikne's betrothed. A relative may be given as a replacement, but if the offer is rejected Atikne will bar the dancer from her palace. A betrothed of Atikne must save themselves for the goddess until the day of their death. They can turn undead as a bishop, and can cast charm person and death spell each once per day.
Melsoto, God of Combat and Darkness
A circle of earth surrounded by stones, each cracked open to reveal a fossil or uncut gemstone. A single, hearty stalk sprouts from the dirt, it's cup-shaped pearlescent flower holds three ounces of syrupy nectar. The prayer of Melsoto is not a secret, merchants sell scrolls with the prayer for 5sp at most nearby markets. If the prayer is said, the flower can be plucked and the nectar drunk, each ounce bestows the strength of an ogre for one day. If all three are drunk by one person, they gain the strength of a giant for three days. If the nectar is drunk without first saying the prayer, the drinker is struck down with paralytic illness and cannot move for a week. The flower grows back in 1d6 weeks.
If the flower is plucked and all three ounces of nectar poured out, a supplicant can challenge Melsoto for a blessing. The god's avatar steps out of shadow, hulking muscle and stag's antlers, his face blank but for a pair of glowing red eyes, his form black like a pit where light cannot reach. He will accept any sort of physical challenge or duel. He fights as a Lord with 18 Strength, Dexterity and Constitution. When he deals damage, it saps 1d6 points of Strength. If the supplicant defeats Melsoto, the god will grant a wish pertaining to war and combat: an enemy weakened, a special weapon forged, a gift of prowess. Too greedy or dishonorable requests are chided and ignored. If Melsoto wins the challenge, he absorbs the last of the supplicant's Strength, turning them into a shadow in perpetual service to the god.
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Listening to:
Reading: Arm of the Sphynx by Josiah Bancroft
Watching: Babylon 5, Season 1
Playing: