Keraldus
| Keraldus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Basic Information | |
| Title | The Guardian of the Sacred Seal, The Gatekeeper |
| Symbol | A pair of keys crossed in front of a wooden door |
| Level | Lesser |
| Alignment | Lawful Neutral |
| Allowed Alignments | LG, LN, N, LE |
| Primary Portfolio | Discipline, Protection, Vigilance |
| Secondary Portfolio | Abjuration, Duty, Oaths, Trust |
| Favored Weapon | Spear |
Keraldus, the deity of Oaths and Protection, is a paragon of discipline and unwavering commitment, whose very essence is interwoven with the cosmic fabric of order. With a demeanor as stoic as the ancient mountains, he exudes an exceptional level of self-control, a tranquil force that not only defines his being but also influences those who stand in his venerable presence.
Cloaked in an aura of unyielding integrity, Keraldus upholds the highest ethical standards with an inflexible dedication. His judgments, untouched by personal bias, shine as beacons of purity in the twilight of moral ambiguities. Even in the most convoluted situations, he remains a pillar of principled resolve, engaging in profound contemplation that leads to decisions marked by an undeniable wisdom.
Once Keraldus reaches a verdict, his resolve becomes as steadfast as the course of the stars across the heavens—unalterable and enduring. His commitments, like his word, are sacred; an oath given by Keraldus is bound with the unbreakable chains of divine will. This sanctity of promise is not only a personal creed but a demand he places upon his followers, for whom the breaking of an oath is anathema, a stain upon their soul viewed through the eyes of their deity.
Living a life marked by ascetic simplicity, Keraldus cares little for the trappings of wealth or the comforts of opulence. His existence is stripped down to the essentials, a testament to a life lived in accordance with the strictures of duty and the minimalism that defines his temple and shrines scattered across the multiverse.
Above all, Keraldus is the sworn protector of cosmic order, a sentinel against the forces of chaos. Trusted beyond measure, he guards the secrets and ancient artifacts of the multiverse, bearing responsibilities that even other deities relinquish into his keeping. His role as guardian makes him not only a deity of protection but also the custodian of balance, holding the keys to secrets that, if unleashed, could unravel the threads of existence.
Keraldus usually appears as a mature man with an athletic build, defying the typical signs of aging. His appearance is marked by austerity; his head is clean-shaven except for a neatly tied tail of hair, and he sports a long, well-kept beard. He wears simple, functional monkish garments under an olive cloak, with amulets of protection and keys of ancient origin hanging from his belt, symbolizing his role as a steadfast guardian of cosmic order and the sanctity of oaths.
Symbol
The symbol of Keraldus features a pair of crossed keys set before a sturdy wooden door. This emblem represents his dual role as a protector and enforcer of oaths. The keys symbolize the power to safeguard and uphold commitments, ensuring that promises are kept and duties fulfilled. The wooden door serves as a metaphor for the thresholds and boundaries that Keraldus defends, standing as a barrier against any who would seek to break their sacred vows.
Relations With Other Deities
Keraldus holds many alliances with other deities. His strongest one is with Chrovonner, the deity of Law and Order. Together, they uphold the cosmos's stability, with Chrovonner focusing on justice and retribution while Keraldus safeguards oaths and promises. This partnership is pivotal in maintaining order against chaos. Neutral deities like Aios and Chronos also recognize Keraldus' role in preserving balance and order, aligning silently with his mission.
Keraldus' respect extends to both protectors like Bahamut and Aerion, and darker figures such as Nessus and Samael. While he shares a bond of common purpose with protectors, his relationships with deities of death and secrets are marked by mutual respect and cautious acknowledgment. These interactions reflect his complex role in the celestial hierarchy, navigating alliances and rivalries with wisdom and integrity.
What The Legends Say
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Dogma
Keraldus dogma is based on these five tennets:
- Embrace Unyielding Discipline: The path of Keraldus begins with strict personal discipline. Followers must cultivate their inner strength and self-control, as these virtues are essential for maintaining order and fulfilling their divine duties.
- Fulfill Duties with Honor: Duty is sacred under the watch of Keraldus. His adherents are charged with carrying out their responsibilities with unwavering dedication and honor, recognizing that their actions uphold the stability of the cosmos.
- Protect the Order: Central to Keraldus's teachings is the protection of the established order. His followers must actively work to uphold societal and cosmic laws, ensuring that chaos and disorder are kept at bay.
- Hold Sacred All Oaths: As the deity of Oaths, Keraldus values the sanctity of every promise made. His followers must ensure that their words are bonds never broken, for in truth and commitment lies the foundation of trust.
- Cultivate Trust Through Integrity: Trust must be earned and maintained through acts of integrity. Followers are expected to live lives that inspire confidence and reliability, mirroring Keraldus’s own steadfastness and loyalty in their everyday interactions.
Clergy and Temples
The clergy of Keraldus is a structured and disciplined order, drawing predominantly from martial backgrounds, with a special emphasis on monks. This structured hierarchy mimics traditional martial schools, where each cleric, acts and receive their duties under a clear chain of command. Each cleric has a designated superior, respectfully addressed as Master, whose approval and evaluation are necessary for ascending through the ranks of the church.
The clerics of Keraldus are bound by a solemn oath to adhere to their dogma, and to obey their superiors and fulfill their duties with utmost integrity and to the best of their abilities. Their lives are governed by the sanctity of their vows: Breaking an oath is considered a grave dishonor, punishable by severe measures, including death. An oath made by a superior extends its bindings down the chain, encapsulating all subordinates in its commitments.
The clerics wield their powers exclusively for protection and never for other reasons, safeguarding artifacts, knowledge, places, or individuals. Renowned across lands for their unyielding commitment, they are not only protectors but also custodians of law and order. People outside the clergy often seek their services for protection, though the clergy's involvement is contingent upon an oath that promises mutual benefit.
Moreover, the clerics are revered as impartial arbiters in disputes related to duties, oaths, and contracts. Their reputation for fairness and their authority to enforce oaths make them pivotal figures in maintaining societal order. Their role extends beyond mere advisory; they are empowered to act decisively to uphold the terms of significant oaths, reflecting their crucial place within the fabric of their communities and the broader world.
The temples of Keraldus, strategically nestled near vibrant communities, stand as bastions of support and guardianship, reflecting the deity's deep commitment to oaths and protection. These sacred structures double as training grounds, where both clerics and laypersons hone their martial skills, preparing to uphold the tenets of their protector deity. Beyond their role in fostering combat prowess, these temples serve as secure sanctuaries, offering refuge to those in need and safeguarding precious objects and secrets. Their purpose is not for profit but for the greater good, aligning with the clergy’s ethos to serve without expectation of reward.
Each temple houses a revered sanctuary dedicated to the solemn act of oath-taking. Here, under the vigilant eyes of the clergy, individuals from all walks of life, ranging from common folk to leaders, gather to bind themselves to vows both public and private. The air in these sanctuaries vibrates with the weight of commitment, as each word spoken is etched into the very essence of the universe.
A select few temples are deliberately positioned in remote, often inaccessible locations. These secluded retreats serve dual purposes: as havens for meditation and reflection, and as vaults for the most potent artifacts and deepest secrets. Access to these temples is highly restricted, known only to a trusted few within the clergy and their closest allies. The secrecy and difficulty of reaching these temples ensure that their sacred charges are kept away from prying eyes and malevolent intentions.
Initiation
The initiation into the clergy of Keraldus is a revered and solemn process, marking the transition of an individual into full acceptance within the faith. It begins a year before the initiate's coming of age, at which point the aspirant must approach a master in a temple of Keraldus to formally request initiation. Acceptance into the fold is the first step on a demanding journey of discipline and enlightenment.
Once admitted, the initiate embarks on a rigorous regimen of training. The temple serves not only as a place of worship but also as a ground for learning the martial arts essential to a follower of Keraldus. Beyond combat, the initiate engages in the temple's daily activities—observing or participating in mediation of disputes, contributing to community watch programs, and other duties that reinforce the temple's role as a bastion of order and protection. This blend of physical and communal service is designed to prepare them mentally and physically for the lifelong responsibilities they will assume.
Integral to this year of preparation is the practice of daily meditation. Each day, the initiate dedicates at least one hour to reflect on the lessons and experiences of the day. This quiet introspection fosters a deep internalization of Keraldus’s tenets, building the mental fortitude required of his followers. The preparation culminates in a day of profound silence and solitary contemplation. On this final day, the initiate reflects on their year's journey, meditating on the deeper meanings of Keraldus's teachings and the profound commitment they are about to make. This day of solitude is essential for cementing their dedication and readiness for the initiation ritual.
The ritual itself is a grand and ceremonious event, held in the temple under the watchful eyes of the temple's master, other clerics, and fellow initiates. It is both a test and a celebration, beginning with a series of challenges that assess the initiate's learning and growth over the past year. These tests are comprehensive, evaluating not just martial prowess but also understanding of and commitment to the dogma of Keraldus.
Successful completion of these trials leads to the final and most sacred part of the initiation—the taking of the oath. Before the assembled congregation, the initiate vows to uphold the doctrines of protection, honor, and duty as espoused by Keraldus. Following this solemn vow, the temple's master performs the initiation spell, a sacred rite that forges the mystical bond between the deity and the new follower. This spell is not merely ceremonial but is a profound magical act that affirms the initiate’s place within the clergy and under Keraldus’s protection.