Sul
[Female, Chaotic Good]
Of all the gods, Sul is perhaps the most infectiously endearing. Representing the most relentless aspects of wishful thinking and a positive outlook, Sul finds her followers in both people who choose to keep their spirits high despite adversity, as well as those who find themselves looking for a silver lining while stuck in the throes of despair. Sul seeks to elevate mortals to a state of emotional strength that defies the darkness that pervades their fragile existence. As one would expect, she is perpetually joyful, prone to giggling at even the silliest of quips. She also seems not at all bothered by the threats or negative demeanor of others, be they a bitter peasant or a seething, roaring green dragon. When such threatening individuals meet Sul, it is not very long before they find themselves displaying a quivering lip in danger of revealing a smile. Soon after, laughter from the filled heart of a former enemy echoes in her presence.
Sul most often utilizes the form of a youthful and portly halfling female, although she has also taken the forms of the other humanoid races. She has long, shiny brown hair, always bound into two coiled braids just above here ears. The Goddess of Positive Energy is perpetually rosy-cheeked with bright red eyes exuding comfort akin to the glow of a warm fire on a calm winter’s day. Sul prefers to wear a long, flowing white robe accented by numerous charms representing good fortune and inner strength. She also carries an elegantly carved walking stick with the exaggerated statuette of a smiling, white pony secured at the top as a grip.
Portfolio: Hope and Courage
Cleric Training:
The Clerics of Sul must first and foremost display a strong sense of hope and bravery in all things that they do. This is not a demeanor that can be trained or taught, prospective leaders of her church must have a genuine desire to do good for its own sake, and a song of light and life permanently within their hearts.
Those who are found to be capable of joining her cause are often approached by a cleric or bard in service to Sul with a request to attend a grand morning function. These events usually involve a simple yet bountiful breakfast in the early hours, followed by a small collection of team-building games with other potentials, performers, and several members of the church. Around noon, the performers gather their instruments and play a variety of songs meant to inspire dance, poetry, and other acts of talent. Those who embrace these events and participate with genuine enthusiasm and confidence are asked to join Sul’s church and begin their training.
Once a new acolyte joins with Sul, they start their training by singing. It is important for a cleric of Sul to maintain high spirits, and it is believed by her followers that there is no better way to do this than to have a song that grants you strength permanently on your lips. This is especially helpful because acolytes are expected to perform a great deal of mundane duties involving the cleaning and maintaining of utensils, dishware, furniture, and musical instruments (of which there are many) that belong to the church. This practice ensures that a budding cleric will develop the habit of exuding a form of positive energy even when mired in tedious tasks. Through these exercises, they will also begin to manifest a connection with Sul herself, and start to channel divine energy.
Once this growth is noticed by higher ranking members of the church, the acolytes are taken out into the world by a troupe of church goers made up of at least one experienced cleric, bard, several other hopefuls and at times a paladin of Sul. While these training missions are not meant to be inherently dangerous, the candidates are brought to areas that are known to be inhospitable to servants of the light. The goal is to challenge their sense of courage, hope, and growing power. If they stand fast against unexpected threats while performing their duties with unflinching grace and joy, they are inducted as clerics of Sul upon their return in a grand celebration.
Quests:
The Mirthful Convoy
Unlike many holy quests, this particular sacred mission does not focus on the individual, but rather the achievement of the goodly humanoid spirit. For this reason, creatures from all walks of life, even those who do not follow Sul are allowed to join in this extraordinary journey. However, it is rare that those without a strong sense of faith rooted in Sul’s teachings can withstand the rigors of such a deceptively dangerous endeavor.
The Mirthful Convoy, like much of Sul’s religious ceremonies, starts with a grand reception filled with loved ones, friends, and family, along with the highest ranking members of the church overseeing the preparations. Those who will join the convoy are gifted with a variety of boons from the guests in order to aid them in the coming trials. These can include lovingly home-cooked food, sturdy clothing for the changing seasons, and even gifts as extravagant as magical items. Since nobody can predict exactly where the Mirthful Convoy will travel to (except for Sul), it is highly encouraged to fortify anyone joining the convoy with the highest chance of returning alive possible.
When the celebration begins, so too does the quest, and local residents travel with the participants for as long as they are able. Eventually the convoy, made up of anywhere from 10 to 20 members of the church, will proceed ahead on their own. The members of this monumental task are expected to present all that they encounter with the tenets of Sul, through example.
Regardless of interference from negative influences, lack of resources or atrophy of the body and spirit, the Mirthful Convoy must continue. It’s goal is simply to spread music, courage, and hope to all they encounter. While they do this, a participant of the convoy who wishes to complete the quest in earnest must not accept help from anyone outside of the group. The only caveat to this restriction is that anyone with good intentions towards the outcome of the mission (Sul watches closely) may join the Convoy as a member, and may bring any resources they wish to help in its completion.
A well run Convoy attracts followers to join in the worship of Sul and the positive aspects of life, and compels them to give of themselves in order to receive a deeper feeling of fulfillment. The journey can last for roughly 4 years, and by the time it returns to its point of origin, its contingent has multiplied nearly one hundred times over as a necessity of survival. At the end of the long and arduous trek, participants are rewarded with a blessing of Sul, its strength dependent on the amount of time sacrificed. While most gifts are a simple welcoming into the fold, some are granted spiritual marks that enhance their divine connection, or the granting of a limited wish for those who managed to persist over a great period of time without losing their composure.
Only once in recorded history has a member of the Mirthful Convoy managed to complete the entire ordeal from start to finish. Upon his return, it was said that he radiated with the spirit of Sul herself, and could grant unbridled inner strength to anyone he touched.
Those who fail to remain with the group are allowed to leave with no ill effects, or even judgement. Those that abandon the path are always left with a feeling of emptiness for a time until their body and spirit readjusts to the missing magic experienced while within Sul’s embrace.
Prayers:
Gift of Courage
Sul within us, strengthen our spirit and brighten our light. Guide us through the tremors of life with your steady and gentle right hand. Deliver us to our dreams with the compassionate and joyous right.
Hymn of Dancing Bright
Shine on through the darkness, dancer
Shine on through the doldrums,
the devils and the demons,
Shine brighter than the brightest
Sur’s light will guide your steps
Dance through the madness, without regret
Temples:
The Brave Bastion
The temples of Sul do not have a headquarters, or a capital city to speak of. In fact, the temples of Sul do not resemble typical places of worship at all. Most places of worship to the god of hope take the form of large cottages and well-maintained farm houses. Others double as theaters for performers of all sorts. Within these buildings rest multiple chapels, always placed near a well-lit area or window. There are no large receiving halls or reception areas save what one might expect when entering the home of an old friend.
The Brave Bastion is one such place, about a mile outside the village of Mulwin, centered in West Oblian. The name is in reference to the building itself. It appears as a charming, well constructed manor house of considerable size. Its outside decorations indicate a sense of whimsy and warmth to passersby, yet stands defiant of the less than hospitable lands that surround it. Several priests of Sul maintain the establishment, along with a dozen acolytes. The home has many well-furnished rooms, and in addition to a place of worship to Sul, is also run as an Inn for weary travellers.
Rites: The Rites of Sul are perhaps among the most casual and unceremonious of the other gods. Unless performing a magical ritual for a more than mundane purpose, Sul only requires that her followers make a small offering in the form of a young flower, freshly bloomed. From there the divine channels are opened up to pray to her. The nature of Sul’s gifts do not lend themselves well to practiced traditions, as things like Hope and Courage and desire for Luck come from within the humanoid spirit, and are often needed both sporadically and suddenly. Because of this, her rituals do not make many demands, save a small sacrifice in exchange for her blessing.
Clerics from other religions sometimes scoff at the seemingly childish nature of Sul’s traditions, in part due to the perceived lack of power a loyalist would expect to be able call upon from such simple workings. However, many creatures of Evil Will have found out many times in a fashion most devastating that Sul is not without her answers to the threatening of her children.
Burial Rites: Burial Rites of Sul are also a surprisingly joyous occasion among her followers. What outsiders often fail to understand is that Sul does not focus on loss and suffering, but rather celebrates what is and what will be. The Burial Rites of the goddess reflect that. The body of the deceased is held on a dais or small stage of some kind while friends, family, and revelers celebrate the life of their loved one. Stories of the individual’s life are shared casually among them, and also as a part of the occasional toast to the entire room.
The deceased’s next of kin will then read a litany of the individuals deeds and accomplishments they have left behind, including works not yet finished. In tribute to the dead, attendees may offer their support to complete the tasks of the dead and sign a ledger drawn up by the deceased’s family. These signatures are always made in earnest, and a reasonable time frame is given to complete whatever tasks were agreed to. Sul does not have many punishments for inappropriate behavior amongst her children, but neglecting one’s pledged assistance to the family of the dead is considered a grievous insult, and one of the few actions that could get one excommunicated from the church if reparations are not made.
Tithe: Only clerics and higher ranking members of the church are expected to tithe a portion of their monetary wealth to Sul. This money is in turn used to feed the poor and homeless as well as maintain the property and land of Sul’s establishments.
The more traditional “tithe” expected from other members of the church are more non-traditional gifts known to bring happiness and lend strength to others. Things like a beautifully assembled bouquet of flowers, a cheerful song sang in rapture, a homemade dessert, or a candle smelling of the finest incense are all considered acceptable forms of tithing. A tithe is expected twice a month to any location known to serve Sul, and is not required to be made at a specific location. While community members are not honorbound to tithe in this fashion, many consider it insulting to neglect one of the few responsibilities given to members of the church.
Benefits: The Clerics of Sul are gifted a great number of powers to confront and defend against the evils that would attempt to subvert their purpose. Many unfortunate villains have mistaken the jovial and forgiving nature of a follower of Sul for weakness, and paid the price. The light of Sul allows a cleric to root out creatures hiding in darkness, as well as expose beings hiding through magical means. At its most intense, the radiance of Sul sears the flesh of creatures vulnerable to the power of light, and a follower of Sul can unleash this power upon these monsters at will.
The Church of Sul is considered one of the most accommodating to those within and outside their circles. Any Cleric will gladly offer assistance to an innocent or creature suffering unjustly. Many locations dedicated to Sul double as shelters for victims of horrendous crimes, offering them the support and patience they need to heal properly. They also donate food, clothing, and other essentials to the downtrodden in regular, monthly events hosted at a place of worship.
Those who serve and live within the church are afforded the protection of the others who live there as if they were family, and it is expected that anyone benefiting from Sul’s generosity be similarly willing to contribute in times of need.
Herald and Allies:
Father Passion [Herald]
A tall, charming, exceptionally well dressed and perpetually grinning Half-Elf who only answers to Father Passion serves as Sul’s herald. He has dark, tanned skin and long, shining strawberry blonde hair. He wears an all white robe with a deep red overcoat featuring elaborate gilded trimmings. Similarly, he has impossibly well polished red velvet boots and a matching set of gloves. He is always seen carrying his Quarterstaff, an exquisitely well-crafted cherrywood shined to perfection. At the top sits a clear white diamond in the shape of a heart. The gem glitters while he speaks, and no matter the environment his clothes are always impeccably clean, even when walking through mud.
Father Passion’s voice carries a harmonic resonance that draws the attention of all who can hear him. To the good of heart, his words fill their spirits with confidence and renewed inner strength. Those of an evil disposition find his words to be disquieting and demoralizing, carrying with them the unspoken promise of immediate retribution should they perform any villainous acts in his presence.
Father Passion appears quite often in areas where desperate pleas to Sul are made. Prayers of this nature are often made by those at the end of their emotional tether, or those who desperately seek to right a grievous wrong but lack the inner strength to do so. He forms suddenly, but somehow seems as if he had been there from the start. With a single touch of his hand on the shoulder of the distressed, a few kind words and a flash of his perfect smile, the individual finds themselves filled not only with the strength to press forward, but the undeniable certainty that the inner might within them had probably been there all along. Then, just as quickly as he arrived, Father Passion removes himself from the presence of his people, off to answer another call.
West Oblian as a region mostly supports Sul, as she seems to have the largest number of churches scattered about that region. The only issue is that the land itself is afflicted with a perpetual curse at the hands of Gryp, the god of Terror, Nightmares, and Cowardice. Also a being of pure darkness, it saw the growing influence of Sul on a land it had claimed as its own, and ensured that her hold over it would be tenuous at best. Creatures who live in West Oblian are periodically plagued with waking nightmares that prevent them from resting adequately, unless they are under Sul’s protection. Should Sul or her followers ever find a way to undo the curse, it is likely that the whole of West Oblian would flock to her worship, possibly elevating her to the status of a greater god.
Relationships with other Gods: Gryp is the mortal enemy of Sul, and has named itself her antithesis amongst the other deities of the pantheon. Sul finds this strange, as she had never once slighted the god, to her knowledge, but understands that the malevolent nature of this creature may not require any form of reason or logic to resent her existence.
Sul has many allies among the gods, many of them the more free spirited types such as Esk, Kole, and Gyv. Many times, these four have been known to side with each other in arguments against other gods, and have even established a reputation for being somewhat “elitist” in their deference towards each other. While this is partially true, the four also recognize that banding together is often necessary due to the sheer number of other deities who find their exuberance and positivity to be somewhat childish and ignorant.
Factions:
Sul has many factions, or branches, as they are referred to by her clerics. Having no main base of operations technically makes every church of Sul a faction, although no matter the distance from each other, each group is selflessly dedicated to the support of another.
Fierenan, perhaps the most unlikely supporter of Sul, is a massive hunting lodge run by Orc and Half-orc barbarians, deep within the icy mountains of the northern tundra. It formed out of a communal need of many different tribes who, after centuries of warring with each other, grew tired of the bloodshed and their dwindling numbers. As they fought each other, the much larger natural predators of the land had begun picking apart the warrior tribes from the outside, escalating their desperation even further. At long last, the remaining tribes were forced to fight together as one to avoid extinction, and found themselves united at their most desperate moment.
From this simultaneous defiance and acceptance came their understanding of Sul, although they do not call her by that. Fierenan itself resembles an incredibly thick log cabin spanning nearly a quarter-mile in length, and is capable of housing all of the remaining tribes within the area, should they need to band together again. They also welcome travellers and trade, even going so far as to send out hunting teams at night in the dangerous freezing heights to find unfortunate souls abandoned or lost in the darkness. Those who meet the greenblood defenders of this monument to Sul’s perseverance often find themselves off put by the uncharacteristic generosity of these hulking brutes. Unexpected visitors are treated with the utmost respect and care, and after a few days of mandatory revelry, they are sent back out on their way with maps and packs full of food and furs for the journey ahead.
Relics:
The Egg of Hope
Despite it’s finite nature, this mysterious item has shown itself a number of times throughout history. It is gifted to a chosen hero of Sul by the goddess herself, although this is rarely known to the receiver. It appears as a pale egg with a golden sheen and copper speckles. It is perpetually warm to the touch and glows brightly in the darkness. As it is bathed in light, the light within it shines even brighter.
The Stein of Communal Courage
This well-crafted oak stein is banded in gold so pure and polished that it almost seems to radiate light. Several of these large drinking mugs exist throughout the world, but are bound to each other magically. Anyone drinking from the stein can absorb or contribute to the morale of the other owners, as long as they allow it. One point of Morale can be granted or taken per day to be used by anyone else. Anyone who loses Morale from contributing to this pool will find that they do not suffer the effects from the morale loss unless the Morale is lost by an imbiber from an outside source. At that point, the original contributor suffers the morale damage, and must recover normally.
The Stein of Communal Courage was crafted by a clan of dwarves and blessed by Sul in return for their assistance in protecting several local communities of human pilgrims from an undead scourge, lead by a fear-mongering necromancer known as Kane Breyin. They sacrificed many of their own number to ensure the protection and building of the human settlement until they were able to fend for themselves. While none of the dwarves involved in this conflict even worshipped Sul at the time, or even knew of her, she recognized their selfless bravery and chose to reward them with a gift befitting their kindred spirit.