Avelygyd
(The following setting is exclusive to S:PL canon and is based on the event chain orchestrated by DM Pincushion across 2023-2024. Anyone is welcome to create a character based on this setting, and their character is free to know all information on this wiki page unless explicitly marked as 'DM dark' or otherwise. Prospective Clerics and Warlocks who worship or are bound by Avelygydian entities must request permission to be playable.)
Introduction
Welcome to the Wiki Page for Avelygyd, an apocalyptic setting where the remnants of a once-grand civilization now teeter on the brink of oblivion. Once steeped in ancient traditions, noble lineages, and mystical intrigue, Avelygyd has been ravaged by the cataclysmic forces unleashed by the dreaded Beast of Plenty. Now, the rich tapestry of this civilization's history, culture, and the tumultuous events that shaped its fate lie in the hands of those who survived its downfall.
A potential character from this desolate setting begins as a refugee in the Planes, whether arriving with fleeing merchants and peasants into the Outlands, or as an errant noble, penniless and powerless, to seek sanctuary amidst the chaos of Sigil.
Rediscover and reestablish your culture and people amongst the planes, or abandon your history in favor of a new life in Sigil. Explore the secret history of your destroyed home, delving into the history of the ancient nobility and their blood relics, and the arcane secrets which linger amongst the survivors.
Will you forge a new destiny amidst the ashes of the old, or succumb to the weight of a world torn asunder by forces beyond mortal comprehension?
The Basics
Available Races
The majority of Avelygyd's population were human, and thus, what few refugees escaped the Kingdom were also such. Due to the strength of noble bloodlines, many were planetouched -- such as genasi, aasimar, and tieflings -- though only the noble bloodlines had such traits, as it was what made them bloodlines at all. Refugees from Gavelkinde sported an odd number of wisplings, often referred to as 'patterdogs', said to have escaped from the destroyed Sanctorum Vitae. They are imminently distrusted by all other Avelygydians, rumored to be cannibals who worship the Beast of Plenty.
(Any non-human race from Avelygyd requires approval from staff.)
Nobility
(Make a mention that noble PCs from major noble families need to be approved by the team.)
Class & Underclass
Geography & Locations
Religion
The Kingdom of Avelygyd possessed a unique faith. Their state religion changed frequently, with the entire kingdom seamlessly adapting (at least publicly). Old religious iconography was discreetly replaced whenever a new religion took hold. Despite this, other faiths persisted in hidden temples, their worship declining over time. The state religion typically changed with the Marquis/Marchioness of Faith, though the last Marchioness, Varquesse, maintained her house's faith in the Flayed Martyr. Public places of worship were non-denominational and lacked prominent relics. This peculiar system, attributed to Celestine, had unknown origins. Interestingly, the gods themselves lacked true names, held power only within Avelygyd, and clerics' powers were restricted outside the kingdom. The pantheon itself was fluid, with deities categorized as 'mounted' (former state religion) or 'unmounted'.
Mounted Gods
The Burning Martyr
Name: The Flayed Martyr
Alignment: LN
Symbol: A flayed man, hanged upside down, burning alive.
Domains: Fire, Law, Light, Protection, Retribution
Description:
Once, the Flayed Martyr was a vengeful god, its followers clinging to the principles of fair and just punishment. Corporal retribution ruled supreme, symbolized by the chilling image: a flayed man, suspended upside down, consumed by flames. This gruesome visage served as a stark reminder – transgression brought fiery consequences. Fire, in the eyes of this deity, wasn't just cleansing; it was the ultimate executioner, ensuring swift and uncompromising justice for the vilest criminals.
However, beneath this stern exterior lurked a complex protector. The Flayed Martyr was also seen as a guardian, particularly of children and the innocent. Their purity was sacred and untouchable. The god demanded they be safeguarded at all costs, their innocence a shield against the encroaching darkness of wrongdoing. This duality, of retribution and protection, painted the Flayed Martyr as a deity of unwavering righteousness and fierce devotion.
The people once held the Flayed Martyr dear, its faith often challenging the rule of nobility. Ironically, monarchs too often chose it as the reigning faith. After all, it was best to keep one's enemies close, their claws metaphorically blunted by their own god's fierce pronouncements of justice.
The Grinning Sage
Name: The Grinning Sage
Alignment: TN
Symbol: A pair of blue lips, smiling toothily, with one golden molar.
Domains: Knowledge, Fortune, Temptation, Luck, Wealth
Description:
The Grinning Sage, a neutral deity of insatiable curiosity, once held the relentless pursuit of knowledge as the highest virtue. This ever-grinning god embodied the boundless joy of learning, celebrating every revelation and discovery as a triumph of the intellect. Followers found enlightenment not only in accumulated wisdom but also in the act of exploration and inquiry itself.
However, the Grinning Sage's teachings held a dark edge. It encouraged knowledge acquisition at any cost, often promoting morally dubious actions in the pursuit of enlightenment. The Church fractured between cautious scholars advocating ethical knowledge seeking and ambitious individuals who believed all knowledge, regardless of consequence, was worth having.
The Grinning Sage enjoyed a few stints as the State Religion, typically seen as a harmless choice – so long as the leading Faith tempered their beliefs. A rare occurrence, to say the least.
The Voiceless Sentinel
Name: The Voiceless Sentinel
Alignment: LG
Symbol: None
Domains: Law, Good, Protection, War
Description:
The Grey Sentinel, a deity of unwavering law and goodness, once embodied the vigilant protector. This divine figure stood firm as the silent embodiment of order and righteousness. Unlike other deities, the Grey Sentinel wasn't represented by an image, but rather by a profound silence – signifying humility and selfless service.
Followers of the Sentinel were unwavering in their devotion to justice and benevolence, often dedicating their lives to the highest moral standards. The deity served as a beacon of hope in dark times, reminding the faithful of integrity and the need for balance and order.
Paladins, Clerics, and other devotees took a vow of silence, never speaking again – some even cutting out their tongues. This symbolized their apolitical nature, acting only to maintain the Realm. Their sole master was the Sentinel. Such dedication, however, meant they often remained silent when others called for help, only acting in the direst circumstances.
The Grey Sentinel frequently graced the position of State Religion. For monarchs of generations past, a silent Marquis or Marchioness advocating for the Sentinel was a useful political tool. After all, a silent leader is easily controlled – unless, of course, they earned the Sentinel's silent disapproval.
The Duchess of Thorns
Name: The Duchess of Thorns
Alignment: CN
Symbol: A silver goblet, covered in thorned roses
Domains: Chaos, Lust, Generosity, Healing
Description:
The Duchess of Thorns, an unpredictable goddess of raw passion, once reveled in unrestrained desire. Her teachings encouraged followers to explore their deepest wants, break free from societal chains, and embrace life's thrilling chaos. Her influence ignited forbidden passions, empowered social rebels, and stirred the human spirit.
However, this chaotic goddess held a surprising paradox. Beneath the surface lurked a deep well of compassion, a capacity to heal wounds both physical and emotional. The Duchess was known to bless those in need, a balm for the scars of life's hardships.
Her brief stint as the State Religion, however, was a disaster. It ignited a bloody Civil War that nearly tore the Kingdom apart centuries ago, a testament to the Duchess's power and the perils of unchecked chaos.
The Green Knight
Name: The Green Knight
Alignment: NG
Symbol: A tree with red leaves, bleeding from its bark
Domains: Nature, Good, Healing, Travel, Trickery
Description:
The Green Knight, symbolized by a magnificent tree adorned with bleeding red leaves, once represented the delicate balance between nature's beauty and civilization. Druids and rangers particularly revered this deity, and it only enjoyed a single, controversy-averse stint as the State Religion.
However, a darker secret lurked beneath the surface: the Order of Leaves, a hidden cult allegedly linked to the assassination of the very monarch who championed the Green Knight. Their motives remain shrouded in mystery, leaving a legacy of distrust among the nobility. The Green Knight's churches and the Order's rumored continued existence fueled suspicion and uncertainty, casting a long shadow over this enigmatic faith.
The Eyeless King
Name: The Eyeless King
Alignment: LE
Symbol: A Black Crown
Domains: Law, Evil, Nobility, Tyranny
Description:
The Eyeless King, a malevolent deity of ruthless order and tyranny, once embodied absolute power. Symbolized by a foreboding black crown, this god attracted followers who craved dominance and lusted after the Eyeless King's relentless might.
Surprisingly, these disciples often championed revolution over loyalty to existing monarchs. They believed true power resided outside the grasp of most rulers. The Eyeless King's Church fiercely contested the authority of any State Religion that didn't bear its banner, a thorn in the side of many a regime.
Their fervor reached a fever pitch when King Arystid the Mad, in a bizarre twist, appointed a staunch advocate of the Eyeless King as the Marquis of the Faith. This unholy alliance was short-lived, however, lasting a mere six months before the King abruptly severed the Marquis's connection with the faith. Ever since, the Eyeless King's followers have plotted and schemed in the shadows.
The Heir of Light
Name: The Heir of Light
Alignment: CG
Symbol: A six-fingered hand, holding four severed fingers
Domains: Chaos, Good, Envy, Suffering
Description:
The Heir of Light, a deity of chaotic good, once held a puzzling and unsettling symbol - a six-fingered hand clutching four severed fingers. It represented both benevolence and the displaced, making the Heir a truly enigmatic figure.
Myths spoke of the Heir being the son, brother, or father of another unknown deity, betrayed and mutilated as punishment. As such, the Heir championed those wronged and seeking recompense. This strange religion attracted failed gamblers, second sons, and the unappreciated, fostering a sense of envy and a yearning for justice.
The Heir's brief stint as the State Religion shrouded in mystery. The appointed Marquis, expected to choose a different god, defied the monarch and embraced the Heir of Light. The enraged monarch could only simmer and threaten war, a testament to the unexpected power of this enigmatic faith.
Unmounted Gods
The Patterned Fool
Name: The Patterned Fool
Alignment: CN
Symbol: A Jester's hat, with more Jester's hats on its tips
Domains: Chaos, Joy, Gluttony, Thirst
Description:
The Patterned Fool, a whimsical deity of unrestrained revelry, was once symbolized by a playful emblem - a jester's hat adorned with an infinite stack of smaller jester's hats. This enigmatic entity captivated followers who embraced the absurdity of existence, finding amusement in "chaos for chaos' sake."
The Patterned Fool's teachings, a blend of cruelty and kindness, resulted in a distrusted yet oddly popular faith. Bards and drunkards frequently invoked the Fool to spice up their nights, and this deity rarely failed to deliver. Whether showering someone with riches or snatching away loved ones, both were seen as punchlines in the Fool's cosmic joke.
Unlike other deities, the Fool had no Clerics, but rather "Merrymen." Tolerated at best, they were rarely harmed despite their antics. After all, no one, from peasant to king, dared directly oppose a Fool's Merryman.
Interestingly, the Patterned Fool never held the position of State Religion, nor did its Merrymen ever show interest in such a role.
Celestine
Name: Celestine
Alignment: N/A
Symbol: The Coat of Arms of House Celestine
Domains: Law, Good, Nobility
Description:
Once, whispers of Celestine, a curious blend of angelic reverence and royal devotion, echoed throughout the kingdom. Though officially deemed a clandestine cult by the reigning monarch, whispers turned to fervent prayers during times of unpopularity, creating a curious religious limbo.
This unorthodox faith lacked traditional clergy or divine servants, though rumors of past figures gifted with such abilities persisted. Public worship was officially banned, yet it thrived as an underground loyalist movement of surprising influence. The tenets practiced within its hidden churches varied wildly, reflecting the faith's complex nature.
In essence, the worship of Celestine blurred the lines between royal worship and angelic veneration. It endured as a mysterious and unconventional movement, a testament to the enduring power of faith despite official disapproval.
The Beast of Plenty
Name: The Beast of Plenty
Alignment: CE
Symbol: A pot-bellied peasant, grinning
Domains: Evil, Hunger, The Unknown
Description:
Once, the grotesque image of a pot-bellied peasant with a sinister grin symbolized the Beast of Plenty – a creature of insatiable appetite and unrelenting malevolence. Not a true deity, demon, or fiend, this Beast was rumored to be the essence of cruelty itself, banished to wander Avelygyd by Celestine himself. Legends spoke of the Beast as one of many such creatures felled by the angelic entity before unifying the Kingdom.
Whispers persisted that House D'jere, a minor yet ancient bloodline scattered throughout Avelygyd, secretly worshipped the Beast. They bided their time, it was said, awaiting their master's return to full power. Such rumors, however, were little more than whispers, and House D'jere's wealth and influence ensured they remained above scrutiny. Open worship of the Beast was a rarity, its followers dismissed as madmen best left to their fate.