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ERISTEMUS,
god of Travelers and Merchants
Known as "The Wanderer" and "The Clever",
Eristemus is the god most associated with wealth, happiness and
enjoyment of life. Son of wild Ilion and mighty Borlamnos,
this god has a large and dedicated following.
Associations
Eristemus is the patron of wanderers, merchants, diplomats,
rogues, liars, tricksters and thieves. He is also the patron
of trade, wealth, and happiness. Among animals, he is most
associated with the fox, and is often represented in southern
lands as actually having the ears and tail of a
fox.
Alignment
Eristemus is chaotic good.
Representations
Eristemus is represented by a variety of
symbols. South of the Valesian Sea, the most common is the head of
a fox. In the Conorrian heartland, his faith is most often
represented with a golden coin with a laughing face. In the
Successor States and throughout the north, he is usually
represented with a depiction of a road running out to the
horizon.
Purpose
Eristemus believes that happiness and joy
are the right of every mortal. He seeks to increase laughter
and good cheer of mortals, and believes that increased trade and
diplomacy among them is the best way to accomplish
this.
Servants
Neferis - Once the self-styled
"Queen of Thieves", Neferis was a good-hearted Thariyyan
bandit who once talked her way out of a lifetime in jail by
charming the Empress Abraxia with her wit. Now a member of
the Celestial Host, Neferis is Eristemus' messenger. She
travels the byways and back roads of the world, leaving chaos and
merriment in her wake.
Adalon - Eristemus' shining silver
mount, the fastest horse of them all, tireless Adalon has been
Eristemus' companion through a thousand adventures. It is
said that the swift mounts of Valesia are descended from his
foals.
THE CHURCH - The Ways of Eristemus
Church Description
After the Great Church and the Temples of
Calandra, the Ways of Eristemus are the most popular of
churches. Eristemus' joyful approach to life and his largely
nonjudgmental doctrine make his worship popular across many
cultures and social strata. Each temple is known as a
"Way" and is more of a place to discuss philosophy and
tell stories than a place of dedicated worship.
Church Structure
The Ways of Eristemus have very little
structure to them. Each Way is presided over by a High
Waymaster, who is usually served by a staff of Wayfarers.
The various Ways remain in close contact with their neighbors
because of the constant wandering of the Wayfarers and the
faithful of Eristemus. No greater authority exists within
the church than the local High Waymaster, though regional councils
are held at infrequent intervals to discuss matters of pressing
importance.
Doctrine
Freedom - The followers of
Eristemus place great value on personal freedom. Not only
do they abhor slavery, but they believe strongly in
self-reliance and self-determination.
Diplomacy - Eristemus taught that
violence was a last resort, save where the creatures of Malbor
were concerned. Diplomacy and trade are the ultimate
expressions of one's gentler, higher nature.
Travel - It is important to travel,
both physically and creatively. A wide experience of the
world tends to make one both wiser and better equipped to better
oneself.
Joy - Life is a gift of the gods,
and should be enjoyed. Wine, food, companions and laughter
should all be brought to those in sorrow.
Holy Days
The Eristemalia is an important festival in
all of Vatheria. During this three-day celebration in the
late summer, there are games and performances, as well as trade
fairs and frequently, parades.
Preferred Weapon
There is no one weapon most often used by
the Wayfarers, though they are more likely than most to use some
exotic weapon learned of in foreign lands.
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