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FARGALANN,
god of Strategy and Victory
Fargalann is the Great General. He is the patron of generals, athletes, and strategists.
Associations
Fargalann is the son of Artorius, and is venerated by many of
the same cultures. However, because he was once human, most
of his worshipers are human. Still, his name is invoked by
any in need of victory.
Alignment
Fargalann is Lawful Good.
Representations
Fargalann is most often portrayed as a warrior in ancient
bronze armor, complete with greaves and a stiffened linen
skirt. He is often portrayed as wearing or holding a crown
of laurel leaves. Despite his historically human origin, he
is usually portrayed as a member of the race who portrays
him.
The symbol of Fargalann is the crown of laurel leaves.
Purpose
Fargalann is similar in many ways to Artorius, his
father. Both revere physical rigor and competition.
But where Artorius puts his faith in the strength of the body,
Fargalann places his in planning and foresight. Fargalann
believes that all battles are won and lost before they are fought.
In his interaction with mortals, Fargalann values planning and
leadership as well as bold action and the spirit of
competition. Those who plan and train and struggle towards
victory earn his admiration, while those who would cheat or shirk
their duty earn his scorn.
Servants
As the Marshall of the Celestial Host,
Fargalann has an unlimited number of the mightiest warriors in
existence at his beck and call. However, he does have a few
companions from his days as a mortal who serve him in death as
they served him in life.
Liaradann - In life this huge
barbarian became prince Fargalann's shieldbrother, an
Iridian position akin to both counselor and bodyguard. He
serves the god in these capacities still. He has red hair
and bears the ornate round shield still used in the far
north. He is a lover of songs and tales.
Deinareann - (pronounced dye-an-AHR-ee-an)
This elf was Fargalann's cavalry commander and scout. The
name is Iridian, but only the elves know his true name. A
great horseman and cunning strategist, Deinareann first fought
against Fargalann before joining forces with the human
prince. He now serves the god as his master of
cavalry. Elves who invoke Fargalann often also invoke
Deinareann.
THE CHURCH - The Colleges of
Fargalann
Church Description
The church of Fargalann is small, but highly organized.
The Colleges, as his temples are called, are found in the largest
cities and metropolises. Some important fortresses and
defensive works may also have shrines to the Great General.
Most athletic venues, particularly in the civilized regions near
the Valesian Sea, have a shrine to Fargalann Victorious where the
athletes can pray before competition.
Few seek out the advice of Fargalann and his priests, save when
in dire need of victory.
Church Structure
Each College is led by a Knight Commander, a skilled and
honored priest of the region. Each Knight Commander is
directly responsible to the Patriarch in Echoriath. A body
of Preceptors, the Patriarch's personal representatives, travel
Theeurth, keeping the various Colleges in communication.
Doctrine
The Colleges teach that since the mortal races were formed of
the sparks of Shorral, each contains a tiny mote of
divinity. It is up to each person to strive to express that
divine spark by seeking to the best they can at whatever they
choose to do. Personal excellence and competition are both
strong values for the followers of Fargalann. It is not
victory over others which matters most, but victory over one's own
limitations.
The Colleges also promote the twin virtues of planning and
training. A popular aphorism is "the wise runner has
paced the course before the race." Strategic thinking
and leadership are valued above mere physical prowess, but valor
and skill are also highly regarded.
Holy Days
The 14th of Wintertide is known as the Feast of the Apotheosis,
and celebrates Fargalann's ascension to godhood upon his
death. It is marked with games and contests, as well by the
sharing of the black loaves of bread known as The General's
Portion.
Preferred Weapon
Fargalann's preferred weapons are the longsword and the lance.
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