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N
IO
ED &
IT
D
ED E FANTASY ADVENTURE GAMING SUPPLEMENT
D IS
N EV
PA R
EX
ii
SPECIAL REFERENCE WORK
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
ISBN 978-1-312-81946-7
iv
Inexorable Deities
& Edgar Lee Masters
Deities!
Inexorable revealers,
Give me strength to endure
The gifts of the Muses,
Daughters of Memory.
When the sky is blue as Minerva’s eyes
Let me stand unshaken;
When the sea sings to the rising sun
Let me be unafraid;
When the meadow lark falls like a meteor
Through the light of afternoon,
An unloosened fountain of rapture,
Keep my heart from spilling
Its vital power;
When at the dawn
The dim souls of crocuses hear the calls
Of waking birds,
Give me to live but master the loveliness.
Keep my eyes unharmed from splendors
Unveiled by you,
And my ears at peace
Filled no less with the music
Of Passion and Pain, growth and change.
But O ye sacred and terrible powers,
Reckless of my mortality,
Strengthen me to behold a face,
To know the spirit of a beloved one
Yet to endure, yet to dare!
Prologue
I’ve always felt that the best role playing game aids are the ones that enable the imagination,
rather than replace it. These are typically not part of the brand name ‘sharecropper’ game settings,
bursting with all the pre-fab details necessary to run somebody else’s world. Rather, they are
often small press publications, chock full of inspirational gems; stockpiles of stand-alone ideas,
encounters, characters, deities, and settings that are intended to blend into the stories being created
by game masters and their players. Over the years, I’ve worked on a few such game aids—
Central Casting, CityBook, The Dungeoneer, and of course The Unknown Gods from Judges Guild—
which as I understand, is the inspiration for this book. And that, of course, means it’s one of
the good ones.
Jennell Jaquays
December 25th, 2010
Author of Dark Tower & The Caverns of Thracia
Bob Bledsaw began the Unknown Gods project as a collection of his original, purely fantasy
deities—a counterpoint to TSR’s own OD&D Gods, Demi-Gods & Heroes which contained deities
interpreted from terrestrial mythology and popular fiction. The project arrived in my hands
not long after I started at Judges Guild as a disorganized file of typed notes, and charming black
and white illustrations by another illustrator. I organized, edited and rewrote Bob’s notes,
added a few original deities of my own, illustrated most of the gods, and created a two-color cover.
I don’t remember it being anything close to my best work, but it had a lot of wacky ideas for
fantasy deities. It certainly filled an inspirational niche in fantasy game publishing not being met
elsewhere at the time.
vi
Contents
Introduction:
List of Contributors............................................................................ viii
Foreword............................................................................................... ix
Preface & Acknowledgments............................................................. x
What is a God?..................................................................................... xi
Notes for Using Petty Gods in Play................................................. xii
The Subtle Art of Propitiation......................................................... xiv
A Guide to Godly Reactions ............................................................. xv
Section 1:
Petty Gods........................................................................................ 1
Section 2:
Minions, Knights & Servitors.......................................... 209
Section 3:
Cults & Cultists. ....................................................................... 277
Section 4:
Divine Items................................................................................ 293
Section 5:
Spells................................................................................................ 317
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:
Appendices
A. Create a Religion In Your
Spare Time for Fun and Profit.................................................. 331
B. Gods of Barsoom......................................................................... 341
C. Legends & Lore of the Jale God........................................... 343
D. Petty Foods of the Petty Gods.............................................. 345
E. Petty Classifieds....................................................................... 361
N. Inspirational & Educational Reading.................................. 364
Indices
Alphabetical Index of Gods ........................................................... 365
Alphabetical Index of Writers ........................................................ 374
Alphabetical Index of Artists.......................................................... 376
v ii
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS INTRODUCTION
List of Contributors
EDITORS ( ) '
Mike “Carlson” Davis, Greg Gorgonmilk, Richard J. LeBlanc, Jr., Matthew W. Schmeer, Matthew Skail, Christopher Stogdill
PROOFREADERS ( ) ô
Johnathan Baker, Jarrett Crader, David Larkins, James Lemon, Eric Potter, Daniel Sell, Matthew Skail, Tim Snider
WRITERS ( ) &
Ragnar Arneson, Will Arnold, Vance Atkins, Alexandra Ausborn, Katherine Ausborn, Benjamin Ball, Paul Ballard, M.A.R. Barker,
Matthew Baron, Stephen Bartok, David Baymiller, Jonathan Becker, Antoine Marc Belle, Johnathan Bingham, Daniel J. Bishop,
M.T. Black, Barry Blatt, Mark Bober, Malcolm Bowers, Dustin Brandt, Timothy Brannan, Andrew Branstad, Damian Breen, Kevin
Brennan, Jim Brewer, Emmett Brinkmann, Jonah Brinkmann, Paul Brinkmann, Alan Brodie, Justen Brown, Joshua Burnett,
Dale Cameron, Courtney Campbell, Eric Campbell, Dennis Carter, Dan Cassar, Luigi Castellani, Trey Causey, Colin Chapman, Ezra
Claverie, Claytonian JP, Ian Coakley, Nathan Cohen, Steve Collington, Christopher Conklin, Brian A. Cooper, Andrew Crenshaw,
Michael Curtis, Steven Danielson, Mike “Carlson” Davis, Ndege Diamond, Matt Diaz, Adam Dickstein, Ben Djarum, Patrick Henry
Downs, Jeremy Duncan, Dungeon of Sketch, Justin Dunnuck, Jens Durke, Duncan Eshelman, Fr. David Eynon, Eric Fabiaschi, John
Feldman, Matt Fischer, Thomas Fitzgerald, Blair Fitzpatrick, Simon Forster, Garrisonjames, Casey Garske, Sándor Gebei, Boric
Glanduum, J.P. Glutting, Greg Gorgonmilk, Josh Graboff, John Grant, Edward Green, Rob Griffin, David Haraldson, Dan Harms,
Shaun Haskins, Sean Holland, Jeremy Holley, Tim Huntley, Richard Iorio II, Matt Jackson, Erik Jensen, Greg Johnston, Eric Jones,
Patrick Kennedy, Jason Kielbasa, Tom Kilian, Logan Knight, Al Krombach, Dennis Laffey, Ash Law, Richard J., Jr. LeBlanc, Legion,
John Gavin Lighterness, Mike Lizardi, Ken Lizzi, Bryce Lynch, Jay Mac Bride, William Maranto, Thomas Martin, Jürgen Mayer, Jed
McClure, Ian McDougall, Geoffrey McKinney, Johnstone Metzger, Atailton Miranda, Atailton Miranda, James Mishler, Jodi Mishler,
Robert Morris, James Murphy, Atte Mustonen, Jonas Mustonen, Terje Nordin, Gavin Norman, Null Null, Erol Otus, Jim Pacek, Erin
Palette, Anthony Pastores, James Patterson, Christopher Paul, Darcy Perry, Stefan Poag, Porky, Lester B. Portly, Eric Potter, Dan
Proctor, Brian Rae, Anthony Ragan, Jeremy Reaban, Peter Regan, Luka Rejec, Stuart Roe, Todd Roe, Rorschachhamster, Wayne
Rossi, Tony A. Rowe, Thed Rune, Doug Rusch, Igor Sartorato, Matthew W. Schmeer, Craig Schwarze, Nicolas Senac, Shadrac MQ,
Tim Shorts, Keith Sloan, E.T. Smith, James Smith, Michael Smith, Roger S.G. Sorolla, James Spahn, Joel Sparks, John Stater, Aaron
E. Steele, Thorbjørn Steen, Tim Stephens, Christopher Stogdill, Grant Stone, Patrick Stuart, Studio Arkhein, Scott Sutherland, Chris
Tamm, Erik Tenkar, Andy Thompson, R.J. Thompson, John Everett Till, Dave Traube, Troy J. Truchon, John Turcotte, Charles
Turnitsa, Evan Van Elkins, Vindico Vindicatum, James Ward, Garrett Weinstein, Chris Wellings, David Wellington, Patrick Wetmore,
Sean Wills, Eric Wirsing, Paul Wolfe, Duncan Young, Christopher Ziegler
ILLUSTRATORS ( ) F
Matthew Adams, Mark Allen, Aubrey Beardsley, Robert Anning Bell, Kelly Bennett, Joel Bethell, Johnathan Bingham, Daniel J. Bishop,
William H. Bradley, Claude F. Bragdon, Liam Brennan, Dr. Brillenschnitzel, Rom Brown, Justen Brown, Ryan Browning, Joshua
Burnett, bygrinstow, Eric Campbell, Courtney Campbell, Luigi Castellani, Kevin Chenevert, Mike Clarke, Harry Clarke, Claytonion
JP, Christopher Conklin, Alexander Cook, Michael Cote, Fat Cotton, Donn P. Crane, Andrew Crenshaw, Thomas Denmark, Ndege
Diamond, Adam Dickstein, Bartlomiej Doroszko, Mona Dowie, Jeremy Duncan, Dungeon of Sketch, Beatrice Elvery, Fr. David
Eynon, Scott Faulkner, Gwen Faverat, , Eleanor Ferron, Virgil Finlay, David Fischer, Thomas Fitzgerald, Paul Gallagher, Garrisonjames,
Darryl Gillingham, Steven Goodman, Justin Graham, Kelvin Green, Glen Hallstrom, Richard Heighway, Edward Heil, Keith
Henderson, Adam Huntley, Chris Hüth, Jennell Jaquays, Zach Jaquays, James D. Jarvis, Eugene Jaworski, Oxide JCHart, David L.
Johnson, Eric Jones, A. Garth Jones, Christian Kessler, Tom Kilian, Reidar Kjelsen, Michal ‘Majqello’ Knapik, Logan Knight, Horace
J. Knowles, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, Gus L., Dorothy P. Lathrop, Richard J. LeBlanc, Jr., Christopher Letzelter, Joey Lindsey, Francis &
Margaret MacDonald, Jim Magnusson, The Marg, Elena Martínez López, Nate McD, Todd McGowan, Jonathan McNally, Kent Miller,
Tony Mullins, Juan Ochoa, Leonard O’Grady, OpenGL, Adolph Wilhelm Otto, Erol Otus, Jason Patterson, Anne Merriman Peck,
Danny Perdue, Darcy Perry, Cédric Plante, Ernesto Plasmo, Stefan Poag, Lester B. Portly, Joel Priddy, András Prim, Arthur Pyle, Eric
Quigley, Arthur Rackham, Herbert Railton, Luka Rejec, William H. Robinson, Aflred Roller, Paul Schaefer, Timothy Schaefer, Glynn
Seal, Byam Shaw, Shane Leong Kum Sheong, Andrew Shields, Jason Sholtis, Matthew Shultz, Zak Smith, James Allen St. John,
Matt Stretch, Studio Arkhein, Sheila Swift, TBD, Del Teigeler, Rose Turner, Josephe Vandel, Vindico Vindicatum, Franz Graf von
Pocci, Dugald Stewart Walker, Brian Walker, Brian Walker, Andrew Walter, James V. West, Morris Meredith Williams, Eric Wirsing,
Sabine Zabel, Steve Zieser
v iii
INTRODUCTION Foreword
Foreword
PETTY GODS—what a great title. When Mr. Gorgonmilk offered me the chance to do the
introduction for this book and a petty god inside the manuscript I jumped at the chance. In the
past I have written my own versions of gods and their like in products like GODS, DEMI-GODS &
HEROES (D&D), DEITIES AND DEMIGODS (AD&D), and OF GODS AND MONSTERS (C&C). There is
just a lot of interest in deities and what they do to characters in any fantasy campaign game. The
concept is not easy for Game Masters to wrap their heads around. Those types are busy enough just
designing dungeons and cities for their characters. Putting together temples, high priests, and other
“holy” concepts/encounters is a lot of work and books like this excellent tome are just what the
Game Master needs to add flavor to his game.
The title of this book is very interesting. Who is to say which deity is petty or lesser, or which being
is all powerful or greater? The goddess of pregnant women doesn’t look very interesting or powerful
unless you are pregnant, and then that being takes on a whole new status in the mind of that
particular worshiper. Look at the Roman god Janus, who has two faces and is the deity of doors.
That being doesn’t appear like a big deal until there are 10 orcs trying to get into the house through
the front door. I imagine a few special prayers are sent up in that case, and Janus looks like a
much bigger deal.
For 38 years I have had the pleasure of running games for friends and convention-goers. I can tell
you from very practical experience that salting in some bit of religion into encounters can go very far
in shaking up your players and making them think for a change. Imagine the surprise of your players
as they are doing a simple dungeon crawl when they come across an obvious temple area with a
very strange looking altar with a cup, scepter, and sphere on top. Could the characters be horribly
cursed by touching those items? Is there a way to discover the alignment of the relics and the temple?
It could be possible that those items could greatly aid the character party in the struggles ahead.
There could be hours of fun adventure just having those players try and figure out this one encounter.
When I get my hands on this book (because hopefully Greg will send me one early) some of the
creations are going right into my game. My campaign will be better for it and so will yours.
James M. Ward
Spring 2013
Preface
& Richard J. LeBlanc, Jr.
There are always challenges when working with a project like this. While the creativity that can come from opening up contributions
to all within the community can be truly dazzling, the workload it produces as a result can be easily overwhelming.
Simply managing the wealth of materials for a project like this is a Herculean task. Think about it... this tome contains over 300 petty
gods entries, 100-plus minions/knights/servitors, a similarly staggering number of divine items, and an incredible wealth of supple-
mentary materials. It’s no wonder there were days during the this project that I thought to myself, “Sisyphus had it easy.”
Take for example, the small inconsistencies that exist in the contributions. Statistics, though generally in line with the chosen Labyrinth
Lord format, were sometimes based on different editions of the rules (which necessitated some alteration, albeit minor). Even those
familiar with the chosen edition inadvertently produced inconsistencies (e.g., capitalizing the names of spells vs. typesetting the names
of spells in lower case italics).
As a designer who writes (or is that a writer who designs?), I possess a valued asset in wrangling a project like this, particularly when
it comes to production—I can edit on the fly. That is, as I move things into the layout, it doesn’t require much on my part to alter text
while I’m typesetting it. This speeds up the editing process tremendously. More importantly, it means that I can streamline things and
(do my best to) edit for consistency as I go.
Be warned, I’ve had to make some judgment calls throughout. For example, many of you who provided stats with dual-axis align-
ments will find them sweepingly changed to single-axis alignments. Most of us who are BX/LL veterans know that many creatures
noted as “lawful evil” in 1e should actually be treated as “chaotic” in BX/LL terms, so a notation of “lawful (evil)” could be considered
misleading. Additionally, many descriptions included indications, checks, or abilities that are generally not part of the BX/LL rulesets,
so those needed some work. Finally, many of the stat blocks did just not “jive” with the information in the full descriptions, so tweaks
were necessary to make these things fall in line with one another. These are the types of calls to which I’m referring.
There’s something else I’ve learned about working on projects like this—it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Imagine
trying to get permission to make alterations to entries from over 150 different contributors (most of whom I have no contact informa-
tion). So... this is me... officially asking for your forgiveness (and hoping that it’s tempered by the understanding that you are holding
a massive-yet-complete work in your hands—be those hands physical or metaphorically digital).
Acknowledgements
& Richard J. LeBlanc, Jr.
I would like to begin by tipping my hat to the book that started it all (Gods, Demi-gods & Heroes) by Robert Kuntz and James M.
Ward, under the direction of Tim Kask. This is the book that brought the world of the gods directly to the gaming table, and for that
I’m sure we as gamers are all eternally grateful.
This project would not exist if it were not for an idea put forth by Blair Fitzpatrick— a book featuring minor godlings, created in homage
to, and as a continuation of, Judges Guild’s Unknown Gods (originally produced under the direction of Jennell Jaquays).
I personally would like to give the deepest honor possible to the man that really kept all of the iterations of Petty Gods alive from the
project’s original inception—Peter Gifford. He may only have credited himself with the design, layout, and logo for the original PETTY
Gods edition, but he truthfully deserves an editor’s credit for managing the task when he found himself a man alone on an island, much
less keep it going at all! (This is why you will find him credited on the title page of this edition as the editor of the previous edition).
I would like acknowledge the work of my predecessors on this project, James Maliszewski and Greg Gorgonmilk.
Special mention must also be made of my “go to” writers and editors on this edition: Mike “Carlson” Davis, Matthew W. Schmeer,
Matthew Skail, and Eric Potter. When I needed help whipping an entry into shape, creating needed content, or figuring out something
from a statistics standpoint, their assistance was invaluable.
Finally, I would like to thank each and every member of the OSR RPG community who contributed to this project in any way—whether
that be as an illustrator, writer, editor, proofer, or just a proselytizer. Many of them may be found in the List of Contributors, but
there are those advocates of the project that will not. I thank you all!
INTRODUCTION WHAT IS A GOD?
What is a God?
& Grant Stone F Juan Ochoa
Most of us claim an inherent understanding of what a god is could be gazed upon by mortals with no ill effect, since no one
and would have no difficulty in comprehending the difference mortal has ever been able to comprehend Shatterglyphs.
between a farmer on his way to market and Nr’Gth, one of the
ever-screaming, denizens of Gorthen’s pit. However, for those Thankfully, Shatterglyph scripts are incredibly rare. Any mortal
who have embarked on a lifelong quest for knowledge, such contemplating deicide should consider what dark intelligences
“inherent understandings” are nothing more than the whistling might have originally created the Shatterglyph scripts and what
of the wind. ‘You know what a god is,” they will say, leaning on unknown powers the gods may be protecting us from.
their staves and raising their eyebrows menacingly, “but does Detect Alignment: Gods have additional senses that mor-
anyone else share your view?” tals do not. They have the innate ability to see the true nature
An answer to this most basic question could not be entrusted to of any person or thing. It is impossible to deceive the gods; they
the religionists. While a person of faith may acknowledge the will see into your soul and always see it true.
existence and power of many gods, they will nevertheless dem- Gate: Gods can create connections to other planes of exist-
onstrate a bias towards the one they have devoted themselves ence. Once this connection is made, the god can use the gate
to. Therefore, a specific definition of the term ‘god’ remained to draw beings from other planes through the gate. A god can
elusive until the famous proclamation of Redus X, 40th heirarch only draw beings from its own mythos. Gods, like mortals,
of the University of Crabt. are divided into groups and there is often no small enmity
(Most faculty and not a few students of the university of Crabt between factions.
have adopted a uniform of deep blue robes and conical hat, Geas or Quest: A god may command any creature to com-
topped with a bright yellow star. This star is intended to represent mit to or refrain from a course of action. This ability functions
the pure light of knowledge, but there are many who consider similar to the spells bearing the same name, although the range
both robes and hat ridiculous. Some local comedian dubbed the is 9” and no saving throw is possible.
place “Star Hat U”. The name, unfortunately, stuck.)
Teleport: Gods have no interest in the literally pedestrian
Redus X called a great conclave, summoning religious leaders modes of transport. A god can teleport from one place (or
from many different (and often opposing) faiths together for plane) to another at any time.
what he called an ‘enlightened and intellectual conversation’.
The result was unsurprising. When the worst of the fires had All of the above abilities function instantaneously, though not
been extinguished, Portan XVII, 41st heirarch of Star Hat U, necessarily continuously. There will be no outward indication
found the following document beneath the still-smouldering that a god is about to invoke one of these abilities; gods do
body of his predecessor. not often give forewarning of their intentions.
Saving Throws: Gods enjoy a saving throw in all categories
Abilities Common to All Gods of at least 2. If they are fallible at all, it is only one time in
Command: This ability functions in a similar manner to the twenty. Even then, you should be on your guard; a god who
command spell as practised by many schools of magic. For has the ill-fortune to demonstrate weakness in front of mortals
smaller gods, this lasts for two rounds. In the case of greater will not easily let said mortals depart with their health, soul, or
gods, this could last three rounds or more. No saving throw sanity intact.
is possible. Most gods do not play dice with the universe;
neither should you play dice with gods unless your intention
is to lose.
Comprehend Languages: The tongues of mortals are
nothing more than dust across the face of the world to gods.
All gods are able to hear, read, or speak any language as they
choose. Note that in most cases only the most literal of mean-
ings is translated; just because a god can hear you does not
necessarily mean he can understand.
This ability to comprehend any language has one remarkable
disadvantage. Gods are able to comprehend scripts written
with living glyphs of power (the famous ‘Shatterglyphs’ men-
tioned in certain ancient texts). A Shatterglyph is both a tex-
tual component and a living entity in its own right, that feeds
upon any mind that reads it. Because the comprehension of
all languages is an innate divine ability, it would be theoreti-
cally possible to use a Shatterglyph script to shred the mind
of a god, should he be tricked into reading it. That same script
xi
NOTES FOR USING PETTY GODS IN PLAY INTRODUCTION
The idea of a pantheon of gods, each with dominion over sub- scare away other demons. Amulets to Hanbi were placed on
stantial concepts (e.g., war, kingship, love, fire, nature, etc.) is children’s cots as a ward against demons such as the child-kill-
one with which most gamers are comfortable. And while most ing demon Lamashtu. Babylonian demons would at times act
role-players are familiar with the major names of historical on behalf of the gods, dispensing punishments to the wicked,
mythology (such as Isis, Odin, or Ares), a large number would or function as the gods’ bailiffs, carrying off to the underworld
be unfamiliar with the little gods. (For those who have played those seeking to avoid death.
Greg Stafford’s Glorantha, the concept may be more familiar.)
The Hindus have over a million gods. While greater gods such
There is, however, a historical precedent for the inclusion of as Indra were supreme in the minds of conquering Brahmins,
lesser gods. One of the world’s first emperors, Sargon of Akkad the military aristocracy, and state priesthoods, a local tree or
(ca. 2300-2200 BCE), conquered dozens of independent city- well divinity could be more important to local common folk.
states, each with its own a patron god. Some of these gods had Further, such lesser gods were truly local, and might be un-
wives and children who were also gods. Some had servants— heard-of in the neighboring village.
gate keepers, lamp holders, and the like—who played minor
roles in the city cult. Sargon couldn’t have everybody saying These sorts of lesser gods were not exclusive to non-European
their favorite city god was supreme and so, along with the in- religions. In Northern Europe, the mounds of ancient Norse
troduction of a single calender, written language, and other kings were occasionally associated with elves. Local goatherds
sweeping changes, he introduced the concept of the gods as a would leave small bribes or unwanted infants to protect their
single family or pantheon. flocks and appease these mischievous elves. Entire kingdoms
of elves could lay within such mounds, and their kings and
Rome received a similar treatment in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a queens might be regarded as minor gods. In pagan Russia you
history of the world from its creation by the gods to the deifica- might find a lesser god in the guise of a grubby, hairy dwarf
tion of Julius Caesar. While most of what is commonly known dwelling under a barn. In other places, a petty god might make
about Greece concerns Athens, a reading of Robert Graves’ take the form of a wild man of the forest, making life difficult
Greek Myths and works by H.D.F. Kitto provide a sense that for unworthy hunters. Locals would avoid swearing so as not
the lineages and relations of the gods varied not only between to offend such beings, leaving treats in hopes of good relations
cities, but also between rural areas. Organized state religions with them.
of empires were very different to the religious practices of the
common folk. It is all very well for an empire to have distant and mighty gods,
but for common folk around the world, the need existed for
Although the modern conception of demons is one of wholly gods that were nearer, more personable, and suited to their or-
evil entities, those of Mesopotamia could be as much benefac- dinary needs. While a king would not follow a god of cheese
tors as banes. While many are familiar with the Mesopotamian moulds, a cheese maker would find use for such a deity. A
demon Pazuzu, fewer are aware of his demonic father, Hanbi. greater god might have servants (e.g., scribes, messengers or
Though monstrous in appearance, sporting a panther face, ministers) whose divine employment would guide the palace of-
wings, claws, and a snake for a phallus, Hanbi tended to be a ficial or urban tradesmen. These little gods might also take the
useful ally. He would be evoked by healers and commoners to form of a legendary ancestor or a significant animal. What some
x ii
INTRODUCTION NOTES FOR USING PETTY GODS IN PLAY
would regard as a spirit, demon, or local forest monster might in who had wounded him, leading to Odysseus’ ten year voyage
fact be a petty godling. The various nymphs, sylphs, and satyrs throughout the Mediterranean. When Gilgamesh killed Hum-
might be worshipped, perhaps even being kin of greater gods. baba, the forest guardian and Bull of Heaven, he drew the anger
There could even be petty gods relating to a single vegetable, of greater gods, who, as punishment, killed his best friend, Enk-
a household tool, or a holy day. They might reside in strange idu. As noted before, killing a petty god can be the basis for a
rock, an ancient tree, or some other landmark. campaign, where ever more powerful gods confront the heroes
as punishment.
Some of these petty gods, while potent in their own right,
might only represented by a simple shrine, sometimes within Petty gods can be found in myriad places and situations. They
the temple of a greater god. As with greater gods, small amu- might reside in a place holy to them, surrounded by their fol-
lets and figures dedicated to the petty god might be carried by lowers, creatures and, perhaps, other members of their pan-
the faithful or decorate the hearth of a home. In the wilderness, theon. They may act as guardians of a relic or hallowed place,
any landmark might have significance for the locals, such as protecting that which the gods wish to keep for themselves
a special stone one would crawl under in order to become an (the secret of immorality, gates to the underworld, caves of
adult, which might also be the holy site of a particular petty gold, sacred groves from which the local royalty make their
god. In urban areas, a ghetto might have a local god, patron to beds...). A petty god might act as a ruler of spirits and mon-
a gang of thieves. sters in a region, perhaps even having a greater rapport with
the longer-lived or pre-human races than with humanity.
With the real world precedent of minor gods, it is only natural Some mortals may be blessed or cursed by a god, and become
that they migrate into the tales told for entertainment, and what petty gods themselves in the form of saints or demons. Other
better stories than the interactive tales of fantasy role-playing lesser gods may be the result of a romantic liaison between a
games. There are many ways to introduce petty gods into a greater god and a mortal, or even the intentional creation of
fantasy campaign setting. As a general rule, minor gods will a cult (though older gods may frown upon such a creation) or
be more common among the common folk, usually in rural another god (to act as a servant or lover).
areas. They will tend to be concerned with only one locale, but
are more likely to interact with or intervene on the behalf of Petty gods can also be used as punishment on those who accost
mortals than a greater power such as Zeus. Such lesser gods their faithful, whether they be the giant insects which destroy
might offer advice, quests, or aid. While it is unlikely a petty the farmers’ crops, the orc horde which destroys the village,
god would grant powerful magic to a wandering cleric, they or the adventuring ‘murder hobos’ who think their wandering
might allow the devout country wise woman or village elder to nature protects them from the necessity of respecting others.
reach lofty heights of power in their service. Although lesser to While they may not be able to slay the cosmic chaos dragon,
other gods, petty gods should still represent a significant en- a petty god might have no problem taking on some unruly un-
counter, and are unlikely appear in groups (though some petty dead, werewolf, or minor demon. Such protections may make
gods might appear in the form of more than one being, such as a strong impression on the god’s mortal followers, who may
the Norns of Norse mythology). come to act or dress like them (even if that means they wear
a turnip-shaped hat to honor of the Turnip God). Some of the
In the early days of tabletop role-playing games, tomes such as god’s followers may even exhibit unusual features due to their
AD&D’s Deities & Demigods or Judges Guild’s The Unknown interaction with a petty god, such as blue hair or bird feet.
Gods (spiritual predecessor to this very tome) presented gods
as little more than powerful monsters for higher level heroes to Petty gods are also useful beyond providing antagonists for
battle (why else have defined stats if they were not intended for characters. The player characters in the campaign may be called
combat?). Even though many gods in these early works were upon to act as the avengers for a deceased godling, tracking
very powerful, some were not terribly greater than some of the down the god’s killers at the behest of followers. Another pos-
lords of Hell depicted in the AD&D Monster Manual. But no sibility is a quest to restore the god to life, with the heroes seek-
matter the circumstances, meeting a petty god should be a sig- ing out items (or the body of the god) with which to bring this
nificant event; combating one a momentous occasion; the slay- about. A petty god might even join a party to act as a guide in
ing of one the definition of a campaign’s entire scope. some other plane. Or the player characters may instead be the
petty gods themselves, whether after their own ascension from
In life, a petty god can be formidable; in death, they can be an mortality to divinity, by being viewed as divine by an expanding
even greater threat. Lesser gods have followers, and such a cult, group of faithful followers, or by having a previously unknown
when not seeking to return their god to life, might hunt down divine ancestry revealed to them. Such character-gods could
their god’s slayer. A greater god might raise a favorite servant provide the basis for an ongoing campaign or a single night of
god, though they might return a changed being. A petty god high-level play.
might be released from the underworld by their great uncle—
who just happens to be the gatekeeper of the underworld—and No matter how they are introduced into a campaign, petty gods
return with new and frightening undead abilities, plotting hor- provide a great opportunity to expose characters to divine be-
rible revenge on those who have brought them low. ings and powers without diminishing the potency of the mightier
gods. Interactions with petty gods might shape the opinions of
Petty gods might be the source of curses, whether directly (by the greater gods towards an adventuring party, and be used to
cursing the faithless) or indirectly (through the vengeance of gradually expose them to higher powers.
other gods). In the Odyssey, upon being blinded by Odysseus,
the Cyclops called on his father Poseidon to punish the mortal There is plenty of gold in Petty Gods. How you use it is up to you.
x iii
THE SUBTLE ART OF PROPITIATION INTRODUCTION
As we all know, the gods are petty in ways that boggle the candidates, most of whom have little chance of success. Still,
mind. Some are distant, others are meddle in mortal affairs, you better undertake it if you want to avoid a god’s wrath!
and others still view those who walk this earth as a pestilence
that must be eradicated. Yet most gods, from the weakest to Now, this little essay would not be complete without a bit of
the greatest, are unknowable except in that they are capricious instruction on how to deal with an angry god, so allow me to
and quick to anger. And if a mortal should offend a god, woe quickly provide a template for prayer that has been most suc-
be unto him! cessful for clerics of the Order of the Open Hand when they
are out in the field. Most Reverend Father Troutslapper created
There is little a mortal can do to appease an angry god. At best, this form of prayer many years ago when this abbey was first
we can offer meager offerings; at worst, we can die for our founded, and we have found that it is an easy and accessible
transgressions. And death may not be enough, as some gods way for the common folk to ingratiate themselves to the gods
torture souls for eons once they have crossed the boundaries of and avoid their wrath.
the material plane. What can one do to remain in or return to
a petty god’s good graces? There are four parts to a good prayer, which you can remem-
ber by this simple mnemonic device: A.C.T.S. Allow me to ex-
The answer might surprise you: keep your superstitions! Su- plicate as follows.
perstitions are not deviations of religious feeling and the prac-
tices that faith imposes; in fact, they are grounded in appeas- Acknowledgement: Declare your belief in the god, ac-
ing the gods through sacramental signs. Wearing amber beads, knowledging their power over their specific domain or do-
eating apples once a day, mounting horseshoes above a stable’s minion. Ex: “Ywehbobbobhewy, Lord of Waters, King of
doors, tossing a pinch of spilled salt over one’s shoulders— Mirrors, Patriarch of the Most Profound, I beseech you in
these please some nearly-forgotten petty god in some small your powers over thought and reflection!”
way and keeps them at bay. These small acts have ensured the Compunction: Admit your transgressions and your guilt
protection of peasant folk for generations on end! and express a deep regret for those actions which a god
But there is more to propitiating the gods than simple domestic might find offensive. Ex: “Know that I have faltered in my
rituals. No, true propitiation is more specific; it implies that faith and in my words and I have broken seven mirrors and
divine wrath must be averted to mend the mortal/god relation- passed by calm waters without the proper sacrifices.”
ship. This may be as simple as sending up a request for forgive- Thankfulness: Express your gratitude to the god for not
ness or as complex as undertaking a quest at a god’s behest. afflicting you in their wrath. Ex: “Praise you, oh Most Pro-
Broadly speaking, there are four ways to propitiate the gods: found, for not striking your humble servant dead!”
Prayers: These usually take the form of requests for bless- Solicitation: Entreat the god to act in your favor. Ex: “If it
ings or curses or some other divine favor. Many common please Your Honor, please bless this poor befuddled serv-
obscenities are rooted in quick prayers, while other prayers ant and allow him to see through this portal to what lies on
are overly ornate literary constructions. Prayer is the one the other side. Allow this mirror to reflect the truth of what
sure route to the gods open to all. therein remains!”
Ritual: Formal performance rites incorporating sacred sym- And then, of course, end the prayer in some appropriate way.
bols, language, and gestures. These are usually festive per- At all costs avoid the cliche “Amen”! I find it useful to appeal to
formances in thorps, villages, and towns. They are power- a god’s ego at the end of a prayer. Ex: “All hail Ywehbobbob-
ful statements that remind the gods that people remember hewy! All hail He who through mirrors darkly sees!”
and fear them. See my manuscript “As the Seasons Turn: So, here is the prayer all put together:
Festivals & Ritual in Town and Country, “ housed in Baron
Walthamthorp’s personal library for more information. Ywehbobbobhewy, Lord of Waters, King of Mirrors, Patri-
arch of the Most Profound, I beseech you in your powers
Offerings: Offerings of foodstuffs, objects, lifeblood, emo- over thought and reflection! Know that I have faltered in my
tions, and so on. This may include ritualized blood sacrifices faith and in my words and I have broken seven mirrors and
of living animals, prisoners, or volunteers. This also includes passed by calm waters without the proper sacrifices; Praise
libations of wine, spirits, and holy liquids. There are a host you, oh Most Profound, for not striking your humble servant
of complicated rules for who may perform offering rites; see dead! If it please Your Honor, please bless this poor befud-
my manuscript “Inviting the Gods to Sup: A Guide to Divine dled servant and allow him to see through this portal to what
Offerings,” available at the abbey library in Taverntoss, for a lies on the other side. Allow this mirror to reflect the truth of
fuller treatment of this topic. The most powerful offerings are what therein remains! All hail Ywehbobbobhewy! All hail He
performed by clerical orders. who through mirrors darkly sees!
Quest: Retrieval of a holy object or performing a complex Follow this form and you too will find that the petty gods’ bless-
service. The gods tend to offer these to the least likely of ings will shine upon you!
xiv
NOTES FOR USING PETTY GODS IN PLAY INTRODUCTION
xv
NOTES FOR USING PETTY GODS IN PLAY INTRODUCTION
xvi
Section 1
Petty Gods
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