Chrovonner

Chrovonner
Basic Information
Title	The Warden of the Iron Oath, The Unyielding
Symbol	A scale resting atop a warhammer
Level	Intermediate
Alignment	Lawful Neutral
Allowed Alignments	LG, LN, N, LE
Primary Portfolio	Justice, Law, Order, Retribution
Secondary Portfolio	Balance, Cities, Civilization, Judgement, Moderation, Oaths
Favored Weapon	Warhammer

Chrovonner, The Unyielding

Chrovonner stands as a deity dedicated to the principles of justice and retribution, embodying a stern and uncompromising persona. To him, the preservation of order, the upholding of laws and contracts, and the appropriate retribution for those who transgress them are of paramount importance. This deity is often perceived as apathetic, caring solely for the balance of justice over the plights of individuals. His gaze, capable of penetrating the depths of a soul, sees through deceit and lies to ensure just judgment.

Chrovonner places immense value on the sanctity of one's word, viewing promises as sacred contracts. Oaths sworn by or to him are considered binding, their fulfillment non-negotiable. To falter in an oath made to Chrovonner is to incur his wrath, for he is unyielding in his pursuit of justice. His followers believe that to live under his watchful eye is to reside in a world where law and order reign supreme, and where every word spoken is a vow of utmost significance.

Chrovonner’s ethos extends beyond mere legalism to champion civilization itself as the pinnacle of order, standing as a bulwark against the chaotic forces of the wild. For him, the constructs of society—laws, contracts, and cities—represent the highest order, safeguarding against the savagery beyond civilization's bounds. His followers, therefore, not only navigate a world governed by the rule of law but also contribute to the grand design of a civilized existence.

His divine form is that of a towering man, with brown skin, light blue eyes that radiate a cold brilliance, with a clean head and a short, trimmed beard, symbolizing his detachment and impartiality. Always clad in banded armor that exemplifies his unbreakable resolve, Chrovonner adorns himself with a scarf and cloak of grey, the colors of neutrality and balance. In his hands, he wields a massive warhammer, an instrument of divine retribution that serves as a constant reminder of the consequences of breaking the sacred laws he guards so fervently. He also takes the form of an armored ibex, commanding attention with its dark fur and horns of pure silver. This majestic appearance symbolizes his indomitable will, the strength of his authority, and the purity of his commitment to law and order. The silver horns, in particular, reflect the divine light of justice, piercing through the shadows of deceit and falsehood.

Symbol

Chrovonner’s symbol is a pair of scales resting atop a warhammer. The scales, floating with ethereal grace, signify the unyielding order and fairness that Chrovonner embodies, ensuring every judgment is rendered with impartial precision. Beneath them, the warhammer represents the strength of retribution, a reminder that justice, while compassionate, remains steadfast and uncompromising.

Relations With Other Deities

Chrovonner maintains a demeanor of detachment, often perceived as coldness. Despite his reserved nature, he acknowledges and holds in high regard those deities whose essence aligns with the principles of law and order. Among the Celestial Pantheon, Bahamut, the paragon of goodness, and Aerion, the deity of sun and knighthood, are viewed as esteemed counterparts, sharing his dedication to the preservation of balance and righteousness. In the pamntheon of neutrality, Chronos, with his unwavering commitment to the immutable laws of fate, earns Chrovonner's respect for envisioning a multiverse governed by order.

Yet, among the divine, it is Keraldus, the guardian deity of protection, who stands as Chrovonner's closest ally, their shared values forging a bond of mutual respect and purpose.

Chrovonner's disdain for evil is palpable, as malevolence often breeds lawlessness. However, within the dark echelons of the Pantheon of Dread, he acknowledges Nessus' philosophy that death represents the ultimate form of law, though this recognition does not equate to full endorsement.

A singular entity, Zabel, the deity of chaos and destruction, ignites a fervent animosity within Chrovonner's usually impassive heart. Zabel's existence, an antithesis to everything Chrovonner upholds, stirs a deep-seated abhorrence, marking him as the embodiment of all that must be opposed in the pursuit of cosmic justice and equilibrium.

Dogma

Chrovonner, in ibex form, charging into battle

Chrovonner's dogma is composed of the following principles:

• Uphold the Balance of Justice: Followers of Chrovonner must strive to maintain balance in all things, seeking fairness and impartiality in judgment. Justice is not a tool for personal gain but a sacred principle that governs harmony and order in the world.

• Enforce the Law with Integrity: Adherents are expected to uphold and enforce the law with unwavering integrity. They must resist corruption, bias, and the temptation to bend the law for convenience or favor, embodying the unyielding order that Chrovonner represents.

• Honor All Oaths and Commitments: The sanctity of oaths and commitments is paramount. Followers must never break their word, for oaths are the bedrock of trust and order. In Chrovonner’s domain, a promise given is an unbreakable bond, reflecting the deity’s domain over the irrevocable nature of law and agreement.

• Punish Transgression: Wrongdoing must be met with appropriate retribution. Those who violate the law or commit acts of injustice should be held accountable for their actions.

• Foster Civilized Life: Followers are called to actively contribute to the advancement and preservation of civilization. Chrovonner values the structures and institutions that uphold societal order, believing that civilization is the greatest manifestation of lawful principles. Adherents must support the creation and maintenance of laws, traditions, and cultures that promote justice and order within society.

Clergy and Temples

A dwarven cleric of Chrovonner, searching for law transgressors

Chrovonner's clergy stands as a bastion of unwavering law, a monolithic structure of divine governance etched in the principles of justice and order. This clergy, a meticulously organized hierarchy, mirrors the celestial order, with each cleric, monk, and paladin keenly aware of their rank, their duties, and the sacred chain of command that binds them to Chrovonner’s will.

The composition of this holy order is a testament to Chrovonner’s domain. Clerics form the backbone, dedicating their lives to the study and dissemination of law, while some monks and paladins, as rare as they are revered, march forth as the embodiment of divine retribution. Cloaked in the righteousness of their cause, wield their might under the banner of Chrovonner, ready to defend the sanctity of law with blade, hammer or fist.

Battle readiness is not merely a virtue but a sacrosanct duty for the clergy. Prepared at a moment's notice to enter the fray, they stand vigilant against any threat to the divine order, their prowess in combat as much a part of their worship as their prayers. This martial aspect of their devotion ensures that the scales of justice are not only balanced but defended, by force if necessary.

Yet, their swords do not clash with the laws of mortals lightly. In the communities they grace, Chrovonner’s clergy bows to the local law, weaving their divine mandates with the tapestry of mortal governance. This delicate dance of obedience and authority only falters when local law strays from the divine dogma, at which point the clergy stands firm, guided by the unerring principles of their deity.

Beyond the confines of their temples and monasteries, the clergy dons the mantle of judge and advisor, lending their divine insight to the earthly courts. Their presence is a bridge between the mortal and the divine, ensuring that the laws of men align with the cosmic order. In the hushed corridors of power and the bustling market squares, they are both sought and revered, their judgments shaping the fate of communities.

Yet, when the scales of justice tip towards iniquity, when laws are broken and chaos threatens the order, it is the clergy who becomes the instrument of Chrovonner’s will. They venture forth, relentless in their pursuit of transgressors, ready to mete out punishment with a conviction as unwavering as the stone foundations of their temples. In this role, they are the warhammer of Chrovonner, striking with righteous fury against those who dare defy the sanctity of law.

Amidst their solemn duties to uphold justice and enforce divine law, the clergy of Chrovonner are also bearers of civilization's light, tasked with a mission that extends beyond the confines of courts and temples. Venturing into the untamed wilderness and the most remote of regions, they carry with them the seeds of progress and order. In lands where the touch of structured society has yet to reach, where towns and villages lie isolated, bereft of the advancements that bind communities, the clergy emerges as harbingers of change.

With every step into the unknown, they bring not only the word of Chrovonner but also the tangible benefits of civilization—tools, knowledge, and practices that can transform struggling settlements into thriving centers of order and prosperity. They teach the ways of structured governance, of laws that protect and serve, and of the importance of building communities that reflect the celestial order they so devoutly serve. Their presence heralds a new dawn for these remote places, as they guide them in laying the foundations of society afresh, ensuring that each new brick is laid in accordance with the divine principles of balance and justice.

The temples dedicated to Chrovonner, the deity of justice and law, are bastions of order and sanctity, scattered across the world like beacons of civilization. Each medium to large city, each burgeoning settlement, harbors at least one of these hallowed grounds, ensuring that the principles of Chrovonner are never far from those who seek guidance or wish to pay homage.

Constructed with a robustness that mirrors the unyielding nature of law, these temples, while modest in ornamentation, stand as masterpieces of craftsmanship. Their sturdy walls and orderly architecture serve as a physical manifestation of Chrovonner's domain over justice and balance. Even in developing communities, smaller temples rise, signifying the spread of civilization and the reach of divine law.

Within the sacred confines of these temples, spaces are dedicated to the administration of justice. Many serve as halls of trial, where Chrovonner's clergy, versed in the nuances of law and righteousness, preside over disputes and render judgments with impartiality. These trials are conducted in an atmosphere imbued with the deity's presence, ensuring fairness and adherence to divine principles.

Moreover, these temples double as training grounds for the clergy, especially those members committed to seeking out lawbreakers and administering Chrovonner's retribution. Here, in courtyards and halls designed for both study and physical preparation, clerics, monks, and paladins hone their skills, ready to enforce divine will with both wisdom and strength.

Among these sacred sites, a few, located in the largest cities, serve a unique and vital purpose. They house extensive records of laws from across the multiverse, a vast repository of legal knowledge and history. Clerics within these temples dedicate their lives to the study of these records, becoming unparalleled advisors to communities and kingdoms alike. They offer counsel on the crafting of laws, the shaping of societal order, and the just application of rules, drawing from the vast wealth of precedents contained within their hallowed archives.

Thus, the temples of Chrovonner stand not just as places of worship but as pillars of society, centers of learning, and courts of justice.

Initiation

The initiation into the faith of Chrovonner, a journey that intertwines the fate of the initiate with the divine essence of law, order, and civilization, is a meticulously crafted ritual that begins precisely one year before the initiate's coming of age. This solemn path is first trodden when the future follower, driven by a calling to serve the principles of Chrovonner, approaches a temple to request initiation. There, a cleric, embodying the deity’s wisdom and authority, assigns the initiate a tutor, marking the beginning of a transformative year.

Under the guidance of this tutor, the initiate delves into the profound depths of law, order, and the pillars of civilization. These teachings form the bedrock of their training, enlightening them on the sacred duties they are to undertake. Beyond the theoretical knowledge, the initiate is also immersed in practical service to the community, shadowing their tutor in acts of justice and benevolence. Each night, the initiate retreats into meditation, reflecting on the day’s teachings and internalizing the lessons learned, forging a deeper connection with Chrovonner's divine will.

As the year culminates, the final day before their coming of age is dedicated to uninterrupted meditation. This day of deep contemplation allows the initiate to review their learnings, solidify their commitment, and prepare their heart and soul for the lifelong oath to Chrovonner. It is a day of introspection, of binding one's essence to the divine scales of justice.

On the following day, the initiate, now ready to embrace their new patron deity, presents themselves before their tutor cleric at the altar of the temple. In this sacred space, they kneel, a symbol of their submission and dedication to the deity’s cause. The cleric, serving as the conduit of Chrovonner’s divine presence, asks the initiate to proclaim their oath. This solemn vow, spoken with conviction, seals the initiate’s commitment to uphold the principles of justice, law, and civilization. With the oath taken, the cleric casts the initiation spell, a mystical rite that marks the beginning of their life as followers o Chrovonner.